Automatic Bug Reporting Tool for Software Malfunction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software tools for error reporting in computer programs are limited in detecting crashes and require technical knowledge to configure and send crash data, making it difficult for non-power users to effectively identify and report software malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The Automatic Bug Reporting Tool (ABRT) detects software malfunctions using a configurable malfunction library and reports crash data to one or more remote computers through a configurable reporting library, simplifying the process with optional addon, plugin, and core components, allowing users to generate and send reports without debugging expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercially available software collects crash data and sends it to developers, then error identification capability is improved, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic crash detection and reporting without requiring user intervention. The malfunction detector automatically detects software malfunctions, collects crash data, and sends reports to designated recipients, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring user configuration and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (malfunction detector with configurable malfunction library and reporting library) that mediates between the crash occurrence and the developer. This intermediary automatically processes crash data collection, formatting, and transmission, eliminating the need for users to directly handle complex debugging tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If crash data collection is configured for multiple destinations and custom specifications, then reporting versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs configurable malfunction libraries and reporting libraries that allow dynamic adjustment of crash detection parameters and reporting destinations. Users can modify the malfunction types to detect, data collection specifications, and recipient addresses without changing the underlying system structure, enabling versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through configuration rather than structural changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for detecting and reporting malfunctions in computer programs is described. A malfunction detector detects at least one type of a software malfunction as defined in a configurable malfunction library. A data collector collects data of the software malfunction. A crash reporter reports the crash report in a manner specified in a configurable reporting library corresponding to the type of software malfunction to one or more remote computers.