US6405145B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Instrumentation system and method which performs instrument interchangeability checking
Assignee: National Instruments Corp
•
Filing: 1998-08-21
•
Granted: 2002-06-11
•
Expires: 2018-08-21
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for controlling an instrumentation system, wherein the present invention includes an improved instrument driver software architecture. The instrument driver software architecture of the present invention provides a number of features, including instrument interchangeability, i.e., the use of interchangeable virtual instruments or interchangeable instrument drivers, improved performance, an improved attribute model, improved range checking, and improved simulation features, among others.
Inventors
- 👤 Scott Rust
- 👤 Jon Bellin
- 👤 James Grey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 03:22
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/44; G06F9/455
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 93
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
A computer-implemented method for controlling an instrument in an instrumentation system, wherein the instrumentation system includes a computer system comprising a CPU and memory, wherein the instrumentation system also includes at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of attributes, the method comprising: a user application making a call to a function in a class driver to control the instrument, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class; the class driver receiving the call; the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking comprises determining if one or more of said attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in a user-specified state; executing the function to control the instrument after said performing instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
A computer-implemented method for controlling an instrument in an instrumentation system, wherein the instrumentation system includes a computer system comprising a CPU and memory, wherein the instrumentation system also includes at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of attributes, the method comprising: a user application making a call to a function in a class driver to control the instrument, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class; the class driver receiving the call; the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking comprises determining if one or more of said attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in a user-specified state; executing the function to control the instrument after said performing instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said executing the function to control the instrument is performed if the instrument is determined to be in an interchangeable state.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: recording an error if the instrument is determined not to be in an interchangeable state.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 3 , wherein said executing the function to control the instrument is performed if the instrument is determined not to be in an interchangeable state.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the call comprises a call to a function in the class driver which causes the instrument to perform a function based on a current configuration of the instrument; wherein the function requires the instrument to be in said a user-specified state for instrument interchangeability; wherein the performing instrument interchangeability checking includes determining whether the instrument is in said user-specified state.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 5 , wherein the class driver includes a specification for instrument interchangeability checking; wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking includes the class driver determining whether the instrument is in said user-specified state based on said specification.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a first attribute has a user-specified value, wherein a second attribute does not affect instrument behavior when said first attribute has said user-specified value; wherein said determining does not determine if said second attribute is in said user-specified state in response to determining that said first attribute has said user-specified value.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said attributes comprise extension attributes; wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking comprises determining if one or more of said extension attributes are in said user-specified state.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
87 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking includes: determining if at least one attribute in an extension group has ever been in said user-specified state; determining if all of the attributes in said extension group are in said user-specified state if said at least one attribute in said extension group has ever been in said user-specified state; wherein said instrument interchangeability checking records an error if one or more of the attributes in said extension group are not in said user-specified state.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: recording an error if one or more of said attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are determined not to be in said user-specified state.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the computer system memory includes an interchangeable virtual instrument (IVI) engine which provides services to class drivers; wherein the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking includes the class driver invoking functions in the IVI engine.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of generic attributes and one or more instrument-specific attributes; wherein the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking comprises: determining if one or more of said generic attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in said user-specified state.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein a first generic attribute has a user-specified value, wherein a second generic attribute does not affect instrument behavior when said first generic attribute has said user-specified value; wherein said determining does not determine if said second generic attribute is in said user-specified state in response to determining that said first generic attribute has said user-specified value.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
91 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of extension attributes; wherein the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking further comprises: determining if said extension groups will affect instrument behavior in said function, wherein said determining determines that a first one or more extension groups will affect instrument behavior in said function; determining if one or more of said extension attributes that are comprised in said first one or more extension groups which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in said user-specified state .
