JPH07271840A - Block diagram preparing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically write connection information at the time of switching the hierarchy of a block diagram. CONSTITUTION:An I/O control part 240 sends an instruction in accordance with an input signal from a mouse 233 e.g. and a command processing part 260 prepares a block diagram from an upper hierarchy up to a lower hierarchy and switches an editing drawing frame. At the time, the connection information of a block symbol in the upper hierarchy is stored in an inter-hierarchy connection information storing means 252. In the case of preparing the lower hierarchy on a new drawing, I/O pins are automatically laid out based upon the stored block symbol connecting information and the line names of respective pins are written. In the case of editing the already prepared block diagram for the lower hierarchy, a difference between the connection information of the lower hierarchy block diagram which is stored in an one-hierarchy block data storing part 251b and the block symbol connecting information stored in the means 252 is detected and the detected result is displayed as a message.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for creating a circuit block diagram (hereinafter referred to as a block diagram) in a CAD system or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a block diagram. 2 (i) shows a block diagram on the upper side, and FIG. 2 (ii) shows the lower block. 2 (i), which is a general block diagram, shows a block symbol (hereinafter referred to as a symbol) 1 representing one functional group, an input / output symbol 2 representing input / output to / from the symbol, and an input / output symbol. 2, a signal name 3 given to the symbol 2, a line 4 indicating a connection relationship between the symbols 1, and a block diagram name 5 indicating the name of the entire block diagram. Also, the symbol is
A symbol outline 6 representing the shape of the symbol, a symbol pin 7 representing the connection point of the symbol, a line name 8 representing the name of the pin, and a symbol name 9 representing the name of the symbol. The block diagram is often represented by a plurality of layers, and the detailed function of the block diagram of the upper layer is represented by the block diagram of the lower layer as shown in (ii) of FIG. 2 (ii) shows the details of the block 1 in (i), and like the block diagram in (i), the block symbol 11, the input / output symbol 12 representing input / output, and the input / output symbol 12 are assigned. A signal name 13 indicating a connection, a line 14 indicating a connection relationship, and a block diagram name 1 indicating a block diagram name
It is composed of 5 and 5. Since the symbol name 9 and the block diagram name 15 in (i) are the same, it can be shown that the lower layer of the symbol 1 on the upper side is (ii) in FIG. Also,
When the line name 8 of the symbol 1 and the signal name 13 of the input / output symbol 13 of FIG. 2 (ii) are the same, the connection relationship between the upper layer and the lower layer is represented. In recent years, as the device to be developed has become more complicated, the block diagram has become more complicated and the number of layers tends to increase. In addition, there are an increasing number of cases where a plurality of people design each layer.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of a conventional block diagram creating apparatus, and shows an example of the configuration of the block diagram creating apparatus in a CAD system or the like. This block diagram creation device is a display (hereinafter referred to as CR
21), disk (DISK) 22, mouse 2
3, a keyboard (KB) 24, an input / output control unit 30 that controls input / output signals between the input / output devices and the block diagram creation device to create data and commands, and a block data storage unit 4
0 and a command processing unit 50. The block data storage unit 40 has a plurality of one-layer data storage units 41 for storing data for one layer, and each one-layer data storage unit 41 stores a symbol used in the layer. And a one-layer block data storage unit 41b that stores block data of the layer. The command processing unit 50 is a creation / editing command processing means 5 for creating and editing a block diagram.
1 and display hierarchy switching means 52 for switching the hierarchy of the block diagram to be edited. The input / output control unit 30
It is configured to receive an input signal from the mouse 23 or the keyboard 24 or the like and output the block diagram stored in the block data storage unit 41b to the CRT 21 or the like. The creation / edit command processing means 51 in the command processing unit 50 is
Based on the data or command from the input / output control unit 30, the symbol storage unit 41a or the one-layer block data storage unit 41
It has a function of storing data in b and a symbol stored in the symbol storage unit 41a in the one-layer block data storage unit 41b. Further, the display hierarchy switching means 52 is arranged so that a block diagram composed of a plurality of hierarchies can be created at the same time, so that the input / output control unit 3 can operate.
It has a function of switching the hierarchy and displaying and outputting it based on data or a command from 0.

Next, the operation of inputting a block diagram will be described using the block diagram creating apparatus of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the block diagram creation method 1, which is a drawing frame 101.
The block diagram of the upper layer created in FIG. 2 and the block diagram of the lower layer created in the drawing frame 102 are shown. The operation of the block diagram creating method 1 for inputting a block diagram from the upper layer to the lower layer will be described with reference to FIG. First, FIG.
The outline 111, the pin 112, and the line name 113 of the block symbol 110 are created and arranged in the drawing frame 101 that represents the block diagram of the upper layer of FIG. Next, a block diagram of one layer is created by connecting the necessary block symbols using the connection line 114. Here, when creating a lower layer block diagram showing the detailed functions of the symbol 110, the symbol 11 is displayed in the new drawing frame 102.
I / O pin 122 corresponding to pin 112 of 0 is arranged,
In addition, in order to clarify the connection relationship with the upper layer, the line name 123 of the input / output pin 122 is set to the line name 113.
It is given with the same name as. After that, similarly to the upper layer, the symbols 124 are created and arranged and connected by the connection line 125.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the block diagram creating method 2, in which a block diagram of a lower layer created in the drawing frame 201 and a block diagram of an upper layer created in the drawing frame 202 are shown. The operation of the block diagram creating method 2 for inputting a block diagram from the lower layer to the upper layer will be described with reference to FIG. Also in this case, in the drawing frame 201, the operator creates and arranges the outer shape 211 of the block symbol 210, the pin 212, and the line name 213.
Next, the operator arranges the input / output pin 214 and gives the signal name 215. After that, by connecting the necessary block symbols using the connection line 215, a block diagram of one layer is created. Here, when creating the block diagram of the upper hierarchy, the operator creates a symbol 220 corresponding to the block diagram created in the drawing frame 201 in the new drawing frame 202. That is, the block symbol 220
221, a pin 212, and a line name 213 are created and arranged in the drawing frame 202. However, the same line name 213 as the signal name 215 given to the input / output pin 214 in the block diagram of the lower layer is given to the line name 213 so that the connection between layers can be understood. It In any case, when creating a block diagram having layers, the correspondence between the line name of the symbol of the upper layer and the signal name of the input / output pin of the lower layer corresponding to that symbol represents the connection relationship between layers. The operator must create the block diagram with great care.

[0006]

However, the conventional block diagram creating apparatus has the following problems. In the case of creating a block diagram having a plurality of layers, since the connection of each block diagram between layers is created by relying on human attention, there is a high probability that a mistake will occur. Also,
For example, the same name has to be input twice, for example, the line name 113 of the upper layer is entered again in the drawing frame 102 of the lower layer, which is a waste of time and effort.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a block data storage unit for storing a block diagram and a block data storage unit for creating and editing a block diagram based on an instruction. The block of the upper layer, comprising a command processing unit for storing in the block data storage unit and calling the drawing frame of the block diagram stored in the block data storage unit to switch the drawing frame for creation and editing. The following means are taken in the block diagram creating apparatus for creating and editing the diagram and the block diagram of the lower layer showing the details of the block symbols in the block diagram of the upper layer. That is, the block data storage unit in this block diagram creating apparatus is an inter-layer structure that stores input / output signal names in block diagrams or block symbols or names of pins for input / output of the input / output signals and positions of the pins as connection information. A connection information storage means is provided. In addition, the command processing unit extracts the connection information of the block diagram or block symbol specified before the switching when the block diagrams of the respective layers are switched and stores it in the inter-layer connection information means, and the drawing after the switching. When there is a block symbol or block diagram corresponding to the specified block diagram or block symbol in the frame, the difference value between the stored connection information and the connection information of the corresponding block symbol or block diagram is detected and switched. A layer for laying out the pins based on the stored connection information when the subsequent drawing frame is new and writing the input / output signal name or the name of the pin in the drawing in correspondence with the layout of the pin A control means is provided.

