Automated Device Location Classification via Kernel Tree Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing devices require manual configuration to classify device connections, limiting the ability to automatically determine the deployment location of devices and enforce specific function enablement or disablement based on connection paths, which is inefficient and prone to errors, especially in environments like point-of-sale terminals.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and system that searches the device tree of a computing device to identify devices of interest, classifies their relative location based on their connection paths, and stores this classification in memory, enabling or disabling device functions accordingly, using the kernel device file system to logically arrange devices in a hierarchical topology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration is used to classify device connections, then device deployment location classification can be implemented, but the process is inefficient and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically enumerating devices, identifying their deployment locations through device tree analysis, and classifying them without human intervention. The kernel device file system automatically provides the hierarchical topology information needed for classification, eliminating manual configuration steps while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the device tree structure and device file system hierarchy before device classification is needed. This pre-organized hierarchical topology allows for rapid automated classification when devices are connected, eliminating the need for manual configuration at deployment time.
2Productivity
If automated device classification is implemented, then configuration efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The kernel device file system serves multiple functions: it organizes devices hierarchically, provides topology information, and enables automated classification. This universal structure reduces the need for separate specialized systems while improving configuration efficiency through a single multi-functional infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device file system acts as an intermediary layer between the physical device connections and the classification logic. It translates physical connectivity into a standardized hierarchical representation that simplifies automated classification, reducing system complexity by providing a clear mediation interface.
3Reliability
If device functions are enabled or disabled based on connection paths, then security is enhanced, but device adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by enabling or disabling device functions based on their specific deployment location in the device tree hierarchy. Devices at different hierarchical levels (e.g., directly connected vs. hub-connected) receive different function configurations, providing security tailored to each location's risk profile while maintaining adaptability for legitimate use cases.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments herein each include at least one of devices, methods, and software for coupled device deployment location classification in an automated manner. One embodiment, in the form of a method (200 or 300), includes searching a device tree of a computing device (102) to identify any devices of interest (106, 110). This method, for each identified device of interest (106, 110), may then identify a path within the computing device (102) of the device of interest (106, 110) and classify, based on the identified path, a relative location of the device of interest (106, 110). This method may then store the classification of the device of interest (106, 110) in a memory device of the computing device (102).