Wilson S. Melo

Bio: Wilson S. Melo is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Smart meter & Software. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 14 publications receiving 60 citations.

Using Blockchains to Implement Distributed Measuring Systems

Abstract: In recent years, measuring instruments have become quite complex due to the integration of embedded systems and software components and the increasing aggregation of new features. Consequently, metrological regulation and control require more efforts from notified bodies, becoming slower and more expensive. In this paper, we evaluate the use of blockchains as a resource to overcome such challenges. We start with a conceptual model for implementing measuring instruments in a distributed blockchain-based architecture and compare it with traditional measuring instruments and distributed measuring models discussed in previous works. We also made a security analysis, demonstrating that blockchain-based measuring systems can impact the way measuring instruments are used in consumer relations while improving security and simplifying metrological regulation and control. We implement a vehicle speed measuring system using the Hyperledger Fabric blockchain platform. We evaluate the security and performance of our blockchain-based measuring system by executing tests with data from real speed meter sensors. The results are promising and validate the feasibility of our idea. Finally, we point out the main challenges related to our approach, suggesting alternatives and potential issues to be addressed by future works.

How blockchains can improve measuring instruments regulation and control

Abstract: In the last years, measuring instruments have become quite complex due to the integration of embedded hardware and software components and the increasing aggregation of new features. Consequently, metrological regulation and control require more efforts from notified bodies, becoming slower and more expensive. In this work, we evaluate how blockchains can help to overcome such challenges. We propose a conceptual model for implementing measuring instruments in a distributed blockchain-based architecture, and compare it with traditional measuring instruments and distributed measuring models discussed in previous works. We also develop a security analysis, demonstrating that blockchains-based measuring systems can impact how measuring instruments are used in consumer relations, at the same time that improve security and simplify metrological regulation and control. At the end, we point out the main challenges, suggesting alternatives and potential research lines for future works.

Public-Key Infrastructure for Smart Meters using Blockchains

Abstract: Public-Key Infrastructures are elementary building blocks to implement digital signatures (i.e., digital notarization) and, hence, ensure information integrity, authenticity, and nonrepudiation. This feature is a promising alternative to improve the reliability of smart meters. However, conventional PKIs can be too expensive in scenarios that consist of a significant number of meters. In this work, we propose a blockchain-based PKI, describing how to tailor this solution to deal with specific aspects related to smart meter protection. We also implement our proposal as a smart contract with the Hyperledger Fabric platform. The results show our solution's feasibility and provide a reliable model to manage digital certificates for a wide diversity of smart devices.

IT Security for Measuring Instruments: Confidential Checking of Software Functionality

Abstract: Legally supervised measuring instruments, like supermarket scales or utility meters for the supply of electricity, to name just a few, need to be checked in most countries. In this regard, smart meters are a fitting example for distributed systems that need to fulfill many IT security requirements. It is of utterly importance to make sure that the functionality of these measuring devices is preserved, with the goal to enhance trust in the market, protect the consumer of fraud, and preserve privacy. Normally, legally controlled measuring devices are checked before commissioning by so-called Notified Bodies, and afterwards cyclically by market surveillance officers. The hardware is scrutinized by manually testing the sensors. This paper looks more closely at the software testing aspect and highlights how current methods can be enhanced to check correct software functionality. We describe alternatives that will pave the way to a more secure and trustworthy market, which additionally, grants more flexibility to patch software bugs without the need for recertification, as long as the core functionality of the device remains the same. In our framework the functionality checking can be done automatically, while preserving confidentiality on all ends. Based on this framework, it is no problem to allow remote displays, e.g., smartphones, or, a completely distributed measuring instrument, e.g., with many sensors in different locations connected over the Internet. Our approach is of general nature, but perhaps most interesting for smart meter infrastructures.

When Measurements Meet Blockchain: On Behalf of an Inter-NMI Network.

Abstract: The growing demand for solutions related to measurement (e.g., digital sensors, smart meters, distributed measuring systems) imposes several concerns about information and process reliability. In this context, blockchain can play a crucial role as a platform to implement applications and activities in the context of legal metrology. In most countries, the National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) are responsible for promoting these initiatives. Thus, in this paper, we present a functional architecture to integrate NMIs in a collaborative blockchain network. We discuss the main aspects and features that an inter-NMI blockchain network must deliver. Furthermore, we implement our proposal using the Hyperledger Fabric platform. We connect peers from Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) (German NMI) and the National Institute of Metrology, Quality, and Technology (Inmetro) (Brazilian NMI) in a useful application that consists of a blockchain-based public-key infrastructure to identify and authenticate smart meters. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the proposed architecture meets the main requirements imposed by applications involving measurements. Furthermore, it opens the opportunity to integrate NMIs from other countries into the project, constituting an important global initiative in the metrology field.

