US6064816A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System and method for performing class propagation and type checking in a graphical automation client
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 is disclosed. The graphical programming environment provides a set of automation nodes and controls which may be dropped and wired 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, such as Microsoft Excel; 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 invokes, i.e., 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. A method for performing class propagation and type propagation checking of automation objects in a graphical program is also disclosed. 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, i.e., defined by, the automation class of the node. The node requests an object manager to determine whether or not the method or property is valid. The object manager queries a type library which the automation class is in, in order to obtain a list of valid methods and properties for the automation class. The object manager searches the list to determine if the specified method or property is present in the list, i.e., is valid.
Inventors
- 👤 Murali Parthasarathy
- 👤 Omid Sojoodi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:19
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/04; G05B19/042; G05B19/0426
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 100
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A computer-implemented method for performing type checking of automation objects in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen an automation invoke node of a first automation class; selecting a method of said first automation class for said automation invoke node, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method; changing said automation invoke node to be of a second automation class in response to a user input; performing type propagation checking to determine if the method is valid for the second automation class of the automation invoke node in response to said changing; indicating an invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second automation class.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
A computer-implemented method for performing type checking of automation objects in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen an automation invoke node of a first automation class; selecting a method of said first automation class for said automation invoke node, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method; changing said automation invoke node to be of a second automation class in response to a user input; performing type propagation checking to determine if the method is valid for the second automation class of the automation invoke node in response to said changing; indicating an invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second automation class.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said user input comprises wiring said automation invoke node to an automation node, wherein the automation node propagates said second automation class to said automation invoke node.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein said indicating said invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second automation class comprises displaying a broken wire between said automation invoke node and said automation node.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said user input comprises changing an automation class of an automation node wired to said automation invoke node from said first automation class to said second automation class, wherein the automation node propagates said second automation class to said automation invoke node.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein said indicating said invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second automation class comprises displaying a broken wire between said automation invoke node and said automation node.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said user input comprises selecting said second automation class from a list of automation classes displayed by said automation invoke node.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein said indicating said invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second automation class comprises displaying at least a portion of said automation invoke node in a color indicating said invalid condition.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
82 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said performing type propagation checking comprises: passing information identifying the method, the second automation class, and a type library to an object manager, wherein the second automation class is a class in the type library identified in the information passed to the object manager; said object manager determining if the method is valid for the second automation class; said object manager returning a value indicating if the method is valid for the second automation class.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein said object manager determining comprises said object manager searching a list of valid methods of the second automation class.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein said performing type propagation checking further comprises said object manager requesting said list of valid methods of the second automation class from the type library prior to said searching.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein said performing type propagation checking further comprises said object manager creating a data structure including said list of valid methods in response to said object manager requesting.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: preventing said automation invoke node from invoking said method if the method is not valid for said second automation class.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
119 words
A computer-implemented method for performing type checking of automation objects in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen an automation property node of a first automation class; selecting a property of said first automation class for said automation property node, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property; changing said automation property node to be of a second automation class in response to a user input; performing type propagation checking to determine if the property is valid for the second automation class of the automation property node in response to said changing; indicating an invalid condition if the property is not valid for said second automation class.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
119 words
A computer-implemented method for performing type checking of automation objects in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen an automation property node of a first automation class; selecting a property of said first automation class for said automation property node, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property; changing said automation property node to be of a second automation class in response to a user input; performing type propagation checking to determine if the property is valid for the second automation class of the automation property node in response to said changing; indicating an invalid condition if the property is not valid for said second automation class.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein said user input comprises wiring said automation property node to an automation node, wherein the automation node propagates said second automation class to said automation property node.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
41 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 14, wherein said indicating said invalid condition if the property is not valid for said second automation class comprises displaying at least a portion of said automation property node in a color indicating an invalid condition.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
