JP2969423B2 - Communication system between graphics display and text file display in CAD system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication system between a graphics display device and a text file display device in a CAD system, and more particularly, to a functional design, a circuit design or a print in electronic and electrical design. CA that supports design work by computer using graphics display device for board design or machine (housing or assembly etc.) design
The present invention relates to a communication system between a graphics display device and a text file display device in a CAD system for more effectively supporting the design work when performed by a D system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a CAD system which uses a graphics display device to support a design operation by a computer enables a computer to perform an electronic / electrical operation such as a functional design, a circuit design or a printed circuit board design. In designing, an operator inputs and edits a circuit diagram (logical connection information) and a board layout diagram (physical information such as arrangement and wiring) using an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse.

[0003] As a result of the above-mentioned input and editing, an aggregate of text data, which is a character string digitized for human reading (hereinafter referred to as "text file")
Called. Various text files such as a net list, a bill of materials, an electrical rule error table, a design rule error table, database information, and a design change list are output from the CAD system.

[0004] That is, conventionally, a graphics display device controls a graphic based on graphics data indicating circuit symbols, elements, parts, and the like (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as "elements"). Can be displayed and input and edited. As a result of such input and edit, a text file composed of text data indicating a character string corresponding to the graphics data is output, and the output text is output. There is known a CAD system capable of displaying a character string represented by text data by a text file display device based on a file.

However, since various text files output from such a CAD system are text data independent of the graphics data database of the CAD system, they are displayed on a screen using a text file display device. Although it was possible to check it on the paper or output it to a printer and check it on paper, the original circuit diagram and board layout diagram displayed on the screen of the graphics display device and the text file of various text files To check the correspondence with the data, the operator had to recognize each of them by visual check.

In other words, in the conventional CAD system, there is a gap between a graphics display device or a drawing on the paper outputted from the graphics display device and a text file display device or various text files on the paper. There was no relevance. For this reason, when collating both, there was a problem that the operator had to collate while storing the circuit symbol or the names of elements such as elements and parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a text processing system in which even if an operator does not memorize element names accurately, -A text file display device and a graphics device so that a file display device can easily instruct a graphics display device to display graphics data corresponding to an element and to change a display mode of the element. A graphic system in a CAD system that greatly reduces the time required for collation with a display device and greatly reduces the burden on an operator in collation work between a text file display device and a graphics display device. Providing a communication system between a display device and a text file display device A.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a communication system between a graphics display device and a text file display device in a CAD system according to the present invention is controlled by a computer and includes a circuit symbol, Based on graphics data indicating elements such as elements or parts, the graphics of the above elements can be displayed and input and edited by a graphics display device. As a result of the input and editing, the graphics A text file composed of text data indicating a character string corresponding to the data is output, and a character file indicated by the text data is displayed by a text file display device based on the output text file. CAD system A keyword table storing the names of the respective elements and a format described in a text file, and specifying a desired character string in the character string displayed by the text file display device. Specifying means for changing the display mode of the character string specified by the specifying means in the text file display device; and converting the character string specified by the specifying means to the keyword table. Extracting the element based on the extracted element, generating a command character string recognizable by the graphics display device for the extracted element, and communicating the generated command character string from the text file display device to the graphics display device Communication means, in the graphics display device, communicated by the communication means Serial instruction receiving a string, and a second changing means for changing the display mode of the graphics data indicated a received command character string,
According to the present invention, the character string displayed on the text file display device is compared with graphic data corresponding to a graphic element displayed on the graphics display device.

[0009]

The graphics data corresponding to the element corresponding to the character string specified by the specifying means in the text file display device is changed in the graphics display device, for example, highlight display, zoom display, and bit map. Is displayed.

Therefore, when searching (collating) graphics data corresponding to an element displayed on the graphics display device from a character string displayed on the text file display device, the search (collation) operation itself is performed. The time can be reduced, and the occurrence of mistakes in the search (collation) operation can be reduced. Further, in the search (collation) work, the degree of visual recognition is significantly reduced, so that the stress of the operator can be greatly reduced.

