DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for processing information. The invention, more particularly, relates to a system and method for blockchain based efficient public distribution mechanism.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A Public Distribution System (PDS) was introduced around World War II as a war-time rationing measure. With time, the PDS has evolved into a universal scheme for the distribution of commodities to the poor population. Major commodities distributed include staple food grains, such as wheat, rice, sugar, and essential fuels like kerosene, through a network of fair price shops (FPS) (e.g., a ration shop) established in different states across the country. India’s PDS is the largest distribution network of its kind in the world.
[0003] Generally, the government of the country shares the responsibilities in order to provide food grains to the identified beneficiaries. A center procures food grains from farmers at a minimum support price (MSP) and sells it to states at central issue prices. The center, specifically, Food Commission of India (FCI), is responsible for the inter-state transport of food grains from procuring to consuming states, as well as delivering grains to the state go downs. Once the FCI transport the grains to the state depots, distribution of food grains to end consumers is the responsibility of the state governments.
[0004] On receipt of food grains, states allocate the grains to each district and further to each ration shop within the first week of the month. State governments are responsible for transporting food grains from the state go downs to the doorstep of each FPS in the state. Across the country, food grains are distributed to a network of around 5.13 lakh FPSs. Beneficiaries buy their monthly food grains entitlements at subsidized prices from these ration shops.
[0005] Various shortcomings with an existing distribution system are:-
• consumers have been reported to receive inferior quality food grains in ration shops;
• illicit local ration shop owners swap superior supplies received from the FCI with inferior stock and sell the good quality FCI stock to private shopkeepers;
• illicit local ration shop owners have been found to create a large number of bogus cards to sell food grains in the open market;
• an existing system suffers from large leakages of food grains during transportation to and from ration shops into the open market;
• consumers are bound to get ration from only fixed locations (based on their domicile). Thus, migrant consumers are not able to receive ration benefits;
• No proper mechanism for collection of survey from the consumers, etc.
[0006] Thus, there exists a need in the art, for a method and system for proper verification of consumers on various parameters, such as user’s identification number, government identification details, biometric details, or other types of verification techniques. Further, ration distribution shall be limited to only verified consumers.
[0007] The survey responses from verified consumers shall also be collected securely from the consumers. There is also a need for a method of and system to facilitate consumers to get ration in installments and facilitate migrant/relocated consumers to receive ration from any ration shop.
[0008] Another desire is for a system and method to allow all ration distribution details to pass through the distribution network to the central authorities for proper tracking of the stock.
[0009] According to the Harvard Business® review “Blockchain is an open, distributed ledger that can record transaction between two parties efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way”. The Blockchain technology is most widely known as the technology behind the popular cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, AltCoin, etc. The network uses timestamped transactions to keep track of transactions and validates it using a hash-cash based proof–of-work mechanism. Blockchain is a data structure and distributed storage mechanism, is a perfect model for general record keeping (such as, public records, health records, contracts, etc.), where data privacy assumes extreme importance. For example, in India, NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog, has released its national blockchain policy draft paper dubbed “Blockchain – The India Strategy” which explains different use cases of blockchain in India along with some conclusions from ongoing pilot projects.
[0010] Blockchain is seen as a global ledger or a distributed database that keeps records of multiple transactions within a network. Blockchain is understood as a decentralized transaction and a data management method that permits users to validate, maintain and synchronize the content of a transaction ledger that is reproduced across various users.
[0011] These features of information sharing platform and decentralized computation of blockchain makes it possible for numerous authoritative domains which mistrust themselves to collaborate in a concise decision-making process. Various existing systems offer numerous advantages because of the use of the blockchain technology, apart from their complexity in developing and maintenance.
[0012] Patent IN342835 titled “System and Method for Securely Assessing Candidates Skills” discloses a method for securely conducting skill assessment exam for the candidate by using a decentralized network with a shared ledger system. The skill assessment method enables a validated user to record answers to multiple questions and the performance score of the candidate is calculated based on matching of the response answers with the corresponding pre-stored answer keys.
[0013] Patent IN302894 titled “A method for tracking and monitoring web client/web server request involving an exchange of messages between the web client and web server devices by browser ID based authentication using blockchain data structure”, discloses a browser forensics approach which is an important concept regarding Activity Monitoring, User Identification, Location Identification etc. The prior art presents a simple and efficient approach for browser forensics through ID based authentication and tracking using blockchain network.
[0014] Therefore, to avoid the drawbacks of the existing system, there is need to develop an improved and efficient system for product distribution. There is a need of an invention which solves the above defined problems and provides a system and method for processing information.
SUMMARY
[0015] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a distributed blockchain system for processing information and method thereof. This summary is neither intended to identify essential features of the present invention nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present invention.
