Unified Remote Diagnostic Data Collection via Batch File Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for remote diagnostics of computer problems, particularly in database applications, are inefficient due to the need for separate processes to collect and view database table and application data, posing security risks and being time-consuming, and fail to account for diverse hardware and software configurations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automates the collection of database table and application data into a single process using a data collection designer software to create a batch file, which can be executed on the user's computer to generate a data file viewable through a single graphical user interface, eliminating the need for a database program on the support technician's system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate processes are used to collect database table data and application data, then data can be collected, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming requiring multiple applications and separate viewing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate data collection processes into a single integrated process. The support technician interface consolidates the ability to collect both database table data and application data through one unified operation, eliminating the need to manually execute multiple separate applications and processes. This merging directly addresses the inefficiency of having to use different applications for different data types.
Solution Approach 2:
The support technician interface is designed as a universal system that can collect and view multiple types of data (database tables, application data, log files) through a single interface. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for separate specialized applications for each data type, allowing technicians to perform comprehensive data collection and analysis without switching between multiple tools.
2Ease of operation
If remote user access is granted to support personnel for direct diagnostics, then troubleshooting can be performed directly, but security risks increase and confidential information may be accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the specific data needed for diagnostics (database tables and application data) without granting broad system access. Instead of allowing remote users to access the entire system, the system collects and transmits only the relevant diagnostic data sets, thereby maintaining security while enabling effective troubleshooting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary that facilitates diagnostic data collection without requiring direct remote access. The support technician interface mediates between the diagnostic needs and the user system, collecting necessary data through controlled mechanisms rather than granting open access, thus balancing troubleshooting effectiveness with security.
3Measurement precision
If a duplicated computer system is maintained at the support center for replicating failures, then problem analysis can be performed, but the complexity and cost increase due to hardware and software configuration variety
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining physical duplicated hardware systems, the patent creates digital copies of the necessary diagnostic data (database tables and application data) and transmits them to the support center. This data copying approach eliminates the need for complex hardware duplication while preserving the ability to analyze problems accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the essential diagnostic data needed for problem analysis rather than duplicating entire computer systems. By taking out and transmitting only the relevant data sets (database tables, application data, log files), the complexity of maintaining duplicate hardware and software configurations is eliminated while retaining diagnostic capability.
4Measurement precision
If database program is installed on support technician system for viewing database data, then table column definitions can be displayed, but the requirement for database program installation increases system requirements and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system copies database table definitions and data into a standardized format that can be viewed without requiring the original database program installation. The collected data sets include the necessary structural information in a portable format, allowing support technicians to analyze database data using generic viewing tools rather than requiring specific database software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the format and state of database data from a proprietary database-dependent format to a standardized, program-independent format. By transforming database tables and definitions into a universal representation, the system eliminates the requirement for specific database program installations while maintaining full display and analysis capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automating database table and application data collection into one process to facilitate remote diagnostics of a computer problem are disclosed. A customized batch file is created by a remote support technician that can be run on a user computer that has the actual data to be gathered for the computer problem to be diagnosed. An output data file is created by the running batch file compiling problem diagnosis data from the user computer. The data file can then be viewed via a single viewing process that displays the application and database data of the data file through a single GUI and allows easy viewing manipulation of that data through the GUI. Because the database table data may be saved in a string delimited format with table field names saved with it, the database program is not needed in order to view the tables.