Virtual Organization Information Sharing via Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In collaborative product development, the sharing of intellectual property information within virtual organizations is hindered by concerns over confidentiality and the potential for sub-optimal decision-making due to inconsistent or incomplete knowledge sharing among members, leading to reduced competitiveness and profitability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlled sharing of information in virtual organizations, using conflict control, confidentiality, and information utility sub-policies to balance confidentiality and information utility, ensuring that sensitive information is shared optimally while preventing conflicts of interest and maintaining privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If confidential information is shared among virtual organization members, then information utility for decision-making is improved, but confidentiality and security of intellectual property deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments information into different levels of detail and sensitivity. Full-detail information is kept confidential by owning companies, while simplified versions with sufficient utility are shared with virtual organization members. This segmentation allows decision-making information to be provided without exposing complete intellectual property, resolving the contradiction between information utility and confidentiality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels of information to different users based on their roles and needs. Each virtual organization member receives information tailored to their specific requirements, with appropriate levels of detail and sensitivity. This local quality approach ensures that information utility is maximized for each user while maintaining overall confidentiality protections.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If simplified design models are provided to protect confidentiality, then confidentiality is improved, but manufacturing precision and design accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing simplified design models that contain only the specific information needed for particular decisions, rather than complete design data. These partial models maintain sufficient accuracy for their intended purposes while protecting confidential information. The simplification is targeted and controlled, preserving necessary precision where required.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If access rights are controlled through authentication, then confidentiality is improved, but ease of operation and information sharing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes preliminary agreements and frameworks for information sharing before virtual organization operations begin. Access rights, confidentiality levels, and information exchange protocols are predetermined, allowing members to share information efficiently without continuous authentication hurdles. This preliminary setup maintains confidentiality while improving operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method for extracting data items for a task requesting a set of data items in a virtual organization including a plurality of members is provided. A set of confidentiality sub-policies associated with the set of data items and an information utility sub-policy associated with the task are retrieved. At least a portion of the set of data items for the task are retrieved based on an analysis that optimally balances confidentiality and information utility using the set of confidentiality sub-policies and the information utility sub-policy.