| 摘要 |
With an increasing number of devices available incorporating location tracking systems, based on GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers, there are similarly an increasing number of applications, especially in the delivery and distribution sectors, that are being enhanced by the use of devices that can continually record and store the geographical locations of themselves over time. For example, these devices could be placed in vehicles, couriers, packages or carried by individual distributors. This information is then used to retroactively view the geographical routes taken by these items. In some cases this data is extremely important, for instance to prove to a client that a particular delivery was made, or attempted, along with the date and time that this occurred. However it could be argued that once the recorded data has been retrieved from the logging device and stored elsewhere - usually a computer system - it is open to tampering. It would not be very difficult to modify the data in the file so as to show that a delivery appeared to be made when, in fact, it was not. However, by creating a cryptographic digital signature of the data before it leaves the device, such that any subsequent tampering of the data would show up during a validation process, the authenticity of the data can be proven. According to the invention, the validity and authenticity of the stored location and time data, as well as the unique identity of the logging device, is protected with a public key signature system that provides a digital signature by which the collection of data can be authenticated. |
