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- From: PILCH Hartmut phm@a2e.de
- Subject: [Patents] EPO blocks visualisation of processes
- Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2000 15:07:45 +0100 (CET)
EP0242131
Graphical system for modelling a process and associated method
NAT INSTR INC
It seems to be forbidden in Europe to visualise functions by individually
representing their in- and output parameters as graphical objects and
allowing the user to iterate and thereby generate a flow chart:
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for programming a computer system including means for
displaying images to control at least one of a virtual instrument and
an instrument, the method comprising the steps of: displaying on the
screen at least one first function-icon that references at least one
first control means for controlling at least one first function;
displaying on the screen at least one iteration-icon that references
iteration control means for controlling multiple iterations of data
flow; displaying on the screen at least one first input variable-icon
that references at least one first input variable; displaying on the
screen at least one first output variable-icon that references at
least one first output variable and assembling on the screen a first
acyclic data flow diagram including the at least one first
function-icon and the at least one iteration-icon and the at least one
first input variable-icon and the at least one first output
variable-icon, such that the diagram displays a first procedure for
producing at least one value for the at least one first output
variable-icon from at least one value for the at least one first input
variable-icon, and such that the at least one iteration-icon in the
diagram indicates multiple iterations of the at least one first
function in the course of the first procedure.
2. The method of claim 1 and further comprising the step of:
assembling on the screen a first front panel including the at least
one first input variable-icon and the at least one first output
variable-icon.
3. The method of claim 2 and further comprising the step of:
simultaneously displaying on the screen the first front panel and the
first data flow diagram.
4. The method of claim 2 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon; after assigning at least one value for each at least
one first input variable-icon, producing at least one value for the at
least one first output variable-icon from the at least one assigned
value for each at least one first input variable-icon.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein said step of assigning includes the
steps of: displaying said first front panel; setting the at least one
first input variable-icon to display the at least one assigned value.
6. The method of claim 5 and further including the step of: displaying
the at least one produced value in conjunction with the at least one
first output variable-icon.
7. The method of claim 4 wherein said step of producing at least one
value for the at least one first output variable-icon includes using
said at least one first control means to control the first function.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein said step of producing at least one
value for the at least one output variable-icon includes using the
iteration control means to control multiple iterations of data flow to
the at least one first control means.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of assembling on the screen
the first diagram includes: arranging on the screen the at least one
first function-icon and the at least one iteration-icon such that in
the first diagram the at least one first function-icon is displayed on
the screen adjacent to the at least one iteration-icon.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram includes: arranging on the screen the at
least one first function-icon and the at least one iteration-icon such
that in the first diagram the at least one first function-icon is
displayed on the screen substantially inside the at least one
iteration-icon.
11. The method of claim 1 and further comprising the step of:
selecting the at least one first control means.
12. The method of claim 11 and further comprising the step of
selecting the iteration control means.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein: said steps of selecting the at
least one first control means and selecting the at least one iteration
control means are performed automatically in the course of said steps
of displaying on the screen the at least one first function-icon and
displaying on the screen the at least one iteration-icon and
assembling on the screen the first diagram.
14. The method of claims 12 or 13 wherein said first control means and
said iteration control means are substantially implemented in
software.
15. The method of claim 12 and further comprising the steps of:
reserving first input variable space in memory of the computer system
corresponding to the at least one first input variable-icon; and
reserving first output variable space in memory of the computer system
corresponding to the selected at least one first output variable-icon.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein: said step of reserving first input
variable space is performed automatically in the course of said steps
of displaying the at least one first input variable-icon and
assembling on the screen the first diagram; and said step of reserving
first output variable space is performed automatically in the course
of said steps of displaying the at least one first output
variable-icon and assembling on the screen the first diagram.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram further includes the steps of displaying on
the screen at least one first input arc between the at least one first
input variable-icon and at least one of the at least one first
function-icon and the at least one iteration-icon; and displaying on
the screen at least one first output arc between the at least one
first output variable-icon and at least one of the at least one first
function-icon and the at least one iteration-icon; and further
comprising the steps of: forming first input means for moving
respective input values for the at least one first input variable
between the at least one first input variable space and at least one
of the at least one first control means and the iteration control
means.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein: said step of forming first input
means is performed automatically in the course of said step of
displaying on the screen the at least one first input arc.
