A New Approach to Mining Work in Blockchain Technologies

Abstract

In virtual currency using the blockchain technology that has drawn significant attention in recent years, the mining work concentration problem, whereby machine power is monopolized when supporting its operation, is becoming a serious problem. In particular, with the use of blockchain technology in future advanced mobile computing environments, the problem becomes more serious. In this paper, to solve the problem, we developed a simple virtual currency service that allows a user to operate the service by giving the user a new incentive based on gamification, not traditional economic incentives. We conducted experiments that show the feasibility of adopting the alternative incentive. The experiments also allowed us to extract some insights regarding the use of blockchain technology in future advanced mobile computing environments as an essential building block for developing future digital services.