Towards Post-Quantum Blockchain: A Review on Blockchain Cryptography Resistant to Quantum Computing Attacks

Abstract: Blockchain and other Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) have evolved significantly in the last years and their use has been suggested for numerous applications due to their ability to provide transparency, redundancy and accountability. In the case of blockchain, such characteristics are provided through public-key cryptography and hash functions. However, the fast progress of quantum computing has opened the possibility of performing attacks based on Grover’s and Shor’s algorithms in the near future. Such algorithms threaten both public-key cryptography and hash functions, forcing to redesign blockchains to make use of cryptosystems that withstand quantum attacks, thus creating which are known as post-quantum, quantum-proof, quantum-safe or quantum-resistant cryptosystems. For such a purpose, this article first studies current state of the art on post-quantum cryptosystems and how they can be applied to blockchains and DLTs. Moreover, the most relevant post-quantum blockchain systems are studied, as well as their main challenges. Furthermore, extensive comparisons are provided on the characteristics and performance of the most promising post-quantum public-key encryption and digital signature schemes for blockchains. Thus, this article seeks to provide a broad view and useful guidelines on post-quantum blockchain security to future blockchain researchers and developers.

Smart contract architecture for decentralized energy trading and management based on blockchains

Abstract: A blockchain-based smart contract has the potential to allow the performance of credible transactions without third parties. This paper presents a universal framework for a blockchain platform that enables peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading in the retail electricity market. Focusing attention on seeking energy-matching pairs from the supply and demand sides, and encouraging direct energy trading between producers and consumers, the P2P energy trading mechanism is proposed. The designed multidimensional blockchain platform implements a complete energy trading process. As smart contracts strictly execute the trading and payment rules without human interaction, the security and fairness of energy trading are significantly enhanced. Case studies in the Ethereum private chain demonstrate that the proposed mechanism has obvious advantages in reflecting market quotations, balancing profits of players, and facilitating the utilization of renewables. Based on such characteristics, players are incentivized to participate in the P2P energy trading. Moreover, the authentic gas consumption and computational time to the smart contract indicate that this platform is able to achieve an efficient and effective transaction with multi-player participation.

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies technologies and network structures: applications, implications and beyond

Abstract: Blockchain technology is bringing together concepts and operations from several fields, including computing, communications networks, cryptography, and has broad implications and consequences thus encompassing a wide variety of domains and issues, including Network Science, computer science, economics, law, geography, etc. The aim of the paper is to provide a synthetic sketch of issues raised by the development of Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies, these issues are mainly presented through the link between on one hand the technological aspects, i.e. involved technologies and networks structures, and on the other hand the issues raised from applications to implications. We believe the link is a two-sided one. The goal is that it may contribute facilitating bridges between research areas.

Microsoft Visual Studio 在电阻箱检定结果处理中的应用

Abstract: 在实际的计量检定工作中，我们常常会为电阻箱的减零修约计算花费大量的时间和精力．为此笔者利用Microsoft公司的Visual Studio编辑软件，用简单的计算关系式来表达运算关系．编写c#语言来定义修约方法，通过窗体界面中的控件和按钮来实现计算的输出结果。利用这个软件可以将电阻箱后期数据处理工作化繁为简，大大提高了工作效率，节省了宝贵的时间。

Using Blockchains to Implement Distributed Measuring Systems

Abstract: In recent years, measuring instruments have become quite complex due to the integration of embedded systems and software components and the increasing aggregation of new features. Consequently, metrological regulation and control require more efforts from notified bodies, becoming slower and more expensive. In this paper, we evaluate the use of blockchains as a resource to overcome such challenges. We start with a conceptual model for implementing measuring instruments in a distributed blockchain-based architecture and compare it with traditional measuring instruments and distributed measuring models discussed in previous works. We also made a security analysis, demonstrating that blockchain-based measuring systems can impact the way measuring instruments are used in consumer relations while improving security and simplifying metrological regulation and control. We implement a vehicle speed measuring system using the Hyperledger Fabric blockchain platform. We evaluate the security and performance of our blockchain-based measuring system by executing tests with data from real speed meter sensors. The results are promising and validate the feasibility of our idea. Finally, we point out the main challenges related to our approach, suggesting alternatives and potential issues to be addressed by future works.