[0016] For example, various embodiments herein may include one or more distributed blockchain systems and methods are provided. In one of the embodiments, a method for processing information in a distributed blockchain includes a step of receiving, by a handheld device, one or more inputs. The method includes a step of storing, in a database, pre-determined information related to a plurality of users and operations performed by the users associated with the handheld devices, and data related to a plurality of nodes. The method includes a step of verifying, by a verification module, a user by comparing the received inputs with the stored pre-determined information. The method includes a step of generating, by a generation module, one or more operations based on at least one pre-defined criteria. The method includes a step of creating, by a block creation module, one or more blocks for the generated operations. The method includes a step of transmitting, by a transmission module, the generated operations to at least one other node using a consensus technique.
[0017] In another embodiment, a distributed blockchain system for processing information includes a plurality of handheld devices and a plurality of nodes. Each handheld device is associated with a user which is configured to receive one or more inputs from the user. Each node is having a processing engine, which further includes a database, a verification module, a generation module, a block creation module, and a transmission module. The database is configured to store pre-determined information related to a plurality of users and operations performed by the users associated with the handheld devices, and data related to a plurality of nodes. The verification module is configured to verify a user by comparing the received inputs with the stored pre-determined information. The generation module is configured to generate one or more operations based on at least one pre-defined criteria. The block creation module is configured to create one or more blocks for the generated operations. The transmission module is configured to transmit the generated operations to at least one other node using a consensus technique.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0001] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and modules.
[0002] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting a distributed blockchain system, according to an implementation of the present invention.
[0003] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting an architecture of a distributed blockchain system of Figure 1, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0004] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram depicting functional modules of a handheld device, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0005] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a structure of a blockchain network, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0006] Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram depicting adding new handheld devices to the blockchain network after proper verification of details, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0007] Figure 6 illustrates a flow diagram depicting verifying the consumers and adding new consumers to the blockchain network, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0008] Figure 7 illustrates a flow diagram depicting ration distribution to verified consumers and addition of transactions in the blockchain network, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0009] Figure 8 illustrates a flow diagram depicting secure survey response collection from the verified consumers and add the transactions in the blockchain network, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 9A illustrates a flow diagram depicting inter blockchain network communication between district centers of different states for registration of a new consumer, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0011] Figure 9B illustrates a flow diagram depicting inter blockchain network communication between district centers of different states for verification of a migrant/relocated consumer, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0012] Figure 9C illustrates a flow diagram depicting inter blockchain network communication between district centers of different states for ration distribution to a migrant/relocated consumer, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 10 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for processing information in a distributed blockchain, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0014] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems/platforms embodying the principles of the present invention. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flowcharts, flow diagrams, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of systems.
[0016] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a distributed blockchain system for processing information and method thereof. Furthermore, connections between components and/or modules within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, these components and modules may be modified, re-formatted or otherwise changed by intermediary components and modules.
[0017] References in the present invention to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0018] In one of the embodiments, a method for processing information in a distributed blockchain includes a step of receiving, by a handheld device, one or more inputs. The method includes a step of storing, in a database, pre-determined information related to a plurality of users and operations performed by the users associated with the handheld devices, and data related to a plurality of nodes. The method includes a step of verifying, by a verification module, a user by comparing the received inputs with the stored pre-determined information. The method includes a step of generating, by a generation module, one or more operations based on at least one pre-defined criteria. The method includes a step of creating, by a block creation module, one or more blocks for the generated operations. The method includes a step of transmitting, by a transmission module, the generated operations to at least one other node using a consensus technique.
[0019] In another implementation, the method includes a step of verifying the user and adding the verified user information to a blockchain network for processing information.
[0020] In another implementation, the step of verifying the user further includes querying the blockchain network for obtaining operations details performed by the user and comparing the operations details with the received inputs.
[0021] In another implementation, the pre-defined criteria includes product related details, product distribution and damage details, and a survey collection and response.
[0022] In another implementation, the method includes a step of creating, by at least one sub-node of a node, a block containing the operations details.
[0023] In another implementation, the method includes a step of accessing, by the sub-node, operation details of a created block of the other sub-node.
[0024] In another implementation, the method includes a step of creating, by the sub-node, a query message for verifying the user. The method includes a step of fetching, by the sub-node, the stored operations performed by the user from the database. The method includes a step of transmitting, by the sub-node, the created query message to another sub-node of the particular node. The method includes a step of receiving, by the sub-node, a subsequent transaction in the created block.
[0025] In another implementation, the method includes a step of creating, by a handheld device, a public-private key pair and a user identification number for the user.
[0026] In an implementation of the method, information processed in a blockchain network is communicated to one or more other blockchain networks in an intra block chain network.