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said executing the function to control the instrument comprises executing a function in a specific instrument driver, wherein the specific instrument driver is specific to the instrument.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
163 words
An instrumentation system which performs instrument interchangeability checking, the instrumentation system comprising: a computer system comprising a CPU and memory; at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of attributes; wherein the memory of the computer system stores: a user application which is operable to making a call to a function to control the instrument; a class driver which is operable to receive the call, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class, wherein the class driver is operable to perform instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state; wherein the class driver is operable to determine if one or more of said attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in a user-specified state in performing said instrument interchangeable checking.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
163 words
An instrumentation system which performs instrument interchangeability checking, the instrumentation system comprising: a computer system comprising a CPU and memory; at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of attributes; wherein the memory of the computer system stores: a user application which is operable to making a call to a function to control the instrument; a class driver which is operable to receive the call, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class, wherein the class driver is operable to perform instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state; wherein the class driver is operable to determine if one or more of said attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in a user-specified state in performing said instrument interchangeable checking.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The instrumentation system of claim 16 , wherein the class driver executes the function to control the instrument after performing instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
29 words
The instrumentation system of claim 16 , wherein the class driver executes the function to control the instrument if the instrument is determined to be in an interchangeable state.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The instrumentation system of claim 16 , wherein the class driver records an error if the instrument is determined not to be in an interchangeable state.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
30 words
The instrumentation system of claim 19 , wherein the class driver executes the function to control the instrument if the instrument is determined not to be in an interchangeable state.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
70 words
The instrumentation system of claim 16 , wherein the call comprises a call to a function in the class driver which causes the instrument to perform a function based on a current configuration of the instrument; wherein the function requires the instrument to be in said user-specified state for instrument interchangeability; wherein the class driver is operable to determining a state of the instrument in performing said instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
60 words
The instrumentation system of claim 16 , wherein a first attribute has a user-specified value, wherein a second attribute does not affect instrument behavior when said first attribute has said user-specified value; wherein the class driver does not determine if said second attribute is in said user-specified state in response to determining that said first attribute has said user-specified value.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
29 words
The instrumentation system of claim 22 , wherein the instrument is in an interchangeable state when one or more attributes of the instrument are in a user specified state.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
39 words
The instrumentation system of claim 16 , wherein the class driver records an error if one or more of said attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are determined not to be in said user-specified state.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
49 words
The instrumentation system of claim 16 , wherein said attributes comprise extension attributes; wherein, in performing said instrument interchangeability checking, the class driver is operable to determine if one or more of said extension attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in said user-specified state.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
100 words
The instrumentation system of claim 16 , wherein, in performing instrument interchangeability checking, said class driver is operable to determine if at least one attribute in an extension group has ever been in said user-specified state; wherein said class driver is operable to determine if all of the attributes in said extension group are in said user-specified state if said at least one attribute in said extension group has ever been in said user-specified state; wherein said instrument interchangeability checking records an error if one or more of the attributes in said extension group are not in said user-specified state.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
41 words
The instrumentation system of claim 16 , wherein the computer system memory further stores an interchangeable virtual instrument (IVI) engine which provides services to class drivers; wherein the class driver invokes functions in the IVI engine in performing instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
55 words
The instrumentation system of claim 16 , wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of generic attributes and one or more instrument-specific attributes; wherein the class driver determines if one or more of said generic attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in said user-specified state in performing said instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
65 words
The instrumentation system of claim 28 , wherein a first generic attribute has a user-specified value, wherein a second generic attribute does not affect instrument behavior when said first generic attribute has said user-specified value; wherein the class driver does not determine if said second generic attribute is in said user-specified state in response to determining that said first generic attribute has said user-specified value.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
82 words
The instrumentation system of claim 28 , wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of extension attributes; wherein the class driver determines in said performing instrument interchangeability checking if said extension attributes will affect instrument behavior in said function; wherein said determining determines that a first one or more extension attributes are used in said function; wherein the class driver determines if one or more of said extension attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in said user-specified state.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
93 words
The instrumentation system of claim 16 , wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of extension attributes; wherein, in performing instrument interchangeability checking, the class driver is operable to: determine if said extension groups will affect instrument behavior in said function, wherein said determining determines that a first one or more extension groups will affect instrument behavior in said function; determine if one or more of said extension attributes that are comprised in said first one or more extension groups which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in said user-specified state.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
45 words
