Patents by Inventor Christopher G. Cifra

Christopher G. Cifra has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9262129
    Abstract: System and method implementing an integrated interface for multiple instruments for signal analysis, including two or more virtual instruments. The method includes a) receiving user input specifying an operation implementing at least a portion of a signal analysis function; b) performing the operation utilizing at least one of the instruments to perform the operation; c) displaying an icon comprising a graphical representation of the operation in response to the specifying; d) storing information specifying the operation; and repeating a)-d) multiple times to specify the function, thereby producing stored information representing the operations in the function, and after which multiple icons are displayed representing the operations and visually indicating the function. The operations in the function include 1) generating signals displayed in a graph, and/or 2) modifying one or more signals displayed in the graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Santori, Alain G. Moriat, Christopher G. Cifra, Richard Keene
  • Patent number: 9134895
    Abstract: A touch-gesture wiring method for connecting data flow wires to input/output terminals of nodes in a graphical program is described. The method may be implemented by a graphical programming application that executes on a mobile device that includes a touch-sensitive screen configured to receive user input as touch gestures. The method may aid the user by displaying a magnified view of the input/output terminals that makes it easier (relative to the default view of the graphical program) for the user to see the input/output terminals and/or easier to select a desired one of the input/output terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew P. Dove, Jesse M. Attas, Grant V. Macklem, Jenica A. R. Welch, Jeffrey L. Kodosky, Christopher G. Cifra, J. Adam Kemp
  • Patent number: 9047007
    Abstract: Providing zooming within a system diagram. Initially, a diagram of a system may be displayed. The diagram may include a plurality of icons representing physical components of the system. These plurality of icons may be initially displayed at a first level of magnification. User input to zoom on a first physical component in the diagram may be received. Accordingly, the first physical component may be displayed at a second level of magnification and other ones of the physical components may be displayed at a third level of magnification. The second level of magnification may be greater than the first level of magnification and the third level of magnification may be less than the first level of magnification. Alternatively, or additionally, different representations for various components of the system may be displayed in the diagram during or after the zoom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kodosky, David W Fuller, III, Jeffrey N. Correll, Mohammed Kamran Shah, Jacob Kornerup, Timothy J. Hayles, Adam K. Gabbert, Christopher G. Cifra, Jenifer M. Loy, Scott D. Postma, Richard M. Ashby, Charles E. Crain, II
  • Patent number: 9026987
    Abstract: System and method for performing program-related operations over a network via a web browser. A network connection is established between a server computer and a client computer over a network. A universal resource identifier (URI) is sent from the client computer to the server computer over the network, where the URI indicates a program, e.g., a graphical program (GP), or at least a portion of a graphical program interactive development environment (GPIDE), e.g., a graphical program editor, an execution engine, a static or dynamic analyzer, and/or compiler. The at least a portion of the GPIDE is received from the server computer over the network in response to the URI, and executed in a web browser of the client computer to perform some specified functionality with respect to the GP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher G. Cifra
  • Publication number: 20140109044
    Abstract: System and method for editing a graphical program. A graphical program is displayed on a display device. Multi-touch input is received to a multi-touch interface, where the multi-touch input specifies an edit operation in the graphical program. The edit operation is performed in the graphical program in response to the multi-touch input, and the edited graphical program is displayed on the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATEION
    Inventor: Christopher G. Cifra
  • Publication number: 20130031501
    Abstract: Providing zooming within a system diagram. Initially, a diagram of a system may be displayed. The diagram may include a plurality of icons representing physical components of the system. These plurality of icons may be initially displayed at a first level of magnification. User input to zoom on a first physical component in the diagram may be received. Accordingly, the first physical component may be displayed at a second level of magnification and other ones of the physical components may be displayed at a third level of magnification. The second level of magnification may be greater than the first level of magnification and the third level of magnification may be less than the first level of magnification. Alternatively, or additionally, different representations for various components of the system may be displayed in the diagram during or after the zoom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kodosky, David W. Fuller, III, Jeffrey N. Correll, Mohammed Kamran Shah, Jacob Kornerup, Timothy J. Hayles, Adam K. Gabbert, Christopher G. Cifra, Jenifer M. Loy, Scott D. Postma, Richard M. Ashby, Charles E. Crain, II
  • Publication number: 20130031508
    Abstract: Providing zooming within a system diagram. Initially, a diagram of a system may be displayed. The diagram may include a plurality of icons representing physical components of the system. These plurality of icons may be initially displayed at a first level of magnification. User input to zoom on a first physical component in the diagram may be received. Accordingly, the first physical component may be displayed at a second level of magnification and other ones of the physical components may be displayed at a third level of magnification. The second level of magnification may be greater than the first level of magnification and the third level of magnification may be less than the first level of magnification. Alternatively, or additionally, different representations for various components of the system may be displayed in the diagram during or after the zoom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kodosky, David W. Fuller, III, Jeffrey N. Correll, Mohammed Kamran Shah, Jacob Kornerup, Timothy J. Hayles, Adam K. Gabbert, Christopher G. Cifra, Jenifer M. Loy, Scott D. Postma, Richard M. Ashby, Charles E. Crain, II
