JP3157732B2 - Interactive wiring pattern creation system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an interactive wiring pattern creating system for interactively creating a wiring pattern to be formed on a surface of a printed circuit board or the like, and more particularly to various obstacles on a wiring pattern connecting two points. The present invention relates to a system for creating an interactive wiring pattern suitable for use in the case where there is a communication pattern.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an interactive wiring pattern creation system realized by an interactive CAD system, a method of creating a desired wiring pattern by using an automatic wiring algorithm such as a maze method or a high tower method, and a method of creating one wiring pattern. If the starting point coordinates and the ending point coordinates of the pattern are specified by a coordinate input device such as a mouse, another wiring pattern intersecting a straight line connecting the two points or another wiring abnormally approaching the straight line connecting the two points Automatically check whether there is an obstacle such as a pattern, and if there is an obstacle, repeat the re-input of the starting point coordinates and the end point coordinates to avoid the obstacle, so that the desired wiring It is known to create a pattern and store it in a database together with electrical connection information such as signal names.

Here, the automatic wiring algorithm has a function of correcting a wiring pattern so as to bypass the obstacle when there is an obstacle on the path of the wiring pattern connecting two points.

As a method of correcting a wiring pattern so as to bypass an obstacle or searching for a route that bypasses an obstacle, there is, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-52260 (title of the invention; automatic wiring method).

[0005]

However, in the method using the above-mentioned automatic wiring algorithm, it is difficult to cope with a case where the design rule of the wiring pattern is complicated and it is difficult to clarify the design rule. There is a problem. Furthermore, if there is a wiring pattern contrary to the designer's intention in the wiring pattern created using the automatic wiring algorithm, redesign work is performed to obtain the intended wiring pattern, but this redesign work There is a problem that it takes a long time.

In the automatic wiring method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-52260, when an obstacle is detected, a detour is searched for in two directions, a direction perpendicular to the obstacle and a direction 45 degrees forward. However, since the search limit is not determined, there is a problem that a detour that is not suitable for practical use is selected.

On the other hand, the method of manually re-inputting the starting point coordinates and the ending point coordinates to avoid an obstacle has a problem that a great deal of labor and time are required until a desired wiring pattern is obtained.

An object of the present invention is to provide an interactive wiring pattern creation system capable of efficiently creating a practical wiring pattern close to a wiring pattern intended by a designer without complicated work. is there.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a method for inputting a wiring pattern such as a coordinate input or a figure selection.
A coordinate input device for performing operations required for force, and the coordinate input device;
Data of the coordinate point specified by the
Display wiring patterns and figures corresponding to data on the display device screen
Display processing means for displaying, and the coordinate input device
The input coordinate point data and selected figure data are transmitted.
A database that stores the electrical connection information such as the issue name
In the interactive wiring pattern creation system with
When a coordinate point of a wiring pattern connecting two points is designated by the coordinate input device, it is determined whether or not an obstacle such as another wiring pattern exists on the path of the wiring pattern. The data of two coordinate points is stored in the database, and if it exists, a prohibited area surrounding the obstacle is set, and then a route bypassing the obstacle is searched along the periphery of the prohibited area, and the search is performed. from the detour route
Minimum of the maximum of the perpendicular to the line connecting the coordinate points to be connected
And a detour search means for selecting a detour path having a perpendicular to the path and storing data of coordinate points on the path in the database (FIG. 4A, paragraph [003]).
1], [0032]).

Further , two points are connected by the coordinate input device.
When specifying the coordinate point of the wiring pattern,
Whether there is an obstacle such as another wiring pattern on the path of
If there is no data, the data of the two coordinate points
Data in the database and, if present,
After setting a prohibited area surrounding the obstacle,
Search for a route around the obstacle along the perimeter, and
A straight line connecting the coordinate points of the connection target in the searched detour path
And select a detour route with the smallest area.
Store the data of the coordinate points on the route in the database
(See paragraph [0]).
032]). Also, two points are obtained by the coordinate input device
When specifying the coordinate point of the wiring pattern that connects
Obstacles such as other wiring patterns exist on the path of the
It is determined whether or not the two coordinate points exist.
Data in the above database and if it exists
Connects the forbidden area surrounding the obstacle to the coordinate point of the connection target.
Set as a hexagon with sides inclined 45 degrees to the straight line
Later, bypass the obstacle along the periphery of this prohibited area
Search for a route, and select a specific one of the searched detours
Detour to store the data of the above coordinate points in the database
Road searching means (paragraph [002]
2], [0023]). Also, the detour searching means
Is a square whose diagonal is a straight line connecting the coordinate points to be connected
A detour is searched for within the range of (FIG. 5,
See paragraph [0035]).

