Remote Diagnostics for Computing Devices Using Low-Level File Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices often fail to communicate error information effectively, leading to cryptic error messages and frustrating troubleshooting processes for users, who must decode error codes and rely on technical support for assistance.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for remote diagnostics that includes an information module to collect failure data, a file module to encapsulate it, and a communication module to transmit this data using a low-level file transfer protocol, enabling remote correction instructions to be received and executed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If error codes are transmitted or displayed to a user, then error information is communicated, but the information comes in a cryptic format that is difficult for a user to understand
Solution Approach 1:
A remote computing device acts as an intermediary between the failed computing device and the user. The remote device receives diagnostic information, processes it into human-readable format, and presents it to the user through a graphical interface, eliminating the need for users to interpret cryptic error codes directly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of displaying error codes on local devices (beep codes, LED displays) with an electronic/digital system that transmits diagnostic data over a network to a remote device, where sophisticated processing and presentation capabilities exist
2Loss of information
If a user looks up error codes in a manual, then the nature of the problem can be determined, but the process is very frustrating and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback loops where diagnostic information is continuously collected from the failed device, processed by remote computing resources, and presented to users in real-time. This eliminates the manual lookup process by providing immediate, processed diagnostic feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The remote computing device performs preliminary diagnostic analysis and processes error information before the user even receives it. The system proactively collects, analyzes, and prepares diagnostic data in advance, so users receive ready-to-understand information rather than raw error codes requiring their analysis
3Ease of operation
If a remote technical support person relies on the perceptions and diagnostic abilities of the user, then assistance can be provided, but the support process remains frustrating and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The failed computing device performs self-diagnosis by automatically collecting and transmitting its own diagnostic information to a remote device. This eliminates the need for users to manually observe and report device behavior, as the system autonomously gathers and communicates accurate diagnostic data
Solution Approach 2:
The remote computing device serves as an intermediary that receives direct diagnostic data from the failed device and communicates with technical support personnel. This intermediary role ensures that support personnel receive accurate, machine-generated diagnostic information rather than relying on user perceptions
Data Source
AI summary
For remote diagnostics of a computing device, a method is disclosed that includes collecting failure information from a computing device, wherein the computing device has an error, encapsulating the failure information into a file, and transmitting the file from the computing device to a remote device using a low level file transfer protocol.