US5551028A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Design data management system and associated method
Assignee: Mentor Graphics Corp
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Filing: 1995-02-28
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Granted: 1996-08-27
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Expires: 2015-02-28
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for organizing design data in a computer system so that multiple data files can be represented and manipulated as a single entity, referred to herein as a design object. Each design object is represented graphically by a symbol on a computer display screen. Associated with the multiple data files of a design object is a software design tool such as a text editor or schematic editor. The tool may be applied to work on the data files of the design object when the design object is opened. Opening a design object is typically done by positioning the screen cursor over the symbol and then using a mouse or keyboard to open the symbol and thereby the data files and tool. Data files grouped in a design object are thus much simpler to manage than separate data files that a user must first identify, retrieve and collect before applying a tool.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Voll
- 👤 William C. Berg
- 👤 Brad Sergent
- 👤 Sam Stevens
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:10
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/06; G06F3/0601; G06F3/0628; G06F3/0662; G06F3/0667; G06F30/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
In a computer automated design system having a display, memory and multiple software tools for operating on data files representing a design, a method of managing design data for ease of manipulation by a user, the method comprising the following steps: providing in memory a design object type that includes a fileset definition of multiple data files representing related but distinct aspects of the design object type; creating an instance of the design object type, the data files of the instance each containing design data on a related aspect of a particular design represented by the instance; providing on the display a symbol visible to a user which represents the instance; associating with the design object type a software tool that is invoked upon opening of the instance; and in response to an opening of the instance, opening all of the data files in the fileset corresponding to the instance and combining the data of the data files to provide the particular design and invoking the associated software tool for communication with the data files.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
In a computer automated design system having a display, memory and multiple software tools for operating on data files representing a design, a method of managing design data for ease of manipulation by a user, the method comprising the following steps: providing in memory a design object type that includes a fileset definition of multiple data files representing related but distinct aspects of the design object type; creating an instance of the design object type, the data files of the instance each containing design data on a related aspect of a particular design represented by the instance; providing on the display a symbol visible to a user which represents the instance; associating with the design object type a software tool that is invoked upon opening of the instance; and in response to an opening of the instance, opening all of the data files in the fileset corresponding to the instance and combining the data of the data files to provide the particular design and invoking the associated software tool for communication with the data files.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein representing each instance of the design object with a symbol comprises displaying an icon on the display screen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 in which the computer system contains files not represented by a defined object type, wherein such files are represented by design objects of a default type.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of defining a design object type comprises executing a tool adapted for constructing design objects.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 including representing multiple versions of the fileset by the design object, the multiple versions accessible for selective manipulation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 including editing an instance of the design object data type.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein associating with the design object type a software tool includes associating a default tool.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein associating with the design object type a software tool includes providing a list of tools from which a tool is chosen for association.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 including attaching properties to the design object type.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
180 words
In a computer automated design system having a display, memory and multiple software tools for operating on data files representing a design, apparatus for managing design data for ease of manipulation by a user, comprising: means for providing in memory a design object type that includes a fileset definition of multiple data files representing related but distinct aspects of the design object type; means for creating an instance of the design object type, the data files of the instance each containing design data on a related aspect of a particular design represented by the instance; means for providing on the display a symbol visible to a user which represents the instance; means for associating with the design object type a software tool that is invoked upon opening of the instance; means for opening, in response to an opening of the instance, all of the data files in the fileset corresponding to the instance and combining the data of the data files to provide the particular design; and means for invoking the associated software tool for communication with the data files.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
180 words
In a computer automated design system having a display, memory and multiple software tools for operating on data files representing a design, apparatus for managing design data for ease of manipulation by a user, comprising: means for providing in memory a design object type that includes a fileset definition of multiple data files representing related but distinct aspects of the design object type; means for creating an instance of the design object type, the data files of the instance each containing design data on a related aspect of a particular design represented by the instance; means for providing on the display a symbol visible to a user which represents the instance; means for associating with the design object type a software tool that is invoked upon opening of the instance; means for opening, in response to an opening of the instance, all of the data files in the fileset corresponding to the instance and combining the data of the data files to provide the particular design; and means for invoking the associated software tool for communication with the data files.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the means for providing a symbol on the display comprises means for displaying an icon on the display.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the computer system contains files not represented by a defined object type, wherein such files are represented by design objects of a default type.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the means for providing a design object type comprises a software tool adapted for constructing design object types.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 10 including means for representing multiple versions of the fileset by the design object type, the multiple versions accessible for selective manipulation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 10 including means for editing an instance of the design object data type.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the associated software tool is a default tool.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the associated software tool is chosen from a list of tools.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 10 including means for attaching properties to the design object type.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-08-27 | 2000-02-26 | 2000-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-08-27 | 2004-02-26 | 2004-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-08-27 | 2008-02-26 | 2008-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |