Set-Top Terminal Error Log Signature Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As the size of data networks increases, the overwhelming amount of error data from set-top terminals (STTs) becomes difficult for system administrators to organize and process, leading to inefficiencies in determining and solving issues within the network.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that collects error logs from STTs, processes them into a master log file, and uses signature files to identify and document error patterns, allowing for efficient analysis and categorization of errors, thereby facilitating the determination of common issues and creating a centralized or distributed control system to manage and report these errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error data is collected from all STTs in the network, then comprehensive error information is obtained, but the data becomes overwhelming and difficult to process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overwhelming error data by creating separate signature files for each unique error type. Each signature file contains errors with the same error identifier (EI), allowing administrators to divide and conquer the analysis task by processing one error type at a time rather than dealing with all errors simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential identifying characteristics of errors (error identifiers, patterns, and key attributes) into signature files, separating the critical diagnostic information from the raw error logs. This extraction process creates condensed representations that retain diagnostic value while reducing processing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If detailed error analysis is performed on each error individually, then precise error identification is achieved, but the time required to analyze and solve problems increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization of error data by creating signature files that pre-group errors by type and assign error identifiers before the administrator needs to analyze them. This preliminary categorization work is done automatically, so when administrators review errors, the precise identification has already been partially accomplished, reducing their analysis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copied representations of error patterns in signature files that preserve the essential identifying features of errors. These signature files serve as standardized templates that can be quickly matched against new errors, allowing rapid identification without re-analyzing the full error details each time.
3Productivity
If a centralized system collects and processes all error data, then comprehensive error management is achieved, but the system complexity and administrative burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces signature files as an intermediary layer between the raw error logs and the administrator. These signature files act as a mediating structure that organizes error data in a standardized, easily consumable format, reducing the complexity of the interaction between the error collection system and the administrator without losing comprehensive error management capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Included are embodiments of a method for detecting errors in a set top terminal (STT). At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving error data related to at least one error that occurred in at least one STT and comparing the received error data to at least one signature file, the at least one signature file including a pattern related to at least one documented error. Additional embodiments of the method may also include in response to determining that the received error data does not match the pattern related to at least one documented error, creating a new signature file, the new signature file including at least one pattern associated with the received error data.