Forensic Image Platform Detection via Data Marker Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital forensic investigation methods require manual analysis or prior knowledge of the target device's operating system to determine the correct processing techniques, which is time-consuming and demands high domain expertise, limiting efficiency and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A computer system that automatically determines the platform type of a forensic image by scanning for predetermined data markers or examining data elements, using a mapping data structure and encoded rules to assign the most likely platform type, thereby enabling platform-specific processing without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual analysis or prior knowledge is used to determine platform type, then accurate platform identification can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires high domain expertise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform identification accuracyVSAvoidtime for platform detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary scanning of the forensic image to detect data markers and examine data elements before full processing begins. This preliminary action identifies platform-specific characteristics early, enabling automated platform type determination without requiring manual analysis or prior expert knowledge during the main processing phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual analysis is performed to determine platform type, then correct forensic processing techniques can be selected, but the process demands high domain expertise and reduces accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforensic processing accuracyVSAvoiduser expertise requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting data markers and examining data elements within the forensic image to determine the platform type itself, without requiring external expert intervention. The automated platform identification system selects the appropriate forensic processing techniques based on detected platform characteristics, making the system self-sufficient and accessible to users regardless of their domain expertise level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated platform detection is implemented, then efficiency and accessibility are improved, but the system must accurately scan and analyze forensic image data without prior knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform detection efficiencyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a scanning module that detects data markers in the forensic image, an examining module that analyzes data elements, and a determination module that identifies platform type based on detected features. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall productivity while managing system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240013528A1Platform detection algorithm for forensic images
Publication Date: 2024.01.11 MAGNET FORENSICS INC
  • US20240013528A1 patent drawing
  • US20240013528A1 patent drawing
  • US20240013528A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a computer system, method and storage medium for determining a platform type of a forensic image. The method includes storing in a memory a mapping data structure mapping at least one predetermined data marker type to at least one platform type and automatically determining the platform type by scanning the forensic image for the at least one predetermined data marker type. The method further includes, where at least one data marker is detected, mapping the at least one data marker to at least one platform type using the mapping data structure. The method further includes, where at least one data marker is not detected, examining the forensic image to identify a set of present data elements, determining, according to at least one encoded rule, a most likely platform type. The method further includes assigning the platform type or the most likely platform type as the determined platform type.