Claims
- 1. A method for creating a graphical program that performs a task, the method comprising:
displaying a node in a graphical program; configuring the node to receive a task specification; and executing the node in the graphical program, wherein said executing the node comprises:
the node receiving a task specification as input, wherein the task specification specifies a task; and the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task.
- 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
the node generating a program which is operable to perform the task, wherein the node generates the program based on the task specification.
- 3. The method of claim 2,
wherein the node generating the program comprises:
the node invoking an expert system to analyze the task specification; and the node generating the program based on results of the expert system, wherein the program is operable to perform the task.
- 4. The method of claim 2,
wherein the node generating the program comprises:
the node invoking an expert system to analyze the task specification and generate a run-time specification for the task in response to said analyzing; and the node invoking a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a run-time based on the run-time specification, wherein the run-time is executable to perform the task.
- 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
the expert system validating the task specification prior to generating the run-time specification.
- 6. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
the run-time builder configuring one or more devices according to the run-time specification, wherein said run-time executes to perform the task using the configured one or more devices.
- 7. The method of claim 4,
wherein the node invoking execution of the program to perform the task comprises the node invoking execution of the run-time to perform the task.
- 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating said graphical program programmatically.
- 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) for specifying the task; receiving user input to the GUI indicating values for a plurality of parameters characterizing the task, wherein said values for the plurality of parameters are useable in generating the task specification; and generating the task specification based on the values for the plurality of parameters.
- 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
receiving user input to the GUI requesting programmatic generation of the graphical program; and generating said graphical program programmatically in response to said user input requesting said generation.
- 11. The method of claim 1,
wherein said configuring the node to receive a task specification comprises connecting an input terminal of the node to an output terminal of different node in the graphical program.
- 12. The method of claim 11,
wherein said different node is a task specification node.
- 13. The method of claim 11,
wherein said different node is a configuration node which operates to configure the task specification for input to the node.
- 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said configuration node operates in conjunction with one or more other configuration nodes to generate the task specification.
- 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said configuration node comprises one of:
a channel configuration node, which is operable to add channel configuration information to the task specification; a timing configuration node, which is operable to add timing configuration information to the task specification; and a triggering configuration node, which is operable to add triggering configuration information to the task specification.
- 16. The method of claim 13,
wherein the node is a primitive node provided by a graphical programming development environment for inclusion in the graphical program.
- 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the node is further operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the task, wherein the task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the task, wherein the task comprises a signal generation.
- 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the node is further operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to acquire data from a device, wherein the task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to write data to a device, wherein the task comprises a signal generation.
- 19. The method of claim 18,
wherein the task comprises a repetitive task, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations during or prior to a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the task comprises a repetitive task, the method further comprising:
displaying a stop node in the graphical program, wherein the stop node is connected to said one or more of said read node and said write node, and wherein the stop node is operable to terminate the task.
- 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the node invoking execution of the program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the stop node performing one or more operations prior to or during a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 22. The method of claim 11, wherein the task comprises a measurement, and wherein the node is further operable to acquire data from a device.
- 23. The method of claim 11, wherein the task comprises a measurement, the method further comprising:
the node executing to configure a device to acquire data from a source; wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the device acquiring data from the source; and the node acquiring data from the device.
- 24. The method of claim 23,
wherein the method operates in a system comprising a computer system and the device; and wherein the node acquiring data from the device comprises the node acquiring data from the device and providing the acquired data to the computer system.
- 25. The method of claim 11, wherein the task comprises a signal generation, and wherein the node is further operable to write data to a device.
- 26. The method of claim 11, wherein the task comprises a measurement, the method further comprising:
the node executing to configure a device to perform a signal generation; wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking signal generation by the device; and the device generating a signal in response to said invocation.
- 27. The method of claim 26,
wherein the method operates in a system comprising a computer system and the device; and wherein the node invoking signal generation by the device comprises the node acquiring data from the computer system and providing the acquired data to the device.
- 28. The method of claim 11,
wherein said graphical program comprises a LabVIEW graphical program.
- 29. The method of claim 11, wherein the task comprises one or more of:
one or more measurements; and one or more signal generations.
- 30. The method of claim 11, wherein the task comprises a complex operation using a plurality of devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices comprises a hardware device.
