JPH06266790A - Test pattern preparing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make it possible to easily and properly use a keyboard input and a mouse input at the time of the data input of test patterns. CONSTITUTION:When the input from a keyboard 1 and the input from a mouse 2 are automatically selected according to the kind of data to be inputted by a test pattern input control means 7 and the data of test patterns for simulating a logic circuit to be inputted from the keyboard 1 or the mouse 2 is inputted, the data is held in a test pattern data holding means 6 and the pattern based on the held data is displayed on a screen display device 3.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a test pattern creating apparatus for creating a test pattern for simulating a logic circuit such as an ASIC or a printed circuit board.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, logic verification by simulation of logic circuits such as ASICs and printed circuit boards has been actively carried out. Therefore, ASI designed by CAD
A test pattern creating apparatus including a logic circuit simulator for simulating a logic circuit such as C or a printed circuit board and a test pattern creating system for creating a test pattern used in the logic circuit simulator is widely used.

For example, in the simulation of ASIC development, a test pattern created by using a cyclic idea is generally used, and such a cyclic test pattern is created by the above-described test pattern creating device. is doing. In the conventional test pattern creating device, such a test pattern is often created by using the text information by using an editor. Recently, it can also be created by a test pattern editor using a mouse.

[0004]

However, in the conventional test pattern creating apparatus, the data input at the time of creating the test pattern is performed only by the keyboard or only by the mouse, or the keyboard and the mouse are switched while switching the input mode. Either was done using both. In other words, it did not support an input flow that combines keyboard input and mouse input.

Therefore, there is a problem that the test pattern data cannot be input by freely using the keyboard and the mouse, and the test pattern creation work cannot be performed efficiently.

Further, in the conventional test pattern creating apparatus, the data input after the data input range is determined is always fixed as it is, or the data input by the mouse is automatically fixed, or , It was either confirmed by clicking a predetermined mouse button during input. That is, the input data could not be changed after the data input range was determined.

Therefore, since the data of the test pattern cannot be changed after the data input range is determined, it takes time and labor to correct the input data, and there is a problem that the test pattern creation work cannot be performed efficiently. .

Furthermore, since the data immediately after being input cannot be easily canceled, if the waveform based on the data once input is not the desired waveform, the correction work is troublesome and the test pattern creation work can be performed efficiently. There was a problem that I could not do it.

Furthermore, there are few devices that can move (scroll) the waveform screen during the input of the data input range, and even if the waveform screen can be scrolled, the data input range is not displayed at the place where the signal of the data input target is no longer displayed. Could not be confirmed. Therefore, since it is not possible to input data while referring to the waveform changes of other signals, there is a problem that the test pattern creation work cannot be performed efficiently.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and makes it possible to easily use keyboard input and mouse input differently and to easily change the input data after the data input range is determined. The purpose is to make it possible to easily cancel the data immediately after input, and to always know the data input range at a glance.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a test pattern creating apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a test pattern data inputting means for inputting test pattern data for simulating a logic circuit, and by the means. The test pattern data holding means for holding the input test pattern data and the test pattern display means for displaying the test pattern based on the data held in the means are provided.

Further, the test pattern data input means is used as means for inputting test pattern data by a keyboard and a mouse, and the input from the keyboard and the input from the mouse are automatically performed according to the type of data to be input. The test pattern input management means for selecting and managing the test pattern is provided.

It is also preferable to provide an input data change management means for managing the data input by the test pattern data input means so that the data can be changed before being fixed. Further, input data canceling means for invalidating the data input by the test pattern data inputting means may be provided. Furthermore, the test pattern display means may be provided with an input area display means for displaying the input range of the test pattern data input by the test pattern data input means.

[0014]

When the test pattern data for simulating the logic circuit is input, the test pattern creating apparatus according to the present invention automatically inputs data from the keyboard and the mouse in accordance with the type of data to be input. Since it is selected and managed, the keyboard and mouse can be used according to the type of input data.

