US5732277A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Graphical system for modelling a process and associated method
Assignee: National Instruments Corp
•
Filing: 1995-06-07
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Granted: 1998-03-24
•
Expires: 2015-06-07
Abstract
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 fron 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.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeffrey L. Kodosky
- 👤 James J. Truchard
- 👤 John E. MacCrisken
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 15:26
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09B; G09B9/00; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/28; G01R31/317; G01R31/3181; G01R31/319; G01R31/31903; G01R31/31912; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/048; G06F3/0481; G06F3/04817; G06F30/00; G06F30/20; G06F8/00; G06F8/30; G06F8/34; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S715/00; Y10S715/961; Y10S715/965; Y10S715/966; Y10S715/967; Y10S715/97
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 166
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations, wherein said iteration icon includes an interior portion; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon, wherein said displaying on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one iteration icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one iteration icon; and executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
175 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations, wherein said iteration icon includes an interior portion; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon, wherein said displaying on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one iteration icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one iteration icon; and executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one iteration icon references software executing in the computer system for performing said multiple iterations of operations.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
79 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an iteration portion which receives the number of said multiple iterations to be performed, the method further comprising: receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed; and wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one iteration icon executes for said number N of iterations.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 3, wherein said receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed comprises: displaying on the screen a number icon which represents a number; connecting said number icon to said iteration portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying on the screen a number of said multiple iterations that have been performed, wherein said displaying the number of said multiple iterations that have been performed is performed during said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program for said multiple iterations.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
133 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes: a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon; and b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value; wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b); wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 9, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is executed a first time prior to said examining; wherein step b) is performed zero or more times after said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is executed said first time.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
201 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes: a) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for a first iteration; b) examining said value currently received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon after an iteration is performed; and c) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for another iteration if said examined value is a true value, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is not executed if said examined value is a false value; wherein said examining step b) and said executing step c) are repetitively performed for zero or more iterations until said examining step b) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
154 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations, wherein said iteration icon includes an interior portion, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that have been performed; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon; receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed; and executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one iteration icon for said number N of iterations.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
154 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations, wherein said iteration icon includes an interior portion, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that have been performed; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon; receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed; and executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one iteration icon for said number N of iterations.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 12, further comprising: said index portion displaying on the screen a number of said multiple iterations that have been performed during said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program for said number N of iterations.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 12, wherein said at least one iteration icon references software executing in the computer system for performing said multiple iterations of operations.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 12, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an iteration portion which receives the number N of said multiple iterations to be performed; wherein said receiving said number N comprises said iteration portion receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 15, wherein said receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed further comprises: displaying on the screen a number icon which represents a number; and connecting said number icon to said iteration portion.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
255 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons includes arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
255 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons includes arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software executing in the computer system for performing said conditional branching of operations.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 17, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
214 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
214 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 20, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software executing in the computer system for performing said conditional branching of operations.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
228 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one sequence structure icon for controlling sequencing of operations, wherein said sequence structure icon includes a plurality of sequence icons each having an interior portion, wherein said sequence icons have an order including a first sequence icon and a last sequence icon; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons comprises arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one sequence structure icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing includes: executing said portions of the graphical program comprised in said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said portions of the graphical program are executed in said order of said sequence icons from said first sequence icon to said last sequence icon.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
228 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one sequence structure icon for controlling sequencing of operations, wherein said sequence structure icon includes a plurality of sequence icons each having an interior portion, wherein said sequence icons have an order including a first sequence icon and a last sequence icon; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons comprises arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one sequence structure icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing includes: executing said portions of the graphical program comprised in said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said portions of the graphical program are executed in said order of said sequence icons from said first sequence icon to said last sequence icon.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said at least one sequence structure icon references software executing in the computer system for controlling said sequencing of operations.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 22, wherein each of said sequence icons comprising said at least one sequence structure icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said order of said sequence icons.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
192 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one sequence structure icon for controlling sequencing of operations, wherein said sequence structure icon includes a plurality of sequence icons each having an interior portion, wherein said sequence icons have an order including a first sequence icon and a last sequence icon, wherein each of said sequence icons comprising said at least one sequence structure icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said order of said sequence icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said step of executing includes: executing said portions of the graphical program comprised in said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said portions of the graphical program are executed in said order of said sequence icons from said first sequence icon to said last sequence icon.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
192 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one sequence structure icon for controlling sequencing of operations, wherein said sequence structure icon includes a plurality of sequence icons each having an interior portion, wherein said sequence icons have an order including a first sequence icon and a last sequence icon, wherein each of said sequence icons comprising said at least one sequence structure icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said order of said sequence icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said step of executing includes: executing said portions of the graphical program comprised in said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said portions of the graphical program are executed in said order of said sequence icons from said first sequence icon to said last sequence icon.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 25, wherein said at least one sequence structure icon references software executing in the computer system for controlling said sequencing of operations.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 25, further comprising: arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one sequence structure icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
