Controller-Mediated Remote Device Troubleshooting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for troubleshooting information handling systems require physical access and the use of serial cables, which are time-consuming and involve additional hardware costs, limiting remote troubleshooting capabilities and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A system that enables communication between devices and controllers through a communication medium, allowing for the creation and transmission of packets containing device information formatted in specific protocols, without requiring physical access or additional hardware, thereby supporting remote troubleshooting and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical cables and direct connections are used for device troubleshooting, then reliable communication is achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidtroubleshooting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that mediates communication between the processor and peripheral devices. The controller receives troubleshooting commands from the processor, formats them into packets, and transmits them to the target device through existing communication media (USB, SATA, PCIe buses), eliminating the need for direct physical cable connections while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical cable connections with an electronic/software-based communication system. Instead of requiring physical USB or serial cables to be connected to devices, the system uses digital packet transmission through existing system buses and communication media, substituting mechanical connection operations with electronic data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If physical cables and additional hardware are used for device access, then direct device communication is achieved, but device complexity and hardware costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice accessibilityVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal communication architecture where the controller can manage multiple types of peripheral devices (storage devices, network interface cards, graphics cards) through a single interface. The same controller and communication medium can be used to access different device types, eliminating the need for device-specific cables or hardware adapters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the communication intelligence from the physical connection layer and concentrates it in the controller software. Instead of requiring specialized hardware for each device type, the communication protocol handling and packet formatting are extracted and implemented in the controller, allowing existing communication media to be used for multiple device types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If physical ports are used for device communication, then direct device access is achieved, but remote troubleshooting capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidcommunication architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller acts as a remote-access intermediary that receives troubleshooting commands from remote locations via the network interface card, translates them into device-specific protocols, and transmits them to the target peripheral device. This intermediary architecture enables remote troubleshooting without requiring physical access to device ports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional troubleshooting methods are used, then device-specific communication is achieved, but multi-user access capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-user supportVSAvoidtroubleshooting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements a queuing and arbitration mechanism that manages multiple user requests for device access. When multiple users attempt to troubleshoot the same device, the controller mediates their access requests, allowing sequential or prioritized access to the device while maintaining communication with all users through the network interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10261937B2Method and system for communication of device information

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

The system comprises a device, the device comprising a physical port. The device is configured to communicate with a controller through a communication medium. The controller is situated on a circuit board. The physical port is not configured to communicate with the communication medium. The device is also configured to communicate with a processor through the circuit board, but the physical port is not configured to communicate with the processor through the circuit board. The device is additionally configured to create a first packet comprising information corresponding to first device information. The first device information is formatted in a protocol associated with the physical port. The device is further configured to transmit the first packet to the controller through the communication medium.