- 31. The method of claim 11, wherein the task comprises a complex operation using a plurality of devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices comprises a virtual device.
- 32. The method of claim 11,
wherein said task specification comprises configuration information for one or more devices; and wherein, after being configured with said configuration information, the one or more devices are operable to perform the task.
- 33. The method of claim 1,
wherein the task comprises a repetitive task, the method further comprising:
configuring the node to perform the repetitive task;
- 34. The method of claim 33,
wherein said configuring the node to perform the repetitive task comprises displaying the node in a loop structure in the graphical program, wherein the loop structure indicates that the node is to execute continuously or a specified number of times.
- 35. The method of claim 33,
wherein said configuring the node to perform the repetitive task comprises displaying a different node in the graphical program which represents a repetitive task parameter; and connecting the node to the different node to indicate that the node is to execute repetitively in accordance with the repetitive task parameter.
- 36. The method of claim 35,
wherein said repetitive task parameter indicates that the node is to execute continuously.
- 37. The method of claim 35,
wherein said repetitive task parameter indicates that the node is to execute a specified number of times.
- 38. The method of claim 33, further comprising:
displaying a GUI element which is operable to control operation of the graphical program.
- 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the GUI element is operable to control start and/or stop operations of the task performed by the graphical program.
- 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the GUI element is displayed in a panel separate from the graphical program.
- 41. The method of claim 38, wherein the GUI element is displayed in the graphical program.
- 42. The method of claim 38, further comprising:
receiving first user input to said GUI element to invoke execution of the graphical program; and receiving second user input to said GUI element to terminate execution of the graphical program.
- 43. The method of claim 38,
wherein said GUI element comprises a toggle switch which operates to alternately control start and stop operations of the graphical program.
- 44. The method of claim 33, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations prior to or during a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 45. The method of claim 33, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations during or after a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 46. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving user input selecting the node; and displaying a more detailed graphical program representing operations of the node.
- 47. A carrier medium comprising program instructions for creating a graphical program that performs a task, wherein the program instructions are executable to perform:
displaying a node in a graphical program; configuring the node to receive a task specification; and executing the node in the graphical program, wherein said executing the node comprises:
the node receiving a task specification as input, wherein the task specification specifies a task; and the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task.
- 48. The carrier medium of claim 47, wherein said program instructions are further executable to perform:
the node generating a program which is operable to perform the task, wherein the node generates the program based on the task specification.
- 49. The carrier medium of claim 48,
wherein the node generating the program comprises:
the node invoking an expert system to analyze the task specification; and the node generating a program based on results of the expert system, wherein the program is operable to perform the task.
- 50. The carrier medium of claim 48,
wherein the node generating the program comprises:
the node invoking an expert system to analyze the task specification and generate a run-time specification for the task in response to said analyzing; the node invoking a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a run-time based on the run-time specification, wherein the run-time is executable to perform the task.
- 51. The carrier medium of claim 50, wherein said program instructions are further executable to perform:
the expert system validating the task specification prior to generating the run-time specification.
- 52. The carrier medium of claim 50, wherein said program instructions are further executable to perform:
the run-time builder configuring one or more devices according to the run-time specification, wherein said run-time executes to perform the task using the configured one or more devices.
- 53. The carrier medium of claim 50,
wherein the node invoking execution of the program to perform the task comprises the node invoking execution of the run-time to perform the task.
- 54. The carrier medium of claim 47, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
generating said graphical program programmatically.
- 55. The carrier medium of claim 47, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) for specifying the task; receiving user input to the GUI indicating a plurality of parameters characterizing the task, wherein said plurality of parameters is useable in generating the task specification; and generating the task specification.
- 56. The carrier medium of claim 55, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
receiving user input to the GUI requesting programmatic generation of the graphical program; and generating said graphical program programmatically in response to said user input requesting said generation.
- 57. The carrier medium of claim 47,
wherein said configuring the node to receive a task specification comprises connecting an input terminal of the node to an output terminal of different node in the graphical program.
- 58. The carrier medium of claim 57,
wherein said different node is a task specification node.
- 59. The carrier medium of claim 57,
wherein said different node is a configuration node which operates to configure the task specification for input to the node.
