Contextualized Error Notifications for Application Logs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users without terminal access cannot effectively access and resolve application errors, as error data is typically logged and only accessible through command line terminals, limiting their ability to address issues.
Innovation Solution
An error context system is implemented, comprising retrieval, error rule, context, visualization, concise, and console engines, which retrieve and analyze error logs, generate concise error messages, and provide visualizations through a dashboard, allowing users to access error information via SMS notifications and a web-based administrative console.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error data is stored in logs accessible only through terminals, then error information is preserved accurately, but users without terminal access cannot retrieve and act on error data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary notification system that retrieves error data from logs and delivers it to users through multiple channels (SMS, email, push notifications). This mediator bridges the gap between the terminal-only log storage system and users who need error information but lack terminal access, allowing them to receive and act on error notifications without needing terminal access.
2Loss of information
If detailed error logs are provided to users, then complete error context is available, but users may be overwhelmed by verbose information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments error information into hierarchical levels of detail. The notification system provides a summary view of errors to users initially, then allows progressive disclosure of more detailed information as needed. This segmentation enables users to understand the essential error context without being immediately overwhelmed by complete log details, while still having access to full information when required.
Data Source
AI summary
Errors encountered by executing applications can be recorded in one or more logs. A search engine can be configured to retrieve error data from the one or more logs using pre-specified rules. A portion of the error data can be included in a small portable message (e.g., SMS text message) and sent to the developers or administrators of the applications. An administrative console can generate different visualizations based upon what errors the search engine retrieved.