Reputation-based trust determination method

A communication system onboard a first mobile entity, the communication system comprising:

• a transceiver, configured to send and receive data messages wirelessly;
• and
• a controller, configured to determine a level of trust for a second mobile entity in communication with the first mobile entity by:
• determining direct trust data based on a number of positive interactions and negative interactions between the second mobile entity and the first mobile entity;
• calculating an initial reputation indicator based on the direct trust data, wherein the initial reputation indicator includes a belief value, a disbelief value, an uncertainty value, and base trust rate;
• calculating a confidence level based on the belief value, the base trust value, and the uncertainty value;
• and
• determining an updated reputation indicator based on the initial reputation indicator and the confidence level;
• wherein the base trust rate is indicative of the trust level for data transmitted from an unknown mobile entity that has not been in contact with the first mobile entity in the past;
• wherein a positive interaction is an interaction where the data received from the second mobile entity match defined quality criteria;
• wherein a negative interaction is an interaction where the data received from the second mobile entity do not match the quality criteria;
• and
• wherein the updated reputation indicator indicates a level of trust of the first mobile entity in the second mobile entity.