[0027] In another embodiment, a distributed blockchain system for processing information includes a plurality of handheld devices and a plurality of nodes. Each handheld device is associated with a user which is configured to receive one or more inputs from the user. Each node is having a processing engine, which further includes a database, a verification module, a generation module, a block creation module, and a transmission module. The database is configured to store pre-determined information related to a plurality of users and operations performed by the users associated with the handheld devices, and data related to a plurality of nodes. The verification module is configured to verify a user by comparing the received inputs with the stored pre-determined information. The generation module is configured to generate one or more operations based on at least one pre-defined criteria. The block creation module is configured to create one or more blocks for the generated operations. The transmission module is configured to transmit the generated operations to at least one other node using a consensus technique.
[0028] In another implementation, the system includes a blockchain network which is configured to communicatively coupled with the handheld device and the nodes to process the information by verifying the user.
[0029] In another implementation, the verification module is configured to verify the user and add the verified user information to the blockchain network.
[0030] In another implementation, the verification module is configured to verify the user by querying the blockchain network to obtain operations details performed by the user and compare the operations details with the received inputs.
[0031] In another implementation, each node further includes at least one sub-node, which is configured to create a block containing the operations details.
[0032] In another implementation, the sub-node is configured to directly connect to any other sub-node of a particular node to access any created block of the other sub-node for accessing operations details.
[0033] In another implementation, the sub-node is configured to create a query message to verify the user; fetch the stored operations performed by the user from the database; transmit the created query message to other sub-node of the particular node; and receive a subsequent transaction in the created block.
[0034] In an implementation of the system, information processed in a blockchain network is communicated to one or more other blockchain networks in an intra block chain network
[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a distributed blockchain system for processing information and method thereof to facilitate efficient public distribution mechanism. This is achieved by adopting a blockchain network as a backbone that provides a distributed network for inserting/managing/viewing the data.
[0036] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting a distributed blockchain system (100), according to an implementation of the present invention.
[0037] A distribution blockchain system for processing information (hereinafter referred to as “system”) (100) includes a plurality of handheld devices (102), a blockchain network (104), and a plurality of nodes (106).
[0038] Each handheld device (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) is associated with a user. In an embodiment, the user can be a consumer, a beneficiary, a customer, etc. The handheld device (102) is configured to receive one or more inputs from the associated user. The inputs can include, but are not limited to, personal details, an identification number, a contact number, address, and biometric details.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the handheld device (102) is configured to add new users in a node (106). The handheld device (102) is configurable to communicate with a backend blockchain network (104) via a local network. The handheld device (102) is also configurable to verify user information by querying the blockchain network (104). The handheld device (102) being further configurable to create transactions for ration distribution, survey response, total ration distribution and damage details. In another embodiment, the handheld device (102) is further configured to create a public-private key pair and a user identification number for the user. The handheld device (102) is used received input from the user and verify information of a new user based on personal identification details and biometric details. If the authentication is successful, the handheld device (102) creates a public-private key pair and a user identification number (ID) for the user. Further, the handheld device (102) creates a transaction containing details of the new user, its public-private key pair and a handheld device ID. This transaction is then forwarded to a local district center/ sub-node to be added in a block and further be embedded in the blockchain network (104) using a consensus algorithm.
[0040] The blockchain network (104) is configured to communicatively coupled with the handheld device (102) and the nodes (106) to process the information by verifying the user. In an embodiment, the blockchain network (104) is configured to store operations details of the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the blockchain network (104) acts as a backbone, which provides a distributed environment for efficient and secure data collection, storage, and retrieval in the system (100). The blockchain network (104) is used for maintaining and circulating identification information of users. Further, the blockchain network (104) is used for maintaining and circulating information about ration distribution to the users and survey collection from the users. The blockchain network (104) is maintained by the participation of the district centers/ sub-nodes.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, each node (106) maintains its own local distributed ledger by the participation of all the sub nodes (e.g., local district centers) in the node (106). Specifically, “maintain” include creation/addition of new blocks containing the transactions in a blockchain. Thus, right to create/append new blocks in the blockchain network (104) is only shared between district centers in a particular state (106). In another exemplary embodiment, a sub node (district center) can directly connect to any local district center of a particular node to access any block from their blockchain network (104). Thus, right to access in the blockchain network (104) is shared between the sub nodes/district centers across all the nodes (106).
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the stored information about ration distribution in the blockchain network (104) comprises transactions is only created by the authorized handheld device (102) with successful ration distribution to verified users, where transactions are digitally signed using a private key of the user and verified using a public key of the user. Each transaction involves execution of a smart contract. This include identification of prior transactions done by the user in the present month and verifying its present demand (desired ration should be less than the available quota). Further, each successful transaction also contains details of issued ration (Stock No./Gunny Bag No.). This transaction is then forwarded to all the local district center to be added in a block and further be embedded in the blockchain network (104) using the consensus algorithm. In another exemplary embodiment, the blockchain network (104) also stores transaction related to survey collection. Each transaction only includes survey responses by a verified user, where transactions are digitally signed using a private key of the user and verified using a public key of the user. This transaction is then forwarded to the local district center to be added in a block and further be embedded in the blockchain network (104) using a consensus algorithm.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of nodes (106) can be a plurality of states. Each node (106) is having a processing engine (108) which is configured to cooperate with the handheld device (102) by using the blockchain network (104). The processing engine (108) further includes a verification module (112), a generation module (114), a block generation module (116), and a transmission module (118).
[0044] The processing engine (108) is configured to store pre-determined information related to a plurality of users associated with the handheld devices (102) and operations performed by the users, and data related to a plurality of nodes (106). The operations can include, but are not limited to, distribution of products, transaction details of users, and survey response and collection. In another embodiment, the processing engine (108) can include enterprise database, remote database, local database, a media server, a storage database, and the like The database can be located within the vicinity of the processing engine (108) or can be located at different geographic locations as compared to that of the processing engine (108). Further, the database may themselves be located either within the vicinity of each other or may be located at different geographic locations. Furthermore, the database can be implemented inside the node (106), and can be implemented as a single database.
[0045] The verification module (112) is configured to verify a user by comparing the received inputs with the stored pre-determined information. In an embodiment, the verification module (112) is configured to verify the user and add the verified user information to the blockchain network (104). In another embodiment, the verification module (112) is configured to verify the user by querying the blockchain network (104) to obtain operations details performed by the user and compare the operations details with the received inputs.
[0046] The generation module (114) is configured to cooperate with the verification module (112) to receive the stored information and verified user details, respectively. The generation module (114) is further configured to generate one or more operations based on at least one pre-defined criteria. In an embodiment, the pre-defined criteria include product related details, product distribution and damage details, and a survey collection and response.
[0047] The block creation module (116) is configured to cooperate with the generation module (114) to receive the generated operations. The block creation module is further configured to create one or more blocks for the generated operations.
[0048] The transmission module (118) is configured to cooperate with the block creation module (116) to receive the created blocks. The transmission module (118) is further configured to transmit the generated operations to at least one other node using a consensus technique. The consensus technique can include, but is not limited to, a proof-of-identity technique.
[0049] In an embodiment, each node (106) further includes at least one sub-node (for example, district center), which is configured to create a block containing the operations details. The sub-node is further configured to directly connect to any other sub-node of a particular node to access any created block of the other sub-node for accessing operations details. In one embodiment, the sub-node is configured to create a query message to verify the user, fetch the stored operations performed by the user from the processing engine (108), transmit the created query message to other sub-node of the particular node, and receive a subsequent transaction in the created block.
[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, where a district center can create a query message for either identification of the user or to obtain previous ration distribution transactions done by the user for the given month (migrant/relocation of users). This query message is forwarded to any district center of a particular state to obtain any related subsequent transactions in their local blockchain. The query message is replied with the positive transactions, if any, for the query message.
[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the system (100) pertains to proper verification of users and ration distribution to only verified users by using blockchain network (104). In another exemplary embodiment, the system (100) facilitates survey response collection from the users, which ensures proper secrecy of the user. Further, the system (100) also facilitates the users to take ration from any state (i.e., any node) or location by implementing inter blockchain communication. The system (100) provides an effective inter-state coordination for implementing different state level polices in the blockchain network (104).
[0052] In another exemplary embodiment, the system (100) is configured to add new users in the blockchain network (104) only after proper verification on various parameters, including, but are not limited to, an identification number, government identification number, and bio-metric details. Further, the system (100) ensures ration distribution is limited to only those users who are verified by the blockchain network (104).
[0053] In another exemplary embodiment, the system (100) is configured to ensure that verification of users can be done at any local ration shop. This facilitates migrant/relocated users to receive ration from any local ration shop.
[0054] In another exemplary embodiment, the system (100) is configured to create a unique transaction for each user receiving ration. The system (100) also facilitates retrieval of previous transactions done by the user to allow ration distribution in installments. The system (100) provides a secure and efficient method for collecting survey responses from the users.
[0055] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting an architecture (200) of a distributed blockchain system (100) of Figure 1, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0056] Figure 2 illustrates a network implementation of the system (100) which uses a blockchain network (104) (as shown in Figure 1) as a backbone. In an exemplary embodiment, a user associated with the respective handheld device (102) visits a local ration shop (204a, 204b, 204c, 204N, 204 (N-1)) for obtaining ration goods by using the system (100). The handheld device (102) is configured to add new users into a node (106) (as shown in Figure 1) by proper verification of the users. This is done by creating a transaction containing user. In an embodiment, the handheld device (102) can also be used to verify users before they can be issued ration. This is done by querying the blockchain network (104) to obtain the transaction details of the user which can be matched with the details provided by the user. The handheld device (102) also creates transactions for ration distribution details and survey response details for the users. The handheld device (102) sends all the transactions to a local ration shop. The handheld device (102) can connect to local rations shops via a cellular network connection such as, but is not limited to, LTE, CDMA, and GSM network. The local ration shops are connected to the district centers (202) via a network. All district centers (202a, 202b, 202c, 202 N, 202 (N-1)) participate to maintain a distributed blockchain. The network between district centers (202a, 202b, 202c, 202 N, 202 (N-1)) can be a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof. The network can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as Intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet, Wi-Fi, LTE, network, CDMA network, and the like. The local ration shop forwards the transactions obtained from the handheld devices (102) to the respective district center (202a, 202b, 202c, 202 N, 202 (N-1)). The district centers (202a, 202b, 202c, 202 N, 202 (N-1)) verify the transactions and group multiple transactions to create a block, which is further embedded in a blockchain using a consensus algorithm.