The instrumentation system of claim 16 , wherein said function to control the instrument may be executed, wherein said executing the function to control the instrument comprises executing a function in a specific instrument driver, wherein the specific instrument driver is specific to the instrument.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
139 words
A computer-implemented method for controlling an instrument in an instrumentation system, wherein the instrumentation system includes a computer system comprising a CPU and memory, wherein the instrumentation system also includes at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, the method comprising: storing information regarding a user specified state of one or more attributes of the instrument; a user application making a call to a function to control the instrument, a software support library performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking uses the information regarding the user specified state; and executing the function to control the instrument after the software support library performs instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
139 words
A computer-implemented method for controlling an instrument in an instrumentation system, wherein the instrumentation system includes a computer system comprising a CPU and memory, wherein the instrumentation system also includes at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, the method comprising: storing information regarding a user specified state of one or more attributes of the instrument; a user application making a call to a function to control the instrument, a software support library performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking uses the information regarding the user specified state; and executing the function to control the instrument after the software support library performs instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state comprises determining whether one or more attributes of the instrument are in a user specified state.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the instrument is in an interchangeable state when one or more attributes of the instrument are in a user specified state.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the call comprises a call to a function which causes the instrument to perform a function based on a current configuration of the instrument, wherein the function requires the instrument to be in an interchangeable state; wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking includes the software support library determining whether the instrument is in the interchangeable state.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein said storing comprises the software support library storing information regarding a user specified state of one or more attributes of the instrument.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the computer system stores a specific driver for the instrument, wherein the computer system also stores the software support library, wherein the software support library provides services to the specific driver.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the computer system stores a class driver for instruments of the first class, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class, wherein the software support library provides services to the class driver.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the computer system stores a specific driver for the instrument, wherein the computer system stores a class driver for instruments of the first class, wherein the computer system also stores the software support library; wherein the software support library provides services to the specific driver and to the class driver.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein each of the instruments of the first class includes a specific driver; wherein the software support library provides services to each of the specific drivers of the instruments of the first class.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the software support library is an interchangeable virtual instrument (IVI) engine.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein said executing the function to control the instrument is performed if the instrument is determined to be in an interchangeable state.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 33 , further comprising: recording a warning if the instrument is determined not to be in an interchangeable state.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 44 , wherein said executing the function to control the instrument is performed if the instrument is determined not to be in an interchangeable state.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the software support library includes a specification for instrument interchangeability checking; wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking includes the software support library determining whether the instrument is in an interchangeable state based on said specification.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of attributes; wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking includes determining if one or more of said attributes are in a user-specified state.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 47 , further comprising: recording a warning if one or more of said attributes are determined not to be in a user-specified state.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 47 , wherein a first attribute has a user-specified value, wherein a second attribute does not affect instrument behavior when said first attribute has said user-specified value; wherein said determining does not determine if said second attribute is in said user-specified state in response to determining that said first attribute has said user-specified value.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 47 , wherein said attributes comprise extension attributes; wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking comprises determining if one or more of said extension attributes are in a user-specified state.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
99 words
The method of claim 47 , wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking includes: determining if an extension group will affect instrument behavior in said function; determining if at least one attribute in the extension group has ever been in a user-specified state; determining if all of the attributes in the extension group are in a user-specified state if said at least one attribute in said extension group has ever been in a user-specified state wherein said instrument interchangeability checking records a warning if one or more of the attributes in said extension group are not in a user-specified state.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of generic attributes and one or more instrument-specific attributes; wherein the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking comprises: determining if one or more of said generic attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in a user-specified state.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 52 , wherein a first generic attribute has a user-specified value, wherein a second generic attribute does not affect instrument behavior when said first generic attribute has said user-specified value; wherein said determining does not determine if said second generic attribute is in said user-specified state in response to determining that said first generic attribute has said user-specified value.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
