Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to managing lifecycle of a vehicle and more specifically relates to managing lifecycle of a vehicle using blockchain technology.

BACKGROUND

[0001] The lack of transparency in car life and related services is something that many of us are already aware of. The government only caps automobile prices when the vehicle is brand new and has a mileage reading of zero kilometers. A lot of factors, including the car's condition and subsequent miles, affect how much a vehicle will cost when it is placed up for sale. The mileage display of a car may be reset at any technical specialists at stage time.

[0002] Human action can change the accident data at most stages in the case of an accident. This can cause misinformation for the government records and for other record keeping agencies. Also, the impact of the accident cannot be determined if there is any tamper of the accident related data. Further, documentation related to the vehicle can be tampered. For example, a vehicle can be stolen and the fake documents can be prepared for the vehicle.

[0003] There are techniques which disclose managing lifecycle of a vehicle. For example, reference can be made to US9079505B1 which discloses r configuration and management of a fleet of vehicles each with a vehicle system such as an energy storage system with interchangeable energy storage modules. Further, reference can be made to US9672667B2 which discloses processing fleet vehicle operation information. However, none of the techniques known in the art disclose techniques for managing lifecycle of a vehicle using blockchain technology.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The principal object of the present invention is to provide techniques for managing lifecycle of a vehicle using blockchain technology.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide techniques for accelerating, by the real-time information, transfer on distributed ledgers governed by smart contracts, saving time and labor.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide techniques for retaining data in an immutable manner ensures that data entered will never, ever be altered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one embodiment, an environment (100) for managing information relating to lifecycle of a vehicle are disclosed. The environment comprises a plurality of computing devices (102), a plurality of users (104) operating the plurality of computing devices, a blockchain network (106) and a communication network (108) configured to enable communication between the plurality of computing devices and the blockchain network. The plurality of computing devices is configured to upload information relating to the lifecycle of the vehicle into the blockchain network, the information relating to the lifecycle of the vehicle is represented in the form of smart contracts, and broadcasting the information relating to the lifecycle of the vehicle to all users in the blockchain network (106).

[0008] In another embodiment, a method for managing information relating to lifecycle of a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises enabling communication between a plurality of computing devices and a blockchain network, uploading the information relating to lifecycle of the vehicle into the blockchain network, wherein the information relating to lifecycle of a vehicle is represented in the form of smart contracts, and broadcasting the uploaded information relating to lifecycle of the vehicle to all users in the blockchain network (106), wherein the plurality of users operates the plurality of computing devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates an environment for managing lifecycle of a vehicle in distributed ledger, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method for managing lifecycle of a vehicle in distributed ledger, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[0012] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[0013] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0014] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, an environment 100 for managing lifecycle of a vehicle using a digital ledger technology is depicted. The environment 100 comprises a plurality of computing devices 102-1, 102-2…102-n (collectively referred as 102) corresponding to a plurality of users 104-1, 104-2…104-n (collectively referred as 104), a blockchain network 106 and a communication network 108. The communication network 108 may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the internet, or a combination of them. In one embodiment, the communication network 108 enables communication with, within a blockchain network 106.
[0016] The plurality of users 104 acts as a node in the blockchain network 106. Each of the plurality of users 104 participates in the blockchain network 106 using the plurality of computing devices 102. In one embodiment, the plurality of users may include users, customer, insurers. Each of the above mentioned users can act as nodes and are responsible for making changes in the blockchain network. Each of the user 104 operates a computing device from the plurality of the computing devices 104. In one embodiment, the plurality of computing devices 102 include, for example, but not limited to, a laptop, a computer, a mobile device, a tablet.
[0017] The blockchain network 106 includes one or more blockchain 110. The blockchain 110 is made up of a chain of blocks, each storing information related to the lifecycle management of a vehicle. The information is implemented in the form of a smart contract.

[0018] When a car is involved in an accident, the data from an internet of things (IoT) device incorporated into the vehicle is sent to the traffic police and insurance provider. If necessary, appropriate medical authorities are alerted. The obtained data is immutably stored in the blockchain 110. The IoT device may be modified to collect the necessary data, and that data will be fed into the blockchain 110 at regularly advised intervals. The impact of an accident can also be evaluated to making use of the recorded data. Additionally, the images must be added to the solution so that they are accessible simultaneously to all necessary participants in the block chain. The acceptable amounts can be altered.

[0019] After the motorist opens the insurance claim, the insurance inspector is notified to analyze the damage. The data is then sent into the blockchain 110, starting the process' next phase. The car is inspected in the authorized garage, and the insurance company receives the quote for approval. The repair work begins and is finished when the estimate has been accepted. Upon the driver's permission, the smart contract notifies the bank to begin payments to the mechanic for the car. The initial evaluation of the damage is made. The data that is transmitted between each node via the IoT device, together with the appropriate data, is likewise saved in the blockchain.

