Remote Debugging via Encrypted Instant Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote debugging solutions for electronic devices often require direct connections, which can be impractical due to the need for VPN configurations, network topology changes, and the absence of secured connectivity, especially in complex environments like embedded controllers and IoT devices, necessitating multiple experts for low-level device information access.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of end-to-end encrypted communication using existing public or private communication infrastructure, such as instant messaging platforms, allows for secure remote debugging without VPNs or network reconfigurations, enabling remote access to device memory states and supporting various debugging methodologies across PCs, servers, and IoT devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If VPN configuration is used for remote debugging, then network connectivity is established, but licensing costs increase and network topology changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based debugging server as an intermediary between the debugging engineer and the device under test. This server acts as a mediator that enables remote debugging without requiring direct VPN connections or network topology changes at the customer site. The server hosts the debugging environment and relays communication, eliminating the need for complex local network configurations while maintaining reliable connectivity.
2Ease of operation
If direct device connection is used for low-level debugging, then access to device memory state is achieved, but multiple hardware or software experts must be present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the device under test within the cloud-based debugging environment. This virtual instance replicates the device's hardware and software state, allowing debugging engineers to interact with the copy remotely without needing physical presence or direct connection to the actual device. Multiple engineers can simultaneously access the same virtual instance, eliminating the need for multiple experts to be physically present.
3Measurement precision
If multiple experts are required for complex environment debugging, then comprehensive device analysis is possible, but debugging time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple debugging capabilities and expert perspectives into a single centralized cloud-based debugging platform. Multiple engineers can simultaneously access the same device instance through the cloud server, combining their expertise in one location. This eliminates the need for sequential or coordinated physical presence of multiple experts, significantly reducing debugging time while maintaining comprehensive analysis capabilities.
4Reliability
If secured connectivity is required for remote debugging, then data security is improved, but existing solutions like VPN do not provide adequate security
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based debugging server acts as a secure intermediary that handles all communication between debugging engineers and devices. The server implements security measures including encrypted communication channels, authentication mechanisms, and controlled access policies. This centralizes security management in the cloud provider's infrastructure rather than requiring complex security configurations at each customer site, providing robust security while simplifying the overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A technical problem faced when remotely controlling or debugging electronic devices is that remote control or debugging often requires a direct connection. However, debugging ports are inaccessible on many devices. Technical solutions described herein provide systems and methods for secure communication via existing communication infrastructure (e.g., public instant messenger (IM)), providing various debugging abilities including debugging and file sharing. Technical solutions described herein also provide systems and methods for debugging based on remote device memory state collection and sending for embedded or IoT devices. This solution avoids a hardware debugging connection by using a debugging methodology resident on the device to read and dump the relevant memory, registers, and other device state information in a secure and automated manner.