A BLOCKCHAIN HANDOVER AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (ITS) NETWORK

Abstract

ABSTRACT A BLOCKCHAIN HANDOVER AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (ITS) NETWORK The present disclosure discloses a system (100) and method (200) for blockchain handover authentication in an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) network, ensuring secure and efficient vehicle transitions between roadside units (RSUs). The system (100) includes vehicles (110) equipped with cryptographic credentials and trust scores, RSUs (120) with a Proof of Trust (PoT) module (140), and a blockchain network (130) for storing immutable records of vehicle interactions. When a vehicle enters an RSU’s coverage area, the first RSU (120-1) verifies the vehicle’s identity and trust score by querying the blockchain network. The PoT module (140) then assesses if the trust score meets the required threshold. If approved, the RSU initiates secure handover authentication with a second RSU (120-2) and records the transaction outcome on the blockchain. This system enhances security, scalability, and seamless handover authentication in dynamic ITS environments.

Specification

Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS).
More particularly, this disclosure focuses on verifying and transferring vehicle identity and trust credentials between network components during transitions.
DEFINITION
As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicates otherwise.
• RSU (Road-Side Unit): The term "Road-Side Unit (RSU)", refers to a stationary device installed along roadways within an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) that communicates with nearby vehicles and other network infrastructure. RSUs are essential for facilitating vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, providing real-time information for traffic management, and safety alerts, and supporting secure authentication as vehicles move across different coverage areas.
• ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems): The term "Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)", refers to advanced applications designed to provide innovative services for traffic and transportation management. By integrating communication technologies, ITS enhances the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of transportation networks. ITS applications include systems for traffic control, vehicle safety, public transportation, and real-time information sharing between vehicles, infrastructure, and control centers.
• Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS): The term "Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)", refers to integrated systems that combine physical processes with computational control and communication. CPS involves the interaction of digital and physical components to monitor, control, and automate functions within various environments, including industrial, transportation, healthcare, and infrastructure systems. Through the use of sensors, actuators, and networked computation, CPS enables real-time data collection and response, enhancing system efficiency, safety, and reliability. Examples include autonomous vehicles, smart grids, medical monitoring systems, and industrial automation.
• Proof of Trust (PoT) Consensus Mechanism: The term "Proof of Trust (PoT) consensus mechanism", refers to a security protocol used in blockchain systems to evaluate and validate the trustworthiness of participants based on their historical behaviour and interactions within the network. In the context of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), PoT assigns a trust score to each vehicle based on its previous interactions with roadside units (RSUs) and other network participants. This score is then used to determine whether a vehicle is allowed to proceed with certain operations, such as handover authentication. By utilizing a PoT mechanism, the system ensures that only vehicles with verified, reliable identities are granted access, enhancing security and integrity within the network.
• Blockchain Network: The term "blockchain network", refers to a decentralized, distributed ledger that records transactions across multiple nodes in a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof manner. Each transaction is stored in a block, and these blocks are linked together in a chain. In an ITS environment, the blockchain network stores immutable records of vehicle identities, trust scores, and interactions with RSUs. This decentralized storage of information enables consistent and secure vehicle authentication across different RSUs, allowing real-time access to verified data while preventing unauthorized access and alterations.
• Cryptographic Credentials Exchange: The term "Cryptographic credentials exchange", refers to a process in which two entities, such as a vehicle and an RSU, exchange encrypted authentication data to establish a secure communication link. This exchange typically involves public-private key cryptography, where each party uses cryptographic keys to verify the other's identity without exposing sensitive information. In the context of vehicle handover in ITS, the vehicle sends its cryptographic credentials to the new RSU, which verifies them and exchanges keys to authenticate the vehicle. This secure exchange process ensures that only authorized vehicles are granted access to the network and that communication between the vehicle and RSU remains confidential.
The above definitions are in addition to those expressed in the art.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
With the growth of ITS and the integration of Internet of Vehicles (IoV) frameworks, seamless and secure communication between vehicles and roadside units (RSUs) has become essential. In these systems, vehicles frequently transition across different coverage zones managed by multiple RSUs, necessitating robust mechanisms to maintain secure authentication throughout. Traditional authentication systems may face challenges in handling the frequent handovers required by vehicles in motion, often resulting in latency, increased computational load, and vulnerability to security breaches.
