IoT Device Blockchain Data Integrity Refrigerated Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerated transportation systems face issues with inaccurate temperature data recording due to tampering and lack of direct cargo temperature monitoring, leading to unreliable data storage and potential damage to sensitive goods during transportation.
Innovation Solution
An IoT device with a one-time programmed private key generates data packets including a unique identification number, environmental data, and a signature, which are transmitted to a blockchain platform for secure authentication and storage, ensuring accurate and tamper-proof data recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature detection devices are fixed in the compartment and powered by the vehicle, then the device can continuously monitor temperature, but the data can be tampered with by the driver turning off power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the temperature monitoring function from the vehicle's power system by providing the detection device with an independent power supply (battery or energy harvesting module), allowing the device to operate autonomously without relying on the vehicle's power, thus preventing driver tampering while maintaining continuous monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device records temperature data and generates cryptographic signatures in advance during the transportation process, storing this authenticated data locally before potential tampering can occur. This preliminary recording with authentication ensures data integrity even if the device is later accessed or power is interrupted
2Measurement precision
If only environment temperature at a specific point is detected, then the measurement is simple, but the temperature is not reflective of the cargo itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature sensors at different locations within the cargo area to simultaneously monitor both the environment temperature and the cargo surface temperature. This merging of multiple detection points provides a comprehensive view of the actual thermal conditions affecting the cargo without requiring complex thermal modeling
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses thermal coupling or close proximity placement of sensors relative to the cargo, where the sensor acts as an intermediary that directly measures the thermal influence on the cargo. By positioning sensors in thermal contact or very close proximity to the cargo surface, the measurement directly reflects cargo temperature rather than just ambient air temperature
3Reliability
If temperature data is stored in a central database, then data collection is centralized, but the data can be easily tampered with and deleted
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device performs preliminary authentication of temperature data by generating cryptographic signatures (hash values) at the source before transmission to the central database. This preliminary authentication embeds integrity verification capability directly into the data, allowing the central system to detect any tampering without requiring complex verification protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cryptographic hash functions and digital signatures as intermediaries between the temperature measurement and data storage processes. These cryptographic mechanisms act as mediators that provide mathematical proof of data integrity, enabling the central database to verify authenticity without requiring complex access control or physical security measures
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes IoT devices, block chain platforms, and IoT systems for recording transportation data of an object and methods of using the same. In some examples, IoT devices are one time programmed with a private key in a manufacturing process of the IoT device. In some examples, IoT devices may include at least one sensor configured to detect external environment data of an object during transportation of the object; and a processor configured to receive the data from the sensor and generate a data packet based on the data using a private key, the data packet including a unique identification number of the IoT device, the data and a signature generated according to the unique identification number and the data.