Erasure Process Selection Using Historical Device Erasure Reports

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data erasure processes require manual user input and expertise to select the appropriate method, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies due to the variety of standards and device-specific requirements.

Innovation Solution

An automated system provides device-specific information on erasure processes using a remote computing system that analyzes historical erasure reports to guide users in selecting the most suitable erasure method based on device parameters, probability of success, and expected duration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual user input and expertise are required to select erasure methods, then user control and flexibility are maintained, but human error increases and process efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of erasure process operationVSAvoidaccuracy of erasure process selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects device parameters and selects appropriate erasure processes without requiring user expertise. The erasure client software autonomously gathers device information, queries the remote system, receives recommendations, and executes the selected process, enabling self-service operation that maintains both ease of use and selection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where device parameters are continuously monitored and fed back to the remote computing system. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts erasure process recommendations, ensuring optimal selection while reducing human error through automated decision-making based on real-time device state information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple erasure processes are available for different standards and devices, then adaptability and versatility improve, but device complexity and user confusion increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different device types and standardsVSAvoidcomplexity of erasure process selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complex erasure process selection into manageable components by automatically detecting specific device parameters (storage type, capacity, manufacturer) and matching them against predefined erasure process templates. This segmentation transforms the complex choice into an automated parameter-matching exercise, reducing user confusion while maintaining broad adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The remote computing system serves multiple functions: it stores erasure process definitions, receives device parameters, processes compatibility information, generates recommendations, and provides user guidance. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be multiple separate systems into a single universal platform that handles diverse device types and standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If automated system analysis of historical erasure reports is implemented, then decision-making accuracy improves, but system complexity and initial setup requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of erasure process recommendationsVSAvoidcomplexity of automated analysis system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing erasure process definitions, success criteria, and historical performance data in the remote computing system before actual erasure operations occur. This pre-preparation enables rapid, accurate analysis during execution without requiring complex real-time computation, thus improving recommendation precision while limiting complexity to data storage and retrieval operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The remote computing system acts as an intermediary between the erasure client software and the actual erasure processes. It receives device parameters, queries historical data, processes compatibility information, and returns recommendations. This intermediary role simplifies the client software by centralizing complex analysis logic in the remote system, improving local system simplicity while maintaining high measurement precision through sophisticated remote processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3928265B1Providing user guidance on erasure process selection based on accumulated erasure reports
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 BLANCCO TECH GRP IP OY
  • EP3928265B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3928265B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3928265B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an aspect, there is provided a method for guiding a user of a first computing device in selecting a suitable erasure process for a second computing device. Initially, information on a plurality of erasure re-ports describing erasure processes carried out for computing devices is maintained in an erasure report database. A remote computing device receives one or more device parameters characterizing the second computing device from the first computing device. The remote computing system compares the one or more device parameters to device parameters maintained in the erasure report database in response to the receiving and based thereon determines one or more expected erasure process properties for at least one erasure process for erasing a memory or part thereof of the second computing device. The remote computing system sends the one or more expected erasure process properties for said at least one erasure process to the first computing device.