Previous approaches have attempted to address various aspects of this challenge. For instance, cryptographic solutions such as Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) and blockchain-based protocols have been employed to secure vehicular communication. However, these solutions often focus on isolated elements, such as secure message exchanges or resource efficiency, rather than providing an integrated, seamless handover authentication system. Additionally, some systems rely on centralized storage, which can impact scalability and response times in large-scale ITS environments.
While these advancements contribute significantly to the security of ITS, existing solutions often struggle to deliver efficient, low-latency handover authentication suitable for highly dynamic environments. This background highlights the need for a solution that not only ensures secure vehicle identity validation across RSUs but also minimizes delays, reduces computational overhead, and scales effectively as the ITS network grows.
Therefore, there is felt a need for a blockchain handover authentication system and a method for intelligent transportation systems (its) network that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for blockchain handover authentication.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a handover authentication system that vehicles are authenticated as they move between different areas managed by roadside units.
Still, another object of the present disclosure is to provide a handover authentication system that reduces delays in vehicle authentication during transitions between coverage areas, allowing vehicles to communicate smoothly and avoid interruptions.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a handover authentication system that can grow easily as more vehicles and roadside units are added to the network, without affecting overall performance or reliability.
Still, another object of the present disclosure is to provide a handover authentication system that allows only authorized and reliable vehicles to interact within the network, enhancing safety for all participants in the ITS networks.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a handover authentication system that allows real-time updates of vehicle behaviour records, helping the system adapt quickly to changes in vehicle activity and maintain a secure environment.
Still, another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for intelligent transportation systems (ITS) networks.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure provides a system and method for blockchain handover authentication in an intelligent Transportation System (ITS) network. The system comprises a vehicle, Road-Side Units (RSUs), a blockchain network, and a Proof of Trust (PoT) module.
The vehicle is equipped with cryptographic credentials and a trust score representing its historical behaviour.
The Road-Side Units (RSUs), the first RSU of which is configured to receive an initial authentication request from the vehicle upon entry into its coverage area, for initiating a handover authentication process;
The blockchain network is configured to store immutable records of vehicle trust scores and interactions for validating the vehicle's identity and trustworthiness.
The Proof of Trust (PoT) module, implemented on the RSUs, is configured to evaluate the vehicle's trustworthiness based on data retrieved from the blockchain network.
The first RSU is further configured to:
• transmit a request to the blockchain network to verify the vehicle's identity and retrieve its trust score;
• activate the PoT module to determine if the vehicle's trust score meets a predefined threshold for trusted access;
• upon a positive trust score evaluation, initiate secure handover authentication between the vehicle and a second RSU; and
• record the outcome of the authentication and handover transaction on the blockchain network.
In an embodiment, the first RSU is further configured to communicate with other RSUs in proximity to retrieve additional trust data of the vehicle, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the trust score evaluation.
In an embodiment, the second RSU assigns a session key to the vehicle following the successful handover, enabling encrypted communication within its coverage area.
In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a cryptographic processor configured to generate a unique cryptographic signature for authentication with the first RSU and subsequently with the second RSU during the handover process.
In an embodiment, the blockchain network is configured to store transaction records associated with each handover, including data on vehicle identity, trust score evaluation, and cryptographic exchanges, ensuring a tamper-proof record for future audits.
In an embodiment, the first RSU includes a communications module configured to exchange trust data with nearby RSUs, enabling real-time updates to the vehicle unit's trust score based on interactions across the ITS network.
In an embodiment, the vehicle implements an elliptic curve cryptographic (ECC) protocol to establish a secure key exchange with the first RSU during the authentication process.
In an embodiment, the Proof of Trust (PoT) module is configured to combine vehicle behaviour, records from multiple RSUs, and evaluates a hybrid trust score, allowing only vehicles to meet a validated trust threshold to proceed with authentication.
In an embodiment, the first RSU denies access to a vehicle whose trust score falls below a predetermined threshold, employing an automated mechanism to prevent network access by vehicles deemed untrustworthy.
In an embodiment, each vehicle's trust score is updated dynamically on the blockchain network based on real-time interactions and behaviour with the RSUs, creating a reputation-based system within the ITS network that adapts based on the vehicle's historical and current performance.
In an embodiment, multi-tiered access control is implemented based on the vehicle's trust score, allowing higher trust score vehicles priority in network resource allocation while restricting lower trust score vehicles accordingly.