90 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of extension attributes; wherein the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking further comprises: determining if said extension groups will affect instrument behavior in said function, wherein said determining determines that a first one or more extension groups will affect instrument behavior in said function; determining if one or more of said extension attributes that are comprised in said first one or more extension groups which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in a user-specified state.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein said executing the function to control the instrument comprises executing a function in a specific instrument driver, wherein the specific instrument driver is specific to the instrument.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
88 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the computer system stores a specific instrument driver for the instrument, wherein the computer system also stores the software support library, wherein the software support library provides services to the specific instrument driver; the method further comprising the specific instrument driver invoking functions in the software support library to perform instrument interchangeability checking; wherein the software support library performs instrument interchangeability checking in response to the specific instrument driver invoking functions in the software support library to perform instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
110 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the computer system stores a class driver for instruments of the first class, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class, wherein the software support library provides services to the class driver; wherein the user application makes a call to a function in the class driver to control the instrument; the method further comprising the class driver invoking functions in the software support library to perform instrument interchangeability checking; wherein the software support library performs instrument interchangeability checking in response to the class driver invoking functions in the software support library to perform instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
113 words
An instrumentation system which performs instrument interchangeability checking, the system comprising: a computer system comprising a CPU and memory; at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class; wherein the computer system stores: information regarding a user specified state of one or more attributes of the instrument; a user application for making a call to a function to control the instrument; a software support library for performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein said instrument interchangeability checking uses the information regarding the user specified state.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
113 words
An instrumentation system which performs instrument interchangeability checking, the system comprising: a computer system comprising a CPU and memory; at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class; wherein the computer system stores: information regarding a user specified state of one or more attributes of the instrument; a user application for making a call to a function to control the instrument; a software support library for performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein said instrument interchangeability checking uses the information regarding the user specified state.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
32 words
The instrumentation system of claim 58 , wherein the software support library performs instrument interchangeability checking by determining whether one or more attributes of the instrument are in a user specified state.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
35 words
The instrumentation system of claim 58 , wherein the software support library is operable to perform instrument interchangeability checking in response to the user application making the call to the function to control the instrument.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
25 words
The instrumentation system of claim 58 , wherein the function to control the instrument is executed after the software support library performs instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
66 words
The instrumentation system of claim 61 , wherein the call comprises a call to a function which causes the instrument to perform a function based on a current configuration of the instrument, wherein the function requires the instrument to be in an interchangeable state; wherein, in performing instrument interchangeability checking, the software support library is operable to determine whether the instrument is in the interchangeable state.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
27 words
The instrumentation system of claim 61 , wherein the function to control the instrument is executed if the instrument is determined to be in an interchangeable state.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
24 words
The instrumentation system of claim 61 , wherein a warning is recorded if the instrument is determined not to be in an interchangeable state.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
28 words
The instrumentation system of claim 64 , wherein the function to control the instrument is executed if the instrument is determined not to be in an interchangeable state.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
29 words
The instrumentation system of claim 58 , wherein the software support library stores the information regarding the user specified state of the one or more attributes of the instrument.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
30 words
The instrumentation system of claim 58 , wherein the computer system also stores a specific driver for the instrument; wherein the software support library provides services to the specific driver.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
48 words
The instrumentation system of claim 58 , wherein the computer system also stores a class driver for instruments of the first class, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class, wherein the software support library provides services to the class driver.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
45 words
The instrumentation system of claim 58 , wherein the computer system also stores: a specific driver for the instrument; and a class driver for instruments of the first class; wherein the software support library provides services to the specific driver and to the class driver.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
40 words
The instrumentation system of claim 58 , wherein each of the instruments of the first class includes a specific driver; wherein the software support library provides services to each of the specific drivers of the instruments of the first class.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
19 words
The instrumentation system of claim 58 , wherein the software support library is an interchangeable virtual instrument (IVI) engine.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
45 words
The instrumentation system of claim 58 , wherein the software support library includes a specification for instrument interchangeability checking; wherein, in performing instrument interchangeability checking, the software support library is operable to determine whether the instrument is in an interchangeable state based on said specification.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 58 , wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of attributes; wherein, in performing instrument interchangeability checking, the software support library is operable to determine if one or more of said attributes are in a user-specified state.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
211 words
