System and method for gathering and automatically processing user and debug data for mobile devices

Abstract

A system and method for tracking user patterns, getting debug information from retail devices in use, and gathering data automatically into a central location where it is processed automatically. Information pertaining to the state of the system at the time a failure occurred on a mobile device is accessible by a developer in a disconnected mode. In addition, usage patterns are ascertainable from the data gathered.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. provisional application No. 60 / 359,092, filed Feb. 20, 2002.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The iterative process of correcting errors associated with computer programs is an important part of delivering a product that meets customer expectations. Debugging platforms and other development kits have been created to assist in debugging software for a variety of devices. These debugging platforms are used prior to shipping a product in an attempt to remove the potential for errors before the product reaches the customer. However, most products that have software components are not delivered error free. For example, a mobile device, such as a pocket personal computer, will have unexpected errors that occur due to the changeable nature of it's operating environment. Any number of computer programs of varying level of complexity may be loaded on a mobile device at any one time, and possibly...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] The present invention allows for tracking real user patterns, getting debug information from retail devices in real world use, and gathering data automatically into a central location where it is processed automatically with little to no user intervention. The present invention allows information pertaining to the state of the system at the time a failure occurred on retail devices to be accessed by a developer in a disconnected mode. As many bugs do not occur in debug environments (and real users cannot carry the necessary debug equipment around with them), the present invention enables the ability to catch these bugs and fix them based on the information gathered. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention also provides a method to find real product stability based on real usage as well. Prior art methods only allowed for time to failure during automated stress tests, which do not necessarily map to real stability numbers. Additionally, usage patterns can be ascertained from the data gathered with little to no action on the part of the user. Competitors face similar data gathering problems and would benefit from the technology to bring better products to market more quickly.

[0006] The mobile device accumulates a series of discrete log files representing problems reported by the user or the system, or the passage of time with no interesting occurrences. The process of breaking the continuous data stream into these discrete parcels helps to manage the constraint of storage space on the device and the bandwidth limitations in moving data from the device in an unobtrusive manner. These log files are prioritized upon creation according to the nature of data they represent, in particular whether they specifically represent the presence of a bug, or rather simply the passage of time.

[0007] In one embodiment, a first transport application is provided. When the user establishes a connection between the mobile device and a PC, the log files on the device are copied to a folder on the PC and then deleted from the device. The files are deleted as they are copied to accommodate the anticipated user action of prematurely removing the device from the cradle, thereby interrupting the synchronization process. If the synchronization process is interrupted, those log files successfully copied from the device will have been deleted from the device, thus marking progress in reducing the volume of log data on the device, and increasing the volume on the PC. Furthermore, the prioritization of the log files ensures that the most important data is moved from the device first, maximizing the effectiveness of time that the device spends coupled to the PC.

Problems solved by technology

Prior art methods only allowed for time to failure during automated stress tests, which do not necessarily map to real stability numbers.

The files are deleted as they are copied to accommodate the anticipated user action of prematurely removing the device from the cradle, thereby interrupting the synchronization process.

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