In an embodiment, the blockchain network implements an adjustable node count in the Proof of Trust (PoT) module, allowing the system to dynamically scale based on traffic demand and available RSUs, thereby optimizing computational overhead.
In an embodiment, the trust score is adjusted temporally, factoring in the frequency, recency, and consistency of the vehicle interactions with RSUs, to create a more accurate and responsive trust-based assessment.
In an embodiment, the system comprises a fail-safe mechanism to facilitate the RSUs to halt the handover process and flag any vehicle for further review if anomalies are detected in the vehicle's trust score or identity data retrieved from the blockchain.
In an embodiment, each RSU compresses transaction data before storage on the blockchain network, minimizing storage requirements and ensuring efficiency in data management across the network.
The present disclosure provides a method for proof of trust enabled handled in an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) network, the method comprises steps:
• transmitting, by a vehicle, a request for authentication to a first roadside unit (RSU) upon entering a coverage area of the first RSU ;
• initiating, by the first RSU, a query to a blockchain network to verify the vehicle's identity and retrieve an associated trust score;
• activating, by the first RSU, a Proof of Trust (PoT) module to evaluate the trust score, wherein the PoT module checks if the score satisfies a predefined trust threshold;
• allowing, by the first RSU, the vehicle to proceed with a secure handover if the trust score meets the threshold, wherein the vehicle ) then exchanges cryptographic credentials with the first RSU and subsequently with a second RSU ;
• recording, by the first RSU, the handover transaction immutably on the blockchain network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A Blockchain Handover Authentication System And A Method For Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Network, of the disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for blockchain handover authentication,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a method for an intelligent transportation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of the process for authenticating vehicles on the intelligent transportation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND DRAWING
100 System
110 Vehicle equipped with cryptographic credentials and a trust score
110-2 Cryptographic Processor
120 Road-Side Units (RSUs)
120-1 First Road-Side Unit (RSU) initiating authentication and handover
120-2 Second Road-Side Unit (RSU) receiving handover
130 Blockchain network for storing immutable records
140 Proof of Trust (PoT) module implemented on RSUs
200-210 Method and method steps
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure relates to secure authentication and handover processes within Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), particularly focusing on methods for verifying and transferring vehicle identity and trust credentials between network components during transitions. The disclosure explores technologies such as blockchain and consensus mechanisms to enhance the integrity and efficiency of vehicle authentication, providing a framework suited for dynamic vehicular environments.
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "including," and "having," are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
To overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, the present disclosure envisages a handover authentication system and method for blockchain handover authentication in an intelligent transportation system (ITS). The system (100) is now being described with reference to Figure 1 to Figure 3.
Figure 1 shows the present disclosure provides a system and method for blockchain handover authentication in an intelligent transportation systems (ITS) network, the system (100) comprises a vehicle (110), Road-Side Units (RSUs) (120), a blockchain network (130), and a Proof of Trust (PoT) module (140).
The vehicle (110) is equipped with cryptographic credentials and a trust score representing its historical behaviour.
From the Road-Side Units (RSUs) (120), a first RSU (120-1) is configured to receive an initial authentication request from the vehicle (110) upon entry into its coverage area, for initiating a handover authentication process.
The blockchain network (130) is configured to store immutable records of vehicle trust scores and interactions for validating the vehicle's identity and trustworthiness.
The Proof of Trust (PoT) module (140), implemented on the RSUs (120), is configured to evaluate the vehicle's (110) trustworthiness based on data retrieved from the blockchain network (130).
The first RSU (120-1) is further configured to:
• transmit a request to the blockchain network (130) to verify the vehicle's identity and retrieve its trust score;
• activate the PoT module (140) to determine if the vehicle's trust score meets a predefined threshold for trusted access;
• upon a positive trust score evaluation, initiate secure handover authentication between the vehicle (110) and a second RSU (120-2); and
• record an outcome of the authentication and handover transaction on the blockchain network (130).
In an embodiment, the first RSU (120-1) is further configured to communicate with other RSUs (120) in proximity to retrieve additional trust data of the vehicle (110), thereby enhancing the accuracy of the trust score evaluation.
In an embodiment, the second RSU (120-2) assigns a session key to the vehicle (110) following the successful handover, enabling encrypted communication within its coverage area.
