JP2006285314A - Sales system of memory model for logic emulation - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To cope with the problem that logic emulation is frequently applied to logic verification, whereas a manufacturer of LSI or the like needs to attain early development/shipping of a product while reducing the manufacturing cost by introducing an efficient means and environment for extraction of logic failure to perform the logic verification and attaining shortening of the verification period and reduction in reproduction frequency of LSI. <P>SOLUTION: In the memory model sales system for a sales maker having logic emulation technology, a sales maker computer, a manufacturing maker (customer) computer, and a computer of a logic emulator device maker or a memory maker are connected on a network, so that a memory model can be manufactured/sold without an emulator device by an emulator device using means of the sales maker computer, whereby the manufacturing and resource management costs of the sales maker are reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a logic verification technique, particularly a technique effective when applied to a function verification technique or the like of a logic circuit device using a logic emulator, and a business technique relating to a manufacturing method and a sales method therefor.

  In conventional logic verification, a logical model that is a part of a logical verification target system device or logical chip is described in behavior and function in an operation description language, and the designed logical structure model is converted as it is or by technology compilation by logical compilation. A logic simulation is performed in which a logical operation and function are confirmed as a software model by inputting to a logic simulator operating on a computer device, giving test data to the logic simulator, and executing the test data.

  Also, as logic emulation, the logical structure model that has been technology-converted by logic compilation is implemented in an FPGA or processor so that the designed logical structure model can be executed by a logic emulator device, and the logical structure model is operated by hardware. The logic was verified.

  Then, when a logic failure or the like is detected in the logic simulation or logic emulation, the designed logical structure model is corrected, the logic simulation or logic emulation is performed again, finally the logic failure is eliminated, the LSI is manufactured, Perform a real machine test. Further, if the product inspection before shipment is passed, the product is shipped. If the product inspection fails, and if the design data is defective, the design data change, logic simulation, logic emulation, actual machine test and logic verification process are continuously performed and the product is shipped.

  Also, in manufacturing a memory model for logic emulation, it is necessary to check the operation of the memory model for designing a logic model for a logic emulator device to be emulated.

  In addition, the conventional sales method has been to manufacture and sell the memory model based on store and business sales. However, in recent years, commercial transactions using virtual stores on the network such as online shops and net shops on the network have been conducted.

JP 2000-163456 A

  In the conventional logic simulation, a logic operation model is created by software in the logic simulator, so it requires a lot of time for logic verification because it is a software operation compared to a hardware operation. In recent years, it is difficult to apply logic simulation alone, and this is one of the problems that must be solved.

  In addition, although the operation speed of the logic simulation varies depending on the device, the operation speed of the actual machine operates from several megahertz to several gigahertz, whereas in the logic simulation, the logic simulation can be performed only at several hertz. A huge amount of time is spent on logic simulation. In addition, due to the slow operation speed, insufficiency of test items is induced in the logic verification process, and the LSI is often manufactured and the actual machine test is performed without sufficiently extracting the logic failure.

  However, this is not enough to extract the logical failure, so there is a potential logical failure in the designed structural model, and it is difficult to ensure the logical quality due to insufficient digest of the number of test items. As a result, this leads to a design change or LSI remanufacturing for a logical failure countermeasure, resulting in an increase in manufacturing cost.

  Recently, many manufacturers have implemented logic emulation in combination with logic simulation. In logic emulation, a logic structure model that is technology-converted by logic compilation is implemented in an FPGA or processor so that a logic structure model designed in the same way as in logic simulation can be executed by a logic emulator device. This refers to running the model and performing logic verification. For this reason, since the logic simulation operates as a hardware model while operating as a software model, the operation speed can be operated from several kilohertz to several megahertz. Therefore, since the operation is performed in an intermediate layer of the operation speed between the actual machine and the logic simulation, the logic verification closer to that of the actual machine can be performed, which is effective in extracting a logic failure.

  However, applying logic emulation requires logic emulator devices, which are quite expensive. In addition, in order to operate, experience and technical skills are required to build device-specific characteristics and verification environment. For this reason, even if it is known that the effect of logic emulation is great, there are many cases where the logic emulation is abandoned due to the cost of constructing the environment and the cost of introducing the device, and there are many cases where the logic emulation is abandoned. This is one of the issues that must be solved.

  In order to solve these problems, LSI and other manufacturers have introduced a means and environment for efficiently extracting logic failures in the logic verification process of the target logic, and conducted logic verification to determine the number of LSI remanufacturing times. The biggest challenge is to develop and ship the product as soon as possible while reducing the product quality.

