Shared Data Store Connection Monitoring for File Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing file sharing technologies lack effective mechanisms to control access to shared files, particularly in peer-to-peer environments, leading to potential unauthorized access when connections are lost or disconnected.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a shared data store that monitors connections and restricts or reinstates access to shared files based on connection states, using methods such as changing permissions, encryption, or deletion, and considering device management policies to manage access levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If file sharing is enabled between devices, then ease of operation is improved, but security and access control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile sharing capabilityVSAvoidaccess control security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing access control rules and permissions before file sharing occurs. The shared data store pre-configures which devices can access which files and under what conditions, so that when a device connects, access control is already in place rather than having to establish it reactively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a shared data store as an intermediary component between the file sharing function and the devices. This intermediary monitors connection states, enforces access control policies, and manages file permissions, thereby decoupling the ease of file sharing from the complexity of access control security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If access control monitoring is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control securityVSAvoidconnection monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the access control monitoring function from the individual devices and places it in a separate shared data store. This allows devices to share files simply without having to implement complex monitoring logic locally, while the shared data store handles the monitoring and enforcement of access control policies centrally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If connection loss detection is implemented, then reliability is improved, but loss of time occurs during reconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection state detectionVSAvoidreconnection delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the shared data store continuously monitors connection states and automatically responds to changes. When a device reconnects, the system receives feedback about the restored connection and automatically reinstates access control permissions without requiring manual intervention or lengthy reconfiguration processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8990955B2Controlling access to a shared file

Publication Date: 2015.03.24 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A shared data store may be accessible to a plurality of electronic devices and used to share files in a collaboration setting. A shared file is shared by a first electronic device with a second device via a connection between the first electronic device and the shared data store. A coordinating electronic device associated with the shared data store monitors the connection with the first electronic device. If a loss in the connection is detected, the coordinating electronic device may cause access to the shared file to become restricted to the second electronic device responsive to the loss of the connection.