METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS
First Claim
1. A method for remote diagnostics in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network having a head-end unit and a device having diagnostics software, the method comprising the steps of:
- transmitting a data request from the head-end unit to the device in response to a request from a user;
determining if the received data request requires the device to execute an internal diagnostics program;
transmitting a first response from the device to the head end unit in response to the reception of the data request if data request does not require the device to execute the internal diagnostics program;
placing the device in a service mode in response to the reception of the data request if the data request requires the device to execute the internal diagnostics program; and
transmitting a second response containing the requested data from the device to the head-end unit, the requested data in the second response including at least one of an error code, instrument identification, software revision, bit-rate, and bit-error rate and wherein the device resides at a customer'"'"'s residence.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed towards a method and system for remote diagnostics in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) set-top box network having a head-end unit and a set-top box having diagnostics software. The diagnostics software stored in the set-top box enables the head-end unit to remotely query the set-top box about the current condition of the set-top box and, as a result, reduces the necessity of service calls and/or shipping charges that would otherwise be required. The diagnostics software generates data is response to a set-top box identification request, a software version request, a check television connections request, a check I/O ports request, a check HPNA networking request, a check USB request, a check system ICs request, a check DSL connection request, a check error codes request, a read warranty clock request, a read hours of operation request, and a perform default test request received from the head-end. Execution of the diagnostics software may be initiated as part of a periodical diagnostic test of the set-top box, at the request of a customer having difficulties with the set-top box, or in response to an alarm or alert message generated by the set-top box.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for remote diagnostics in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network having a head-end unit and a device having diagnostics software, the method comprising the steps of:
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transmitting a data request from the head-end unit to the device in response to a request from a user; determining if the received data request requires the device to execute an internal diagnostics program; transmitting a first response from the device to the head end unit in response to the reception of the data request if data request does not require the device to execute the internal diagnostics program; placing the device in a service mode in response to the reception of the data request if the data request requires the device to execute the internal diagnostics program; and transmitting a second response containing the requested data from the device to the head-end unit, the requested data in the second response including at least one of an error code, instrument identification, software revision, bit-rate, and bit-error rate and wherein the device resides at a customer'"'"'s residence. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. In a Digital Subscriber Line system having a head-end unit and a plurality of devices, a device comprising:
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a first interface for communicating with the head-end unit; a storage medium for storing diagnostics software; and a processor for executing the stored diagnostics software and placing the device in a service mode in response to a data request received from the head-end unit the processor transmitting a response to the requested data after placing the device in the service mode, the response including at least one of an error code, instrument identification, software revision, bit-rate, and bit-error rate, wherein the device resides at a customer'"'"'s residence and wherein the data request is received from the head-end unit in response to a request from a user. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for remote diagnostics in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network having a head-end unit and a device having diagnostics software, the method comprising the steps of:
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transmitting a data request from the head-end unit to the device in response to a request from a user; determining if the received data request requires the device to execute an internal diagnostics program; transmitting a first response from the device to the head end unit in response to the reception of the data request if data request does not require the device to execute the internal diagnostics program, the internal diagnostics program residing in the device; executing the internal diagnostics program in response to the reception of the data request if the data request requires the device to execute the internal diagnostics program; and transmitting a second response containing the requested data from the device to the head-end unit, the requested data in the second response including at least one of an error code, instrument identification, software revision, bit-rate, and bit-error rate and wherein the device resides at a customer'"'"'s residence. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. In a Digital Subscriber Line system having a head-end unit and a plurality of devices, a device comprising:
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a first interface for communicating with the head-end unit; a storage medium for storing diagnostics software, the diagnostics software residing in the device; and a processor for executing the stored diagnostics software in response to a data request received from the head-end unit, the processor transmitting a first response to the requested data through the first interface if the data request does not require the processor to execute the internal diagnostics program and transmitting a second response to the requested data through the first interface after executing the diagnostics software if the data request requires the processor to execute the internal diagnostics program, the response including at least one of an error code, instrument identification, software revision, bit-rate, and bit-error rate, wherein the device resides at a customer'"'"'s residence and wherein the data request is received from the head-end unit in response to a request from the device. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification