Method of generating instruction sequences for controlling data flow processes

Patent 5136705 Issued on August 4, 1992. Estimated Expiration Date:

June 10, 2011. 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. 711723 filed on 06/10/1991

US Classes:

714/27Particular access structure

Examiners

Primary: Eng, David Y.
Assistant: Harrell, Robert B.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Johnson; Alexander C., Stolowitz; Micah D., Gray; Francis I.

International Class

G06F 011/00

Abstract

Computer-controlled test and measurement systems, including resources having multiple states and resources having multiple inputs, are modeled as data flow diagrams of topologically interconnected resources. A set of "tasks" are defined for changing the states of multiple-state resources and causing software resources to produce output data. Methods and apparatus, including internal and external task ordering rules, are provided to automatically interleave such tasks and implement input-ordering restrictions. Thereby, a sequence of tasks is produced to control the systems so as to assure valid data collection and protect physical resources from abuse. Data structures are illustrated for implementing the invention in an object-oriented programming environment.

Other References

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