US 2,018,117,446 · Filed 2017-05-12
The IoT Patent That Wants to Put Blockchain in Your Sports Gear
Imagine a smart camera that watches you exercise, talks to the internet, and uses blockchain — basically a tamper-proof digital ledger — to keep your data secure. This patent describes how those three pieces (camera, wireless connection, and blockchain smarts) work together as one device, so hackers can't mess with your fitness records.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers an Internet of Things device that combines a camera, a processor, and wireless connectivity, with blockchain smart contracts layered in to secure how the device operates. What's protected here is specifically the architectural combination of these components — the camera feeding data to a processor that communicates wirelessly while blockchain contracts enforce the rules of that communication. Someone copying this exact setup of hardware and software logic would infringe.
Why it matters
This patent stakes out territory in the growing intersection of fitness tracking, connected devices, and blockchain security. As gyms, trainers, and athletes move toward wearables and smart sensors, having a claim that ties a camera, internet connectivity, and blockchain together could block or require licensing from competitors trying to build tamper-proof workout devices. The specificity of combining all three technologies in one system is what creates the legal moat.
Real-world use
A smart sports watch or armband with a built-in camera that records your form during workouts and stores that video in a blockchain-secured way, so you know the footage hasn't been altered or leaked without your permission.
Original USPTO abstract
An Internet of Thing (IoT) device includes a camera coupled to a processor; and a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor. Blockchain smart contracts can be used with the device to facilitate secure operation.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 2,018,117,446
- Filing date
- 2017-05-12
- Grant date
- Application — not yet granted
- Assignee
- Bao Tran
- Inventor(s)
- TRAN, BAO, TRAN, Ha
- CPC class
- A63B71/145
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