Method and system for placing multiple components on a PCB board

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for arranging a plurality of components on a PCB substrate. In addition, the present invention enables a processor to design a PCB board containing multiple components quickly and conveniently without the need to perform repetitive tasks of placing components one by one, by comprising the steps of: setting a PCB board on which multiple components are to be placed and setting a placement area and a quantity of components; setting position values ​​for placing a set quantity of components on a set placement area based on a design pattern or design conditions; converting setting data containing the set position values ​​into PCB design data in a data format for PCB design and analyzing and correcting placement errors of components in the converted PCB design data; and automatically placing components on a PCB design drawing based on the PCB design data and displaying the PCB board on which the components are finally placed or the placement result.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for arranging a plurality of components on a PCB substrate. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, when placing multiple components on a PCB board, the process is carried out by designating a placement area for the components on the PCB board and using a predetermined program to input location information for each component to be placed on the placement area one by one.

[0004] As another example, if a separate program is not provided, the process may be performed by designating the placement areas for components on the PCB board and then copying and pasting the location information for each component one by one.

[0005] As such, conventionally, since the process of placing multiple components on a PCB board is entirely performed manually by workers, there are problems such as increased work time, reduced work efficiency, and increased fatigue among the workforce.

[0006] In addition, there is a problem in that the overall productivity of the production line is lowered due to the adverse effects of placing multiple components on the PCB board.

[0007] Meanwhile, the technology forming the background of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0055210 (May 25, 2011) and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0035981 (March 24, 2014). Prior art literature

[0009] Published Patent Application No. 10-2011-0055210 (May 25, 2011) Published Patent Application No. 10-2014-0035981 (March 24, 2014) The problem to be solved

[0010] The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a method and system for placing multiple components on a PCB board, wherein, when designing a PCB board containing multiple components, position values ​​of the components can be set in a spreadsheet program that is easy to modify and edit, and the components can be automatically placed on a PCB design drawing according to the set position values.

[0011] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned objectives will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0013] The present invention, for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, provides a method for placing a plurality of components on a PCB board, comprising: a step in which a processor sets a PCB board on which a plurality of components are to be placed according to user input and sets a placement area and a quantity of the components; a step in which, based on a pre-established design pattern or design conditions, a position value is set to place each of the set quantity of components on the set placement area; a step in which the setting data including the set position value is converted into PCB design data in a data format for PCB design, and the placement error of the components in the converted PCB design data is analyzed and corrected; and a step in which components are automatically placed on a PCB design drawing based on the PCB design data and a step in which the components are finally placed on the PCB board or the placement result is displayed.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, if the placement result is confirmed to be normal, the method further includes the step of providing a PCB design drawing containing the components in an image or file format.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the step of setting the placement area and quantity of the components comprises pre-defining a working range where the placement area can be set and a non-working range where the placement area is restricted for each PCB board, activating the working range corresponding to the set PCB board, and switching the non-working range to a locked state.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, information regarding at least one design pattern or design condition associated with the set PCB substrate or components is disclosed prior to the setting of the placement area.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the step of analyzing and correcting placement errors of the components involves applying PCB design data to an artificial intelligence model trained on each placement error and correction method caused by the position values, arrangement, spacing, and omission of the components, thereby analyzing and correcting the placement errors that occurred in the PCB design data.

[0019] Additionally, the present invention provides a system for placing multiple components on a PCB board in which the components are finally placed or on a PCB board displaying the placement results, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing one or more instructions executable by the processor; wherein the processor, by executing the one or more instructions, sets a PCB board on which a plurality of components are to be placed according to user input, sets a placement area and a quantity of components, sets position values ​​for placing each of the set quantity of components on the set placement area based on a pre-established design pattern or design conditions, converts the setting data including the set position values ​​into PCB design data in a data format for PCB design, analyzes and corrects placement errors of the components in the converted PCB design data, automatically places components on a PCB design drawing based on the PCB design data, and provides a system for placing multiple components on a PCB board in which the components are finally placed or on a PCB board displaying the placement results.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, when the processor confirms that the placement result is normal, it provides a PCB design drawing containing the components in the form of an image or file.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the processor predefines a working range in which a placement area can be set per PCB board and a non-working range in which the placement area setting is restricted, activates the working range corresponding to the set PCB board, and switches the non-working range to a locked state.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the processor provides information regarding at least one design pattern or design condition associated with the set PCB substrate or components prior to the setting of the placement area.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the processor applies PCB design data to an artificial intelligence model trained on placement errors and correction methods caused by the position values, arrangement, spacing, and omission of components, and analyzes and corrects placement errors occurring in the PCB design data. Effects of the invention

[0025] By means of the aforementioned problem-solving means, the present invention has the effect of enabling the rapid and convenient design of a PCB board containing multiple components without the need to perform the repetitive task of manually arranging components one by one.