- 60. The carrier medium of claim 59, wherein said configuration node comprises one of:
a channel configuration node, which is operable to add channel configuration information to the task specification; a timing configuration node, which is operable to add timing configuration information to the task specification; and a triggering configuration node, which is operable to add triggering configuration information to the task specification.
- 61. The carrier medium of claim 59, wherein said configuration node operates in conjunction with one or more other configuration nodes to generate the task specification.
- 62. The carrier medium of claim 47,
wherein the node is a primitive node provided by a graphical programming development environment for inclusion in the graphical program.
- 63. The carrier medium of claim 47, wherein the node is further operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the task, wherein the task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the task, wherein the task comprises a signal generation.
- 64. The carrier medium of claim 47, wherein the node is operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to acquire data from a device, wherein the task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to write data to a device, wherein the task comprises a signal generation.
- 65. The carrier medium of claim 64,
wherein the task comprises a repetitive task, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations during or prior to a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 66. The carrier medium of claim 64, wherein the task comprises a repetitive task, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
displaying a stop node in the graphical program, wherein the stop node is connected to said one or more of said read node and said write node, and wherein the stop node is operable to terminate the task.
- 67. The carrier medium of claim 66, wherein the node invoking execution of the program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the stop node performing one or more operations prior to or during a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 68. The carrier medium of claim 64, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
displaying a stop node in the graphical program, wherein the stop node is connected to said one or more of said read node and said write node, and wherein the stop node is operable to terminate the task.
- 69. The carrier medium of claim 47, wherein the task comprises a measurement, and wherein the node is further operable to acquire data from a device.
- 70. The carrier medium of claim 47, wherein the task comprises a measurement, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
the node executing to configure a device to acquire data from a source; wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the device acquiring data from the source; and the node acquiring data from the device.
- 71. The carrier medium of claim 70,
wherein the program instructions implement a portion of a system comprising a computer system and the device; and wherein the node acquiring data from the device comprises the node acquiring data from the device and providing the acquired data to the computer system.
- 72. The carrier medium of claim 47, wherein the task comprises a signal generation, and wherein the node is further operable to write data to a device.
- 73. The carrier medium of claim 47, wherein the task comprises a signal generation, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
the node executing to configure a device to perform a signal generation; wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking signal generation by the device; and the device generating a signal in response to said invocation.
- 74. The carrier medium of claim 73,
wherein the program instructions implement a portion of a system comprising a computer system and the device; and wherein the node invoking signal generation by the device comprises the node acquiring data from the computer system and providing the acquired data to the device.
- 75. The carrier medium of claim 47,
wherein said graphical program comprises a LabVIEW graphical program.
- 76. The carrier medium of claim 47, wherein the task comprises one or more of:
one or more measurements; and one or more signal generations.
- 77. The carrier medium of claim 47, wherein the task comprises a complex operation using a plurality of devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices comprises a hardware device.
- 78. The carrier medium of claim 47, wherein the task comprises a complex operation using a plurality of devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices comprises a virtual device.
- 79. The carrier medium of claim 47,
wherein said task specification comprises configuration information for one or more devices; and wherein, after being configured with said configuration information, the one or more devices are operable to perform the task.
- 80. The carrier medium of claim 47, wherein the task comprises a repetitive task, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
configuring the node to perform the repetitive task;
- 81. The carrier medium of claim 80,
wherein said configuring the node to perform the repetitive task comprises displaying the node in a loop structure in the graphical program, wherein the loop structure indicates that the node is to execute continuously or a specified number of times.
- 82. The carrier medium of claim 80,
wherein said configuring the node to perform the repetitive task comprises:
displaying a different node in the graphical program which represents a repetitive task parameter; and connecting the node to the different node to indicate that the node is to execute repetitively in accordance with the repetitive task parameter.
- 83. The carrier medium of claim 82,
wherein said repetitive task parameter indicates that the node is to execute continuously.
- 84. The carrier medium of claim 82,
wherein said repetitive task parameter indicates that the node is to execute a specified number of times.
- 85. The carrier medium of claim 80, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
displaying a GUI element which is operable to control operation of the graphical program.
- 86. The carrier medium of claim 85, wherein the GUI element is operable to control start and/or stop operations of the task performed by the graphical program.
- 87. The carrier medium of claim 85, wherein the GUI element is displayed in a panel separate from the graphical program.
