Methods and Systems for Performing Remote Diagnostics

• US 20100223372A1
• Filed: 05/10/2010
• Published: 09/02/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/29/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Finitz, Matthew R., Wade, Frederick G. III, Nichols, Tim C.
• Application Number:
  US12/777,150
• Publication Number:
  US 20100223372A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/223
• 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:

receiving a first call from a consumer electronic device to initiate contact with a remotely located 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 the at least one command, event or action.

2. A method of claim 1, wherein:

receiving the first call includes receiving the first call with a first server; and

receiving the second call includes receiving the second call with a diagnostic server.

3. A method of claim 1 further comprising responsive to receiving the 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.

4. A method of claim 1 further comprising responsive to receiving the 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 the distributing is performed responsive to receiving a call from the consumer electronic device that utilizes the session ID.

5. A method of claim 1, wherein the distributing is performed, at least in part, by distributing XML that describes the at least one command, event or action.

6. A method of claim 1, wherein the report is an XML report.

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

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

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