DE19726775A1 - Diagnosis method for CD players with changers - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves combining the CD changer unit (1) with a test computer (4) via a SCSI interface cable (9) at the end of the production line. The power supply for the CD changer unit is switched on and the test computer is restarted or switched on. The user surface is displayed on a display which is connected to the test computer. Several routines or provided for selection. The serial number printed on the housing of the CD changer unit is entered and the selected routine is automatically carried out via the SCSI interface. A test report is automatically created, which points out errors in elements of CD changer.

Description

The invention relates to a diagnostic method for a CD changer, the at least one drive, at least one insertable magazine and a transport device with a gripping device for picking up and / or for storing disc-shaped information carriers in the magazine or drive consists.

Furthermore, the invention comprises a diagnostic arrangement from a Testcom computer and a CD changer that consists of at least one drive, at least one insertable magazine and one transport device with one Gripping device for picking up and / or storing the disc-shaped Information carrier in a drawer of a magazine or drive.

The invention further relates to a computer-readable data carrier with a Diagnostic software used to initiate a test computer with a CD changer, a diagnostic procedure at the end of a product tion line for the CD changer to perform, the CD change at least one drive for a disk-shaped informa tion carrier, at least one insertable magazine and a transport device device with a gripping device for picking up and / or storing the ski ben-shaped information carrier in the magazine or drive, and that the CD changer with at least one SCSI interface cable with the test computer is connected.  

The US patent US-A-5,533,195 describes a flexible software for effectiveness full diagnosis of defective components of a computer system. By means of a Computers can perform certain actions on selectable components become. The components are e.g. B. a bus system, a memory and at least one Input / output component. The user calls the program to run the slide gnose and then receives the character combinations to be created by him the possibility to address and test at least one component. By meh If more components are addressed by the software, the error can also be in cooperation with the individual components.

An arrangement is disclosed in international patent application WO 95/13581 redundant memory components disclosed. This concerns in particular Patent application for a system (a redundant arrangement of cheap running work), a host computer and also a SCSI interface Connects diagnostic / control module with the SCSI interface. Each of the run werke has its own SCSI identification number. The diagnosis / control The module periodically monitors the temperature, the voltage supply and other parameters that limit the operational readiness of the components could. The person responsible for the system is informed of any questionable developments communicated the SCSI network. In addition, the person responsible for the system can call appropriate test patterns to check the SCSI network for a short circuit, Investigate interruptions and other errors.

The invention has for its object a diagnostic method for a CD changer to create, which runs automatically, the user on Kon indicates configuration errors and also offers the possibility of individual areas or specifically test components of the CD changer.

Another object of the invention is a diagnostic arrangement for a To create CD changer that is suitable for a CD changer Test end of a production line while being very user friendly.  

Another object of the invention is to provide diagnostic software that extensive tests on a CD changer enables and one automatic test procedure guaranteed and the user but numerous provides grip and design options.

According to the invention, this is carried out using a diagnostic method

• - Connect the fully assembled CD changer on End of a production line with a test computer over at least one SCSI interface cable, ensuring that there are no magazines in the CD changer are used,
• - switching on the power supply for the CD changer,
• - switching on or restarting the test computer,
• - Representation of a user interface on a display connected to the test computer ( 4 ), several routines being offered for selection,
• - Enter a serial number printed on a housing part of the CD changer ( 1 ),
• - Automatic execution of the selected routines via the SCSI interface place and
• - Automatic creation of a test report that notifies the user of the errors freedom or possible errors in certain elements of the CD change direction indicates, reached.

A diagnostic arrangement is achieved according to the invention in that the test computer with an associated display with the CD changer at least one SCSI interface cable is connected, and that on the display of the Test computer, a selection menu can be displayed, via which the user can At least one automatically running routine can be selected.

According to the diagnostic software is achieved in that on a a display menu assigned to the test computer under DOS or WINDOWS ™ can be displayed, the selection menu includes a first box, the with "AUTOMATIC TESTS" is labeled a second box that is labeled "TROUBLE  LIFT MODE "is a third box labeled" FIRMWARE DOWNLOAD "is a fourth box labeled" PROGRAM LEAVE "and a fifth box labeled" TESTCOMPUTER NEW START ", and each of the routines of each box is dated User can be called.

The advantage of the diagnostic procedure is that after connecting the complete dig assembled CD changer at the end of a production line with a test computer via at least one user SCSI interface cable is guided through the diagnostic procedure by the diagnostic software. The If necessary, the user is prompted by the diagnostic software establish certain test configuration of the CD changer. So must e.g. B. at the beginning of the tests be sure that there are no magazines in the CD changer direction are used. Does the diagnostic software have a suitable test configuration tion, a user interface is shown on the display of the test computer che, with several routines to choose from. The User can select certain routines that are done via the SCSI interface auto be carried out matically. The user receives an automatically created one Test report that the him on the correctness or possible mistakes in certain Indicates elements of the CD changer. Based on the error report the user can start other routines such as B. the routine "TEST RUN" or the routine "TROUBLESHOOTING MODE".

The advantage of the diagnostic arrangement is that the test computer with one associated display with the CD changer via at least one SCSI interface cable is connected. The user can on the display of the Testcom puters a series of automatically running routines from a selection menu select, the individual commands of the routines via the SCSI inter face cable to the CD changer. Is the diagnostic order test configuration, after the start of the automatically running Routines do not require user intervention.  

The advantage of the diagnostic software is that on a test computer a selection menu can be displayed under WINDOWS ™ or DOS, and the selection menu enables the user to select different ones Routines such as B. "AUTOMATIC TESTS", "TROUBLESHOOTING MODE" "DOWNLOAD FIRMWARE", "EXIT PROGRAM" and "TESTCOM RESTART PUTER ". The diagnostic software thus enables simple Access to the various routines used to test or diagnose a CD changer at the end of a production line are required.

Further advantageous refinements of the invention can be found in the subclaims be removed.

Based on the embodiments shown in the drawing, the counter State of the invention described.

