Methods and systems for performing remote diagnostics

• US 20060230312A1
• Filed: 03/29/2005
• Published: 10/12/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/29/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Finitz, Matthew R., Wade, Frederick G. III, Nichols, Tim C.
• Granted Patent: US 7,716,316 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 714/25
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/2294 by remote test
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/025 for remote control or remote monitoring of applications

Abstract

Diagnostic methods and systems are described in which a client or consumer electronic device can be remotely controlled and operated for purposes which include performing diagnostics and/or implementing remedial measures designed to remedy identified problems associated with the consumer electronic device.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

attempting to initiate, via a consumer electronic device, communication with a diagnostic entity;

in an event that communication with the diagnostic entity is initiated, attempting to initialize the consumer electronic device with the diagnostic entity;

in an event the consumer electronic device is initialized, contacting the diagnostic entity to start a diagnostic session;

receiving, from the diagnostic entity and as part of the diagnostic session, at least one command, event or action;

performing, with the consumer electronic device, at least one act associated with said at least one command, event or action; and

reporting back to the diagnostic entity information associated with said at least one act.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said act of attempting to initiate is performed by calling a first server to ascertain a location of a diagnostic server.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said act of attempting to initiate is performed at least when the consumer electronic device is booted.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein in an event said act of attempting to initiate fails, terminating execution of diagnostic code executing on the consumer electronic device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein in an event said act of attempting to initialize fails, terminating execution of diagnostic code executing on the consumer electronic device.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising prior to said act of contacting, receiving from the diagnostic entity a session ID and using the session ID in subsequent calls to the diagnostic entity.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one command, event or action pertains to execution of a virtual key stroke.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said act of reporting is performed, at least in part, by building a report using XML.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said act of receiving is performed by receiving XML that describes said at least one command, event or action.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein said consumer electronic device comprises an IP-enabled device.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said consumer electronic device comprises an IP-enabled television-based client.

12. A method comprising:

receiving a first call from a consumer electronic device that attempts to initiate contact with a diagnostic entity;

initializing the consumer electronic device with the diagnostic entity;

receiving a second call from the consumer electronic device to start a diagnostic session;

distributing at least one command, event or action to the consumer electronic device for remote execution at the consumer electronic device; and

receiving a report from the consumer electronic device that pertains to the device'"'"'s performance of said at least one command, event or action.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said act of receiving the first call is performed by receiving said first call with a first server, and wherein said act of receiving the second call is performed by receiving said second call with a diagnostic server.

14. The method of claim 12 further comprising responsive to receiving said second call, returning a session ID to the consumer electronic device, wherein the session ID can be used in subsequent calls to the diagnostic entity.

15. The method of claim 12 further comprising responsive to receiving said second call, returning a session ID to the consumer electronic device, wherein the session ID can be used in subsequent calls to the diagnostic entity, and wherein said act of distributing is performed responsive to receiving a call from the consumer electronic device that utilizes said session ID.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein said act of distributing is performed, at least in part, by distributing XML that describes said at least one command, event or action.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein said act of receiving a report is performed by receiving an XML report.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein said consumer electronic device comprises an IP-enabled device.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein said consumer electronic device comprises an IP-enabled television-based client.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein said at least one command, event or action pertains to execution of a virtual key stroke.