Secure Online Repository for Personal Data Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a centralized, secure, electronic-based document storage facility that can manage and process various forms of indirect communications as a single category, and record and store phone conversations for accountability and record-keeping purposes, surpassing the limitations of traditional methods like safety deposit boxes and simple share-drive spaces.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for secure online repositories that provide remote, authenticated data storage with stringent network and physical security, allowing for the secure storage of personal documents and messages from multiple sources, and the recording and storage of phone conversations, utilizing a bank-like institution's security protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional storage methods (safety deposit boxes, file cabinets) are used, then physical security is provided, but accessibility and management of documents become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical mechanical storage systems (safety deposit boxes, file cabinets) with an electronic digital storage system accessible through computer networks. This substitution maintains security through electronic authentication and encryption while dramatically improving accessibility through remote access capabilities, allowing users to retrieve documents from any location without physical presence requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a centralized electronic repository system as an intermediary between users and their documents. This intermediary provides enhanced security through controlled access mechanisms while simultaneously improving ease of operation by centralizing document management, enabling features like automated indexing, search capabilities, and remote retrieval that neither physical storage methods nor simple shared drives can provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If simple share-drive space is used, then accessibility is improved, but security and regulatory compliance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements differentiated access control where different users and user groups are assigned specific permission levels and access rights to different portions of the repository. This allows the system to provide broad accessibility to authorized users while maintaining stringent security controls for sensitive documents, with each user experiencing a tailored level of access appropriate to their role and authorization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates pre-established security measures including authentication requirements, encryption protocols, and access control lists that are configured before data is stored. These beforehand security cushions ensure that even if accessibility is broadly granted, multiple layers of protection are already in place to prevent unauthorized access, addressing regulatory requirements proactively rather than reactively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If centralized electronic repository with bank-like security is implemented, then security and regulatory compliance are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional repository system that consolidates multiple functions into a single platform: secure document storage, centralized message management across multiple communication channels, phone conversation recording and storage, and automated regulatory compliance monitoring. This universality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate systems for each function while maintaining bank-like security standards across all operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges previously separate systems and functions into a single integrated electronic repository: combining document storage with message management (email, fax, phone), merging physical and electronic record-keeping, and integrating multiple communication channels into one unified interface. This consolidation simplifies system architecture while enhancing security through centralized control and consistent application of security protocols across all functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Loss of information

If phone conversations are recorded and stored, then accountability and record-keeping are improved, but privacy concerns and data management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecord-keepingVSAvoiddata management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary notification and consent mechanisms before phone conversations are recorded. The system automatically informs participants that the call is being recorded and obtains their consent, with options to opt-out where legally permitted. This preliminary action addresses privacy concerns proactively while enabling comprehensive record-keeping for conversations where consent is given, with all recordings automatically stored in the secure repository with appropriate access controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8718236B1Systems and methods for secure on-line repositories
Publication Date: 2014.05.06 UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)
  • US8718236B1 patent drawing
  • US8718236B1 patent drawing
  • US8718236B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A permanent, secure, on-line electronic repository (i.e., electronic safety deposit box or virtual safety deposit box) where a member/customer can store personal information (in electronic form) is provided within the confines and behind the security layers provided by a financial institution such as a bank. Features include catalog functionality for easy management and retrieval of data, access control facilities for the owner to designate other individuals authorized for access, event-driven access dedicated privacy with a subset space for shared elements with the bank (provider), and survivorship functionality with regard to disposition of contents, and intelligent retention rules.