[0011]The coordinates stored in the database
A detour consisting of point data is in the path " Mountain " Or
" valley " If you have " Mountain " Or " valley " Is the coordinate point to connect
Means to expand and contract in the direction parallel to the straight line connecting
(See paragraph [0033]). In addition, the detour
The circuit searching means includes a plurality of detour paths each having the minimum perpendicular line.
In the case of, the area formed by the line connecting the coordinate points
It is characterized by selecting a detour route with a small area
(See paragraph [0032]).

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an interactive wiring pattern creation system to which the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a coordinate input device (mouse) for performing an operation necessary for inputting a wiring pattern such as coordinate input or graphic selection, and 20 denotes a display device for displaying a wiring pattern or a graphic connecting the input coordinate points. , 30 are coordinate input devices 10
A central processing unit 40 for performing a display process of displaying a wiring pattern or a graphic corresponding to the data of the coordinate point designated by the command and the data of the selected graphic on the screen of the display device 20; A database for storing data and data of selected graphics together with electrical connection information such as signal names, and a keyboard 50 for inputting coordinate point data and inputting various commands necessary for creating wiring patterns.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an obstacle detour search process provided in the central processing unit 30 in the present embodiment.

The obstacle detour search processing shown in FIG.
The process is executed every time the coordinates of the two points of the starting point and the ending point of the wiring pattern to be created are designated or input by the coordinate input device 10 or the keyboard 50.

In the obstacle detour search processing shown here, a coordinate point of a wiring pattern connecting two points is designated, and when the coordinates of the coordinate point are stored in the database 40, another point is placed on the route of the wiring pattern. It is determined whether or not an obstacle such as a wiring pattern exists. If not, the data of the two coordinate points is stored in the database 40. If the obstacle exists, a prohibited area surrounding the obstacle is set. Then, a route that bypasses the obstacle is searched along the periphery of the prohibited area, and a route closest to a straight line connecting the coordinate points to be connected is selected from the searched bypass routes, and a coordinate point on the route is selected. Is stored in the database 40.

Hereinafter, the obstacle detour search processing will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2 and the wiring pattern example of FIG.

First, the passing point of the wiring pattern to be created,
Alternatively, the coordinates of the starting point and the ending point are input from the coordinate input device 10 or the keyboard 50 (step 201). The central processing unit 30 checks whether there is an obstacle such as another wiring pattern or a component terminal connection land on a straight line connecting the starting point and the passing point (or the end point) of the wiring pattern to be created ( Step 202).

For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the starting point 32 and the ending point 33 of the wiring pattern 31 to be created are designated, the wiring pattern 31 intersects the wiring pattern 31 or abnormally approaches the wiring pattern 31. It is checked whether there is another wiring pattern to be performed. As shown in FIG. 3A, when there are other wiring patterns 35 that intersect with the wiring pattern 31 and the component terminal connection lands 34 that abnormally approach, these other wiring patterns 35 and the abnormally approaching components The terminal connection lands 34 are extracted as obstacles.

The obstacle is, for example, disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-191480.
The data of the wiring pattern stored by the graphic data storage method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-260, is read, and there is another wiring pattern having coordinates that intersect with the wiring pattern 31 to be created, or whether there is a wiring to be created. Pattern 3
It can be extracted depending on whether or not there is another wiring pattern or the like that abnormally approaches 1 (approaches a distance that is unacceptable due to the electrical insulation performance).

When such an obstacle is present,
As shown in FIG. 3B, wiring prohibition areas 36 and 37 that surround the obstacle with a hexagon are created (step 20).
3). In this case, the size of the hexagon is determined based on the minimum distance between the wiring patterns determined so as to satisfy the standard such as the electrical insulation performance.

The wiring prohibited areas 36 and 37 are created as shown in FIG. That is, the starting point A and when the obstacle C with respect to the wiring pattern P ₁ is being created which connects the end point B was present, the line segment L ₁ ~L or more away distance d satisfying the electrical insulation performance from the edge of the obstacle C Generate ₆ . Here, the line segment L
₁ ~L L _3, L ₆ of ₆ is a line segment parallel to the main wiring method, L _1, L ₄ is a segment of the main wire 45 degrees to the right upward relative to the direction, L _2, L ₅ is This is a line segment which is inclined downward by 45 degrees with respect to the main wiring direction.

The inside of the hexagon surrounded by these line segments L _{1 to} L ₆ is defined as a wiring prohibited area. By such a method, a hexagonal wiring prohibited area corresponding to the shape and size of the obstacle is created. FIG. 7A shows a circular obstacle C.
Been wiring inhibition regions D ₁ created for 1, FIG. 7 (b) ban has been created for the obstacle C ₂ square wiring region D _2, FIG. 7 (c) linear obstacle C ₃ It illustrates an example of a routing prohibited area D ₃ created for.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), detours (hereinafter referred to as single detours) 38, 39, and 40 are created along obstacles around the wiring prohibited areas 36 and 37. The single detours 38, 39, and 40 are created on both sides of the wiring pattern 31 defined by the designer as an axis (step 204).

When creating the single detours 38, 39, and 40, it is necessary to determine the starting point. However, as shown in FIG. Line segments L ₁ , L ₂ , L ₄ ,
Intersections Q ₁ and Q ₂ between L ₁ and L _{2 of} L ₅ and wiring pattern P 1 to be created are adopted. That is, the wiring pattern P ₁
Intersections with the line segments L ₁ , L ₂ , L ₄ , L ₅ having a 45-degree inclination intersecting with Q ₁ , Q ₂ , Q ₃ , Q ₄ , but the search direction is from the starting point A. Since the direction is the end point B, the intersections Q ₁ and Q ₂ are determined as the starting points of the single detour.

When the intersections Q ₁ and Q ₂ are defined as the starting points of the single detour, the detour from Q ₁ to the end point B is indicated by a broken arrow E ₁
As shown in FIG. 5, the _first route starting from Q ₁ and passing through Q ₄ along the upper peripheral edge of the wiring prohibited area D to the end point B, and starting from Q ₂ as shown by the dashed arrow E ₂ , Wiring prohibited area D
Through Q ₃ along the lower circumferential edge of a two different second path to the end point B.

In this way, the single detours 38, 39, and 40 as shown in FIG. 3C are created.

Next, when the single detours cross each other, as shown in FIG. 3D, they are combined to create a new detour (hereinafter referred to as a connected detour) 41 (step). 205).

When the connection detour 41 itself contacts or approaches another obstacle when the connection detour 41 is created,
Similarly, a new detour is created (step 20).
6).

Next, among the connection detour 41 and the uncombined single detour 40, the one having the shortest distance from the wiring pattern 31 defined by the designer is selected as the optimum detour.

For example, in the case of FIG. 3D, two detours, that is, the route from the starting point 32 → the single detour 40 → the end point 33 and the route from the starting point 32 → the connecting detour 41 → the end point 33 are searched. However, as shown in FIG. 4A, the route having the smallest distance d ₁ or d _{2 from the} wiring pattern 31 is selected as the optimum detour route. If the distances are the same,
The smaller of the areas S ₁ and S ₂ formed by the detours from the starting point 32 to the end point 33 and the wiring pattern 31 defined by the designer is selected (step 207). In the example of FIG. 4A, a detour from the starting point 32 to the connection detour 41 to the end point 33 is selected as the optimal detour 42 as shown in FIG. 4B.

Next, when "peaks" and "valleys" of the wiring pattern occur in the middle of the optimum detour circuit 42, pattern cutting easily occurs at these "peaks" and "valleys".
As shown by the broken lines in FIG. 4C, the optimal detour 42 is expanded and contracted in a direction parallel to the wiring pattern 31 defined by the designer so that the “peak” and “valley” disappear.
Is corrected (step 208).

The above operation is repeated until the input of the wiring pattern to be created is completed. When the starting point 32 and the end point 33 are connected by the optimal detour 42, data of coordinate points on the route from the starting point 32 to the optimal detour 42 and the end point 33 is stored in the database 40. in this case,
If the end point 33 is a relay point that is not the final purpose,
When it reaches the final end point, it is stored in the database 40.

