LG Electronics files U.S. patent for blockchain-based trading of appliance user data

LG Electronics has filed a U.S. patent application for technology that would enable user data generated by home appliances such as TVs, refrigerators and washing machines to be traded through blockchain, Digital Asset reported. The patent, titled Blockchain-Based Data Transaction Device and Method, was published in the United States on Sept. 17. The core of the technology is to select only the necessary portions of user data generated by home appliances, register them on a blockchain, and manage data access rights with tokens. The target devices include TVs, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators and vacuum cleaners. The system can collect a range of usage data from those devices, including viewing history, content usage information, application usage data, air conditioner mode and usage time, washing machine usage frequency, and how often a refrigerator door is opened and closed.