202 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon, wherein said displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one loop structure icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
202 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon, wherein said displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one loop structure icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
82 words
The method of claim 28, wherein said at least one loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed; the method further comprising: said index portion displaying a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon has been executed during said executing said graphical program.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 28, further comprising: connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one loop structure icon.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
88 words
The method of claim 28, wherein said executing said graphical program includes: a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said loop structure icon; and b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value; wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
249 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon, wherein said displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one loop structure icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing includes: a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said loop structure icon; and b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value; wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
249 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon, wherein said displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one loop structure icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing includes: a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said loop structure icon; and b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value; wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 32, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b); wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 32, wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 34, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon is executed a first time prior to said examining; wherein step b) is performed zero or more times after said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon is executed said first time.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
82 words
The method of claim 32, wherein said at least one loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed; the method further comprising: said index portion displaying a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon has been executed during said executing said graphical program.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 32, further comprising: connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one loop structure icon.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
227 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said loop structure icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: a) examining a value provided to said loop structure icon; b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value, wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value; and c) said index portion displaying a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed during said executing said graphical program.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
227 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said loop structure icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: a) examining a value provided to said loop structure icon; b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value, wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value; and c) said index portion displaying a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed during said executing said graphical program.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 38, wherein said loop structure icon includes a recirculation icon which is adapted to receive a value which is either true or false; wherein said examining a value provided to said loop structure icon includes: said recirculation icon receiving said value; and examining said value received by said recirculation icon.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 39, further comprising: connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said loop structure icon.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 38, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b); wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 38, wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
190 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations, wherein said iteration icon includes an interior portion; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon, wherein said displaying on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one iteration icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one iteration icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
190 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations, wherein said iteration icon includes an interior portion; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon, wherein said displaying on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one iteration icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one iteration icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 43, wherein said at least one iteration icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said multiple iterations of operations.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
89 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 43, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an iteration portion which receives the number of said multiple iterations to be performed, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the steps of: receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed; and wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one iteration icon executes for said number N of iterations.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
45 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 45, wherein said receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed comprises: displaying on the screen a number icon which represents a number; and connecting said number icon to said iteration portion.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
60 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 43, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of: displaying on the screen a number of said multiple iterations that have been performed, wherein said displaying the number of said multiple iterations is performed during said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program for said multiple iterations.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
63 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 43, wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
135 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 43, wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes: a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon; and b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value; wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
49 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b); wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
74 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 51, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is executed a first time prior to said examining; wherein step b) is performed zero or more times after said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is executed said first time.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
203 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 43, wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes: a) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for a first iteration; b) examining said value currently received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon after an iteration is performed; and c) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for another iteration if said examined value is a true value, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is not executed if said examined value is a false value; wherein said examining step b) and said executing step c) are repetitively performed for zero or more iterations until said examining step b) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
171 words
Computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations, wherein said iteration icon includes an interior portion, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an index portion which displays a number indicating the number of iterations that have been performed; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon; receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one iteration icon for said number N of iterations.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
171 words
Computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations, wherein said iteration icon includes an interior portion, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an index portion which displays a number indicating the number of iterations that have been performed; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon; receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one iteration icon for said number N of iterations.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
48 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 54, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of: said index portion displaying on the screen a number of said multiple iterations that have been performed during said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 54, wherein said at least one iteration icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said multiple iterations of operations.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
55 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 54, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an iteration portion which receives the number N of said multiple iterations to be performed; wherein said receiving said number N comprises said iteration portion receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
45 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 57, wherein said receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed further comprises: displaying on the screen a number icon which represents a number; connecting said number icon to said iteration portion.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
271 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons includes arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