  • Patent number: 8239824
    Abstract: System and method for performing program-related operations over a network via a web browser. A network connection is established between a server computer and a client computer over a network. A universal resource identifier (URI) is sent from the client computer to the server computer over the network, where the URI indicates a program, e.g., a graphical program (GP), or at least a portion of a graphical program interactive development environment (GPIDE), e.g., a graphical program editor, an execution engine, a static or dynamic analyzer, and/or compiler. The at least a portion of the GPIDE is received from the server computer over the network in response to the URI, and executed in a web browser of the client computer to perform some specified functionality with respect to the GP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher G. Cifra, John D. Stanhope, Duncan G. Hudson, III
  • Patent number: 8185840
    Abstract: System and method implementing an integrated interface for multiple instruments for signal analysis, including two or more virtual instruments. The method includes a) receiving user input specifying an operation implementing at least a portion of a signal analysis function; b) performing the operation utilizing at least one of the instruments to perform the operation; c) displaying an icon comprising a graphical representation of the operation in response to the specifying; d) storing information specifying the operation; and repeating a)-d) multiple times to specify the function, thereby producing stored information representing the operations in the function, and after which multiple icons are displayed representing the operations and visually indicating the function. The operations in the function include 1) generating signals displayed in a graph, and/or 2) modifying one or more signals displayed in the graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Santori, Alain G. Moriat, Christopher G. Cifra, Richard Keene
  • Publication number: 20120089935
    Abstract: System and method implementing an integrated interface for multiple instruments for signal analysis, including two or more virtual instruments. The method includes a) receiving user input specifying an operation implementing at least a portion of a signal analysis function; b) performing the operation utilizing at least one of the instruments to perform the operation; c) displaying an icon comprising a graphical representation of the operation in response to the specifying; d) storing information specifying the operation; and repeating a)-d) multiple times to specify the function, thereby producing stored information representing the operations in the function, and after which multiple icons are displayed representing the operations and visually indicating the function. The operations in the function include 1) generating signals displayed in a graph, and/or 2) modifying one or more signals displayed in the graph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Michael L. Santori, Alain G. Moriat, Christopher G. Cifra, Richard Keene
  • Publication number: 20110225524
    Abstract: System and method for editing a graphical program. A graphical program is displayed on a display device. Multi-touch input is received to a multi-touch interface, where the multi-touch input specifies an edit operation in the graphical program. The edit operation is performed in the graphical program in response to the multi-touch input, and the edited graphical program is displayed on the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher G. Cifra
  • Patent number: 7958488
    Abstract: System and method for developing a measurement program that performs a measurement function. A measurement program is created in a development environment in response to first user input, possibly including configuring a physical unit under test (UUT) with one or more parameter values. The measurement program includes icons that visually indicate the measurement function, and is executable to receive signals from the physical (UUT). Second user input is received specifying that the measurement program is to receive simulated data instead of signals from the physical UUT. In response, the development environment is configured to provide the simulated data to the measurement program, possibly including configuring the simulated data according to the parameter value(s). The configuring does not change the measurement program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher G. Cifra
  • Publication number: 20100293525
    Abstract: System and method for performing program-related operations over a network via a web browser. A network connection is established between a server computer and a client computer over a network. A universal resource identifier (URI) is sent from the client computer to the server computer over the network, where the URI indicates a program, e.g., a graphical program (GP), or at least a portion of a graphical program interactive development environment (GPIDE), e.g., a graphical program editor, an execution engine, a static or dynamic analyzer, and/or compiler. The at least a portion of the GPIDE is received from the server computer over the network in response to the URI, and executed in a web browser of the client computer to perform some specified functionality with respect to the GP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher G. Cifra
  • Publication number: 20100293522
    Abstract: System and method for performing program-related operations over a network via a web browser. A network connection is established between a server computer and a client computer over a network. A universal resource identifier (URI) is sent from the client computer to the server computer over the network, where the URI indicates a program, e.g., a graphical program (GP), or at least a portion of a graphical program interactive development environment (GPIDE), e.g., a graphical program editor, an execution engine, a static or dynamic analyzer, and/or compiler. The at least a portion of the GPIDE is received from the server computer over the network in response to the URI, and executed in a web browser of the client computer to perform some specified functionality with respect to the GP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher G. Cifra, John D. Stanhope, Duncan G. Hudson, III