[0026] In addition, the present invention has the effect of reducing the working time and improving work efficiency for the task of placing multiple components on a PCB board, while simultaneously reducing the fatigue of the workforce.

[0027] In addition, the present invention has the effect of increasing the overall productivity of the production line by improving the work efficiency of the operation of placing multiple components on a PCB substrate. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for arranging a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a system for arranging a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a function performed by a processor of a system for placing a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for arranging a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] In the following description, specific details of the invention are provided to provide an overall understanding of the invention, but it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention can be easily practiced without these specific details and by variations thereof.

[0031] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached FIGS. 1 to 4, focusing on the parts necessary to understand the operation and function according to the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for arranging a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to the present invention.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a system (100) for arranging a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented as a server or computing device accessible via a wired communication network, a wireless communication network, or an internet network, or as a program installed on said server or said computing device.

[0035] A system (100) for placing a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to one embodiment of the present invention can automatically perform the task of placing a plurality of components on a PCB substrate. Here, the aforementioned plurality of components refers to various elements, modules, etc. that are placed on a PCB substrate and can perform a predetermined operation, and may be, for example, LED components.

[0036] In addition, the aforementioned worker or designer can use the user terminal (10) to input a file or user input required for the task of placing multiple components on a PCB board, for example, the placement of LED components, and receive a PCB design drawing containing the components as a result.

[0037] At this time, the aforementioned user terminal (10) may be a general-purpose communication terminal including a personal computer, a laptop, a smartphone, and a tablet PC.

[0038] In addition, a system (100) for placing a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to one embodiment of the present invention may be installed in a manufacturing plant where the work of placing components on a PCB substrate is performed and connected to manufacturing equipment within the manufacturing plant, such as equipment for placing components, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided in a form that provides a PCB design drawing inside or outside the manufacturing plant.

[0039] A system (100) for arranging a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to one embodiment of the present invention eliminates the need for a worker or designer to manually arrange the components, thereby improving work efficiency while reducing work time and the fatigue of the workforce.

[0040] Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of a system (100) for arranging a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a system for placing a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to the present invention.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, a system (100) for arranging a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a processor (110), a communication unit (120), and a memory (130).

[0044] The above processor (110) may include one or more and may execute one or more instructions or programs stored in memory (130), and may also control the overall operation of a system (100) for placing a plurality of components on a PCB board and perform various data processing or operations.

[0045] The processor (110) can set the PCB board, set the placement area and quantity of components, set the position values ​​for each component to be placed on the placement area, convert the setting data containing the position values ​​into PCB design data, analyze and correct placement errors, and perform the operation of automatically placing components on the PCB design drawing based on the PCB design data.

[0046] In addition, the processor (110) may be implemented as a single-chip system (System on chip, SOC) together with other functional parts such as a communication unit (120) and a memory (130).

[0047] The above communication unit (120) is for communication with a user terminal (10) and may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device, for example, may include at least one of a wired communication module, a wireless communication module, and a short-range communication module.

[0048] The communication unit (120) can receive a file or user input required for the task of placing a plurality of components on a PCB board from the user terminal (10), and can transmit an image or file of a completed PCB design drawing to the user terminal (10) as a result.

[0049] In addition, the communication unit (120) may receive user input from another electronic device or server through a network or receive data stored in another electronic device or server.

[0050] The memory (130) can store one or more instructions executable by the processor (110) or programs executed by the processor (110).

[0051] Specifically, the memory (130) may store instructions or data related to at least one component of the processor (110). The aforementioned data may include input data or output data for a program and instructions related thereto. The aforementioned program may be stored in the memory (130) as software, and may also include an operating system, middleware, or application.

[0052] In addition, the memory (130) may store information about PCB boards, information about components, information about design patterns or design conditions, information for converting set data, information about an artificial intelligence model for analyzing PCB design data, etc.

[0053] Hereinafter, functions performed by a processor (110) in a system (100) for arranging a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functions performed by the processor of a system for placing a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to the present invention.