271 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons includes arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 59, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said conditional branching of operations.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 59, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
230 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
230 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 62, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said conditional branching of operations.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
247 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one sequence structure icon for controlling sequencing of operations, wherein said sequence structure icon includes a plurality of sequence icons each having an interior portion, wherein said sequence icons have an order including a first sequence icon and a last sequence icon; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons comprises arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one sequence structure icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing includes: executing said portions of the graphical program comprised in said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said portions of the graphical program are executed in said order of said sequence icons from said first sequence icon to said last sequence icon.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
247 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one sequence structure icon for controlling sequencing of operations, wherein said sequence structure icon includes a plurality of sequence icons each having an interior portion, wherein said sequence icons have an order including a first sequence icon and a last sequence icon; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons comprises arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one sequence structure icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing includes: executing said portions of the graphical program comprised in said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said portions of the graphical program are executed in said order of said sequence icons from said first sequence icon to said last sequence icon.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 64, wherein said at least one sequence structure icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for controlling said sequencing of operations.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 64, wherein each of said sequence icons comprising said at least one sequence structure icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said order of said sequence icons.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
208 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one sequence structure icon for controlling sequencing of operations, wherein said sequence structure icon includes a plurality of sequence icons each having an interior portion, wherein said sequence icons have an order including a first sequence icon and a last sequence icon, wherein each of said sequence icons comprising said at least one sequence structure icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said order of said sequence icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said step of executing includes: executing said portions of the graphical program comprised in said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said portions of the graphical program are executed in said order of said sequence icons from said first sequence icon to said last sequence icon.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
208 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one sequence structure icon for controlling sequencing of operations, wherein said sequence structure icon includes a plurality of sequence icons each having an interior portion, wherein said sequence icons have an order including a first sequence icon and a last sequence icon, wherein each of said sequence icons comprising said at least one sequence structure icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said order of said sequence icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said step of executing includes: executing said portions of the graphical program comprised in said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said portions of the graphical program are executed in said order of said sequence icons from said first sequence icon to said last sequence icon.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 67, wherein said at least one sequence structure icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for controlling said sequencing of operations.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
63 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 67, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of: arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one sequence structure icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
218 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a display screen of the computer system at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon, wherein said displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one loop structure icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
218 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a display screen of the computer system at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon, wherein said displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one loop structure icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
92 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 70, wherein said at least one loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed; wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of: said index portion displaying a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon has been executed during said executing said graphical program.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
52 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 70, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of: connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one loop structure icon.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
90 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 70, wherein said executing said graphical program includes: a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said loop structure icon; and b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value; wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
265 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a display screen of the computer system at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon, wherein said displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one loop structure icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing includes: a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said loop structure icon; and b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value; wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
265 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a display screen of the computer system at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon, wherein said displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one loop structure icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing includes: a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said loop structure icon; and b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value; wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
49 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b); wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
76 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 76, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon is executed a first time prior to said examining; wherein step b) is performed zero or more times after said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon is executed said first time.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
92 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein said at least one loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed; wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of: said index portion displaying a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon has been executed during said executing said graphical program.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
52 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of: connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one loop structure icon.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
243 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a display screen of the computer system at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said loop structure icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: a) examining a value provided to said loop structure icon; b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value, wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value; and c) said index portion displaying a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed during said executing said graphical program.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
243 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a display screen of the computer system at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said loop structure icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: a) examining a value provided to said loop structure icon; b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value, wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value; and c) said index portion displaying a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed during said executing said graphical program.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
56 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 80, wherein said loop structure icon includes a recirculation icon which is adapted to receive a value which is either true or false; wherein said examining a value provided to said loop structure icon includes: said recirculation icon receiving said value; and examining said value received by said recirculation icon.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
49 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 81, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of: connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said loop structure icon.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
49 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 80, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b); wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 80, wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 103
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program; arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one iteration icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one iteration icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said at least a portion of the graphical program displayed substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations.
