Anonymization Testing Tool Visualizing Data Transformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anonymization solution testing is complex, resource-intensive, and often requires specialized training, lacking efficiency and scalability, with non-masking approaches being difficult to evaluate for their effectiveness in protecting sensitive data.

Innovation Solution

A testing tool that generates visualizations to assess anonymization solutions by comparing datasets before and after anonymization, using topological transformations and regression analysis to determine similarity, allowing for intuitive interaction with data and streamlining the review process by escalating only non-compliant solutions for further specialized review.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing anonymization solution testing approaches are used, then testing can be performed, but the process becomes complicated and requires highly specialized training or personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidtesting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automated testing system that acts as an intermediary between the anonymization solution and the evaluator. This system includes a testing interface that automatically executes tests, compares results, and generates reports, eliminating the need for specialized personnel while maintaining testing reliability through systematic automated evaluation protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual testing processes with automated computational systems. The testing interface uses algorithms to automatically execute tests, analyze results, and determine compliance, substituting human expertise with systematic automated analysis that reduces complexity while maintaining or improving testing accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive anonymization solution testing is performed, then quality assessment is improved, but the process becomes time or computing resource intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality assessment accuracyVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the testing process into multiple independent test cases that can be executed separately and in parallel. The testing interface allows selection of specific test suites and can run multiple tests simultaneously, reducing overall testing time while maintaining comprehensive quality assessment through systematic coverage of different test scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a tiered testing approach where critical tests are executed first to quickly identify major issues, and additional comprehensive tests can be run if needed. This allows for rapid initial assessment followed by deeper analysis only when necessary, reducing average testing time while maintaining the option for thorough evaluation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If anonymization solutions are tested thoroughly, then detection of flawed methods is improved, but the testing regime may be navigated without substantive performance improvements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflaw detection capabilityVSAvoidsolution evasion potential
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a testing system that can dynamically adapt its evaluation criteria and methods. The testing interface allows configuration of different test parameters and can adjust testing depth based on initial results, making it harder for solutions to statically optimize for test navigation while maintaining the ability to detect genuine flaws through adaptive evaluation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where test results are analyzed and used to refine subsequent testing approaches. The system generates detailed reports that identify specific weaknesses, allowing for iterative improvement of both the testing regime and the detection of evasion techniques, creating a continuous improvement loop that prevents static optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If detailed data interaction is required for testing, then assessment accuracy is improved, but the interaction becomes counterintuitive and difficult to implement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata assessment accuracyVSAvoiddata interaction ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a testing interface that automatically performs data interaction operations without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages data loading, transformation, and analysis processes, executing complex operations behind the scenes while presenting simple results to users, thereby maintaining assessment accuracy while dramatically improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12038833B2Test and validation of privacy protection quality of anonymization solutions
Publication Date: 2024.07.16 THE TORONTO DOMINION BANK
  • US12038833B2 patent drawing
  • US12038833B2 patent drawing
  • US12038833B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A testing system, tool and method for determining anonymization process quality are disclosed. The testing tool includes a processor, a communications module coupled to the processor, and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores computer executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to obtain a first dataset comprising data to be anonymized. The processor obtains a second dataset comprising data resulting from the first dataset being subjected to an anonymization process by a testing platform to anonymize a portion of the first dataset and generates a visual representation of the first dataset. The processor generates a second visual representation of the second dataset, the second visual representation reflecting at least in part a transformation from the first dataset to the second dataset. The processor generates an output including the first and second visual representations, the output being illustrative of the transformation.