Security Feature Abstraction for Distributed System Diagrams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a systematic and formalized approach to visually represent security features of distributed systems, making it difficult to convey security information clearly and effectively, especially in complex network configurations with varying security policies across different locations.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that creates abstractions to describe security mechanisms, generates specifications to model these mechanisms, and uses graphical representations to construct instance diagrams and models, allowing for clear depiction of security features and their interactions within the system and environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If detailed security information is included in diagrams, then security information completeness is improved, but diagram readability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments security information into different levels of abstraction. High-level diagrams show security architecture overview with simplified elements, while detailed views can be accessed through drill-down mechanisms. This segmentation allows users to access complete security information when needed while maintaining readability for overview purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts essential security information into standardized visual elements and metadata that can be independently displayed. By extracting key security attributes and separating them from the main diagram flow, the system preserves complete information while maintaining diagram clarity through selective display.
2Measurement precision
If formalized modeling methods are implemented, then security feature representation accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal security feature modeling framework that can represent various security mechanisms (authentication, authorization, encryption, auditing) using a common set of abstractions and notation rules. This multi-functionality approach provides formalized accurate representation while reducing overall complexity by reusing the same modeling paradigm across different security domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the level of detail and abstraction to manage complexity. The formalized method allows systematic variation of model granularity, enabling accurate representation at appropriate levels while avoiding unnecessary complexity through controlled parameter adjustment rather than rigid fixed-structure requirements.
3Loss of information
If visual representations are created to show security architecture, then communication effectiveness is improved, but time required for creation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes preliminary abstractions, templates, and notation standards before creating specific security architecture diagrams. These pre-prepared elements enable rapid diagram generation while maintaining effective communication, as the formalized framework eliminates the need to create visual representations from scratch for each security architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized visual templates and reusable diagram elements that can be copied and adapted to represent different security architectures. This copying approach maintains communication effectiveness through consistent visual language while significantly reducing creation time compared to building diagrams from basic graphical elements each time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for representing security features of a distributed system is presented. The method includes creating abstractions to describe security mechanisms of a system, and creating a specification using the abstractions. The specification models components of the security mechanisms, features of an environment in which the system operates, and supporting security features. The method may further include linking the specification to graphical representations, and using the specification to construct an instance diagram that graphically depicts the security features of the system and its operational environment. The specification or the instance diagram may be used to construct an instance model, which may be a textual rendering, that models the security features of the system and its operational environment. Where the specification is used to construct the instance model, the method may further include using the instance model to construct the instance diagram.