  • Patent number: 7650589
    Abstract: System and method implementing function blocks for specifying and performing a signal analysis function utilizing multiple instruments, including two or more virtual instruments (VIs). Each function block includes: a function block icon for display in a graphical user interface (GUI) of a signal analysis function development environment, that visually indicates a respective signal operation; and associated program instructions executable to perform the respective operation. Each function block is selectable from the function blocks by a user for inclusion in a set of function blocks, each operable to perform their respective signal operation continuously upon selection, and to provide a respective output, operable to be displayed in the GUI, provided as input to other function blocks, and/or exported to an external device. The set of function blocks is executable to perform the signal analysis function under the signal analysis function development environment using one or more of the multiple instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher G. Cifra
  • Patent number: 7496480
    Abstract: System and method for specifying a signal analysis function. First user input is received, e.g., to a graphical user interface (GUI), indicating a parameter for a first operation implementing at least a portion of the function. The first operation is programmatically included in a sweep loop. Second user input is received specifying a sweep configuration for a sweep on the parameter. The signal includes signal data, e.g., signal plot data or tabular data. The sweep configuration includes: a range of values for the indicated parameter, a number of iterations for the sweep, an interpolation type, step size for the sweep on the indicated parameter, specific values in the range of values for the parameter, source for at least some of the sweep configuration, and/or resultant data. The sweep is performed on the parameter per the sweep configuration, generating resultant data which is stored, and optionally displayed, e.g., in the GUI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe G. Joffrain, Christopher G. Cifra, Alain G. Moriat, Christohpe A. Restat, John A. Pasquarette, J. Clinton Fletcher
  • Patent number: 7366993
    Abstract: System and method for displaying signals. First user input requesting display of a first signal is received, e.g., to a graphical user interface (GUI) comprised in a signal analysis function development environment, and the first signal programmatically analyzed in response to the first user input. A display tool operable to display the first signal is programmatically determined based on said analyzing, and the first signal displayed in the display tool, e.g., a data type of the first signal is determined, e.g., integer, floating point, Boolean, or user-defined data in a time-domain, frequency-domain, or spatial-domain, and the display tool programmatically determined based on the determined data type, e.g., via a loop-up table, where the display tool comprises an indicator operable to display the signal data. The signal comprises signal data, e.g., signal plot data, where the display tool comprises a graph, or tabular data, where the display tool comprises a table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe G. Joffrain, Christopher G. Cifra, Alain G. Moriat, Christophe A. Restat, John A. Pasquarette, J. Clinton Fletcher
  • Patent number: 7200529
    Abstract: System and method for specifying a signal analysis function. User input is received specifying a first operation implementing at least a portion of a signal analysis function. Prior operations input by the user are programmatically analyzed to determine and assign an input source for the first operation that provides a first input signal, e.g., based on inputs and their signal or data types required for the first operation, one or more prior operations are determined that provide respective output signals of the respective signal or data types, where the one or more prior operations comprise the input source, and where the respective output signals comprise the first input signal. The first operation is performed on the first input signal, producing an output signal which is then displayed on a display. The programmatically analyzing, performing, and displaying are performed for each of a plurality of first operations input by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher G. Cifra, Philippe G. Joffrain, Alain G. Moriat, Christophe A. Restat, John A. Pasquarette, J. Clinton Fletcher
  • Patent number: 7134081
    Abstract: An instrument I/O assistant and the algorithms that may be used to manage instrument responses and that may provide an instrument-centric approach to message-based instrument I/O. The instrument I/O assistant may assist the user in parsing instrument responses by offering an environment to interact with an instrument response without forcing the user to write parsing code. Embodiments may be integrated into instrumentation control programs to make instrument I/O as transparent as possible. The instrument I/O assistant may provide code generation so that the parsing of an instrument response performed in the instrument I/O assistant can be reused. The saved code for one query and response may be referred to as a query block. Two or more query blocks may be saved into a task. A task is a series of executable query blocks. The task may be executed, or alternatively code may be generated to execute the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: David W Fuller, III, Christopher G. Cifra, Thomas V. Connell, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040230945
    Abstract: System and method for invoking code-generation functionality in a graphical programming language. User input is received to a graphical program node, e.g., a configured name control for a task or channel, where the graphical program node includes a task specification that specifies hardware and/or software for performing a task. The task specification may include channel configuration information for configuring a physical analog or digital channel of a device, and timing/triggering information. A code-generation function is invoked in response to the user input, and performed, thereby generating at least a portion of a graphical program in accordance with the task specification, where the graphical program implements the task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Deborah E. Bryant, Brian M. Johnson, Christopher G. Cifra