19. The method of claim 18 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon; storing in the reserved first input variable space each
at least one assigned value; after said steps of assigning and storing
at least one value for each at least one first input variable-icon,
moving each at least one value for the at least one first input
variable-icon from the reserved first input variable space to at least
one of the at least one first control means and the iteration control
means using the first input means; after said steps of assigning and
storing at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon, producing at least one value for the at least one first
output variable-icon using the at least one first control means to
control the first function and using the iteration control means to
control multiple iterations of data flow to the at least one first
control means; and storing each produced value for the at least one
first output variable-icon in the reserved first output variable
space.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein:the at least one first control
means and the iteration control means and the first input means are
substantially implemented in software.
21. The method of claim 15 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon; storing in the reserved first input variable space each
at least one assigned value; after said steps of assigning and storing
at least one value for each at least one first input variable-icon,
producing at least one value for the at least one first output
variable-icon; and storing each value for the at least one first
output variable in the reserved first output variable space.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein: said step of storing each at least
one assigned value is performed automatically in the course of said
step of assigning.
23. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram further includes the steps of displaying at
least one first input arc between the at least one first input
variable-icon and at least one of the at least one first function-icon
and the at least one iteration-icon and displaying on the screen at
least one first output arc between the at least one first output
variable-icon and at least one of the at least one first function-icon
and the at least one iteration-icon.
24. A method for programming a computer system including display means
for displaying images to control at least one of a virtual instrument
and an instrument, the method comprising the steps of: displaying on
the screen at least one first function-icon that references at least
one first control means for controlling at least one first function;
displaying on the screen at least one second function-icon that
references at least one second control means for controlling at least
one second function; displaying on the screen at least one
conditional-icon that references conditional control means for
controlling conditional branching of data flow; displaying on the
screen at least one first input variable-icon that references at least
one first input variable; displaying on the screen at least one first
output variable-icon that references at least one first output
variable; and assembling on the screen a first acyclic data flow
diagram including the at least one first function-icon and the at
least one second function-icon and the at least one conditional-icon
and the at least one first input variable-icon and the at least one
first output variable-icon, such that the diagram displays a first
procedure for producing at least one value for the at least one first
output variable-icon from at least one value for the at least one
first input variable-icon, and such that the at least one
conditional-icon in the diagram indicates a conditional branching of
data flow to at least one of the at least one first function and the
at least one second function in the course of the first procedure.
25. The method of claim 24 and further comprising the step of:
assembling on the screen a first front panel including the at least
one first input variable-icon and the at least one first output
variable-icon.
26. The method of claim 25 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon; after assigning at least one value for each at least
one first input variable-icon, producing at least one value for the at
least one first output variable-icon from the at least one assigned
value for each at least one first input variable-icon.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein said step of assigning includes the
steps of: displaying said first front panel; setting the at least one
first input variable-icon to display the at least one assigned value.
28. The method of claim 27 and further including the step of:
displaying the at least one produced value in conjunction with the at
least one first output variable-icon.
29. The method of claim 26 wherein said step of producing at least one
value for the at least one first output variable-icon includes at
least one of: using said at least one first control means to control
the first function; and using the at least one second control means to
control the second function.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein said step of producing at least one
value for the at least one output variable-icon includes using the
conditional control means to control conditional branching data flow
to at least one of the at least one first control means and the at
least one second control means in the course of the first procedure.
31. The method of claim 25 and further comprising the step of:
simultaneously displaying on the screen the first front panel and the
first data flow diagram.
32. The method of claim 24 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram includes: arranging on the screen the at
least one first function-icon and the at least one second
function-icon and the at least one conditional-icon such that in the
first diagram the at least one first function-icon is displayed on the
screen adjacent to the at least one conditional-icon and the at least
one second function-icon is displayed on the screen adjacent to the at
least one conditional-icon.
33. The method of claim 24 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram includes: arranging on the screen the at
least one first function-icon and the at least one second
function-icon and the at least one conditional-icon such that in the
first diagram the at least one first function-icon is displayed on the
screen substantially inside the at least one conditional-icon and the
at least one second function-icon is displayed on the screen
substantially inside the at least one conditional-icon.
34. The method of claim 33 and further comprising the steps of:
reserving first input variable space in memory of the computer system
corresponding to the at least one fist input variable-icon; and
reserving first output variable space in memory of the computer system
corresponding to the at least one first output variable-icon.
35. The method of claim 34 wherein: said step of reserving first input
variable space is performed automatically in the course of said steps
of displaying the at least one first input variable-icon and
assembling on the screen the first diagram; and said step of reserving
first output variable space is performed automatically in the course
of said steps of displaying the at least one first output
variable-icon and assembling on the screen the first diagram.
36. The method of claim 34 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon; storing in the reserved first input variable space each
at least one assigned value; after said steps of assigning and storing
at least one value for each at least one first input variable-icon,
producing at least one value for the at least one first output
variable-icon; and storing each produced value for the at least one
first output variable in the reserved first output variable space.
