Secure Model Interfaces for Proprietary Control Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional model-based optimization and control solutions require full disclosure of models to decision engines, which can be undesirable when models contain sensitive information, leading to increased costs and security concerns, hindering collaborative decision-making and cloud-based solutions.
Innovation Solution
The system instantiates model objects on servers, generating approximations of proprietary models to prevent sensitive information disclosure, using a communication protocol that precludes transmission of proprietary data, allowing secure control command generation and execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If full model disclosure is used for model-based optimization and control, then control accuracy and optimization performance are improved, but proprietary information security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the decision engine communicates with the model through a secure interface that provides necessary information for control decisions without exposing proprietary model details. This mediator layer enables control accuracy while protecting intellectual property by selectively disclosing only essential operational parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies or approximations of the proprietary model that can be shared with the decision engine. These copies contain only the necessary information for control purposes, allowing accurate control decisions to be made without exposing the full proprietary model structure and sensitive parameters.
2Loss of information
If model ownership is centralized to protect proprietary information, then information security is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional modules: the proprietary model module that protects intellectual property, the decision engine module that performs optimization, and the control module that executes actions. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with clearly defined interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal interface protocol that enables the decision engine to interact with multiple different proprietary models without needing to understand their internal structures. This multi-functional interface handles various model types through standardized communication rules, simplifying system integration and reducing complexity.
3Loss of information
If full model disclosure is required, then collaborative decision-making is hindered, but information security is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes an intermediary communication protocol that enables multiple stakeholders to collaborate on decision-making without exposing their proprietary models to each other. The intermediary translates and mediates information exchange, allowing collaborative optimization while maintaining individual information security boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables collaborative decision-making by allowing participants to work with copies or representations of models rather than the full proprietary versions. These copies suffice for collaborative optimization purposes while protecting original intellectual property, thus enabling versatility in collaboration without compromising security.
Data Source
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AI summary
In certain embodiments, a control/optimization system includes an instantiated model object stored in memory on a model server. The model object includes a model of a plant or process being controlled. The model object comprises an interface that precludes the transmission of proprietary information via the interface. The control/optimization system also includes a decision engine software module stored in memory on a decision support server. The decision engine software module is configured to request information from the model object through a communication network via a communication protocol that precludes the transmission of proprietary information, and to receive the requested information from the model object through the communication network via the communication protocol.