Contextual Virtual Data Boundaries for Dynamic Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current access control methods are vulnerable to sophisticated attacks, particularly due to reliance on static passwords and impersonation, and fail to effectively leverage contextual information such as a user's physical location for enhanced security.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that assigns contextual data thresholds to create virtual boundaries for data access, using satellite geolocation techniques to authenticate users based on geographic location, time, and other criteria, ensuring only legitimate users with the necessary permissions can access data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If static passwords are used for access control, then ease of operation is improved, but security against sophisticated attacks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of access controlVSAvoidsecurity against attacks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static password-based access control into a dynamic system that continuously evaluates multiple contextual factors including geographic location, time, device characteristics, and user behavior patterns. Access permissions are not fixed but adapt in real-time based on the claimant's current context, making the system both more secure and flexible while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of access control by introducing multiple contextual dimensions (geographic location, time, device type, behavior patterns) beyond traditional passwords. Each parameter has associated thresholds that must be satisfied, creating a multi-dimensional access control model that significantly enhances security while preserving user convenience through automated evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If contextual information verification is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal access control framework that can evaluate multiple types of contextual information (geographic location, time, device characteristics, behavior patterns) through a single integrated system. The virtual boundary enforcement mechanism serves multiple security functions simultaneously, reducing the need for separate security systems and managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service mechanisms where the access control framework automatically collects, evaluates, and enforces contextual thresholds without requiring manual intervention. The virtual boundaries are dynamically established and maintained by the system itself, reducing operational complexity while enhancing security through continuous automated monitoring and evaluation of contextual factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If virtual boundaries with multiple thresholds are established, then unauthorized access is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunauthorized accessVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback loops where the access control system monitors contextual factors, evaluates them against established thresholds, and dynamically adjusts access permissions. This real-time feedback mechanism automatically responds to changing conditions, maintaining security while preserving user convenience by eliminating manual security checks and providing seamless access for legitimate users who meet the contextual criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2850810B1Contextual-based virtual data boundaries
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2850810B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2850810B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2850810B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A system, method, and apparatus for contextual-based virtual data boundaries are disclosed herein. In particular, the present disclosure relates to improvements in access control that work to restrict the accessibility of data based on assigning contextual data thresholds that create a virtual boundary. Specifically, the disclosed method involves assigning at least one threshold to at least one contextual criterion. The method further involves determining whether contextual information from the claimant meets at least one threshold to at least one contextual criterion. Also, the method involves authenticating the claimant, if the contextual information from the claimant meets at least one of the thresholds to at least one contextual criterion. Further, the method involves allowing the claimant access to the data, if the claimant is authenticated.