Watermark Embedding in Query Request Data for Leakage Traceability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data processing technologies fail to effectively track data leakage during breaches, as watermark information becomes untraceable once data is isolated from its file format.

Innovation Solution

A method for data processing that involves obtaining a data query request, duplicating the query request data, embedding identifier information of the client terminal as watermark information using error correcting codes or preset rules, and sending the watermarked query request data back to the client terminal, allowing for traceability in case of data breaches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If watermark information is embedded into file format data, then traceability is improved, but the watermark becomes untraceable once data is isolated from the file format

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetraceabilityVSAvoidwatermark information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the watermark embedding process into two distinct parts: (1) embedding watermark information into query request data at the server端 before data transmission, and (2) extracting the watermark from the query request data at the client端. This segmentation ensures that the watermark travels with the data regardless of file format changes, solving the problem of watermark loss when data is isolated from its original file format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces query request data as an intermediary carrier that transports the watermark information from the server to the client. Instead of embedding watermarks directly into the original data files, the system embeds watermarks into the query requests that access the data. This intermediary approach ensures the watermark remains traceable even when the original file format is modified or data is extracted, as the watermark travels through the query request channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If watermark information is embedded into query request data, then traceability during data breach is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage traceabilityVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a copy of the query request data and embeds the watermark information into this copy rather than modifying the original data structure fundamentally. The server端 generates watermarked query request data by copying the original query parameters and inserting watermark information, which then travels to the client端 for processing. This copying approach adds minimal complexity compared to fundamentally redesigning the data storage and retrieval system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements watermark embedding by changing parameters within the query request data structure - specifically by adding watermark fields or modifying existing query parameters to include traceable information. Rather than overhauling the entire data processing architecture, the system modifies query request parameters to include watermark information, which significantly reduces the complexity increase while maintaining effective traceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If identifier information of client terminal is embedded into data, then source identification capability is improved, but data processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesource identification accuracyVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by embedding only essential identifier information (such as client terminal ID, user ID, or device fingerprint) into the query request data rather than embedding comprehensive source information. This selective embedding provides sufficient identification accuracy for traceability purposes while minimizing the time required for watermark insertion and extraction operations, thus balancing source identification accuracy with processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11321431B2Data processing, watermark embedding and watermark extraction
Publication Date: 2022.05.03 ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LTD
  • US11321431B2 patent drawing
  • US11321431B2 patent drawing
  • US11321431B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method including obtaining a data query request sent by a client terminal; obtaining first query request data based on the data query request; duplicating the first query request data to obtain second query request data; embedding identifier information of the client terminal as watermark information into the second query request data to obtain watermarked query request data; and feeding the watermarked query request data back to the client terminal. The techniques of the present disclosure solve the problem of failure to track leakage during data breach.