Method for emulating a Boolean network system

Claim 1

A method for emulating a Boolean network system having a plurality of input variables and a plurality of logic controlled outputs, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of inputs, each input adapted to be identified with a user selected one of the input variables to the Boolean network system, each input further adapted to assume a user selected logic state, said step comprising the steps of: (i) providing each input as a manually controlled switch; (ii) providing circuitry in association with each switch such that the switch is user operable to produce either a low or a high logic level signal; and, (iii) providing a visual display for identifying to a user the Boolean network input variable each switch represents; (b) providing a plurality of output indicators, each output indicator adapted to be identified with a user selected one of the logic controlled outputs of the Boolean network, each indicator providing an indication of the logic state applied thereto; and (c) providing logic control means, said logic control means being programmable by a user to define a Boolean functional relationship between the user selected inputs and outputs such that the logic control means responds to the user selected logic states at the selected inputs to apply appropriate states to the selected outputs in accordance with a programmed Boolean functional relationship.

Claim 2

A method for emulating a Boolean network system having a plurality of input variables and a plurality of logic controlled outputs, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of inputs, each input adapted to be identified with a user selected one of the input variables to the Boolean network system, each input further adapted to assume a user selected logic state, said step comprising the steps of: (i) providing each input as a manually controlled switch; (ii) providing circuitry in association with each switch such that the switch is user operable to produce either a low or a high logic level signal; and, (iii) providing a visual display for identifying to a user the Boolean network input variable each switch represents; (b) providing a plurality of output indicators, each output indicator adapted to be identified with a user selected one of the logic controlled outputs of the Boolean network, each indicator providing an indication of the logic state applied thereto; and (c) providing logic control means, said logic control means being programmable by a user to define a Boolean functional relationship between the user selected inputs and outputs such that the logic control means responds to the user selected logic states at the selected inputs to apply appropriate states to the selected outputs in accordance with a programmed Boolean functional relationship.