[0008]

According to the present invention, since the block diagram creating apparatus is configured as described above, for example, after creating and editing the block diagram of the upper layer or the lower layer, the drawing frame is switched to switch the lower layer or the upper layer. When the block diagram is called, the hierarchical control means extracts the connection information of the block diagram or block symbol designated before the switching and stores it in the inter-layer connection information storage means. The command processing unit calls the block diagram of the lower layer or the upper layer corresponding to the block diagram of the upper layer or the lower layer before switching from the block diagram stored in the block data storage unit in the drawing frame. If the called block diagram has a block diagram or a block symbol corresponding to the block diagram or block symbol specified before the switching, the layer control means sets the connection information stored in the inter-layer connection information storage unit and its correspondence. The difference value from the block symbol or connection information of the block diagram to be detected is detected. Further, for example, when there is no corresponding lower layer or upper layer block diagram, the layer control means lays out the pins based on the connection information stored in the inter-layer connection information storage unit in the new drawing frame and inputs / outputs signal names. Alternatively, the name of the pin is entered in the drawing in correspondence with the pin layout. Therefore, the above problem can be solved.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of a block diagram creating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This block diagram creating device, like the conventional FIG. 3, inputs / outputs a CRT 231, a disk (DISK) 232, a mouse 233, a keyboard (KB) 234, etc., which displays an input signal by an output signal for supply or display. Devices and input / output control unit 24 that generates data or commands according to their input / output signals
0 and the block data storage unit 25 having a configuration different from the conventional one
0, and a command processing unit 260 that controls the block data storage unit 250 according to an instruction from the input / output control unit. As in the conventional case, the block data storage unit 250 has a one-layer data storage unit 251 for storing data for each one layer, and each one-layer data storage unit 251 stores the symbols used in the layer. The symbol storage unit 251a for storing and the one-layer block data storage unit 251b for storing block data of the layer are configured respectively. Further, the block data storage unit 250
Is different from the conventional one, the inter-layer connection information storage means 252 for storing the connection information between the block diagrams of the respective layers is provided.
The command processing unit 260 is composed of, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), and is provided with a creation / editing command processing means 261 for managing creation and editing of a block diagram as in the conventional case, which is different from the conventional display hierarchy switching means. Hierarchy control means 262 is provided which has a function of extracting connection information between layers and registering it in the connection information storage means 252.