[0056] For reference, some or all of the blocks illustrated in FIG. 3 may be implemented as hardware and / or software configurations that perform specific functions. The functions performed by the blocks illustrated in FIG. 3 may be implemented by one or more microprocessors or by circuit configurations for such functions. Some or all of the blocks illustrated in FIG. 3 may be software modules composed of various programming languages ​​or scripting languages ​​that run on a processor.

[0057] First, referring to FIG. 3, a processor (110) of a system (100) for placing a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a PCB substrate setting unit (111), a component location setting unit (112), a data conversion unit (113), a component placement unit (114), and a placement result providing unit (115).

[0058] The above PCB board setting unit (111) sets a PCB board on which a plurality of components are to be placed according to user input, and sets the placement area and quantity of the components.

[0059] The PCB board setting unit (111) may perform the setting of the PCB board by receiving input such as the name and serial number of the PCB board from the user terminal (10), or it may perform the setting of the PCB board by displaying a plurality of PCB boards collectively and then receiving a selection of one PCB board from the user terminal (10).

[0060] Additionally, when a PCB board is set, the PCB board setting unit (111) displays a placement area or placement areas of a predetermined width where components can be placed on the PCB board, selects at least one placement area from a user terminal (10) to set the placement area, and receives input regarding the quantity of components to be placed in the placement area to set the quantity.

[0061] Meanwhile, in the PCB board setting unit (111), a working range in which a placement area can be set and a non-working range in which a placement area is restricted are predefined for each PCB board, and when setting the placement area and quantity, the working range corresponding to the set PCB board is activated and the non-working range is switched to a locked state, thereby providing a guide to the worker or designer for setting the placement area and quantity so that the setting work can be performed more easily.

[0062] In addition, the PCB board setting unit (111) can reduce the occurrence of placement errors by providing information on at least one design pattern or design condition associated with the PCB board or components set when setting the placement area and quantity prior to setting the placement area, thereby allowing the worker or designer to identify in advance the parts to be considered when placing the components.

[0063] The above-mentioned part position setting unit (112) sets position values, such as the X-axis and Y-axis values ​​of the parts, for each of the set quantity of parts to be placed on a set placement area based on a pre-established design pattern or design conditions.

[0064] Here, the aforementioned design pattern may be a pattern in which components were previously placed on each PCB board, and the aforementioned design condition may be a position value in which components can be placed according to the shape, size, quantity of components, etc. of the placement area.

[0065] That is, the component position setting unit (112) can set the position values ​​of each component by searching for a PCB board identical to the currently set PCB board from the design pattern, retrieving the position values ​​where components were previously placed in the searched PCB board, and applying them to the currently set PCB board.

[0066] Additionally, the part position setting unit (112) may calculate the most suitable arrangement structure for the current placement area and the quantity of parts based on design conditions, and then set the position values ​​of each part according to the calculated arrangement structure.

[0067] In addition, the component position setting unit (112) may set the position value of each component so that a plurality of components are arranged in a matrix structure, but is not limited thereto, and may set the position value of each component so that a plurality of components form a line or a surface of a specific shape, or may set the position value of each component so that a plurality of components are arranged continuously or discontinuously.

[0068] Meanwhile, when the component position setting unit (112) sets the position values ​​of all components on the placement area, it can use this to generate setting data including the PCB board, the placement area and quantity of components, and the position values ​​of each component, or save it as setting data and provide it to the data conversion unit (113).

[0069] The above data conversion unit (113) converts the setting data containing the set position value into PCB design data in a data format for PCB design, and analyzes and corrects the placement errors of the components in the converted PCB design data.

[0070] Here, the aforementioned setting data and PCB design data may be files or data with different data formats, and the data conversion unit (113) may read the PCB board, the placement area and quantity of components, and the location values ​​of each component from the setting data, convert and store them according to the data format of the PCB design data, or generate new PCB design data using the read data.

[0071] In addition, the data conversion unit (113) can analyze and correct placement errors of parts using an artificial intelligence model.

[0072] Specifically, the data conversion unit (113) can apply PCB design data to an artificial intelligence model that has learned each placement error and correction method caused by the position values, arrangement, spacing, and omission of parts, analyze the placement error that occurred in the PCB design data, and apply a correction method corresponding to it to perform the correction of the placement error.

[0073] At this time, the data conversion unit (113) can list and store the correction history and changes of batch errors, and analyze batch errors occurring in existing design patterns and appropriate correction methods to train an artificial intelligence model.

[0074] Meanwhile, the data conversion unit (113) may analyze and correct placement errors of parts by pre-establishing data tables, databases, etc., regarding placement errors and correction methods without using a separate artificial intelligence model.