Show it:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic construction of a CD changer,

FIG. 2a is a side view of an embodiment of the CD changer,

FIG. 2b shows a front view of the embodiment of the CD-changing device of Fig. 2a,

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the SCSI cabling between the CD-changing device in the existing drives and the connectors on the back of the CD-changing device,

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the diagnostic system for testing the CD changer,

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a selection menu different to the calling program parts,

Fig. 6 shows an example of a test report of a CD changer,

Fig. 7 is an example of the logical assignment of the drives of the Testcom puter and the CD changer,

Fig. 8 is a mapping of the SCSI addresses and the logical name of an individual drives

Fig. 9 is a list of possible under the routine "TROUBLESHOOTING MODE" and

Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of the essential functional units of the diagnostic software.

The CD changer 1 shown schematically in FIG. 1 for reproducing and recording information from / to information carriers has a modular structure. The following description is essentially limited to the handling of CDs, but this should in no way be interpreted as a limitation. With the CD changer 1 other disk-shaped information carriers, such as. B. erasable and rewritable optical discs PD or writable CDs are handled.

A first module 10 comprises a mailbox 11 with a drawer 12 for the input / output of CDs into or from the CD changer 1 . The first module 10 is arranged in the upper area of the CD changer 1 . In a second module 20 following the first module 10 , at least one insertable magazine 21 with CD storage compartments or drawers (not shown) is arranged. In the embodiment shown here, three magazines 21 , 22 and 23 are inserted into the CD changer 1 . The second module 20 is followed by a third module 30 , which consists of at least one drive 31 for reproducing and / or recording information from and / or onto the CD. In the embodiment shown here, two drives 31 and 32 are inserted in the CD changer 1 . A fourth module 40 of the CD changer 1 consists of a transport device 41 for the CDs. The transport device 41 is arranged opposite a rear wall 2 of the CD-Wechselein device 1 , so that the CDs can be transported to the individual modules. The transport device 41 is equipped with a gripping device 42 which can take the CDs from the individual modules and place them in them. A fifth module 50 consists of an electrical supply unit 51 , a drive unit 52 for the transport device 41, an electronics unit 53 and a hard disk 54 .

The CD can be transported and stored by means of the microprocessor-controlled transport device 41 from one of the interchangeable magazines 21 , 22 or 23 to a predetermined recording / playback drive 31 , 32 or to a predetermined recording one of the interchangeable magazines 21 , 22 or 23 . Furthermore, the CD can be removed from the drawer 12 of the mailbox 11 or put back into it by means of the transport device 41 .

At this point it should be pointed out that a CD changer 1 is also conceivable that does not have a first module 10 . With this type, the CDs then have to be entered into the CD changing device 1 exclusively via the exchangeable magazines.

Fig. 2a shows an embodiment of the CD-changing device 1 in view of the Seitenan and Fig. 2b shows a front view of the CD changer 1. As can be clearly seen from Fig. 2a, the CD changer 1 has a step-shaped front 6th In the upper area of the CD changer 1 , a front panel 60 for the mailbox 11 is shown. The front panel 60 has an approximately rectangular opening 61 for the drawer 12 of the mailbox 11 . Above the opening 61 a first, a second and a third hole 62 , 63 and 64 are provided, which are used to hold light-emitting diodes (not shown). The LEDs are red, yellow and green LEDs. The side of the opening 61 for the mailbox 11, a switch 65 is mounted, the nen to Publ / closing the mailbox 11 is used. Two of the light emitting diodes are used both for readiness display and for displaying the error conditions. One of the three LEDs is used to indicate that the CD changer 1 is powered. Furthermore, a door 66 (see FIGS. 2a and 2b) is provided below the front panel 60 , which allows access to the internal structure of the CD changer 1 to insert or replace magazines, install or remove drives and undertake any repairs. At the door 66 a microswitch (not shown) is provided which detects the closing condition of the door 66th In the CD changer 1 , a variety of sensors and microswitches (not shown) are provided, all of which are used to determine the state of the CD changer 1 .

An embodiment of the SCSI cabling is shown in FIG. 3. Here are e.g. B. four drives 31 , 32 , 33 and 34 built into the CD changer 1 , which are each provided with plugs 71 , 72 , 73 and 74 . The drives 31 , 32 , 33 and 34 are installed in the CD changer 1 such that the plugs 71 , 72 , 73 and 74 face away from the rear wall 2 of the CD changer 1 . A cable 81 , 82 , 83 and 84 connects the individual drives 31 , 32 , 33 , and 34 to an external device (outside the CD changer). The SCSI cabling is produced by means of a flat cable which leads directly from the plugs 71 , 72 , 73 and 74 via a corresponding SCSI interface 9 of the test computer 4 to the individual drives 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 . The electronics unit 54 and the hard disk 51 of the CD changer are connected to the external device.

Fig. 4 shows the structure of the arrangement for diagnosing a CD-Wechseleinrich device 1 at the end of the production line. For diagnostic purposes, only a single CD changer 1 is connected to a test computer 4 and an associated display 5 . For this purpose, the test computer is equipped with at least one SCSI interface 9 . In the following description, a configuration of the CD changer 1 is assumed, which comprises four drives 31 , 32 , 33 and 34 . However, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that other configurations can also be implemented.

The drives 31, 32, 33 and 34 of the CD-changing device 1 are each connected by a corresponding interface cable 8, to the SCSI interface 9 of the Testcompu ters 4 connects, connected to the test computer. 4 Optionally, the CD changer 1 can additionally be connected to the test computer 4 via an RS232 interface 75 . The connection is established using a corresponding RS232 interface cable 76 . Another possibility is that the drives 31 , 32 , 33 and 34 are looped through, so that only one SCSI bus is required to connect the drives 31 , 32 , 33 and 34 to the test computer 4 . There is no need to go into further connection possibilities in this context, since these are sufficiently known to the person skilled in the art.

Furthermore, diagnostic software is provided which runs on the test computer 4 and enables the user to examine the functioning of any model of a CD changer 1 . Likewise, new control software, so-called firmware, can be loaded into the CD changer 1 from the test computer 4 . The diagnostic software allows two different routines to be carried out automatically.

The first routine is an automatic routine with which the user can automatically carry out a large number of tests on the CD changer 1 . The automatic execution of the test means that no user intervention is required. Since the tests are only carried out after the CD changer 1 has been completely assembled, the diagnostic method uses only the SCSI interface 9 .

In the second routine, the CD changer 1 is connected to the test computer 4 via the SCSI interface 9 and the RS232 interface 75 . The second routine enables certain diagnostic commands to be called and executed individually.

Before starting the diagnostic procedure implemented in the test computer 4 , the user must connect the CD changer 1 to the test computer 4 via the SCSI interface 9 or via the SCSI interface 9 and the RS232 interface 75 .

The drives 31 , 32 , 33 and 34 of the CD changer 1 must be assigned successive SCSI addresses, starting with any address. The first or lowest drive 31 of the CD changer 1 receives the lowest SCSI address. There is no way to check the mounting positions of the drives using software, so you have to rely on correct mounting during production.

In the next step, the user then switches on the power supply (not shown) for the CD changer 1 . The CD changer 1 initializes itself by determining the model type and starting a routine for checking the equipment. There are currently three different configurations, but this should not be interpreted as a limitation. The first version includes two drives and has space for three usable magazines. The second configuration also includes two drives, three usable magazines and a mailbox for external CD input. The third version includes two drives, has space for eight usable magazines and a mailbox. The verifiable equipment of the CD changing device 1 thus includes the number of drives, whether one or more magazines are used or whether a mailbox is available.

After the CD changer 1 is connected to the test computer 4 and switched on, the user must restart the test computer 4 . The start procedure then automatically loads an improved SCSI program interface and the corresponding drivers that are required to access the drives of the CD changer 1 via the WINDOWS ™ file system. Access under DOS is also possible. However, the rest of the description is limited to access to the drives via the WINDOWS ™ file system. Since the CD changer 1 is already supplied with power, all SCSI components are recognized by means of the associated driver - assuming that they are connected and functional.

After all drivers have been loaded, WINDOWS ™ must be opened. A selection menu 7 then appears on the display 5 of the test computer 4 (see FIG. 5). The selection menu 7 on the display 5 comprises a first box 7 ₁ , which is designated with "AUTOMATIC TESTS", a second box 7 ₂ , which is designated with "TROUBLESHOOTING MODE", a third box 7 ₃ , which is DOWNLOADED WITH "FIRMWARE."", a fourth box 7 ₄ , which is labeled" EXIT PROGRAM "and a fifth box 7 ₅ , which is labeled" RESTART TEST COMPUTER ". When testing several CD changers 1 during the production process, a diagnostic program is started with the designation "AUTOMATIC TESTS", which automatically tests the CD changers 1 and creates a test report (see FIG. 6).

As already mentioned above, it is necessary to integrate the drives of the CD changer 1 into the WINDOWS ™ file system, so that the data access function can be tested for each individual drive. During the restart of the test computer 4 , WINDOWS ™ (or DOS) assigns logical drives numbers in sequential order to all drives present in the CD changer 1 (for example "D:";"E:" etc.). The assignment is carried out separately for all hard disk drives (hard disk HDD; erasable and rewritable optical storage media PD) and compact disk drives CDD. Fig. 7 shows the assignment of drives in the test computer 4 and the assignment of the various drives in the disk-change device 1. In the embodiment shown here, the test computer 4 has a floppy drive (not shown), a hard disk (not shown) and a CD drive (not shown). The CD changer 1 comprises a hard disk 54 , two erasable and rewritable optical storage media PD and two CD drives. The logical names of the individual drives in the test computer 4 are distributed as follows (see FIG. 7): the logical name "A:", the hard disk "C:" and the CD drive "G:" are assigned to the floppy drive. The logical names of the individual drives are distributed in the CD changer 1 as follows (see FIG. 7): the hard disk becomes the logical name "D:", the first drive for erasable and rewritable optical storage media "E:", the second drive for erasable and rewritable optical storage media "F:", the first CD drive "H:" and the second CD drive "I:" assigned.

The data of the individual drives can be accessed via the logical name of the drive (eg "D:"). In contrast, the drawer of the individual drives is controlled via their SCSI address. Thus, the diagnostic software for each CD changer 1 must manage two different identifications, namely the SCSI address and the logical name, for the various drives.

There is no way to query the logical name assigned to a specific SCSI address via WINDOWS ™ or the improved SCSI program interface. The assignment must therefore be made according to the following rule:

• - The erasable and rewritable optical storage media PD who denoted in ascending order, starting with "E:".
• - The CD drives are also numbered in ascending order, starting with "H:".

The assignment of the SCSI addresses and the logical names can be found in FIG. 8, the above and the example shown in FIG. 3 being used. So that the diagnostic software can be adapted to the different configurations of the test computer 4 , the preset names for the first CD drive CDD and the first erasable and rewritable optical storage medium PD can be overwritten by the service technician in a command line provided for this purpose.

Shortly after the diagnostic software has been started, it is checked whether the ver improved SCSI program interface manager is loaded. This is not the case the user is informed and the program execution is stopped chen. This can only happen if the routine "TEST COMPUTER NEW START "has not been carried out successfully.

If the test computer 4 was restarted without errors, the connections to the CD changer 1 via the SCSI bus and the RS232 bus, if present, are now checked. The diagnostic software itself identifies the serial output and the serial transmission speed (the default settings are COM1 and 9600 baud).

If no CD changer 1 could be found on the SCSI interface, the user is informed and the program is terminated. The user must switch off the CD changer 1 and the test computer 4 and check the SCSI cable, the definition of the SCSI addresses and the SCSI connectors. Once this has been done, the diagnostic software can be restarted using the "RESTART TEST COMPUTER" routine.

If the diagnostic software determines that there is no RS232 connection between the CD changer 1 and the test computer 4 , the diagnostic software automatically changes to the SCSI interface mode. In the other case, the mixed interface mode is used by the diagnostic software. The diagnostic software can also come across other drives that do not belong to the CD changer 1 . If this is the case, a window is opened on the display 5 of the test computer 4 , which gives the user the opportunity to configure the drives belonging to the CD changer 1 .

