Conditional Action Execution Based on Object Attributes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methodologies for minimizing time-consuming analyses, such as caching scanned objects and events, are ineffective for write scans and objects that frequently change, leading to reduced overall analysis performance and associated costs.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that conditionally perform actions based on attributes associated with objects, determining trust states to reduce unnecessary processing by selectively performing scans and inspections, thereby optimizing performance and handling write scans effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional caching methodologies are used to minimize time-consuming analyses, then processing time for repeated objects is reduced, but the system becomes ineffective for write scans and frequently changing objects, leading to reduced overall analysis performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidoverall analysis performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic trust states that can transition between trusted, untrusted, and distrusted states based on object behavior and attributes. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing object characteristics, particularly for write scans and frequently changing objects, rather than using static caching methodologies that fail to handle such cases effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of object trust evaluation from static caching to dynamic attribute-based assessment. By evaluating multiple attributes (author, application, behavior patterns) and transitioning trust states based on these parameters, the system optimizes analysis performance for both cached and frequently changing objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If traditional caching methodologies are applied to minimize scans, then processing speed improves for static objects, but the system incurs additional costs and reduced performance for objects that frequently change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the trust evaluation system into distinct components: attribute determination modules, trust state transition logic, and conditional action selection. This segmentation allows the system to handle different object types (static vs. frequently changing) through appropriate trust state transitions without requiring complex monolithic caching logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trust state acts as an intermediary between object attributes and scan actions. Rather than directly deciding whether to scan based on caching rules, the system uses trust states as a mediator that translates attribute evaluations into appropriate scanning decisions, simplifying the overall system logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If comprehensive scans are performed on all objects to ensure security, then detection accuracy improves, but processing time and computational resources increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidscan time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial scanning actions based on trust states. For objects in a trusted state with positive attributes, the system performs reduced or no scanning (partial action). For objects in untrusted or distrusted states, comprehensive scans are performed. This partial action approach maintains detection accuracy for suspicious objects while reducing overall scan time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where scan results and object behavior update trust states, which in turn influence future scanning decisions. This feedback mechanism ensures that detection accuracy is maintained through learning from past scan outcomes, while reducing redundant scans on consistently trusted objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9906537B2System, method, and computer program product for conditionally performing an action based on an attribute
Publication Date: 2018.02.27 MCAFEE LLC
  • US9906537B2 patent drawing
  • US9906537B2 patent drawing
  • US9906537B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for conditionally performing an action based on an attribute. In use, at least one attribute associated with an object is determined. Additionally, an event associated with the object is identified. Further, at least one action is conditionally performed in association with the event, based on the at least one attribute.