Method and system for automating data storage array components testing with integrated work order dispatching
First Claim
1. A method for automating data storage array components testing, comprising:
- obtaining a serial number of a data storage array component;
processing said serial number through a shop order dispatch system to determine if said serial number is of high priority in comparison with other data storage array components in a queue and if there is any test cell available for testing said data storage array component;
retrieving a product type and test requirements from a database based on said serial number when said serial number is of high priority and when there is a test cell available for testing said data storage array component;
routing said data storage array component to said test cell from an assembly line when a test is required for said data storage array component;
positioning said data storage array component and a storage component interface module of a storage component interface of said test cell so that said data storage array component and said storage component interface module face each other, wherein said storage component interface module is chosen based on said test requirements;
docking said data storage array component into said storage component interface so that said data storage array component is connected to said storage component interface module; and
running said test.
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method and system for automating data storage array components testing. A serial number of a data storage array component (i.e., product) is used to determine if the product is of high priority (rank) in comparison with other products in a queue and there is any test cell available for testing the product. Next, if a test is required, the product type and test requirements of the product are retrieved from a database based on the serial number, and the product is routed to the test cell from an assembly line. Then the product and a storage component interface module of the test cell are positioned so that the product and the storage component interface module face each other. The storage component interface module is chosen based on the test requirements retrieved from the database. Next the product is docked into the storage component interface so that the product is connected to the storage component interface module. Then the test is run to completion. The product is then routed down the assembly line to packaging and the customer.
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Citations
57 Claims
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1. A method for automating data storage array components testing, comprising:
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obtaining a serial number of a data storage array component;
processing said serial number through a shop order dispatch system to determine if said serial number is of high priority in comparison with other data storage array components in a queue and if there is any test cell available for testing said data storage array component;
retrieving a product type and test requirements from a database based on said serial number when said serial number is of high priority and when there is a test cell available for testing said data storage array component;
routing said data storage array component to said test cell from an assembly line when a test is required for said data storage array component;
positioning said data storage array component and a storage component interface module of a storage component interface of said test cell so that said data storage array component and said storage component interface module face each other, wherein said storage component interface module is chosen based on said test requirements;
docking said data storage array component into said storage component interface so that said data storage array component is connected to said storage component interface module; and
running said test. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system for automating data storage array components testing, comprising:
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means for obtaining a serial number of a data storage array component;
means for processing said serial number through a shop order dispatch system to determine if said serial number is of high priority in comparison with other data storage array components in a queue and if there is any test cell available for testing said data storage array component;
means for retrieving a product type and test requirements from a database based on said serial number when said serial number is of high priority and when there is a test cell available for testing said data storage array component;
means for routing said data storage array component to said test cell from an assembly line when a test is required for said data storage array component;
means for positioning said data storage array component and a storage component interface module of a storage component interface of said test cell so that said data storage array component and said storage component interface module face each other, wherein said storage component interface module is chosen based on said test requirements;
means for docking said data storage array component into said storage component interface so that said data storage array component is connected to said storage component interface module; and
means for running said test. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising:
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obtaining a serial number of a data storage array component;
processing said serial number through a shop order dispatch system to determine if said serial number is of high priority in comparison with other data storage array components in a queue and if there is any test cell available for testing said data storage array component;
retrieving a product type and test requirements from a database based on said serial number when said serial number is of high priority and when there is a test cell available for testing said data storage array component;
routing said data storage array component to said test cell from an assembly line when a test is required for said data storage array component;
positioning said data storage array component and a storage component interface module of a storage component interface of said test cell so that said data storage array component and said storage component interface module face each other, wherein said storage component interface module is chosen based on said test requirements;
docking said data storage array component into said storage component interface so that said data storage array component is connected to said storage component interface module; and
running said test. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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37. A system for automating data storage array components testing, comprising:
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an assembly line;
means for obtaining a serial number of a data storage array component on said assembly line; and
a test cell for testing said data storage array component based on said serial number, said test cell connected to said assembly line. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39, 40, 41)
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42. A system for automating data storage array components testing, comprising:
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an assembly line;
means for obtaining a serial number of a data storage array component on said assembly line;
a test cell for testing said data storage array component based on said serial number, said test cell connected to said assembly line; and
a shop order dispatch system for determining whether said serial number is of high priority in comparison with other data storage array components in a queue and whether there is any test cells available for testing said data storage array component. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44)
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45. A system for automating data storage array components testing, comprising:
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an assembly line;
means for obtaining a serial number of a data storage array component on said assembly line; and
a test cell for testing said data storage array component based on said serial number, said test cell connected to said assembly line, said test cell comprising;
a storage component interface comprising a plurality of storage component interface modules;
a plurality of storage array network targets communicatively coupled to said storage component interface; and
a rotating carousel for positioning said storage array component into said storage component interface so that said storage array component is connected to one of said a plurality of storage component interface modules for testing. - View Dependent Claims (46, 47)
a first surface including at least one of power source on/off switches, serial ports, Ethernet connectors, power source connectors, and Fibre Channel ports; and
a second surface through which wiring harness for said at least one of power source on/off switches, serial ports, Ethernet connectors, power source connectors, and Fibre Channel ports is connected to one of said a plurality of storage array network targets.
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48. A system for automating data storage array components testing, comprising:
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an assembly line;
means for obtaining a serial number of a data storage array component on said assembly line; and
a test cell for testing said data storage array component based on said serial number, said test cell connected to said assembly line, said test cell comprising;
a storage component interface comprising a plurality of storage component interface modules;
a plurality of storage array network targets communicatively coupled to said storage component interface; and
a sliding means for placing one of said a plurality of storage component interface modules said storage into a position so that said storage array component is connected to said one of said a plurality of storage component interface modules for testing. - View Dependent Claims (49, 50)
a first surface including at least one of power source on/off switches, serial ports, Ethernet connectors, power source connectors, and Fibre Channel ports; and
a second surface through which wiring harness for said at least one of power source on/off switches, serial ports, Ethernet connectors, power source connectors, and Fibre Channel ports is connected to one of said a plurality of storage array network targets.
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51. A storage component interface module, comprising:
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a first surface including a plurality of ports for connecting to a data storage array component for testing said data storage array component;
wherein wiring for testing said data storage array component is provided via said first surface. - View Dependent Claims (52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57)
a second surface through which wiring harness for said a plurality of ports is connected to a storage array network target.
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56. The storage component interface module of claim 55, wherein said a plurality of ports include at least one of power source on/off switches, serial ports, Ethernet connectors, power source connectors, and Fibre Channel ports.
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57. The storage component interface module of claim 55, wherein said second surface is opposite said first surface.
Specification