Each of the CD changers 1 is provided with a serial number printed on the housing. The diagnostic software prompts the user to enter this number before any tests are carried out on the CD changers 1 .

Finally, the diagnostic software must check whether all SCSI components are ready for operation. The CD changer 1 may take some time to perform the equipment check so that the diagnostic software has to wait a certain time before it issues an error message and aborts. The error message identifies this SCSI component that is not operational. When selecting Box 7 ₁ "AUTOMATIC TESTS", two different routines can be selected. The routine, which is hidden behind a command called "MONTAGEENDTEST", carries out a check on the CD changer 1 at the end of the assembly line or production line. The command with the designation "TESTLAUF" calls a routine to test the mechanical stability of the mechanical parts of the CD changer 1 .

The program steps are described below, which are called up by calling the Command "ASSEMBLY END TEST" run.

There are a few prerequisites for executing the above command:

• - The CD changer 1 must be fully assembled.
• - No interchangeable magazines may be inserted in the CD changer 1 .
• - At least one drive must be installed in the CD changer 1 , and the type (s) of the drive (s) used can be freely selected.
• - The CD changer 1 is connected to the test computer 4 only via SCSI interface.
• - Both the test computer 4 and the CD changer 1 are switched on, the diagnostic program has started and the initial check has been carried out successfully.

The "MONTAGEENDTEST" command is divided into seven steps, some of which depend on the type of CD changer 1 to be tested:

• 1. Check the configuration of the CD changer 1 and the green or yellow LEDs that are housed in the front panel 60 .
• 2. In the case of a CD changer 1 with a mailbox 11 , this is checked via and an external test disc is entered via the mailbox 11 .
• 3. Check the magazine detection, the door switch and the yellow or red LEDs that are located in the front panel 60 .
• 4. Check the drawers of the magazines used.
• 5. Check the drives.
• 6. Check the barcodes on the magazines used (not shown).
• 7. In the case of a CD changer 1 with a mailbox 11 , the test disc is output from the mailbox 11 .

The above steps are now described in detail. After the "ASSEMBLY END TEST" is completed, the test report shown in FIG. 6 is output.

Step 1:
It is checked whether at least one drive is installed in the CD changer 1 . If this is not the case, the diagnostic software registers a serious error with the error message "No drive installed" and the test run is terminated. The user must restart the test computer 4 after installing the appropriate drives.

It is then checked whether a magazine is inserted in the CD changer 1 . If the diagnostic software detects the presence of magazines, the user is asked whether magazines are really set in the CD changer 1 . If this is the case, the diagnostic software registers a serious error with the error message "Some magazines are installed" and the program is terminated. The user must restart the test computer 4 after removing the corresponding magazines. If, despite the error message, no magazines are inserted in the CD changer 1 , a non-serious error is output with the message "Error in the microswitch of the magazine with the number i". The magazine (s) affected are then / are then excluded from further tests.

The drives are then accessed to determine if they are empty. If an error occurs in a drive, a non-serious error is registered, e.g. B. "Alignment error of drive with number i ''or" Error in the drawer of drive i ''. The drive in which the error occurred is excluded from the further test run. In the case of full drives and an existing mailbox, the CDs should be output via mailbox 11 . If the drawer of the mailbox 11 cannot be moved, a serious error with the message "Error in the mailbox drawer" is issued and the test run is terminated. If a CD changer 1 is subjected to the test run without a mailbox 11 , the user is shown that he should insert a magazine into the CD changer 1 to be tested. The CDs are then ejected into the magazine and the user is informed after completion of the issue that he should remove the magazine from the CD changer 1 again.

In a further step, the user queries the state of the light-emitting diodes 62 , 63 , 64 provided in the front panel 60 of the CD changer 1 . If the green LED is in the "OFF" state, a non-serious error is registered with the message "Green LED defective". If the yellow LED is in the "OFF" state, a non-serious error is registered with the message "Yellow LED defective". If the red LED is in the "ON" state, a non-serious error is registered with the message "Red LED constantly on".

Step 2:
In the case of a CD changer 1 with a mailbox, this is checked and an external test disc is entered via the mailbox 11 , which enables the tests below to be carried out automatically.

The user is asked to operate the switch 65 to open and close the drawer 12 of the mailbox 11 and the movement of the mailbox 11 is meanwhile confirmed via the SCSI bus. The position of the drawer is continuously checked and the program for the test run is interrupted until the drawer 12 is completely opened and closed. The user can cancel the process if the drawer 12 does not move and there is a non-serious error with the message "switch for the drawer of the mailbox does not work".

The drawer 12 of the mailbox 11 is moved using a SCSI command. If the drawer does not move, a serious error is output with the message "Error in the drawer of the mailbox" and the further test run is canceled.

It is also checked whether a CD reader / writer is present in the CD changer 1 . If this is the case, the user is asked to insert a CD into the drawer 12 of the mailbox 11 and to wear it. It also checks whether a CD is actually inserted. The CD is placed in the CD reader / writer.

Furthermore, it is checked whether there is at least one drive for erasable and rewritable optical storage media PD in the CD changer 1 . If this is the case, the drawer 12 of the mailbox 11 is opened by means of a SCSI command and the user is asked to insert an erasable and rewritable optical storage medium PD in the drawer 12 of the mailbox 11 and to close it. If the drawer of the mail box 11 does not open, a serious error is output with the message "Error in the drawer of the mail box" and the further test run is canceled.

Furthermore, it is checked whether an erasable and rewritable optical Storage media PD was actually inserted and the erasable and replayable Writable optical storage medium is provided in the first one Drive stored.

Step 3:
The user is asked to open the door 66 of the CD changer 1 . The position of the door 66 is checked by the program, which is interrupted until the door 66 is actually opened. The user can interrupt the test run if it is not recognized that the door 66 is open. In this case, a serious error is output with the message "Door switch defective" and the test run is terminated.