In an embodiment, the vehicle (110) comprises a cryptographic processor (110-2) configured to generate a unique cryptographic signature for authentication with the first RSU (120-1) and subsequently with the second RSU (120-2) during the handover process.
In an embodiment, the blockchain network (130) is configured to store transaction records associated with each handover, including data on vehicle identity, trust score evaluation, and cryptographic exchanges, ensuring a tamper-proof record for future audits.
In an embodiment, the first RSU (120-1) includes a communications module configured to exchange trust data with nearby RSUs, enabling real-time updates to the vehicle unit's trust score based on interactions across the ITS network.
In an embodiment, the vehicle (110) implements an elliptic curve cryptographic (ECC) protocol to establish a secure key exchange with the first RSU during the authentication process.
In an embodiment, the Proof of Trust (PoT) module (140) is configured to combine vehicle behaviour, and records from multiple RSUs (110), and evaluates a hybrid trust score, allowing only vehicles (120) to meet a validated trust threshold to proceed with authentication.
In an embodiment, the first RSU (120-1) denies access to a vehicle (120) whose trust score falls below a predetermined threshold, employing an automated mechanism to prevent network access by vehicles deemed untrustworthy.
In an embodiment, each vehicle's (120) trust score is updated dynamically on the blockchain network (130) based on real-time interactions and behaviour with the RSUs (120), creating a reputation-based system (100) within the ITS network that adapts based on the vehicle's historical and current performance.
In an embodiment, multi-tiered access control is implemented based on the vehicle's (110) trust score, allowing higher trust score vehicles priority in network resource allocation while restricting lower trust score vehicles accordingly.
In an embodiment, the blockchain network (130) implements an adjustable node count in the Proof of Trust (PoT) module (140), allowing the system (100) to dynamically scale based on traffic demand and available RSUs (120), thereby optimizing computational overhead.
In an embodiment, the trust score is adjusted temporally, factoring in the frequency, recency, and consistency of the vehicle (110) interactions with RSUs (120), to create a more accurate and responsive trust-based assessment.
In an embodiment, the system (100) comprises a fail-safe mechanism to facilitate the RSUs (120) to halt the handover process and flag any vehicle (110) for further review if anomalies are detected in the vehicle's trust score or identity data retrieved from the blockchain (130).
In an embodiment, each RSU (120) compresses transaction data before storage on the blockchain network (130), minimizing storage requirements and ensuring efficiency in data management across the network.
Figure 2 illustrates a method for blockchain handover authentication in an intelligent transportation system (ITS) network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
At step 202, the method (200) includes transmitting, by a vehicle (110), a request for authentication to a first roadside unit (RSU) (120-1) upon entering a coverage area of the first RSU (120-1).
At step 204, the method (200) includes initiating, by the first RSU (120-1), a query to a blockchain network (130) to verify the vehicle's identity and retrieve an associated trust score.
At step 206, the method (200) includes activating, by the first RSU (120-1), a Proof of Trust (PoT) module (140) to evaluate the trust score, wherein the PoT module (140) checks if the score satisfies a predefined trust threshold.
At step 208, the method (200) includes allowing, by the first RSU (120-1), the vehicle (110) to proceed with a secure handover if the trust score meets the threshold, wherein the vehicle 110) then exchanges cryptographic credentials with the first RSU (120-1) and subsequently with a second RSU (120-2).
At step 210, the method (200) includes recording, by the first RSU (120-1), the handover transaction immutably on the blockchain network (130).
Figure 3 shows the process of vehicle handover authentication in an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) using roadside units (RSUs) and blockchain verification. The process begins when a vehicle sends a request to the nearest RSU. The RSU then verifies the vehicle's identity on the blockchain. If the vehicle's trust score is valid, the RSU communicates with other RSUs to gather additional trust data. If the trust score meets the required threshold, the process continues with the handover authentication. The vehicle sends cryptographic credentials and the new RSU exchanges keys with the vehicle. Upon successful key exchange and authentication, the vehicle is authenticated under the new RSU, and transaction details are recorded immutably on the blockchain. Finally, the vehicle proceeds under the new RSU's coverage, completing the handover. If the trust score is invalid or below the threshold at any point, the authentication is rejected.
