System and method for confidentiality-preserving rank-ordered search

US11567950B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · US

Inventors

• Ashwin Swaminathan · San Jose, US
• Yinian Mao · San Diego, US
• Guan-Ming Su · Fremont, US
• Hongmei Gou · College Park, US
• Avinash L. Varna · Chandler, US
• Shan He · College Park, US
• Min Wu · Clarksville, US
• Douglas W. Oard · College Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 4, 2020
• Grant date: Jan 31, 2023
• Expiry date: Apr 23, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04L2209/60
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A confidentiality preserving system and method for performing a rank-ordered search and retrieval of contents of a data collection. The system includes at least one computer system including a search and retrieval algorithm using term frequency and/or similar features for rank-ordering selective contents of the data collection, and enabling secure retrieval of the selective contents based on the rank-order. The search and retrieval algorithm includes a baseline algorithm, a partially server oriented algorithm, and/or a fully server oriented algorithm. The partially and/or fully server oriented algorithms use homomorphic and/or order preserving encryption for enabling search capability from a user other than an owner of the contents of the data collection. The confidentiality preserving method includes using term frequency for rank-ordering selective contents of the data collection, and retrieving the selective contents based on the rank-order.