  Furthermore, one of the problems for sales expansion is how to promote the introduction of devices to manufacturers who are considering the introduction of such expensive devices as described above.

  On the other hand, in recent years, methods for providing products and services using virtual stores such as online shopping and online transactions on the Internet have been adopted. In the conventional store sales system, inquiries can only be made by telephone or by a salesman. In this case, there are many opportunities for human intervention, and a lot of time is spent. In addition, there is a problem that it takes time until delivery even in merchandise transactions, which is one of the problems to be solved in recent years when there is not enough time.

  The present invention makes it possible to perform efficient logic verification by applying logic emulation in consideration of the introduction cost for the purpose of logic verification of the target logic device, and to reduce the manufacturing cost.

  In addition, in the introduction of logic emulator devices for logic emulation and the construction of its operating environment, logic emulator device manufacturers, sales manufacturers that develop verification solution business with logic emulation experience, memory manufacturers that provide memory chips and their data sheets When parts and component manufacturers have a cooperative relationship, sales and know-how for these logical verifications are partly or comprehensively sold as business, so that both the sales maker and each maker can benefit. It is an invention having

  Moreover, in the verification solution business of the present invention, by having a cooperative relationship with a logic emulator device manufacturer, it was originally impossible to build an environment, logic emulation, and a memory model for logic emulation without an emulator device. It also has the feature that the problem can be solved by borrowing or paying royalties, and the asset management costs and product manufacturing costs of the sales maker can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the invention is characterized by enabling efficient business transactions by monitoring the status of these products and services on the network and performing online transactions.

  In the industry related to logic verification, such as customers, device manufacturers, memory manufacturers, parts manufacturers, sales manufacturers, etc., the present invention can be used when a manufacturer with extensive logic verification has the ability to integrate these technologies and know-how. Using the information, the logic emulator is the logic emulation technology and the memory model used for logic emulation as part of the verification solution business in response to the proposition of short-term development and shipment of products that reduce the manufacturing cost of the product, which is the final requirement item of the customer By cooperating with equipment manufacturers, it is possible to sell and provide to customers and succeed in logic emulation. In addition, along with this, it is possible for all the related manufacturers to receive profits directly or indirectly, and to suppress the manufacturing cost of customers, leading to the activation of the industry. Furthermore, efficient commercial transactions are possible by constructing these methods on the network.

  In order to improve the efficiency of logic verification, which is a customer requirement, we introduce and utilize logic emulation technology to facilitate the construction of an environment such as a memory model. We have realized a business model that enables manufacturing by cooperating with equipment manufacturers and parts manufacturers. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a business model for realizing a customer request according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows specific customer requests and realization effects. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the effect of logic emulation for the customer of the present invention, and FIG. 7 shows an embodiment. FIG. 8 shows an example of an access screen from inquiry to delivery of a memory model which is one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 to FIG. 15 show database file formats handled. FIG. 16 to FIG. 18 show configuration examples of computers of customers, manufacturers, and sales manufacturers. 19 to 27 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing from inquiry to manufacturing and delivery.

  First, the relationship of the logic verification-related industry will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, when there is public information 116 provided in a state where it is connected via a network 115 such as the Internet, the relationship between manufacturers that provide the public information is shown. Each manufacturer has a means for accessing the network 115. Manufacturers connected to the network 115 can be accessed by all manufacturers and individuals who can access such as the customer 101, the simulator manufacturer 103, the emulator device manufacturer 105, the sales manufacturer 107, the memory manufacturer 111, and the model manufacturer 113. . Among these manufacturers, when the sales manufacturer 107 and the emulator device manufacturer 105 particularly establish a cooperative relationship, the business model of the present invention is established. Further, in order to perform these relationships efficiently, the sales maker 107 operates the slip management system 110.

  Looking at the customer request 102 in detail, it can be seen as in FIG. According to the customer request 150, when the early shipment 151 of the product is a proposition, the problems to be solved for this are the total manufacturing cost reduction 152, the LSI remanufacturing number reduction 153, the logic verification period reduction 154, and the low cost verification. The environment can be broken down like 155. The effects for this can be considered as low-cost product procurement 160, high-speed and high-efficiency verification environment 159, logic failure extraction efficiency improvement 158, and development cost reduction 157.

  A general product development flow will be described with reference to FIG. First, there is a product specification 200, a product design 201 is performed based on the product specification, and a logical design 202 is performed. Next, a verification environment construction 203 is prepared and constructed for the designed logic design, and a logic simulation 205 and a logic emulation 206 are executed by the test data generation 204. The result of the implementation is performed in a result check 207, and if the check is OK, LSI manufacturing (including remanufacturing) 208 is performed. When the result of the check is NG, a logic change is performed at each stage, and the logic design 202 is performed again each time the change is made. These will ensure logical quality. If the logic quality is ensured to some extent, the LSI manufactured here is subjected to an actual machine test 209 using an evaluation board, a dedicated device, or an actual machine. This is a general product development flow.