37. The method of claim 36 wherein:said step of storing each at least
one assigned value is performed automatically in the course of said
step of assigning.
38. The method of claim 34 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram further includes the steps of displaying on
the screen at least one first input arc between the at least one first
input variable-icon and at least one of the at least one first
function-icon and the at least one second function-icon and the at
least one conditional-icon; and displaying on the screen at least one
first output arc between the at least one first output variable-icon
and at least one of the at least one first function-icon and the at
least one second function-icon and the at least one conditional-icon;
and further comprising the steps of: forming first input means for
moving respective input values for the at least one first input
variable between the at least one first input variable space and at
least one of the at least one first control means and the at least one
second control means and the conditional control means.
39. The method of claim 38 wherein: said step of forming first input
means is performed automatically in the course of said step of
displaying on the screen the at least one first input arc.
40. The method of claim 38 wherein: the at least one first control
means and the at least one second control means and the conditional
control means and the first input means are substantially implemented
in software.
41. The method of claim 38 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon; storing in the reserved first input variable space each
at least one assigned value; after said steps of assigning and storing
at least one value for each at least one first input variable-icon,
moving each at least one value for the at least one first input
variable-icon from the reserved first input variable space to at least
one of the at least one first control means the at least one second
control means and the conditional control means using the first input
means; after said steps of assigning and storing at least one value
for each at least one first input variable-icon, producing at least
one value for the at least one first output variable-icon using at
least one of a step using the at least one first control means to
control the first function and a step of using the at least one second
control means to control the second function; after said steps of
assigning and storing at least one value for each at least one first
input variable-icon, using the conditional control means to control
conditional branching of data flow to at least one of the at least one
first control means and the at least one second control means; and
storing each produced value for the at least one first output
variable-icon in the reserved first output variable space.
42. The method of claim 24 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram further includes the steps of displaying at
least one first input arc between the at least one first input
variable-icon and at least one of the at least one conditional-icon
and the at least one first function-icon and the at least one second
function-icon and displaying on the screen at least one first output
arc between the at least one first output variable-icon and at least
one of the at least one conditional-icon and the at least one first
function-icon and the at least one second function-icon.
43. The method of claim 24 and further comprising the step of:
selecting the at least one first control means and the at least one
second control means.
44. The method of claim 43 and further comprising the step of
selecting the conditional control means.
45. The method of claim 44 wherein: said steps of selecting the at
least one first control means and selecting the at least one second
control means and selecting the at least one conditional control means
are performed automatically in the course of said steps of displaying
on the screen the at least one first function-icon and displaying on
the screen the at least one second function-icon and displaying on the
screen the at least one conditional-icon and assembling on the screen
the first diagram.
46. The method of claims 44 or 45 wherein said first control means and
said second control means and said conditional control means are
substantially implemented in software.
47. A method for programming a computer system including means for
displaying images to control at least one of a virtual instrument and
an instrument, the method comprising the steps of: displaying on the
screen at least one first function-icon that references at least one
first control means for controlling at least one first function;
displaying on the screen at least one second function-icon that
references at least one second control means for controlling at least
one second function; displaying on the screen at least one
sequence-icon that references sequence control means for controlling
sequencing of data flow; displaying on the screen at least one first
input variable-icon that references at least one first input variable;
displaying on the screen at least one first output variable-icon that
references at least one first output variable; and assembling on the
screen a first acyclic data flow diagram including the at least one
first function-icon and the at least one second function-icon and the
at least one sequence-icon and the at least one first input
variable-icon and the at least one first output variable-icon, such
that the diagram displays a first procedure for producing at least one
value for the at least one first output variable-icon from at least
one value for the at least one first input variable-icon and such that
the at least one sequence-icon in the diagram indicates a sequencing
of the at least one first function and the at least one second
function in the course of the first procedure.
48. The method of claim 47 and further comprising the step of:
assembling on the screen a first front panel including the at least
one first input variable-icon and the at least one first output
variable-icon.
49. The method of claim 48 and further comprising the step of:
simultaneously displaying on the screen the first front panel and the
first data flow diagram.
50. The method of claim 48 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon; after assigning at least one value for each at least
one first input variable-icon, producing at least one value for the at
least one first output variable-icon from the at least one value for
each at least one first input variable-icon.
51. The method of claim 50 wherein said step of assigning includes the
steps of: displaying said first front panel; setting the at least one
first input variable-icon to display the at least one assigned value.
52. The method of claim 51 and further including the step
of:displaying the at least one produced value in conjunction with the
at least one first output variable-icon.