[0057] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram depicting functional modules (300) of a handheld device (102), according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0058] In an embodiment, the system (100) includes one or more micro-processors (302) operable to execute one or more subroutines which are configured in a non-transitory Internal Storage (306) and having a display interface (304) to interact with a user. In another embodiment, the system (100) further includes of a Global Positioning System (GPS) (308), a Modem (310), an Antenna (312), a Battery (314) and a SIM Interface (322). In another embodiment, the system (100) comprises a Keyboard Interface (320), a Smart Card Interface (316) and a Biometric Interface (318).
[0059] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram (400) depicting a structure of a blockchain network (104), according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0060] In an embodiment, the blockchain network (104) maintains the transactions related to identification of the users and the associated handheld devices (102). Further, the blockchain network (104) maintains transactions related to ration distribution to the users and survey response collection from the users. In an exemplary embodiment, each state (i.e., node) maintains its own local blockchain network. Thus, total independent instances of the blockchain are equal to the total number of states, where local district centers (i.e., sub nodes) of each state maintain their blockchain network, respectively. In Figure 4, different states (404-1, 404-2,..404-N) maintain their own instance of local blockchain network by the participation of their local district centers i.e. a local blockchain network in state R1 (404-1) is maintained by district centers (402-1, 402-2, 402-3), in a state R2 (402-2) is maintained by local district centers (402-4, 402-5, 402-6, 402-7) and in a state RN (402-N) is maintained by local district centers (402-(N-3), 402-(N-2), 402-(N-1), 402-N). This limits the right to alter, create and append blocks in the blockchain network (104) to local district centers within state boundaries. However, the right to access blocks in the blockchain network (104) is shared across the states. Therefore, a district center can connect to a remote district center in any state (406-1, 406-2, 406-3) to obtain any data block or transaction details.
[0061] Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram (500) depicting adding new handheld devices to the blockchain network after proper verification of details, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the flow diagram (500) starts at a step (502), where the system (100) collects location information of a local ration shop. At a step (504), the system (100) collects handheld device details and officer details. At a step (506), the system (100) checks if the collected details at steps (502) and (504) are already existed in any state’s blockchain network. In an embodiment, the handheld device (102) sends a query to the blockchain network (104) to identify if the handheld device (102) with same details is registered previously or not. If it is registered, the system (100) responds to the query that the handheld device (102) is already registered, please contact administrator, as shown at a step (508). At a step (510), if the handheld device (102) is not registered, the system responds to ask the officer to provide biometric details. In an embodiment, the handheld device (102) asks for biometric details of the officer to be verified from the node (106). At a step (512), the system (100) verifies the biometric details. If the verification is unsuccessful, the system (100) generates a message that biometric details do not match, please contact administrator, as shown at a step (514). If the verification is successful, the system (100) creates a public-private key pair and device ID for the handheld device (102), as shown at a step (516). At a step (518), the system (100) creates a transaction containing public-private key pair, device ID, and local ration shop details. In an embodiment, the handheld device (102) creates a transaction containing device ID, public-private key pair, and local ration shop details. At a step (520), the handheld device (102) forwards the transaction to the local ration shop. At a step (522), the local ration shop forwards the obtained transaction to the district center transaction is verified and inserted in a block which is added to the blockchain network (104) by the district center using a consensus algorithm. In an embodiment, the handheld device (102) forwards the transaction to the local ration shop. The local ration shop broadcasts the transaction obtained from the handheld device (102) to the local ration shop and finally to the local district center to be verified using the device ID and details of the local ration shop and added in a block and further be embedded in the blockchain network (104) using the consensus algorithm (proof-of-identity).