  Next, FIG. 4 shows three types of typical logic verification methods.

  Logic simulation refers to logic design data 251 which is a logical structure model designed in the verification environment construction 203, Sim model 250 such as peripheral logic and memory structure model of logic to be verified, and test data 252 for logic simulator. Used to refer to performing logical operation as a software model on a computer device and performing logical verification.

  The logic emulation includes the logic design data 254 that is the logical structure model designed in the verification environment construction 203, the Emu model 253 such as the peripheral logic of the logic to be verified and the memory structure model, and the test data 255 for the logic emulator. Used to refer to performing logic verification as hardware by a control computer device and a logic emulator device, and performing logic verification.

  In the actual machine test, the actual LSI chip 257, the real memory chip 256, and the test data 258 operable on the product are mounted on the target device, which is a product, and the function test is performed by the manufactured prototype machine. To tell.

  Further, as a result of the operations of the logic simulation 205, the logic emulation 206, and the actual machine test 209, a result check 207 is performed, resulting in a product development flow as shown in FIG.

  Next, FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the logic failure extraction rate and the verification period in the logic verification process.

  First, shortening the verification period is indispensable for the early shipment of products, which is the proposition of customers. Therefore, 1st-cut 302 is performed when a certain degree of logic failure extraction rate 300 is achieved based on the graph 306 in which logic simulation and actual machine testing are performed using the conventional logic verification method. Thereafter, since logic verification can be performed with the actual LSI chip, the subsequent test is defined as the actual machine test 308. 1st-cut refers to manufacturing an LSI as a prototype by temporarily fixing the logic structure of the LSI under development. Further, when a logical failure or the like is extracted by the actual machine test 308 and finally the quality of the product can be secured, the shipment 304 is performed.

  Here, in order to achieve the propositional period shortening 309, it is necessary to accelerate the extraction of logic failures 307 or accelerate the digestion of test items. For this reason, since the logic emulation described above has an execution speed several orders of magnitude faster than that of the logic simulation, it is possible to accelerate the digestion of test items, and as a result, the extraction of logic defects is also accelerated. Therefore, the transition graph of accelerated logic failure extraction is 305.

  Regarding the extraction of logic failures, the fact that extraction is performed efficiently also improves the logic quality at the time of 1st-cut, and thus the number of times of LSI remanufacturing also decreases. Furthermore, since the quality of the LSI manufactured by 1st-cut is high, the period required for the actual machine test can be shortened, and as a total, the period shortening 309 is achieved, and the product shipment 303 time is advanced. Thereby, the early shipment which is the proposition of the customer is achieved. Accordingly, the product development period itself is shortened, leading to a reduction in manufacturing cost.

  Next, FIG. 6 shows an outline of logic emulation.

  The logic emulation means that the logic emulator device 353, the control device 350, the test data 255, and the peripheral logic which is a peripheral logic structure model so that the logic emulator device 353 can operate the logic design data 254 which is a designed logical structure model. 356, logic verification is performed by functionally operating an evaluation board 358 on which a memory model 357, which is a part of peripheral logic, an actual component 359, and the like are mounted. An interface for connecting the evaluation board 358 and the like to the logic emulator device 353 is implemented as a connection i / f 355. The control device 350 includes a control unit 351 for control and a display unit 352 as a user interface, and controls the logic emulator device.

  The logic implemented in the logic emulator device 353 is the logic to be verified 354 and the peripheral logic 356, including the logic model data 254 that is the designed logical structure model including the memory model 357 that is the peripheral logic. It is implemented after technology conversion by logic compilation in an FPGA or a processor so that it can be operated on. The mounted logical structure model is operated on a logic emulator, and logic emulation is performed together with user-created test data 255. In addition, actual part-linked logic emulation such as an evaluation board 358 called in-circuit emulation is often performed.

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  First, in recent years, various manufacturers 436 that can access a network 434 such as the Internet provide various information such as products, products, services, and company information of each company as public information 435. There are various types of public information 435 such as those with access restrictions and those with no access restrictions. However, in this embodiment, public information without access restrictions is a target in principle. However, the individual contracts 441, 448, 424, etc. in FIG. 7 indicate access to restricted information or individual contracts with each manufacturer. The access restriction information refers to information that cannot be accessed unless user registration or the like is performed when accessing public information or information that restricts the use of information. Furthermore, various contracts such as use contracts, royalties, and confidential information contracts for using these information and resources are collectively defined as individual contracts.

