Obfuscated Common Library Package Sharing with Access Modifiers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to securely share common library packages among subscribers without exposing the underlying software code, posing a risk to proprietary information and intellectual property.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the storage of obfuscated common software packages with access modifiers in a database, allowing installation of these packages alongside application packages while maintaining code visibility only for authorized applications within the same namespace.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If common library packages are shared with subscribers, then code reusability and collaboration are improved, but proprietary information and intellectual property are exposed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode reusabilityVSAvoidproprietary information exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (access modifiers and obfuscation layers) between the proprietary code and subscribers. The common library package is wrapped with access control mechanisms that allow functional usage while blocking direct access to the underlying proprietary code, thus enabling sharing without exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the code structure into multiple layers: the visible interface layer that subscribers can access, and the hidden proprietary implementation layer that remains protected. This segmentation allows the library to be shared while maintaining security boundaries between different code components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If access modifiers and obfuscation are applied to protect code, then intellectual property is safeguarded, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintellectual property protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complexity of code protection mechanisms (access modifiers, obfuscation) as separate, standardized components that can be applied uniformly to the common library package. This extraction allows the protection logic to be managed independently from the core business logic, reducing overall system complexity despite adding protection layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11120146B2Managing the sharing of common library packages with subscribers

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 SALESFORCE INC

AI summary

A method for securely sharing a common software package includes storing, within a database, a set of software packages associated with a first namespace, then storing, within the database, a common software package associated with the set of software packages. The common software package is obfuscated and includes an access modifier. A request to install a first software package selected from the set of software packages associated with the namespace is received by a subscriber. In response to the request from the subscriber, the system installs the first software package and the common software package in accordance with the access modifier.