Block diagram editor system and method for controlling electronic instruments

Patent 4868785 Issued on September 19, 1989. Estimated Expiration Date:

January 27, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Assignee

Tektronix, Inc.

Application

No. 07/007234 filed on 01/27/1987

US Classes:

345/440Graph generating

Examiners

Primary: Harkcom, Gary V.
Assistant: Lynt, Christopher H.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

International Classes

G06F 9/44 (20060101)
G06F 17/50 (20060101)
G06F 3/033 (20060101)
G01R 31/28 (20060101)
G01R 31/319 (20060101)

Abstract

A block diagram editor system and method is implemented in a computer workstation that includes a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) and a mouse, graphics and windowing software, and an external communications interface for test instruments. The computer is programmed for constructing, interconnecting and displaying block diagrams of functional elements on the CRT. From prestored routines for each functional element, the software assembles and executes a program that emulates the functional operations of each element and transfers data from output from each element in turn to an input of a succeeding block, as determined by the block diagram configuration. The block functions include signal generating and analysis functions, and functions for control of various types of test instruments, which can be interactively controlled through the CRT and mouse. The computer converts desired outputs of the instruments into control settings and receives, analyzes and displays data from the instruments. Blocks can also be grouped into macroblocks.