Proof of Geofence Consensus for Continuous Location Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blockchain systems lack a consensus mechanism specifically based on location, which is crucial for securing and authenticating transactions in decentralized networks, particularly in preventing insider threats and trade secret misappropriation.
Innovation Solution
A location-based consensus mechanism, Proof of Geofence (PoG), that continuously authenticates the proximity of a client device to a gateway component using short-range wireless radios, generating a proof of geofence contract and updating a ledger with geofence certificates to ensure secure access to resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional consensus mechanisms (PoW, PoS) are used, then agreement on blockchain state is achieved, but location-based authentication and security against insider threats is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the consensus mechanism with location-based authentication by integrating Proof of Geofence (PoG) into the blockchain consensus process. The PoG component continuously authenticates client device proximity to gateway components and records this location data on the blockchain, combining traditional consensus with spatial verification to enhance security against insider threats while maintaining agreement on blockchain state.
Solution Approach 2:
The consensus mechanism is segmented into distinct components: traditional consensus algorithms (PoW, PoS, PBFT, PoA, PoET) for achieving agreement on blockchain state, and a separate PoG component for location-based authentication. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function while working together to provide comprehensive security and versatility.
2Reliability
If continuous location authentication is implemented, then security against insider threats is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Gateway components serve as intermediaries between client devices and the blockchain network. These gateways continuously authenticate client device locations using short-range wireless communications and submit location proofs to the blockchain. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing location verification logic while maintaining security against insider threats.
3Measurement precision
If location data is continuously monitored and recorded, then access control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic location authentication where client devices authenticate their location at regular intervals or when entering/exiting geofenced areas. Gateway components perform continuous monitoring and buffer location data, then batch-submit proofs to the blockchain. This periodic approach maintains location accuracy for access control while significantly reducing energy consumption on client devices.
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method include a wireless client device, a cloud component, a gateway component, a geofence, and a proof of geofence (PoG) protocol. The PoG protocol continuously generating a PoG contract when the authenticated wireless client device is within the geofence. The PoG contract includes generating, by the gateway component, a PoG certificate that includes a mobile device public key, and a hash of a previous PoG contract. Also, the PoG contract requires the wireless client device to separately generate the PoG certificate within a time period with one or more mobile device sensors that includes a gateway component public key and the hash of the previous PoG contract. Additionally, the PoG contract records one or more signatures when the wireless client device generates the PoG certificate. A PoG ledger is then updated with each PoG contract.