Identity Proxy for Dynamic User Information Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face security risks as service servers can access user information at any time, potentially leading to abuse, compromising user information protection.

Innovation Solution

An identity proxy is used to obtain and manage user information by assessing the interactive state of a service requester against a preset access-authorized-policy, ensuring that user information is only accessed when the service execution state allows it, thereby controlling access and enhancing security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the service server uses a token to access the interactive server at any time, then the service server can obtain user information flexibly, but the security protection of user information deteriorates and the risk of abuse increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of accessing user informationVSAvoidsecurity protection of user information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an identity proxy as an intermediary component between the service server and the interactive server. The identity proxy receives requests from the service server, validates them against access policies, and only forwards authorized requests to the interactive server. This mediator architecture maintains the flexibility of token-based access while adding a security layer that prevents unauthorized or abusive access to user information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the service server can access user information at any time, then the service can be provided continuously, but the risk that user information may be abused increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous availability of user informationVSAvoidrisk of user information abuse
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic access control by evaluating the interactive state of the service requester in real-time against predefined access policies. Instead of static permission settings, the system dynamically determines whether to grant access based on the current service execution state. This allows continuous availability of user information when services are actively being provided while preventing abuse during unauthorized access attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the service server obtains user information through the interactive server using a token, then the access process is simplified, but the security control over user information access is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of access processVSAvoidsecurity control over user information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The identity proxy serves as an intermediary that maintains the simplified token-based access process while enhancing security control. The proxy validates tokens and enforces access policies without requiring changes to the overall access workflow. This layered approach preserves ease of operation at the service server level while implementing robust security control at the identity proxy level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2511846B1Method, apparatus and system for obtaining user information
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2511846B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2511846B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP2511846B1 patent drawingFigure 9~11

AI summary

A method, apparatus and system for obtaining user information are disclosed by the present invention. The present invention solves the problem of lower security of user information. The method includes: obtaining the interactive state of the service requester in the service request process, wherein the interactive state is used for indicating the specific state in which the service requester and its service are during the process of interaction with each other; determining if the interactive state of the service requester, in the process of requesting the service, meets the preset access-authorized-policy of the user information in the service request; when the interactive state of the service requester, in the process of requesting the service, meets the preset access-authorized-policy of the user information in said service request, obtaining the user information and sending the user information to the service.