  In the present embodiment, processes from inquiry to manufacture and delivery of products will be sequentially described based on actual processing examples. First, the customer 400 has various requirements. Among these, the customer A 401 has a type B logic emulator device 403 manufactured by company E, and believes that a memory model is necessary to perform logic emulation. Further, the customer A401 plans to install a memory chip 440 of the manufacturer A company 438, which is a memory manufacturer, in the product, and the memory model of the memory chip 440 is necessary for the logic emulation. Therefore, from the viewpoint of manufacturing cost, it is assumed that as a result of examining whether to make a memory model or to purchase it, it has become a purchase direction.

Therefore, as a request of customer A401,
“When the memory chip 440 of the memory manufacturer A company 438 is mounted on its own product, the logic verification is performed efficiently and the logic emulation is performed for early shipment of the product. The logic emulation includes the logic of the memory chip 440. An emulation memory model is needed and will be purchased. Is there a manufacturer that can sell or manufacture? "
It turns out that. Therefore, the public information 435 published on the network 434 is searched, and the sales maker 416 develops the verification solution 425 as a business, and manufactures and sells a memory model for logic emulation as one of its products and services. Get the information you are doing.

  Next, in order to actually make an inquiry, the customer A 401 accesses the login main screen 500 on the homepage published by the sales maker in the access screen examples shown in FIGS. 8 (1) and 8 (2). The login main screen 500 includes a new user registration 503, a manufacturer login 504, and a registered user login 505. First, a new user registration 503 is performed. When a new user registration 503 is selected, a user registration screen 518 is opened. On the user registration screen, 521 to 528 are input as customer basic information and transmitted 529. Upon transmission 529, a registration confirmation screen 539 opens. The registration confirmation screen 539 issues and displays a customer ID 542 and a customer provisional PW 543 when registered without any problem. Next, the ID 542 and the PW 543 issued on the login screen 508 are input to log in 513. For PW, the password can be changed at PW change 514. The login screen 508 is similar to the manufacturer login 504. Further, the logged-in ID is analyzed, and the data sheet manufacturer screen 516, the device manufacturer screen 517, and the customer screen 531 are automatically recognized and displayed. In the case of the customer screen 531, there are a product inquiry 534, a status confirmation 535, and a registration content change 536. The registered content change 536 can change the customer basic information. In the product inquiry 534, an inquiry screen 538 is opened. In the inquiry screen 538, information such as a memory type 559, a memory capacity 560, a manufacturer name 561, and a model name 562 is input as memory model information. As the emulation device information, a manufacturer name 563, a device name 564, and the like are input. As the delivery information, a purchase quantity 565, a desired delivery time 566, a delivery method 567, and the like are input. When these pieces of information are input and transmitted 568, a slip ID 570 is displayed, and processing is performed using this slip ID.

  Further, on the status confirmation screen 545, the processing progress status can be confirmed for the slip being processed. Therefore, if the status column 552 displays completion, the product is ready for delivery, and after checking the selection column 550, the product can be downloaded by downloading 553. In addition, when the normal delivery request 554 is selected after the product selection, the delivery via the conventional business is also possible.

  The data sheet manufacturer screen 516 is a response screen for uploading data sheets and inquiries from sales manufacturers to the data sheet manufacturer.

  The device manufacturer screen 517 is a response screen for sales manufacturers such as device rental and temporary use permission of the emulator device manufacturer.

  These screen examples are merely examples of screens, and there are other series of processing screens associated with login by ID on the Internet or the like.

  Next, the slip management system 423 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The slip management system 423 is a system for controlling and managing a database and a processing procedure in the processing mode of the present invention. Databases as information to be handled include slip information DB 427, customer information DB 428, product information DB 429, device information DB 430, data sheet information DB 431, contract related information DB 432, know-how information DB 433, and the like. Each list for controlling and managing these databases is used for database search and registration. The file structures of these databases are shown in FIGS.

  Next, the screen examples shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B are accessed by the configuration of the computer shown in FIGS. In principle, the configuration of the computer is special if it has a CPU and network connection mechanism in terms of hardware, can be connected to local and local area networks (LAN) such as WWW, and can be connected to e-mail or the Internet. No device or application is required. There is no problem even if a computer-controlled program is installed individually for each customer or manufacturer. The connection mechanisms 619 and 639 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 may be any mechanism that can be connected to an accessible state such as the manufacturer's resource 620 and the database 426. However, the slip management system 423 is necessary only for the sales maker.

