Context-Based Data View System for Dynamic Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data transmission systems struggle to dynamically manage access and viewability of data based on user attributes and policies, leading to potential unauthorized access even after initial authorization has been revoked, such as when a former employee still accesses encrypted data.

Innovation Solution

A data view system that utilizes an attribute engine to maintain a dynamic attribute list and a function engine to apply policies, allowing for real-time updates and flexible access control by generating views of data based on user attributes and functions, ensuring that only authorized users can access and view sensitive information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional encryption methods are used to secure data, then data confidentiality is improved, but the system cannot dynamically revoke access or adapt to changing user attributes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata confidentialityVSAvoiddynamic access control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic access control by making the decryption process dependent on real-time evaluation of user attributes against policy rules. The system continuously evaluates whether the current user context satisfies the access policy, allowing access rights to change dynamically without reissuing encryption keys. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both strong encryption and adaptive access control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring user attributes and policy changes, then adjusting access decisions accordingly. The attribute evaluation process provides feedback on whether current user characteristics satisfy access requirements, enabling the system to revoke or grant access dynamically based on changing conditions while maintaining encryption security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If access control policies are made dynamic and attribute-based, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible access controlVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the access control system into distinct functional components: attribute evaluation modules that assess user characteristics, policy interpretation modules that apply rules, and key management modules that handle cryptographic operations. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and managed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary attribute evaluation layer between the encrypted data and the decryption process. This intermediary evaluates user attributes against policies and determines whether decryption should proceed, without requiring complex changes to the underlying encryption algorithm itself. This mediator approach simplifies the overall architecture by isolating the complexity to a dedicated evaluation layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If data is made more publicly available, then accessibility and ease of use are improved, but security and access control become more difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidunauthorized access risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different portions or aspects of data to have different access control requirements. The system can evaluate user attributes and apply different policy rules to different data elements or access scenarios, enabling fine-grained control where highly sensitive data receives stricter protection while less sensitive data remains more accessible, thus balancing accessibility with security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10027632B2Data view based on context
Publication Date: 2018.07.17 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP
  • US10027632B2 patent drawing
  • US10027632B2 patent drawing
  • US10027632B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In an implementation, a view of a set of data may be based on a context. The context may include an attribute associated with an attribute list. A set of symbols may be associated with the attribute list and the set of data. A key may be associated with the attribute list and a function list.