Automated Storage Device Testing System for Mass Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mass production test flows for storage devices require manual operation of multiple test software tools, limiting efficiency and requiring manual configuration and result checking for each device, which is not suitable for high-efficiency mass production.

Innovation Solution

A computer apparatus and method that automatically opens, configures, and executes test software tools on multiple storage devices via different external connection ports, allowing simultaneous or sequential testing with automatic result recording and display, using a user interface to input settings and control the testing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual operation of multiple test software tools is used, then each device can be tested with individual attention, but the testing efficiency is low and requires significant manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the testing system automatically opens, configures, executes, and closes multiple test software tools without human intervention. The automated testing system independently performs all testing operations including launching test tools, configuring parameters, executing tests, and recording results, thereby eliminating manual operational requirements while maintaining comprehensive device testing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple test software tools and preparing the testing environment before actual device testing begins. The automated system pre-loads test configurations, pre-opens required software tools, and pre-establishes testing sequences, so that when devices are tested, all necessary testing resources are already prepared and ready for immediate execution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If single device testing with one test tool at a time is performed, then each test can be carefully configured and executed, but the testing process is slow and cannot meet high-efficiency mass production requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass production testing speedVSAvoidtesting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple test software tools and multiple device testing operations into a single integrated automated testing system. Instead of using separate tools for each device sequentially, the system combines multiple test tools and processes them simultaneously through one unified automated platform that can handle multiple devices across different connection ports in parallel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated testing system achieves multi-functionality by being capable of executing multiple different test software tools through a single system interface. The system can adaptively launch different test tools based on device requirements, configure various test parameters, and handle different device types connected through multiple ports, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated tools for each testing scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple test software tools are opened and configured manually, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but the configuration process is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest result correctnessVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical operations of opening, configuring, and closing test software tools with automated electronic control mechanisms. The automated system uses software-based control to programmatically launch test tools, configure parameters through automated scripts, and execute tests without human manual intervention, thereby eliminating configuration errors and reducing setup time while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the automated testing system continuously monitors test execution status, automatically adjusts configurations based on test results, and dynamically manages the opening and closing of test software tools. The system receives feedback from each test operation and uses this information to optimize subsequent testing operations, ensuring both correctness and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If manual saving and checking of test results is performed, then each result can be verified, but the process is slow and cannot keep up with high-speed mass production testing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting throughputVSAvoidresult processing automation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service automated result processing where the testing system automatically saves, records, and verifies test results without requiring manual intervention. The automated system independently captures test outcomes, stores them in designated locations, and performs validation checks, thereby maintaining result reliability while achieving high-speed processing capability suitable for mass production environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10956291B2Method, computer apparatus, and user interface for performing automatic test upon storage devices
Publication Date: 2021.03.23 SILICON MOTION INC
  • US10956291B2 patent drawing
  • US10956291B2 patent drawing
  • US10956291B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of automatic test upon storage devices, connected to user interface of computer apparatus via external connection port(s), includes: providing user interface which can be controlled by user to input at least one set of setting parameters for execution of testing task of at least one test software tool; automatically configuring information of at least one field for the execution of the testing task according to the at least one set of setting parameters; automatically executing the at least one test software tool to perform the testing task upon the multiple storage devices according to the information of the at least one field; and automatically storing result of the testing task and displaying the result on the user interface for user.