The user is still asked to confirm that the red light emitting diode is in the "ON" state and that the yellow LED is flashing. If not is a non-serious error with the message "red LED defective "or yellow LED does not flash" registered.

The user is now asked to insert magazines in all the positions provided. After the door 66 is closed again, the equipment routine is started automatically. It is checked whether all the magazines have actually been inserted and, if necessary, the user is asked to insert magazines in all the positions provided. If all magazines are inserted, but the magazine is not scanned correctly, a non-serious error is registered with the message "Error in the microswitch of the magazine with the number i ''. The magazine with the number i is excluded from further tests .

If the type of CD changer 1 to be tested does not have a mailbox, the test discs must be loaded using the first magazine. If a PD drive is provided in the CD changer 1 , an erasable and rewritable optical storage media PD must be entered. The program is interrupted until the equipment routine has been completed and it has been determined that CDs or PDs have been entered. If no first magazine was found, a serious error is registered with the message "Error in the microswitch of the magazine with the number i" and the further test run is canceled.

The routines described in the following steps require something Time, but they do not require user intervention.

Step 4:
The test computer 4 determines when the CD changer 1 has completed the inventory routine. In the case of a CD changer 1 without a mailbox 11 , it can be seen that the first magazine contains the test discs and all other magazines are empty. If this is not the case, the program prompts the user to empty the magazines. Then the program starts again automatically. In the case of a CD changer 1 with a mailbox, it is determined whether all the magazines are empty. If this is the case, all test disks are moved from the drives into the first magazine in order to obtain the same starting conditions as with the CD changer 1 without a mailbox 11 . The test disc is then removed from the first magazine and placed in each drawer of each magazine and removed from it again. When this process has been completed for all magazines, the test disc is placed in the first drawer of the first magazine again.

Step 5:
For each drive in the CD changer, the corresponding test disk is removed from the first magazine and entered into the drive to be tested. After the reading properties of the drive have been checked, the test disk is transported back into the first magazine. The read / write properties can also be checked for a corresponding drive. If an error occurs, a non-serious error is registered with the message "Read error in the drive with the number i)".

Step 6:
To check the bar codes of the individual magazines, the bar codes are output on the display 5 of the test computer 4 and the user has to confirm their correctness. Is z. For example, if a barcode is not correct, a non-serious error is registered with the message "Magazine i has the wrong barcode".

Step 7:
In the case of a CD changer 1 with a mailbox 11 , the test disks are output via the mailbox 11 and the user is asked to remove the test disks from the drawer of the mailbox 11 . The program then checks whether the test discs have actually been removed.

The routine "ASSEMBLY END TEST" is now complete and a test report is created (see FIG. 6), which the user can print out on a local printer or a network printer.

The routine labeled "TEST RUN" can be used to check the mechanical stability of individual components of the CD changer 1 . The "TEST RUN" routine is used to find the components with production defects that would break after a short period of heavy use. The reading properties of the drives present in the CD changer 1 are not examined. It is thus possible to test the mechanical components of all drive types in the CD changer with a single CD type. The user has the option of entering the number of stresses on a specific component. The requirements to run the TEST RUN routine are as follows:

• - The CD changer 1 must be fully assembled.
• - All magazines are inserted in the CD changer 1 .
• - All drives are mounted in the CD changer 1 and empty.
• - The CD changer 1 is only connected to the test computer 4 via SCSI. Both the CD changer 1 and the test computer 4 are switched on, the diagnostic program has started and the routine "ASSEMBLY END TEST" has been successfully carried out.

In the case of a CD changer 1 with a mailbox, the drawer of the mailbox is opened during the test run and the user is prompted to insert a test disc. It is checked whether a test disc is inserted, otherwise the user is asked again.

In the case of a CD changer 1 without a mailbox 11 , it is checked whether a test disc is in the first drawer of the first magazine.

The test disc is then picked up by the transport device 41 and z. B. N times inserted into an element of the CD changer 1 and removed from this again. The next and each further element of the CD changer 1 is checked in the same way. The elements of the CD changer 1 are e.g. B. the mailbox 11 , the drives 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , the drawers of the magazines 21 , 22 , 23 or the drives. When the "TEST RUN" routine is finished, the test disc is ejected again or placed in the first drawer of the first magazine. Errors that occurred during the test run are registered in an error report.

The diagnostic software also gives the user the opportunity to start a routine called "TROUBLESHOOTING MODE". The idea of this routine is to offer the user the possibility of specifically activating individual functions of the CD changing device 1 . Activation is achieved via the SCSI and RS232 interfaces 75 . Fig. 9 shows a list of the possible commands and which interface these commands address. If a command can be sent to the CD changer via both the SCSI and RS232 interfaces 75 , only the SCSI version has to be implemented.

The actions accessible via the individual commands are: opening / closing a drawer of a specific drive, initializing the robotics of the transport device, switching a specific light-emitting diode on / off, positioning the gripping device with respect to a specific element of the CD changer 1 , opening it / Close the drawer 12 of the mailbox 11 , to transport a disc from one element to the next, to take a disc from the drawer 12 of the mailbox 11 or from a drawer of a magazine, pick up and put down the disc with the gripping device, put the disc in the drawer 12 of the mailbox 11 or an open drawer of a magazine, resetting the CD changer 1 , querying the state of the sensors, opening / closing the drawer of the mailbox or a drawer of a magazine and checking the reading properties of a drive, if in the The appropriate disc.

Whenever a command is given via the RS232 interface 75 , the diagnostic software must check the validity of the command and the parameters in order to avoid damage to the CD changer 1 due to invalid command sequences. Is z. B. a drawer of a Maga interest / drive open and the command entered moves the Greifeinrich device, this can lead to the gripping device moving to the open drawer and damaging it.

If the diagnostic software is in the "TROUBLESHOOTING MODE" routine, the user has the option of compiling individual commands into individual sequences. These sequences can be recorded and called up again. The commands shown in FIG. 9 are available to the user. The user can record test commands, stop the recording of the test commands, play a stored sequence of test commands and automatically play a specific test command or a specific sequence of test commands.