If the input data is managed so that it can be changed before being fixed, the input data can be easily changed. Furthermore, if the input data is invalidated, the data immediately after input can be easily canceled. Furthermore, by displaying the input range of the input test pattern data, the data can be input while confirming the input range.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a test pattern creating apparatus which is an embodiment of the present invention. This test pattern generator is a keyboard 1, mouse 2,
Screen display device 3, memory device 4, and data processing device 5
Is equipped with.

This test pattern creating apparatus is an ASIC
When creating a test pattern for simulating a logic circuit such as, the test pattern data is automatically switched between keyboard input and mouse input operation, without the operator himself having to switch modes. Can perform efficient data input work.

Further, the input test pattern data can be changed by a simple operation before being fixed. Furthermore, the input test pattern data can be canceled by a simple operation. Furthermore, even when the signal to be input with the waveform of the test pattern is not displayed on the screen, the data input range for the signal is clearly indicated, and the data can be input while recognizing the input range.

The keyboard 1 is an input device having various input keys, and the mouse 2 is an input device for inputting position data, and inputs test pattern data. That is, it corresponds to the above-mentioned test pattern data input means.
The screen display device 3 is a display such as a CRT or LCD, and displays the waveform of the test pattern and various work screens. That is, it corresponds to the above-mentioned test pattern display means.

The memory device 4 is a storage device such as a hard disk device, an optical disk device, and a floppy disk device, and stores various data such as test pattern data. The data processing device 5 has a built-in microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and automatically switches the keyboard 1 and the mouse 2 according to the present invention, changes the data after determining the data input range, and cancels immediately after the data is input. , Performs processing related to displaying the data input range.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functions of the data processing device 5 shown in FIG. 2 according to the present invention. The data processing device 5 functions as a test pattern data holding means 6, a test pattern input management means 7, a data change management means 8, an input data cancellation means 9, and an input area display means 10.

The test pattern data holding means 6 holds the data of the test pattern input by the keyboard 1 or the mouse 2. The test pattern input management means 7 manages the test pattern by inputting a plurality of methods for data input. That is, the input from the keyboard 1 and the input from the mouse 2 are automatically selected and managed according to the type of data to be input.

Data change management means 8 Data is managed so that it can be changed if it is a value that can be set in a state before the data is fixed. That is, the input data is managed so that it can be changed before being confirmed. Input data canceling means 9
Cancels the data part once input is unnecessary. That is, the input test pattern data is invalidated.

The input area display means 10 displays vertical lines and numerical values indicating the start point and the planned end point when determining the data input range. That is, the input range of the test pattern data input to the screen display device 3 is displayed.

Next, the operation between the respective parts when creating the test pattern in this test pattern creating apparatus will be described. First, the test pattern input management means 7 automatically selects the input from the keyboard 1 and the input from the mouse 2 according to the type of data to be input.

Then, when the data of the test pattern for simulating the logic circuit inputted from the keyboard 1 or the mouse 2 is inputted, the data is held in the test pattern data holding means 6 and the test based on the held data is carried out. The pattern is displayed on the screen display device 3.

When the test pattern data is input, the data change management means 8 manages the data input by the keyboard 1 or the mouse 2 so that the data can be changed, and the input data cancel means 9 controls the keyboard 1 or the mouse 2. The input data is invalidated, and the input area display means 10 displays the input range of the test pattern data input by the keyboard 1 or the mouse 2 on the screen of the screen display device 3.

Next, the process of inputting a test pattern in this test pattern creating apparatus will be described. Figure 3
14 to 14 are flowcharts showing the processing. First, in step 1 of FIG. 3, the message “Please input the signal name” is displayed to accept the input, and in step 2, it is determined whether or not the mouse click is made on the waveform area displayed on the screen. If it is a mouse click on the waveform area, proceed to step 8, otherwise proceed to step 3.

In the step 8, it is judged whether or not the mode is Del, that is, whether or not the input mode is the derate (Delete). If it is the derate, the process proceeds to step 9 of FIG. 4, and if it is not the derate, the process proceeds to step 18 of FIG. .
In step 9 of FIG. 4, a message “Please enter the number of times” is displayed and the input is accepted, and in step 10, it is determined whether or not the mode change is input.
Returning to step 6 of No. and if it is not the input of the mode change, proceed to step 11.

In the step 11, it is judged whether or not it is the Del mode, that is, the derate mode. If the derate mode, the process proceeds to step 15. If it is not the derate mode, the process proceeds to step 12. In step 15, the Del mode (delate mode) process is executed and step 6 in FIG.
Go to.

Further, in step 12, it is judged whether or not the mouse click is the second, and if it is the second, the step 1 in FIG.
If not the second, go to step 13. In step 13, it is judged whether or not the null return is input by the key. If the null return is input, the process proceeds to step 14, and if the null return is not input, the process proceeds to step 18 of FIG. In step 14, it is judged whether or not there is a provisional value of the provisionally set value, and if there is a provisional value, the process proceeds to step 18 of FIG. 6, and if there is no provisional value, the process returns to step 6 of FIG.

On the other hand, in step 3 of FIG. 3, it is judged whether or not a mouse click is made on the signal name area displayed on the screen. If the mouse click is made on the signal name area, the process proceeds to step 6; otherwise, step 4 Go to. In step 4, it is determined whether or not the key input is from the keyboard. If the key input is performed, the process proceeds to step 5, and if the key input is not performed, the process returns to step 1.

In step 5, it is judged whether or not the key input is a null return key. If the key input is a null return key, the process returns to step 1; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 6. In step 6, the message "Please enter the start cycle" is displayed and the input is accepted. In step 7, it is judged whether or not the input is a mouse click. If it is a mouse click, proceed to step 18 in FIG. For example, go to step 16 in FIG.

Next, in step 16 of FIG. 5, it is judged whether the input data is a null return. If it is a null return, the process proceeds to step 17, and if it is not a null return, the process proceeds to step 18 of FIG. move on. In step 17, the signal is selected to judge whether or not the input of the first start cycle is accepted, and if the input of the first start cycle is accepted, the process proceeds to step 18 of FIG. 6, otherwise, the process returns to step 1 of FIG. .

Next, in step 18 of FIG. 6, a message "please enter a value" is displayed and the input is accepted. In step 19, it is judged whether or not the state is after the first mouse click, and the first mouse is clicked. If it is in the state after clicking, the process proceeds to step 25 in FIG. 7, and if not, the process proceeds to step 20.
In step 20, it is judged whether or not the state is after the second mouse click. If the state is after the second mouse click, the process proceeds to step 21, otherwise the process returns to step 18.

In step 21, it is judged whether or not the temporary value is changed. If the temporary value is changed, the process proceeds to step 23. If the temporary value is not changed, the process proceeds to step 22. In step 22, it is determined whether or not the undo button is instructed. If it is instructed, the process proceeds to step 24. If not, the process proceeds to step 33 in FIG. In step 23, the temporary value is changed and the process returns to step 18. In step 24, the input is canceled and the process returns to step 1 of FIG.

Next, in step 25 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the mouse click is on the left side of the first mouse click. If the mouse click is on the left side of the first mouse click, the process returns to step 6 of FIG. Otherwise, go to step 26. In step 26, it is judged whether or not the null return is key-in, and if the null return key-in is input, the process returns to step 6 in FIG.
Go to.

In step 27, it is judged whether or not the mouse click is for mode change. If the mouse click is for mode change, the process returns to step 6 in FIG. 3, and if not, the process proceeds to step 28. In step 28, it is determined whether or not the mouse is clicked in the signal name area. If the mouse is clicked in the signal name area, the process returns to step 6 in FIG. 3, otherwise, the process proceeds to step 29.

In step 29, it is judged whether or not the waveform input button is clicked with the mouse. If the waveform input button is clicked with the mouse, the process returns to step 1 in FIG. 3, and if not, the process proceeds to step 30. In step 30, it is determined whether or not the waveform repeat button is a mouse click. If the waveform repeat button is a mouse click, the process proceeds to step 31, and if not, the process proceeds to step 32.

