Circuit and method for remote diagnosis of personal computers

Patent 5455933 Issued on October 3, 1995. Estimated Expiration Date:

July 14, 2013. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

Programmable apparatus and method for testing computer peripherals
Patent #: 4837764
Issued on: 06/06/1989
Inventor: Russello

Problem analysis of a node computer with assistance from a central site
Patent #: 5179695
Issued on: 01/12/1993
Inventor: Derr, et al.

External boot information loading of a personal computer
Patent #: 5325529
Issued on: 06/28/1994
Inventor: Brown, et al.

Diagnostic system Patent #: 5357519
Issued on: 10/18/1994
Inventor: Martin, et al.

Inventors

Assignee

Dell USA, L.P.

Application

No. 092316 filed on 07/14/1993

US Classes:

714/27, Particular access structure710/72, Application-specific peripheral adapting714/37, Analysis (e.g., of output, state, or design)714/44, Peripheral device component fault714/712Transmission facility testing

Examiners

Primary: Canney, Vincent P.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Hitt; David, Huffman; James

International Class

G06F 011/00

Abstract

Disclosed are a circuit and method for remote diagnosis of personal computers. The method comprises the steps of (1) confirming an existence and a proper operation of a modem coupled to the personal computer, the step of confirming performed in a central processing unit ("CPU") of the personal computer and in a diagnostic environment independent of a normal operating system of the personal computer, (2) receiving an indication of a selection of diagnostic routines to be performed from a remote location via the modem and (3) performing selected ones of the diagnostic routines as a function of the selection. The present invention allows an experienced technician located remotely from the computer to interact as though seated in front of it, to thereby allow remote diagnosis of even critical faults that prevent the computer from booting.