  Next, a specific processing example of the slip management system 423 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the entire processing flow is shown in FIG. In the login screen process, customer inquiries and the like are processed (700), and slip information is created from the customer inquiry information (701). The slip information and other database information are shown in the file format of FIGS. Next, customer examination is performed in transaction examination process 1 (702). This is a customer review including export restrictions. If the transaction is impossible, the customer is answered at this point (721). If the transaction is possible, the product DB search process is performed (704). If there is a product, transaction review process 2 is performed (708). If there is no product, data sheet acquisition process is performed (706), device securing process is performed (707), and transaction review process 2 is performed based on the result. (708). If the transaction is possible, a development / sales approval procedure is performed (710), and a reply is made to the customer (711). Next, a contract such as obtaining a data sheet and securing a device and a sales contract are performed (712), and after the contract is completed, product manufacture / delivery preparation is performed (714). Next, know-how information for concrete product manufacturing processing is taken in (715), and the accumulated know-how is effectively used in accordance with the work phase to manufacture the product (716). Next, download or normal delivery processing is performed in accordance with the delivery selection on the access screen of FIG. 8 (717). When the product download or normal delivery by the customer is completed (718), a completion flag is set on the slip (719). Finally, database update and consistency are taken (720). It should be noted that these processing statuses are considered, contracted, under development, completed, etc., and each phase is subdivided and described in the slip. The processing state can be subdivided even in the work phase or the like, and is not limited to that shown in FIG. These pieces of information can be checked each time the customer logs in to the processing state of the slip.

  Next, a specific example of the login screen process is shown in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not it is a new user registration on the login main screen 740 provided by the sales maker (741). If it is a new user registration, a user registration screen is displayed (751). If it is a normal login, a login screen is displayed (742). In the case of user registration, the transmitted registration information is fetched (753). As a result of searching the database, if it is a new user, a new customer ID is created (755), the customer ID is displayed (757), and information registration is performed. (758). If it can be determined as a result of the search, the existing ID is set as being already registered (756), and the information is updated (759).

  In the case of normal login, after the login screen is displayed (742), ID and PW are fetched (743) and customer search is performed (744). If the PW is changed, the registration information is updated. In the case of an inquiry, an inquiry screen is displayed (760), inquiry information is received (761), a slip automatic creation process is performed (762), and a slip ID is displayed (763). If the status is confirmed, a status confirmation screen is displayed (764), and if the product is downloaded, it is downloaded (766). If the delivery method is designated (767), the slip is updated and delivered normally (768). On the login screen, if the logged-in ID is a data sheet maker, the data sheet maker screen is displayed (774), and it is determined whether the data sheet is uploaded (775). (776). If there is only an answer, the information is fetched (777) and the data sheet information DB is updated (778). It is determined whether or not the ID logged in on the login screen is a device maker (770). If the ID is a device maker, the device maker screen is displayed (771), information is fetched (772), and the device information DB is updated (773). Finally, consistency of various DBs is taken (769).

  All of these series of screen processes and ID confirmation processes are performed by searching for customer information from the login ID.

  Next, the flow of the automatic slip creation process is shown in FIG.

  First, a new slip is created (800), and the inquiry information input on the inquiry screen is set (801). Next, a reception date is set (802), basic information is taken in (803), and whether or not there is a new customer is searched from the basic information and determined (804). If the result of the search is an existing customer, the existing customer ID is set (819), and the slip list ID is copied (820). On the other hand, if it is a new customer, a new customer ID is created (805), customer information is set (806), a new slip list is created (807), and a slip ID is set (808). After the slip ID is confirmed, the device information is fetched (809), and if the device is registered in the device information, the existing device ID is set (821). On the other hand, if it is a new device, a new device ID is created (811), and device information is set (812). Next, the memory model information is fetched (813), and if it is not a new data sheet, the existing data sheet ID is set (822). On the other hand, if it is a new data sheet, a new data sheet ID is created (815), and data sheet information is set (816). Next, the in-process state is set to completion of the slip creation (817), and each list and DB are updated (818).

  Next, FIG. 22 shows a flow of the transaction review process No. 1.

  First, a customer ID is fetched (840), customer information is fetched (841), and examination information is fetched (842). The examination information includes various measures such as export regulations and customer reliability, and information for company-specific examination. Further, the past transaction results and the like are also evaluated, a transaction review is performed (843), and in the case of a transaction-restricted customer, a slip is entered as a transaction impossible (848). If the transaction is possible, the slip is entered as possible (845). As the post-processing, the processing state is updated (846), and the slip is updated (847).

