Two researchers, N. Sangeeta and Seung Yeob Nam from Yeungnam University, have developed a data storage system for vehicular networks that utilizes blockchain and the Interplanetary File System (IPFS). This system also can search for keywords within the stored data.
Promoting Safe Driving Habits through Surveillance
In road safety and accident management, deploying closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and black boxes has become an essential strategy. These technological tools serve as watchful sentinels along highways, pivotal in instilling a culture of responsible driving behavior. By capturing real-time footage of vehicular activities, these visible surveillance cameras become potent influencers, encouraging drivers to adhere to traffic regulations and practice safe driving habits. The mere presence of these cameras serves as a deterrent against moving violations, fostering a heightened awareness among motorists about their actions on the road. Consequently, this proactive approach enhances overall road safety, reduces accidents, and smoother management of untoward incidents.
Strengthening Data Security and Integrity
Ensuring the security and integrity of the data captured by roadside cameras is critical in modern traffic management systems. Herein lies the potential of combining two cutting-edge technologies: blockchain and the Interplanetary File System (IPFS). Blockchain, known for its decentralized and tamper-resistant nature, offers an ingenious solution to data security and integrity challenges. By cryptographically linking data blocks, blockchain ensures that any modification attempts are traceable and prevented, thus safeguarding the authenticity of captured information. Complementing this, the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) presents a distributed file-sharing protocol that further bolsters data security. IPFS’s decentralized architecture ensures that data is stored across a network of nodes, minimizing single points of failure and reducing vulnerabilities. This synergy of blockchain and IPFS paves the way for a robust, resilient, tamper-proof data management system, establishing a new benchmark for data security in road safety and accident management.
Decentralized File Storage and Immutable Records
Central to the proposed solution is the development of a decentralized application (DApp) that seamlessly integrates the capabilities of blockchain and IPFS. This DApp is a versatile platform where diverse files can be uploaded and stored securely. The hashes of uploaded files are permanently etched onto the Ethereum blockchain, leveraging the power of the blockchain’s smart contracts. This process ensures immutability, as the recorded data cannot be altered or removed, providing an unalterable record of the uploaded files. Users can conveniently access these files by interacting with their descriptions, facilitating streamlined retrieval. Furthermore, the DApp incorporates a keyword search feature, allowing users to locate specific files containing sensitive information. This integration of features enhances usability and practicality, creating an efficient ecosystem for managing data while adhering to stringent security standards.
The system’s resilience in the face of potential failures is fortified by harnessing the capabilities of the Ethers.js smart contract event listener and contract.queryFilter. These tools enable the extraction and processing of data stored on the blockchain, ensuring the system remains functional and responsive even during challenging scenarios. Through meticulous design and innovative utilization of technologies, the proposed DApp exemplifies a harmonious blend of robustness, data transparency, and integrity. The immutability intrinsic to blockchain underpins the entire system, fostering an environment where data can be trusted implicitly, thus reshaping the landscape of road safety and accident management with unwavering dependability.