[0063] Figure 6 illustrates a flow diagram (600) depicting verifying the consumers and adding new consumers to the blockchain network, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the flow diagram (600) starts at a step (602), where the system (100) collects information of a new consumer at any local ration shop. At a step (604), the system (100) collects identification details (for example Aadhar Card Details, Ration Card Details, etc.). At a step (606), the system (100) checks if the collected details at steps (602) and (604) are already existed in local blockchain network. At a step (608), if the details are already existed, the system (100) responds that the user/ consumer with same details already exists in the lock blockchain network, please contact administrator. If the details are not existed, the system (100) again checks if details are already existed in other state’s blockchain network, as shown at a step (610). If the details are existed, the system (100) responds that the user with same details already existed in some other state’s blockchain network, please contact administrator, as shown at a block (612). If the details are not existed, the system (100) asks the consumer to provide biometric details, as shown at a step (614). At a step (616), the system (100) again verifies the biometric details with the Aadhar database. If the verification is unsuccessful, the system (100) responds that the biometric details do not match, please contact administrator, as shown at a step (618). If the verification is successful, the system (100) creates a public-private key pair and consumer ID for the customer, as shown at a step (620). At a step (622), the system (100) creates a transaction containing public-private key pair, consumer ID, device ID, Aadhaar number, and Ration Card details. At a step (624), the handheld device (102) digitally signs the transaction with a private key of the device and forwarded it to the local ration shop. At a step (626), the local ration shop forwards the obtained transaction to the district center transaction is verified and inserted in a block which is added to the blockchain network (104) by the district center using a consensus algorithm (proof-of-identity).
[0065] For example, the system (100) gathers information about the new consumer. Specifically, Aadhar card details and Ration card details are read by the handheld device (10). The handheld device (102) sends a query to the local blockchain network to identify any existing consumer with same details. If any such transaction with same details is found, return an error on the handheld device. Else, the handheld device sends the query to all the other state’s blockchain network to identify any existing consumer with same details. If any such transaction with same details is found, return an error on the handheld device (102). The previous two steps ensures that any consumer cannot have name registered for ration distribution at two places. This process is followed by collection of biometric details of the consumer through the handheld device (102), which are eventually verified from the Aadhar database. If the verification process is successful, the handheld device (102) generates a consumer ID and private-public key pair for the consumer. The handheld device (102) then creates a transaction containing consumer ID and private-public key pair, device ID, Aadhar Number and Ration card details. Further, the transaction is digitally signed by the private key of the handheld device (102) and is forwarded to the local ration shop. Local ration shops forward the transaction to the district centers. The district centers collect all the transactions from other local ration shops, verify all the transactions by using the device ID and public key of the device, and creates a block to be embedded in the blockchain using the consensus algorithm (proof-of-identity).
[0066] Figure 7 illustrates a flow diagram (700) depicting ration distribution to verified consumers and addition of transactions in the blockchain network, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the flow diagram (700) starts at a step (702), where a consumer visits any local ration shop. At a step (702), the system (100) collects a consumer ID and ration card details. In an embodiment, the handheld device (102) is used to obtain details of the consumer, followed by a query to get details of the consumer from the local blockchain or other states blockchain network. At a step (706), the system (100) identifies the consumer ID in a local blockchain network. If the consumer ID is not found in the local blockchain network, the system (100) again identifies the consumer ID in other state’s blockchain network, as shown at a block (708). If the consumer ID is not found in the other state’s blockchain network, the system (100) responds that the consumer ID is not present, please contact administrator, as shown at a block (710). If the consumer ID is found at steps (706) or (708), the system verifies the details, as shown at a block (712). If the details are not verified, the system (100) responds that the details are not verified, please try again. The system (100) then goes back to the step (704) and repeats that process. If the details are verified, the system (100) fetches a private key of the consumer from the blockchain network, as shown at a step (714) for further use. At a step (716), the system (100) finds all the prior transactions done by the consumer in the present month in all state’s blockchain. At a step (718), the system (100) calculates the total ration issued to the consumer for the present month. At a step (720), the system (100) executes the smart contract to identify available quota for the consumer and display the results to the customer. At a step (722), the system (100) issues the desired ration, which is less that or equal to available quota, to the consumer. At a step (724), the system (100) creates a transaction with details of issued ration, consumer ID, device ID, and timestamp, and then generates a digital signature of the transaction user a customer’s private key. The system (100) then attaches the digital signature with the transaction and forwards that transaction to the local ration shop, as shown at the step (724). At a step (726), the local ration shop forwards the obtained transaction to the district center transaction is verified and inserted in a block which is added to the blockchain network (104) by the district center using a consensus algorithm (proof-of-identity).