In an embodiment, in urban settings, the system can be used to manage vehicle authentication and traffic flow at intersections and high-traffic areas. As vehicles transition between coverage zones managed by various roadside units (RSUs), the system verifies their identities and trust scores in real-time, ensuring that only authorized vehicles can access certain zones or priority lanes. This enhances traffic control in busy metropolitan areas, improving flow while maintaining a secure environment for both autonomous and manually operated vehicles.
In another embodiment, on highways, the system enables automated tolling and access control by authenticating vehicles as they approach toll stations or restricted areas. RSUs positioned along the highway communicate with the vehicles to authenticate their identities, applying dynamic toll rates based on vehicle type, trust score, or pre-registered credentials. This embodiment facilitates a seamless tolling experience for drivers, reduces congestion at toll booths, and ensures that only authorized vehicles access specific highway zones.
In an embodiment, in public transportation networks, such as buses and shuttles, the system can be used to monitor and authenticate each vehicle in the fleet as it transitions through various routes and stations. The RSUs authenticate the vehicle's identity and track its location in real time, allowing fleet managers to have a precise overview of vehicle movements. This configuration helps maintain schedule accuracy, improves security by preventing unauthorized access, and allows efficient management of public transit resources.
In another embodiment, the system can be configured to give priority access to emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire trucks, by recognizing and authenticating them instantly as they approach intersections or traffic signals. RSUs at these points interact with the emergency vehicles' credentials and trust scores, enabling quick, secure access to priority lanes and green-light signalling. This embodiment supports emergency response efforts by reducing delays and facilitating faster arrival times to incident locations.
In another embodiment, for industrial parks, ports, and commercial facilities, the system can manage the authentication of vehicles entering restricted zones. RSUs placed at entry points communicate with approaching vehicles, verifying their credentials and ensuring that only authorized transport vehicles or delivery fleets are granted access. This setup enhances facility security, reduces the need for manual checks, and streamlines entry for authorized personnel, especially beneficial in high-traffic industrial environments.
In an operative configuration, the system (100) for proof of trust-enabled blockchain handover authentication in an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) network functions as follows: When a vehicle (110) equipped with cryptographic credentials and a trust score enters the coverage area of a first Road-Side Unit (RSU) (120-1), it sends an initial authentication request. The first RSU (120-1) then transmits a request to the blockchain network (130) to verify the vehicle's identity and retrieve its trust score, stored as an immutable record. The Proof of Trust (PoT) module (140), implemented on the RSUs (120), evaluates the vehicle's (110) trustworthiness by comparing the retrieved trust score against a predefined threshold for trusted access. If the vehicle's trust score meets this threshold, the RSU initiates a secure handover authentication with a second RSU (120-2). Finally, the outcome of the authentication and handover transaction is recorded on the blockchain network (130) for transparency and future reference.
Advantageously, this system offers enhanced security and efficiency in vehicle authentication across various ITS environments. By leveraging a decentralized blockchain network and a Proof of Trust consensus mechanism, it ensures that only verified, trustworthy vehicles gain access to specific areas, thereby reducing unauthorized access and potential security breaches. Additionally, the system is highly scalable and can adapt to increasing numbers of vehicles and RSUs without sacrificing performance. The seamless handover process reduces latency, allowing vehicles to transition between RSUs smoothly, which is particularly beneficial for high-traffic or time-sensitive scenarios, such as urban intersections or emergency response routes. Overall, this system provides a reliable, secure, and efficient solution for managing vehicle authentication in a dynamic, large-scale ITS network.
The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and appended claims. The present disclosure can be implemented by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a handover authentication system and method for blockchain handover authentication in an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) network, that:
• vehicles are authenticated as they move between different areas managed by roadside units;
• reduces delays in vehicle authentication during transitions between coverage areas, allowing vehicles to communicate smoothly and avoid interruptions;
• can grow easily as more vehicles and roadside units are added to the network, without affecting overall performance or reliability;
• allows only authorized and reliable vehicles to interact within the network, enhancing safety for all participants in the ITS; and
• allows real-time updates of vehicle behaviour records, helping the system adapt quickly to changes in vehicle activity and maintain a secure environment.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, or group of elements, but not the exclusion of any other element, or group of elements.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for blockchain handover authentication, said system (100) comprises:
o a vehicle (110) equipped with cryptographic credentials and a trust score representing its historical behaviour;
o one or more Road-Side Units (RSUs) (120), a first RSU (120-1) of which is configured to receive an initial authentication request from the vehicle (110) upon entry into its coverage area, for initiating a handover authentication process;
o a blockchain network (130) configured to store immutable records of vehicle trust scores and interactions for validating the vehicle's identity and trustworthiness; and
o a Proof of Trust (PoT) module (140), implemented on the RSUs (120), configured to evaluate the vehicle's (110) trustworthiness based on data retrieved from the blockchain network (130); and
o wherein said first RSU (120-1) is further configured to:
• transmit a request to the blockchain network (130) to verify the vehicle's identity and retrieve its trust score;
• activate the PoT module (140) to determine if the vehicle's trust score meets a predefined threshold for trusted access;
• upon a positive trust score evaluation, initiate secure handover authentication between the vehicle (110) and a second RSU (120-2); and
• record an outcome of the authentication and handover transaction on the blockchain network (130).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first RSU (120-1) is further configured to communicate with other RSUs (120) in proximity to retrieve additional trust data of the vehicle (110), thereby enhancing the accuracy of the trust score evaluation.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second RSU (120-2) assigns a session key to the vehicle (110) following the successful handover, enabling encrypted communication within its coverage area.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (110) comprises a cryptographic processor (110-2) configured to generate a unique cryptographic signature for authentication with the first RSU (120-1) and subsequently with the second RSU (120-2) during the handover process.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blockchain network (130) is configured to store transaction records associated with each handover, including data on vehicle identity, trust score evaluation, and cryptographic exchanges, ensuring a tamper-proof record for future audits.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first RSU (120-1) includes a communications module configured to exchange trust data with nearby RSUs, enabling real-time updates to the vehicle unit's trust score based on interactions across the ITS network.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (110) implements an elliptic curve cryptographic (ECC) protocol to establish a secure key exchange with the first RSU during the authentication process.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said Proof of Trust (PoT) module (140) is configured to combine vehicle behaviour, records from multiple RSUs (110), and evaluates a hybrid trust score, allowing only vehicles (120) meeting a validated trust threshold to proceed with authentication.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first RSU (120-1) denies access to a vehicle (120) whose trust score falls below a predetermined threshold, employing an automated mechanism to prevent network access by vehicles deemed untrustworthy.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each vehicle's (120) trust score is updated dynamically on said blockchain network (130) based on real-time interactions and behaviour with the RSUs (120), creating a reputation-based system (100) within the ITS network that adapts based on the vehicle's historical and current performance.
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a multi-tiered access control is implemented based on said vehicle's (110) trust score, allowing higher trust score vehicles priority in network resource allocation while restricting lower trust score vehicles accordingly.
12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blockchain network (130) implements an adjustable node count in said Proof of Trust (PoT) module (140), allowing said system (100) to dynamically scale based on traffic demand and available RSUs (120), thereby optimizing computational overhead.
13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trust score is adjusted temporally, factoring in the frequency, recency, and consistency of the vehicle (110) interactions with RSUs (120), to create a more accurate and responsive trust-based assessment.
14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a fail-safe mechanism to facilitate said RSUs (120) to halt the handover process and flag any vehicle (110) for further review if anomalies are detected in the vehicle's trust score or identity data retrieved from said blockchain (130).
15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each RSU (120) compresses transaction data before storage on the blockchain network (130), minimizing storage requirements and ensuring efficiency in data management across the network.
16. A method (200) for an intelligent transportation system (ITS) network, said method (200) comprises steps:
• transmitting, by a vehicle (110), a request for authentication to a first roadside unit (RSU) (120-1) upon entering a coverage area of the first RSU (120-1);
• initiating, by the first RSU (120-1), a query to a blockchain network (130) to verify the vehicle's identity and retrieve an associated trust score;
• activating, by the first RSU (120-1), a Proof of Trust (PoT) module (140) to evaluate the trust score, wherein the PoT module (140) checks if the score satisfies a predefined trust threshold;
• allowing, by the first RSU (120-1), the vehicle (110) to proceed with a secure handover if the trust score meets the threshold, wherein the vehicle 110) then exchanges cryptographic credentials with the first RSU (120-1) and subsequently with a second RSU (120-2);
• recording, by the first RSU (120-1), the handover transaction immutably on the blockchain network (130).

Dated this 18th Day of November, 2024

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA - 25
OF R. K. DEWAN & CO.
AUTHORIZED AGENT OF APPLICANT

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT CHENNAI

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