[0011]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a CAD system according to the present invention.
The system will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 shows a CAD according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Graphics display and text
Shown is a block diagram of a CAD system with a communication system to and from a file display device, the CAD system being controlled by a computer and by a graphics display device based on graphics data representing elements. The graphics can be displayed for input and editing, and as a result of such input and editing, a text file composed of text data indicating character strings corresponding to elements and corresponding graphics data is output. The character string indicated by the text data can be displayed by the text file display device based on the output text file.

The CAD system is configured to control the entire operation by using a central processing unit (CPU) 10. The CPU 10 controls the entire operation via a bus. Read-only memory (ROM) 12 storing a predetermined program for executing the program shown in the flowcharts described later, a register or a flag for storing various data necessary for the CPU 10 to execute the program. And a random access memory (RAM) 14 as a working area in which an area for storing graphics data and a text file read from a magnetic disk 22 or the like to be described later, and an embodiment of the present invention to be described later Keyboard with various controls for giving instructions related to 16, a mouse 18 for performing appropriate operations related to the implementation of the present invention on a display screen like a keyboard, a display device 20 having a multi-window function including a CRT display device, and a graphic device. A data disk database and a magnetic disk 22 as an external storage device storing a text file output from the CAD system are connected.

Here, the display device 20 is a graphics display device 20 for controlling a graphics editor window which is a window for displaying a figure based on the graphics data stored on the magnetic disk 22.
a and a text file display device 20b for controlling a text display window for displaying a character string based on the text file stored in the magnetic disk 22. The graphics display device 20a and the text file display The device 20b has a communication function, and receives data from the text file display device 20b to the graphics display device 20a in response to the operation of the CPU 10 by executing software shown in a flowchart described later. 2
0a can receive and process the transmitted data.

The graphics display device 20a
Indicates the enlarged and highlighted display of the graphic and the bit display on the graphics editor window.
A map can be displayed. The database handled by the graphics display device 20a has a structure in which zero or one name corresponds to each figure, and the name is assigned to each figure corresponding to the name. By designating, the figure can be displayed in an enlarged or highlighted manner, or can be searched and displayed from a database.

On the other hand, the text file display device 20b
Can change the character color and the background color of the character string line or the character string itself displayed in the text display window, and can also change the character size. .

That is, in this CAD system, based on the graphics data stored on the magnetic disk 22, graphics are displayed on a graphics editor window by the graphics display device 20a, and input and editing are performed. As a result of the above input and editing, various text files such as net list, bill of materials, electrical rule error table, design rule error table, database information, and design change list are output from the CAD system. Magnetic disk 2
2 is stored.

The CAD system can display the character strings of the text file on the text display window by the text file display device 20b based on the text file stored on the magnetic disk 22. By specifying the display screen of the text display window and the icons (see FIGS. 4 to 6) by operating the mouse 18, the mouse 18 is operated as described later.
In accordance with the character string line or character string in the text display window specified by, the character string line or character string displayed in the text display window and the graphics editor corresponding to the character line or character string itself -Change the form of the figure displayed in the window.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the icons "zoom on / zoom off", "search", "bit map", "highlight", "reset", “Print” and “end” are set, and each functions as follows.

1. Zoom on / zoom off By specifying "zoom on" with the mouse 18,
In order to perform a zoom search for a figure in the graphics editor window, a portion including the figure in the graphics editor window corresponding to the specified character string line or the character string itself in the text display window is specified. Will be displayed in an enlarged size. By designating “zoom off” with the mouse 18, the enlarged display by “zoom on” is returned to the original size.

2. Search By specifying "search" with the mouse 18, a graphic editor corresponding to the specified character string line or the character string itself in the text display window can be searched for a graphic in the graphics editor window.・ Search the figures on the window sequentially.

3. Bit Map By specifying "bit map" with the mouse 18, a graphic in the graphics editor window corresponding to the character string line specified in the text display window or the character string itself is displayed in a bit map. You.

4. Highlight By specifying "highlight" with the mouse 18, the graphics editor corresponding to the character string line specified in the text display window or the character string itself is displayed.
The figure on the window is highlighted.

5. Reset By specifying "reset" with the mouse 18, the display of the figure on the graphics editor window is returned to the initial state.

6. Print By specifying "print" with the mouse 18, the text file displayed on the text display window is printed out.

7. End By specifying "end" with the mouse 18, the display in the text display window is ended.

When a character string displayed in the text display window is designated by the mouse 18, the character color of the designated character string is changed and the mouse 18
When the character string line displayed in the text display window is specified by the, the character color of the specified character line is changed.

The operation of the communication system between the graphics display device and the text file display device in the CAD system according to the present invention in the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the main routine. When the power is turned on in the CAD system, the graphics display device 20a is first activated (step S202).

Next, a message "Please enter a file name by key" is displayed on the graphics editor window, and the user is prompted to select a graphics data file (step S204).

When a file name is input by operating the keyboard 16 in accordance with the display of the graphics editor window in step S204 (step S206), the graphics data of the file corresponding to the input file name is stored on the magnetic disk. RAM from 22
Then, a graphic based on the graphics data read into the RAM 14 and read into the RAM 14 is displayed on the graphics editor window (step S208).

Next, the user operates the keyboard 16 to input the file name of the text file, activates the text file display device 20b (step S210), and stores the text file corresponding to the input file name on the magnetic disk. 22 is read into the RAM 14, and a character string based on the text file read into the RAM 14 is displayed on the text display window (step S21).
2).

Further, the text file display device 20
b, the name of the graphics display device 20a to be linked with the keyboard 16 is input via the keyboard 16 (step S21).
4).

The "keyword table" for extracting graphic elements from the character string line on the text display window specified by the mouse 18 is read into the RAM 14 (step S216).

Here, "keyword table"
Are set to facilitate the search in the text file display device 20b, and as shown in FIG. 3, the names of the elements (SigN: signal name, SyN
Both mID: symbol name, Pn: pin number) and a format described in the file (the following format is used in this embodiment) are stored. [Description format in the present embodiment] The signal name is written at the head of the line. -The line separator is ";". -A plurality of symbol names correspond to one signal name. -The delimiter between the signal name and the symbol name is ":". -The delimiter between symbol names is ",". -The correspondence between the symbol name and the pin number is represented by "()".

When the processing in step S216 is completed, the flow advances to step S217, where the graphics display device 20a
Initialize (zoom-off / bit-map-off / highlight-on / search-off) the command state used (referred to) when transmitting to ().

Upon completion of the process in step S217, the flow advances to step S218 to wait for an event input by operating the mouse 18 on the text display screen.

Then, the input event is the mouse 1
If the event is to designate the icon “end” by the operation of step 8, the process proceeds to step S222,
The processing of the routine ends.

When the input event is the mouse 18
If the event is an event designating the icon "zoom on", the process proceeds to step S226 so that the command (command character string for transmission to the graphics display device 20a) is generated for zoom search. Set the command status.

Further, when the input event is the mouse 1
If the event specifies the icon "bit map" by the operation of step 8, the process proceeds to step S230, and the command state is set so that the command is generated for the bit map display.

If the input event is an event for designating an icon "highlight" by operating the mouse 18, the flow advances to step S234 to change the command state so that command generation is performed for highlight display. Set.

When the input event is the mouse 18
If the event designates the icon "search" by the operation of (1), the process proceeds to step S238, and the command state is set so that the command generation is for data search.

Further, when the input event is the mouse 1
If it is an event to designate the icon "reset" by the operation of No. 8, the process proceeds to step S242, and a display initialization command is transmitted to the graphics device 20a.
Then, the display screen of the text file display device 20b is cleared.

If the input event is an event for designating the icon "printer" by operating the mouse 18, the flow advances to step S246 to display a text display window on the preset printer server. Outputs the text data displayed in
The text data is output to a printer.