53. The method of claim 51 wherein said step of producing at least one
value for the at least one first output variable-icon includes the
steps of using the at least one first control means to control the
first function and using the at least one second control means to
control the second function.
54. The method of claim 53 wherein said step of producing at least one
value for the at least one output variable-icon includes using the
sequence control means to control sequencing of data flow to the at
least one first control means and the second control means.
55. The method of claim 47 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram includes: arranging on the screen the at
least one first function-icon and the at least one second
function-icon and the at least one sequence-icon such that in the
first diagram the at least one first function-icon is displayed on the
screen adjacent to the at least one sequence-icon and the at least one
second function-icon is displayed on the screen adjacent to the at
least one sequence-icon.
56. The method of claim 47 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram includes: arranging on the screen the at
least one first function-icon and the at least one second
function-icon and the at least one sequence-icon such that in the
first diagram the at least one first function-icon is displayed on the
screen substantially inside the at least one sequence-icon and the at
least one second function-icon is displayed on the screen
substantially inside the at least one sequence-icon.
57. The method of claim 47 and further comprising the steps of:
selecting the at least one first control means and the at least one
second control means.
58. The method of claim 57 and further comprising the step of
selecting the sequence control means.
59. The method of claim 58 wherein: said steps of selecting the at
least one first control means and selecting the at least one second
control means and selecting the at least one sequence control means
are performed automatically in the course of said steps of displaying
on the screen the at least one first function-icon and displaying on
the screen the at least one second function-icon and displaying on the
screen the at least one sequence-ion and assembling on the screen the
first diagram.
60. The method of claims 58 or 59 wherein said first control means and
said second control means and said sequence control means are
substantially implemented in software.
61. The method of claim 58 and further comprising the steps of:
reserving first input variable space in memory of the computer system
corresponding to the selected at least one first input variable-icon;
and reserving first output variable space in memory of the computer
system corresponding to the selected at least one first output
variable-icon.
62. The method of claim 61 wherein: said step of reserving first input
variable space is performed automatically in the course of said steps
of displaying the at least one first input variable-icon and
assembling on the screen the first diagram; and said step of reserving
first output variable space is performed automatically in the course
of said steps of displaying the at least one first output
variable-icon and assembling on the screen the first diagram.
63. The method of claim 62 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram further includes the steps of displaying on
the screen at least one first input arc between the at least one first
input variable-icon and at least one of the at least one first
function-icon and the at least one second function-icon and the at
least one sequence-icon; and displaying on the screen at least one
first output arc between the at least one first output variable-icon
and at least one of the at least one first function-icon and the at
least one second function-icon and the at least one sequence-icon; and
further comprising the steps of: forming first input means for moving
respective input values for the at least one first input variable
between the at least one first input variable space and at least one
of the at least one first control means and the at least one second
control means and the at least one sequence control means.
64. The method of claim 63 wherein: said step of forming first input
means is performed automatically in the course of said step of
displaying on the screen the at least one first input arc.
65. The method of claim 64 wherein: the at least one first control
means and the at least one sequence control means and the first input
means are substantially implemented in software.
66. The method of claim 63 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon; storing in the reserved first input variable space each
at least one assigned value; after said steps of assigning and storing
at least one value for each at least one first input variable-icon,
moving each at least one value for the at least one first input
variable-icon from the reserved first input variable space to at least
one of the at least one first control means and the at least one
second control means and the sequence control means using the first
input means; after said steps of assigning and storing at least one
value for each at least one first input variable-icon, producing at
least one value for the at least one first output variable-icon using
the at least one first control means to control the first function and
using the at least one second control means to control the second
function and using the sequence control means to control sequencing of
data flow to the at least one first control means and the at least one
second control means; and storing each produced value for the at least
one first output variable-icon in the reserved first output variable
space.
67. The method of claim 61 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon; storing in the reserved first input variable space each
at least one assigned value; after said steps of assigning and storing
at least one value for each at least one first input variable-icon,
producing at least one value for the at least one first output
variable-icon; and storing each produced value for the at least one
first output variable in the reserved first output variable space.
68. The method of claim 67 wherein: said step of storing each at least
one assigned value is performed automatically in the course of said
step of assigning.
69. The method of claim 47 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram further includes the steps of displaying at
least one first input arc between the at least one first input
variable-icon and at least one of the at least one first function-icon
and the at least one second function-icon and the at least one
sequence-icon and displaying on the screen at least one first output
arc between the at least one first output variable-icon and at least
one of the at least one first function-icon and the at least one
second function-icon and the at least one sequence-icon.
70. A method for programming a computer system including display means
fordisplaying images to control at least one of a virtual instrument
and an instrument, the method comprising the steps of: displaying on
the screen at least one first function-icon that references at least
one first control means for controlling at least one first function;
displaying on the screen at least one iteration-icon that references
iteration control means for controlling multiple iterations of data
flow; displaying on the screen at least one feedback-icon that
references feedback control means for controlling feedback of data;
displaying on the screen at least one first input variable-icon that
references at least one first input variable; displaying on the screen
at least one first output variable-icon that references at least one
first output variable; assembling on the screen at least one first
acyclic data flow diagram including the at least one first
function-icon and the at least one iteration-icon and the at least one
feedback-icon and the at least one first input variable-icon and the
at least one first output variable icon, such that the diagram
displays a first procedure for producing at least one value for the at
least one first output variable-icon from at least one value for the
at least one first input variable-icon and such that the at least one
iteration-icon in the diagram indicates multiple iterations of the at
least one first function and such that the at least one feedback-icon
in the diagram indicates that in the course of the multiple
iterations, at least one value for the at least one first output
variable-icon produced in at least one iteration of the at least one
first function is used in a subsequent iteration of the at least one
first function to produce at least one subsequent value for the at
least one first output variable-icon.
71. The method of claim 70 and further comprising the step of:
assembling on the screen a first front panel including the at least
one first input variable-icon and the at least one first output
variable-icon.
72. The method of claim 71 and further comprising the step of:
simultaneously displaying on the screen the first front panel and the
first data flow diagram.
73. A method for programming a computer system including display means
for displaying images to control at least one of a virtual instrument
and an instrument, the method comprising the steps of: providing a
function class of respective function-icons that respectively
reference respective control means for controlling respective
functions; providing a scheduling class of respective scheduling-icons
that respectively reference scheduling control means for scheduling of
data flow, wherein the class of respective scheduling icons includes,
(i) an iteration-icon that references iteration control means for
controlling multiple iterations of data flow, and (ii) a
conditional-icon that references conditional control means for
controlling conditional branching of data flow; providing a variable
class of respective variable-icons that respectively reference
respective variables, selecting at least one first function-icon from
the function class, the selected at least one first function-icon
referencing at least one first control means; selecting at least one
scheduling-icon from the scheduling class, the selected at least one
scheduling-icon referencing at least one scheduling control means;
selecting at least one first input variable-icon from the variable
class; selecting at least one first output variable-icon from the
variable class; and assembling on the screen a first acyclic data flow
diagram including the selected at least one first function-icon and
the selected at least one scheduling-icon and the at least one first
input variable-icon and the at least one first output variable-icon,
such that the diagram displays a first procedure for producing at
least one value for the at least one first output variable-icon from
at least one value for the at least one first input variable-icon and
such that the selected scheduling-icon in the diagram indicates
scheduling of the at least one first function in the course of the
first procedure.
74. The method of claim 73 and further comprising the step of:
assembling on the screen a first front panel including the at least
one first input variable-icon and the at least one first output
variable-icon.
75. The method of claim 74 and further comprising the step of:
simultaneously displaying on the screen the first front panel and the
first data flow diagram.
76. The method of claim 74 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon; after assigning at least one value for each at least
one first input variable-icon, producing at least one value for the at
least one first output variable-icon from the at least one assigned
value for each at least one first input variable-icon.
77. The method of claim 76 wherein said step of assigning includes the
steps of: displaying said first front panel; setting the at least one
first input variable-icon to display the at least one assigned value.
78. The method of claim 77 and further including the step of:
displaying the at least one produced value in conjunction with the at
least one first output variable-icon.
79. The method of claim 76 wherein said step of producing at least one
value for the at least one first output variable-icon includes using
said at least one first control means to control the first function.
80. The method of claim 79 wherein said step of producing at least one
value for the at least one output variable-icon includes using the
scheduling control means to control scheduling of data flow to the at
least one first control means.
81. The method of claim 73 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram includes: arranging on the screen the at
least one first function-icon and the at least one scheduling-icon
such that in the first diagram the at least one first function-icon is
displayed on the screen adjacent to the at least one scheduling-icon.
82. The method of claim 73 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram includes: arranging on the screen the at
least one first function-icon and the at least one scheduling-icon
such that in the first diagram the at least one first function-icon is
displayed on the screen substantially inside the at least one
scheduling-icon.
83. The method of claim 73 and further comprising the step of:
selecting the at least one first control means.
84. The method of claim 83 and further comprising the step of
selecting the at least one scheduling control means.
85. The method of claim 84 wherein: said steps of selecting the at
least one first control means and selecting the at least one
scheduling control means are performed automatically in the course of
said steps of displaying on the screen the at least one first
function-icon and displaying on the screen the at least one
scheduling-icon and assembling on the screen the first diagram.