[0020] The relevant government agency or traffic police must approve any change in ownership of a vehicle before the ownership transfer's specifics are recorded on the blockchain 110. If necessary, the present owner of the car can grant the potential buyer access to the car's information. However, the prospective buyer may be confident that the recorded data is not changed thanks to the solution's integration into the block chain platform, and judgments can be made appropriately.

[0021] The present invention is an enhancement of the current car lifetime network. Blockchain technology is used in the proposed framework to impose secrecy and faith. It enables safe data sharing between many stakeholders. For timely and accurate tracking, a blockchain-based system using Harmonic Optimized Gradient Descent and ukasiewicz Fuzzy (HOGD-LF). The suggested approach uses data encryption, registration and authentication, and smart contract-based verification methods to decrease detection times, memory requirements, and increase tracking precision. In order to assure computationally effective key generation for user registration and authentication, the PHSO method employs progressive functions for both HMCR and PAR. The GDB-DE method uses the blockchain network 106 and machine learning to increase performance by cutting down on time, memory overhead, enhancing accuracy, and optimizing CPU use. The LFSC algorithm guarantees security and gives a way to trace transactions. any nefarious behavior. The results of the experimental assessment showed that the suggested technique is effective and performs better in terms of vehicle life cycle tracking accuracy, overhead, and time. In contrast to the two strategies described in the literature, the tracking time is decreased by 6% and 35%, the memory overhead is decreased by 33% and 48%, and the tracking accuracy is increased by 5% and 10%. The use of blockchain technology is always changing. Incorporating dashboard data from moving vehicles and updating it regularly would improve tracking precision. For online and offline status tracking, the usage of side chains and numerous blockchain networks will increase system efficiency overall and lessen the need for frequent data uploads to the cloud. The task might potentially be improved by taking scalability concerns into account and broadening the pool of individuals that can use this network.

[0022] The present invention is scalable, allowing for various automobile fleets and multiple cryptocurrency network nodes. Both the IoT operation level and the blockchain platform level of the solution may be adjusted based on the requirements. The scalability may be altered according to the number of participants, in addition to the acceptable limits.

[0023] Life Cycle Tracking (LCT) is the process of tracking and analyzing numerous vehicle-related activities across time. As there are various supply chain phases involved and the data is evaluated by different stakeholders, ensuring the authenticity of the data collected is essential for the LCT. If the history of the cars is made known to the relevant parties, frauds and con games can be avoided.

[0024] Blockchain offers a means of guaranteeing the veracity of the information linked with the different activities taken and the supply chain participants. When machine learning techniques are paired with blockchains' decentralised nature, a solid Vehicle LCT model may be created. Vehicle Life Cycle Tracking in Harmonic Optimized Gradient Descent and Ukasiewicz Fuzzy (HOGDLF) Three phases are envisaged in the Cloud Environment. First, registration and authentication using the Progressive Harmonic Optimized User Registration and Authentication model are created to be computationally efficient. The Gradient Descent Blockchain-based SVM Data Encryption model is then created with little CPU use for the genuine user. Finally, to ensure exact and accurate deduction of fraudulent behaviour, the Ukasiewicz Fuzzy Smart Contract Verification is carried out with encrypted data. The results of the experimental research demonstrate that the suggested strategy performs very well in terms of life cycle prediction time, overhead, and accuracy for various user counts.

[0025] LCT is frequently used to calculate how much an item's environmental impact will be. The complexity of tracking and evaluating LCT makes gathering accurate data a crucial need. inputs and outputs at various stages of the supply chain. Blockchain technology demonstrates that it is a practical way to address the problems associated with supply chain management. Yet another system design that combines blockchain, IoT, and big data was developed in. it covered the whole ecosystem of blockchain in depth, analysing its uses and issues encountered.

[0026] According to some, maintaining security and privacy is essential for an electronic government system. Blockchain technology, which allows for global data distribution throughout the whole network and encrypted data storage, also enhances information security and privacy. In order to guarantee the security and privacy of data while boosting transparency, a framework for decentralized e-government Peer-to-Peer (P2P) system leveraging blockchain technology was presented in trust. Management of the movement of money, materials, and information amongst Supply Chain (SC) participants is a component of supply chain management (SCM). In order to improve the complete execution of SC, numerous economic organizations have collaborated to build supply chain cooperation, combination, and associated topic modes with streaming approaches. A number of automobiles is growing, and with it are the problems related to the vehicles, such as their legitimacy, histories, etc. The mileage fraud was discovered to be common in 30% of the history of automobile sales in Europe, among other vehicle-related fraud activities. Customers begin to have more uncertainties as a result, which reduces their faith in sales.

