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 front 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.

Abstract: A computer system is programmed by a user to perform dataflow computations by constructing a dataflow block diagram that utilizes function icons. At least a subset of the function icons are polymorphic with respect to data type and with respect to data aggregation. A polymorphic function icon is executed by performing a single mathematical operation when its inputs are scalars, while the same icon is executed on an element when its inputs are arrays or a scalar and an array. With cluster inputs, the polymorphic function icon is executed on a component by component basis. Output types of polymorphic function icons are determined by their input types prior to executing the diagram. The system automatically constructs a connection diagram consisting of an icon with connection points that are labelled with the names of associated front panel controls and indicators. A front panel control can be hidden to make the associated control value a constant.

Abstract: A graphical system for executing a process or for programming a computer to execute the process is based on graphical programming techniques. Techniques include composing a graphical front panel of an instrument which provides a means for the user to provide input and monitor outputs of the process, composing a data flow diagram using graphical representations of data flow structures, and in response to the data flow diagram and the panel diagram, composing a sequence of execution instructions to carry out the diagrammed process in response to inputs provided by the panel to supply outputs displayed by the panel. The system is based on libraries of executable functions and variable types having corrresponding icons. The user selects icons which have corresponding entries in the libraries to assemble the diagrams.

Abstract: A method for programming a computer system having a display console for displaying inages to control at least one of a virtual instrument and an instrument by the steps of displaying on the screen at least one first function-icon that references at least one first control module for controlling at least one first function; displaying on the screen at least one iteration-icon that references iteration control module 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; assembling on the screen a panel 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-ion, such that the diagram displays a first procedure f

Abstract: A method for programming a computer system having a display console for displaying images to control at least one of a virtual instrument and an instrument by the steps of displaying on the screen at least one first function-icon that references at least one first control module for controlling at least one first function; displaying on the screen at least one iteration-icon that references iteration control module 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