Methods and Systems for Performing Remote Diagnostics
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.
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.