Information Management System Using Content-Derived Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing and tracking digital information are inadequate due to issues with format changes, over-inclusivity or exclusivity, and inability to effectively enforce policies across various applications and storage types, leading to information leakage and compliance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses modular and abstract descriptions of information to assign representation-independent identifiers and policies, allowing flexible policy management and enforcement based on content, with features like directed graphs for information evolution tracking and forensic watermarking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If file metadata is used for tracking digital information, then information can be identified and tracked, but the method is not robust against changes in file format
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential identifying characteristics from the file content itself, separating the identification function from the file format. By deriving identifiers directly from the information content rather than relying on format-specific metadata, the system maintains tracking reliability across different file formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal identification mechanism that works across multiple file formats and storage types. The identifier generation process is format-agnostic, allowing the same system to track information whether it resides in documents, databases, emails, or other digital formats.
2Ease of manufacture
If keyword-based classification is used, then information can be categorized, but it tends to be either over-exclusive or over-inclusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from discrete keyword matching to a continuous identifier space based on information characteristics. By using derived identifiers that reflect the actual content properties rather than simple keyword presence, the system achieves more precise classification that avoids the over-inclusive/over-exclusive problem of keyword-based methods.
3Reliability
If Digital Right Management (DRM) applications are used to restrict information usage, then information security is improved, but normal workflow is hampered and large investments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service information tracking where the system automatically identifies, classifies, and applies policies to information objects without requiring complex DRM infrastructure or user intervention. The identification and policy enforcement happen transparently in the background, maintaining workflow ease while providing security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification layer between the information and the policy enforcement mechanism. Rather than using heavy DRM systems that directly control information access, the patent uses derived identifiers as intermediaries that enable policy application without hampering normal workflow.
4Reliability
If binary signature methods are used for tracking, then information integrity can be verified, but the method depends critically on the precise representation of the data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts essential identifying features from the information content that are independent of representation. By deriving identifiers from the semantic or structural properties of the information rather than its binary representation, the system maintains integrity verification capability while becoming independent of specific data representations or formats.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for information management and control is presented, based on modular and abstract description of the information. Identifiers are used to identify features of interest in the information and information use policies are assigned directly or indirectly on the basis of the identifiers, allowing for flexible and efficient policy management and enforcement, in that a policy can be defined with a direct relationship to the actual information content of digital data items. The information content can be of various kinds: e.g., textual documents, numerical spreadsheets, audio and video files, pictures and images, drawings etc. The system can provide protection against information policy breaches such as information misuse, unauthorized distribution and leakage, and for information tracking.