Smart Parameterized Cells for Visual Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parameterized designs in electronic design systems can only be edited through programmable parameters, lacking intuitive visual editing capabilities and supporting advanced editing processes such as merging.
Innovation Solution
Implementing 'smart' parameterized cells that allow visual editing of complex objects with advanced editing features, where the editing results are automatically correlated to parametric values, enabling users to interactively modify designs using familiar layout editor interfaces without requiring knowledge of specific parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional parameterized cells are used for programmable design, then design programmability and automation are improved, but visual editing capability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the parameterized cell definition and the visual editing interface. This intermediary consists of parameter binding mechanisms that link visual shape parameters to cell parameters, allowing the layout editor to visually modify shapes while automatically updating the underlying parametric values. The intermediary translates visual editing actions into parameter changes without requiring users to understand the parametric structure.
2Ease of operation
If ROD MPP structures are used for visual editing, then ease of operation is improved, but programmability and support for advanced editing processes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal parameterized cell structure that can function both as a programmable object and as a visually editable shape. The cell maintains its parametric nature while simultaneously supporting visual editing operations. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to serve both automation needs and intuitive editing needs, eliminating the need to choose between ROD MPP and parameterized cells.
3Adaptability or versatility
If parameterized cells are evaluated every time design is opened, then design flexibility is improved, but processing time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary evaluation of parameterized cells during the design creation and editing process, rather than waiting until the design is opened. As users modify parameters or shapes, the cells are evaluated incrementally and results are cached. This preliminary action ensures that when the design is opened, the evaluation work has already been done, reducing startup processing time while maintaining design flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an improved mechanism and method for implementing electronic designs. According to some approaches, a method, mechanism, and compute program product is disclosed for implementing electronic designs that allows visual editing of complex objects with advanced editing features, which also provides for automated correspondence of the editing results to parametric values for a programmable object in the design.