Here, a simple search at a 45-degree angle toward a partner coordinate point to be connected to a route that bypasses an obstacle indicates that an impractical detour that is far away from the wiring pattern defined by the designer. The road may be searched.
Therefore, in the present invention treats, as shown in FIG. 5 by a broken line M, it defines the range of the square of the wiring pattern P ₁ is being created with the diagonal as the search limits, as detours error exceeding this search limits, ending Outputs a message to reset.

Thus, there is no detour that exceeds the search limit, and a practical wiring pattern is created.

For example, when a wiring pattern connecting a starting point A and an ending point B having a positional relationship as shown in FIG. 8A is formed on a printed wiring board 81 shown in FIG. To find a route to the end point B. For example,
As shown, a relay point a ₁ where an error is unlikely to occur
To search for a route between the relay point a ₁ and the starting point A (). Next, if the relay point a ₁ and the origin point A are connected, the relay point a ₂ next to the relay point a ₁ is input, and the relay point a 1
₂ and searches for a route of the first relay point a ₁ (). Similarly, the third relay point a ₃ and the fourth relay point a ₄ are input, and a route to the final end point B is searched ((,)). As a result,
A route as indicated by a broken line J is searched, and a wiring pattern connecting the start point A and the end point B is created.

Incidentally, in the conventional method, FIG.
As shown in (b), when the starting point A and the ending point B are input, the printed circuit board 81 is replaced by a maze search method or the like.
Since the entire dimensional plane is searched as a search target, there is a possibility that an impractical route as indicated by a dashed line G that is significantly deviated from the shortest wiring pattern indicated by a solid line F may be searched. If the designer determines that it is impractical, it is necessary to input the starting point A and the ending point B again and search again. In this case, since the entire two-dimensional plane of the printed wiring board 81 is to be searched, the search time is long and the efficiency is low.

On the other hand, in the present invention, even if an error occurs by dividing the path into several stages and searching for a route, the search range is small, so that the dead time associated with the occurrence of the error is shortened. The time required to find a new route is also reduced, and the route to the end point B can be efficiently searched.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a case where a wiring pattern connecting terminals A and B of ICs (integrated circuits) 91 and 92 mounted on a printed wiring board 91 is prepared. Since 94 exists as an obstacle, relay points P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ , and P ₄ are input, and a wiring pattern 95 that connects terminals A and B via these relay points is created.

As described above, in the present embodiment, 2
When inputting the coordinate points of the wiring pattern connecting the points, it is determined whether or not an obstacle such as another wiring pattern exists on the path of the wiring pattern. If not, the data of the two coordinate points is determined. After storing the data in the database and setting a hexagonal wiring prohibition area surrounding the obstacle, if it exists, searching for a route bypassing the obstacle in a 45-degree direction along the periphery of the wiring prohibition area. In addition, a route closest to a straight line connecting the connection target coordinate points is selected from the searched detour routes, and the data of the coordinate points on the route is stored in the database. Can be created.

Further, since a detour is searched for in a range of a square whose diagonal is a straight line connecting the coordinate points to be connected, it is possible to prevent a wiring pattern that is not suitable for practical use from being selected.

Further, simple wiring very close to manual wiring can be realized.

Further, when the wiring pattern becomes complicated and dense as seen in the conventional automatic wiring method, it takes a lot of time to find a detour and the obtained result is practical. This is advantageous in that the processing time can be reduced by the designer's flexible judgment.

In the above embodiment, the hexagonal wiring prohibited area is created, but the present invention is not limited to the hexagonal shape. For example, as shown in FIG. A surrounding circular wiring prohibition area D is created, and a clockwise or counterclockwise detour indicated by a broken line is searched for.
A detour close to the wiring pattern P1 to be connected may be selected to be a wiring pattern as shown in FIG.

[0046]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When a wiring pattern such as a printed circuit board is created, the number of re-input operations when an obstacle is present on a passing point of the wiring pattern to be created is eliminated, thereby greatly improving work efficiency.

Further, simple wiring very close to manual wiring can be realized.

Further, when the wiring pattern becomes complicated and dense, it takes much time to find a detour, and the problem that the obtained result is not practical is eliminated. With this determination, the processing time can be reduced . Also, the wiring defined by the designer
The optimal detour is expanded and contracted in the direction parallel to the pattern,
The effect is that the circuit can be modified .

