Trusted fingerprint localization for multimedia devices based on blockchain

• Published in: Information sciences 2023-09, Vol.643, p.119231, Article 119231
• Main Authors: Guan, Zhenyu, Liu, Zhiting, Wen, Xiaoqing, Wan, Qinjun, Xu, Wenhan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blockchain; Internet of multimedia things; Off-chain computing; Positioning; Smart contract
• ISSN: 0020-0255; 1872-6291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ins.2023.119231

The localization process is necessary for intelligent multimedia systems to provide appropriate service, but it is still a significant challenge to provide localization services for devices without active localization ability. The vulnerability of existing localization frameworks is that the incredibility of the information provided can not be verified. This remains the localization process vulnerable to forgery attacks, which can cause false localization results and impact the performance of intelligent multimedia systems. To address this problem, a blockchain-based fingerprint localization scheme is proposed and evaluated in this article. Firstly, A real-time database of verified and temper-proof electromagnetic fingerprints is established by collecting the information from contributors through blockchain. Secondly, a distributed algorithm is designed to obtain a trusted localization based on shared electromagnetic fingerprint information. Lastly, to save on-chain computing resources and defend against spoofing attacks and collusion attacks, an on-chain/off-chain scheme is proposed. The simulations show the practicability and robustness of the proposed scheme. The results are analyzed based on localization accuracy and resistance to malicious activities. It is shown that devices can be located without increasing location errors in malicious environments where 20% of data is uploaded by malicious nodes, and the localization results become more accurate as the decentralized database spontaneously established is expanded. •Blockchain-based localization scheme enables devices with hardware restrictions to gain their trusted and accurate location.•The verified and temper-proof electromagnetic fingerprint database is established by contributors through blockchain.•On-chain/off-chain scheme proposed saves on-chain computing resources.•Localization remains practicability in the malicious environment where 20% of data collected are forged.