Log File Event Waveform Visualization for System Debugging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Log files are difficult to decipher due to their cryptic format and overwhelming number of events, requiring specialized expertise and different programs for various formats, making it challenging to process and analyze system debugging data effectively.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that converts textual descriptions of system events into event waveforms with a time axis and ideograms, allowing for visual representation and analysis, including statistical visualizations and animations, to facilitate easier interpretation and diagnosis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If log files are processed using traditional text parsing methods, then detailed event information can be extracted, but the complexity and time required for analysis increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevent information extraction accuracyVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical text parsing methods with signal processing techniques. Log events are transformed into waveforms that can be analyzed using spectral analysis, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), and other signal processing algorithms, enabling automated extraction of temporal patterns and event characteristics without manual text analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the representation parameters of log data from textual format to waveform format. By converting log entries into time-series waveforms with amplitude, frequency, and phase characteristics, the system enables quantitative analysis of event patterns, making it possible to automatically detect anomalies and extract meaningful information from large datasets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If specialized computer programs are written to interpret different log file formats, then accurate parsing can be achieved, but the device complexity and expertise requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelog file parsing accuracyVSAvoidprogram complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal waveform processing platform that can handle multiple log file formats through a single interface. The system uses format-agnostic waveform generation and signal processing algorithms that work across different logging systems, eliminating the need for separate specialized parsers for each format while maintaining accurate event extraction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces waveform representation as an intermediary layer between diverse log formats and analysis functions. This intermediary converts various log formats into a unified waveform representation, allowing standard signal processing techniques to be applied uniformly across different formats without requiring format-specific processing logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If log files with overwhelming number of events are processed, then complete audit trail can be obtained, but the difficulty of deciphering and analyzing the data increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevent data volumeVSAvoiddata interpretability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the overwhelming stream of log events into manageable waveform segments that can be individually analyzed. By dividing the continuous event stream into discrete waveform representations with identifiable patterns, the system makes it possible to process large datasets systematically using automated signal processing rather than attempting to read every individual log entry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual waveform representations that transform abstract text data into graphical forms with intuitive visual patterns. Waveforms display temporal patterns, event frequencies, and anomalies through visual characteristics such as amplitude variations, frequency changes, and pattern repetitions, making large datasets interpretable through visual inspection rather than text reading

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS9405610B1Apparatus and method for processing log file data
Publication Date: 2016.08.02 TEKTRONIX INC
  • US9405610B1 patent drawing
  • US9405610B1 patent drawing
  • US9405610B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer implemented method includes receiving a data stream from a client device. The data stream includes a textual description of the operation of a system. The textual description includes at least one textual instruction. The textual description is converted to event waveforms where each event waveform has a time axis and event indicia. The textual instruction is rendered as an ideogram associated with the event waveforms. A representation of the event waveforms and the ideogram is supplied.