In step 31, repeat processing is performed and the process returns to step 1 in FIG. In step 32, it is determined whether or not the settable value is input. If the settable value is input, the process proceeds to step 52 of FIG. 14, otherwise the process returns to step 18 of FIG.

Next, in step 33 of FIG. 8, it is judged whether or not the mouse click is input to the waveform area displayed on the screen. If the mouse click is input to the waveform area, the process proceeds to step 40 of FIG. If not, the process proceeds to step 34. In step 34, it is determined whether or not the mouse click is on the signal name area displayed on the screen. If the mouse click is on the signal name area, the process proceeds to step 42 in FIG. 10, otherwise the process proceeds to step 35.

In the step 35, it is judged whether or not the mouse click is made on the waveform input button displayed on the screen. If the mouse click is made on the waveform input button, the process proceeds to step 44 in FIG. move on. In step 36, it is determined whether or not the mouse click is made on the waveform repeat button displayed on the screen. If the mouse click is made on the waveform repeat button, the process proceeds to step 46 in FIG. 12, otherwise the process proceeds to step 37.

At the step 37, it is judged whether or not the mouse click for changing the mode is input. If the mouse click for changing the mode is selected, the process proceeds to step 39. If not, the process proceeds to step 38. In step 38, it is determined whether or not the key input is a null return key. If the key input is a null return key, the process proceeds to step 39. If not, the process proceeds to step 48 in FIG. In step 39, it is determined whether or not there is a provisional value. If there is a provisional value, the process proceeds to step 6 in FIG. 3, and if there is no provisional value, the process proceeds to step 18 in FIG.

On the other hand, in step 40 of FIG. 9, it is judged whether or not there is a temporary value, and if there is a temporary value, the process directly returns to step 18 of FIG. 6, and if there is no temporary value, a beep sound is generated in step 41. Return to step 18. Further, in step 42 of FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not there is a temporary value, and if there is a temporary value, the process directly returns to step 6 of FIG. Return to step 18.

Further, in step 44 of FIG. 11, it is judged whether or not there is a provisional value, and if there is a provisional value, the process directly returns to step 1 of FIG. 3, and if there is no provisional value, a beep sound is generated in step 45. Returning to step 18 of FIG. Furthermore,
In step 46 of FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not there is a temporary value,
If there is a provisional value, repeat processing is performed in step 47 and the process returns to step 1 in FIG. 3. If there is no provisional value, the process returns to step 18 in FIG.

Next, in step 48 of FIG. 13, it is judged whether or not the keyword "rs" is key-in, and if it is input, the key input repeat definition process is performed in step 50 and the process proceeds to step 56 of FIG. If not input, the process proceeds to step 49. In step 49, it is determined whether or not the keyword "rd" is key-in, and if it is input, the repeat deletion process is performed in step 51 and the process returns to step 6 in FIG. 3; otherwise, step 18 in FIG. 6 is executed. Return to.

Next, in step 52 of FIG. 14, it is judged whether or not the key input is a null return key. If the key input is a null return key, the process proceeds to step 6 of FIG. 3, otherwise the process proceeds to step 53. In step 53, it is determined whether or not the keyword "rs" is key-in, and if it is entered, the process proceeds to step 55, and if it is not entered, the process proceeds to step 54. In step 55, key input repeat definition processing is performed, and in step 56, branch processing is performed according to the return code.

On the other hand, in step 54, the keyword "r
It is determined whether or not "d" has been key-inputted, and if it is input, repeat deletion processing is performed in step 57 and the process returns to step 6 in FIG. 3, and if it is not input, the process returns to step 9 in FIG. It should be noted that the above-described processing can be ended in all states, and thus the end is omitted.

Next, the key input repeat definition processing will be described. 15 to 17 are flowcharts showing the processing. First, in step 60 of FIG. 15, the message “Please enter a value (repeat)” is displayed to accept the input, and in step 61, it is determined whether the input is a key input. If it is a key input, the process proceeds to step 62. If it is not a key input, a mouse click process is executed in step 66 and the process returns to step 60.

In step 62, it is determined whether or not the key input is a null return key. If the key input is a null return key, the process returns to step 60. If not, the process proceeds to step 63. In step 63, it is determined whether or not the keyword "re" is input, and if it is input, the process proceeds to step 67 in FIG. 16, and if it is not input, the process proceeds to step 64.

In step 64, a message "Please enter the number of times" is displayed and the input is accepted, and in step 65
If it is a key input, it is judged in step 60.
Returning to step 71, if there is no key input, the process proceeds to step 71 in FIG.

Next, in step 67 of FIG. 16, a message "Please input the number of repeats" is displayed and the input is accepted. In step 68, it is judged whether or not the key is input. Set a return value to return to and return.

If it is not a key input, mouse click processing is executed in step 69, and it is judged in step 70 whether or not a cancel code is set. If the cancel code is not set, the flow returns to step 67 again to cancel. When the code is set, a return value for returning to step 6 in FIG. 3 is set, the process returns, and the repeat process ends.

Next, in step 71 of FIG. 17, a mouse click process is executed, and in step 72 it is judged whether or not a cancel code is set. If the cancel code is not set, the process returns to step 64 of FIG. 15 to cancel. When the code is set, a return value for returning to step 6 in FIG. 3 is set, the process returns, and the repeat process ends. A null return waits for all current inputs.

Next, a display example and an operation example at the time of creating a test pattern in this test pattern creating apparatus will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a work screen when a test pattern is created on the screen display device. The work screen in the figure shows a part thereof, and in addition to this, many waveforms, work instruction buttons, etc. are displayed on the actual work screen.

When the data input of the test pattern is started by the work screen shown in FIG. 18, the input from the keyboard and the input from the mouse can be freely used according to the type of the input data without switching the mode. To be For example, when selecting the input start point with the mouse while looking at the work screen and wanting to continue the value "1" for "56" cycles from the input start point, the respective numerical values are input by the keyboard.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a part of the work instruction button group displayed on the work screen when the test pattern is created, and FIG.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform for which the input range is determined on the work screen, FIG. 21 is a diagram when the waveform of FIG. 20 is changed before confirmation, and FIG. 22 is a diagram when the waveform before confirmation is canceled.

The inversion (0/1) button 11 of the work screen of FIG. 19 is a key for changing the value before confirmation, the X (x) button 12 is a key for inputting to the output,
The z (z) button 13 is a key for setting a high impedance, and the undo button 14 is a key for canceling a waveform immediately after input.

For example, when an arbitrary input range is determined for the waveform W1 in FIG. 20, a rectangular area 15 indicating the input range is displayed on the waveform W1 and this rectangular area 15 is displayed until the value is determined. Here, when the inversion button 11 in FIG. 19 is clicked with the mouse, the value corresponding to the waveform in the rectangular area 15 is changed from “0” to “1”, and the waveform W2 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed. Further, when the inversion button 11 is clicked with the mouse, the waveform value in the rectangular area 15 is returned from "1" to "0".

If a waveform is created on the work screen and the undo button 14 in FIG. 19 is clicked with a mouse before the waveform is confirmed, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, an unnecessary test pattern waveform immediately after input is canceled. To be done.

FIG. 23 is a view showing another example of the work screen at the time of creating the test pattern, and FIG. 24 is a view when the waveform displayed on the work screen of FIG. 23 is scrolled. For example, the signal name “AZ displayed on the work screen of FIG.
The input range is determined for the waveform of "A" 16 and the waveform is scrolled upward in the screen.

Then, a vertical line 17 indicating the input start point and a vertical line 18 indicating the input range end possible point are displayed in the waveform display area, and in order to indicate the range numerically, the edit start cycle number display field is displayed. The cycle number “3” at the input start point is displayed in 19 as the ghost bar display position cycle number display field 2
At 0, the number of cycles "7" at the end point of the input range can be displayed.

