SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HANDLING TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Abstract: A system and method for handling technical data organizes and links information in a computer format that is readily accessible and easily useable. The system includes and provide mechanism to arrange and store technical information from many different sources, regarding many different subjcts, in one data set. The data set preferably includes a plurality of diagrams that each contain a plurality of components, identifying information that identifies each component and descriptive information that describes the components. The information is linked together that the various distinct aspects thereof are readily accessed, as selected, by a user.

Description: System and method for handling technical information. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a system and method for storing large volumes of technical information in a manner that provides the ability to easily access and flexibly use the information. Many environments, such as the service industry of consumer electronics require the use of large amounts of technical information. Traditionally, technical information is provided through a printed service manual. Drawbacks thereof include that manuals are expensive to print, mail, store and update. Moreover, as technology advances and consumer electronics products become more complex, it becomes increasingly difficult to provide printed manuals that are accurate, adequately informative and useful to a technician. These drawbacks tend to grow as the numbers of products and manuals increase. Further, the growing complexity of consumer electronics products makes repairs more difficult and often more expensive, such that product replacement can be more economic than repair. An economic repair operation is impeded by the complexity and size of printed service manuals. Accordingly, there is a need in the service industry for providing technical information in a manner that will speed up and facilitate the repair process. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of this invention is to provide for easy access to and flexible use of technical information, such as contained in service manuals, and to place such technical information in computer format that is easily accessible. Yet another object of this invention is to provide for storing, on one computer, technical information from a plurality of manufacturers respecting various types of product. Still another object of this invention is to provide for linking together various distinct aspects of technical information. A further object of this invention is to enhance a technician's productivity and troubleshooting capabilities while also reducing the need for printing, mailing, storing, and updating printed manuals. The invention achieves these objects by providing a system for accessing and using technical data, including a data set containing the technical data. The data set includes at least two types of written information, such as information for identifying each of a number of items or components, and information for describing each of the items or components. The data set also includes technical diagrams illustrating selected ones of the items or components, each item on each diagram generally having a specified diagram location. The data set further includes linking information for linking the identifying information, the descriptive information and the diagram location for each item or component. The system also comprises a control module for controlling access to the data set. The control module has an associated interface device by which a user interfaces with the control module to locate a selected item in the data set, e.g., by reviewing the diagrams or choosing access through the identifying information or the descriptive information. The control module provides for automatic access to all information, including diagrams, in response to commands generated by a user. The linking information enables the control module to move between and among the various aspects of the technical data for each component. A significant advantage provided by this invention is that manuals of various manufacturers and product types such as TVs, VCRs, and other consumer electronics, is stored in and accessed from a single computer and all technical information from these manuals is stored in a substantially uniform data structure regardless of the original printed format. Accordingly, the service technician can readily locate and use the needed manual and can do so without substantial effort to shift mindset or to understand the completely different styles present the various manufacturers' printed service manuals. This significantly improves the usability of technical service information. The invention has the capability to readily associate related items of technical information. Conventionally, separate documents have been used to provide related technical information that may apply to one or more different products, which information may span years of time. A technician would associate such documents, generally by physically consolidating. This invention however, enables the service manual developer and technician to associate related technical informations, such as known fault, training and troubleshooting informations, to the implicated service manual for each specific product, or part thereof. The technician is thereby provided with single program through which all technical information pertaining to the product is instantly accessible, regardless of product brand or type. The result is a significant time saving by providing clear, useable access to all known data. The invention facilitates remote transfer of service information through compression. For example, graphics preferably are compressed using the TIFF Group IV standard, while text preferably is compressed using Compression Plus, which is available from MicroHelp of Marietta, GA. As any text or graphic is displayed, that information must first be decompressed. These and other features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a data set structure associated with this invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating use of this invention in a service environment, Figure 3 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a method of programming the data set of Fig 1. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of the data set of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a second database for use with a system of this invention. Figure 6 diagrammatically illustrates one of the features of this invention. Figure 7 diagrammatically illustrates another feature of this invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A program designed according to the invention preferably operates in a Windows environment (Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation). The program may include the ability to display and manipulate graphics and written text. Minimum requirements are Windows 3.1 or a more recent version, and a 386 PC with at least 4 Mb RAM and a VGA. The program preferably is operated from the hard drive on the computer. The program preferably includes hyperlinks, such as those which provide access to on-line information, including information available via the Internet. A program designed according to this invention preferably operates from a main graphic program that serves as a control module, such program being referred to as a graphics engine. A graphics engine is commercially available from AccuSoft Corporation (MASS, USA) under the AccuSoft IFL (Image Format Library) brand. The graphics engine (i) provides for using diagrams in many different formats, (ii) provides for using highly compressed graphics files and, thereby, reducing the size of the complete manual so as to enhance both storage on available hard drive systems and-practical distribution via electronic means (e.g bulletin board systems and Internet applications), and (iii) enhances program speed so that the time required for a technician to locate and display a schematic using the computer is less than the time required to locate and open the paper-equivalent schematic. The ability of the program to make use of single bit diagrams greatly enhances all of the processes described above, e.g. , speed size and usability. The second main component of the program is a set of database files, which facilitate the user's access to the contained data, define relationships between associated text and graphics files, and effectively create links to all selected data. Generally, these database files contain descriptions of all information normally associated with a printed service manual and the pointers to related graphics files (stacks) and text files. Figure 1 schematically illustrates the main data set 20 of a typical consumer electronics service manual. Multiple service manuals may be stored on one computer. The directory structure of the hard drive segments the data into manufacturers and manuals, respectively: each manufacturer is represented by a unique subdirectory under which reside unique subdirectories for each individual service manual, and these service manual directories preferably are organized by generic categories, e.g., audio, video, and appliances. The data in a manufacturer's subdirectory is specific to that manufacturer and preferably covers multiple manuals for that manufacturer. The data set contained in any one service manual subdirectory is preferably applicable only to the specific service manual for which the subdirectory is named. For electronics products, schematic circuit diagrams and circuit board diagrams generally show how the various circuits interact and the layout of the physical circuit boards and components. Accordingly, main stack 22 contains all schematics, circuit board diagrams an interconnect diagrams for servicing any specific product. The associated main database 23 contains additional information, including text descriptions of the diagrams within main stack 22, and provides various functions, including identifying each diagram stack position, identifying the related circuit board diagram, defining the grid size (x,y) for component locations on the diagrams, and setting stop points for multi-sectioned diagrams. The main stack 22 is used by database files in the main data set 20 to display information, including component locations described in a "component" database, circuit location described in a "circuit" database 24, fault locations defined in a "known fault" and/or troubleshooting database 25 and waveforms as described in a waveform database 26. The circuit and component databases preferably are placed within a collection of locations databases 24. The databases, including those described above, generally comprise a text description of a function (component, circuit etc), a stack position to indicate a specific diagram, the (x,y) position of the diagram on the screen and a zoom factor used to define the "view" the user sees. In addition, the known fault database contains both a text description of a fault and a direction to solve it. The use of the invention can be understood by referring to Figure 2. A product requiring service is identified by the technician as being of a particular manufacturer. The technician opens the program and selects the appropriate manufacturer from a list provided by a manufacturer database 40, e.g. , a subdirectory for that manufacturer. The database 40 contains the path for that manufacturer's subdirectory and the paths to any external programs (preferably a maximum of three) and the external programs' executable file names. The technician then further defines the product being serviced. For example, the technician can select either a generic product category, such as video, audio, appliance or the like, or a model number, or a chassis number (electrical package) if known, or both. As to the latter, the selection is made from an appropriate database, such as a model/chassis database 41/42, located in an applicable manufacturer's subdirectory. This database 41/42 preferably contains cross references between the manufacturer's model numbers, service manuals numbers, and chassis numbers. Selecting the appropriate model number, for example, provides to the technician access to all data required to repair the specific product being serviced. Having further defined the product, the technician then accesses information associated with the product by navigating through additional databases. In doing so, the technician needs no knowledge about the product. For example, the technician is enabled to identify and view any or more of major assemblies, or subassemblies, or circuits, or components, or component physical locations, or signal flows, values and waveforms, or fault information, or adjustment procedure (electrical and mechanical), or parts information, or procedures to determine what is defective about the product, or any other information for the product, or its problems, parts or otherwise. Information preferably is random accessible via any of various mechanisms, including, for example, menus, hotkeys and a pointing device, such as a mouse. In addition, the user is enabled to access information developed, e.g., by the user, and previously recorded locally, e.g. by the user in a rich text format, or a database format. More specifically, as illustrated in Figure 2, once the product is further defined (e.g., its appropriate manual is located within the database 41/42), the technician preferably is provided with a series of options from which to choose, the options being presented via a screen display of texts, icons, menus, or otherwise. The options enable the technician to locate a diagram by selected circuit (via database 46), by a selected component (via database 48), by a described fault condition (via database 50), by a diagram description (via database 52), or by selected printed circuit board (via database 54), or by combinations of the above. The technician is also enabled to gather information about a particular part by its component number (via database 56), assembly and disassembly procedures (via database 58), technical training information (via database 60), troubleshooting procedures (via database 62), adjustments (via database 64), or general information (via database 66). When the technician accesses a schematic diagram via any of the databases, printed circuit boards relating to the schematic diagram preferably are linked via database 68 for automatic, interchangeable access between the schematic and the printed circuit board diagrams. The various databases are part of data set 20 and comprise stacks that include pages of graphic files. Each such page individually accessible, through one or more of the databases of the data set 20. For example, the main database 23 contains the descriptions and pointers for all diagrams (pages) of the main stack 22 which may include schematics, circuit board layouts and interconnect diagrams for that product. Any of the pages can be displayed by selecting from a list generated by the main database 23. The location database 24 also uses the main stack 22. The descriptions in the location database 24 are of circuits, components, and faults. The other databases 26-32 provide alternate means by which graphics files can be navigated. This enables technicians with only little electronics knowledge to navigate effectively through a product service manual, even without any no specific experience with that product. Preferably a database 28 is employed that includes numbers, descriptions, identifications and other selected data relating to parts, components, assemblies, subassemblies and the like. The database 28 preferably also includes cross-references among those data, such as cross-references between a component and a nrinted circuit to which it is associated. To achieve such cross-referencing, the database 28 preferably is organized in a plurality of databases linked to each other by an appropriate mechanism, e.g. , a code lettering system. The database 28 preferably supports random access. To look up a part by number while viewing a diagram, the user begins typing the number which causes a window automatically to open over the diagram and triggers a search for that part. Preferably, the program provides for selected or automatic interaction with an external database 32 to extract the current price, availability, substitutes, and activity status for an identified part. Another category of service information applies to a product, such as a VCR, for which also mechanical information is pertinent. This information is organized in database 29 and includes exploded views, adjustments, assembly-disassembly directions, and the like, in the form of text diagrams or otherwise. Selection is made from one of the subject lists, and the diagrams and text relating to that selection are displayed, e.g. by overlapping each other. This invention provides a method to incorporate troubleshooting information. This information preferably is in the form of an HTML file within the troubleshooting database 25. The process resembles a flow chart method so that troubleshooting has greater flexibility. Text, graphics, and combinations of both may be used in the troubleshooting database. Preferably, user files 31 are also provided. One such file is an empty database structure to be used by a technician to record technical repair information generated locally. This file need not be updated by the program automatically, but instead is updated under the technician's control. A second user file is used by a built-in word processor function. This file preferably has a rich text or database format and can be used for any function selected by the technician. Other user files preferably are also supported, such files being of any appropriate format. One or more, but preferably five (5), location databases 24 generally are supported. Each of these databases operates in a similar manner. The difference is in the content of the description field. The databases contain a text description of a circuit, component, etc. and the following ancillary information. The database uses a field to point to a page within a stack to identify a specific diagram to be displayed. Additional fields define the "view" to be established, which are the x and y coordinates for the upper left corner of the diagram, and the value of the zoom factor to be applied to the diagram being displayed. The (x,y) grid size of a diagram is also defined. Preferably, at least one of the location databases, e.g., the component location database, exists in two distinct forms that cannot be used simultaneously in the same manual. The supporting text and graphics database 27 preferably includes electronic adjustments, technical training, and general information. Electronic adjustments information includes descriptions of adjustments and additional diagrams to explain the nature of these adjustments. Technical training information preferably provides a simplified or tutorial explanation of how a circuit works so as to make it more understandable to the technician. General information includes variable data in the form of text, graphics, audio, video, stills, clips, or a combination. For example, this general information can include model cross reference information, customer user information, safety information, individual diagram notes, or any other type of data not included in one of the other more specialized databases. Supporting data is provided in database 26, such data preferably including printed circuit board links for each schematic diagram, particularly for schematic diagrams that are split across more than one printed circuit board. Each diagram preferably also has troubleshooting aids in the form of known oscilloscope displays associated with specific locations. These displays link to diagrams and/or prominent numbers on the diagrams. In an exemplary operation, the user typically identifies a selected manual by the name of the product's manufacturer and then further defines that identification by selecting the product's model or chassis number. The program then accesses the appropriate manual and allows the user to choose from among a variety of supported options, including the options associated with database 46-68. The user's choice generally responds to the information that is then desired in the light of the databases supported. For example, once the user has accessed a particular diagram and located a desired assembly, module, component or other part on that diagram, the user has the option to access further information associated with that assembly, module, component or part. In that regard, the user can view any information about that component that is stored in the locations database 24. Moreover, a user can locate the particular component on a schematic diagram and then choose to view the component on a circuit board diagram via, e.g., a menu choice. Without this invention, a service technician would have to manually page through various circuit schematic diagrams attempting to locate the component of interest, and also to manually review various circuit board diagrams in order to locate the same component of interest on a drawing that illustrates the actual component layout within the device. Such procedures typically are unduly time consuming. With a system designed according to this invention by comparison, one or more menus preferably are made available on the computer screen and, responsive to menu choices, the user is transferred among diagrams illustrating the component of interest. This operation is provided through the linking information and/or cross-references portion of the main data set 20. The cross-referencing capability is a result of the programming of the main data set. Figure 3 illustrates a preferred methodology for programming the main data set 20 in a flowchart diagram 70. The main data set 20 preferably includes information from a technical manual, and typically includes a plurality of diagrams and textual informations. The main data set 20 preferably is programmed to include the diagrams in a stack file. To do so, a diagram name is entered at step 72. Thereafter, the diagram grid size or dimensions are entered at step 74. The diagram itself is then placed in the stack at step 76. In this step, the diagram can be converted from paper, such as by a conventional scanning method. Alternatively, the diagram can be entered directly or transferred from a binary form, or otherwise. Once the diagram is converted and stacked, the individual circuits and/or components on a diagram are identified in step 78. This portion of the programming may be carried out in a Windows environment, using a graphics engine, such as AccuSoft IFL. Alternatively, programming could be accomplished in a DOS, or other, environment. The programmer identifies the components in order to program the various components from the diagram into the appropriate database. Identifying the components typically includes assigning a name, number or other identifier to each respective component. Thereafter, the component is located on a diagram displayed on the screen at step 80. Following step 80, the programmer arranges the preferred default view of the component in step 82, which step includes a preferred zoom factor and position on the screen. In step 84, the database records the location of the default view for the component on the diagram, given the known grid size and zoom factor. Steps 78-84 are repeated for other selected, and preferably all, components on a particular diagram, as indicated in step 86. The entire procedure is repeated for each diagram, as indicated by step 88. The ability to cross-reference between diagrams is provided within the main data set 20. The programmed data set 20, therefore, provides for viewing the same component in all diagrams in which that component appears. The diagrams preferably are placed within a data stack in an arrangement that facilitates cross-referencing. Figure 4 schematically illustrates a stack of diagrams 92. Diagrams can be arranged with a stack in any order. The pointer that establishes any required relationship between diagrams is accomplished from pointer fields within the databases used to establish user lists and control access to graphics stack files. During programming, each component's unique identifier is established either manually or automatically depending on the original file's format. For scanned images, components preferably are identified manually. For