[0068] Figure 8 illustrates a flow diagram (800) depicting secure survey response collection from the verified consumers and add the transactions in the blockchain network, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the flow diagram (800) starts at a step (802), where a consumer visits any local ration shop. At a step (804), the system (100) collects a consumer ID, biometric details, and ration card details. At a step (806), the system (100) identifies the consumer ID in a local blockchain network. In an embodiment, the handheld device (102) is used to obtain details of the consumer, followed by a query to get details of the consumer from the local blockchain network or other state’s Blockchain. If the consumer ID is not found in the local blockchain network, the system (100) again identifies the consumer ID in other state’s blockchain network, as shown at a block (808). If the consumer ID is not found in the other state’s blockchain network, the system (100) responds that the consumer ID is not present, please contact administrator, as shown at a block (810). If the consumer ID is found at steps (806) or (808), the system (100) verifies the details, as shown at a block (812). If the details are not verified, the system (100) responds that the details are not verified, please try again. The system (100) then goes back to the step (804) and repeats that process. If the details are verified, the system (100) fetches a private key of the consumer from the blockchain network, as shown at a step (814) for further use. At a step (816), the system (100) identifies any previous transaction for the same consumer ID and a survey number. If the system (100) founds the same consumer ID and the survey number, the consumer has already filed a survey by using the system (100), as shown at block (818). If the system (100) is not found the same consumer ID and the survey number, then it provides a survey form to the consumer, as shown at a block (820). In an embodiment, if the given consumer has not filled the given survey, provide the consumer the survey form in the handheld device (102). The handheld device (102) saves all the survey responses and creates a transaction with details of the consumer ID, device ID, survey responses and timestamp. At a step (822), the system (100) creates a transaction with details of survey responses and timestamp, and then generates a digital signature of the transaction user a consumer’s private key. The system (100) then attaches the digital signature with the transaction and the handheld device (102) forwards that transaction to the local ration shop, as shown at the step (822). At a step (824), the local ration shop forwards the obtained transaction to the district center transaction is verified and inserted in a block which is added to the blockchain network (104) by the district center using a consensus algorithm (proof-of-identity).
[0070] Figure 9A illustrates a flow diagram (900A) depicting inter blockchain network communication between district centers of different states for registration of a new consumer, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0071] In Figure 9A, the system (100) ensures that any consumer with same details is not already registered elsewhere. When a consumer associated with a handheld device (102) visits a local ration shop for registration, his/her details are collected via the handheld device (102) and same details are forwarded to a district center (202) via the local ration shop for verification. The district center (202-1) creates a query message (904) with details of the consumer which is sent to any district center (202-2) of each state via inter blockchain network communication to fetch any existing transaction with same details. After receiving a query message, a particular district center (202-2) identifies any existing transaction in its blockchain network matching with details obtained from the query message. This is followed by either a (positive/negative) reply (906) with transaction details to the query message based on matching results. The district center (202-1) collects all the reply to messages and verify the transactions obtained with the reply to messages. The district center (202-1) creates a reply message (error/success) (908) for the handheld device (102) depending on the verified transactions obtained for the query message (902). This reply message (908) is forwarded to the handheld device (102) to continue the registration process of the new consumer.
[0072] Figure 9B illustrates a flow diagram (900B) depicting inter blockchain network communication between district centers of different states for verification of a migrant/relocated consumer, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0073] In Figure 9B, the system (100) ensures that the details of a registered consumer can be verified at any place. When a consumer associated with a handheld device (102) visits a local ration shop for verification, his/her details are collected via the handheld device (102) and the same details are forwarded to the district center (202-1) via a local ration shop for verification. The district center (202-1) creates a query message (912) with details of a consumer which is sent to any district center (202-2) of each state via inter blockchain network communication to fetch any existing transaction with the same details. After receiving a query message, a particular district center (202-2) identifies any existing transaction in its blockchain network matching with details obtained from the query message. This is followed by either a (positive/negative) reply (916) with transaction details to the query message based on the matching results. The district center (202-1) collects all the reply to messages and verify any transaction obtained with reply to messages. The district center (202-1) creates a reply message (error/success) (914) for the handheld device (102) depending on the verified transaction obtained for the query message (910). This reply message (914) is forwarded to the handheld device (102) to continue the verification process of a migrant/relocated consumer.
[0074] Figure 9C illustrates a flow diagram (900C) depicting inter blockchain network communication between district centers of different states for ration distribution to a migrant/relocated consumer, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0075] In Figure 9C, the system (100) ensures that a verified migrant/relocated consumers can get ration from any local ration shop. When a consumer associated with a handheld device (102) visits a local ration shop to obtain ration, his/her details are collected via the handheld device (102) and the same details are forwarded to a district center (202-1) via a local ration shop for verification. The district center (202-1) creates a query message (920) with details of a consumer which is sent to any district center (202-2) of each state via inter blockchain network communication to fetch any existing transaction with the same details. After receiving a query message, a particular district center (202-2) identifies all existing transactions for the given month in its blockchain network matching with details obtained from the query message. This is followed by either a (positive/negative) reply (924) with transaction details to the query message based on matching results. The district center (202-1) collects all the reply to messages and verify all transactions obtained with reply to messages. The district center (202-1) creates a reply message (remaining ration) (922) for the handheld device (102) depending on the verified transactions obtained for the query message (918). This reply message (922) is forwarded to the handheld device (102) to continue the ration distribution process to the migrant/relocated consumer.