86. The method of claims 84 or 85 wherein said first control means and
saidscheduling control means are substantially implemented in
software.
87. The method of claim 84 and further comprising the steps of:
reserving first input variable space in memory of the computer system
corresponding to the selected at least one first input variable-icon;
and reserving first output variable space in memory of the computer
system corresponding to the selected at least one first output
variable-icon.
88. The method of claim 87 wherein: said step of reserving first input
variable space is performed automatically in the course of said steps
of displaying the at least one first input variable-icon and
assembling on the screen the first diagram; and said step of reserving
first output variable space is performed automatically in the course
of said steps of displaying the at least one first output
variable-icon and assembling on the screen the first diagram.
89. The method of claim 87 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram further includes the steps of displaying on
the screen at least one first input arc between the at least one first
input variable-icon and at least one of the at least one first
function-icon and the at least one scheduling-icon; and displaying on
the screen at least one first output arc between the at least one
first output variable-icon and at least one of the at least one first
function-icon and the at least one scheduling-icon; and further
comprising the steps of: forming first input means for moving
respective input values for the at least one first input variable
between the at least one first input variable space and at least one
of the at least one first control means and the scheduling control
means.
90. The method of claim 89 wherein: said step of forming first input
means is performed automatically in the course of said step of
displaying on the screen the at least one first input arc.
91. The method of claim 89 wherein: the at least one first control
means and the scheduling control means and the first input means are
substantially implemented in software.
92. The method of claim 89 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon; storing in the reserved first input variable space each
at least one assigned value; after said steps of assigning and storing
at least one value for each at least one first input variable-icon,
moving each at least one value for the at least one first input
variable-icon from the reserved first input variable space to at least
one of the at least one first control means and the scheduling control
means using the first input means; after said steps of assigning and
storing at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon, producing at least one value for the at least one first
output variable-icon using the at least one first control means to
control the first function and using the scheduling control means to
control scheduling data flow to the at least one first control means;
and storing each value for the at least one first output variable-icon
in the reserved first output variable space.
93. The method of claim 87 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon; storing in the reserved first input variable space each
at least one assigned value; after said steps of assigning and storing
at least one value for each at least one first input variable-icon,
producing at least one value for the at least one first output
variable-icon; and storing each value for the at least one first
output variable in the reserved first output variable space.
94. The method of claim 93 wherein: said step of storing each at least
one assigned value is performed automatically in the course of said
step of assigning.
95. The method of claim 73 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram further includes the steps of displaying at
least one first input arc between the at least one first input
variable-icon and at least one of the at least one first function-icon
and the at least one scheduling-icon and displaying on the screen at
least one first output arc between the at least one first output
variable-icon and at least one of the at least one first function-icon
and the at least one scheduling-icon.
96. The method of claim 73 wherein said step of providing a scheduling
class includes providing in the scheduling class: (iii) a
feedback-icon that references feedback control means for controlling
feedback of data.
97. The method of claim 73 wherein said step of providing a scheduling
class includes providing in the scheduling class: (iv) a sequence-icon
that references sequencing control means for controlling sequencing of
data flow.
98. A method for programming a computer system including means for
displaying images on a screen to control at least one of a virtual
instrument and an instrument, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a class of respective function-icons that reference
respective control means for controlling respective functions;
selecting from the class of function-icons at least one first
function-icon that references at least one first control means for
controlling a first function; providing a class of respective
variable-icons wherein each respective variable-icon references a
respective variable; selecting at least one first input variable-icon
from the class of variable-icons; selecting at least one first output
variable-icon from the class of variable-icons; assembling on the
screen a first front panel including the at least one first input
variable-icon and the at least one first output variable-icon; and
assembling on the screen a first data flow diagram including the at
least one first function-icon and the at least one first input
variable-icon and the at least one first output variable-icon, wherein
the first diagram displays a first procedure for producing at least
one value for the at least one first output variable-icon from at
least one value for the at least one first input variable-icon.
99. The method of claim 98 and further comprising the step of: in the
course of said step of assembling on the screen said front panel,
displaying on the screen the at least one first input variable-icon
and the at least one first output variable-icon.
100. The method of claim 98 and further comprising the step of: in the
course of said step of assembling on the screen said first data flow
diagram, displaying on the screen the at least one first function-icon
and the at least one first input variable-icon and the at least one
first output variable-icon.
101. The method of claim 98 and further comprising the step of:
simultaneously displaying on the screen the first front panel and the
first data flow diagram
102. The method of claim 98 and further comprising the steps of:
assembling on the screen a first user-defined-function-icon that
displays on the screen a reference to the first diagram; selecting
from the class of function-icons at least one second function-icon
that references at least one second control means for controlling a
second function; selecting at least one second input variable-icon
from the class of variable-icons; selecting at least one second output
variable-icon from the class of variable-icons; assembling on the
screen a second front panel including the at least one second input
variable-icon and the at least one second output variable-icon; and
assembling on the screen a second data flow diagram including the
first user-defined-function-icon and the at least one second
function-icon and the at least one second input variable-icon and the
at least one second output variable-icon, wherein the second diagram
displays a second procedure for producing at least one value for the
at least one second output variable-icon from at least one value for
the at least one second input variable-icon; whereby a hierarchy of
diagrams is produced in which the first diagram is referenced by the
first user-defined-function-icon in the second diagram.
103. The method of claim 102 and further comprising the steps of:
assembling on the screen a second user-defined-function-icon that
displays on the screen a reference to the second diagram; selecting
from the class of function-icons at least one third function-icon that
references at least one third control means for controlling a third
function; selecting at least one third input variable-icon from the
class of variable-icons; selecting at least one third output
variable-icon from the class of variable-icons; assembling on the
screen a third front panel including the at least one third input
variable-icon and the at least one third output variable-icon; and
assembling on the screen a third data flow diagram including the
second user-defined-function-icon and the at least one third
function-icon and the at least one third input variable-icon and the
at least one third output variable-icon, wherein the third diagram
displays a third procedure for producing at least one value for the at
least one third output variable-icon from at least one value for the
at least one third input variable-icon; whereby a hierarchy of
diagrams is produced in which the first diagram is referenced by the
first user-defined-function-icon in the second diagram and the second
diagram is referenced by the second user-defined-function-icon in the
third diagram.
104. The method of claim 103 and further comprising the steps of:
assembling on the screen a third user-defined-function-icon that
displays on the screen a reference to the third diagram; selecting
from the class of function-icons at least one fourth function-icon
that references at least one fourth control means for controlling a
fourth function; selecting at least one fourth input variable-icon
from the class of variable-icons; selecting at least one fourth output
variable-icon from the class of variable-icons; assembling on the
screen a fourth front panel including the at least one fourth input
variable-icon and the at least one fourth output variable-icon; and
assembling on the screen a fourth data flow diagram including the
third user-defined-function-icon and the at least one fourth
function-icon and the at least one fourth input variable-icon and the
at least one fourth output variable-icon, wherein the fourth diagram
displays a fourth procedure for producing at least one value for at
least one fourth output variable-icon from at least one value for the
at least one fourth input variable-icon; whereby a hierarchy of
diagrams is produced in which the first diagram is referenced by the
first user-defined-function-icon in the second diagram and the second
diagram is referenced by the second user-defined-function-icon in the
third diagram and the third diagram is referenced by the third
user-defined-function-icon in the fourth diagram.
105. The method of claim 104 and further comprising the steps of:
assembling on the screen an (n-1)th user-defined-function-icon that
displays on the screen a reference to an (n-1)th data flow diagram,
wherein n is an integer and n.gtoreq.5; selecting at least one nth
function-icon from the class of function-icons; selecting at least one
nth input variable-icon from the class of variable-icons; selecting at
least one nth output variable-icon from the class of variable-icons;
assembling on the screen an nth front panel including the at least one
nth input variable-icon and the at least one nth output variable-icon,
and assembling on the screen an nth data flow diagram including the
(n-1)th user-defined-function-icon and the at least one nth
function-icon and the at least one nth input variable-icon and the at
least one nth output variable-icon, wherein the nth diagram displays
an nth procedure for producing at least one value for the at least one
nth output variable-icon from at least one value for the at least one
nth input variable-icon; whereby a hierarchy of diagrams is produced
in which the (n-1)th diagram is referenced by the (n-1)th
user-defined-function-icon in the nth diagram.
106. The method of claim 102 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen a first user-defined-function-icon includes the steps of:
displaying on the screen at least one panel-pattern-icon from a set of
respective panel-pattern-icons wherein each respective
panel-pattern-icon references a distinct arrangement of panels;
selecting a first panel-pattern-icon from the set of
panel-pattern-icons; displaying on the screen the first
panel-pattern-icon and the at least one first input variable-icon;
displaying on the screen the first panel-pattern-icon and the at least
one first output variable-icon; defining an association between at
least one first input panel of the first panel-pattern-icon and the at
least one first input variable-icon; and defining an association
between at least one first output panel of the first
panel-pattern-icon and the at least one first output variable-icon.
107. The method of claim 106 and further comprising the step of: in
the course of said step of defining an association between the at
least one first input panel of the first panel-pattern-icon and the at
least one first input variable-icon, displaying the defined
association between the at least one first input panel of the first
panel-pattern--icon and the at least one first input variable-icon;
and in the course of said step of defining an association between the
at least first output panel of the first panel-pattern-icon and the at
least one first output variable-icon, displaying the defined
association between the at least one first output panel of the first
panel-pattern-icon and the at least one first output variable-icon.
108. The method of claim 98 and further comprising the step of:
displaying on the the screen a first menu identifying a class of
functions that respectively correspond to the function-icons of the
class of function-icons.
109. The method of claim 98 and further comprising the steps of:
displaying on the screen a first menu identifying a class of functions
that respectively correspond to the function-icons of the class of
function-icons; and displaying on the screen a second menu identifying
a class of variables that respectively correspond to the
variable-icons of the class of variable-icons.
110. The method of claim 265 and further comprising the step
of:selecting the at least one first control means.
111. The method of claim 110 wherein: said step of selecting the at
least one first control means is performed automatically in the course
of said steps of selecting the at least one first function-icon and
assembling on the screen the first front panel and assembling on the
screen the first diagram.
112. The method of claims 110 or 111 wherein said first control means
is substantially implemented in software.
113. The method of claim 110 and further comprising the steps of:
reserving first input variable space in memory of the computer system
corresponding to the selected at least one first input variable-icon;
and reserving first output variable space in memory of the computer
system corresponding to the selected at least one first output
variable-icon.
114. The method of claim 113 wherein: said step of reserving first
input variable space is performed automatically in the course of said
steps of selecting the at least one first input variable-icon and
assembling on the screen the first front panel and assembling on the
screen the first diagram; and said step of reserving first output
variable space is performed automatically in the course of said steps
of selecting the at least one first output variable-icon and
assembling on the screen the first front panel and assembling on the
screen the first diagram.
115. The method of claim 113 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram further includes the steps of displaying on
the screen at least one first input arc between the at least one first
input variable-icon and the at least one first function-icon and
displaying on the screen at least one first output arc between the at
least one first output variable-icon and the at least one first
function-icon; and further comprising the steps of: forming first
input means for moving respective input values for the at least one
first input variable between the at least one first input variable
space and the at least one first control means.
116. The method of claim 115 wherein: said step of forming first input
means is performed automatically in the course of said step of
displaying on the screen the at least one first input arc.
117. The method of claim 115 wherein: the at least one first control
means and the first input means are substantially implemented in
software.
118. The method of claim 115 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon; storing in the reserved first input variable space each
at least one assigned value; after said steps of assigning and storing
at least one value for each at least one first input variable-icon,
moving each at least one value for the at least one first input
variable-icon from the reserved first input variable space to the at
least one first control means using the first input means; after said
steps of assigning and storing at least one value for each at least
one first input variable-icon, producing at least one value for the at
least one first output variable-icon using the at least one first
control means to control the first function; and storing each value
for the at least one first output variable-icon in the reserved first
output variable space.
119. The method of claim 113 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at least one first input
variable-icon; storing in the reserved first input variable space each
at least one assigned value; after said steps of assigning and storing
at least one value for each at least one first input variable-icon,
producing at least one value for the at least one first output
variable-icon; and storing each value for the at least one first
output variable in the reserved first output variable space.
120. The method of claim 119 wherein: said step of storing each at
least one assigned value is performed automatically in the course of
said step of assigning.
121. The method of claim 98 wherein said step of assembling on the
screen the first diagram further includes the steps of displaying at
least one first input arc between the at least one first input
variable-icon and the at least one first function-icon and displaying
on the screen at least one first output arc between the at least one
first output variable-icon and the at least one first function-icon.
122. The method of claim 98 and further comprising the steps of:
assigning at least one value for each at last one first input
variable-icon; after assigning at least one value for each at least
one first input variable-icon, producing at least one value for the at
least one first output variable-icon from the at least one value for
each at least one first input variable-icon.
123. The method of claim 122 wherein said step of assigning includes
the steps of: displaying said first front panel; and instructing the
at least one first input variable-icon to display the at least one
assigned value.
124. The method of claim 287 and further including the step of:
displaying the at least one produced value in conjunction with the at
least one first output variable-icon.
125. The method of claim 122 wherein said step of producing at least
one value for the at least one first output variable-icon includes
using said at least one first control means to control the first
function.
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Data supplied from the esp@cenet database - l2
- [Patents] EPO blocks visualisation of processes, PILCH Hartmut phm
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