If the user has selected the recording of the test commands, all entered commands are transferred to a memory 110 in the test computer 4 without the respective command being executed immediately. After the user has finished recording, the command sequence can be called up and executed.

The command sequences and the individual commands are repeatable, see above that the user can enter the number of repetitions.

The essential functional units of the diagnostic software are disclosed in FIG. 10. As already mentioned above, the user interface 7 allows certain fixed commands or commands that can be entered by the user to be transferred to the diagnostic software. The state of the CD changer 1 is also shown on the display 5 . The user interface is followed by a SCSI manager 100 and an RS232 manager 102 . The SCSI manager 100 receives the commands from the user interface 7 and translates them into SCSI interface commands. The commands of the CD changer 1 and the drives are then transmitted. In return, the SCSI manager 100 reads the responses from the individual elements of the CD changer 1 and updates a system database 108 and notifies the user interface 7 of the corresponding status of the elements of the CD changer 1 .

The RS232 manager 102 receives the commands from the user interface 7 and translates them into RS232 interface commands. The commands of the CD changer 1 and the drives are then transmitted. In return, the SCSI manager 102 reads the responses from the individual elements of the CD changer 1 and updates a system database 108 and notifies the user interface 7 of the corresponding status of the elements of the CD changer 1 .

A script manager 104 is assigned to the user interface 7 , which receives preset commands and created commands and stores them in a memory 110 . Commands can be created via a script read / write unit 106 . The script read / write unit 106 also reads the corresponding commands from the memory 110 and transfers them to the user interface 7 , which treats the commands as if they had been entered manually.

The invention has been described in relation to a preferred embodiment, but of course you can do one within the scope of the craftsmanship Expert modifications can be made without changing the scope of the claims below.  

Reference list

1

CD changer

2nd

Rear wall of the CD changer

4th

Test computer

5

Display

6

stepped front

7

Selection menu / user interface

7 ₁

box

7 _2nd

box

7 _3rd

box

7 _4th

box

7 ₅

box

8th

SCSI interface cable

9

SCSI interface

10th

first module

11

Mailbox

20th

second module

21

CD magazine

22

CD magazine

23

CD magazine

30th

third module

31

drive

32

drive

33

drive

34

drive

40

fourth module

41

Transport device

50

fifth module

51

electrical supply unit

52

Drive unit

53

Electronics unit

54

hard disk

60

Front panel

61

rectangular opening

62

first hole

63

second hole

64

third hole

65

counter

66

door

71

plug

72

plug

73

plug

74

plug

75

RS232 interface

76

RS232 interface cable

81

electric wire

82

electric wire

83

electric wire

84

electric wire

100

SCSI manager

102

RS232 manager

104

Script manager

106

Script read / write device

108

System database

110

Storage.

Claims (22)

1. Diagnostic method for a CD changing device ( 1 ), which consists of at least one drive ( 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ), at least one insertable magazine ( 21 , 22 , 23 , ... ) And a transport device ( 41 ) with a Gripping device for receiving and / or storing disc-shaped information carriers in the magazine or drive, the method comprises the steps:

• - Connect the completely assembled CD changer ( 1 ) at the end of a production line to a test computer ( 4 ) via at least one SCSI interface cable ( 9 ),
• - Switching on the power supply for the CD changer ( 1 )
• - Turn on or restart the test computer
• - Representing a user interface on a display ( 5 ) connected to the test computer ( 4 ), several routines being offered for selection,
• - Enter a serial number printed on a housing part of the CD changer ( 1 ),
• - Automatic execution of the selected routines via the SCSI interface ( 9 ) and
• - Automatic creation of a test report that notifies the user of the absence of errors or possible errors in certain elements of the CD changer ( 1 ).

2. Diagnostic method according to claim 1, characterized in that a routine can be called via the command "MONTAGEENDTEST", and that the routine for a CD changer ( 1 ) without a mailbox ( 11 ) comprises the following steps:

• a) Check the configuration of the CD changer ( 1 ) and a green and a yellow light-emitting diode, which are housed in a front panel ( 60 ) of the CD changer ( 1 ).
• b) Checking a magazine identification attached to the magazines ( 21 , 22 , 23 ) previously used by the user, a door switch assigned to a door ( 66 ) of the CD changer 1 and the yellow and a red light-emitting diode, which are accommodated in the front panel ( 60 ) .
• c) Check all drawers of the magazines used
• d) Checking the drives ( 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 )
• e) Checking the barcodes attached to the magazines ( 21 , 22 , 23 )
• f) Creating an error log using the data obtained from the "MONTAGEENDTEST" routine.

3. Diagnostic method according to claim 1, characterized in that a routine can be called via the command "MONTAGEENDTEST", and that the routine in a CD changer ( 1 ) with a mailbox ( 11 ) comprises the following steps:

• a) checking the configuration of the CD changer ( 1 ) and a green and a yellow light-emitting diode, which are accommodated in a front panel ( 60 ) of the CD changer ( 1 ),
• b) checking the functionality of the mailbox ( 11 ) and entering an external test disc via the mailbox ( 11 ),
• c) Checking a magazine identification attached to the magazines ( 21 , 22 , 23 ) previously used by the user, a door switch assigned to a door ( 66 ) of the CD changer ( 1 ) and the yellow and a red light-emitting diode which are located in the front panel ( 60 ) are accommodated
• d) checking all drawers of the magazines used ( 21 , 22 , 23 ),
• e) checking the drives ( 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ),
• f) checking the barcodes attached to the magazines ( 21 , 22 , 23 ) used,
• g) Output of the test disc via the mailbox ( 11 ) and
• h) Creating an error log using the data obtained from the "MONTAGEENDTEST" routine.

