Certificate Synchronization via Automated Subsearch Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual searching for certificates in organizations is inconvenient and time-consuming, especially on small devices like mobile devices, and may not return desired results due to unclear access permissions within the organization.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for automating the search and retrieval of certificates by dividing the search into subsearches on certificate servers, using a certificate synchronization application to recursively query and download subsets of certificates, and filtering out duplicates, allowing for efficient retrieval of large numbers of certificates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual searching for certificates is performed on mobile devices, then users can retrieve certificates, but the process is time-consuming and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecertificate retrieval processVSAvoidtime required for certificate retrieval

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the certificate retrieval process into automated subsearches that divide the search space into manageable portions. Instead of manual entry and sequential searching, the system automatically partitions and executes multiple search queries, significantly reducing the time and effort required for certificate retrieval on mobile devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically performing certificate searches without requiring manual user intervention. The automated search mechanism independently queries certificate servers, processes results, and retrieves certificates, eliminating the time-consuming manual operations previously required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated bulk retrieval of certificates is implemented, then retrieval efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecertificate retrieval efficiencyVSAvoidsearch system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the bulk certificate retrieval into multiple automated subsearches. This approach maintains high productivity by efficiently processing large numbers of certificates while managing system complexity through structured, modular search operations that can be executed systematically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an automated search mechanism as an intermediary between the user and certificate servers. This intermediary handles the complexity of bulk retrieval operations, including query formulation, result processing, and certificate download, thereby improving productivity without exposing the user to system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If manual certificate searching is performed, then individual certificates can be found, but the process is cumbersome especially on small devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecertificate search accuracyVSAvoidsearch operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The automated search system performs self-service by independently executing precise certificate searches without manual user input. This maintains measurement precision in identifying the correct certificates while dramatically improving ease of operation on mobile devices, as the system autonomously handles all search operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual searching process with an automated electronic search mechanism. This substitution maintains the precision of certificate identification while eliminating the operational burden of manual entry and searching, particularly on small mobile devices where manual operations are cumbersome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Quantity of substance

If bulk certificate retrieval is performed, then large numbers of certificates can be obtained, but data management becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of certificates retrievedVSAvoiddata management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent manages bulk certificate data by segmenting the retrieval and storage process. Certificates are obtained in large quantities through automated subsearches but are organized and stored in a structured manner, reducing data management complexity through systematic categorization and storage protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8301878B2System and method for enabling bulk retrieval of certificates

Publication Date: 2012.10.30 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A system and method for searching and retrieving certificates, which may be used in the processing of encoded messages. In one embodiment, a certificate synchronization application is programmed to perform certificate searches by querying one or more certificate servers for all of the certificates on those certificate servers. If all of the certificates on a certificate server cannot be successfully retrieved using a single search query, due to a search quota on the certificate server being exceeded for example, the search is re-performed through multiple queries, each corresponding to a narrower subsearch. Embodiments described herein enable large amounts of certificates to be automatically searched for and retrieved from certificate servers, thereby minimizing the need for users to manually search for individual certificates.