Graphical system for modelling a process and associated method

Patent 5732277 Issued on March 24, 1998. Estimated Expiration Date:

June 7, 2015. 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

National Instruments Corporation

Application

No. 477073 filed on 06/07/1995

US Classes:

717/125, Having interactive or visual717/132, Using program flow graph717/134Including emulation

Examiners

Primary: Pan, Daniel H.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Conley, Rose & Tayon, Hood; Jeffrey C.

International Classes

G06F 009/06
G06F 009/455
133
135
326
340
703
335

Abstract

A method for programming a computer to execute a procedure is based on a graphical interface which utilizes data flow diagrams to represent the procedure. The method stores a plurality of executable functions, scheduling functions, and data types. A data flow diagram is assembled in response to the user input utilizing icons which correspond to the respective executable functions, scheduling functions, and data types which are interconnected by arcs on the screen. A panel, representative of an instrument fron panel having input and output formats is likewise assembled for the data flow diagram. An executable program is generated in response to the data flow diagram and the panel utilizing the executable functions, scheduling functions, and data types stored in the memory. Furthermore, the executable functions may include user defined functions that have been generated using the method for programming. In this manner, a hierarchy of procedures is implemented, each represented by a data flow diagram.

Other References

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