[0027] Another significant issue is the utilization of destroyed vehicles, which poses a serious hazard. to the drivers' and passengers' safety. Even legitimate brands become distrustful as a result of fake replacement parts. There are privacy problems related to the data creation and use from the IoT sensors embedded in the vehicles that are growing in popularity along with the interest in autonomous vehicles. Blockchain may help in a number of vehicle-related fields, including insurance, forensics, and communication. By enhancing the network for large-scale cars, blockchain can play a significant role in the development of smart cities. Smart contracts may be used to automate a procedure when an event happens, making work easier for the stakeholders involved. This is true even for many maintenance activities in the industries. The writers in give a summary of all the activities taking on in a production facility of the sector by integrating IoT and blockchain technologies into the automotive supply chain. This can facilitate improved teamwork and maintenance process simplification.

[0028] Data is stored via distributed ledgers, which improves traceability by making the product's history accessible. To keep data usable over time, a scalable life cycle inventory model was created in. In, an encryption and signature model-based two-way authentication and key agreement technique was introduced. Another effective modular strategy was developed, this time for the construction of CSSE, 2022, vol. 41, no. 1 3 blocks for virtual cars. It was provided in via a product life cycle supply chain model based on blockchain system cost chain scenario a revenue-sharing agreement. Although the length of the life cycle was shortened, the success rate of the tracking was not examined. It is very difficult to accurately recognize many vehicles in a complicated traffic area. Furthermore, when there is vehicle overlap, the process becomes much more tiresome. Vehicle identification using an Enhanced Convolution Neural Network and Support Vector Machine (ECNN-SVM) was suggested in for effective computation. For assuring seamless tracking in self-driven heavy-duty vehicles, a life cycle sustainability evaluation was suggested in.

[0029] By helping the insurance firms manage their policies, a method was put out to prevent insurance fraud committed by car owners. By leveraging smart contracts for claim validation and logging a vehicle's lifespan on the blockchain, the double-dipping issue is solved. to evade the odometer A blockchain architecture is suggested in order to combat auto fraud. As long as master nodes are accessible, the PBFT (Probabilistic Byzantine Fault Tolerance) method is used, which speeds up block formation and assures that no incorrect blocks are generated. The present invention suggests anonymous authentication with limited revocation so that user information privacy is maintained. The usage of a blockchain-based anonymous authentication system allows for the preservation of numerous user attributes as well as the possibility of selective data revocation. The user's information is verified by verifiers before being added to the blockchain.

[0030] In recent years, the effective control of traffic with the use of cameras installed on drones or aeroplanes has started to become a prominent topic of concern. Airborne Comparing surveillance to traditional monitoring methods reveals several benefits. Such techniques are proven to provide substantial coverage for low costs and are also discovered to be somewhat superior in emergency situations. To reduce life cycle cost, elements with many criteria were studied in. Another strong real-time method involving morphological operation and top-hat and bottom-hat transformation was proposed in. In order to improve identification and vehicle tracking to a larger extent, structural Kalman filter was used. Generally speaking, the majority of pertinent research have some limitations in terms of time, accuracy, mistake rate, or privacy.

[0031] This present invention suggests a safe and effective system based on blockchain by combining the benefits and limitations of the aforementioned existing techniques. Using blockchain, data security may be improved. Can be made bigger. Data tampering is likely given the number of stakeholders engaged at different points in a vehicle's lifespan. Vehicle lifecycle management may be improved by the usage of blockchain since it offers dependability and accountability. It offers a source of unchangeable data, and only authorised individuals are allowed to update the data. The suggested method creates Harmonic Optimized Gradient Descent and ukasiewicz Fuzzy (HOGD-LF) Vehicle Life Cycle Tracking in Cloud Environment that enhances the life cycle prediction time, accuracy, and overall overhead using the open, self-organized, distributed, and tamper-proof characteristics of blockchain technology.

[0032] In one embodiment, the present invention helps streamline the automobile supply chain and maintenance of the vehicles. It takes a lot of time to track the history of car maintenance and sales. The automobile must go through a thorough verification procedure in which it is compared to several third-party databases for information on insurance, stolen vehicles, vehicle problems, financing, parts, and other issues. However, this procedure may be streamlined using blockchain.

[0033] In one embodiment, the prospect of two systems providing contradictory information is eliminated since a blockchain-based system gives readily verifiable information in real-time. The time required to resolve mistakes or data conflicts would be removed or reduced, and there would be more openness. The availability of more accessible information regarding the history of a customer's vehicle will benefit auto dealers, parts producers, auto mechanics, and customers.

