Multi-Level Security Display Entity Disambiguation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-level security (MLS) display systems, users face difficulties in determining the classification level of information, leading to confusion and potential information leakages, as all information is typically indicated at the highest classification level, relying on user judgment which is prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a MLS display, an input device, and a processor that allows users to select a desired classification or security level, rendering entities only at or below the selected level, thereby de-emphasizing entities outside this level to provide a secure and clear visual indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all information is indicated at the highest classification level on an MLS display, then information from multiple security levels can be integrated, but user confusion and information leakage risk increase due to inability to distinguish actual classification levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each entity's visual appearance (color, transparency, style) correspond to its specific classification level. This allows different parts of the display to have different visual properties based on their security classification, enabling users to distinguish between entities at different levels while maintaining integration on a single display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes as a visual indicator of classification level. Each classification level is associated with specific color properties (e.g., transparency, hue, saturation), allowing users to quickly identify the security level of any entity on the display without additional text labels or complex interfaces.
2Reliability
If multiple displays are used for different classification levels, then information segregation is simplified, but system complexity and user difficulty in correlating information increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple classification levels into a single display by rendering entities from different security levels simultaneously on the same display device. Through visual differentiation techniques, the system combines the functionality of multiple dedicated displays into one unified interface, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining clear classification distinction.
Solution Approach 2:
The MLS display device is designed to handle multiple classification levels universally, rather than requiring separate dedicated displays for each level. The single display can adaptively render entities at different security levels with appropriate visual properties, making the display device multi-functional across different classification contexts.
3Device complexity
If user judgment is required to determine entity classification levels, then system simplicity is maintained, but user error and information leakage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically displaying the classification level information through visual properties of the entities themselves. Rather than requiring users to query or interpret complex metadata, the classification level is inherently communicated through the entity's visual appearance (color, transparency, style), making the information immediately accessible and reducing cognitive load.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for disambiguating entities on a multi-level security display includes receiving a selection of a particular security level and rendering entities having a different security level in a visually distinct way. Visual distinction may include not drawing the entities on the multi-level security display.