Synchronized Trace and Video Log Playback for Software Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current debugging tools, such as logfiles, often lack sufficient context and are time-consuming to review, making it difficult to diagnose software errors due to insufficient information about user interactions leading up to crashes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for recording and playback of trace log data and video log data that synchronizes visual user interactions with program execution messages, allowing for enhanced diagnosis of software errors by providing a visual context of user actions during program execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional logfile tracing is used to record program execution, then detailed execution steps are captured, but the information lacks context and is difficult to review
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines video recording of the graphical user interface with trace logfile data into a single synchronized playback presentation. The video captures visual context of user actions while the trace provides execution details, and both are played back together with temporal synchronization to show low-level actions alongside high-level visual context, thereby preventing information loss and reducing review time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to traditional text-based logging by recording and playing back video of the graphical user interface. This transforms the debugging experience from reviewing text traces to watching a visual replay of user interactions synchronized with execution steps, providing intuitive context without increasing review time
2Reliability
If comprehensive trace logging is implemented to capture all execution steps, then detailed debugging information is available, but the log becomes very large and time-consuming to review
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges video recording with trace logging to create a unified debugging presentation. The video provides visual context that helps reviewers understand user actions without needing to interpret every trace entry, thereby maintaining high diagnostic capability while reducing the effective data volume that needs detailed analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the user's interaction experience through video recording of the graphical interface. This video copy serves as a simplified representation that conveys contextual information more efficiently than detailed text traces, reducing the complexity of debugging data while preserving diagnostic reliability
3Loss of information
If detailed trace logging is used to capture user actions, then execution steps are recorded, but context information about user intent is missing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines video recording of the graphical user interface with trace logfile data into a single synchronized playback presentation. The video captures visual context of user actions while the trace provides execution details, and both are played back together with temporal synchronization to show low-level actions alongside high-level visual context
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to traditional text-based logging by recording and playing back video of the graphical user interface. This transforms the debugging experience from reviewing text traces to watching a visual replay of user interactions synchronized with execution steps, providing intuitive context without increasing review time
Data Source
AI summary
Recording and playback of trace log data and video log data for programs is described. In one aspect, a method for viewing log data recorded during execution of a program includes causing a display of recorded images depicting prior visual user interaction with the program during a particular time period. The method also includes causing a display of messages tracing and describing prior execution of the program during the particular time period. The display of the messages and the display of the recorded images are synchronized.