Log Distance Analysis for Software Installation Guide Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties during software installation and configuration due to the complexity and large amount of information available, making it hard to find useful and relevant guidance.
Innovation Solution
A server computer-implemented method using dynamic programming matching to calculate the distance between user-generated logs and administrator-generated logs, identifying problems in software installation procedures by comparing logs and presenting the results to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a guide document provides detailed installation and configuration procedures, then the completeness of information is improved, but the complexity of the guide increases making it harder for users to follow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the installation and configuration process into multiple discrete steps, with each step generating a separate log entry. This segmentation allows the system to break down complex procedures into manageable units that can be individually verified against expected outcomes, maintaining information completeness while reducing perceived complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an automated feedback mechanism that compares actual installation logs against expected log templates. This feedback system objectively evaluates whether each step was completed correctly, providing users with clear guidance on their progress and identifying specific problems without requiring them to navigate complex procedural documentation.
2Ease of operation
If users attempt to follow installation procedures independently, then the ease of operation is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring problems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to independently complete installation procedures while the system automatically monitors and evaluates each step through log analysis. The automated evaluation system performs the detection and measurement functions that would otherwise require expert knowledge, allowing users to work independently while problems are automatically identified and reported.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual problem-detection mechanisms (such as expert review or complex diagnostic procedures) with an automated computer-based log analysis system. This substitution uses algorithmic comparison of log entries against expected patterns to automatically detect installation problems, making the detection process as easy as submitting logs.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive installation logs are collected, then the measurement precision of installation status is improved, but the quantity of data to be processed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information from comprehensive installation logs by comparing them against predefined log templates. The system identifies and extracts key log entries that indicate successful or failed steps, filtering out redundant data. This extraction process maintains measurement precision by focusing on critical indicators while reducing the effective data volume that requires processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent collects comprehensive logs (excessive action) but only processes the portions necessary for evaluation (partial action). By generating detailed logs of all installation activities and then selectively analyzing only the relevant entries against expected patterns, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring proportional processing of all collected data.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention may be a method, a computer system, and a computer program product. An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for finding a problem in procedures described in a guide document for install and configuration of software. The method comprises calculating, using a dynamic programming matching, a distance between an install-and-configuration log generated by executing the install and configuration of the software according to the guide document at a user-side computer and a log template generated by executing the install and configuration of the software according to the guide document at an administrator-side computer, and finding a problem in the procedures, using the distance.