Blockchain Sensor Tracker with Role-Based Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor tracking systems on ocean surface platforms are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, such as spoofing and data corruption, due to weaknesses in authentication mechanisms and single-point database failures, which can lead to incorrect target classification and potential fratricide situations.
Innovation Solution
A secure distributed sensor tracking system utilizing a blockchain network with permission-based roles and smart contracts to ensure data integrity and authenticity, where only authorized nodes can add or modify sensor track data, and a decentralized architecture makes it challenging for attackers to tamper with the data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized database is used for sensor tracking, then data access and modification are simple and efficient, but the system becomes vulnerable to spoofing attacks and data corruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized database into multiple distributed nodes across a blockchain network. Each node maintains a copy of the sensor tracking data, eliminating the single point of failure. This segmentation prevents spoofing attacks because data cannot be corrupted at a single location - changes must be validated across multiple nodes through consensus mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces smart contracts as intermediary automated programs that mediate all data access and modification operations. These smart contracts enforce authentication rules and validation logic, acting as a trusted intermediary between sensor inputs and the blockchain ledger. This intermediary layer ensures that only authenticated sources can add or modify track data, preventing unauthorized spoofing while maintaining systematic control.
2Ease of operation
If authentication mechanisms are simplified for ease of use, then operational efficiency improves, but security against cyber-attacks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication through smart contracts that automatically verify node identities and data sources without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously manages authentication credentials, validates sensor data provenance, and enforces access control policies. This self-service approach maintains strong security while simplifying operations, as the automated processes eliminate the need for complex manual authentication procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the blockchain network continuously validates and verifies data sources and transactions. Each sensor input is authenticated against stored credentials, and the results feed back into the system to confirm or reject data additions. This continuous feedback loop maintains security by constantly verifying authenticity while keeping operations smooth through automated validation.
3Reliability
If a single database location is used, then data consistency is easy to maintain, but the system becomes a single point of failure vulnerable to attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized database into multiple distributed copies across different nodes in the blockchain network. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure - if one node is compromised or fails, the sensor tracking data remains intact and accessible through other nodes. The distributed architecture ensures system availability while preventing total data loss from single-location attacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains data consistency across all distributed nodes through homogeneous data structures and consensus protocols. Each node stores identical sensor track data in the same format, and consensus mechanisms ensure all nodes agree on the valid state of the ledger. This homogeneity approach allows the system to distribute data while maintaining the consistency properties of a centralized database, preventing data corruption through redundant validated copies.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a computer network of interconnected computer nodes, one assigned a role of a deployer node, the deployer node creating and executing a rule-based block, and assigning others of the computer nodes a role of sensor node or a role of display node. The deployer node maintains addresses of the sensor nodes and the display nodes, the sensor nodes add sensor track data to create linked blocks, and the display nodes read the sensor track data in the linked blocks. The rule-based block includes a sensor add rule which checks that only computer nodes assigned the role of the deployer node can assign a computer node the role of sensor node. The rule-based block includes a sensor track data add rule which checks that only the computer nodes assigned the role of sensor node can request to add new sensor track data to create the linked blocks.