Claim 104
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations; displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program; arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one iteration icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one iteration icon; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said at least a portion of the graphical program displayed substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 85, wherein said at least one iteration icon references software executing in the computer system for performing said multiple iterations of operations.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
79 words
The method of claim 85, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an iteration portion which receives the number of said multiple iterations to be performed, the method further comprising receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed; and wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one iteration icon executes for said number N of iterations.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 87, wherein said receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed comprises: displaying on the screen a number icon which represents a number; connecting said number icon to said iteration portion.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 85, further comprising: displaying on the screen a number of said multiple iterations that have been performed, wherein said displaying the number of said multiple iterations is performed during said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program for said multiple iterations.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 85, wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program displayed substantially inside said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.
Claim 110
Independent Claim
178 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations; displaying on the screen a first one or more function icons; displaying on the screen a second one or more function icons; assembling on the screen a graphical program, wherein said assembling on the screen the graphical program comprises arranging on the screen the first one or more function icons substantially inside said at least one iteration icon, and arranging on the screen the second one or more function icons outside of said at least one iteration icon; and executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations; and executing said second one or more function icons, wherein said second one or more function icons arranged outside of said at least one iteration icon are not executed for said multiple iterations.
Claim 111
Independent Claim
178 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations; displaying on the screen a first one or more function icons; displaying on the screen a second one or more function icons; assembling on the screen a graphical program, wherein said assembling on the screen the graphical program comprises arranging on the screen the first one or more function icons substantially inside said at least one iteration icon, and arranging on the screen the second one or more function icons outside of said at least one iteration icon; and executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations; and executing said second one or more function icons, wherein said second one or more function icons arranged outside of said at least one iteration icon are not executed for said multiple iterations.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 91, wherein said at least one iteration icon references software executing in the computer system for performing said multiple iterations of operations.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
79 words
The method of claim 91, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an iteration portion which receives the number of said multiple iterations to be performed, the method further comprising receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed; and wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon is performed for said number N of iterations.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 93, wherein said receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed comprises: displaying on the screen a number icon which represents a number; connecting said number icon to said iteration portion.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 91, further comprising: displaying on the screen a number of said multiple iterations that have been performed, wherein said displaying the number of said multiple iterations that have been performed is performed during said executing said graphical program.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 91, wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
123 words
The method of claim 91, wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes: a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon; and b) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value; wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 97, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b); wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 97, wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 99, wherein said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon are executed a first time prior to said examining; wherein step b) is performed zero or more times after said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon are executed said first time.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
179 words
The method of claim 91, wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes: a) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for a first iteration; b) examining said value currently received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon after an iteration is performed; c) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for another iteration if said examined value is a true value, wherein said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon are not executed if said examined value is a false value; wherein said examining step b) and said executing step c) are performed for zero or more iterations until said examining step b) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 122
Independent Claim
180 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations; displaying on the screen a first one or more function icons; displaying on the screen a second one or more function icons; assembling on the screen a graphical program, wherein said assembling on the screen the graphical program comprises arranging on the screen the first one or more function icons substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon, and arranging on the screen the second one or more function icons outside of said at least one loop structure icon; and executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for multiple iterations; executing said second one or more function icons, wherein said second one or more function icons arranged outside of said at least one loop structure icon are not executed for said multiple iterations.
