Interactive, Orthogonal Hyperedge Routing in Schematic Diagrams Assisted by Layout Automatisms

Abstract

Schematic diagrams are used in graph-based engineering systems. They focus mainly on the structure of the design object. Graph-based engineering systems help to solve a concrete design task. This is primarily realized by the application of domain-specific languages. The layout of schematic diagrams is of particular importance, and a neat representation is desirable. But automatically generated layouts cannot always fully match the intention of a modeler. To improve automatic layouts and enable a user-specific representation, an algorithm that allows interactive changes of the orthogonal hyperedge geometry was implemented. In this paper, we present this algorithm and give an overview of such interactions. Additionally, several reductions of the hyperedge geometry are shown. Furthermore, a local, automatic routing considering interactions on the hyperedge geometry is presented. The consideration of domain-specific semantics and the possibility of interactive changes is a new approach. All algorithms were implemented in a self-developed software framework.