TWI787026B - Method for controlling testing device and testing device controlling system - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for controlling a testing device includes following steps: determining whether a dongle is readable or not; determining a used time stored in the dongle is less than a threshold time stored in a back plane of the testing device or not if it is determined that the dongle is readable; activating a testing software of the testing device and monitoring a testing time of the testing software of the testing device if it is determined that the used time is less than the threshold time; storing the testing time of the testing software of the testing device in a memory; and storing the testing time of the testing software of the testing device in the dongle periodically.

Description

Testing machine management and control method and testing machine management and control system

This case is about a control method and a control system, and especially about a test machine control method and a test machine control system.

The semiconductor test system is designed to test the electrical function of an integrated circuit (IC), so as to ensure that the integrated circuit complies with relevant specifications.

Due to the high price of the semiconductor test system, the model application of the leased semiconductor test system was born. However, there are still doubts about the safety of the current control mechanism of the rental model. For example, the control mechanism is cracked. This situation will cause losses to the rental manufacturers of semiconductor test systems. Manufacturers in this field urgently need to solve the problem.

One of the technical aspects of this case is related to a test machine control method, which includes the following steps: judging whether the computer hardware lock can be read; when it is determined that the computer hardware lock has been read, judging the use time stored in the computer hardware lock Whether it is less than the critical time stored in the backboard of the tester; when it is determined that the use time is less than the critical time, start the test software of the tester and monitor the test time of the test software of the tester; store the test time of the test software of the tester in the memory body; and periodically record the test time of the test software of the test machine in the computer hardware lock to generate the use time.

Another technical aspect of the content of this case relates to a test machine control system, which includes memory and processors. The memory is used to store a plurality of instructions. The processor is used to read these instructions, and perform the following steps: determine whether the computer hardware lock can be read; when it is determined that the computer hardware lock is read, determine whether the usage time stored in the computer hardware lock is less than that stored in the testing machine The critical time of the backplane; when it is determined that the use time is less than the critical time, start the test software of the test machine, and monitor the test time of the test software of the test machine; store the test time of the test software of the test machine in the memory; and periodically record The test time of the test software of the test machine is locked in the computer hardware to generate the use time.

Therefore, according to the technical content of this case, the testing machine management and control method and testing machine management and control system shown in the embodiment of this case can use the computer hardware lock as the security activation condition of the control mechanism to improve the security of the control mechanism. In addition, the testing machine control method and testing machine control system in this case can compare the use time of the computer hardware lock memory and the critical time of the test machine backplane memory to ensure that the testing machine is still in the usable stage, and then accurately control the testing machine. Usage rights and usage time.

In order to make the description of the disclosure more detailed and complete, the following provides an illustrative description of the implementation and specific embodiments of the present case; but this is not the only form of implementing or using the specific embodiments of the present case. The description covers features of various embodiments as well as method steps and their sequences for constructing and operating those embodiments. However, other embodiments can also be used to achieve the same or equivalent functions and step sequences.

Unless otherwise defined in this specification, the meanings of scientific and technical terms used herein are the same as those understood and commonly used by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this case belongs. In addition, the singular nouns used in this specification include the plural forms of the nouns, and the plural nouns used also include the singular forms of the nouns, unless the context conflicts with the context.

In addition, regarding the "coupling" used herein, it may refer to two or more elements being in direct physical or electrical contact with each other, or indirect physical or electrical contact with each other, or it may refer to two or more elements interoperating. or action.

FIG. 1 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a testing machine management and control method 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. In order to make the testing machine management and control method 100 of this case easy to understand, please also refer to FIG. 2 , which is a schematic circuit block diagram of a testing machine management and control system 200 , a computer hardware lock 300 and a testing machine 400 according to an embodiment of this case. In Figure 2, the testing machine management and control system 200 includes a memory 210 and a processor 220, wherein the memory 200 is coupled to the processor 220, and the processor 220 reads a plurality of instructions stored in the memory 210 to execute related steps .

Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In step 105, the testing machine management and control method 100 of this case prepares to start the testing software. In step 110 , it is judged by the processor 220 whether the computer hardware lock 300 can be read. For example, when the user intends to use the testing machine 400 to test the integrated circuit (IC), in this case, it is necessary to ensure that the user has the computer hardware lock 300 for safe activation.

In one embodiment, the above-mentioned computer hardware lock 300 can be a keypro (or Dongle), but this case is not limited to this embodiment, and the computer hardware lock 300 can also be realized by using other suitable components. When keypro is enabled, a master key (master key) is required to burn a specific identity authentication code (ID), and the master key is only retained internally by the manufacturer, and the ID is required for reading, so users cannot crack the stored ID in keypro. time and other information, and its settings cannot be changed. Accordingly, in this case, the computer hardware lock 300 is used to enhance the security of the control of the testing machine 400 . In another embodiment, the computer hardware lock 300 of this case can be connected with the testing machine management and control system 200 through a universal serial bus (Universal Serial Bus, USB), but this case is not limited to this embodiment, the computer hardware lock The 300 can also use other suitable components to connect with the testing machine management and control system 200 .

After step 110 is executed, if the processor 220 determines that the computer hardware lock 300 has been read, it means that the user does have the computer hardware lock 300. At this time, step 120 will be executed, and the processor 220 will determine that the hardware lock 300 is stored in the computer hardware. Whether the use time of the body lock 300 is less than the critical time stored in the back panel 410 of the testing machine 400 . For example, in this case, in addition to ensuring that the user has the computer hardware lock 300, it is necessary to further determine whether the user still has the right to use it. Therefore, this case will also determine whether the current overall usage time is lower than the critical time. In one embodiment, the computer hardware lock 300 is bound with the ID of the backboard 410 to ensure that the two are indeed a whole test-related system rented by the same user. On the contrary, the ID of the computer hardware lock 300 will also be bound to the backboard 410 .

After step 120 is executed, if it is determined that the use time is less than the critical time, it means that the user does have the use authority. At this time, step 140 will be executed to start the test software of the test machine 400 and monitor the test time of the test software of the test machine 400. In one embodiment, the test machine management and control method 100 of the present application can detect the start and end of the test software by the system software (monitor) to obtain the test time of the test software.

Taking the maximum critical time set by the manufacturer as 2160 hours as an example, this maximum critical time will be written into the backplane 410 before the testing machine 400 leaves the factory. Therefore, users cannot write programs to modify the maximum critical time stored in the backplane 410 to ensure Can actually judge whether the user has the usage authority. When the user intends to use the testing machine 400, the case will determine whether the current usage time of the memory of the computer hardware lock 300 is less than the maximum critical time of 2160 hours. If it is determined that the current use time is less than the maximum critical time, it means that the current use time is still within 2160 hours of the maximum critical time. Therefore, the user does have the right to use and can start the test software of the testing machine 400 to perform related tests on the integrated circuit. . However, the critical time of this case is not limited to 2160 hours in the above-mentioned embodiment, which is only used to illustrate one of the implementation methods of this case.

In steps 110 and 120, if the processor 220 determines that the computer hardware lock 300 cannot be read, or the processor 220 determines that the use time is not less than the critical time, then step 115 is executed, and the test software is prohibited from being started by the processor 220, and Output a warning message. For example, when the processor 220 determines that the computer hardware lock 300 cannot be read, it means that the user does not have the computer hardware lock 300 for secure booting. Therefore, it is forbidden to start the test software, and a warning message is output to prompt user. In addition, when the processor 220 determines that the use time is not less than the critical time, it means that the use time of the tester 400 has exceeded the maximum critical time provided by the manufacturer. At this time, the user no longer has the use authority, and the processor 220 will output a warning message to Prompt the user to settle and pay the usage fee first.

Please refer to step 150 , the test time of the test software of the test machine 400 can be stored in the memory 210 by the processor 220 . In step 160 , the processor 220 may periodically record the testing time of the testing software of the testing machine 400 in the computer hardware lock 300 to generate usage time.