- 88. The carrier medium of claim 85, wherein the GUI element is displayed in the graphical program.
- 89. The carrier medium of claim 85, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
receiving first user input to said GUI element to invoke execution of the graphical program; and receiving second user input to said GUI element to terminate execution of the graphical program.
- 90. The carrier medium of claim 85,
wherein said GUI element comprises a toggle switch which operates to alternately control start and stop operations of the graphical program.
- 91. The carrier medium of claim 80, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations prior to or during a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 92. The carrier medium of claim 80, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations during or after a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 93. The carrier medium of claim 47, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
receiving user input selecting the node; and displaying a more detailed graphical program representing operations of the node.
- 94. A node in a graphical program,
wherein the node is configurable to receive a task specification as input, wherein the task specification specifies a task; and wherein the node is executable in the graphical program to perform:
receiving the task specification as input; and invoking execution of a program to perform the task.
- 95. The node of claim 94, wherein the node is further executable in the graphical program to perform:
generating a program which is operable to perform the task, wherein the node generates the program based on the task specification.
- 96. The node of claim 95, wherein generating the program comprises:
invoking an expert system to analyze the task specification; and generating a program based on results of the expert system, wherein the program is operable to perform the task.
- 97. The node of claim 95, wherein generating the program comprises:
invoking an expert system to analyze the task specification and generate a run-time specification for the task in response to said analyzing; and invoking a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a run-time based on the run-time specification, wherein the run-time is executable to perform the task.
- 98. The node of claim 97, wherein generating the program further comprises:
invoking the expert system to validate the task specification prior to generating the run-time specification.
- 99. The node of claim 97, wherein generating the program further comprises:
invoking the run-time builder to configure one or more devices according to the run-time specification, wherein said run-time executes to perform the task using the configured one or more devices.
- 100. The node of claim 97, wherein invoking execution of the program to perform the task comprises invoking execution of the run-time to perform the task.
- 101. The node of claim 94,
wherein the node is a primitive node provided by a graphical programming development environment for inclusion in the graphical program.
- 102. The node of claim 94, wherein the node is further operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the task, wherein the task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the task, wherein the task comprises a signal generation.
- 103. The node of claim 94, wherein the node is operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to acquire data from a device, wherein the task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to write data to a device, wherein the task comprises a signal generation.
- 104. The node of claim 103,
wherein the task comprises a repetitive task, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations during or prior to a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 105. The node of claim 103, wherein the task comprises a repetitive task, and wherein the graphical program further comprises:
a stop node displayed in the graphical program, wherein the stop node is connected to said one or more of said read node and said write node, and wherein the stop node is operable to terminate the task.
- 106. The node of claim 105, wherein the node invoking execution of the program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the stop node performing one or more operations prior to or during a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 107. The node of claim 94, wherein the task comprises a measurement, and wherein the node is further operable to acquire data from a device.
- 108. The node of claim 94, wherein the task comprises a measurement, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
the node executing to configure a device to acquire data from a source; wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the device acquiring data from the source; and the node acquiring data from the device.
- 109. The node of claim 108,
wherein the node implements a portion of a system comprising a computer system and the device; and wherein the node acquiring data from the device comprises the node acquiring data from the device and providing the acquired data to the computer system.
- 110. The node of claim 94, wherein the task comprises a signal generation, and wherein the node is further operable to write data to a device.
- 111. The node of claim 94, wherein the task comprises a signal generation, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
the node executing to configure a device to perform a signal generation; wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking signal generation by the device; and the device generating a signal in response to said invocation.
- 112. The node of claim 111,
wherein the node implements a portion of a system comprising a computer system and the device; and wherein the node invoking signal generation by the device comprises the node acquiring data from the computer system and providing the acquired data to the device.
- 113. The node of claim 94,
wherein said graphical program comprises a LabVIEW graphical program.
- 114. The node of claim 94, wherein the task comprises one or more of:
one or more measurements; and one or more signal generations.
- 115. The node of claim 94, wherein the task comprises a complex operation using a plurality of devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices comprises a hardware device.
- 116. The node of claim 94, wherein the task comprises a complex operation using a plurality of devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices comprises a virtual device.
- 117. The node of claim 94,
wherein said task specification comprises configuration information for one or more devices; and wherein, after being configured with said configuration information, the one or more devices are operable to perform the task.
