Methods and Systems for Performing Remote Diagnostics

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.

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.