vector converted diagrams, the component information imbedded therein typically is in a form suitable for automatic identification. Accordingly, the main data set 20 includes information that enables the program to move from one diagram to the next, displaying the same component, as directed by the menu or other choices of a user. The stack of diagrams 92 is exemplary of this feature. In that regard, diagram 94 of a circuit schematic corresponds to diagram 96 of a circuit board diagram. Diagrams 98 and 100, in turn, are two parts of the same diagram and, therefore, are preferably placed adjacent each other in stack 92. Corresponding to diagrams 98 and 100, respectively, are diagrams 102 and 104 which comprise circuit board diagrams. Recording the information about individual components creates a custom grid system of locations for the various components, even when the original diagram does not include such a grid system. Moreover, the recorded information cross-references schematic diagrams to circuit diagrams. Component identity and component coordinates on the screen, and within individual diagrams, are also cross-referenced. Further, the programmer-selected default display of that component (including zoom factor, for example) is also stored associated to that component. Accordingly, a user of the system is enabled, such as by simple menu choices, to locate particular portions of a diagram or components therein, or both, and to quickly gain further information regarding such portions and/or components, such as by cross-referencing to written descriptions or other diagrams. A user of a system of the invention does not generally execute the programming of Figure 3. Rather, such programming steps are accomplished during a programming phase for creating the system. The user of the system is then simply presented with the completed service manual in a suitable computer format, that results from the programming. A significant advantage of the invention is the ability for a user, such as a service technician, to access the information in the service manual according to nature of the actual problem. For example, if a customer's television produces no sound, the system and method hereof enables the service technician to access the appropriate electronic manual and, by making one or more selections, to quickly determine whether guidelines are available for effecting an appropriate repair. In this invention, fault information preferably is placed within a fault database 106 as illustrated in Figure 5. The fault database includes a problem identifier portion 108, a memo field 1 10 and an additional view field 1 12. The problem identifier portion 108 enables the user to choose among several known problems associated with the particular device. For each problem provided in the problem identifier portion 108, a separate memo field 60 may be provided. Each memo field 60 may identify and describe the problem in such manner that the service technician can compare the information therein with the defects such as reported by a customer, or identified by some preliminary performance tests conducted by the technician. The additional view field 112 provides further information, such as diagrams, clips or other tutorial material to assist the technician. For example, the field 112 can provide illustration of how to add additional circuit components or how to change circuit boards, which procedures generally are not illustrated in the original drawings of the service manual. Accordingly, providing a fault database 106 enables a user to find solutions of a problem the user making one or more choices, e.g., menu selections. Fault databases may be incorporated into the main data set 20, or may be provided separately. A separate database 106 is preferred, because such structure enables manufacturers to augment or supplement the main data set 20 upon becoming aware of each new problem with a product, particularly after the product has been on the market. In that regard, the fault database 106 preferably is updated periodically by providing update information to the user on floppy disks or via online transmission, or otherwise. Preferably, the user ultimately controls inputting that information into the fault database. Another advantage of the invention is that diagrams can be updated with or without replacing the existing diagrams in the main stack 22 or the main data set 20. It is possible to augment the main data set 20 and therefore, the service manual, with optional accessory and/or supporting programs. Such programs preferably are stored in the database of Figure 1. One example is a price information program that may include pricing information regarding various components, as well as current commercial availability and potential substitutes. The invention allows to combine various forms of technical information in one easily-manipulated source. Having such variety of technical information combined and available in an inter-related and cross-referenced structure, provides great advantages over prior systems. Figure 6 illustrates a display on a monitor 164 having a viewing screen 166. A portion of circuit schematic diagram 168 is shown. The display 166 has a maximum X dimension 170 and a maximum Y dimension 172. The upper left-hand corner 174 preferably is used as origin of the display, defined as having an X coordinate value of zero and a Y coordinate value of zero. The screen units defining the size of the screen's grid are referred to as screen pixels, while the display unit of the image displayed on the screen are referred to as image pixels. The diagrams stored in the main database have a defined grid size, which is made up of programmed diagram units. The image pixels are related to the programmed diagrams units by the zoom factor. The programmed diagram units are set during the programming phase. The screen grid size varies depending on the particular computer that is used, with the number of screen pixels being set by the size of the screen. This invention enables the user to zoom in or out in order to select less or more of a particular diagram for viewing. A user may pan or move around within a displayed diagram. A dynamic zoom feature preferably is provided in a Windows™ environment. The dynamic zoom feature may be effected by actuating a predetermined mouse button and moving the mouse in a predetermined direction, so as to automatically increase the zoom factor. The dynamic zoom feature preferably zooms in and out as to the displayed components located about a central portion of the screen. In Figure 6, for example, depressing the left mouse button and moving the mouse to the right zooms in such that component 173 becomes larger on the screen. Similarly, depressing the left mouse button and moving the mouse to the left zooms out, such that more of the display around component 173 is shown. In this feature, the graphics engine preferably is programmed accordingly. Now, if a service technician wants to zoom in on capacitor 175 in Figure 6. With the display as illustrated, the dynamic zoom, just described, will not achieve the result desired. One option would be to pan over in the circuit diagram in order to place the capacitor 175 in the center of the screen and then use the dynamic zoom feature as described above. Alternatively, the invention enables a user to select an individual component such as capacitor 175, and to zoom in or out on that component and, in doing so, to display whatever amount of the surrounding circuitry desirable fits in the screen in light of the selected amount of zoom. More specifically, under this alternative feature, the user manipulates the mouse cursor 176 to place it on the capacitor 175, or another component. Once the mouse cursor is appropriately placed, the user triggers the zoom by exercising a predetermined operation, e.g. , double-clicks the left mouse button. The program then automatically zooms in or out on that component at a preselected zoom rate. If selectable, the zoom rate is set by the user when configuring the program for use. One or more zoom rates can be set, each associated with a separate triggering operation and direction of zoom. Along with zooming on the selected component, the program automatically centers the selected component in the screen 166, and provides for returning directly to the zoom factor prevailing prior to triggering any zoom operation, e.g. , by double-clicking the right mouse button. The position of the mouse cursor 176 on the screen is recognized by the graphics engine, defined in terms of the screen pixels. The program converts screen pixel values into image pixel values to determine the location of the mouse cursor within the displayed diagram at the current zoom rate. The preselected zoom factor associated with a double-click procedure determines the size of the expanded view of the selected component. The broken-lined box 177 in Figure 6 is an example of the amount of the display that will be shown when the zoom is completed. The dimensions of box 177 are referred to as the crop width of the display. The crop width is proportional to the zoom factor. Because the zoom factor is known, the crop width is also known. The graphics engine subtracts one-half of the X crop width from the mouse location in image pixels, and also subtracts one-half of the Y crop width from the mouse location in image pixels. The resulting X and Y values define the upper left-hand corner of the display after the zoom is completed. Accordingly, the location 178 is moved to the origin point 174. Further, the crop width of box 177 is made equal to the width of the screen (dimensions 170 and 172). This procedure moves the capacitor 175 to the center the screen and enlarges the image thereof. Further, the program automatically corrects the zoomed-in view to avoid having the display omit any part of the diagram. Referring now to Figure 7, assume that the screen 190 has a grid size of 1 ,000 by 1,000 screen pixels, and that a component is located at the screen location 192 and that the user desires to zoom in on that component by the double-click procedure. Assume further that the preselected zoom factor will result in a crop width shown as box 194 illustrated in broken lines in Figure 7. In such case, the upper left-hand corner 196 of the box 194 is outside of the screen 190. Accordingly, in determining the X and Y coordinates of the corner 196, the value of the X coordinate will be negative when converted to screen pixels. In order to place the component 192 in the center of the screen after the zoom is completed, the graphics engine converts the initial calculation of the upper left-hand corner 196 into a value of (0,Y) in screen pixels by adding the appropriate amount of units in the X direction to every point within the crop box 194, where the addition to the X value of each coordinate is made in image pixel units. The Y value of the origin after zooming defined by the value of the upper line defined by box 194. Assume now that the user desires to zoom in on a component located at 198 in Figure 7, and that the zoom factor would result in a crop box 200. The zoom width of the crop box 200 is assumed to be 400 image pixels. Because the screen 190 is assumed to have a maximum height and width of 1 ,000 screen pixels, the difference between the zoom width and the maximum image width thereby is 600 screen pixels. In the absence of compensation, performing the converting calculations on all of the locations within crop box 200 results in the portion of the image 202 being off the screen and component 19 not being centered in the screen. Now, the graphics engine preferably is programmed to compensate. A preferred compensation has maximum X and Y values being determined by subtracting the zoom width from the image width. In this case, the maximum X and Y values are both 600 (i.e., 1000-400 screen pixels). As the image pixels of the portion of the diagram within the crop box are converted to screen pixels, the coordinates are compared to determine if any X or Y values are greater than maximum X or Y values. Here, the portion of the crop box 202 would have X value greater than 600 after the conversion. Therefore, the graphics engine converts or adjusts the image pixels such that the maximum X value is equal to 600. After the adjustment, the image pixels are converted into screen pixels, the zoom being complete. The same or similar zoom correction functions are applied during a dynamic zoom operation. The system also provides for dynamically panning throughout a displayed diagram. This may be accomplished by depressing the right mouse button and moving the mouse cursor about the screen in whatever direction or directions the user desires. The system also prevents the user from panning off the edge of the diagram. If a graphics display program would permit a user to effectively move around the display, it is possible to pass off of the edge of a diagram such that a portion of the screen becomes blank, no longer including any part of the diagram. In a preferred embodiment, this is prevented because, as the user selects movement by moving the mouse cursor about the screen, the graphics engine constantly compares the desired movement with the maximum X and Y values to determine whether the user is moving off of a diagram. Referring again to Figure 7, the maximum value of the screen pixels in the X and Ϋ directions are generally known, e.g., 1,000 in this example. The overall grid size of the diagram has been recorded during the programming. Moreover, coordinates of a current display are known in image pixels. As such, the relationship between maximum screen size and the diagram size is known, given the current zoom rate. Accordingly, as the user moves through the diagram at any zoom rate, the graphics engine continuously monitors the edges of the screen so as to determine when the edge of the diagram is reached on screen. Preferably, the graphics engine monitors the upper left corner of the screen in screen pixels. The graphics engine, upon detecting that an edge of the diagram has been reached, blocks the user from moving further in that direction, even if the mouse button is kept depressed and the mouse moved in that direction. In Figure 6, the circuit 168 includes two connector points or hot spots 206 and 208. These points indicate that the circuit, which terminate at such points in the diagram, continues in another portion of the same diagram or in a second diagram. This invention enables the user to move automatically from one connector point to one or more corresponding connector points. The connector point feature may be implemented by first selecting the feature from a menu option, and so that the user triggers this feature's function by positioning the mouse cursor 176 in association with the connector point 206 and then exercises a predetermined operation, e.g., a click on a mouse button. This switches the display from that shown in Figure 6 to the other portion of that diagram, or to the second diagram, as the case may be, so as to display another point corresponding to the connector point 206. The feature preferably includes some indication that the switch has occurred, e.g. , an audible or visual cue, such as a flashing box associated with the new connector point. Programming this connector point feature is accomplished when the main data 20 is created. Alternatively, the connector point can be programmed for any particular diagram diagrams other than at such data set creation. In any case, the connector point information preferably is stored in the separate hot spots database 30. Alternatively, the connector point information can be integrated into the main data set 20 and, if so, preferably within the location database 24. The connector points are created by first identifying the location on the diagram that requires a connector point. In a Windows™ environment, the mouse cursor 176 can be used to identify each such location. A selected label, such as the rectangle shown, is preferably drawn about the so-located connector point, the label having selected dimensions for a default display value. That location is then recorded in the database(s) established for connector point information. The programmer then moves to the other portion a the diagram or the second diagram, as the case may be, and repeats the process to mark the corresponding connector point and to draw the selected label about that point. Then these two points are linked as corresponding to each other. Two or more connector points can be linked. Where multiple connector points are linked, the program preferably moves from the first to the second, to the third, to the fourth, and so on until the last connector point has been reached, whereupon the program returns to the first point. By comparison, where only two connector points are linked, clicking on the first point will move the display to the second point and clicking on the second point will move the display to the first point. Programming the connector points, for example, into the hot spots database 30 can be accomplished using various commercially available systems. Providing connector points enables a service technician to easily, quickly and accurately move about a circuit. A database protection scheme preferably is implemented to prevent improper use or copying of information. Each database preferably is encrypted. The graphics engine is enabled to decrypt the databases, such that databases will not work if sought to be used with any other engine than the one originally provided. Copy protection is achieved using either proprietary or commercially available programs, such as the program distributed by AZ-TECH Software, Inc. , identified by the Everlock brand. The Everlock program generally is used to limit the licensed users to loading the software program on only one computer at a time. Other protection systems are known in the art. The service manual databases are stored and accessible in various channels and media, such as by floppy disk, CD-ROM, modem or otherwise. In all of these media and channels, the databases preferably are provided to a user in compressed form. In such case, databases are decompressed for use. Both diagrams and text generally are in compressed form.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. A system for accessing and using technical data, comprising: a data set containing the technical data including identifying information identifying each of a plurality of items, descriptive information describing each of said plurality of items, a plurality of diagrams each containing selected ones of said plurality of items, each said item on each diagram having a specified diagram location, and linking information linking said identifying information, said descriptive infoπnation and said diagram location for each of said items; a control module for controlling access to said data set; and an interface device for interfacing with said control module to locate a selected one of said items in said data set on one of said diagrams or through one of said identifying information or through said descriptive information and wherein said control module automatically accesses the other said identifying or descriptive information and any of said diagrams containing said selected item through said linking information in response to said interface device, and wherein said data set and said control module are stored in computer memory. 2. The system of claim 1 , wherein some of said items are repeated on more than one of said diagrams and wherein said linking information further links any of said diagrams that contain said repeated items and wherein said control module automatically accesses said diagram location for each said item on said linked diagrams in response to said interface device. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the technical data describes electronic products, items are electronic component parts of said products, and said diagrams include schematic diagrams and printed circuit board diagrams illustrating an arrangement of said component parts and wherein said linking information links schematic diagrams with printed circuit diagrams containing the same component parts. 4. The system of claim 1 , wherein said technical data describes electronic products, items are electronic component parts of said products and said data set further comprises instructional information describing how to remedy known fault conditions for a preselected product and pertinent component parts of the product and wherein said linking information further links said instructional information to said diagram locations for said pertinent component part and to said descriptive and identifying information for said pertinent component parts. 5. A method of arranging a computer memory to contain technical data including diagrams having a plurality of items on each diagram, comprising the steps of: (A) identifying each of the items on each diagram and assigning a unique identifier to each item; (B) describing each of the items identified in step (A) with descriptive information; (C) locating each item on the diagrams and determining a diagram location for each it on each diagram; and (D) linking the diagram locations from step (C) to the identifiers from step (A) and the descriptive information from step (B) for each item, whereby the technical data pertaining to each item is accessible by one of the identifier, or by the descriptive information, or by the diagram location, and wherein access to the other two are automatically available. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the technical data describes an electronic product and wherein the items are electronic component parts of the product and the method further comprises determining a condition regarding the product; determining a procedure for handling the condition including identifying which of the items are involved in the procedure; describing the procedure; and linking the procedure description to the diagram locations for the items involved in the procedure. 7. A method of manipulating a computer generated visual display of a plurality of components on a diagram, comprising the steps of: (A) selecting a component within a current display having predetermined display dimensions; manipulated; (B) determining the location of the component on the current display; (C) determining a manipulation factor that defines how the current display is to be (D) determining dimensions of a manipulated display, using the current display dimensions from step (A) and the manipulation factor from step (C); (E) placing the component selected in step (A) in the center of the manipulated display using the dimensions determined in step (D); and (F); displaying the manipulated display in place of the current display from step (A). 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the display is shown on a visual monitor associated with the computer that has known dimensions and wherein step (F) is performed by the substep determining whether the manipulated display will fit within the dimensions of the visual monitor using the dimensions determined in step (D), and modifying the .manipulated display to fit with the dimensions of the visual monitor while maintaining the component selected in step (A) in the center of the manipulated display. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the visual monitor dimensions are defined in monitor units and the dimensions of the manipulated display are defined in display units and wherein the manipulated display is modified by determining maximum display dimensions, using the manipulation factor from step (C) and the known dimensions of the visual monitor, converting the value of the manipulated display dimensions from display units into monitor units and then adjusting the value of the manipulated display dimensions to be within the maximum display dimensions in monitor units. 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the manipulated dimensions include a width and height and wherein step (E) is performed by determining one-half of the height and one-half of width and defining the location corresponding to one-half of the height and one-half of the width as the center of the manipulated display and assigning the selected component a display location that corresponds to the center of the manipulated display.

Inventors: DUNN CHESTER F, DUNN, CHESTER, F.
Applicants: PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV, PHILIPS NORDEN AB, PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: G06F12
IPC codes: G06F12, G06F17, G06Q30, G06Q50