Aggregated Software Security Data Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Software security information from various online sources is often inaccurate and difficult to access, requiring extensive searches to find specific vulnerabilities and fixes, leading to complications in user interaction.

Innovation Solution

A method for enabling graphical representation of aggregated software security data, which collects and organizes information from multiple sources into a user-friendly interface, using real-time crawlers, attribute identification, and graphical presentation to facilitate easy analysis and visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If users access software security information from multiple on-line sources, then they can find vulnerability information, but the information is not always accurate and requires extensive search

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accuracyVSAvoidsearch time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges data from multiple on-line sources into a single aggregated database, allowing users to access vulnerability information from one centralized location rather than searching across multiple sites. This combining approach maintains information accuracy while significantly reducing search time and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system that collects, validates, and organizes security information from various sources before presenting it to users. This intermediary layer filters and structures the data, ensuring accuracy while providing easy access through a unified interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If users search for specific vulnerabilities across multiple sites, then they can find relevant content, but the process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interactionVSAvoidsearch process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex search process into simple user interactions with a unified interface. By dividing the data into organized categories and providing structured access methods, the system makes the search process easier to operate while reducing the apparent complexity through a simplified user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal interface that handles multiple search functions through a single system. The aggregated database and graphical representation capabilities provide multi-functional access methods, allowing users to query vulnerabilities, fixes, and related information without navigating through multiple separate sites.

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

3Ease of operation

If information is aggregated from multiple sources, then users can access it in one location, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessVSAvoiddata aggregation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically collects, validates, and organizes data from multiple sources without requiring manual intervention. The aggregation process is automated, and the system self-manages the complexity of data integration while presenting a simple access interface to users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of data organization by aggregating information from multiple sources into a unified structure with consistent formatting and classification. This parameter transformation simplifies data access while the system manages the underlying complexity of integrating diverse data formats and sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9147271B2Graphical representation of aggregated data
Publication Date: 2015.09.29 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US9147271B2 patent drawing
  • US9147271B2 patent drawing
  • US9147271B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for enabling graphical representation of aggregated data is provided. The method includes accessing aggregated data retrieved from a plurality of on-line sources and receiving selection of a portion of the data through a graphical user interface. The method further includes identifying attributes associated with the portion of the data and generating a graphical representation of the portion of the data.