When the input event is the mouse 18
If the event is to specify a character string displayed in the text display window by the operation of step S
Proceeding to 250, the character color of the character string specified by the mouse 18 is changed. Further, steps S217, S230, S234 and S23
Referring to the command state set in step 8, a command is created for an element corresponding to the character string specified by the mouse 18, and the command is transmitted to the graphics display device 20a. At this time, the number of searches for the preset element is set in the “search frequency table” of the RAM 14.

Further, if the input event is an event for designating a character string line displayed in the text display window by operating the mouse 18, the process proceeds to step S254, where the character designated by the mouse 18 is displayed. Change the text color of the column row. Further, a plurality of elements are extracted from the designated character string line according to the “keyword table”, and the command state set in steps S217, S230, S234 and S238 is referred to, and a command is executed for the extracted elements. Create and send a command to the graphics display device 20a. At this time, the number of searches for the preset element is set in the “search frequency table” of the RAM 14.

If an unprocessable event is input, error processing (display of an error message or sounding of an error warning sound) is performed in step S256.

When the flow of processing proceeds to step S256, the flow returns to step S218, and step S218 is performed.
The subsequent processing is repeated.

In step S250 and step S254, the graphics display device 20a to which the command has been transmitted performs display or display initialization as instructed by the command.

Next, an example of the operation according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, when the power is turned on and the graphics display device 20a is started (step S202), a message "Please enter a file name by key" is displayed on the screen of the graphics display device 20a, and the file is displayed. Is prompted (step S204).

When a file G, which is the file name of the graphics data of the circuit diagram to be displayed on the graphics display device 20a, is input from the keyboard 16 (step S206), the graphics data of the file G is read from the magnetic disk 22. Read into RAM 14,
Graphics of the file G read into the RAM 14
The graphics based on the data are displayed on the graphics display device 20a.
(Step S208).

Further, the text file display device 20
b, input the file T, which is the file name of the text file to be displayed on
The file display device 20b is started (step S21).
0), a text file of the file T is read from the magnetic disk 22 into the RAM 14, and a character string based on the text file of the file T read into the RAM 14 is
It is displayed on the text display editor window of the text file display device 20b (step S212).

Next, the text file display device 20b
The name of the graphics display device 20a corresponding to
While inputting with the keyboard 16 (step S2
14) Store the corresponding “keyword table” in RAM1
4 (step S216).

Next, initialization of a command state to be referred to when transmitting to the graphics display device 20a (zoom / zoom)
Off / bit map off / highlight on / search off).

After the above operation and processing, the icon "zoom on" is displayed on the text display window of the text file display device 20b (step S22).
6) and the icon "highlight" (step S234) are sequentially designated by the mouse 18.

Next, the text file display device 20b
In the text display window, the character string "A00
01 ”is designated by the mouse 18 (step S25).
0: state E in FIG. Here, the number of searches is set to one (FIG. 7).

Then, from the character string "A0001" designated by the mouse 18 and the setting state of the text file display device (highlight: ON, zoom: ON, search frequency: 1), the graphics display device 20a is displayed. As a command for transmitting by "To: G Sea"
rc HighLight In SigName:
A0001 Count: 1 "is generated and transmitted to the graphics display device 20a.

When the graphics display device 20a receives the command “To: G Search HighLight In”
When "SigName: A0001 Count1" is received (state A in FIG. 4), the command is decomposed and displayed as a display command in the graphics display device 20a.
“Search HighLight In SigN
ame: A0001 Count: 1 ".

If the element specified by the display command is present on the graphics editor window of the currently displayed graphics display device 20a, the graphics file corresponding to the element is displayed.
The area including the data is enlarged to 120%, and the graphics data corresponding to the element is highlighted (state B in FIG. 4).

The text file display device 20b
Is displayed again on the text display window of
0001 ”with the mouse 18 (step S2
50: State F in FIG. 5). Here, the number of searches is set to two (FIG. 8).

Then, based on the character string “A0001” designated by the mouse 18 and the setting state of the text file display device (highlight: ON, zoom: ON, number of searches: 2), the graphics display device 20a is displayed. As a command for transmitting by "To: G Sea"
rc HighLight In SigName:
A0001 Count: 2 ”is generated and transmitted to the graphics display device 20a.