- 118. The node of claim 94, wherein the task comprises a repetitive task, wherein the node is configurable to perform the repetitive task;
- 119. The node of claim 118,
wherein the node is configurable to perform the repetitive task by displaying the node in a loop structure in the graphical program, wherein the loop structure indicates that the node is to execute continuously or a specified number of times.
- 120. The node of claim 118,
wherein the node is configurable to perform the repetitive task by:
displaying a different node in the graphical program which represents a repetitive task parameter; and connecting the node to the different node to indicate that the node is to execute repetitively in accordance with the repetitive task parameter.
- 121. The node of claim 120,
wherein said repetitive task parameter indicates that the node is to execute continuously.
- 122. The node of claim 120,
wherein said repetitive task parameter indicates that the node is to execute a specified number of times.
- 123. The node of claim 118, wherein the graphical program comprises:
a GUI element which is operable to control operation of the graphical program.
- 124. The node of claim 123, wherein the GUI element is operable to control start and/or stop operations of the task performed by the graphical program.
- 125. The node of claim 123, wherein the GUI element is displayed in a panel separate from the graphical program.
- 126. The node of claim 123, wherein the GUI element is displayed in the graphical program.
- 127. The node of claim 118,
wherein said GUI element is operable to receive first user input to invoke execution of the graphical program; and wherein said GUI element is further operable to receive second user input to terminate execution of the graphical program.
- 128. The node of claim 123, wherein said GUI element comprises a toggle switch which operates to alternately control start and stop operations of the graphical program.
- 129. The node of claim 118, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations prior to or during a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 130. The node of claim 118, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations during or after a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 131. The node of claim 94, wherein the node is operable to:
receive user input selecting the node; and display a more detailed graphical program representing operations of the node.
- 132. A node in a graphical program which is operable to:
receive a task specification as input, wherein the task specification specifies a task; and invoke execution of a program to perform the task.
- 133. A node in a graphical program which is operable to:
receive a task specification as input, wherein the task specification specifies a task; and generate a program which is operable to perform the task.
- 134. A node in a graphical program which is operable to:
receive a task specification as input, wherein the task specification specifies a task; invoke an expert system to analyze the task specification; and generate a program based on results of the expert system, wherein the program is operable to perform the task.
- 135. The node of claim 134, wherein the node is further operable to:
invoke a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a runtime based on the run-time specification, wherein said run-time is executable to perform the task; and invoke execution of said run-time to perform the task.
- 136. A method for creating a graphical program that performs a measurement task, the method comprising:
displaying a node in a graphical program; configuring the node to receive a measurement task specification; and executing the node in the graphical program, wherein said executing the node comprises:
the node receiving a measurement task specification as input, wherein the measurement task specification specifies a measurement task; and the node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task.
- 137. The method of claim 136, further comprising:
the node generating a program which is operable to perform the measurement task, wherein the node generates the program based on the measurement task specification.
- 138. The method of claim 137,
wherein the node generating the program comprises:
the node invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification; and the node generating the program based on results of the expert system, wherein the program is operable to perform the measurement task.
- 139. The method of claim 137,
wherein the node generating the program comprises:
the node invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification and generate a run-time specification for the measurement task in response to said analyzing; and the node invoking a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a run-time based on the run-time specification, wherein the run-time is executable to perform the measurement task.
- 140. The method of claim 139, further comprising:
the expert system validating the measurement task specification prior to generating the run-time specification.
- 141. The method of claim 139, further comprising:
the run-time builder configuring one or more measurement devices according to the run-time specification, wherein said run-time executes to perform the measurement task using the configured one or more measurement devices.
- 142. The method of claim 139,
wherein the node invoking execution of the program to perform the measurement task comprises the node invoking execution of the run-time to perform the measurement task.
- 143. The method of claim 136, further comprising:
generating said graphical program programmatically.
- 144. The method of claim 136, further comprising:
displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) for specifying the measurement task; receiving user input to the GUI indicating values for a plurality of parameters characterizing the measurement task, wherein said values for the plurality of parameters are useable in generating the measurement task specification; and generating the measurement task specification based on the values for the plurality of parameters.
