Digital Interaction Database Intersection Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Forensic investigators face difficulties in finding intersections between digital interaction data sets from different providers, which are often organized differently and contain varying data elements and formats, making it challenging to identify related interactions between individuals.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for maintaining and searching digital interaction databases that include records from multiple providers, allowing for the identification of intersections between users or data sets by processing and mapping diverse digital interaction data sets into a unified format, and creating graphical representations of these interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital interaction data sets from different providers are maintained in their original formats, then data authenticity and provider-specific data elements are preserved, but finding intersections between users becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and normalizing digital interaction data from multiple providers into a unified format during data ingestion. This includes standardizing data structures, extracting key identifiers, and organizing data in advance, so that when intersection queries are executed, the system can quickly retrieve and compare already-processed data without performing complex format conversions during the actual search operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (normalization module) that sits between the diverse provider data sources and the intersection search functionality. This intermediary translates and harmonizes different data formats into a common structure, enabling efficient comparisons while preserving the original data characteristics. The intermediary maintains mapping relationships that allow traceability back to source data.
2Ease of operation
If digital interaction data from multiple providers is integrated into a unified database, then intersections can be easily found, but data structure complexity and integration challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data integration process into distinct modular components: data ingestion modules for each provider type, normalization modules that handle specific format conversions, intersection search modules, and visualization modules. Each segment handles a specific aspect of the data flow, making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable through clear separation of concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal data model and standardized interface that can accommodate multiple providers and data types. The normalization framework is designed to be provider-agnostic, using configurable mapping rules that can adapt to different data structures without requiring fundamental system changes. This multi-functional approach allows the same infrastructure to handle diverse data sources efficiently.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive digital interaction records are maintained including various interaction types and metadata, then forensic investigation insights are enhanced, but data storage requirements and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and stores only the essential elements needed for intersection analysis and forensic investigation, such as user identifiers, interaction timestamps, and interaction types. While comprehensive metadata is maintained in the original provider data sets, the normalized database focuses on key fields that enable efficient querying and analysis, reducing redundant storage of identical information across multiple records.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a layered data retention strategy where full-detail records are kept for essential interactions that meet specific criteria (e.g., intersections between targeted users), while less critical data is aggregated or summarized. This partial action approach ensures that the most forensically valuable information is preserved in detail without storing every possible data point at full resolution.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for finding intersections between digital interactions of two users (or a user and specific data) based on two different digital interaction data sets. For example, a digital interaction database may include a first user's mobile phone records from a first mobile company and a second user's mobile phone records from a second mobile phone company. The first user's mobile phone records and the second user's mobile phone records may be organized differently, may have different data elements, may have different format styles, etc. Yet an intersection between the first user and the second user may be found by searching the first user's mobile phone records and/or the second user's mobile phone records and retrieving related digital interactions such as, for example, phone records showing a phone call or message between the first user and the second user.