Further, since the search limit of the detour is set, it is possible to prevent an impractical detour from being created.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an interactive wiring pattern creation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an obstacle detour search process.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a wiring pattern for explaining a detour search process;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a wiring pattern for explaining the detour search processing, following FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing how to create a wiring prohibited area.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of searching for a single detour.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a wiring prohibited area.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a wiring pattern creation procedure.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of a created wiring pattern.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the shape of the wiring prohibited area.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Coordinate input device, 20 Display device, 30 Central processing device, 40 Database, 50 Keyboard.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-10-55382 (JP, A) JP-A-4-299777 (JP, A) JP-A-7-282099 (JP, A) (58) Field (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 17/50 H01L 21/82

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A coordinate input device for performing an operation required for inputting a wiring pattern such as a coordinate input or a graphic selection, and a wiring pattern or graphic corresponding to data of a coordinate point designated by the coordinate input device and data of a selected graphic. Display processing means for displaying on a display device screen, and a database for storing coordinate point data and selected figure data input by the coordinate input device together with electrical connection information such as signal names, and the like. In the creation system, when the coordinate point of the wiring pattern connecting the two points is designated by the coordinate input device, it is determined whether or not an obstacle such as another wiring pattern exists on the route of the wiring pattern. Stores the data of the two coordinate points in the database and, if it exists, sets a prohibited area surrounding the obstacle, and then Along the periphery of the prohibited area and searches for a route that bypasses the obstacle, and the searched detour route
Minimum of the maximum of the perpendicular to the line connecting the coordinate points to be connected
A detour route searching means for selecting a detour route having a perpendicular line and storing data of coordinate points on the route in the database. 2. A method for inputting a wiring pattern for inputting coordinates and selecting a figure.
A coordinate input device for performing operations required for force, and the coordinate input device;
Data of the coordinate point specified by the
Display wiring patterns and figures corresponding to data on the display device screen
Display processing means for displaying, and the coordinate input device
The input coordinate point data and selected figure data are transmitted.
A database that stores the electrical connection information such as the issue name
In the interactive wiring pattern creation system with
The coordinates of the wiring pattern connecting two points by the coordinate input device
When a point is specified, another wiring pattern is placed on the path of the wiring pattern.
Determine if there is an obstacle such as a turn, and
The data of the two coordinate points,
Prohibition around the obstacle, if present
After setting the area, the obstacle
Search for a route that bypasses the object
The area formed by the line connecting the coordinate points to be connected is
Select a detour path with an area, and deactivate the coordinate points on that path.
Detour search means for storing data in the database
Interactive wiring pattern creating system that is characterized in that digit. 3. A wiring pattern input for inputting coordinates and selecting a figure.
A coordinate input device for performing operations required for force, and the coordinate input device;
Data of the coordinate point specified by the
Display wiring patterns and figures corresponding to data on the display device screen
Display processing means for displaying, and the coordinate input device
The input coordinate point data and selected figure data are transmitted.
A database that stores the electrical connection information such as the issue name
In the interactive wiring pattern creation system with
The coordinates of the wiring pattern connecting two points by the coordinate input device
When a point is specified, another wiring pattern is placed on the path of the wiring pattern.
Determine if there is an obstacle such as a turn, and
The data of the two coordinate points,
Prohibition around the obstacle, if present
The angle of the region is 45 degrees with respect to the line connecting the coordinate points of the connection target.
After setting it as a hexagon with sides, along the periphery of this prohibited area
To search for a route that bypasses the obstacle.
Data of coordinate points on one specific detour
Interactive wiring pattern creating system that is characterized in that a detour search means for storing a database. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the detour search means includes:
Make a detour within the range of a square with the straight line connecting the points diagonal.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the search is performed.
2. The interactive wiring pattern creation system according to claim 1. 5. The coordinate point stored in the database
A detour consisting of data has "mountains" or
If you have a “valley”, connect the “mountain” or “valley”
A means to expand and contract in the direction parallel to the straight line connecting the coordinate points is provided.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The interactive wiring pattern creation system described in the section. 6. The detour searching means has a minimum perpendicular line.
If there are multiple detour paths, a straight line connecting the coordinate points of the connection target
Select a detour route with the smallest area between
2. The interactive wiring pattern creation according to claim 1, wherein
system.