[0034] In one embodiment, with the use of blockchain technology, monitoring and confirming components can be done. The proliferation of counterfeit or subpar components in the automobile sector is one of the biggest issues that vehicle manufacturers deal with. The reputation of the auto dealer or automobile manufacturer is severely harmed when these counterfeit replacement parts fail after being fitted in autos. By enabling transparency on the provenance and quality of the parts being transported from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to the carmaker, blockchain technology has the potential to simplify the supply chain for automotive parts.

[0035] In one embodiment, an unchangeable date and a unique code for each component might be created and recorded using a blockchain-based system from the moment the spare part is made.

[0036] In one embodiment, transparency can be improved. Because the data on the blockchain is open and anybody can see it, it is possible to simply query the history and flow of each transaction. In another embodiment, Decentralization can be performed: The transactions in Bitcoin are not overseen by any additional third parties. Every node in the Bitcoin network carries out transaction administration, transmission, and verification. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides for Tamper proof solution. Each block will include the previous block's hash value. The blockchain cannot be tampered with since any attempt to change the data in a block would be quickly noticed and rejected by other nodes.

[0037] In one embodiment, new and second-hand vehicle purchases are the two different kinds of automobile purchase transactions. The present invention offers an interface that enables various car manufacturing dealers to add their products and prices when purchasing a new vehicle in the blockchain network (106). Customers can choose the vehicle and its features, and after a purchase, the system records the vehicle's information with the Tra Moor system. In the asset database of the blockchain world state, the status of the recently bought automobile will also be reflected and shifted from dealer ownership to the buyer. Each transaction will update a blockchain ledger with a distinct cryptographic hash value. The life cycle of the car starts as soon as it is registered by the dealers. A registration card, which lists down and maintains a thorough record of the vehicle, is given to the vehicle buyer at registration for a new vehicle. The suggested system also keeps track of insurance information during the registration procedure because the issuing is dependent on the choice of car insurance and a valid licence purchaser of the vehicle who keeps meticulous records and lists down everything related to the vehicle. The suggested system also keeps track of insurance information during the registration procedure because is only issued when the vehicle has been insured and a valid licence has been chosen.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 2 now, a flowchart of a method 200 for managing lifecycle of a vehicle using a distributed ledger is disclosed. At step 202, the method comprises determining details regarding the lifecycle of a vehicle, wherein the information relating to the lifecycle of the vehicle comprises information relating to the insurance, accident, maintenance, repairs, etc. At step 204, the method comprises representing plurality of users, as nodes. At step 206, the method comprises uploading information relating to the lifecycle of a vehicle on the blockchain network. At step 208, the method comprises broadcasting the same information relating to the lifecycle of the vehicle to all the nodes in the blockchain network.
[0039] The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the flow diagram may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0040] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

, C , Claims:I/We Claim:
1. An environment (100) for managing information relating to lifecycle of a vehicle, the environment comprising:
a plurality of computing devices (102);
a plurality of users (104) operating the plurality of computing devices;
a blockchain network (106);
a communication network (108) configured to enable communication between the plurality of computing devices and the blockchain network, wherein:
the plurality of computing devices is configured to upload information relating to the lifecycle of the vehicle into the blockchain network,
the information relating to the lifecycle of the vehicle is represented in the form of smart contracts, and
broadcasting the information relating to the lifecycle of the vehicle to all users in the blockchain network (106).

2. The environment as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of users represent a node in the environment (100).

3. The environment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the information relating to the lifecycle of the vehicle comprises:
information relating to the insurance, accident, maintenance, repairs, and
information relating to various car manufacturing dealers, products and prices of the vehicle when purchasing a new vehicle in the blockchain network (106).

4. The environment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the information stored in the smart contract.

5. The environment as claimed in claim 1, wherein any change in the information relating to the lifecycle of the vehicle is broadcasted to every node in the blockchain.
6. A method for managing information relating to lifecycle of a vehicle, the method comprising:
enabling communication between a plurality of computing devices and a blockchain network;
uploading the information relating to lifecycle of the vehicle into the blockchain network, wherein the information relating to lifecycle of a vehicle is represented in the form of smart contracts; and
broadcasting the uploaded information relating to lifecycle of the vehicle to all users in the blockchain network (106), wherein the plurality of users operates the plurality of computing devices.
.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of users represent a node in the environment (100).

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the information relating to the lifecycle of the vehicle comprises:
information relating to the insurance, accident, maintenance, repairs, and
information relating to various car manufacturing dealers, products and prices of the vehicle when purchasing a new vehicle in the blockchain network (106).

9. The environment as claimed in claim 6, wherein the information stored in the smart contract.

10. The environment as claimed in claim 6, wherein any change in the information relating to the lifecycle of the vehicle is broadcasted to every node in the blockchain.