Patent ID: 6516427
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
A peripheral device coupled to a network via firewall means which blocks unwanted incoming message traffic but allows incoming message traffic that is in response to a message dispatched from said peripheral device, said network further coupled to a remote device including code for diagnosing causes of peripheral device problems, said peripheral device comprising:a processor for controlling operations of said peripheral device; storage means for storing a diagnostic application that, in combination with said processor, is adapted to execute a diagnostic subroutine for diagnosing a cause of a malfunction; and communication means for (i) dispatching an event message to said remote device, via said firewall means and said network, and for (ii) receiving a response message thereto, via said firewall means, from said remote device, said response message causing said diagnostic application to execute a subroutine in an attempt to determine a cause of said event in said peripheral device.