49 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein said user input comprises changing an automation class of an automation node wired to said automation property node from said first automation class to said second automation class, wherein the automation node propagates said second automation class to said automation property node.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
41 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 16, wherein said indicating said invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second automation class comprises displaying at least a portion of said automation property node in a color indicating an invalid condition.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein said user input comprises selecting said second automation class from a list of automation classes displayed by said automation property node.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
41 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 18, wherein said indicating said invalid condition if the property is not valid for said second automation class comprises displaying at least a portion of said automation property node in a color indicating an invalid condition.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
82 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein said performing type propagation checking comprises: passing information identifying the property, the second automation class, and a type library to an object manager, wherein the second automation class is a class in the type library identified in the information passed to the object manager; said object manager determining if the property is valid for the second automation class; said object manager returning a value indicating if the property is valid for the second automation class.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 20, wherein said object manager determining comprises said object manager searching a list of valid properties of the second automation class.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein said performing type propagation checking further comprises said object manager requesting said list of valid properties of the second automation class from the type library prior to said searching.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
34 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 22, wherein said performing type propagation checking further comprises said object manager creating a data structure including said list of valid properties in response to said object manager requesting.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 13, further comprising: preventing said automation property node from invoking said property if the property is not valid for said second automation class.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
138 words
A computer-implemented method for performing automation class propagation of automation objects in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen a first automation node of a first automation class, wherein said first automation node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first automation class; displaying on the screen a second automation node of a second automation class, wherein said second automation node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an automation class; displaying a wire connecting said first automation node output terminal to said second automation node input terminal; propagating said first automation class from said first automation node to said second automation node in response to said displaying said wire, wherein said propagating includes changing said second automation node to be of said second automation class.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
138 words
A computer-implemented method for performing automation class propagation of automation objects in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen a first automation node of a first automation class, wherein said first automation node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first automation class; displaying on the screen a second automation node of a second automation class, wherein said second automation node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an automation class; displaying a wire connecting said first automation node output terminal to said second automation node input terminal; propagating said first automation class from said first automation node to said second automation node in response to said displaying said wire, wherein said propagating includes changing said second automation node to be of said second automation class.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
43 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 25, wherein said first and second automation nodes are automation nodes each selected from a list consisting of an automation open node, an automation invoke node, an automation property node, an automation close node and an automation refnum.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
153 words
A computer-implemented method for performing automation class propagation of automation objects in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen a first automation node of a first automation class, wherein said first automation node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first automation class; displaying on the screen a second automation node of said first automation class, wherein said second automation node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an automation class; displaying a wire connecting said first automation node output terminal to said second automation node input terminal; changing said first automation node to be of a second automation class in response to user input; propagating said second automation class from said first automation node to said second automation node in response to said changing, wherein said propagating includes changing said second automation node to be of said second automation class.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
153 words
A computer-implemented method for performing automation class propagation of automation objects in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen a first automation node of a first automation class, wherein said first automation node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first automation class; displaying on the screen a second automation node of said first automation class, wherein said second automation node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an automation class; displaying a wire connecting said first automation node output terminal to said second automation node input terminal; changing said first automation node to be of a second automation class in response to user input; propagating said second automation class from said first automation node to said second automation node in response to said changing, wherein said propagating includes changing said second automation node to be of said second automation class.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
43 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 27, wherein said first and second automation nodes are automation nodes each selected from a list consisting of an automation open node, an automation invoke node, an automation property node, an automation close node and an automation refnum.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
131 words
A system for performing type checking of automation objects in a graphical program, comprising: a computer including a display screen and a user input device; means for displaying on the screen an automation invoke node of a first automation class; means for selecting a method of said first automation class for said automation invoke node, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method; means for changing said automation invoke node to be of a second automation class in response to a user input; means for performing type propagation checking to determine if the method is valid for the second automation class of the automation invoke node in response to said changing; means for indicating an invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second automation class.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
131 words
A system for performing type checking of automation objects in a graphical program, comprising: a computer including a display screen and a user input device; means for displaying on the screen an automation invoke node of a first automation class; means for selecting a method of said first automation class for said automation invoke node, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method; means for changing said automation invoke node to be of a second automation class in response to a user input; means for performing type propagation checking to determine if the method is valid for the second automation class of the automation invoke node in response to said changing; means for indicating an invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second automation class.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
131 words
A system for performing type checking of automation objects in a graphical program, comprising: a computer including a display screen and a user input device; means for displaying on the screen an automation property node of a first automation class; means for selecting a property of said first automation class for said automation property node, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property; means for changing said automation property node to be of a second automation class in response to a user input; means for performing type propagation checking to determine if the property is valid for the second automation class of the automation property node in response to said changing; means for indicating an invalid condition if the property is not valid for said second automation class.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
131 words
A system for performing type checking of automation objects in a graphical program, comprising: a computer including a display screen and a user input device; means for displaying on the screen an automation property node of a first automation class; means for selecting a property of said first automation class for said automation property node, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property; means for changing said automation property node to be of a second automation class in response to a user input; means for performing type propagation checking to determine if the property is valid for the second automation class of the automation property node in response to said changing; means for indicating an invalid condition if the property is not valid for said second automation class.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
148 words
A system for performing automation class propagation of automation objects in a graphical program, comprising: a computer including a display screen and a user input device; means for displaying on the screen a first automation node of a first automation class, wherein said first automation node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first automation class; means for displaying on the screen a second automation node of a second automation class, wherein said second automation node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an automation class; means for displaying a wire connecting said first automation node output terminal to said second automation node input terminal; means for propagating said first automation class from said first automation node to said second automation node in response to said displaying said wire, wherein said propagating includes changing said second automation node to be of said second automation class.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
148 words
A system for performing automation class propagation of automation objects in a graphical program, comprising: a computer including a display screen and a user input device; means for displaying on the screen a first automation node of a first automation class, wherein said first automation node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first automation class; means for displaying on the screen a second automation node of a second automation class, wherein said second automation node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an automation class; means for displaying a wire connecting said first automation node output terminal to said second automation node input terminal; means for propagating said first automation class from said first automation node to said second automation node in response to said displaying said wire, wherein said propagating includes changing said second automation node to be of said second automation class.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
165 words
A system for performing automation class propagation of automation objects in a graphical program, comprising: a computer including a display screen and a user input device; means for displaying on the screen a first automation node of a first automation class, wherein said first automation node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first automation class; means for displaying on the screen a second automation node of said first automation class, wherein said second automation node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an automation class; means for displaying a wire connecting said first automation node output terminal to said second automation node input terminal; means for changing said first automation node to be of a second automation class in response to user input; means for propagating said second automation class from said first automation node to said second automation node in response to said changing, wherein said propagating includes changing said second automation node to be of said second automation class.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
165 words
A system for performing automation class propagation of automation objects in a graphical program, comprising: a computer including a display screen and a user input device; means for displaying on the screen a first automation node of a first automation class, wherein said first automation node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first automation class; means for displaying on the screen a second automation node of said first automation class, wherein said second automation node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an automation class; means for displaying a wire connecting said first automation node output terminal to said second automation node input terminal; means for changing said first automation node to be of a second automation class in response to user input; means for propagating said second automation class from said first automation node to said second automation node in response to said changing, wherein said propagating includes changing said second automation node to be of said second automation class.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
146 words
A computer-readable storage media for operating in a computer system, the computer system including a display screen, an input device, and a processor, wherein the storage media includes a substrate having a physical configuration representing data, the storage media comprising: instructions for displaying on the screen an automation invoke node of a first automation class; instructions for selecting a method of said first automation class for said automation invoke node, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method; instructions for changing said automation invoke node to be of a second automation class in response to a user input; instructions for performing type propagation checking to determine if the method is valid for the second automation class of the automation invoke node in response to said changing; instructions for indicating an invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second automation class.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
146 words
A computer-readable storage media for operating in a computer system, the computer system including a display screen, an input device, and a processor, wherein the storage media includes a substrate having a physical configuration representing data, the storage media comprising: instructions for displaying on the screen an automation invoke node of a first automation class; instructions for selecting a method of said first automation class for said automation invoke node, wherein said automation invoke node is operable to invoke said method; instructions for changing said automation invoke node to be of a second automation class in response to a user input; instructions for performing type propagation checking to determine if the method is valid for the second automation class of the automation invoke node in response to said changing; instructions for indicating an invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second automation class.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
146 words
A computer-readable storage media for operating in a computer system, the computer system including a display screen, an input device, and a processor, wherein the storage media includes a substrate having a physical configuration representing data, the storage media comprising: instructions for displaying on the screen an automation property node of a first automation class; instructions for selecting a property of said first automation class for said automation property node, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property; instructions for changing said automation property node to be of a second automation class in response to a user input; instructions for performing type propagation checking to determine if the property is valid for the second automation class of the automation property node in response to said changing; instructions for indicating an invalid condition if the property is not valid for said second automation class.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
146 words
A computer-readable storage media for operating in a computer system, the computer system including a display screen, an input device, and a processor, wherein the storage media includes a substrate having a physical configuration representing data, the storage media comprising: instructions for displaying on the screen an automation property node of a first automation class; instructions for selecting a property of said first automation class for said automation property node, wherein said automation property node is operable to invoke said property; instructions for changing said automation property node to be of a second automation class in response to a user input; instructions for performing type propagation checking to determine if the property is valid for the second automation class of the automation property node in response to said changing; instructions for indicating an invalid condition if the property is not valid for said second automation class.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
162 words
A computer-readable storage media for operating in a computer system, the computer system including a display screen, an input device, and a processor, wherein the storage media includes a substrate having a physical configuration representing data, the storage media comprising: instructions for displaying on the screen a first automation node of a first automation class, wherein said first automation node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first automation class; instructions for displaying on the screen a second automation node of a second automation class, wherein said second automation node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an automation class; instructions for displaying a wire connecting said first automation node output terminal to said second automation node input terminal; instructions for propagating said first automation class from said first automation node to said second automation node in response to said displaying said wire, wherein said propagating includes changing said second automation node to be of said second automation class.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
162 words
A computer-readable storage media for operating in a computer system, the computer system including a display screen, an input device, and a processor, wherein the storage media includes a substrate having a physical configuration representing data, the storage media comprising: instructions for displaying on the screen a first automation node of a first automation class, wherein said first automation node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first automation class; instructions for displaying on the screen a second automation node of a second automation class, wherein said second automation node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an automation class; instructions for displaying a wire connecting said first automation node output terminal to said second automation node input terminal; instructions for propagating said first automation class from said first automation node to said second automation node in response to said displaying said wire, wherein said propagating includes changing said second automation node to be of said second automation class.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
179 words
A computer-readable storage media for operating in a computer system, the computer system including a display screen, an input device, and a processor, wherein the storage media includes a substrate having a physical configuration representing data, the storage media comprising: instructions for displaying on the screen a first automation node of a first automation class, wherein said first automation node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first automation class; instructions for displaying on the screen a second automation node of said first automation class, wherein said second automation node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an automation class; instructions for displaying a wire connecting said first automation node output terminal to said second automation node input terminal; instructions for changing said first automation node to be of a second automation class in response to user input; instructions for propagating said second automation class from said first automation node to said second automation node in response to said changing, wherein said propagating includes changing said second automation node to be of said second automation class.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
179 words
A computer-readable storage media for operating in a computer system, the computer system including a display screen, an input device, and a processor, wherein the storage media includes a substrate having a physical configuration representing data, the storage media comprising: instructions for displaying on the screen a first automation node of a first automation class, wherein said first automation node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first automation class; instructions for displaying on the screen a second automation node of said first automation class, wherein said second automation node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an automation class; instructions for displaying a wire connecting said first automation node output terminal to said second automation node input terminal; instructions for changing said first automation node to be of a second automation class in response to user input; instructions for propagating said second automation class from said first automation node to said second automation node in response to said changing, wherein said propagating includes changing said second automation node to be of said second automation class.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
119 words
A computer-implemented method for performing type checking of object classes in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen an invoke node of a first object class; selecting a method of said first object class for said invoke node, wherein said invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said first object class; changing said invoke node to be of a second object class in response to a user input; performing type propagation checking to determine if the method is valid for the second object class of the invoke node in response to said changing; indicating an invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second object class.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
119 words
A computer-implemented method for performing type checking of object classes in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen an invoke node of a first object class; selecting a method of said first object class for said invoke node, wherein said invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said first object class; changing said invoke node to be of a second object class in response to a user input; performing type propagation checking to determine if the method is valid for the second object class of the invoke node in response to said changing; indicating an invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second object class.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
34 words
The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 37, wherein said user input comprises wiring a first node to said invoke node, wherein the first node propagates said second object class to said invoke node.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 38, wherein said indicating said invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second object class comprises displaying a broken wire between said first node and said invoke node.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
48 words
The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 37, wherein said user input comprises changing a class of a first node wired to said invoke node from said first object class to said second object class, wherein the first node propagates said second object class to said invoke node.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 40, wherein said indicating said invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second object class comprises displaying a broken wire between said first node and said invoke node.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 37, wherein said user input comprises selecting said second object class from a list of object classes displayed for said invoke node.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
40 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 42, wherein said indicating said invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second object class comprises displaying at least a portion of said invoke node in a color indicating said invalid condition.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
82 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 37, wherein said performing type propagation checking comprises: passing information identifying the method, the second object class, and a type library to an object manager, wherein the second object class is a class in the type library identified in the information passed to the object manager; said object manager determining if the method is valid for the second object class; said object manager returning a value indicating if the method is valid for the second object class.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 44, wherein said object manager determining comprises said object manager searching a list of valid methods of the second object class.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 45, wherein said performing type propagation checking further comprises said object manager requesting said list of valid methods of the second object class from the type library prior to said searching.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
34 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 46, wherein said performing type propagation checking further comprises said object manager creating a data structure including said list of valid methods in response to said object manager requesting.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 37, wherein said invoke node is inoperable to invoke said method if the method is not valid for said second object class.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
119 words
A computer-implemented method for performing type checking of object classes in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen a property node of a first object class; selecting a property of said first object class for said property node, wherein said property node is operable to invoke said property of said first object class; changing said property node to be of a second object class in response to a user input; performing type propagation checking to determine if the property is valid for the second object class of the property node in response to said changing; indicating an invalid condition if the property is not valid for said second object class.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
119 words
A computer-implemented method for performing type checking of object classes in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen a property node of a first object class; selecting a property of said first object class for said property node, wherein said property node is operable to invoke said property of said first object class; changing said property node to be of a second object class in response to a user input; performing type propagation checking to determine if the property is valid for the second object class of the property node in response to said changing; indicating an invalid condition if the property is not valid for said second object class.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 49, wherein said user input comprises wiring a first node to said property node, wherein the first node propagates said second object class to said property node.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
40 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 50, wherein said indicating said invalid condition if the property is not valid for said second object class comprises displaying at least a portion of said property node in a color indicating an invalid condition.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
47 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 49, wherein said user input comprises changing an object class of a first node wired to said property node from said first object class to said second object class, wherein the first node propagates said second object class to said property node.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
40 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 52, wherein said indicating said invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second object class comprises displaying at least a portion of said property node in a color indicating an invalid condition.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 49, wherein said user input comprises selecting said second object class from a list of object classes displayed for said property node.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
40 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 54, wherein said indicating said invalid condition if the property is not valid for said second object class comprises displaying at least a portion of said property node in a color indicating an invalid condition.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
82 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 49, wherein said performing type propagation checking comprises: passing information identifying the property, the second object class, and a type library to an object manager, wherein the second object class is a class in the type library identified in the information passed to the object manager; said object manager determining if the property is valid for the second object class; said object manager returning a value indicating if the property is valid for the second object class.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 56, wherein said object manager determining comprises said object manager searching a list of valid properties of the second object class.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 57, wherein said performing type propagation checking further comprises said object manager requesting said list of valid properties of the second object class from the type library prior to said searching.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
34 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 58, wherein said performing type propagation checking further comprises said object manager creating a data structure including said list of valid properties in response to said object manager requesting.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 49, wherein said property node is inoperable to invoke said property if the property is not valid for said second object class.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
121 words
A computer-implemented method for performing object class propagation in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen a first node of a first object class, wherein said first node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first object class; displaying on the screen a second node of a second object class, wherein said second node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an object class; connecting said first node output terminal to said second node input terminal; propagating said first object class from said first node to said second node in response to said connecting, wherein said propagating includes changing said second node to be of said first object class.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
121 words
A computer-implemented method for performing object class propagation in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen a first node of a first object class, wherein said first node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first object class; displaying on the screen a second node of a second object class, wherein said second node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an object class; connecting said first node output terminal to said second node input terminal; propagating said first object class from said first node to said second node in response to said connecting, wherein said propagating includes changing said second node to be of said first object class.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
38 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 61, wherein said first and second nodes are nodes each selected from a list consisting of an open node, an invoke node, a property node, a close node and an object reference node.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 61, wherein said connecting comprises displaying a wire connecting said first node output terminal to said second node input terminal.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
137 words
A computer-implemented method for performing object class propagation in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen a first node of a first object class, wherein said first node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first object class; displaying on the screen a second node of said first object class, wherein said second node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an object class; connecting said first node output terminal to said second node input terminal; changing said first node to be of a second object class in response to user input; propagating said second object class from said first node to said second node in response to said changing, wherein said propagating includes changing said second node to be of said second object class.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
137 words
A computer-implemented method for performing object class propagation in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, comprising: displaying on the screen a first node of a first object class, wherein said first node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first object class; displaying on the screen a second node of said first object class, wherein said second node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an object class; connecting said first node output terminal to said second node input terminal; changing said first node to be of a second object class in response to user input; propagating said second object class from said first node to said second node in response to said changing, wherein said propagating includes changing said second node to be of said second object class.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
38 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 64, wherein said first and second nodes are nodes each selected from a list consisting of an open node, an invoke node, a property node, a close node and an object reference node.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 64, wherein said connecting comprises displaying a wire connecting said first node output terminal to said second node input terminal.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
132 words
A computer-readable storage media for performing type checking of object classes in a graphical program, wherein the graphical program executes in a computer system including a video screen, wherein the program instructions are executable to implement: displaying on the screen an invoke node of a first object class; selecting a method of said first object class for said invoke node, wherein said invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said first object class; changing said invoke node to be of a second object class in response to a user input; performing type propagation checking to determine if the method is valid for the second object class of the invoke node in response to said changing; indicating an invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second object class.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
132 words
A computer-readable storage media for performing type checking of object classes in a graphical program, wherein the graphical program executes in a computer system including a video screen, wherein the program instructions are executable to implement: displaying on the screen an invoke node of a first object class; selecting a method of said first object class for said invoke node, wherein said invoke node is operable to invoke said method of said first object class; changing said invoke node to be of a second object class in response to a user input; performing type propagation checking to determine if the method is valid for the second object class of the invoke node in response to said changing; indicating an invalid condition if the method is not valid for said second object class.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
33 words
The computer-readable storage media of claim 67, wherein said user input comprises wiring a first node to said invoke node, wherein the first node propagates said second object class to said invoke node.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
47 words
The computer-readable storage media of claim 67, wherein said user input comprises changing a class of a first node wired to said invoke node from said first object class to said second object class, wherein the first node propagates said second object class to said invoke node.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-readable storage media of claim 67, wherein said user input comprises selecting said second object class from a list of object classes displayed for said invoke node.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
127 words
A computer-readable storage media for performing type checking of object classes in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, wherein the program instructions are executable to implement: displaying on the screen a property node of a first object class; selecting a property of said first object class for said property node, wherein said property node is operable to invoke said property of said first object class; changing said property node to be of a second object class in response to a user input; performing type propagation checking to determine if the property is valid for the second object class of the property node in response to said changing; indicating an invalid condition if the property is not valid for said second object class.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
127 words
A computer-readable storage media for performing type checking of object classes in a graphical program in a computer system including a video screen, wherein the program instructions are executable to implement: displaying on the screen a property node of a first object class; selecting a property of said first object class for said property node, wherein said property node is operable to invoke said property of said first object class; changing said property node to be of a second object class in response to a user input; performing type propagation checking to determine if the property is valid for the second object class of the property node in response to said changing; indicating an invalid condition if the property is not valid for said second object class.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
33 words
The computer-readable storage media of claim 70, wherein said user input comprises wiring a first node to said property node, wherein the first node propagates said second object class to said property node.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
48 words
The computer-readable storage media of claim 71, wherein said user input comprises changing an object class of a first node wired to said property node from said first object class to said second object class, wherein the first node propagates said second object class to said property node.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer-readable storage media of claim 71, wherein said user input comprises selecting said second object class from a list of object classes displayed for said property node.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
135 words
A computer-readable storage media which stores program instructions for performing object class propagation in a graphical program, wherein the graphical program executes in a computer system including a video screen, wherein the program instructions implement: displaying on the screen a first node of a first object class, wherein said first node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first object class; displaying on the screen a second node of a second object class, wherein said second node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an object class; connecting said first node output terminal to said second node input terminal; propagating said first object class from said first node to said second node in response to said connecting, wherein said propagating includes changing said second node to be of said first object class.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
135 words
A computer-readable storage media which stores program instructions for performing object class propagation in a graphical program, wherein the graphical program executes in a computer system including a video screen, wherein the program instructions implement: displaying on the screen a first node of a first object class, wherein said first node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first object class; displaying on the screen a second node of a second object class, wherein said second node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an object class; connecting said first node output terminal to said second node input terminal; propagating said first object class from said first node to said second node in response to said connecting, wherein said propagating includes changing said second node to be of said first object class.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
39 words
The computer-readable storage media of claim 75, wherein said first and second nodes are nodes each selected from a list consisting of an open node, an invoke node, a property node, a close node and an object reference node.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer-readable storage media of claim 75, wherein said connecting comprises displaying a wire connecting said first node output terminal to said second node input terminal.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
151 words
A computer-readable storage media which stores program instructions for performing object class propagation in a graphical program, wherein the graphical program executes in a computer system including a video screen, wherein the program instructions implement: displaying on the screen a first node of a first object class, wherein said first node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first object class; displaying on the screen a second node of said first object class, wherein said second node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an object class; connecting said first node output terminal to said second node input terminal; changing said first node to be of a second object class in response to user input; propagating said second object class from said first node to said second node in response to said changing, wherein said propagating includes changing said second node to be of said second object class.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
151 words
A computer-readable storage media which stores program instructions for performing object class propagation in a graphical program, wherein the graphical program executes in a computer system including a video screen, wherein the program instructions implement: displaying on the screen a first node of a first object class, wherein said first node includes an output terminal for providing information specifying said first object class; displaying on the screen a second node of said first object class, wherein said second node includes an input terminal for receiving information specifying an object class; connecting said first node output terminal to said second node input terminal; changing said first node to be of a second object class in response to user input; propagating said second object class from said first node to said second node in response to said changing, wherein said propagating includes changing said second node to be of said second object class.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
39 words
The computer-readable storage media of claim 78, wherein said first and second nodes are nodes each selected from a list consisting of an open node, an invoke node, a property node, a close node and an object reference node.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer-readable storage media of claim 78, wherein said connecting comprises displaying a wire connecting said first node output terminal to said second node input terminal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4901221A
Cited
US5481741A
Cited
US5261043A
Cited
US5576946A
Cited
US5640572A
Cited
US5751914A
Cited
US5848273A
Cited
US5812133A
Cited
US5802514A
Cited
US5847953A
Cited
US5905649A
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 |