Claim 123
Independent Claim
180 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations; displaying on the screen a first one or more function icons; displaying on the screen a second one or more function icons; assembling on the screen a graphical program, wherein said assembling on the screen the graphical program comprises arranging on the screen the first one or more function icons substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon, and arranging on the screen the second one or more function icons outside of said at least one loop structure icon; and executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for multiple iterations; executing said second one or more function icons, wherein said second one or more function icons arranged outside of said at least one loop structure icon are not executed for said multiple iterations.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
80 words
The method of claim 102, wherein said loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon have been executed; the method further comprising: said index portion displaying on the screen a number of iterations that said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said loop structure icon have been executed during said executing said graphical program.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
88 words
The method of claim 102, wherein said loop structure icon includes a recirculation icon which is adapted to receive a value which is either true or false; wherein said executing said graphical program further comprises: receiving a value for said recirculation icon, wherein said received value is true for a first period of time; executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for said multiple iterations during said first period of time in response to said received value.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 104, further comprising: connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one loop structure icon.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
126 words
The method of claim 102, wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for said multiple iterations includes: a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon; and b) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value; wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 106, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b); wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 106, wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
194 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video semen of the computer system at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations; displaying on the screen a first one or more function icons; displaying on the screen a second one or more function icons; assembling on the screen a graphical program, wherein said assembling on the screen the graphical program comprises arranging on the screen the first one or more function icons substantially inside said at least one iteration icon, and arranging on the screen the second one or more function icons outside of said at least one iteration icon; and executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations; and executing said second one or more function icons, wherein said second one or more function icons arranged outside of said at least one iteration icon are not executed for said multiple iterations.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
194 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video semen of the computer system at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations; displaying on the screen a first one or more function icons; displaying on the screen a second one or more function icons; assembling on the screen a graphical program, wherein said assembling on the screen the graphical program comprises arranging on the screen the first one or more function icons substantially inside said at least one iteration icon, and arranging on the screen the second one or more function icons outside of said at least one iteration icon; and executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations; and executing said second one or more function icons, wherein said second one or more function icons arranged outside of said at least one iteration icon are not executed for said multiple iterations.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein said at least one iteration icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said multiple iterations of operations.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
86 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an iteration portion which receives the number of said multiple iterations to be performed, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of: receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations; and wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon is performed for said number N of iterations.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
44 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 111, wherein said receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed comprises: displaying on the screen a number icon which represents a number; connecting said number icon to said iteration portion.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
54 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of: displaying on the screen a number of said multiple iterations that have been performed, wherein said displaying the number of said multiple iterations that have been performed is performed during said executing said graphical program.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
58 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
125 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes: a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon; and b) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value; wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
49 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b); wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
64 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 117, wherein said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon are executed a first time prior to said examining; wherein step b) is performed zero or more times after said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon are executed said first time.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
181 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes: a) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for a first iteration; b) examining said value currently received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon after an iteration is performed; c) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for another iteration if said examined value is a true value, wherein said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon are not executed if said examined value is a false value; wherein said examining step b) and said executing step c) are performed for zero or more iterations until said examining step b) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
196 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations; displaying on the screen a first one or more function icons; displaying on the screen a second one or more function icons; assembling on the screen a graphical program, wherein said assembling on the screen the graphical program comprises arranging on the screen the first one or more function icons substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon, and arranging on the screen the second one or more function icons outside of said at least one loop structure icon; and executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for multiple iterations; executing said second one or more function icons, wherein said second one or more function icons arranged outside of said at least one loop structure icon are not executed for said multiple iterations.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
196 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations; displaying on the screen a first one or more function icons; displaying on the screen a second one or more function icons; assembling on the screen a graphical program, wherein said assembling on the screen the graphical program comprises arranging on the screen the first one or more function icons substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon, and arranging on the screen the second one or more function icons outside of said at least one loop structure icon; and executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for multiple iterations; executing said second one or more function icons, wherein said second one or more function icons arranged outside of said at least one loop structure icon are not executed for said multiple iterations.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
90 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 120, wherein said loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon have been executed; wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of: said index portion displaying on the screen a number of iterations that said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said loop structure icon have been executed during said executing said graphical program.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
90 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 120, wherein said loop structure icon includes a recirculation icon which is adapted to receive a value which is either true or false; wherein said executing said graphical program further comprises: receiving a value for said recirculation icon, wherein said received value is true for a first period of time; executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for said multiple iterations during said first period of time in response to said received value.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
52 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 122, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of: connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one loop structure icon.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
128 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 120, wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false; wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for said multiple iterations includes: a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon; and b) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value; wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
49 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 124, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b); wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 124, wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
271 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons includes arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
271 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons includes arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 127, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said conditional branching of operations.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 127, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
230 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
230 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 130, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said conditional branching of operations.
Claim 157
Independent Claim
195 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program; arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 158
Independent Claim
195 words
A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising: displaying on the screen at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program; arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 132, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software executing in the computer system for performing said conditional branching of operations.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 132, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 132, further comprising: connecting a node to said selector input portion which provides said value to said selector input portion, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one conditional icon.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
211 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program; arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
211 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons; displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program; arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons; executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises: said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value; determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon; executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 136, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said conditional branching of operations.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 136, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
53 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 136, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of: connecting a node to said selector input portion which provides said value to said selector input portion, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one conditional icon.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-03-23 | 2001-09-22 | 2002-03-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-03-23 | 2005-09-22 | 2006-03-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-03-23 | 2009-09-22 | 2010-03-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |