US6064812A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System and method for developing automation clients using a graphical data flow program
Assignee: National Instruments Corp
•
Filing: 1997-03-04
•
Granted: 2000-05-16
•
Expires: 2017-03-04
Abstract
Abstract A method for developing an automation client program in a graphical programming environment. The graphical programming environment provides a set of automation nodes and controls which may be dropped and connected together to create a graphical program. The nodes include an automation refnum which references a user-selected automation class from an automation type library exported by an automation server application; an automation open node which instantiates an object from the selected automation class; an automation invoke node which invokes a user-selected method of the automation class; and an automation property node which reads or writes user-selected properties of the automation class. The nodes enable the displaying, manipulating, cataloging, editing or performance other operations, such as may be performed by an automation server, on data acquired or generated by a virtual instrument. The method also performs class propagation and type propagation checking of automation objects in a graphical program. The automation class of a first automation node is propagated from the first node to a second automation node when the two nodes are wired together or when the automation class of the first node is changed to a second class. The automation invoke node and automation property node perform type checking to verify that the user-selected method or property is valid for, or defined by, the automation class of the node.
Inventors
- 👤 Murali Parthasarathy
- 👤 Omid Sojoodi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 15:51
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/04; G05B19/042; G05B19/0426
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 107
Claim 1
Independent Claim
200 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical program which is an automation client, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke a method of an object, wherein the method for creating the graphical program operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, wherein the object is exported by an automation server, the method for creating the graphical program comprising: receiving user input specifying an automation class; displaying on the screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; displaying on the screen an automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke a method of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation invoke node; wherein said automation invoke node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
200 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical program which is an automation client, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke a method of an object, wherein the method for creating the graphical program operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, wherein the object is exported by an automation server, the method for creating the graphical program comprising: receiving user input specifying an automation class; displaying on the screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; displaying on the screen an automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke a method of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation invoke node; wherein said automation invoke node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: constructing execution instructions in response to said graphical automation client, wherein said execution instructions are executable to instantiate an object of said automation class and invoke said method of said object.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 2, further comprising: executing said execution instructions, wherein said automation invoke node invokes said method of said object during said executing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying on the screen a list of type libraries associated with one or more automation servers present in the computer; selecting a type library from said list of type libraries in response to said receiving user input specifying said automation class, wherein said automation class is from said selected type library.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying on the screen a list of possible automation classes from a type library associated with said automation server; selecting said automation class from said list of possible automation classes in response to said receiving user input specifying said automation class.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said information on said object includes a reference to said object.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said displaying on the screen said automation invoke node comprises selecting said method in response to user input and displaying on the screen said method in said automation invoke node.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said method includes one or more parameters, wherein said displaying on the screen said automation invoke node comprises displaying a terminal for each of said one or more parameters.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein each said terminal for each of said one or more parameters has an associated data type.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said automation class is an automation class of an automation technology selected from the list of automation technologies consisting of OLE, CORBA and OpenDoc.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
41 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying a list of automation technologies; selecting one of said automation technologies, in response to said receiving user input specifying said automation class, wherein said automation class conforms with said selected automation technology.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying a palette of automation nodes from which said automation open node and said automation invoke node may be selected.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke said method of said object for performing instrumentation functions on an instrument.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said connecting said automation open node to said automation invoke node comprises displaying on the screen a wire connecting said automation open node to said automation invoke node.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
186 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical program which is a client, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke a method of an object, wherein the method for creating the graphical program operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, wherein the object is exported by a server, the method for creating the graphical program comprising: receiving user input specifying a class; displaying on the screen an open node in response to user input, wherein said open node is operable to create an instance of said class, wherein said instance of said class is an object; displaying on the screen an invoke node in response to user input, wherein said invoke node is operable to invoke a method of said object; connecting said open node to said invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said invoke node; wherein said invoke node receives said information on said object, wherein said invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
186 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical program which is a client, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke a method of an object, wherein the method for creating the graphical program operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, wherein the object is exported by a server, the method for creating the graphical program comprising: receiving user input specifying a class; displaying on the screen an open node in response to user input, wherein said open node is operable to create an instance of said class, wherein said instance of said class is an object; displaying on the screen an invoke node in response to user input, wherein said invoke node is operable to invoke a method of said object; connecting said open node to said invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said invoke node; wherein said invoke node receives said information on said object, wherein said invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
261 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical automation client in a graphical program which is operable to invoke a method of an object, wherein the method for creating the graphical program operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, wherein the object is exported by an automation server, the method for creating the graphical program comprising: displaying on the screen a reference to an automation class in response to user input; displaying on the screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; connecting said automation open node to said automation class reference in response to user input, wherein said automation class reference is operable to provide information on said automation class to said automation open node, wherein said automation open node uses said information on said automation class received from said automation class reference to instantiate said object; displaying on the screen an automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke a method of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation invoke node; wherein said automation invoke node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
261 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical automation client in a graphical program which is operable to invoke a method of an object, wherein the method for creating the graphical program operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, wherein the object is exported by an automation server, the method for creating the graphical program comprising: displaying on the screen a reference to an automation class in response to user input; displaying on the screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; connecting said automation open node to said automation class reference in response to user input, wherein said automation class reference is operable to provide information on said automation class to said automation open node, wherein said automation open node uses said information on said automation class received from said automation class reference to instantiate said object; displaying on the screen an automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke a method of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation invoke node; wherein said automation invoke node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 16, wherein said connecting said automation open node to said automation class reference comprises displaying on the screen a wire connecting said automation open node to said automation class reference.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
200 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical program which is an automation client, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke a property of an object, wherein the method for creating the graphical program operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, wherein the object is exported by an automation server, the method for creating the graphical program comprising: receiving user input specifying an automation class; displaying on the screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; displaying on the screen an automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke a property of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation property node; wherein said automation property node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
200 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical program which is an automation client, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke a property of an object, wherein the method for creating the graphical program operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, wherein the object is exported by an automation server, the method for creating the graphical program comprising: receiving user input specifying an automation class; displaying on the screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; displaying on the screen an automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke a property of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation property node; wherein said automation property node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
39 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 18, further comprising: constructing execution instructions in response to said graphical automation client, wherein said execution instructions are executable to instantiate an object of said automation class and invoke said property of said object.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 19, further comprising: executing said execution instructions, wherein said automation invoke node invokes said property on said object during said executing.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
59 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 18, further comprising: displaying on the screen a list of type libraries associated with one or more automation servers present in the computer; selecting a type library from said list of type libraries, in response to said receiving user input specifying said automation class, wherein said automation class is from said selected type library.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
49 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 18, further comprising: displaying on the screen a list of possible automation classes from a type library associated with said automation server; selecting said automation class from said list of possible automation classes in response to said receiving user input specifying said automation class.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
18 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 18, wherein said information on said object includes a reference to said object.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 18, wherein said displaying on the screen said automation property node comprises selecting said property in response to user input and displaying on the screen said property in said automation property node.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 18, wherein said displaying on the screen said automation property node comprises displaying a terminal for said property.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 25, wherein said terminal has an associated data type.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 18, wherein said automation class is an automation class of an automation technology selected from the list of automation technologies consisting of OLE, CORBA and OpenDoc.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
41 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 18, further comprising: displaying a list of automation technologies; selecting one of said automation technologies, in response to said receiving user input specifying said automation class, wherein said automation class conforms with said selected automation technology.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 18, further comprising: displaying a palette of automation nodes from which said automation open node and said automation property node may be selected.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 18, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke said property of said object for performing instrumentation functions on an instrument.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 18, wherein said connecting said automation open node to said automation property node comprises displaying on the screen a wire connecting said automation open node to said automation property node.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
185 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical program which is a client, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke a property of an object, wherein the method for creating the graphical program operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, wherein the object is exported by an server, the method for creating the graphical program comprising: receiving user input specifying a class; displaying on the screen an open node in response to user input, wherein said open node is operable to create an instance of said class, wherein said instance of said class is an object; displaying on the screen a property node in response to user input, wherein said property node is operable to invoke a property of said object; connecting said open node to said property node in response to user input, wherein said open node is operable to provide information on said object to said property node; wherein said property node receives said information on said object, wherein said property node is operable to invoke said property of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
185 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical program which is a client, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke a property of an object, wherein the method for creating the graphical program operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, wherein the object is exported by an server, the method for creating the graphical program comprising: receiving user input specifying a class; displaying on the screen an open node in response to user input, wherein said open node is operable to create an instance of said class, wherein said instance of said class is an object; displaying on the screen a property node in response to user input, wherein said property node is operable to invoke a property of said object; connecting said open node to said property node in response to user input, wherein said open node is operable to provide information on said object to said property node; wherein said property node receives said information on said object, wherein said property node is operable to invoke said property of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
251 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical automation client in a graphical program which is operable to invoke a property of an object, wherein the method operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, wherein the object is exported by an automation server, the method comprising: displaying on the screen a reference to an automation class in response to user input; displaying on the screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; connecting said automation open node to said automation class reference in response to user input, wherein said automation class reference is operable to provide information on said automation class to said automation open node, wherein said automation open node uses said information on said automation class received from said automation class reference to instantiate said object; displaying on the screen an automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke a property of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation property node; wherein said automation property node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
251 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical automation client in a graphical program which is operable to invoke a property of an object, wherein the method operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, wherein the object is exported by an automation server, the method comprising: displaying on the screen a reference to an automation class in response to user input; displaying on the screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; connecting said automation open node to said automation class reference in response to user input, wherein said automation class reference is operable to provide information on said automation class to said automation open node, wherein said automation open node uses said information on said automation class received from said automation class reference to instantiate said object; displaying on the screen an automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke a property of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation property node; wherein said automation property node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 33, wherein said connecting said automation open node to said automation class reference comprises displaying on the screen a wire connecting said automation open node to said automation class reference.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
190 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical program which is an automation client, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke a function of an object, wherein the method operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, wherein the object is exported by an automation server, the method comprising: receiving user input specifying an automation class; displaying on the screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; displaying on the screen an automation function node in response to user input, wherein said automation function node is operable to invoke a function of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation function node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation function node; wherein said automation function node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation function node is operable to invoke said function of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
190 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical program which is an automation client, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke a function of an object, wherein the method operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, wherein the object is exported by an automation server, the method comprising: receiving user input specifying an automation class; displaying on the screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; displaying on the screen an automation function node in response to user input, wherein said automation function node is operable to invoke a function of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation function node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation function node; wherein said automation function node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation function node is operable to invoke said function of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 35, wherein said automation function node comprises an automation invoke node and said function comprises a method of said object.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 35, wherein said automation function node comprises an automation property node and said function comprises a property of said object.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
49 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 35, further comprising: displaying on the screen a list of possible automation classes from a type library associated with said automation server; selecting said automation class from said list of possible automation classes in response to said receiving user input specifying said automation class.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 35, wherein said displaying on the screen said automation function node comprises selecting said function in response to user input and displaying on the screen said function in said automation function node.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
186 words
A system for creating a graphical automation client in a graphical program which is operable to invoke a method of an object exported by an automation server, comprising: a computer including a display screen; a user input device for receiving user input specifying an automation class; an automation open node which is displayed on the screen in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; an automation invoke node displayed on the screen in response to user input, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke a method of said object; a wire which is displayed on the screen in response to user input for connecting said automation open node to said automation invoke node, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation invoke node; wherein said automation invoke node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
186 words
A system for creating a graphical automation client in a graphical program which is operable to invoke a method of an object exported by an automation server, comprising: a computer including a display screen; a user input device for receiving user input specifying an automation class; an automation open node which is displayed on the screen in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; an automation invoke node displayed on the screen in response to user input, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke a method of said object; a wire which is displayed on the screen in response to user input for connecting said automation open node to said automation invoke node, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation invoke node; wherein said automation invoke node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 40, further comprising an instrument operably coupled to said computer wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke said method of said object for performing instrumentation functions on said instrument.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
182 words
A system for creating a graphical automation client in a graphical program which is operable to invoke a property of an object exported by an automation server, comprising: a computer including a display screen; a user input device for receiving user input specifying an automation class; an automation open node displayed on the screen in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; an automation property node displayed on the screen in response to user input, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke a property of said object; a wire displayed on the screen in response to user input for connecting said automation open node to said automation property node, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation property node; wherein said automation property node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
182 words
A system for creating a graphical automation client in a graphical program which is operable to invoke a property of an object exported by an automation server, comprising: a computer including a display screen; a user input device for receiving user input specifying an automation class; an automation open node displayed on the screen in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; an automation property node displayed on the screen in response to user input, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke a property of said object; a wire displayed on the screen in response to user input for connecting said automation open node to said automation property node, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation property node; wherein said automation property node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 42, further comprising an instrument operably coupled to said computer wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke said property of said object for performing instrumentation functions on said instrument.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
183 words
A system for creating a graphical automation client in a graphical program which is operable to invoke a method of an object exported by an automation server, comprising: a computer including a display screen and a user input device; means for receiving user input specifying an automation class; means for displaying on the screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; means for displaying on the screen an automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke a method of said object; means for connecting said automation open node to said automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation invoke node; wherein said automation invoke node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
183 words
A system for creating a graphical automation client in a graphical program which is operable to invoke a method of an object exported by an automation server, comprising: a computer including a display screen and a user input device; means for receiving user input specifying an automation class; means for displaying on the screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; means for displaying on the screen an automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke a method of said object; means for connecting said automation open node to said automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation invoke node; wherein said automation invoke node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
183 words
A system for creating a graphical automation client in a graphical program which is operable to invoke a property of an object exported by an automation server, comprising: a computer including a display screen and a user input device; means for receiving user input specifying an automation class; means for displaying on the screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; means for displaying on the screen an automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke a property of said object; means for connecting said automation open node to said automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation property node; wherein said automation property node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
183 words
A system for creating a graphical automation client in a graphical program which is operable to invoke a property of an object exported by an automation server, comprising: a computer including a display screen and a user input device; means for receiving user input specifying an automation class; means for displaying on the screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; means for displaying on the screen an automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke a property of said object; means for connecting said automation open node to said automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation property node; wherein said automation property node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
186 words
A system for creating a graphical automation client in a graphical program which is operable to invoke a function of an object exported by an automation server, comprising: a computer including a display screen; a user input device for receiving user input specifying an automation class; an automation open node which is displayed on the screen in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; an automation function node displayed on the screen in response to user input, wherein said automation function node is operable to invoke a function of said object; a wire which is displayed on the screen in response to user input for connecting said automation open node to said automation function node, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation function node; wherein said automation function node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation function node is operable to invoke said function of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
186 words
A system for creating a graphical automation client in a graphical program which is operable to invoke a function of an object exported by an automation server, comprising: a computer including a display screen; a user input device for receiving user input specifying an automation class; an automation open node which is displayed on the screen in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; an automation function node displayed on the screen in response to user input, wherein said automation function node is operable to invoke a function of said object; a wire which is displayed on the screen in response to user input for connecting said automation open node to said automation function node, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation function node; wherein said automation function node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation function node is operable to invoke said function of said object during execution of said graphical program.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
158 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: receiving user input specifying an automation class; displaying on a screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; displaying on the screen an automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke a method of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation invoke node; wherein said automation invoke node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said object during execution of a graphical program comprising said program instructions.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
158 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: receiving user input specifying an automation class; displaying on a screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; displaying on the screen an automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke a method of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation invoke node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation invoke node; wherein said automation invoke node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said object during execution of a graphical program comprising said program instructions.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 47, further comprising program instructions operable to implement the steps of: instantiating an object of said automation class and invoking said method of said object.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
72 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 47, further comprising program instructions operable to implement the steps of: displaying on the screen a list of type libraries associated with one or more automation servers present in a computer executing said program instructions; selecting a type library from said list of type libraries in response to said receiving user input specifying said automation class, wherein said automation class is from said selected type library.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
61 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 47, further comprising program instructions operable to implement the steps of: displaying on the screen a list of possible automation classes from a type library associated with an automation server exporting said object; selecting said automation class from said list of possible automation classes in response to said receiving user input specifying said automation class.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 47, wherein said information on said object includes a reference to said object.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
38 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 47, wherein said displaying on the screen said automation invoke node comprises selecting said method in response to user input and displaying on the screen said method in said automation invoke node.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 47, wherein said method includes one or more parameters, wherein said displaying on the screen said automation invoke node comprises displaying a terminal for each of said one or more parameters.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 53, wherein each said terminal for each of said one or more parameters has an associated data type.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 47, wherein said automation class is an automation class of an automation technology selected from the list of automation technologies consisting of OLE, CORBA and OpenDoc.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
50 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 47, further comprising program instructions operable to implement the steps of: displaying a list of automation technologies; selecting one of said automation technologies, in response to said receiving user input specifying said automation class, wherein said automation class conforms with said selected automation technology.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 47, further comprising program instructions implementing the step of: displaying a palette of automation nodes from which said automation open node and said automation invoke node may be selected.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 47, wherein the program instructions are operable to invoke said method of said object for performing instrumentation functions on an instrument.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 47, wherein said connecting said automation open node to said automation invoke node comprises. displaying on the screen a wire connecting said automation open node to said automation invoke node.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
158 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: receiving user input specifying an automation class; displaying on a screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; displaying on the screen an automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke a property of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation property node; wherein said automation property node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property of said object during execution of a graphical program comprising said program instructions.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
158 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: receiving user input specifying an automation class; displaying on a screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; displaying on the screen an automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke a property of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation property node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation property node; wherein said automation property node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property of said object during execution of a graphical program comprising said program instructions.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 60, further comprising program instructions operable to implement the steps of: instantiating an object of said automation class and invoking said property of said object.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
72 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 60, further comprising program instructions operable to implement the steps of: displaying on the screen a list of type libraries associated with one or more automation servers present in a computer executing said program instructions; selecting a type library from said list of type libraries in response to said receiving user input specifying said automation class, wherein said automation class is from said selected type library.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
61 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 60, further comprising program instructions operable to implement the steps of: displaying on the screen a list of possible automation classes from a type library associated with an automation server exporting said object; selecting said automation class from said list of possible automation classes in response to said receiving user input specifying said automation class.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 60, wherein said information on said object includes a reference to said object.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
38 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 60, wherein said displaying on the screen said automation property node comprises selecting said property in response to user input and displaying on the screen said property in said automation property node.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 60, wherein said displaying on the screen said automation property node comprises displaying a terminal for said property.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
15 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 66, wherein said terminal has an associated data type.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 60, wherein said automation class is an automation class of an automation technology selected from the list of automation technologies consisting of OLE, CORBA and OpenDoc.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
50 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 60, further comprising program instructions operable to implement the steps of: displaying a list of automation technologies; selecting one of said automation technologies, in response to said receiving user input specifying said automation class, wherein said automation class conforms with said selected automation technology.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 60, further comprising program instructions implementing the step of: displaying a palette of automation nodes from which said automation open node and said automation property node may be selected.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 60, wherein the program instructions are operable to invoke said property of said object for performing instrumentation functions on an instrument.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 60, wherein said connecting said automation open node to said automation property node comprises displaying on the screen a wire connecting said automation open node to said automation property node.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
158 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: receiving user input specifying an automation class; displaying on a screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; displaying on the screen an automation function node in response to user input, wherein said automation function node is operable to invoke a function of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation function node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation function node; wherein said automation function node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation function node is operable to invoke said function of said object during execution of said graphical program comprising said program instructions.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
158 words
A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of: receiving user input specifying an automation class; displaying on a screen an automation open node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to create an instance of said automation class, wherein said instance of said automation class is an object; displaying on the screen an automation function node in response to user input, wherein said automation function node is operable to invoke a function of said object; connecting said automation open node to said automation function node in response to user input, wherein said automation open node is operable to provide information on said object to said automation function node; wherein said automation function node receives said information on said object, wherein said automation function node is operable to invoke said function of said object during execution of said graphical program comprising said program instructions.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 73, wherein said automation function node comprises an automation invoke node and said function comprises a method of said object.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 73, wherein said automation function node comprises an automation property node and said function comprises a property of said object.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