[0075] The above component placement unit (114) automatically places components on a PCB design drawing based on PCB design data. That is, the component placement unit (114) can perform the operation of placing components within a placement area according to the X-axis and Y-axis values ​​of each component.

[0076] In this process, the component placement unit (114) can obtain a PCB design drawing in which components are placed, and thus the PCB board or placement result in which the components are finally placed is displayed in real time so that the worker or designer can determine whether the placement result is normal or defective.

[0077] And, the component placement unit (114) may receive feedback on the placement result from the user terminal (10), for example, user input determining whether it is normal or defective, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] When the above-mentioned placement result providing unit (115) confirms that the PCB board on which the components are finally placed or the placement result is normal, it saves the PCB design drawing containing the components in an image or file format and stores it in memory (130) or provides it to the user terminal (10).

[0079] The present invention can be implemented by the processor (110) executing at least one executable instruction or at least one executable program stored in the memory (130), and in the case of the method for placing a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention described below, it can be implemented in the same way by the processor (110) executing at least one executable instruction or at least one executable program stored in the memory (130).

[0081] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for arranging a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to the present invention.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4, a processor (110) of a system (100) for placing a plurality of components on a PCB substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention first sets a PCB substrate on which a plurality of components are to be placed according to user input (S110), and sets the placement area and quantity of the components (S120).

[0083] In step S110, the processor (110) may receive input such as the name and serial number of a PCB board from the user terminal (10), or perform a setting for any one of the PCB boards selected by the user terminal (10).

[0084] In step S120, when a PCB board is set, the processor (110) displays a placement area or placement areas of a predetermined area where components can be placed on the PCB board, sets at least one area selected by the user terminal (10) as a placement area, and receives information regarding the quantity of components to be placed in the placement area.

[0085] Meanwhile, when setting the placement area and quantity, the processor (110) can activate the work range corresponding to the set PCB board and switch the non-work range to a locked state. To this end, the processor (110) or memory (130) may pre-define a work range in which the placement area can be set and a non-work range in which the placement area setting is restricted for each PCB board.

[0086] Additionally, the processor (110) may allow the worker or designer to identify in advance the parts to be considered when placing the parts by notifying information about at least one design pattern or design condition associated with the set PCB board or parts before the setting of the placement area.

[0087] Next, the processor (110) sets the position values ​​for each component to be placed (S210).

[0088] In step S210, the processor (110) can set position values ​​for each of the set quantity of components to be placed on a set placement area based on a pre-established design pattern or design conditions, and can generate or store setting data including a PCB board, the placement area and quantity of components, and the position values ​​of each component.

[0089] Meanwhile, the aforementioned design pattern may be a pattern in which components were previously placed on each PCB board, and the aforementioned design conditions may be position values ​​where components can be placed according to the shape, size, quantity of components, etc. of the placement area.

[0090] Additionally, the processor (110) may set the position values ​​of each component in the same way as the past PCB board stored in the design pattern, or it may calculate the arrangement structure most suitable for the current placement area and the quantity of components to set the position values ​​of each component.

[0091] Next, the processor (110) converts the setting data containing the set position values ​​into PCB design data in a data format for PCB design (S310), and analyzes and corrects the placement errors of the components in the converted PCB design data (S320).

[0092] In step S310, the processor (110) reads the PCB board, the placement area and quantity of components, and the location values ​​of each component from the configuration data, and then converts them to the data format of the PCB design data, or uses the read data to generate new PCB design data.

[0093] In step S320, the processor (110) can analyze and correct placement errors occurring in the PCB design data by applying the PCB design data to an artificial intelligence model that has learned each placement error and correction method caused by the position values, arrangement, spacing, and omission of components.

[0094] At this time, the processor (110) may list and store the correction history and changes of batch errors, and analyze batch errors occurring in existing design patterns and appropriate correction methods to newly train an artificial intelligence model.

[0095] Next, the processor (110) automatically places components on a PCB design drawing based on PCB design data (S410), and displays the PCB board or placement result on which the components are finally placed (S420).

[0096] In step S410, the processor (110) can perform the operation of placing the parts within a placement area according to the X-axis value and Y-axis value of each part.

[0097] In step S420, the processor (110) may receive feedback on the batch result from the user terminal (10), such as user input determining whether it is normal or defective, but is not limited thereto.

[0098] Next, when the processor (110) confirms that the PCB board on which the components are finally placed or the placement result is normal, it can save the PCB design drawing containing the components in an image or file format and store it in memory (130) or provide it to the user terminal (10) (S510).

[0099] The steps of the method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented directly in hardware, implemented as a software module executed by hardware, or implemented by a combination thereof.

[0100] The software module may reside in RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), flash memory, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any form of computer-readable storage medium well known in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0101] The components of the present invention may be stored in a non-transient storage medium and executed on a computer including a processor to perform the steps of the method or algorithm described above, and may be implemented as a computer program (or application) to be executed in combination with the hardware computer and stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0102] The components of the present invention may be implemented as software programming or software elements, and similarly, embodiments may be implemented in programming or scripting languages ​​such as C, C++, Java, assembler, etc., including various algorithms implemented as combinations of data structures, processes, routines, or other programming configurations. Functional aspects may be implemented as algorithms executed on one or more processors.

[0103] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described illustratively above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments and can be appropriately modified within the scope described in the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0105] 100: System for placing multiple components on a PCB board 110: Processor 111: PCB board setting section 112: Part position setting unit 113: Data conversion unit 114: Component Placement Section 115: Placement Result Provision Section 120 : Communication unit 130 : Memory

Claims

Claim 1 A processor sets a PCB board on which a plurality of components are to be placed according to user input, and sets the placement area and quantity of the components; sets position values ​​for placing each of the set quantity of components on the set placement area based on a pre-established design pattern or design conditions; converts the setting data containing the set position values ​​into PCB design data in a data format for PCB design, and analyzes and corrects placement errors of the components in the converted PCB design data; automatically places components on a PCB design drawing based on the PCB design data and displays the PCB board on which the components are finally placed or the placement result; and if the placement result is confirmed to be normal, provides the PCB design drawing containing the components in an image or file format.A method for placing multiple components on a PCB board, comprising: a step of setting the placement area and quantity of the components, wherein a working range where the placement area can be set and a non-working range where the placement area is restricted are predefined for each PCB board, the working range corresponding to the set PCB board is activated and the non-working range is switched to a locked state, and information regarding at least one design pattern or design condition associated with the set PCB board or components is announced prior to the setting of the placement area; a step of setting the position value, wherein the arrangement structure is calculated to be most suitable for the set placement area and the quantity of components, and the position value of each component is set according to the calculated arrangement structure, wherein the arrangement structure includes a matrix structure, a structure forming a line or a specific shape of surface, and a structure in which a plurality of components are arranged continuously or discontinuously; and a step of analyzing and correcting placement errors of the components, wherein PCB design data is applied to an artificial intelligence model trained on each placement error and correction method caused by the position value, arrangement, spacing, and omission of components, the placement error occurring in the PCB design data is analyzed, the placement error is corrected by applying a correction method corresponding to the placement error, and the correction history and changes of the placement error are listed and stored. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 processor; and a memory storing one or more instructions executable by the processor; wherein the processor, by executing the one or more instructions, sets a PCB board on which a plurality of components are to be placed according to user input, sets the placement area and quantity of the components, sets position values ​​for placing each of the set quantity of components on the set placement area based on a pre-established design pattern or design condition, converts the setting data containing the set position values ​​into PCB design data in a data format for PCB design, analyzes and corrects placement errors of the components in the converted PCB design data, automatically places the components on a PCB design drawing based on the PCB design data, displays the PCB board on which the components are finally placed or the placement result, and if the placement result is confirmed to be normal, provides the PCB design drawing containing the components in an image or file format; and when setting the placement area and quantity of the components, the processor pre-defines a working range where the placement area can be set and a non-working range where the placement area is restricted for each PCB board, activates the working range corresponding to the set PCB board and switches the non-working range to a locked state, and at least one design pattern associated with the set PCB board or components. Alternatively, information regarding design conditions is announced prior to the setting of the placement area, and when setting the position values, the processor calculates the most suitable arrangement structure for the set placement area and the quantity of components, and sets the position values ​​of each component according to the calculated arrangement structure, wherein the arrangement structure includes a matrix structure, a structure forming a line or a specific shape of surface, and a structure in which multiple components are arranged continuously or discontinuously, and when analyzing and correcting placement errors of the components, the processor applies PCB design data to an artificial intelligence model trained on each placement error and correction method caused by the position values, arrangement, spacing, and omission of components,A system for placing multiple components on a PCB board, characterized by analyzing placement errors that occur in PCB design data, correcting placement errors by applying a correction method corresponding to the placement errors, and saving a list of correction details and changes to the placement errors. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete

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