[0076] Figure 10 illustrates a flow chart (1000) depicting a method for processing information in a distributed blockchain, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0077] The flow chart (1000) starts at a step (1002), receiving, by a handheld device (102), one or more inputs. In an embodiment, a handheld device (102) is configured to receive one or more inputs from a user. At a step (1004), storing, in a processing engine (108), pre-determined information related to a plurality of users and operations performed by the users associated with the handheld devices (102), and data related to a plurality of nodes (106). In an embodiment, a database is configured to store pre-determined information related to a plurality of users and operations performed by the users associated with the handheld devices (102), and data related to a plurality of nodes (106). At a step (1006), verifying, by a verification module (112), a user by comparing the received inputs with the stored pre-determined information. In an embodiment, a verification module (112) is configured to verify a user by comparing the received inputs with the stored pre-determined information. At a step (1008), generating, by a generation module (114), one or more operations based on at least one pre-defined criteria. In an embodiment, a generation module (114) is configured to generate one or more operations based on at least one pre-defined criteria. At a step (1010), creating, by a block creation module (116), one or more blocks for the generated operations. In an embodiment, a block creation module (116) is configured to create one or more blocks for the generated operations. At a step (1012), transmitting, by a transmission module (118), the generated operations to at least one other node using a consensus technique. In an embodiment, a transmission module (118) is configured to transmit the generated operations to at least one other node using a consensus technique.
[0078] In another embodiment, information processed in a blockchain network is communicated to one or more other blockchain networks in an intra block chain network.
[0079] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for explanatory purposes to help the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
,CLAIMS:
1. A method for processing information in a distributed blockchain, said method comprising:
receiving, by a handheld device (102), one or more inputs;
storing, in a processing engine (108), pre-determined information related to a plurality of users and operations performed by said users associated with said handheld devices (102), and data related to a plurality of nodes (106);
verifying, by a verification module (112), a user by comparing the received inputs with said stored pre-determined information;
generating, by a generation module (114), one or more operations based on at least one pre-defined criteria;
creating, by a block creation module (116), one or more blocks for said generated operations; and
transmitting, by a transmission module (118), said generated operations to at least one other node using a consensus technique.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising: verifying said user and adding said verified user information to a blockchain network for processing information.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein verifying said user comprising: querying said blockchain network (104) for obtaining operations details performed by said user and comparing said operations details with said received inputs.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pre-defined criteria includes product related details, product distribution and damage details, and a survey collection and response.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising: creating, by at least one sub-node of a node (106), a block containing said operations details.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein accessing, by said sub-node, operation details of a created block of said other sub-node.

7. The method as claimed in claim 5, comprising:
creating, by said sub-node, a query message for verifying said user;
fetching, by said sub-node, said stored operations performed by said user from said processing engine (108);
transmitting, by said sub-node, said created query message to other sub-node of said particular node; and
receiving, by said sub-node, a subsequent transaction in said created block.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising: creating, by a handheld device (102), a public-private key pair and a user identification number for said user.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein information processed in a blockchain network is communicated to one or more other blockchain networks in an intra block chain network.

10. A distributed blockchain system (100) for processing information, said system comprising:
a plurality of handheld devices (102), wherein each handheld device (102) associated with a user configured to receive one or more inputs from said user;
a plurality of nodes (106), wherein each node (106) having a processing engine (108) configured to cooperate with said handheld device (102), said processing engine (108)
configured to store pre-determined information related to a plurality of users and operations performed by said users associated with said handheld devices (102), and data related to a plurality of nodes (106), said processing engine (108) comprising:
a verification module (112) configured to verify a user by comparing the received inputs with said stored pre-determined information;
a generation module (114) configured to cooperate with said verification module (112), said generation module (114) configured to generate one or more operations based on at least one pre-defined criteria;
a block creation module (116) configured to cooperate with said generation module (114), said block creation module (116) configured to create one or more blocks for said generated operations; and
a transmission module (118) configured to cooperate with said block creation module (116), said transmission module (118) configured to transmit said generated operations to at least one other node using a consensus technique.

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, comprising a blockchain network (104) configured to communicatively coupled with said handheld device (102) and said nodes (106) to process the information by verifying said user.

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said verification module (112) is configured to verify said user and add said verified user information to said blockchain network (104).

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said verification module (112) is configured to verify said user by querying said blockchain network (104) to obtain operations details performed by said user and compare said operations details with said received inputs.

14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein each node (106) comprising at least one sub-node configured to create a block containing said operations details.

15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said sub-node is configured to directly connect to any other sub-node of a particular node to access any created block of said other sub-node for accessing operations details.

16. The system (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said sub-node is configured to:
create a query message to verify said user;
fetch said stored operations performed by said user from said processing engine (108);
transmit said created query message to other sub-node of said particular node; and
receive a subsequent transaction in said created block.

17. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein information processed in a blockchain network is communicated to one or more other blockchain networks in an intra block chain network