Electronic Device Identification via Dynamic Data Point Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional asset management solutions fail to accurately account for remote and mobile computing devices due to hardware and software changes, leading to challenges in identifying and tracking PC assets, which can result in regulatory concerns and data security issues.
Innovation Solution
A device attribute collection application collects key data points from electronic devices and a device identification application links these data points to a specific owner or entity, enabling consistent tracking over the device's lifecycle, even with changes, and allowing remote identification in case of theft or loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If firmware serial numbers are used to identify computer assets, then identification is simple and relatively reliable, but hardware changes cause misidentification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification system into multiple independent data points (hardware identifiers, software identifiers, configuration data) collected from different components of the computing device. This segmentation allows the system to identify devices through multiple attributes rather than relying on a single firmware serial number, thereby maintaining reliability during hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using static firmware serial numbers to collecting dynamic data points that can change with hardware modifications. The system monitors changes in hardware identifiers, software versions, and configuration parameters over time, allowing accurate identification even when individual parameters change during the device lifecycle.
2Ease of operation
If software-assigned identifiers are used to identify computer assets, then identifiers can be easily assigned, but opportunities for reassignment exist during OS reinstallation and hardware changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple identification sources (hardware identifiers from different components, software identifiers, configuration data) into a composite device profile. This combination creates a stable identification system where changing one element does not compromise overall identification accuracy, as the system cross-references multiple data points to maintain reliable device tracking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hardware changes are made to computing devices, then device functionality can be improved or maintained, but accurate identification of the original asset becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by collecting and storing baseline identification data points before hardware changes occur. The system establishes an initial device profile with hardware identifiers, software versions, and configuration data, then monitors subsequent changes against this baseline. This allows the system to track hardware modifications while maintaining accurate asset identification through the persistent core identifiers that remain unchanged.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote and mobile computing devices are used, then business flexibility increases, but accurate tracking and identification of assets becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the identification system continuously collects data points from remote and mobile devices and compares them against stored profiles. The system provides feedback on device status, location, and configuration changes, enabling accurate tracking of assets across different locations and users. This feedback loop maintains reliable asset identification even as devices move between departments, owners, or physical locations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A utility to determine identity of an electronic device electronically, by running a device attribute collection application that collects key data points of the electronic devices and a device identification application that uses these key data points to link the electronic device to a specific owner or entity. Data points of the device may change over time for reasons such as reconfiguration, repair or normal daily use. The device identification application intelligently and consistently tracks changes in key data points associated with the device, even if the data points change over its lifecycle. The device may be identified remotely with the device identification application (e.g., in the event of theft or loss of the device) based on the collected data points. The device identification application may be deployed in conjunction with services that may include asset tracking, asset recovery, data delete, software deployment, etc.