Email Effectivity Facility for Secure Offline Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for secure content sharing and collaboration across different entities are cumbersome and disruptive to daily workflows, lacking a seamless and secure solution for offline access and requiring new infrastructure and processes, especially in global network environments.

Innovation Solution

A system enabling secure offline access to encrypted files through a server-based file access facility connected to a secure database, using encryption keys and user identifiers, along with a virtual container DRM facility for restricted access and editing, and an email effectiveness facility for managed access permissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional network solutions are used for secure content sharing between entities, then network security can be achieved, but new infrastructure and processes must be adopted which are disruptive to daily workflows

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidworkflow disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary secure exchange server that mediates between entities, allowing them to share content securely without direct network connections. This intermediary handles authentication, encryption, and content delivery, eliminating the need for entities to establish direct secure networks while maintaining security standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates encrypted copies of content that can be distributed and accessed offline without requiring continuous network connectivity. These copied files contain embedded authentication data and encryption keys, allowing users to access content locally while maintaining security controls, thus eliminating workflow disruption from constant network dependency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If Internet is used for sharing confidential information, then accessibility is improved, but security becomes insufficient without pre-arranged secure encryption processes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication and encryption actions before content is made accessible. The secure exchange server pre-authenticates users, generates encryption keys, and embeds security credentials into content before distribution. This preliminary security setup allows subsequent access to be both convenient and secure without requiring complex real-time security negotiations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the security parameters of content by applying encryption algorithms and embedding authentication data directly into the file structure. This parameter change converts ordinary accessible files into secure, controlled-access content that maintains Internet accessibility while incorporating robust security measures without requiring separate encryption processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If secure encryption processes are implemented for offline access, then security is improved, but system complexity increases requiring multiple encryption keys and authentication mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple security functions into a single integrated authentication mechanism. Instead of requiring separate key management systems, the secure exchange server combines user authentication, key generation, and content protection into one unified process. The authenticated user receives a single secure credential that handles all subsequent access operations, reducing system complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements nested security structures where authentication data, encryption keys, and content are layered within each other in a hierarchical manner. The outer layer contains authentication credentials, which protect the inner encryption keys, which in turn protect the core content. This nested structure organizes complexity systematically, making the system more manageable while maintaining robust multi-layered security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If new workflow components and applications are adopted for secure sharing, then security capabilities are improved, but user productivity decreases due to learning new processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity capabilitiesVSAvoiduser productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The secure exchange server provides universal access through standard web browsers and common file formats, eliminating the need for specialized applications. Users can access secure content through any modern browser without installing new software or learning new interfaces. This multi-functional approach maintains security capabilities while preserving existing user workflows and productivity levels.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10356095B2Email effectivity facilty in a networked secure collaborative exchange environment
Publication Date: 2019.07.16 INTRALINKS INC
  • US10356095B2 patent drawing
  • US10356095B2 patent drawing
  • US10356095B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for managing access to a secure exchange environment managed by an intermediate business entity through a user email identity, the method comprising establishing a secure exchange server hosted by an intermediate business entity, wherein communications and access to a collection of files established by a first business entity are managed for a second business entity; and establishing an email effectivity facility that allows a user of the first business entity to specify a condition for email-based access to at least one resource in the collection of files, wherein the condition expresses (a) an effective period for using an email providing access to the resource and (b) a condition of email access to the resource by a designated individual of the second business entity, wherein the access permission was assigned using a specific email address of the designated individual.