Handheld Logging Apparatus for Mobile Device Log Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices, particularly those running Android OS versions after 5.0, restrict access to log files, requiring a rooted device or an external computer for logging, and log data is temporarily available due to ring memory limitations, making field testing inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A handheld logging apparatus with a processing unit, interface, and trigger device that connects to a mobile device to request and capture log files without rooting, storing data locally or remotely, and can operate independently of the device's memory limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security measures are introduced to restrict access to log files in mobile operating systems, then system security is improved, but access to log files becomes restricted requiring rooting or external computers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a logging application as an intermediary component that runs within the mobile device's operating system. This intermediary has the necessary permissions to access log files and can export them to external devices, thereby maintaining security restrictions while enabling legitimate access for developers and users.
2Quantity of substance
If ring memory is used to store log files on mobile devices, then storage space is optimized, but log data becomes unavailable after a limited period due to overwriting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the storage dimension by enabling export of log files to external devices such as computers or cloud storage. This transitions the storage from a single-dimension ring buffer on the mobile device to a multi-dimensional storage architecture that includes both device memory and external storage, thereby preserving log data indefinitely.
3Ease of operation
If an external computer is required to access log files from mobile devices, then log file access is enabled, but device mobility and field testing efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality within the mobile device through a logging application that can directly export log files to external devices. This eliminates the requirement for a connected external computer during field testing, as the mobile device itself performs the logging and export operations, thereby maintaining mobility and improving productivity.
4Ease of operation
If rooting is performed to break access limitations on mobile devices, then access to log files is obtained, but device stability and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a logging application as a sanctioned intermediary that operates within the existing security framework. This approach obtains necessary permissions through legitimate channels rather than rooting, thereby maintaining device stability and security while enabling log file access for development and debugging purposes.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a handheld logging apparatus for capturing a log file of a compatible portable electronic device. The logging apparatus comprises: a processing unit; an interface adapted to communicatively connect the logging apparatus to the electronic device; and a trigger device being communicatively coupled to the processing unit, being operable by a human user, and being configured to send a trigger signal to the processing unit upon it being operated by a human user. The processing unit is configured to: send, upon receiving the trigger signal, a request signal to the electronic device via the interface to request the electronic device to provide the logging apparatus with access to an internal log file of the device; read data from the log file via the interface when the electronic device has granted access to the log file; and store the data read from the log file, at least in parts, to a memory device and/or to send it, at least in parts, to a recipient device over a communication link.