4. Diagnostic method for a CD changer according to claim 2, characterized in that the user selects the routine "TESTLAUF", which comprises the following steps in the CD changer ( 1 ) without the mailbox ( 11 ),

• a) inserting a test disc in the top drawer of the first magazine and removing the test disc by the gripping device provided on the transport device ( 41 ),
• b) entering a parameter which indicates how often the test disc is inserted into and removed from an element of the CD changer, the elements of the CD changer being the drives and / or the drawers of the magazines,
• c) performing the removal and insertion of the test disc in accordance with the parameters determined in step b),
• d) Put the test disc in the top drawer of the first magazine after the routine "TESTLAUF" and
• e) Generating an error report of the errors that occurred during the "TEST RUN" routine.

5. Diagnostic method for a CD changer according to claim 3, characterized in that the user selects the routine "TESTLAUF", which comprises the following steps in the CD changer ( 1 ) with the mailbox ( 11 ),

• a) inserting a test disc in the drawer of the mailbox ( 11 ) and accepting the test disc by the gripping device provided on the transport device ( 41 ),
• b) entering a parameter which indicates how often the test disc is inserted into and removed from an element of the CD changer, the elements of the CD changer being the mailbox, the drives and / or the drawers of the magazines,
• c) performing the removal and insertion of the test disc in accordance with the parameters determined in step b),
• d) Placing the test disc in the drawer of the mailbox ( 11 ) and outputting the test disc after the routine "TEST RUN" and
• e) Generating an error report of the errors that occurred during the "TEST RUN" routine.

6. Diagnostic method for a CD changer according to claim 1, characterized in that the CD changer ( 1 ) in addition to the SCSI interface ( 8 ) is also connected to the test computer ( 4 ) via an RS232 interface ( 75 ). 7. Diagnostic method for a CD changer ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the user can select individual commands from a series of predefined commands, or combine several selected commands to form individual sequences and activate the commands or sequences, the following steps being provided are:

• a) the number of repetitions of the selected commands by the user,
• b) addressing the SCSI interface ( 8 ) or the RS232 interface ( 75 ) depending on the properties of the selected command or sequences,
• c) checking the validity of the command or the sequences and the associated parameters, if the selected commands address the SCSI or the RS232 interface ( 75 ) and,
• d) Execution of the selected commands or sequences.

8. Diagnostic method for a CD changer ( 1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the user records the commands or the sequences generated by him, stops the recording and retrieves and executes a recorded sequence. 9. Diagnostic method for a CD changer ( 1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the commands accessible via the SCSI interface ( 8 ):
opening / closing a drawer of a specific drive (DRAWER), opening / closing the drawer of the mailbox (MAILBOX), transporting a disc from one element of the CD changer 1 to the next (MOVE MEDIUM), resetting the CD changer direction 1 (RESET), checking the reading properties of a drive if the appropriate disc is in the drive (VERIFY READ)
and that the commands accessible via the RS232 interface ( 75 ):
initializing the robotics of the transport device (INIT), switching a certain light-emitting diode on / off on the front panel ( 60 ) of the CD changing device ( 1 ) (LED), positioning the gripping device with respect to a certain element of the CD changing device ( 1 ) (LIFT), picking up a disc from the drawer of the mailbox or from a drawer of a magazine (PICK), picking up and putting down the disc with the gripping device (PICKREL), placing the disc in the drawer of the mailbox or an open drawer of a magazine (RELEASE), querying the status of the sensors (SENSOR), and opening / closing the drawer of the mailbox or a drawer of a magazine (TRAY). 10. Diagnostic arrangement of a test computer ( 4 ) and a CD changer device ( 1 ), which has at least one drive ( 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ), at least one insertable magazine ( 21 , 22 , 23 ) and a transport device ( 41 ) with a gripping device for receiving and / or storing disc-shaped information carriers in a drawer of a magazine or drive, characterized in that the test computer ( 4 ) with an associated display ( 5 ) with the CD changer ( 1 ) via at least one SCSI interface cable ( 9 ) is connected and that on the display ( 5 ) of the test computer ( 4 ) a selection menu ( 7 ) can be displayed, via which the user can select at least one automatically running routine. 11. Diagnostic arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the test computer ( 4 ) in addition to the at least one SCSI interface cable ( 9 ) with an RS232 interface cable ( 76 ) with the CD changer ver connected. 12. Diagnostic arrangement according to claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the display menu ( 5 ) displayable selection menu ( 7 ) has a first box ( 7 ₁ ), which is designated with "AUTOMATIC TESTS", a second box ( 7 ₂ ) labeled "TROUBLESHOOTING MODE", a third box ( 7 ₃ ) labeled "DOWNLOAD FIRMWARE", a fourth box ( 7 ₄ ) labeled "EXIT PROGRAM" and a fifth box ( 7 ₅ ), which is labeled "RESTART TEST COMPUTER", wherein each routine of each box can be called by the user. 13. Diagnostic arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that on the display ( 5 ) displayable first box ( 7 ₁ ), the selection menu, which is labeled "AUTOMATIC TESTS", two different routines can be selected, one routine with "MONTAGEENDTEST" and the other routine labeled "TESTLAUF", the routine "MONTAGEEND TEST" automatically checks the CD changer ( 1 ) at the end of a production line and the routine "TESTLAUF" tests the mechanical stability of the CD- Exchange device ( 1 ) existing mechanical components. 14. Computer-readable data carrier with diagnostic software, which is used to cause a test computer ( 4 ) to carry out a diagnostic procedure at a CD changer ( 1 ) at the end of a production line for the CD changer ( 1 ), the CD changer device ( 1 ) at least from a drive ( 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ) for a disc-shaped information carrier, at least one insertable magazine ( 21 , 22 , 23 ) and a transport device ( 41 ) with a gripping device for picking up and / or for storing the disc-shaped information carrier in the magazine or drive, and that the CD changer ( 1 ) is connected to the test computer ( 4 ) via at least one SCSI interface cable ( 9 ), characterized in that on a the test computer ( 4th ) assigned display ( 5 ) a selection menu ( 7 ) can be displayed under WINDOWS ™ or DOS, and the selection menu ( 7 ) comprises a first box ( 7 ₁ ) which is marked with "A UTOMATIC TESTS ", a second box ( 7 ₂ ) labeled" TROUBLESHOOTING MODE ", a third box ( 7 ₃ ) labeled" DOWNLOAD FIRMWARE ", a fourth box ( 7 ₄ ) labeled" LEAVE PROGRAM "and a fifth box ( 7 ₅ ), which is called" RESTART TEST COMPUTER ", and each of the program routines of each box can be called by the user. 15. Computer-readable data carrier according to claim 14, characterized in that before the call of the first box ( 7 ₁ ), which is labeled "AUTOMATIC TESTS", or the second box ( 7 ₂ ), which is labeled "TROUBLESHOOTING MODE" the user is prompted to enter a serial number printed on a housing part of the CD changing devices ( 1 ). 16. Computer-readable data carrier according to claim 14, characterized in that on the display ( 5 ) displayable first box ( 7 ₁ ), the selection menu, which is labeled "AUTOMATIC TESTS", two different routines can be selected is a routine with "MONTAGEENDTEST" and the other routine with "TESTLAUF", the routine "MON TAGEENDTEST" carries out an automatic check of the CD changer ( 1 ) at the end of a production line and the routine "TESTLAUF" tests the mechanical stability the mechanical components present in the CD changer device ( 1 ). 17. Computer-readable data carrier according to claim 16, characterized in that the diagnostic software in the routine "MONTAGEENDTEST" with a CD changer ( 1 ) without mailbox ( 11 ):