A computer-implemented method for controlling an instrument in an instrumentation system, wherein the instrumentation system includes a computer system comprising a CPU and memory, wherein the instrumentation system also includes at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, the method comprising: a user application making a call to a function in a class driver to control the instrument, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class; the class driver receiving the call; the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking includes: determining if at least one attribute in an extension group has ever been in a user-specified state; determining if all of the attributes in said extension group are in a user-specified state if said at least one attribute in said extension group has ever been in a user-specified state; wherein said instrument interchangeability checking records an error if one or more of the attributes in said extension group are not in a user-specified state; executing the function to control the instrument after said performing instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
211 words
A computer-implemented method for controlling an instrument in an instrumentation system, wherein the instrumentation system includes a computer system comprising a CPU and memory, wherein the instrumentation system also includes at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, the method comprising: a user application making a call to a function in a class driver to control the instrument, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class; the class driver receiving the call; the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein said performing instrument interchangeability checking includes: determining if at least one attribute in an extension group has ever been in a user-specified state; determining if all of the attributes in said extension group are in a user-specified state if said at least one attribute in said extension group has ever been in a user-specified state; wherein said instrument interchangeability checking records an error if one or more of the attributes in said extension group are not in a user-specified state; executing the function to control the instrument after said performing instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
166 words
A computer-implemented method for controlling an instrument in an instrumentation system, wherein the instrumentation system includes a computer system comprising a CPU and memory, wherein the instrumentation system also includes at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, wherein the computer system memory includes an interchangeable virtual instrument (IVI) engine which provides services to class drivers, the method comprising: a user application making a call to a function in a class driver to control the instrument, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class; the class driver receiving the call; the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking includes the class driver invoking functions in the IVI engine; executing the function to control the instrument after said performing instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
166 words
A computer-implemented method for controlling an instrument in an instrumentation system, wherein the instrumentation system includes a computer system comprising a CPU and memory, wherein the instrumentation system also includes at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, wherein the computer system memory includes an interchangeable virtual instrument (IVI) engine which provides services to class drivers, the method comprising: a user application making a call to a function in a class driver to control the instrument, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class; the class driver receiving the call; the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking includes the class driver invoking functions in the IVI engine; executing the function to control the instrument after said performing instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
177 words
A computer-implemented method for controlling an instrument in an instrumentation system, wherein the instrumentation system includes a computer system comprising a CPU and memory, wherein the instrumentation system also includes at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of generic attributes and one or more instrument-specific attributes, the method comprising: a user application making a call to a function in a class driver to control the instrument, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class; the class driver receiving the call; the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking comprises determining if one or more of said generic attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in a user-specified state; executing the function to control the instrument after said performing instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
177 words
A computer-implemented method for controlling an instrument in an instrumentation system, wherein the instrumentation system includes a computer system comprising a CPU and memory, wherein the instrumentation system also includes at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of generic attributes and one or more instrument-specific attributes, the method comprising: a user application making a call to a function in a class driver to control the instrument, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class; the class driver receiving the call; the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking comprises determining if one or more of said generic attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in a user-specified state; executing the function to control the instrument after said performing instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
214 words
A computer-implemented method for controlling an instrument in an instrumentation system, wherein the instrumentation system includes a computer system comprising a CPU and memory, wherein the instrumentation system also includes at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of extension attributes, the method comprising: a user application making a call to a function in a class driver to control the instrument, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class; the class driver receiving the call; the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking further comprises: determining if said extension groups will affect instrument behavior in said function, wherein said determining determines that a first one or more extension groups will affect instrument behavior in said function; determining if one or more of said extension attributes that are comprised in said first one or more extension groups which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in a user-specified state; executing the function to control the instrument after said performing instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
214 words
A computer-implemented method for controlling an instrument in an instrumentation system, wherein the instrumentation system includes a computer system comprising a CPU and memory, wherein the instrumentation system also includes at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of extension attributes, the method comprising: a user application making a call to a function in a class driver to control the instrument, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class; the class driver receiving the call; the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein the class driver performing instrument interchangeability checking further comprises: determining if said extension groups will affect instrument behavior in said function, wherein said determining determines that a first one or more extension groups will affect instrument behavior in said function; determining if one or more of said extension attributes that are comprised in said first one or more extension groups which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in a user-specified state; executing the function to control the instrument after said performing instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
147 words
An instrumentation system which performs instrument interchangeability checking, the instrumentation system comprising: a computer system comprising a CPU and memory; at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class; wherein the memory of the computer system stores: a user application which is operable to making a call to a function to control the instrument; a class driver which is operable to receive the call, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class, wherein the class driver is operable to perform instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein the class driver invokes functions in the IVI engine in performing instrument interchangeability checking; an interchangeable virtual instrument (IVI) engine which provides services to class drivers.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
147 words
An instrumentation system which performs instrument interchangeability checking, the instrumentation system comprising: a computer system comprising a CPU and memory; at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class; wherein the memory of the computer system stores: a user application which is operable to making a call to a function to control the instrument; a class driver which is operable to receive the call, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class, wherein the class driver is operable to perform instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein the class driver invokes functions in the IVI engine in performing instrument interchangeability checking; an interchangeable virtual instrument (IVI) engine which provides services to class drivers.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
168 words
An instrumentation system which performs instrument interchangeability checking, the instrumentation system comprising: a computer system comprising a CPU and memory; at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of generic attributes and one or more instrument-specific attributes; wherein the memory of the computer system stores: a user application which is operable to making a call to a function to control the instrument; a class driver which is operable to receive the call, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class, wherein the class driver is operable to perform instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein the class driver determines if one or more of said generic attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in a user-specified state in performing said instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
168 words
An instrumentation system which performs instrument interchangeability checking, the instrumentation system comprising: a computer system comprising a CPU and memory; at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of generic attributes and one or more instrument-specific attributes; wherein the memory of the computer system stores: a user application which is operable to making a call to a function to control the instrument; a class driver which is operable to receive the call, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class, wherein the class driver is operable to perform instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein the class driver determines if one or more of said generic attributes which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in a user-specified state in performing said instrument interchangeability checking.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
206 words
An instrumentation system which performs instrument interchangeability checking, the instrumentation system comprising: a computer system comprising a CPU and memory; at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of extension attributes; wherein the memory of the computer system stores: a user application which is operable to making a call to a function to control the instrument; a class driver which is operable to receive the call, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class, wherein the class driver is operable to perform instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein, in performing instrument interchangeability checking, the class driver is operable to: determine if said extension groups will affect instrument behavior in said function, wherein said determining determines that a first one or more extension groups will affect instrument behavior in said function; determine if one or more of said extension attributes that are comprised in said first one or more extension groups which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in a user-specified state.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
206 words
An instrumentation system which performs instrument interchangeability checking, the instrumentation system comprising: a computer system comprising a CPU and memory; at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class, wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of extension attributes; wherein the memory of the computer system stores: a user application which is operable to making a call to a function to control the instrument; a class driver which is operable to receive the call, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class, wherein the class driver is operable to perform instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state, wherein, in performing instrument interchangeability checking, the class driver is operable to: determine if said extension groups will affect instrument behavior in said function, wherein said determining determines that a first one or more extension groups will affect instrument behavior in said function; determine if one or more of said extension attributes that are comprised in said first one or more extension groups which will affect instrument behavior in the current configuration are in a user-specified state.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
158 words
An instrumentation system which performs instrument interchangeability checking, the instrumentation system comprising: a computer system comprising a CPU and memory; at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class; wherein the memory of the computer system stores: a user application which is operable to making a call to a function to control the instrument, wherein said function to control the instrument may be executed, wherein said executing the function to control the instrument comprises executing a function in a specific instrument driver, wherein the specific instrument driver is specific to the instrument; a class driver which is operable to receive the call, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class, wherein the class driver is operable to perform instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
158 words
An instrumentation system which performs instrument interchangeability checking, the instrumentation system comprising: a computer system comprising a CPU and memory; at least one instrument coupled to the computer system, wherein the instrument is of a first class, wherein the instrument is interchangeable with other instruments of the first class; wherein the memory of the computer system stores: a user application which is operable to making a call to a function to control the instrument, wherein said function to control the instrument may be executed, wherein said executing the function to control the instrument comprises executing a function in a specific instrument driver, wherein the specific instrument driver is specific to the instrument; a class driver which is operable to receive the call, wherein the class driver is common to a plurality of instruments of the first class, wherein the class driver is operable to perform instrument interchangeability checking to ensure that the instrument is in an interchangeable state.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-06-10 | 2005-12-10 | 2006-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-06-10 | 2009-12-10 | 2010-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-06-10 | 2013-12-10 | 2014-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |