Abstract: A line probe function within an iconic programming system. During execution of the iconic program, the user of the system can use mouse or keyboard input to select the line probe function. When selected, the line probe stops the processing of the iconic system and displays a message asking the user to select a connecting line, an icon input terminal, or an icon output terminal. When the user selects one of these, the line probe obtains information from the object about data the object contains. The line probe then creates a dialog box on the windowing system used by the iconic programming system, displays the information along with a pushbutton, and waits for user input. The user may input data to modify the information displayed, and when the user clicks on the pushbutton, the line probe erases the dialog box and continues processing the iconic program.

Abstract: An iconic programming system allowing a user to specify data input constraints and names for any terminal of any icon of an iconic network program defined within the system. The system allows names of any length and allows a programmer to change the names at any time after the iconic network is created. The system further provides a facility to lock the names so that they cannot be changed later.

Abstract: A system that allows a user of an iconic programming system to specify data input constraints on any terminal of any icon of an iconic network program defined within the system. When adding connecting lines between icons during program creation, the iconic programming system verifies that any input constraints defined for an input terminal match the data type and shape of the data being sent by an output terminal. If a mismatch occurs, the system will allow a connection only if a method is available for converting the type and shape of the data. During the execution of the iconic network program, the constraints for each input terminal are compared to the type and shape of data being received on the terminal. Processing will continue only if the constraints match or the data can be converted.