  Next, the flow of the product DB search process is shown in FIG.

  First, the memory model information is fetched (850), the data sheet ID is fetched (851), and the corresponding product list ID is fetched (852). The product information DB is searched from the fetched information, and the inquired product is searched (853). If there is no product as a result of the search, a slip is entered as no product (865), and product development time information is fetched (866). In the product development information, various information such as planned development costs and delivery dates are set based on past development results. In addition, procedures for development are also included as information. On the other hand, if a product exists, a slip is entered as there is a product (855), a product ID is set (856), product information is fetched (857), and product sales information is fetched (858). The information at the time of sales and development includes various information such as a list price and a delivery date. After setting items such as a delivery date, a list price, the number of sales, and development costs (859 to 862), the processing status is updated (863) ), The slip is updated (864).

  Next, the flow of the data sheet acquisition process is shown in FIG.

  First, the memory model information is fetched (870), and the data sheet ID is fetched (871). The acquisition date is captured (872), and if it has been acquired, a use restriction check is performed (875). The use restriction check is to check whether or not use restriction items are included in the contract in the past obtaining procedure. If there is no problem as a result of the check, the contract is not required in the acquisition conditions (892), and a slip is entered (893). If there is a problem as a result of the check and the data sheet cannot be obtained or used as it is, after confirming the contents of the contract, an inquiry mail is created to the memory maker (877), and the inquiry mail is transmitted (878). If the data sheet has not been obtained, a data sheet sending request mail is similarly created (874), and the mail is sent (878). After mail transmission, the processing status is set as sheet processing (879). Next, there is a determination and processing on the maker side that has received the mail, and processing is performed on each maker side (880). Since the contents of the process differ depending on the manufacturer, the description is omitted. Next, the manufacturer side performs a mail reception / upload screen in order to send a reply mail or a data sheet to the inquiry (881). This screen is the data sheet manufacturer screen 516 in FIG. Next, if an acquisition condition is necessary as a result of the screen processing, the acquisition condition is necessary, and it is determined whether or not a contract is necessary. 885). If there is no acquisition condition or no contract is required, the acquisition condition (contract not required) is set (888), and the acquisition procedure is performed (889). At the time of acquisition, if it has already been uploaded on the data sheet maker screen, the slip is entered (893). If it has not been uploaded, it is downloaded from the manufacturer site (891), and a slip is entered (893). Finally, the processing state is set to sheet completion (886), and the slip is updated (887).

  Next, FIG. 25 shows the flow of apparatus securing processing.

  First, device information is fetched (900), and a device ID is fetched (901). The entry date of the device information is fetched (902), and it is determined whether or not it is a new device (903). If it is not a new device, it is determined whether there is a record of securing in the past (919), and if there is a record, a securing request mail to the previous securing destination is created (920). If there is no record of securing, an email is created as to whether the customer device can be borrowed (922) and an inquiry is made. If the device is a new device, the device manufacturer is inquired as a lack of information (904). After the inquiry, basic device information is obtained (905). The basic information includes, for example, information on whether the device is an FPGA type or a processor type, information for operating the device, such as an operation clock frequency, the number of mounted logic gates, a mounted memory capacity, compilation performance, and operation performance. There are introductions. After reviewing the basic information, more detailed device information is obtained (907) if consultation is required to operate the device. When consulting is not necessary or after obtaining detailed information, an apparatus securing request mail is created for the apparatus manufacturer (908). After each secure mail is created, the mail is transmitted (909), the processing status is set to secure the device (910), and the process of the lending side manufacturer is performed (911). Since the processing of the lending side manufacturer varies depending on the manufacturer, the description is omitted here. Next, after processing by the manufacturer, the device manufacturer screen 517 is processed as an answer, and the mail reception / response screen is processed (912). As a result of the screen processing, if there is no securing condition or no contract is required, the securing condition (contract not required) is set (923), and a slip is entered after the securing procedure (924) (925). If a contract is required, the securing condition (contract required) is set (915), a slip is entered (916), the processing status is set to complete (917), and the slip is updated (918).

  Next, FIG. 26 shows the flow of the transaction review process 2.

  First, slip ID, customer ID, customer information, various flags, and examination information are taken in (930-934). The examination information includes various information such as usage restriction items such as contract information, royalties, development costs and deadlines at the time of development, and sales targets. In addition, consider whether it is technically possible to develop and delivery date. Based on these examination information, a transaction examination is performed (935), and if there is no problem with a flag indicating resource reservation or status, development / sales approval is obtained (943). If there is a problem in the flag, the contract necessity condition is taken in (937), and if the contract is not necessary or the contract is not completed, the slip is entered as impossible of transaction (947). Only when the contract is completed, processing such as obtaining a data sheet and securing a device is performed (941), then a slip is entered (942), and development / sales approval is obtained (943). After the approval, the slip is entered (944), the in-process state is set as the completion of examination 2 (945), and the slip is updated (946).

