Hierarchical Component Access Control for Supplier Technical Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a system for providing technical information about device components via a network, suppliers often compete, leading to insufficient disclosure of technical information, as competitors are not provided with necessary information.
Innovation Solution
A device information management system that stores configurational and component data, including hierarchical relationships and permission settings, to control access and prevent unnecessary information disclosure to competitors, using a configurational information storage unit, component data storage unit, access management unit, and output unit to manage and secure technical information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If technical information is provided via a network with ID and password management, then information accessibility is improved, but information security deteriorates due to unnecessary disclosure to competitors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating access rights for different users based on their relationship to the device. Configuration management terminals (suppliers, manufacturers) receive different levels of access than general users. The system grants detailed component information access to authorized configuration management terminals while restricting competitor access, thus providing localized quality control over information disclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the user base into different categories: general users, configuration management terminals, and manufacturers. Each segment receives appropriate information based on their role. Configuration management terminals are further segmented by supplier relationships, allowing selective information sharing with partners while blocking competitor access. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling targeted information distribution.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If technical information is restricted to prevent competitor access, then information security is improved, but information accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces configuration management terminals as intermediaries between the information system and users. These terminals act as controlled access points that can authenticate users and grant appropriate levels of information access. The intermediary mechanism enables secure information distribution by filtering requests through authorized terminals rather than providing direct universal access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic access control where information accessibility changes based on user authentication and terminal authorization. The system dynamically adjusts what information is accessible to whom, rather than using static restricted or open access. This dynamic approach maintains security while enabling appropriate accessibility for authorized users and partners.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a device information management system capable of preventing unnecessary information disclosure to competitors. A device information management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a system for managing information about a device configured by combining a plurality of components supplied from different suppliers, and comprises: a configuration information storage unit that stores, for each device, configuration information including a device ID identifying the device, component IDs identifying the components incorporated in the device, and hierarchical information indicating a hierarchical relationship between the components of the device; a component data storage unit that stores, for each of the components, component data including the device ID of the component, supplier information identifying a supplier of the component, one or a plurality of pieces of technical information about the component, and permission information specifying the scope of permission to view the technical information in the relationship between the components of the device; and an access management unit that determines, on the basis of the hierarchical information and the permission information, if the technical information can be viewed.