For example, the access speed of the memory 210 is relatively fast, therefore, in this case, the test time can be stored in the memory 210 frequently, for example, the test time is stored in the memory 210 every first cycle (such as every minute) In order to more accurately grasp the user's test time, but it will not affect the overall operation speed. Since this case will continuously record and compare the accuracy of the test time during the test period, even if the user leaves the software in a special way (such as directly shutting down or stopping the software), there is no need to worry about missing the record of the usage time. Therefore, use Those who cannot use special methods to crack the mechanism of this case. In one embodiment, the above-mentioned memory 210 may be a shared memory on the testing machine management system 200 .

In addition, the access speed of the computer hardware lock 300 is lower than that of the memory 210. Therefore, this case periodically stores the test time in the computer hardware lock 300, for example, the test time is stored every second cycle (such as every hour). In the computer hardware lock 300, the test time can be stored in the computer hardware lock 300 with better security, and the storage time can be prolonged without affecting the overall operation speed. However, this case is not limited to the recording per minute and recording per hour shown in the above-mentioned embodiments, the recording time and the type of memory 210 can be realized with other suitable conditions. In addition, it should be noted that this application is not limited to the steps and structures shown in Figures 1 and 2, which are only used to illustrate one of the implementation methods of this application.

FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a testing machine management and control method 100A according to an embodiment of the present application. Compared with the testing machine management and control method 100 shown in FIG. 1, the testing machine management and control method 100A in FIG. 3 has a step 130A of judging the usage time and testing time, and a step 170A of judging whether the testing time can be recorded in the computer hardware lock ... and other steps will be described in detail later.

In order to make the testing machine control method 100A of this case easy to understand, please also refer to FIG. 4 , which is a schematic circuit block diagram of a testing machine control system 200A, a computer hardware lock 300A, and a testing machine 400A according to an embodiment of this case. In FIG. 4, the memory 210A is coupled to the processor 220A, and the processor 220A reads a plurality of instructions stored in the memory 210A to execute related steps. In addition, the testing machine control system 200A can be coupled to the testing machine 400A through the data cable 500A, and the testing machine 400A can test the integrated circuit through the testing carrier board 430A.

Please refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , in step 105A, the testing machine management and control method 100A of this case prepares to start the testing software. In step 110A, the processor 220A determines whether the computer hardware lock 300A can be read.

After step 110A is executed, if the processor 220A determines that the computer hardware lock 300A has been read, it means that the user does have the computer hardware lock 300A. At this time, step 120A will be executed, and the processor 220A can determine whether the computer hardware lock is stored in the computer hardware. Whether the use time of the body lock 300A is less than the critical time stored in the back panel 410A of the testing machine 400A. In one embodiment, the critical time of the backplane 410A can be stored in the backplane memory 420A.

Please refer to step 120A, if it is determined that the use time is less than the critical time, it means that the user does have the use authority, and step 125A will be executed at this time to read the use period and billing method of the backplane 410A and the computer hardware lock 300A. For example, the back panel 410A and the computer hardware lock 300A can record relevant information such as the usage period and the billing method, for example, the usage period is 3 months, and the billing method is hourly billing, etc., For subsequent use of the testing machine management and control method 100A.

In steps 110A and 120A, if the processor 220A determines that the computer hardware lock 300A cannot be read, or the processor 220A determines that the use time is not less than the critical time, then step 115A is executed, and the test software is prohibited from being started by the processor 220A, and Output a warning message to remind the user, or ask the user to make a settlement and pay the usage fee first.

Next, the test machine management and control method 100A executes step 130A to determine whether the use time of the computer hardware lock 300A is greater than the test time of the memory 210A by the processor 220A.

If it is determined that the use time of the computer hardware lock 300A is greater than the test time of the memory 210A, then execute step 133A and use the use time of the computer hardware lock 300A as the start time of the test time of the test software of the monitoring tester 400A. On the other hand, if it is determined that the use time of the computer hardware lock 300A is not greater than the test time of the memory 210A, then execute step 135A and use the test time of the memory 210A as the start time of the test time of the test software of the monitoring and testing machine 400A.