Next, the effects of the test pattern creating apparatus of this embodiment will be listed. (1) Since the keyboard input and the mouse input are used in a mixed form, and the user who can easily input data can be easily used at any given time, the data input work can be performed smoothly and the operability is improved.

(2) Since the input value can be changed by a simple operation such as clicking the mouse button once before the data of the test pattern is determined, the data can be corrected quickly. Becomes,
You can efficiently create test patterns.

(3) When the input range of the test pattern data is determined, the bar indicating the input range is displayed and the input range can be always confirmed even when the signal to be input is not displayed. Therefore, the screen is scrolled. Therefore, it is possible to easily refer to changes in other signals and display the screen in a reduced size. In addition, since the input range is also displayed by the numerical value display, it is possible to confirm how far the input target is by the numerical value, and the test pattern can be created quickly.

(4) Since the once input data can be easily canceled, when the waveform based on the input data is different from the intended waveform or the desired waveform cannot be obtained, the waveform is changed. The work to delete can be performed quickly, and the complicated work at the time of test pattern creation work can be reduced.

[0067]

As described above, according to the test pattern creating apparatus of the present invention, when the data of the test pattern for simulating the logic circuit is input, the data is input from the keyboard according to the type of the data to be input. The input from and the input from the mouse can be used automatically.

Further, the input data can be easily changed before being fixed. Furthermore, the input data can be easily canceled. Furthermore, the input range of the input test pattern data can be displayed. Therefore, the operability for creating the test pattern is improved, and the test pattern can be created efficiently.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration according to the present invention in a data processing device 5 of the test pattern creating device of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a test pattern creating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process at the time of inputting a test pattern in the test pattern creating apparatus of the invention of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the subsequent processing.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing that follows.

FIG. 6 is also a flowchart showing the subsequent processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing that follows the same.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing that follows.

FIG. 9 is also a flowchart showing the subsequent processing.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the same processing as that of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart similarly showing the subsequent processing.

FIG. 12 is also a flowchart showing the subsequent processing.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the same processing as the above.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the further subsequent processing.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a key input repeat definition process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the subsequent processing.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the subsequent processing.

18 is a diagram showing an example of a work screen at the time of creating a test pattern in the screen display device of FIG.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a part of a work instruction button group displayed on a work screen when creating a test pattern.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform for determining an input range on the work screen.

FIG. 21 is a diagram when the waveform of FIG. 20 is changed before being confirmed.

FIG. 22 is a diagram when the waveform before confirmation is canceled.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example of a work screen when creating a test pattern.

FIG. 24 is a diagram when the waveform displayed on the work screen in FIG. 23 is scrolled.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 keyboard 2 mouse 3 screen display device 4 memory device 5 data processing device 6 test pattern data holding means 7 test pattern input management means 8 data change management means 9 input data canceling means 10 input area display means 11 reverse (0/1) button 12 X (x) button 13 Z (z) button 14 Undo button 15 Rectangular area 16 Signal name "A"
Waveform of “ZA” 17 Vertical line showing the input start point 18 Vertical line showing the end point of the input range 19 Edit start cycle number display column 20 Ghost bar display position Cycle number display column W1, W2 Waveform

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A test pattern data input means for inputting test pattern data for simulating a logic circuit, a test pattern data holding means for holding test pattern data input by the means, and a holding means for holding the test pattern data. In a test pattern creating apparatus having a test pattern display means for displaying a test pattern based on the generated data, the test pattern data input means is means for inputting test pattern data with a keyboard and a mouse, and should be input. A test pattern creating apparatus comprising: a test pattern input managing means for automatically selecting and managing the input from the keyboard and the input from the mouse according to the type of data. 2. The test pattern creating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising input data change management means for managing the data input by the test pattern data input means so that the data can be changed before being finalized. Test pattern creation device. 3. The test pattern creating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising input data canceling means for invalidating the data input by the test pattern data inputting means. . 4. The test pattern creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the test pattern display means displays an input range of test pattern data input by the test pattern data input means. A test pattern creating apparatus characterized in that an input area display means is provided.