• a) checking the configuration of the CD changer ( 1 ) and a green and a yellow light-emitting diode, which are accommodated in a front panel ( 60 ) of the CD changer ( 1 ),
• b) checking a magazine identification attached to the magazines previously used by the user, a door switch assigned to a door ( 66 ) of the CD changer ( 1 ) and the yellow and a red light-emitting diode which are accommodated in the front panel ( 60 ),
• c) checking all drawers of the magazines used,
• d) checking the drives,
• e) checking the barcode attached to the magazines used and
• f) the creation of an error log using the data obtained from the routine "MONTAGEENDTEST".

18. Computer-readable data carrier according to claim 16, characterized in that the diagnostic software in the routine "MONTAGEENDTEST" in a CD changer ( 1 ) with mailbox ( 11 ):

• a) checking the configuration of the CD changer ( 1 ) and a green and a yellow light-emitting diode, which are accommodated in a front panel ( 60 ) of the CD changer ( 1 ),
• b) checking the functionality of the mailbox ( 11 ) and entering an external test disc via the mailbox ( 11 ),
• c) checking a magazine identification attached to the magazines previously used by the user, a door switch assigned to a door ( 66 ) of the CD changer 1 and the yellow and a red light-emitting diode which are accommodated in the front panel ( 60 ),
• d) checking all drawers of the magazines used,
• e) Checking the drives
• f) checking the barcodes attached to the magazines used
• g) outputting the test disc via the mailbox ( 11 ) and
• h) includes creating an error log using the data obtained from the routine "MONTAGEENDTEST".

19. Computer-readable data carrier according to claim 17, characterized in that the diagnostic software in the routine "TESTLAUF" when checking a CD changer ( 1 ) without a mailbox ( 11 )

• a) the test disc is removed by the gripping device provided on the transport device ( 41 ),
• b) entering a parameter which specifies how often the test disc is inserted into and removed from an element of the CD changer, the elements of the CD changer being the drives and / or the drawers of the magazines,
• c) placing the test disc in the top drawer of the first magazine after the routine "TESTLAUF" and
• d) creating an error report of the errors that occurred during the "TEST RUN" routine.

20. Computer-readable data carrier according to claim 18, characterized in that the diagnostic software in the routine "TESTLAUF" when checking a CD changer ( 1 ) with mailbox ( 11 )

• a) taking over the test disc by the gripping device provided on the transport device ( 41 ),
• b) entering a parameter which indicates how often the test disc is inserted into and removed from an element of the CD changer ( 1 ), the elements of the CD changer ( 1 ) being the mailbox ( 11 ), the drives and / or are the drawers of the magazines,
• c) depositing the test disc in the drawer of the mailbox ( 11 ) and issuing the test disc after the routine "TESTLAUF" and
• d) creating an error report of the errors that occurred during the "TEST RUN" routine.

21. Computer-readable data carrier according to claim 14, characterized in that the diagnostic software of the user when selecting the third box 73 , which is labeled "TROUBLESHOOTING MODE", select individual commands from a series of predefined commands, or select several selected commands to individual ones Combine sequences and activate the commands or sequences, the CD changer 1 being connected to the test computer ( 4 ) in addition to the SCSI interface ( 8 ) also via an RS232 interface ( 75 ), and that the diagnostic software,

• a) the user inputting the number of repetitions of the selected command dos,
• b) addressing the SCSI interface ( 8 ) or the RS232 interface ( 75 ) depending on the properties of the selected command or sequences,
• c) checking the validity of the command or the sequences and the associated parameters, if the selected commands address the RS232 interface ( 75 ) and,
• d) executing the selected commands or sequences.

22. Computer-readable data carrier according to claim 21, characterized in that the diagnostic software the commands accessible via the SCSI interface ( 8 ):
Opening / closing a drawer of a specific drive (DRAWER), opening / closing the drawer of the mailbox (MAILBOX), transporting a disc from one element of the CD changer 1 to the next (MOVE MEDIUM), resetting the CD changer 1 ( RESET), and checking the read properties of a drive if the appropriate disc is in the drive (VERIFY READ)
and that the diagnostic software uses the commands accessible via the RS232 interface ( 75 ):
Initializing the robotics of the transport device (INIT), switching on / off a specific light-emitting diode on the front panel ( 60 ) of the CD changer device 1 (LED), positioning the gripping device with respect to a specific element of the CD changer device 1 (LIFT), recording a disk from the drawer of the mailbox or from a drawer of a magazine (PICK), picking up and storing the disc with the gripping device (PICKREL), placing the disc in the drawer of the mailbox or an open drawer of a magazine (RELEASE), querying the condition of the sen sensors (SENSOR), and opening / closing the drawer of the mailbox or a drawer of a magazine (TRAY).