Beacon Node Watermarking for Event Time and Location Proof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to accurately and securely prove the time, place, and identity of events, especially in digital contexts, due to limitations in timestamping hardware, potential clock inaccuracies, and lack of flexibility in recording impromptu events.
Innovation Solution
A network of beacon nodes synchronized to a trusted time source using protocols like NTP or PTP, which generate timestamps and hash codes for event data, and utilize machine learning to estimate locations and validate event metadata, creating an immutable and traceable watermark.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional timestamping hardware is used, then time recording is provided, but clock inaccuracies and lack of flexibility occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses software-based timestamping that can run on any computing device without dedicated hardware, making the solution universally applicable. The beacon nodes can serve multiple functions including timestamping, location tracking, and event verification, demonstrating multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction between precision and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on physical hardware timestamps, the system creates digital copies of time information through software-generated timestamps that are cryptographically signed. These digital timestamps can be replicated and distributed without degradation, providing both accuracy and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If event data is distributed over the internet, then liberal distribution is achieved, but truth verification becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through cryptographic verification mechanisms where timestamps and location data are signed by beacon nodes. This creates a verifiable feedback loop that allows recipients to confirm the authenticity of distributed event data, resolving the contradiction between wide distribution and truth verification.
Solution Approach 2:
Beacon nodes act as trusted intermediaries between event sources and verification systems. These intermediaries provide cryptographic signatures that mediate the trust relationship, enabling reliable verification of distributed events without requiring direct trust between all parties.
3Measurement precision
If beacon nodes are distributed across the network, then location proofing is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon nodes automatically synchronize their clocks using NTP or PTP protocols and autonomously generate cryptographic keys and signatures. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual configuration and management, resolving the contradiction between enhanced location proofing and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in network latency measurements to determine location. By monitoring changes in communication timing parameters between beacon nodes and requesting entities, the system can triangulate positions without complex infrastructure, balancing accuracy with simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for proving an event. The system comprises a network of one or more beacon nodes and each beacon node is configured to: receive a request over the network for proving a time and location for an event, and the request comprises event data generated by a requesting entity; create a timestamp for the event using a clock of the beacon node, wherein the clock is synchronized to a trusted time source; generate a hash code for the timestamp and the event data and record the hash code to a ledger at the beacon node.