Dynamic Content Redaction via Adaptive Masking Schemas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for redacting sensitive information in electronic documents result in static redactions, failing to account for varying user permissions and device operating conditions, leading to inefficient storage requirements and potential unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic content redaction through the generation of redaction schemas that identify specific content ranges to be concealed based on users, groups, and device operating parameters, allowing for real-time masking of sensitive information on display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static redaction is applied to electronic documents, then sensitive information is concealed, but storage requirements increase dramatically when multiple redacted versions are needed for different users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple redaction versions into a single electronic document by embedding redaction instructions and metadata within the document structure. Instead of creating separate physical copies for different clearance levels, the system merges all redaction variants into one file that dynamically applies appropriate redactions based on user authentication and clearance levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static redaction into dynamic redaction where the redaction display is not fixed but changes based on user characteristics, device parameters, and access permissions. The system evaluates user clearance levels, device security features, and contextual factors in real-time to determine which portions of the document should be redacted for each viewer.
2Ease of operation
If static redaction is used, then document distribution is simplified, but users with high clearance may inadvertently share documents with lower clearance users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding redaction instructions and access control metadata into the document before distribution. The document is prepared in advance with multiple redaction schemas and user permission definitions, so that when the document is accessed, the appropriate redactions are automatically applied based on the viewer's authentication credentials without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors user authentication status, clearance levels, and device parameters to dynamically adjust redaction display. The system receives feedback about the user's identity and permissions, then responds by applying the appropriate redaction schema, ensuring that users can only access content their clearance level permits.
3Reliability
If dynamic redaction based on user permissions is implemented, then information security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional redaction system that handles multiple redaction schemas, user authentication methods, and device parameter evaluations within a single integrated framework. The system can apply different redaction rules based on various user attributes and device characteristics without requiring separate systems for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by evaluating multiple parameters (user clearance level, device security features, network environment, time of access) to dynamically determine redaction display. The system changes the redaction parameters based on the evaluated conditions, selecting from predefined redaction schemas that correspond to different parameter combinations.
4Reliability
If multiple redacted versions are generated for different users, then access control is precise, but document management becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple redaction versions into a single electronic document file, eliminating the need to manage separate files for different user groups. The document contains embedded redaction instructions and metadata that enable the system to apply appropriate redactions dynamically, reducing document management overhead while maintaining precise access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses virtual copying where the system generates different redacted views of the same document content without creating separate physical copies. When a user accesses the document, the system creates a temporary rendered version with appropriate redactions applied based on that user's permissions, eliminating the need to store and manage multiple permanent copies.
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic content redaction though the generation of redaction schemas associated with document, image, media, or other data files is described. A redaction schema can include at least one range of content in a data file to be concealed for a user, a group of users, or operating parameters of various devices, for example. When the data file is opened for display on a device, the redaction schema can be parsed to identify whether masking objects should be added to a masking layer for overlay upon or above the content displayed. The masking layer can be generated based on the redaction schema, a user of the device, or operating parameters of the device, for example. Masking objects in the masking layer can conceal one or more ranges of the content in a data file from view or based on users or operating parameters of various devices.