113 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical program, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke a method of an object, wherein the method for creating the graphical program operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, the method for creating the graphical program comprising: displaying on the screen an invoke node in the graphical program in response to user input, wherein said invoke node is operable to invoke a method of an object; configuring said invoke node to receive information on said object in response to user input; wherein, during execution of the graphical program, said invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said object.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
113 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical program, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke a method of an object, wherein the method for creating the graphical program operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, the method for creating the graphical program comprising: displaying on the screen an invoke node in the graphical program in response to user input, wherein said invoke node is operable to invoke a method of an object; configuring said invoke node to receive information on said object in response to user input; wherein, during execution of the graphical program, said invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said object.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
63 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 76, wherein said invoke node includes an object reference input for receiving a reference to the object; wherein said configuring comprises connecting said object reference input of said invoke node to receive the reference to said object; wherein said invoke node receives said information on said object on said object reference input during execution of the graphical program.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
51 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 77, wherein said configuring comprises: displaying on the screen an object reference node which includes an object reference output that provides the reference to said object; and connecting the object reference output of said object reference node to said object reference input of said invoke node.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 76, wherein said configuring comprises configuring said invoke node with a reference to said object in response to user input.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
80 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 76, wherein the object is comprised in a server, wherein said configuring comprises: displaying on the screen a list of libraries associated with one or more servers; selecting a library from said list of libraries in response to user input displaying on the screen a list of possible classes from the selected library; selecting a class from said list of possible classes in response to user input; wherein said object is instantiated from said class.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
48 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 76, further comprising: constructing execution instructions in response to said graphical program, wherein said execution instructions are executable to invoke said method of said object; and executing said execution instructions, wherein said invoke node invokes said method of said object during said executing.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
113 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical program, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke a property of an object, wherein the method for creating the graphical program operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, the method for creating the graphical program comprising: displaying on the screen a property node in the graphical program in response to user input, wherein said property node is operable to invoke a property of an object; configuring said property node to receive information on said object in response to user input; wherein, during execution of the graphical program, said property node is operable to invoke said property of said object.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
113 words
A computer-implemented method for creating a graphical program, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke a property of an object, wherein the method for creating the graphical program operates in a computer including a display screen and a user input device, the method for creating the graphical program comprising: displaying on the screen a property node in the graphical program in response to user input, wherein said property node is operable to invoke a property of an object; configuring said property node to receive information on said object in response to user input; wherein, during execution of the graphical program, said property node is operable to invoke said property of said object.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
63 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 82, wherein said property node includes an object reference input for receiving a reference to the object; wherein said configuring comprises connecting said object reference input of said property node to receive the reference to said object; wherein said property node receives said information on said object on said object reference input during execution of the graphical program.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
51 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 83, wherein said configuring comprises: displaying on the screen an object reference node which includes an object reference output that provides the reference to said object; and connecting the object reference output of said object reference node to said object reference input of said property node.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 82, wherein said configuring comprises configuring said property node with a reference to said object in response to user input.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
80 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 82, wherein the object is comprised in a server, wherein said configuring comprises: displaying on the screen a list of libraries associated with one or more servers; selecting a library from said list of libraries in response to user input displaying on the screen a list of possible classes from the selected library; selecting a class from said list of possible classes in response to user input; wherein said object is instantiated from said class.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
48 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 82, further comprising: constructing execution instructions in response to said graphical program, wherein said execution instructions are executable to invoke said property of said object; and executing said execution instructions, wherein said property node invokes said property of said object during said executing.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 82, wherein said property node is operable to get and/or set one or more properties of said object.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 76, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke said method of said object for performing instrumentation functions on an instrument.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 82, wherein the graphical program is operable to invoke said property of said object for performing instrumentation functions on an instrument.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5481741A
Cited
US5727175A
Cited
US5394522A
Cited
US5428776A
Cited
US5261043A
Cited
US5576946A
Cited
US5768578A
Cited
US5640572A
Cited
US5862379A
Cited
US5895474A
Cited
US5848273A
Cited
US5802514A
Cited
US5758071A
Cited
US5784583A
Cited
US5847953A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-05-16 | 2003-11-15 | 2004-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-05-16 | 2007-11-15 | 2008-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-05-16 | 2011-11-15 | 2012-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |