Policy Algebra Normalization for Web Service Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current web service policy models lack a mechanism to express consistent alternatives and determine compatibility between policy alternatives, leading to difficulties in identifying equivalent policy expressions and supporting versioning across different endpoints.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves normalizing policy expressions into a complete list of policy alternatives using algebraic methods, comparing root element names to determine equivalence, and generating an intersection policy agreement between endpoints, thereby enabling compatibility and versioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If policy expressions use expansive and varied logical operators to express requirements flexibly, then adaptability is improved, but compatibility determination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms policy expressions from their original complex form with varied logical operators into a standardized normal form using a consistent set of operators (AND, OR, NOT). This parameter transformation preserves the semantic meaning while enabling systematic comparison and compatibility determination through structural normalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The normal form serves as an intermediary representation between the diverse input policy expressions and the compatibility determination process. By converting all expressions to this common intermediate representation first, the system can then reliably compare and determine compatibility without being confused by the original variations in logical operator usage.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If policy expressions are normalized into a complete list of policy alternatives, then compatibility determination is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the policy expression into discrete alternatives through normalization, where each alternative represents a distinct combination of assertions that can be independently evaluated for compatibility. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex policies by breaking them down into manageable units that can be systematically compared.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system provides mechanisms for expressing alternatives and determining compatibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The normalization mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it standardizes policy expressions, enables compatibility determination, supports versioning comparisons, and facilitates alternative generation. By designing a universal normal form that can handle all these operations, the system achieves enhanced adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provide for an algebraic mapping of a policy expression from a compact to a normalized form, both in Boolean and set formulations. The policy algebra is defined in such a way that policy alternatives within the normalized expression will be the same across equivalent compact expressions—regardless of how the assertions are arbitrarily constrained or what operators are used to constrain such equivalent expressions. Moreover, the present invention also provides a model for identifying alternatives that are equivalent by comparing only the root element names or QName of each assertion within an alternative. In addition, embodiments as described herein can utilize the identification of equivalent alternatives in order to create an intersection policy expression to limit alternatives of admissible behavior to those in common across both endpoints.