  Next, the flow of the product manufacturing process is shown in FIG.

  First, slip ID, development approval information, data sheet information, and device information are fetched (950 to 953). Based on the acquired device information, an applicable device that operates the development target memory model is searched. The registered related know-how information is searched / imported for the searched apparatus (954). Next, specifications are examined to develop and manufacture a memory model from a data sheet or the like (955). In the specification review, we will meet the data sheet specification, and consider adding additional values such as observability and error detection ease and expanding functions as unique specifications. In other words, the value-added part is a feature of a sales maker who has a history of logic emulation, and is differentiated from a simulation model or other similar memory model maker. The experience and know-how for differentiation are stored in a database as know-how information, and are classified and stored as a use category, organized in each work phase in a format as shown in FIG. Coding is performed using these know-how information (956, 957), compilation is performed (958, 959), and an operation test is performed (960, 961). Next, after the operation test, source code correction such as performance tuning and defect correction is performed (963), and these processes are performed until the defect is finally eliminated. After completion of the test, it is registered in the product DB (964) and the slip is updated (965). If new know-how information is accumulated in this development, know-how registration / update is performed (967). Finally, the consistency of the information management database such as a series of development processes, customer information, product information, data sheet information, device information, contract related information, know-how information is taken (968).

  As one of the features of the present invention, it is usually impossible to manufacture a memory model when a logic emulator is not available. However, by building a cooperative relationship between the sales maker 416 and the emulator device maker E company 452 and maker F company 455, by borrowing the logic emulator type A453 and emulator type C456 of the emulator device manufacturer, the memory model Manufacture is possible. In some cases, depending on the contents of a direct contract with a customer, it is possible to borrow an emulator device 403 or 405 on the customer side. Borrowings with emulator device manufacturers and customers can be dealt with by concluding individual contracts 424 and 410 in consideration of usage fees and royalties. On the other hand, from the standpoint of equipment manufacturers, it is possible to borrow even without royalties and usage fees, because part of sales expansion is promoted by the verification solution service of the sales manufacturer. This is a result of considering the effect that the device can be sold indirectly. This relationship is the same for memory manufacturers and parts manufacturers.

  Further, regarding the data sheet 443 of the memory chip 444 of the manufacturer B company 442, the manufacturer C company 446 is entrusted 445 to manufacture and sell the Sim model 449 for the simulator 451 of the manufacturer D company 450. As described above, FIG. 7 shows an example of a relationship in which related information such as a simulator, a model, a chip, and a data sheet and a relationship between products are divided.

  In other words, the present invention is logical in the industry related to logic verification such as customers, device manufacturers, memory manufacturers, parts manufacturers, sales manufacturers, etc., when each manufacturer is in an environment where they can access information disclosed to each other through a network. When a manufacturer with extensive experience in verification has the ability to integrate these technologies and know-how, the proposition of short-term development and shipment of products that uses that information to reduce the manufacturing cost of the product, which is the final requirement of customers In cooperation with logic emulator equipment manufacturers and memory manufacturers, etc., the logic emulation technology and memory models used for logic emulation can be sold and provided to customers as part of the verification solution business. is there. As a result, all the related manufacturers can receive profits either indirectly or directly, and ultimately it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the customer, leading to the activation of the industry.

  In addition, it is possible to manufacture a memory model for logic emulation without possessing a variety of expensive equipment such as logic emulator devices, and it is possible to reduce development costs and resource management costs. Has the effect of large.

  Further, by constructing the present invention on the Internet or a network, it is possible to minimize time and place, and to minimize the operation cost by making a virtual store. Further, there is an advantage that the customer can always check the status of the product ordered from the inquiry.

  As mentioned above, the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.

  The above embodiment can be understood as follows.

  (1) When a customer orders a memory model for a logical emulator from a sales maker in a state in which the customer can search for the contents of products and solution services based on information published on the network, the customer holds it From information on logic emulator devices, information on memory specifications of memory models to be purchased, other contract-related information, customer information, product information, device information, memory information, contract-related information, know-how information, etc. A business model characterized by determining whether or not the ordered memory model can be manufactured and sold, securing resources related to the manufacturing and sales of the memory model as necessary, and manufacturing and selling the memory model.

  (2) In addition to (1), even if the sales maker does not have the same device as the logic emulator device owned by the customer, but the sales maker and the logic emulator device maker have a cooperative relationship, the logic emulator device of the logic emulator device manufacturer A business model comprising means for procuring a target logic emulator device by borrowing and manufacturing and selling the target memory model.

  (3) In addition to (1), even if the memory information requested by the customer is not in the sales maker, the memory model includes means for procuring memory specifications when the sales maker and the memory maker are in a cooperative relationship, A business model characterized by manufacturing and selling products.

  (4) In addition to (1), an access ID is given to customers, devices, and parts manufacturers, and a system mechanism is provided for obtaining information and selling activities through a virtual store on the network, and manufacturing the memory model for the purpose.・ A business model characterized by selling.

  (5) In addition to (1), it is possible to manage a series of processing from inquiry to customer sales maker to delivery of goods, issue an ID for the slip, and check the processing status for each slip A business model comprising a service capable of manufacturing and selling the target memory model.

  (6) In addition to (1), a business model comprising a service for delivering a slip-managed product by downloading on a network, and manufacturing and selling the target memory model.

  (7) In addition to (1), the know-how information held by the sales maker can be efficiently selected by selecting and applying the know-how information according to the device information and memory information applied for each work phase during product development. A business model comprising an information database and a system for product development, and manufacturing and selling the target memory model.

It is a conceptual diagram of the business model which implement | achieves the customer request | requirement of this invention. It is the figure which showed the customer request | requirement and realization effect of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the general product development of this invention. It is the figure which showed the kind of logic verification process of this invention. It is the figure which showed the relationship between the logic failure extraction rate of this invention, and a verification period. It is a general block diagram of the logic emulation which is the reference technique of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the business model which is embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the example of an access screen (1) of this invention. It is a figure showing the access screen example (2) of this invention. It is a figure showing the file format of slip information DB of this invention. It is a figure showing the file format of customer information DB of this invention. It is a figure showing the file format of merchandise information DB of this invention. It is a figure showing the file format of apparatus information DB of this invention. It is a figure showing the file format of data sheet information DB of this invention. It is a figure showing the file format of contract related information DB of this invention. It is a figure showing the file format of know-how information DB of this invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the customer's computer of this invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the computer of each manufacturer of this invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the computer of the sales maker of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the flow of the whole process of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the flow of the login screen process of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the flow of the slip automatic creation process of the present invention. It is a flowchart showing the flow of the transaction examination process 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the flow of goods DB search processing of the present invention. It is a flowchart showing the flow of the data sheet acquisition process of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the flow of the apparatus securing process of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the flow of the transaction examination process 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the flow of the goods manufacturing process of this invention. It is a figure showing the specific example of the know-how information of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

101 Customer 102 Request 103 Simulator manufacturer 105 Emulator device manufacturer 106 Emulator 107 Sales manufacturer 108 Model 109 Various DBs
110 slip management system 111 memory maker 112 data sheet 113 model maker 115 network 350 control device (WS etc.)
353 Logic emulator device 358 Evaluation board 411 Emu model 423 Document management system 433 Know-how information 500 Login main screen 508 Login screen 516 Data sheet manufacturer screen 517 Device manufacturer screen 518 User registration screen 531 Customer screen 538 Inquiry screen 539 Registration confirmation screen 545 Status Confirmation screen 601 CPU
602 Web access program 603 Mail program 604 Network connection mechanism 619 Connection mechanism 620 Manufacturer resource

Claims (3)

Memory model sales maker computer, customer computer having means for sending memory model order information to said memory model sales maker computer, device maker computer having logic emulator device, and means for storing data sheet information of memory A memory model sales system connected via a network to a memory maker computer equipped with
The memory model sales maker computer includes a customer information DB that stores customer information including information related to a logic emulator device held by a customer, a product information DB that stores product information related to a sales product, and basic information of the logic emulator device. A device information DB for storing device information; a data sheet information DB for storing data sheet information of a memory; a device using means for using a logic emulator device of a device manufacturer; and an order receiving means for receiving an order for a memory model from a customer; , Search means for searching whether the ordered memory model is registered in the product information DB, memory model manufacturing means for manufacturing the memory model in accordance with the search result, and delivering the manufactured memory model to the customer A memory model sales system characterized by comprising delivery means.   The data sheet information obtaining means for obtaining the data sheet information of the corresponding memory from the memory manufacturer when the corresponding memory model is not registered in the product information DB as a result of searching by the searching means. The memory model sales system according to 1. 2. The memory model selling system according to claim 1, wherein said memory model manufacturing means manufactures a memory model using a logic emulator device of a device manufacturer by said device using means.

Images