Methods and systems for performing remote diagnostics

• US 7,716,316 B2
• Filed: 03/29/2005
• Issued: 05/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/29/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Wade, Frederick G III, Finitz, Matthew R, Nichols, Tim C
• Primary Examiner(s): Follansbee; John
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hussain; Imad
• Application Number:
  US11/092,152
• Publication Number:
  US 20060230312A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,869 Days
• Field of Search: 709/223
• 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 having computer instructions executable by a processor, comprising:

executing a diagnostic code located on a consumer electronic device, wherein the diagnostic code permits a remote control and an operation of the consumer electronic device;

initiating, via the consumer electronic device, a communication with a diagnostic entity, when the consumer electronic device is unable to initiate the communication with the diagnostic entity, terminate an execution of the diagnostic code;

wherein terminating the execution provides a security gate by eliminating an access to a functionality of the diagnostic code that permits the remote control and the operation of the consumer electronic device;

initializing the consumer electronic device with the diagnostic entity after the communication with the diagnostic entity is initiated;

contacting the diagnostic entity to start a diagnostic session after the consumer electronic device is initialized;

receiving, from the diagnostic entity and as part of the diagnostic session, one or more virtual keystrokes over a network communication, wherein each virtual keystroke is a command, an event or an action allowing the diagnostic entity to control the consumer electronic device when executed and simulating one or more button presses on a remote control associated with the consumer electronic device;

parsing, with the consumer electronic device, the one or more virtual keystrokes and executing for each virtual keystroke, with the consumer electronic device, a corresponding command, event or action; and

reporting back to the diagnostic entity information associated with one or more executed virtual keystrokes.

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

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

4. 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.

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

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

7. 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.

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

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