TW479199B - Apparatus for use in the manufacture of a computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for use in the manufacture of a computer system comprises a step table and a component table. The step table contains substantially all software installation and/or testing steps for all components of all computer systems being manufactured at a given site. The component table contains substantially all components that are included within all computer systems being manufactured at the site. The apparatus also includes a step dependency table and a step parameter table. The step dependency table identifies steps in the step table which are incompatible with the presence in the computer system of a component other than corresponding to the step. The step parameter table identifies steps in the step table which require a parameter.

Description

479199 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 _ V. Description of the Invention (1) Background This publication is about equipment used to manufacture computer systems. This application is about the same as the one filed on July 27, 1998. The pending Taiwan patent application number 8 7/1 2 2 5 5 is titled “Software Installation of Computer System Built on Order” And testing ", named Richard D. Amberg, Roger W. Wong, and Michael A. Brundndge are the inventors. This application is related to Taiwan pending approval on July 27, 1998. Patent Application No. 8 7/1 2 2 4 9 entitled "Software Installation and Testing of Computer Systems Built to Order", named Richard D. Amberg, Roger W. Wong, and Michael A. Brundridge are the inventors. Ο The application is related to the Taiwan patent application serial number 8 7/1 2 2 6 5 which was submitted on July 27, 1998 and is entitled "Convenient software installation and Test Database "named Richard D. Amberg, Roger W. Wong, and Michael A. Brundridge as inventors. This is equivalent to the entire example of the application to be approved for reference and transferred to the assignee of the present invention. Personal computers in general and I B M compatible personal computer systems have been particularly widely used to provide computing power to many sectors of society. Personal computer systems can generally be divided into desktop, stand-on, or portable microcomputers. This contains a system unit with a system processor and its own volatile and non-volatile memory, a display monitor, a keyboard, or For more discs, the paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) -------- Order --------- Line (Please read the note on the back first Please fill in this page again for details) -4-'79199 A7 B7 printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 5. Description of the invention (2) Drive, a fixed disk storage device, and an operating printer. Know how to install software on computer systems, run tests, and ship them to business or personal customers. The purpose of software installation and testing is to effectively produce a 'usable' reliable computer system that can be delivered to businesses and individuals without errors and is operational. Generally speaking, a 'test detects and analyzes errors in the hardware and software parts of a computer system. Part of computer system hardware test. The list can include diagnostics of hardware components such as processor, memory, disc storage, audio device 'graphics device, keyboard, mouse, and printer. Software installation often includes loading the required software package into the computer system, preparing appropriate environment variables for the computer, and preparing appropriate initialization files for the loaded software. Software testing often involves ensuring that the required version of the software is installed on the computer system and that appropriate drivers are present on the computer system. It is known in the industry to install software and test computer systems during manufacturing, to perform fixed procedures, and to ship to customers. For example, make a disc containing diagnostic tests for a certain type of computer system. The disc contains lengthy and often complex batch files, which guides software installation and diagnostics. The disc also contains all executable files for testing the purchased computer system. Each computer system built comes with a separate version of this disc. During the manufacturing process, these discs were accompanied by computer systems under construction throughout the factory floor, and tests were performed on individual computer systems in the order inherent to the batch file. If you need to modify the program, you need to change the batch file and add or delete part of the batch code. The change of the batch file results in a corresponding change of the test parameters (including the sequence of executing the test) of each subsequent computer system in manufacturing, because each computer system uses the same batch file diagnostic program. This paper size applies to Chinese National Standard (CNS) / \ 4 gauge (210 X 297 mm) -------------------- Order ------- --Line (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 479199 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (3) Although this diagnostic arrangement shows some usefulness Reliability before shipping, but there is still room for improvement. For example, as the test continues to become more complex and clear, the batch files and executable files of the diagnostic test often exceed the storage energy of the disc. Moreover, it is often difficult or impossible to perform customized tests and soft-installation procedures on a single computer system or a computer system family built on order without modifying the tests on other systems or families. Moreover, it is difficult or impossible to modify the order of a single computer system or software system used by a computer system family built according to the order 'without modifying the order of other systems and families. Finally, the often complex nature of the current batch file structure sometimes makes it difficult for manufacturers to quickly and efficiently locate faults or maintain testing and software installation. Therefore, it is necessary to provide equipment for manufacturing computer systems to improve the advanced technology.槪 Therefore, in an implementation, a device is provided for manufacturing a computer system. The device includes a step chart that includes all body installation and / or testing steps for all components of all computer systems manufactured in a particular location. A component list containing almost all of the components contained in all computer systems being manufactured at the site, and a step dependent list identifying each step in the step list, which is related to the appearance of the computer system Components other than those corresponding to this step are not compatible. In another implementation, a device is provided for manufacturing a computer system. The device includes a step chart containing all the installation and / or testing steps for all components of all computer systems manufactured in a particular location. The size of the paper is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A '丨 size (210 X 297 mm) -------------------- Order ------- --Line · (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) -6-4 ^ 9199 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (4) The completed table contains all the components in the place. A parameter is required. step. A suitable implementation point is included in all computer systems in manufacturing and a step parameter table, which is identified in the step table. A relationship table between the system and the equipment, and a group of software installation steps Make up the relationship. The relationship between homes should be organized to find the basics of the equipment system. One of the soft parts of the component steps is faulty, and the mold design may have maintenance and step examples. In addition, it includes step steps and tabulations. The relationship between the installation is provided. A computer is quickly provided to the customer. The system corresponds to the steps of a family, and the soft requirements of the computer table identification step are generated according to the new computer. Listed in a family computer system table, a certain family group family step relationship table each computer system family system family and the group of components and parts applicable to the one-to-one relationship relationship installation order construction system and computer testing, This is the pen brain system. This family executes the test. Printed by the Consumer Affairs Agency of the Intellectual Property Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing software installation and testing. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of software implementation and testing of another implementation. Fig. 3A is a flow chart 'according to the present invention, which converts a computer order into a system description record. Figure 3B shows an example of a part of a computer order, a transcript (B AR) file, and a system description record. FIG. 4 is a flow chart for manufacturing and providing a sequence of steps. Figure 5A shows the relationship between Figure 5B and 5C.

-------- Order --------- Line (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) 479199 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (5) / Figure 5 B is used for manufacturing The first part of a more detailed flowchart of the sequence of steps. (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) / Figure 5C is the second part of the more detailed flowchart used to make the sequence of steps. 'Figure 6 shows the structure of the database. Figure 7 shows an example of part of a step file. / Figures 8 to 13 are flowcharts of the procedures used to execute a sequence of steps. Main component comparison table 9 0 Software installation and test system 9 2 Order 9 4 Conversion module 9 6 Instruction file 100 database 102 Step table 1 0 4 Family table Printed by the consumer property cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economy 1 0 6 Family Step sequence table 10 8 component table 110 network connection 1 1 2 family component table 114 component step table 116 step dependent table 118 step parameter table This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 x 297 male) (Centi) -8- 479199 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (6) 12 0 Component category table 12 2 Component category attribute table 12 4 Operator message table 1 30 Arrow 140 Step manufacturing machine 1 5 0 Step dish 16 0 According to Target computer system for order construction 190 File server 19 5 Network 200 Boot disk 202 File server 2 0 4 Sequencer 3 0 0 Item 3 1〇 Module 3 5 0 Target computer system order 3 6 0 Basic combination record (BAR ) File 3 7 0 System description record (Please read the note on the back? Matters before filling out this page}-Order --------- Line · Printed by the Consumer Consumption Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs This detailed description is Explain 'And should not be considered as a limitation. In each figure, the same or similar components are identified by the same reference number. In the description, the module definition command or a set of command maps 软体 software installation and testing at the place where the brain system is manufactured槪 To the picture. In operation, the order is issued [the system is based on the purchase order-9- 479199 A7 __________ B7 V. Description of the invention (7) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) The target computer system to be built 1 60, the target system 160 is intended to be made up of multiple hardware and software components. For example, the target system 160 may include a certain brand of hard drive, a specific type of monitor, and a certain brand. 'Controller, and a specific version of the operating system. Before the target system 160 is shipped to customers' multiple components have been installed and tested. This software installation and testing helps ensure that the computer system is reliable when received Because different computer system families and different individual computer components require different software installation and testing steps, it is necessary to decide what kind of tests need to be performed on the target system 160, and what should be done In what order are these tests performed to achieve effective software installation and test processing. The step-making machine 140 is a computer system constructed to arrange a sequence of software installation and test steps to be performed on the target system 160. In order to arrange the sequence of software installation and / or test steps, the step making machine 1 40, and more specifically, the sorting program resident on the step making machine 1 40 first reads a plurality of files from the description file 96. Component description. The description file 9 6 is generated by the conversion module 9 4 converting a certain order 9 2 into a computer-readable format, which is equivalent to a computer system required to have one of the required components. Printed by the Consumers' Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Component descriptions are computer-readable descriptions of the components of the target system 160. These components are determined by order 92. In a preferred embodiment, the component description is contained in a description file called a system description record. This is a file that can be read by a computer and contains components, hardware and components to be installed on the target system 160. / Or one of the software components. After reading out the descriptions of multiple component parts, the sorting program 2 0 4 via the Internet connection 1 1 0 takes out from the database 1 0 0 the multiple software installations corresponding to the component part descriptions and the paper standards are applicable to Chinese national standards (CNS) A'l specification (210 X 297 mm) -10- 479199 Printed by A7 ___ B7______ of the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 5. Description of the invention (8) / or test steps. The network connection 1 1 0 can be any network connection familiar to the art, such as a local network, an intranet, or the Internet. The information contained in database 1 · 0 0 can be updated by the modification shown by arrow 1 3 0. 'After the software installation and / or test steps suitable for the target system 160 have been taken out, the sequencer arranges each step sequence according to the sequence number corresponding to each step. After the sequence of steps required by the target system 160 has been arranged, the sorting program 204 writes a row of output files on the step disk 150. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the output file includes a text file and a command line, and is suitable for performing appropriate software installation and / or test steps on the target system 160. According to the sequence number corresponding to each step, it is performed in a predetermined order. The step dish is accompanied by the target system 160 on the factory floor. Here, the step dish 150 is directly connected to the target system 16 and the server 1 900 is executed by the network connection 180. . The network connection 180 should be a normal network device and plugged into the corresponding network socket of the target computer system. After the software installation and / or testing steps are performed, the results of the installation and testing are recorded back to the file server 190 via a network connection 180. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a software installation and / or test system 192 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The customer issues an order 92 to purchase a target computer system 160 built according to the order. The target system 16 is intended to be composed of a plurality of components, and these components may include hardware and / or software components. Before the target system 160 is shipped to Gu Rong, multiple components are installed and tested. This installation and testing helps ensure that the computer system works reliably when received by the customer. This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 x 297 mm) -------------------- Order --------- (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) -11-479199 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (9) To arrange the sequence of software installation and test steps, the sequence program 2 0 4 is read from the description file 9 6 Description of multiple components. The order 9 2 is converted into a description file 9 6 through the conversion module 9 4. The component description is the description of the component of the computer system 160 which can be read by the computer. In a preferred embodiment, the component description includes a description file called a system description record. A computer-readable file includes the hardware and software of each component to be installed in the target system 160. A single list. System description records can be stored directly on the file server 2 02. The sorting program 2 0 4 is taken from the database 1 0 0. A plurality of software installation and / or test steps corresponding to the component description. After the applicable software installation and / or test steps of the target system 160 have been taken out, the sequence program 2 0 4 arranges each sequence of steps in a predetermined order according to the sequence number corresponding to each step. After the sequence of steps required for the target system 160 has been arranged, the sequencer 2 0 4 guides and executes the software installation on the target system 1 60 and / or via the Internet connection 1 5 and 1 8 in the predetermined order. Test steps. The network connection 2000 needs to be a general network device, and plug it into the corresponding socket of the target system 160. Network 195 can be any communication connection familiar to the art. After the software installation and / or test steps are performed, the installation and test results are recorded back to the file server 002 via a network connection 2000, or stored in an appropriate database. As can be seen from the illustration, the computer system 1440 is not required to be manufactured by the additional steps of FIG. Moreover, no step disc 1 50 is needed. Instead, it is only necessary to start the disc 2 2 0 on the factory floor to accompany the target system 160, and its structure is to start the target system 160. After the software installation and test system have been explained in general, attention is now paid to a more detailed explanation of the operation of the system shown in Figures 1 and 2. This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 x 297) (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page)-Order ---------- Intellectual Property of the Ministry of Economics Printed by the Bureau's Consumer Cooperatives-12- Printed by the Consumer Property Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 479199 Α7 Β7 V. Description of the Invention (10) Figure 3 A shows a more suitable method, in which the order of the computer system is converted into a computer-readable One system description record. More specifically, at item 300, an order was received for a target computer system. This order can be in any of numerous forms. For example, there may be different order formats and different order submission agencies. For example, an order for the target computer system can be placed by phone, mail 'or via a computer network (eg via a network logo network). Regardless of the method or format of the order received, the order contains the type of target computer system that the customer wants to purchase, and possibly, the customer wishes a specific component of the target computer system to be installed. After receiving the order, control is transferred to the sending module 3 110, during which the target computer system order is sent via the computer network to the manufacturing system (not shown) that produces the target computer system. The target computer system order is also provided to the software installation and test system. Here, the order is sent to a conversion program of module 3 2 0. The computer network used in Module 3 10 can be of any type familiar to the art. The conversion program converts computer system orders into one record that can be used in manufacturing processes. More specifically, the conversion program converts the computer order in module 330, and records it as one of the stomach BAR files. BAR 彳 should include a unique identification code that identifies the specific target computer system being manufactured. The B A R file also contains a detailed list of one of the components. This can include the hardware and software to be installed in the target system. Furthermore, the BAR file must include the manufacturer-specific part number or other identification codes that are useful for each component. Finally, the BAR file can contain customer-specific information such as name, address, and phone number. After making the B A R file in module 3 3 0, a system description record is created in the best group 3 4 0. In a preferred embodiment, the system records the paper size as applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A'l specification (21〇χ 297 公. ¾) --------------- ----- Order --------- line (please read the notes on the back before filling this page) -13- Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 479199 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention ( 11) A computer-readable file 'This indicates the hardware and software components to be installed in the target computer system. In a preferred embodiment, the system description record contains a list of components of the target system in a format including a hardware tag, a software tag ‘iron, an information tag, and a comment. The hardware label is a sorting program 2 0 4 identification information related to a hardware component. Similarly, the software label identifies the post-label information related to a software component. Information labels indicate general information in the future. Comments enable various descriptions to be included in the system description record, which is skipped by the sorter. The system description record should be a human-readable and easy-to-understand text file. This file advantageously makes installation and testing procedures easy to troubleshoot and maintain. It should be noted that the system description record may be any ticket with a unique identification code as opposed to a unique symbol group. For example, in a simple example, the system description record may be a part number ticket. Figure 3B shows an example of a target computer system order 3 5 0, a corresponding B A R file 3 6 0, and a corresponding system description record 3 7 0. The target computer system order 3 50 contains the name of the computer family, which in this figure is the family "X". The target computer system order is 3 500 and contains three demonstration hardware components, including a P n t i u m processor, a hard drive, and a monitor. The B A R file 3 6 0 is generated by the current target computer system order 3 5 0 through the conversion program described in the module 3 2 0 of FIG. 3A. B A R file 3 6 0 contains a unique identification code for one of the specific target computer systems in Family X. The BAR file 3 6 0 also contains the manufacturer-specific part numbers of the components listed in the target computer system order. Moreover, the B A R file 360 contains an identification code indicating the required amount of each component, and a textual description of each component to be installed in the target computer system. System 9 0 Use of this paper standard applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (21〇χ 297) -------- ^ --------- ^ (Please read the Note: Please fill in this page again.) -14- 479199 A7 B7 printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 5. Description of the invention (12) BAR file 3 60, with manufacturing system description record 37. As shown ', the system description record 370 also contains a unique identification code for a specific target computer system in family X. Further, the system description record 37 'includes appropriate tags', which indicates that the processor, hard drive, and monitor are hardware and not software components. System description record 3 7 0 Description 1 Components in the text description. Furthermore, the system description record 37 of the demonstration contains a software label indicating that the women's clothing and certain software should be tested on the target computer system belonging to Family X. For example, a soft label can indicate that an operating system suitable for a p n t i u m processor should always be installed on the hard drive of the target computer system to which family X belongs. In Fig. 4, a general method that is more suitable is used to arrange a sequence of soft installation and test steps. In module 400, the unique identification code of the target computer system is generated and used on the target computer system 160. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a user sitting at the step manufacturing computer system 140 provides the unique identification code (for example, a BAR identification code, which is used as a tracking code) in the step manufacturing machine 140 Sorting program 2 0 4. Or, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, after receiving the order from the target computer system, the unique identification code is automatically read into the sorting program 204. In module 4 10, find the system description record corresponding to the B A R identification code. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the network connection 110 or the network connection 195 finds the system description record. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the network connection 195 finds the system description record. In module 4 2 0, the system description record found is provided to the sorter 2 0 4. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the sorting program resides in the step manufacturing computer system 140, and the paper size of FIG. 2 applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) ----- --------------- Order --------- line (please read the notes on the back before filling this page) ____07__ _479199 A7 V. Description of the invention (13) Implementation In the example, the sorting program resides on the file server 3202. Sorting procedure Formula 2 0 4 and database 1 0 0 (Figures 1 and 2) work together to arrange (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) The sequence of software installation and test steps for target computer system 1 6 0. Once the sequence of software installation and test steps suitable for a specific target computer system is scheduled, the sequence program 204 generates output files, as shown in the module 4 30 c | ii. Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the output files written in step disc 150 (see FIG. 1) are a 'step file and a Setenv.bat file. The step file is a * A S C Π text file containing a list of appropriate command lines to perform software installation and test steps on a customized target computer system. In a preferred embodiment, the step file also contains recyclable commands. More specifically, a step file allows a command to be repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times, or a predetermined length of time. This format advantageously enables software installation and testing procedures to be repeated in a calculated and predetermined manner. The Setenv.bat file sets the environment variables on the target computer system. The step file and Setenv.bat file are A S C Π text description files, which contain a list of command lines suitable for performing installation and test steps on the target computer system. The step file is further divided into several individual sub files, each with its own manufacturing stage, such as rapid test (Q t) for target computer system manufacturing, extended test 1 (ET 1) 'extended test 2 (ET 2)' software installation (SI ), And the steps of the final test (F t) stage. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, on the other hand, the output file is not written in the step disc, as shown in FIG. 1. Replace it. The output file resides on the file server 902 or the file server 190, where it is used to guide the software installation and / or test steps performed on the target fan system 160. This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A'l specification (210x297 mm) -16-Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 479199 A7 ______ B7 V. Description of the invention (14) Figures 5A to 5C more The operation of the sorting program shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is shown in detail. Decision module 5 00 decides where the order comes from. At this time, only the left branch is considered. If necessary, 'Module 50' applies a further patch to the system description record. In a preferred embodiment, the studs are single-mode, and can be used for making studs. < k 疋 目 丨 Shows the pen-brain system, a specific family of computer systems, or a specific component. For example, 'If the manufacturer wants to replace a certain computer system family with a brand of hard drive at a certain date, it can make a patch, which will modify all the system description records containing the hard drive to be replaced, and in module 5 Perform this substitution in 2. Then ‘module 5 0 4’ is entered in the corresponding computer system 16 0 (repaired). The system description is recorded in the sorting program 2 0 4. In module 506, a component description is read from the system description record. Component Describes each hardware or software component that describes the target computer system. Turning to FIG. 3B, an example of a component description of a system description recording behavior including a Pentium processor in the module 370 is shown. In module 508, the sorting program 204 exemplifies multiple obtained objects, which respectively correspond to multiple components of the target computer system 160. In a preferred embodiment, these obtained objects are used to store information about software installation and testing steps to be performed on the target computer system 160 (obtained from the database 100). Therefore, in the module 5 10, each of the obtained objects is related to a respective component of the target computer system 160. At this time, the reference module 500 is to the right. In this case, the false setting order is directly stored in the data sheet by the customer in the form of a material bill. As a paper standard, the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) is applied ----- --------------- Order --------- line (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) -17- 479199 A7 B7 ---- ------------------, V. Description of the invention (15), this record contains a description of the components of the target computer system 160. Equal to module 5 0 2'Module 5 1 2 applies changes (studging) to the bill of materials, while module 5 1 4 reads out its stored materials from the database. 2 0 4 used. In module 5 1 6, take out the software installation and test steps related to each component of the target computer system 1 60 from the database 1 0 and store it in an appropriately obtained object. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, these steps are taken out via a network connection 110, and in the embodiment of FIG. 2, these steps are taken directly from the file server 202. In order to explain how to take these steps from the database in a preferred embodiment, the more suitable structure of the database needs to be explained. Figure 6 shows the design of the database 100. The database 100 associates the sequence of software installation and test steps with the computer system family in a predetermined order. Furthermore, the database 100 is constructed of various components related to the computer system. Furthermore, the 'database 100' relates software installation and / or testing steps to the various components of the computer system. The database 100 should be a relational database. The database 100 contains tables, each containing attributes suitable for generating the above-mentioned relevance. The database 100 contains a step table 102, a family table 104, a family step sequence table 106, a component table 1 08, a family component table 1 12, a component step table 1 1 4 'step dependent table 1 16, Step parameter table 1 1 8 'component category table 1 2 0, component category attribute table 1 2 2 and operation management table 1 2 4'. In a preferred embodiment, each table contains a list of attributes, and the attributes below are used as primary keys. This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210x297 mm) ------- 1¾ f Please read the note on the back first? Please fill in this page again for the matter} Order --------- Line · Printed by the Consumers 'Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs -18- 479199 Printed by the Consumers' Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (16 ) Steps Table 102 contains all software installation and testing steps for all possible components of all computer families. In a preferred configuration, the step table 102 has attributes, including step ID, name, command, command type •, post-action type, maximum case, category ID, and subordinate mask. Step ID is a unique identification number for each ~ software installation or test step. Name as a string 'specifies a name that describes the step. The command is a string specifying an executable command line to perform software installation or test steps on the target system 160 (shown in Figures 1 and 2). The post-action type is an identifier that determines whether a pause or restart is required after the software installation or test steps are performed. The maximum number of cases is an identification code, which indicates the maximum allowable number of times that this step can be performed. Category I D identifies the type or category of components related to software installation or testing procedures (eg hard drive, CD-ROM drive). Finally, the slave mask records information about whether a particular step has a step slave and / or step parameter, and therefore, decides whether to enter the step slave table 1 16 and / or step parameter table 1 18. The family table 104 identifies each family of the computer system by an integer specified in one of the attribute family tables ID. The family table contains a string to identify the name of the family. The family step sequence table 106 is a relation table, which includes the relationship between the step table 102 and the family table 104.豕 Family step sequence table 1 06 contains a family identification integer specified in the attribute family ID, and is used on a specific family of the computer system (from the family table 104), and a step identification integer specified in the attribute step ID (from the family table 104) Step Table 102) identifies a specific set of steps applicable to the family, and a sequence number. The sequence number is included in the sequence number of the attribute step. 'This represents a draft paper size applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 x 297 mm). -19- ------------- ------- Order --------- line (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 479199 A7 B7 V. Description of Invention (17 ) In the order in which the steps of a particular family belong. The test engineer assigns a unique serial number in each manufacturing stage based on the order that is most effective for a particular target system. It should be understood that other methods of specifying a serial number ‘code may be used. Finally, the family step sequence table 106 contains stage ID. Phase ID specifies that this step should be performed during this manufacturing phase. For example, the stage ID is an integer, and the above five stages are selected and computer system manufacturing: Quick Test (Q t), Extended Test 1 ET 1), Extended Test 2 (ET 2) 'Software Installation (SI), and Final Test One corresponds. The component table 108 includes all possible components included in the computer system under manufacture. The attributes of this table are an identification code assigned to each component's component ID, a string name assigned to each component's description, and a category ID indicating the type of the component (e.g., hard drive, CD-R〇). M drive). The family component table 1 12 is a relational table containing the relationship between each family of the computer system and a group of component components that the family can install. The attributes of the family component table 1 2 include one of the computer family identification integers specified in the attribute family ID (from the family table 104), and one of the component identification integers specified in the attribute component ID (from the component table) 1 〇 8) ° Component steps table 1 1 4 is a relationship table, including the relationship between each component and a set of software installation and test steps applicable to the component. The component step table 1 1 4 attributes include the attribute component ID + & _ # one of the component identification integer (from the component table 1 〇 8) '& belongs to 1 step * step specified in step ID Recognition integer (from step 10 2) The paper size applies to China National Chestnut Standard (CNS) A4 (210x297 mm) ----- I-^ -------- I (Please Read the notes on the back before filling out this page) -20- 4/9199 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (18) Step dependent table 1 1 6 contains information about possible conflicts. Some tests may conflict with some component categories, or specific components themselves, or components from some manufacturers. For example, the target computer system 160 to be built may include a hard drive of brand A and a CD-ROM of brand B. Brand A hard drives may generally need to perform test C ' but test C may not be compatible with CD-ROM drive B; all such dependencies are recorded in the step dependent table 1 16. In this table, step 1D identifies the step with subordinates, the type ID indication indicates whether the subordinate is in a component category or a specific component, the object ID is a category ID or a component ID, depending on the status of the type ID Instead, and the dependent type ID indicates whether a particular step should be maintained or removed when a conflict occurs. Step parameter table 1 8 identifies the parameters that may be required for some steps; for example, a step may need to be performed for a specific length of time or a specific number of repetitions. In Table 1 18, Step ID uniquely identifies a particular installation or test step. The parameter ID identifies each parameter associated with the step; a particular step may have more than one related parameter, each of which has its own parameter ID. For example, the same test with different parameters can be used on different brands of hard drives. The data type identifies the type of data to be included in each parameter. In the above example, the data type can specify the data as a percentage or a hard drive ID code. The content is a command line switch. If used in the C programming language, it is related to commands such as "p r 1 η t f". For example, the content could be "one% d" to indicate the percentage to which the parameter applies. The step sequence number and category ID are as described above. It should be noted that the step parameter table 1 1 8 only stores the disks that imitate the specific steps. The paper size is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 public love) -------------- ------ Order --------- line (please read the notes on the back before filling this page) -21-479199 Α7 Β7 V. Description of the invention (19) (Please read the notes on the back first Please fill in this page again) and the number of parameters, but do not actually store these parameters. Therefore, during the construction of the step file to be explained, the table 1 1 8 does not insert parameters into the command line of the step file. Instead, this contains all the details needed to build the command line. During execution, the sorting program 204 calculates the parameter 并 and inserts the parameter into the step file command. The sorter performs the calculation based on the information contained in the help record. The advantage of setting step parameter table 1 1 8 is that it can have greater flexibility, avoiding the need for parameters to always accompany the steps. In this way, the table 1 8 makes it easy for the engineer to modify the parameters without editing the step table 102. The component category table 120 is only a component, such as a list of all categories (class ID) for hard drives, CD-ROM, etc., and a brief description (category name, description) of these categories. Printed by the Employees' Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Component category attribute table 1 2 2 Lists all categories and all attributes related to each category. Attribute ID is a code that is assigned to each different attribute type, such as memory size, operating speed, manufacturer, etc., and the attribute name is a more descriptive name for the attribute, which is good for engineers. The data type indicates the type of data, which is used to indicate a specific attribute. For example, in the case where the attribute is the name of the manufacturer, this can be a string, or if the attribute is a memory size, this can be an integer. Component category table 1 2 0 and component category attribute table 1 2 2 are not actually used by the sorting program 2 0 4 but mainly used by development engineers. These tables do not contain any actual attributes of the attributes. Finally, the operator management table 1 2 4 stores a number of messages for use by the test operator, depending on the test being performed and the components under test. For example, the paper size is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) -22- 479199 Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 ___B7 V. Description of the invention (20) If you can send a reminder ' To remind the operator to install a tape in the tape drive, and then test the tape drive. An example of the target computer system shown in Figure 3B is used to illustrate the above description. • The database design is used to take out the software installation and test steps. System description The computer family identification code identifying family X in the record is related to family ID corresponding to family X in family table 10′4. The component table 108 is used to check whether the components of the target computer system listed in the target computer system order are legal. In other words, the sequencing program and database determine whether the processor, hard drive, monitor, and software included in the general description record of Figure 3B have the corresponding registration and component ID specified in the component table 108. Corresponds to an integer. If a component is not legal (that is, if the system records that a component is not included in the component table 108), an error flag is raised. The family component table 1 12 is a relational table, which includes mappings from the component table 108 and the family table 104. Family Components Table 1 1 2 contains all legal components that can be installed on the target computer system to which Family X belongs. Therefore, the family component table 1 12 can be used to check whether all components of the target computer system are legal. In other words, the sequencer and database determine whether the processors, hard drives, monitors, and software included in the system description record of Figure 3B have the corresponding relationships in the family components table 1 12. If a component is illegal (that is, if a component in the system description record may not be installed on the target system to which Family X belongs), a _false flag is raised. The mapping from step table 102 and family table 104 resides in the relationship family step sequence table 106. Family Step Sequence Table 1 06 contains the applicable Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 meals) at this paper size -------------------- Order --------- line (please read the notes on the back before filling this page) Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 479199 A7 ____ B7 V. Description of Invention (21) Goals of Family X All software installation and testing steps legally performed on the computer system. And 'in this family step sequence list 106, the sequence and phase numbers are associated with each software installation and test step. These sequences and sequence numbers represent the proper sequence of steps that should be performed by a particular family of computer systems. Therefore, the 'family step sequence list 106 contains a list of steps to be executed on the target computer system of family X, and a sequence and stage number indicating a predetermined order in which the steps should be executed. The component steps table 114 is a relational table, which includes mappings from the component table 108 and the step table 102. Component Steps Table 1 1 4 Contains the software installation and test steps to be performed on the target computer system's processor, hard drive, monitor, and software. In order to take out the software installation and testing steps for the individual components to be installed on the target system, this includes performing a joint operation on the family component table 1 12 and the component step table 1 1 4 to obtain an intermediate group List the steps to be performed on the components of the target computer system 160. This coupling operation results in a list of steps to be performed on the processor, hard drive, monitor, and software listed in the system description record shown in Figure 3B. The combined results of the family component table 1 12 and the component step table 1 1 4 are then combined with the family step sequence table 106 containing all steps of the family X. The result of this concatenation operation includes the ordering information of the sequence number and the phase number form. The sequence number is unique to a specific stage. Therefore, the family component table 1 12, the component step table 1 1 4 and the family step sequence table 10 6 ter are combined to generate applicable software installation and test steps, as well as the sequence information of the sequence and phase number form. Applies Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 x 297 mm) at this paper size -------------------- ^ --------- ^ (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) -24-Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 479199 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (22) Install and / test the software on the target computer system 160 . If the result of the first concatenation operation (the concatenation of the family component table 1 12 and the component step table 1 1 4) is an empty group, an error condition is raised, because an empty group indicates that the component is to be installed on the target system. The file does not belong to the family listed on the system description record. This example is an example. Suppose a system description record correctly indicates that the target computer system belongs to family Y. However, it is assumed that the system description record incorrectly indicates that the hard drive (hard drive Z) of the target system belonging to only family X can be installed on the target system of family γ. In this case, the component steps table 1 4 contains the steps for hard drive Z. Family Components Table 1 12 contains the components of Family Y. In this way, the combination of the component step table 1 4 and the family component table 1 12 generates an empty group, because the hard drive Z is not a component of the family Y (but, this is only related to the family X). As can be seen from the above example, the better design of the database should ensure that the target system of a certain family contains only the applicable components of that family. Referring again to FIGS. 5A to 5C, after taking out the steps about the components to be installed in the target system, the module of the sequence program 2 0 4 5 1 8 is determined by checking the subordinate shield of the step for each step Is there a step subordination. If yes, the module 5 2 reads out the slave 'from the slave table 1 16 and the module 5 2 2 resolves the slave according to the slave type I d. Secondly, the module 5 2 4 determines whether a parameter is required for this step, which is also performed by checking the slave mask of the step. If yes, the module 5 2 6 reads the parameter data from the step parameter table 1 18, and the module 5 2 8 calculates the actual parameter of the parameter and inserts it into the command line of the step. Module 5 3 0 The environmental variables of the target computer system are now prepared. The readout is based on the Chinese paper standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297). (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page. ) ---------- Order --------- · -25- Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 479199 A7 B7 V. Description of Invention (23) Record of general description, and Manufacture environmental files corresponding to the components to be installed on the target system. For example, read out the system description record shown in FIG. 3B, and prepare an environment variable corresponding to the processor hardware component of the system description record, such as "set c p u two p en t i u m". In module 5 3.2, multiple software installation and testing steps (taken from the above three tables in combination, the slaves have been resolved, and the parameters have been added) are arranged in a predetermined order. This sorting is performed according to each sequence number and phase number to provide a sequence of steps. Sorting itself should be accomplished using any of the many sorting algorithms known in the art. In step 5 3 4, the sorting program 2 0 4 outputs the aforementioned step file and Setenv.bat file. The step file is further divided into several sub-files, which include the quick test (Q t), extended test 1 (ET 1), extended test 2 (ET 2), software installation (SI), and Steps performed during the final test (F t) phase. As shown 'in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the module 5 3 4 stores such an output file, or stores it in the database of the file server 2 02. The output file written in the file server 2 0 2 can be used to guide the software installation and test steps to the target computer system 160. In the module 5 3 6 ′, if necessary, use the step sequence patch to modify the step sequence. In a preferred embodiment, the stud is a single mold, and the stud can be manufactured for a specific target computer system, a specific computer system family, or a specific component. For example, if a manufacturer wishes to perform another test step on a component before a step on a certain day, then a nail can be manufactured. This modification includes all the sequence of steps in the order to modify the order, and correspondingly changes the module paper. Standards apply to Chinese national standards (CNSM '丨 specifications (210 X 297 public love! -------- Order ---- (Please read the precautions on the back before filling in this page)! Line · -26- 479199 Α7 Β7 V. The execution sequence of invention description (24) 5 3 6. After repair, the module 5 3 8 outputs the repaired file for storage, or it is stored in the database of file server 2 0 2 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling in this page) 〇 • Finally, the module provides the option to write on the disc 1 50 of Figure 1. If a disc is required, except for writing directly on the disc 'Module 5 4 2 can make a "virtual disk" in memory' and then module 5 4 4 writes the entire virtual disk to the actual disk in one operation, which reduces write operations on the floppy disk drive Times, and therefore greatly speed up the entire operation of the program. The virtual disk is made by the following program, this system Create a memory equal to the actual disc, and allocate a row of memory areas, each of which is equal to the actual sector size on the actual disc. The file system is FAT 1 2 (from PC — D0S, MS — D〇 S, Windows 95, and Windows NT operating systems). The first sector is the boot sector of the disc. A 'cluster is a logical group / unit of a group of sectors. Its number is fixed during system initialization. For example The size of a cluster is 2 sectors. The file system can only be allocated by clusters, not sectors. In this case, the smallest file consumes at least 1 cluster (or 2 sectors). Printing started by the employee consumer cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Create a row of memory areas. The number of memory areas is equal to the number of actual sectors on the disc, with a specific file system. Initialize the contents of all memory areas to zero. Initialize the boot sector by copying only one external image of the boot sector. The external image is stored in a file. The FA table is initialized (the sectors defined on the disc are set by the file system. The paper size is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification ⑵ϋ 297 public meal ^ -27- 479199 by The cluster error printed by the Employees ’Cooperative of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Intellectual Property of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, due to insufficient space, the function is incorrect. The directory and FAT table of the assigned cluster. The content read out is in the cluster. Please delete the file. Allocate clusters for use by specific files. Empty cluster directories and FAT tables. Seek actual disc write operations. Take out the discs stored in the fourth digit of the boot sector in the movie. The number 0 is > Maximum count, then an error code is reported, indicating the number of errors as < Maximum count, the count is incremented by one. The count is in the third tuple of the boot sector of the virtual disk. The memory area of the virtual disc is in the actual disc. When there is no data, stop writing. A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (25).) 0 If the file write operation is required, read the file. Required for distribution. Update. Write. If the plan is written back, the write-memory area is terminated, and then turn to Figures 1 and 2. The arrow 1 3 0 indicates that the database 1 will not be modified by PJ. For example, if a new family of computer systems is manufactured, one paper size can be modified according to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm): 28 -------- · ---- -------- Order --------- Line · (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) 479199 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (26) Library 1 0 0. More specifically, a new family identification code of one of the new families is specified in the family ID of the family table 104, and a name of one of the new families is specified in the family attribute of the family table 104. A software installation and test procedure table is added to the family step sequence table 106, which indicates the steps that need to be performed for the new computer system family and in what predetermined order. If the new computer system family has some similarities with the current family, the registration of the current family in the family step list may be modified to generate a new family registration. If any new steps are required to make a new family of computer systems, these steps are shown in step table 102. Similarly, if any new component is accompanied by a new computer system family, these components are added to the component table 108. Update Component Steps $ 1 1 4 to associate each component of the new computer system family with steps applicable to its software installation and testing. If the new family only uses components that are already in the database, this table does not need to be modified. Update the Family Component Table 1 1 2 俾 A list of the components that can be used for the licenses of the components in the new family is available in the database. To be clear, the system ID of the new computer system needs to be related to the component ID of each licensed component. Moreover, this can be achieved by copying and then modifying the existing registration of the old computer system family. Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (please read the notes on the back before filling out this page). It should be clear that there are some significant advantages in constructing the database according to the preferred embodiment. Specifically, the single-mode design of the database facilitates the easy installation and testing of software for the new computer system family. Moreover, the software installation and test steps of a specific computer system family or a specific component can be modified without affecting other software installation and test steps. Turn now to the sequence of steps performed by the target system 160. Use a program to perform software installation and test procedures on the I ::: 丨 m brain system 1 6 〇, this book paper standard Guan Jiayin ycJ ^) A4 specifications ⑵ () χ 297 public love) 29- Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by the employee consumer cooperative 479199 A7 --------- B7 V. Description of the invention (27) The 'translate' and execute the sequence of steps corresponding to the target computer system. In a preferred embodiment, this program is called "executing step" and is placed on the step disk 150 of the embodiment of Fig. 1 and on the file service machine 202 of the embodiment of Fig. 2. Figure 7 shows the sequence of steps contained in a step file before performing any software installation and testing steps. As mentioned above, the sequence of steps includes commands to install software and / or test the target computer system built according to the order. Furthermore, the sequence of steps in the step file allows the order to be repeated a predetermined number of times or a predetermined length of time. In addition, the step file may contain, δ, the interpretation of the "step" program. In the step file, the number "g" is used to separate the fields of the step sequence. The item 8 1 0 is used to test the target computer system. Commands of 160. Commands include, for example, commands to test memory, and commands to test small computer system interface (SCS I) devices. As can be seen from the figure, each command can include a switch, such as "-0" Applicable to a specific test environment. Item 8 2 0 is a comment for the "execute step" program. Item 8 1 0 c is a time cycle command. In a more suitable structure, the "start time cycle" instruction specifies the start point of a cycle. The "End Time Loop" instruction specifies the end point of a cycle. The "Start Time Loop" instruction is combined with a field that specifies the length of time to pass through the cycle repeatedly. Here, for example, the command 8 1 0 c is executed for 1 hour and 30 minutes. . Item 8 1 0 d is the command to repeat the cycle according to the number of repetitions. In a more appropriate implementation, the "start repeat cycle" command instructs the execution steps of the program to execute a repeat cycle. The "terminate repeat cycle" command The order tells the cycle command to be terminated. Here, command 8 1 0 d is executed three times. Figures 8 to 13 show the flow chart of the "executing steps" program. The Chinese paper standard (CNS) / \ 'l specifications are applicable to this paper. (210 X 297 mm) ------------------------------ ^ (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page ) -30- 479199 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Α7 Β7 V. Description of Invention (28). "Executing steps" Process each step of the file one line at a time instead of reading the entire step file. In the memory. In each line, "execute step" performs several checks to check whether it should continue to process the line. For example, if "" execute step "sees a failure condition that has been registered since the previous line was executed, then Know that the program cannot be continued. Or, "execute step" can check if an operator has tampered with the step file (for example, skipping a troublesome test), and if so, do not continue the program, forcing operation Or start from the beginning .. So, if the "executing step" decides that a particular line is suitable for the next execution, then Read the line of the step file, so there is no need to read the line of the step file. Obviously, this is a time saving feature. Figure 8 is the top-level flow chart of "executing steps". The first module 900 initializes the system. Status. This is executed before any line of the step file is read out. During this phase, the "executive step" reads out various environmental variables (read from a file "progress · bat", description will be added), 俾Know the precise status of the system, for example, does it report a failure in the previous line? Is it necessary to re-execute it? Or can the "execution step" read the next line? Figure 9 illustrates the initialization steps in more detail. The first module 9 0 2 disables the control trip, which prevents the operator from tripping the program to skip a step. Then in module 904, initialize the variables, and in module 906, the program reads out the environment variables in the environment. These environmental variables are mainly stored in a batch file called progress b a t, which is stored in the memory, and the "execute step" is written in the memory when the previous lines of the step file are executed. Progress · The bat contains the current system status. If it will be explained (闘 13 This paper size applies Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (2l0xL) 97g; g) ---------- ---------- Order --------- line (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) 479199 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (29) (Please read the back Note: Please fill out this page again), module 10 6) 'Update each line read from the step file. Progress • The bat contains, for example, the number of the line where the previous step has been performed; the identification code of the actual command that has been executed; how much time has been consumed if a specific command has been executed within a time cycle; what test or software installation is being performed Information such as the printing by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. If the environmental variables are successfully read out, if determined by module 908, module 9 10 reads out the directory list of all files on the local drive and saves them. Enter the memory of computer 160 or 202 that executes the "executing step". In this way, when "executing steps" check whether there is a file on the local drive (Figure 13, module 1 0 2), they can perform this by reading the entire directory list in the memory, without searching the entire local drive. itself. This saves time. If the "executing step" successfully reads the directory list, as determined by module 9 1 2, module 9 1 4 obtains the current processing status. During this phase, "executing steps" set a number of flags based on the status of the system, ie failure, re-execution, etc. These flags determine the flow of "executive steps" through the following modules 9 1 6, 9 1 8, 9 2 0. These modules guide the "execute step" into subroutines A, B, or C of Figure 10, if applicable. Referring to FIG. 10 (a), if the “executing step” determines that the next step is a normal processing step in module 9 1 6, it enters the routine A. The first module (module 9 2 2) in formula A confirms various checksums. The purpose is to ensure that the step files are not tampered with. For example, "execute steps" read out some inspection sums and make them compatible with the inspections and checks stored in the progress · b at. Any discrepancy indicates that the unauthorized person has modified the step files. If all inspections and original paper sizes are in accordance with Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) -32- 479199 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (30) True, if determined by module 924, then module 926 , The program resets (eliminates) a few variables, and reads the occurrence time. If the environment indicates that the last step needs to be performed again, as determined by module 9 1 8, then enter the routine B of FIG. 10 (b). The purpose of formula B is to provide an opportunity for approved operators to insert into the program, and avoid re-executing the previous step if necessary. Therefore, a message is displayed on the module 9 2 8. 俾 The operator can select the manufacturing tool (MFG tool) within 5 seconds, or otherwise, perform the re-execution. The manufacturing tool is an approved method whereby an approved operator with the appropriate password can enter the step file and modify the step file if necessary. Module 9 30 depends on the operator's response to decide whether to re-execute the last step, and if so, module 9 3 2 sets the progress environment (progress · b a t) to execute the M F G tool. The routine C in Fig. 10 (c) only sets the progress environment (progress · b a t) in the module 9 3 4 and executes the N F G tool. Returning to FIG. 9, the module 9 3 6 determines whether to report a failure, and if not, the module 9 3 8 checks whether it is legal at this stage. Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page). Referring back to Figure 8, once the initialization module 9 0 0 is completed, and if it returns "success" ·, such as module 9 5 Determined by 0, the “executing step” proceeds to module 9 5 2 and this is the “processing step file”. When the "executing step" has reached this stage, enough information has been read from the environment to know whether the next step of the step file should be performed, the previous line is re-executed, or it is abandoned. Figure 11 shows module 9 5 2 in more detail, "processing step file". The module 9 5 4 determines whether a manufacturing tool has been selected or needs to be re-executed. If any is true, no further setting is required, and the cost of this part of the program can be reported. The paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A'l specification (210 x 297 mm). -33- Employees of Intellectual Property Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by the Consumer Cooperative 479199 A7 ____ B7 V. Description of Invention (31). If neither is true (that is, it is now assumed that the “execute step” proceeds to the next line of the step file), then the appropriate step step file is opened in the module 956. This means "executing step" to open a step file related to a specific phase of the test or software installation in progress (ie, quick test, extended test, etc.). Module 9 5 8 determines whether there is a rewind phase. The rewinding phase is a special case of re-execution. If one of the steps fails, the entire test phase must be repeated. That is, the execution step needs to return to the beginning of the step file of that phase. If the "executing step" determines that this is the rewinding phase, the module 960 sets the environment according to it and reports success. If it is not the rewinding stage, the module 9 6 2 reads the number of the next fr from the step file, and further checks whether the number just read out is the number and progress of the f. Bat (this is " Perform the expected line read out in accordance with the steps stored in the step "read during initialization", which is also a tamper-resistant device. To be clear, when the "execute step" is executed, the progress • The bat contains information about the last step executed, such as the line number in the step file, the command ID of the executed command, and other checks and related Information. In module 962, "execute step" reads the progress · b a t file contained in the memory, and omits the specific number of each line of the step sub file, as determined by the progress · b a t line number. Then check if there is indeed a line number corresponding to the desired line number. And check whether the command of the same line as described in Gang! J has just been executed, that is, the "execute step" confirms whether the line that appears now is indeed the last step executed. If yes, as determined by module 9 6 4 'then in 9 6 6', '' --------------------- Order ------ ---- Line Γ4 Read the precautions on the back before filling this page) This paper size applies to China National Standards (CNS) / \ 4 specifications (LM0x 297 mm) -34- 479199 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention ( 32) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling in this page) Perform the steps "Reading steps and set the progress environment to perform the next step. Module 9 6 8 Check whether the amount of read steps is correct, if yes , Then the report is successful. If it is not the exact read step, then "execute step" in the module '97 0 to check whether the last line of the step sub file has been reached. If yes, then "execute step" returns a The message "All steps have been processed" indicates that all tests have been completed. If not, progress is made. Bat reports a failure. On the other hand, as in the "executing steps" module 9 6 4 shows that the row number just read does not match the The desired line number, then the "executing step" proceeds to the routine shown in Figure 12. The first module 9 7 2 checks whether the "executing step" is actually Reached the last line of the step file of the last step. If it has arrived, report a message indicating that all tests are completed. If not, the module 9 7 4 checks whether the last line of the step file has arrived. If it is If yes, go back to module 9 5 6 and open the step file for the next test phase. Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. On the other hand, if the "execute step" determines that this is not At the end of the step file, check in module 9 7 6 whether the line number just read exceeds the desired line (read from the memory). If the line number is exceeded, this means "execute step" The step file has been altered artificially (for example, 'the operator has removed one of the steps in the step file) and the "execute step" report failed. If the line number is not exceeded, the "execute step" returns to module 9 6 2.

"Execute the step" and then return to the module 9 9 0 ′ of FIG. 8 and if the end of the step file is encountered, report this to the operator. "Execution steps" and check whether the report failed in module 9 92. If yes, then report this point II -35- This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) Printed by the Employees ’Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 479199 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention ( 33) Leave "execute steps". At this stage, the "executing step" determines the precise state of the system, knowing whether it needs to re-execute a step, rewind a stage, or execute the ‘second line’ in the step file, and has set the memory accordingly. Before proceeding, perform the steps to save all the information it learned in the previous stage. This is performed in module 9 9 4 and this is shown in more detail in Figure 1 3. First, the module 1 0 0 0 uses the opportunity to wipe out any files that are no longer needed. Then, the module 1 0 2 determines whether the files required for the test or software installation to be performed are stored on a local drive, or need to be obtained from the network, and this information is stored. Secondly, in the module 1 004, 1 006 ,, execute the step "use the information learned in the previous stage to set the environment variables (in progress · bat), and next time" execute the step "from At the beginning of execution, all environment variables have been updated to represent the current status of the system. After checking and writing successfully in module 10 08, "execute steps" and then write a log file in module 10 10. If this success is determined in module 1 〇] _ 2, then it is determined in module 1 0 1 4 whether re-execution is required, and if necessary, a re-execution file is created in module 10 16. Control then return Go to module 1 0 2 0 in FIG. 8, and if there is no failure, the program leaves, leaving a 2 5 5 error level, indicating that the command read from the step file in module 9 6 6 should be executed. OK. This occurred in module 102. Then, "execute step" returns to the starting point to perform the next step (command line in the step file). It can be seen that the "execute step" program is a highly secure system Because it contains various checks' to prevent tampering steps by unauthorized operators File, this paper size applies Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 meals) --------------------- Order ------- --Line (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) -36- 479199 A7 _ _B7_____ V. Description of the invention (34) To avoid troublesome tests' or to avoid re-execution. This makes the control switch off not effective In each period, confirm the line number of the step file, and set the checksum in the system to achieve it. Another security aspect is that whenever a failure occurs, such as `` executing steps '' at the points in the above flowchart The location decides, then "execute step" to leave and write failure in a read-only hidden file. An inadvertent operator will not notice the file and cannot find it, and therefore cannot resolve the error that occurred or skip the Missing, that is, he is forced to reject the component or re-execute the test until he is satisfied. Although an illustrative embodiment has been shown and described, a wide range of modifications, changes, and substitutions can be made in the above description, and in some cases, some features of the embodiment can be used 'without correspondingly using other features. Therefore, the appended patent application part should be interpreted extensively, and the scope of the embodiments described herein should be consistent. -------------------- Order --------- line (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page: > Intellectual Property of the Ministry of Economic Affairs The paper size printed by the Bureau's Consumer Cooperatives applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 public love) -37-

Claims (1)

479199 A8 B8 C8 D8, patent application 1. The equipment used to manufacture computer systems includes: a step-by-step table containing all computer systems manufactured in a specific location (please read the precautions on the back before filling out (This page) Approximately all software installation and / or testing steps for all components; a component list that includes approximately all components included in all computer systems manufactured at the site; and a step dependent list that identifies the step table Each of these steps is incompatible with the appearance in a computer system of a component other than those corresponding to these steps. 2 • The device _ described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, further includes a step parameter table, identifying the steps that require parameters in the step table. 3. The device as described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the step table contains an attribute indicating that a step has a corresponding registration in the step dependent table. 4 · The device as described in item 2 of the patent application scope, wherein the step. Table contains an attribute indicating that a step has a corresponding registration in the step parameter table. 5 · The device as described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the step table contains an attribute 'this is one of the unique steps of each software installation or test step. It is printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. 6-The device as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the step table includes an attribute corresponding to an executable command line for performing one of the software installation steps. 7. The device as described in item 1 of the Sit Patent Scope, wherein the step table contains an attribute identifying whether a stop or restart is required after the corresponding step is performed. This paper size is in accordance with Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) ~ ---- -38-8 8 8 8 ABCD Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau Employee Consumer Cooperative of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 479199 6. Application for patent scope 8 The device described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the step table includes an attribute 'indicating the maximum number of times the corresponding step can be performed. 9 The device as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the step table includes an attribute identifying the category of the component related to the software installation or test procedure. 10. The device according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the component list includes an attribute identifying each component in the component list. 1 1 · The device according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the component table contains an attribute identifying the type of the component. 1 2 · The device described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the computer system is equivalent to one of a family of computer systems, and the device further includes a family table, a family step relationship table, and a family component relationship table. , And a component step relationship table, the family table identifies the family of computer systems in manufacturing, the family step relationship table identifies a set of software installation and / or test steps and the relationship between each computer system family 'family component relationship table identification The relationship between the computer system family and the group of components, and the component step relationship table identify the relationship between a component and a set of software installation and / or test steps applicable to the corresponding component. 1 3 · The device as described in item 12 of the scope of patent application, wherein the family step relationship table contains an attribute indicating a predetermined sequence of steps related to the family 14. A device for manufacturing a computer system, the device includes : A step-by-step table 'contains almost all software installation and / or test steps for all components of all computer systems being manufactured at a specific location; this paper size applies to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) ( (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) -39- 479199 A8 B8 C8 D8____ VI. Patent application scope A component list, including almost all the components contained in all computer systems manufactured at the site; and a step parameter list, identifying the step list that requires parameters The steps. 15 · The device according to item 14 of the scope of patent application, wherein the step table contains an attribute indicating that a step has a corresponding registration in the step parameter table. 16 · The device as described in item 14 of the scope of patent application, wherein the step table contains an attribute. This is a unique identification for each installation or test step. 1 7 · The device described in item 14 of the scope of patent application, wherein the step table contains an attribute specifying the manufacturing stage in which a step is to be performed ° 1 8. The device described in item 14 of the scope of patent application 'Where' The step table contains an attribute that corresponds to one of the steps used to perform the software installation * $ Execute the command line. 19. The device ‘where’ in the step 14 of the scope of patent application contains an attribute identifying whether the stomach is to be paused or restarted after the corresponding step is performed. 2 0. The device described in item 14 of the scope of patent application, wherein the 'step table contains an attribute indicating the maximum number of times the corresponding step can be performed ° 2 1 · The device described in item 14 of the scope of patent application, The 'step table' contains an attribute that identifies the category of components that are involved in the software installation or testing steps. 2 2. The device 'where' as described in item 14 of the scope of patent application includes a property list that identifies each component in the component list ° This paper size applies Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210X297) (%) (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) Order printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economics -40-479199 A8 B8 C8 _ D8 VI. Patent Application Scope 2 3. If the scope of patent application is No. 1 4 The device according to item 5, wherein the component table includes an attribute 'identifies a category of the component. 24. The device according to item 14 of the scope of patent application, wherein the computer system is equivalent to one of a family of computer systems, and the device further includes a family table, a family step relationship table, and a family component Relationship table, and a component step relationship table, a family table identifies the family of computers in manufacturing, a family step relationship table identifies a set of software installation and / or test steps and the relationship between each computer system family 'family component relationship table Identify the relationship between the computer system family and the group of components, and the component step relationship table identifies the relationship between a component and a set of software installation and / or test steps applicable to the corresponding component. 25. The device as described in item 24 of the scope of patent application, wherein the family step relationship table includes an attribute ' that indicates a predetermined order in which the steps of the family are to be performed. (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs This paper applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X: 297 mm) -41-