Next, the operation of the block diagram generator of FIG. 1 will be described. The input / output control unit 240 generates data or a command in response to an input signal input from the mouse 233, the keyboard (KB) 234, or the like. Based on data or an instruction from the input / output control unit 240, the creation / edit command processing unit 261 in the command processing unit 260 reads a symbol stored in, for example, the symbol storage unit 251a to create a block diagram, and 1 It is stored in the hierarchical block data storage unit 251b. The block diagram stored in the one-layer block data storage unit 251b is the CRT 23.
It is supplied to the 1st class and displayed. Also, the command processing unit 2
Reference numeral 60 denotes a symbol storage unit 251a and a one-layer block data storage unit 2 via a creation / edit command processing unit 261 based on data or a command from the input / output control unit 240.
When storing data in 51b, the symbol storage unit 25
In some cases, the symbol stored in 1a may be stored in the recalled one-layer block data storage unit 251b. The hierarchy control unit 262 switches the hierarchy of the block diagram for creation and editing based on an instruction from the input / output control unit 240. At this time, the hierarchical control unit 262 extracts the connection information of the block diagram or block symbol designated before the switching and stores it in the inter-layer connection information unit 252. As the connection information at this time, the line name or the corresponding signal name and the coordinates indicating the position of the pin are used. Then, when the drawing after switching has a block symbol or block diagram corresponding to the designated block diagram or block symbol, the hierarchical control unit 262 determines that the inter-layer connection information unit 2
Detecting a difference value between the connection information stored in 52 and the connection information of the corresponding block symbol or block diagram,
When the drawing after switching is new, the pins of the block diagram are laid out based on the connection information, and the input / output signal names or line names are automatically entered in the new drawing.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a work procedure 1 for hierarchy switching in the apparatus of FIG. 1, and shows a work procedure 1 for hierarchy switching in the case of moving from a higher hierarchy to a lower hierarchy. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen image of the CRT in FIG. 1, and switching between the upper layer and the lower layer of the block diagram will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In step S1 of FIG. 6, the operator puts the outline 311 of the block symbol 310 and the pin 312 in the drawing frame 300 for creating the block diagram of the upper layer, for example, as shown in FIG.
And create and place the line name 313.
By connecting the necessary block symbols using the connection line 314, a block diagram of the upper layer is created. Next, in step S2, the operator designates, for example, the block A and selects the "create lower hierarchy" command as shown in FIG. 7B in order to create a block diagram of the lower hierarchy. When this "create lower layer" command is selected, in step S3, the layer control means 262 registers the coordinate and line name of the pin of the block A of the connection information in the inter-layer connection information storage means 252. Then, the hierarchy control means 262 sets the drawing frame 300 to 40.
Switch to 0. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of data registered in the inter-tier connection information storage means of FIG. For example, the connection information in the block A is registered with the pin coordinates in a form corresponding to each line name as shown in FIG. At the time of this hierarchy switching, in step S4, the hierarchy control means 262 checks whether or not the block diagram of the same lower hierarchy has been previously created, for example, by whether or not the same block diagram name as the symbol name exists. If it does not exist, the hierarchy control means 262 prepares a drawing frame in step S5, and in step S6, based on the registered connection information, four input / outputs as shown in FIG. 7C. Place the pin 401. At the same time, the hierarchical control unit 262 gives the line name 402 corresponding to the input / output pin. At this time, the line name on the left side of the block symbol A in the drawing frame 300 is given to the left side in the drawing frame 400, and the line name on the right side is given to the right side. In the process in step S4, if the same lower layer block diagram has been created and exists before, the layer control means 262 determines in step S7 the difference between the connection information of the block diagram and the registered connection information. The connection information that has been added or deleted is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. That is, a message is displayed, and the operator edits by adding / deleting input / output pins in the block diagram based on the information from this difference.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a work procedure 2 for hierarchy switching in the apparatus of FIG. 1, and shows a work procedure 2 for hierarchy switching when moving from a lower level to an upper level. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen image of the CRT shown in FIG. 1, and switching between the lower layer and the upper layer of the block diagram will be described with reference to FIGS. In step S11 of FIG. 9, the operator puts the outline 511 of the block symbol 510 as shown in FIG.
A pin 512 and a line name 513 are created and arranged, and a necessary block symbol is connected using a connection line 514 to create a block diagram of a lower hierarchy. Next, in step S12, the operator selects the "create upper layer" command as shown in FIG. 10B in order to create a block diagram of the upper layer. When this "create upper layer" command is selected, in step S13, the layer control means 262
The inter-layer connection information storage means 252 stores the coordinates of each pin 512 and the line name 513 in the block diagram 500 of the connection information.
Register with. Then, the hierarchy control means 262 causes the drawing frame 50.
Switch 0 to 600. At the time of this layer switching, in step S14, the layer control means 262 checks whether or not the block diagram of the same lower layer has been created before, for example, by whether or not the same block diagram name as the symbol name exists. If it does not exist, in step S5,
The hierarchy control means 262 prepares a new drawing frame, and based on the registered connection information, the input / output pin 611 and the line name 61 corresponding to the input / output pin as shown in FIG. 10C.
Give 2. At this time, the input / output pin and line name on the left side of the block symbol A in the drawing frame 500 are given to the left side also in the drawing frame 600, and the input / output pin and line name on the right side are given to the right side. In the process of step S14, if the same lower layer block diagram is created and exists before, in step S16, the layer controller 262 obtains the difference between the connection information of the block diagram and the registered connection information. The connection information that has been added or deleted is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. The operator edits by adding / deleting input / output pins in the block diagram in the drawing frame 600 based on the information from this difference.

As described above, in this embodiment, in creating and editing the block diagrams of the upper layer and the lower layer, when the layers are moved, the block diagram between the layers or the connection information of the block symbols is stored as the inter-layer connection information. The means 252 stores the input / output pins based on the connection information, and the input / output pins are automatically laid out, and the line name is given to the input / output pins. Therefore, it is possible to save the operator from having to input the line name, which is the connection information between the block diagrams of the respective layers, again and prevent the occurrence of mistakes. In addition, since the difference between the connection information of the designated block diagram or block symbol and the called block diagram or block symbol is detected before the switching, the operator can change the upper or lower layer according to the difference. You can edit the block diagram. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. The following are examples of such modifications. (1) The connection information provided to the input / output pins 401 and 611 after switching may be a line name or a signal name input / output to / from the input / output pins 401 and 611. (2) Although the above embodiment has been described with two layers, that is, an upper layer and a lower layer, the same effect as that of the above embodiment can be obtained even in equipment having a block diagram of three or more layers.

[0014]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, in creating and editing the block diagrams of the upper hierarchy and the lower hierarchy, when the hierarchy is moved, the block diagram or block symbol connection information between the respective hierarchies. Is stored in the inter-layer connection information storage means, the input / output pins are laid out based on this connection information, and line names are given to the input / output pins. Therefore, the operator does not have to input the connection information between the block diagrams of the respective layers again, and the occurrence of mistakes can be prevented. Further, before the switching, the difference between the connection information of the designated block diagram or block symbol and the connection information of the block diagram or block symbol called corresponding to it is detected. Therefore, for example, if the difference is displayed as a message, the operator can edit the block diagram of the upper or lower hierarchy according to the difference.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a block diagram creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a block diagram.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a conventional block diagram creation device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a block diagram creation method 1.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a block diagram creation method 2;

6 is a flowchart showing a work procedure 1 for layer switching in the apparatus of FIG.

7 is a diagram showing a screen image of the CRT in FIG.

8 is a diagram showing an example of data registered in the inter-tier connection information storage means of FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing a work procedure 2 of layer switching in the apparatus of FIG.

10 is a diagram showing a screen image of the CRT in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 11, 110, 210, 220, 310, 510
Symbols 7, 12, 212, 312, 401, 512, 611
Pins 8, 13, 113, 123, 213, 313, 402
Line name 30,240 Input / output control unit 40,250 Block data storage unit 50,260 Command processing unit 101,102,201,202,300,400,5
00,600 drawing frame 252 inter-layer connection information storage means 262 hierarchy control means

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A block data storage unit for storing a block diagram, a storage for the block data storage unit of the block diagram written in a drawing frame for creation and editing based on an instruction, and a storage in the block data storage unit. And a command processing unit for calling the drawing frame of the block diagram to switch the drawing frame for creation and editing, and shows the details of the block diagram in the block diagram of the upper layer and the block diagram of the upper layer. In a block diagram creation device for creating and editing the block diagram of a lower hierarchy, the block data storage unit includes an input / output signal name in the block diagram or block symbol or a name of a pin for inputting / outputting the input / output signal, and An inter-layer connection information storage unit that stores the position of the pin as connection information is provided, and the command processing unit At the time of switching the lock diagram, the connection information of the block diagram or block symbol designated before the switching is extracted and stored in the inter-layer connection information means, and the designated block diagram or block is displayed in the drawing frame after switching. When there is a block symbol or block diagram corresponding to the symbol When a difference value between the stored connection information and the connection information of the corresponding block symbol or block diagram is detected, and the drawing frame after switching is new Hierarchical control means is provided for laying out the pins based on the stored connection information and for writing the input / output signal name or the name of the pin in the drawing in correspondence with the layout of the pin. Block diagram creation device.