Debugging code controlling resource-constrained intelligent devices contemporaneously with executing object code

Abstract

This disclosure involves debugging code for resource-constrained intelligent devices contemporaneously with executing object code on the intelligent device. For example, object code is transmitted to a radio device. A program counter entry is provided from the radio device to a computer via a communication link contemporaneously with a pause in execution of the object code at the radio device. A correspondence between the program counter entry and a portion of assembly code, which was used to generate the object code, is identified and is used to generate a list of additional program counter entries for pausing the object code's execution. The list is provided from the computer to the radio device and is used to pause the object code's execution at the radio device. Log data is provided from the radio device to the computer for display after pausing the object code's execution at one of these program counter entries.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This disclosure relates generally to computer software and more particularly relates to debugging code for controlling radio devices and other resource-constrained intelligent devices contemporaneously with (e.g., in real-time) executing object code on the intelligent device.BACKGROUND[0002]Devices such as radios, utility meters, and other electronic tools may include processing capabilities that allow the devices to be remotely controlled or configured. For example, an intelligent utility meter can execute commands such as transmitting collected data to a head-end server, loading configuration data that controls one or more operating parameters of the meter, modifying operations in response to external conditions (e.g., daylight savings time changeover, time of day, etc.). These processing capabilities can be provided using relatively simple programming languages that do not require complex operating systems.[0003]These types of intelligent devices may have lim...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a system and method for debugging code on devices like radios that have limited resources and need to be debugged in real-time. The system allows for the transmission of program code from a computer to the radio device, with the program counter entries provided to the computer from the radio device. This information is used to pause the execution of the program code and display electronic log data. The technical effect of this patent is to enable efficient and effective debugging of code on resource-constrained devices, such as radios, in real-time.

Problems solved by technology

These types of intelligent devices may have limited memory storage or other computing resources.

For example, a given device may be unable to store program code larger than four or eight kilobytes.

The limitations on memory storage or other computing may prevent at least some debugging features from being included in the program code that is used to operate the intelligent device.

For example, a developer may be unable to accurately or efficiently identify which portion of program code is causing a malfunction or other issue in the operation of an intelligent device.

An inability to accurately or efficiently identify portions of program code that cause malfunctions or other issues may increase the time and costs associated with developing program code to control intelligent devices.

Furthermore, inability to accurately identify portions of program code that cause malfunctions or other issues may cause developers to make errors when attempting to correct these malfunctions or other issues in the program code, which can negatively impact the operation of the intelligent device.

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