For example, when the user intends to use the testing machine 400A to test the integrated circuit, the testing machine management and control system 200A will read the test time recorded in the memory 210A and the use time recorded in the computer hardware lock 300A, and Comparing the two, the larger one is the main one. In this way, the cumulative time will not be missed, and even if someone who wants to crack it can also have an extra layer of protection.

Subsequently, step 140A is executed to start the testing software of the testing machine 400A, and monitor the testing time of the testing software of the testing machine 400A. In step 150A, the test time of the test software of the test machine 400A can be stored in the memory 210A by the processor 220A. In step 160A, the processor 220A may periodically record the testing time of the testing software of the testing machine 400A in the computer hardware lock 300A to generate the usage time.

Then, execute step 165A, close the test software and record the closing time. For example, when it is detected that the testing software of the testing machine 400A is closed, the testing software is closed and the closing time is recorded. Furthermore, step 170A is executed, and the processor 220A is used to determine whether the test time has to be recorded in the computer hardware lock 300A. If the test time can be recorded in the computer hardware lock 300A, then execute step 180A, write the test time of the test software of the testing machine 400A into the computer hardware lock 300A, and save the record file. If the test time cannot be recorded in the computer hardware lock 300A, then execute step 175A to directly store the record file.

For example, after the test is over, the previously recorded usage time will be rewritten back to the computer hardware lock 300A, and the trial period will be updated. At the same time, the usage time will also be recorded in an encrypted text file and stored in the testing machine control system Another memory (non-memory 210A) of 200A is used for data recording. Furthermore, even if the use time cannot be written back to the computer hardware lock 300A, the use time will also be recorded in an encrypted text file in this case, and stored in another memory of the testing machine control system 200A for data recording. It should be noted that this case is not limited to the steps and structures shown in Figures 3 and 4, which are only used to illustrate one of the implementations of this case.

In one embodiment, this case provides the real-time settlement mechanism of the testing machine management and control method 100, 100A and the testing machine management and control system 200, 200A as follows. Firstly, the time detected by the system software (monitor) of the testing machine control system 200 and 200A needs to be deducted from the memory usage time of the computer hardware lock 300 to avoid double counting of the time. Subsequently, the case will be settled with all the time stored in the memory 210, 210A and the computer hardware lock 300, 300A. Then, in this case, the time in the memory 210, 210A and the computer hardware lock 300, 300A will be reset to 0. When the user continues to use the testing machine 400, the process of the testing machine management and control method 100, 100A will be used again in this case to carry out relevant authentication and time calculation.

As can be seen from the implementation manner of the present case described above, the application of the present case has the following advantages. The testing machine management and control method and testing machine management and control system shown in the embodiment of this case can use a computer hardware lock as the activation condition of the control mechanism to improve the security of the control mechanism. In addition, the testing machine control method and testing machine control system in this case can compare the use time of the computer hardware lock memory and the critical time of the test machine backplane memory to ensure that the testing machine is still in the usable stage, and then accurately control the testing machine. Usage rights and usage time.

Although the specific examples of this case are disclosed in the above implementation mode, they are not used to limit this case. Those who have ordinary knowledge in the technical field of this case can carry out this case without departing from the principle and spirit of this case. Various changes and modifications, so the protection scope of this case should be defined by the scope of the accompanying patent application.

100, 100A: method 105, 110, 115, 120, 140, 150, 160: steps 105A, 110A, 115A, 120A, 125A, 130A, 133A, 135A, 140A, 150A, 160A, 165A, 170A, 175A, 180A: Step 200, 200A: Testing machine control system 210, 210A: memory 220, 220A: Processor 300, 300A:Computer hardware lock 400, 400A: Tester 410, 410A: Backplane 420A: memory 430a: Test carrier board

In order to make the above and other purposes, features, advantages and embodiments of this case more obvious and understandable, the accompanying drawings are explained as follows: FIG. 1 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a testing machine according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 2 is a schematic circuit block diagram of a testing machine management and control system, a computer hardware lock, and a testing machine according to an embodiment of the present case. FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a testing machine control method according to an embodiment of the present case. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a testing machine management and control system, a computer hardware lock, and a testing machine according to an embodiment of the present case. In accordance with common practice, the various features and elements in the drawings are not drawn to scale, but are drawn in a manner to best present specific features and elements relevant to the case. In addition, the same or similar reference numerals refer to similar elements/components in different drawings.

Domestic deposit information (please note in order of depositor, date, and number) none Overseas storage information (please note in order of storage country, institution, date, and number) none

100: method

105,110,115,120,140,150,160: steps

Claims (10)

A testing machine control method, comprising: judging whether a computer hardware lock can be read; when it is judged that the computer hardware lock is read, judging whether a usage time stored in the computer hardware lock is less than that stored in a testing machine A critical time of a backplane; when it is determined that the use time is less than the critical time, start a test software of the tester, and monitor a test time of the test software of the tester; store the test time of the test software of the tester The test time is stored in a memory; and the test time of the test software of the test machine is periodically recorded in the computer hardware lock to generate the use time. The test machine control method as described in claim 1 further includes: when it is determined that the computer hardware lock cannot be read or the use time is not less than the critical time, prohibiting the start of the test software of the test machine and outputting a warning message . The test machine control method as described in claim 1, wherein the step of storing the test time of the test software of the test machine in the memory includes: storing the test of the test software of the test machine every first cycle The time is in the memory; the test time of the test software of the test machine is periodically recorded in The step of using the computer hard lock to generate the usage time includes: recording the test time of the test software of the testing machine in the computer hardware lock every second cycle to generate the usage time, wherein the second cycle is greater than the first cycle. The test machine control method as described in claim 1 further includes: when it is detected that the test software of the test machine is closed, writing the test time of the test software of the test machine into the computer hardware lock. The test machine control method as described in claim 4 further includes: judging whether the usage time of the computer hardware lock is greater than the test time of the memory; when it is determined that the usage time of the computer hardware lock is greater than the memory For the test time, the use time of the computer hardware lock is used as one of the start-up times of the test time of the test software for monitoring the test machine; and when it is determined that the use time of the computer hardware lock is not greater than the memory The test time of the memory is used as the start-up time of the test time of the test software of the test machine. A control system for a testing machine, comprising: a memory for storing a plurality of instructions; and a processor for reading the instructions and performing the following steps: judging whether a computer hardware lock can be read; when judging Read the hardware lock of the computer and judge whether it is stored in the hardware lock of the computer Whether a usage time of the testing machine is less than a critical time stored in a backboard of a tester; when it is determined that the usage time is less than the critical time, start a test software of the testing machine, and monitor one of the testing software of the testing machine testing time; storing the testing time of the testing software of the testing machine in the memory; and periodically recording the testing time of the testing software of the testing machine in the computer hardware lock to generate the usage time. The testing machine management and control system as described in claim 6, wherein the processor is further used to read the instructions and perform the following steps: when it is determined that the computer hardware lock cannot be read or the use time is not less than the critical time, Prohibit starting the testing software of the testing machine and output a warning message. The test machine management and control system as described in claim 6, wherein the step of storing the test time of the test software of the test machine in the memory executed by the processor includes: storing the test time of the test machine every first cycle The test time of the test software is stored in the memory; the step of periodically recording the test time of the test software of the test machine in the computer hardware lock by the processor to generate the usage time includes: every second Two-cycle recording of the test time of the test software of the test machine between the computer hardware lock, wherein the second period is greater than the first period. The testing machine management and control system as described in claim 6, wherein the processor is further used to read the instructions and perform the following steps: when it is detected that the testing software of the testing machine is closed, the testing software of the testing machine is closed The test time is written into the computer hardware lock. The test machine management and control system as described in claim 9, wherein the processor is further used to read the instructions and perform the following steps: determine whether the use time of the computer hardware lock is greater than the test time of the memory; Determine that the use time of the computer hardware lock is greater than the test time of the memory, use the use time of the computer hardware lock as one of the start-up times of the test time of the test software for monitoring the test machine; and when it is determined The use time of the computer hardware lock is not longer than the test time of the memory, and the test time of the memory is used as the start-up time of the test time of the test software monitoring the test machine.

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