When the graphics display device 20a issues the command “To: G Search HighLight In”
When "SigName: A0001 Count: 2" is received (state B in FIG. 4), the command is decomposed and
As a display command in the graphics display device 20a, “Search HighLight In Si
gName: A0001 Count: 2 ".

If the second candidate of the element specified by the display command exists on the currently displayed graphics editor window of the graphics display device 20a, the graphics corresponding to the element are displayed.・ Expand the area including data to 120%
The graphics data corresponding to the element is highlighted (state C in FIG. 5).

Next, on the text display window of the text file display device 20b, a character matrix including the character string "A0002" is designated by the mouse 18 (step S254: state G in FIG. 6). Here, the number of searches is set to one (FIG. 9).

Then, the character strings of a plurality of elements are extracted from the character string line designated by the mouse 18 based on the keyword table (FIG. 3), and the setting state of the text file display device (highlight: ON) , Zoom: ON, the number of searches for the character string “A0002”: 1), the command to be transmitted to the graphics display device 20a is “To: G Search HighLi”.
ght In SigName: A0002 SymI
d: IC001 PinNo: 6 SymId: R00
2 PinNo: 1 Count: 1 "is generated and transmitted to the graphics display device 20a.

When the graphics display device 20a issues the command “To: G Search High Light In”
SigName: A0002 SymId: IC00
1 PinNo: 6 SymId: R002 PinNo:
1 Count: 1 ”(state C in FIG. 5),
The command is disassembled and the graphics display device 20
a as a display command in “Search High”.
Light In

SigName: A0002 SymI
d: IC001 PinNo: 6 SymId: R00
2 PinNo: 1 Count: 1 "is created.

If the first candidate of the element specified by the display command exists on the currently displayed graphics editor window of the graphics display device 20a, the graphics corresponding to the element are displayed.・ Expand the area including data to 120%
The graphics data corresponding to the element is highlighted (state D in FIG. 6).

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the outline of the operation of the present invention described above. As can be easily understood from FIG.
0a refers to / edits graphics data, and the text file display device 20b refers to a text file for processing. When a character string or a character string line is designated by the mouse 18 in the text file display device 20b, a command corresponding to the character string or the character string line is created,
If the created command is a text file display device 2
0b to the graphics display device 20a.

When a character string line is designated by the mouse 18, elements are extracted and processed by referring to the keyword table.

In the above-described embodiment, a display device having a multi-window is used for displaying a text file and graphics data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. And graphics data may be displayed using a display device that displays the data separately.

[0073]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

Based on graphics data representing elements such as circuit symbols, elements or parts, which are controlled by a computer, the graphics display device can display and display and input the graphics of the elements. As a result of inputting and editing, a text file composed of text data indicating a character string corresponding to the graphics data is output, and the text file display device generates the text file based on the output text file. In a CAD system capable of displaying a character string represented by text data, a name and a text
A keyword table storing a format described in a file; a designation unit for designating a desired character string in the character string displayed by the text file display device; ,
First changing means for changing the display mode of the character string specified by the specifying means; and extracting the element from the character string specified by the specifying means based on the keyword table. Generating a command character string recognizable by the graphics display device,
Communication means for communicating the generated command character string from the text file display device to the graphics display device; and the graphics display device receiving the command character string communicated by the communication means, and Second changing means for changing the display mode of the graphics data indicated by the instruction character string;
Since the character string displayed on the file display device is compared with the graphic data corresponding to the graphic element displayed on the graphics display device, the character string specified by the specifying means on the text file display device is used. Is changed in the graphics display device, for example, in a highlight display, a zoom display, and a bit map display, so that the graphics display is performed from the character string displayed in the text file display device. When performing a search (collation) of graphics data corresponding to a graphic element displayed on the device, the time of the search (collation) operation itself can be shortened, and an error occurs in the search (collation) operation. Can be reduced.

Further, in the search (collation) work, the degree of visual recognition is significantly reduced.
The stress on the operator can be greatly reduced.

That is, according to the present invention, even if the operator does not correctly store the names of the elements, the display of the elements and the change of the display mode of the elements from the text file display device to the graphics display device are performed. Can be indicated very easily, the time required for collation between the text file display device and the graphics display device can be greatly reduced, and the text file display device and the graphics display can be displayed. The burden on the operator in the collation work with the device can be greatly reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 illustrates a CA with a communication system between a graphics display device and a text file display device in a CAD system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a D system.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a main routine.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a keyword table.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an operation example showing a display mode of a graphic on a graphics editor window and a display mode of a text file on a text display window.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an operation example showing a display mode of a graphic on a graphics editor window and a display mode of a text file on a text display window.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an operation example showing a display mode of a graphic on a graphics editor window and a display mode of a text file on a text display window.

FIG. 7 is a table showing the names of elements and the number of times of detection in an operation example.

FIG. 8 is a table showing names of elements and the number of times of detection in an operation example.

FIG. 9 is a table showing names of elements and the number of times of detection in an operation example.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the outline of the operation of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 CPU 12 ROM 14 RAM 16 Keyboard 18 Mouse 20 Display device 20a Graphics display device 20b Text file display device 22 Magnetic disk

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A graphics display device, which is controlled by a computer and displays graphics of the element based on graphics data indicating the element such as a circuit symbol, an element or a part, can be input and edited. A text file composed of text data indicating a character string corresponding to the graphics data is output as a result of the input and editing, and a text file display device is provided based on the output text file. A CAD system capable of displaying a character string represented by the text data according to the following: a keyword table storing names of the elements and a format described in a text file; and displaying the text file. The characters displayed by the device Designation means for designating a desired character string in the text file display device; first change means for changing the display mode of the character string designated by the designation means in the text file display device; and designation means designated by the designation means. Extracting the element from the extracted character string based on the keyword table, generating an instruction character string recognizable by the graphics display device for the extracted element, and displaying the generated instruction character string in the text file display device. Communication means for communicating from the communication device to the graphics display device, wherein the graphics display device receives the command character string communicated by the communication means, and displays the graphics data indicated by the received command character string. A character displayed on the text file display device. Communication between a graphics display device and a text file display device in a CAD system, wherein collation of a graphic element displayed on the graphics display device with corresponding graphics data is performed. ·system. 2. A graphics display device, which is controlled by a computer and displays graphics of the element based on graphics data indicating the element such as a circuit symbol, an element or a part, can be input and edited. A text file composed of text data indicating a character string corresponding to the graphics data is output as a result of the input and editing, and a text file display device is provided based on the output text file. A CAD system capable of displaying a character string represented by the text data according to the following: a keyword table storing names of the elements and a format described in a text file; and displaying the text file. The characters displayed by the device Designation means for designating a desired character string in the text file display device; first change means for changing the display mode of the character string designated by the designation means in the text file display device; and designation means designated by the designation means. Extracting the element from the extracted character string based on the keyword table, generating an instruction character string recognizable by the graphics display device for the extracted element, and displaying the generated instruction character string in the text file display device. Communication means for communicating from the communication device to the graphics display device, wherein the graphics display device receives the command character string communicated by the communication means, and displays the graphics data indicated by the received command character string. The same instruction character string is successively specified by the second changing means for changing, and the specifying means; And if there is a next candidate for graphics data corresponding to the command character string, next candidate search means for sequentially searching for the next candidate and displaying the next candidate on a graphics display device, the text file display device A graphics display device and a text file display in a CAD system, wherein a graphic element displayed on the graphics display device is compared with corresponding graphics data from a character string displayed on the graphics display device. Communication system between devices. 3. The first changing means changes an attribute such as a character color or size of a character string or a character string line specified by the specifying means, or specifies a specified character string or character string line. 3. A communication system between a graphics display device and a text file display device in a CAD system according to claim 1, wherein the background color of the text file is changed.