- 145. The method of claim 144, further comprising:
receiving user input to the GUI requesting programmatic generation of the graphical program; and generating said graphical program programmatically in response to said user input requesting said generation.
- 146. The method of claim 136,
wherein said configuring the node to receive a measurement task specification comprises connecting an input terminal of the node to an output terminal of different node in the graphical program.
- 147. The method of claim 146,
wherein said different node is a measurement task specification node.
- 148. The method of claim 146,
wherein said different node is a configuration node which operates to configure the measurement task specification for input to the node.
- 149. The method of claim 148, wherein said configuration node operates in conjunction with one or more other configuration nodes to generate the measurement task specification.
- 150. The method of claim 148, wherein said configuration node comprises one of:
a channel configuration node, which is operable to add channel configuration information to the measurement task specification; a timing configuration node, which is operable to add timing configuration information to the measurement task specification; and a triggering configuration node, which is operable to add triggering configuration information to the measurement task specification.
- 151. The method of claim 148,
wherein the node is a primitive node provided by a graphical programming development environment for inclusion in the graphical program.
- 152. The method of claim 146, wherein the node is further operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the measurement task, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the measurement task, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation.
- 153. The method of claim 146, wherein the node is further operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to acquire data from a measurement device, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to write data to a measurement device, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation.
- 154. The method of claim 153,
wherein the measurement task comprises a repetitive measurement task, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the measurement task; and the node performing one or more operations during or prior to a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 155. The method of claim 153, wherein the measurement task comprises a repetitive measurement task, the method further comprising:
displaying a stop node in the graphical program, wherein the stop node is connected to said one or more of said read node and said write node, and wherein the stop node is operable to terminate the measurement task.
- 156. The method of claim 155, wherein the node invoking execution of the program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the stop node performing one or more operations prior to or during a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 157. The method of claim 146, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement, and wherein the node is further operable to acquire data from a measurement device.
- 158. The method of claim 146, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement, the method further comprising:
the node executing to configure a measurement device to acquire data from a source; wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the measurement device acquiring data from the source; and the node acquiring data from the measurement device.
- 159. The method of claim 158,
wherein the method operates in a measurement system comprising a computer system and the measurement device; and wherein the node acquiring data from the measurement device comprises the node acquiring data from the measurement device and providing the acquired data to the computer system.
- 160. The method of claim 146, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation, and wherein the node is further operable to write data to a measurement device.
- 161. The method of claim 146, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement, the method further comprising:
the node executing to configure a measurement device to perform a signal generation; wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the node invoking signal generation by the measurement device; and the measurement device generating a signal in response to said invocation.
- 162. The method of claim 161,
wherein the method operates in a measurement system comprising a computer system and the measurement device; and wherein the node invoking signal generation by the measurement device comprises the node acquiring data from the computer system and providing the acquired data to the measurement device.
- 163. The method of claim 146,
wherein said graphical program comprises a LabVIEW graphical program.
- 164. The method of claim 146, wherein the measurement task comprises one or more of:
one or more measurements; and one or more signal generations.
- 165. The method of claim 146, wherein the measurement task comprises a complex measurement operation using a plurality of measurement devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of measurement devices comprises a measurement hardware device.
- 166. The method of claim 146, wherein the measurement task comprises a complex measurement operation using a plurality of measurement devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of measurement devices comprises a virtual measurement device.
- 167. The method of claim 146,
wherein said measurement task specification comprises configuration information for one or more measurement devices; and wherein, after being configured with said configuration information, the one or more measurement devices are operable to perform the measurement task.
- 168. The method of claim 136,
wherein the measurement task comprises a repetitive measurement task, the method further comprising:
configuring the node to perform the repetitive measurement task;
- 169. The method of claim 168,
wherein said configuring the node to perform the repetitive measurement task comprises displaying the node in a loop structure in the graphical program, wherein the loop structure indicates that the node is to execute continuously or a specified number of times.
- 170. The method of claim 168,
wherein said configuring the node to perform the repetitive measurement task comprises displaying a different node in the graphical program which represents a repetitive measurement task parameter; and connecting the node to the different node to indicate that the node is to execute repetitively in accordance with the repetitive measurement task parameter.
- 171. The method of claim 170,
wherein said repetitive measurement task parameter indicates that the node is to execute continuously.
- 172. The method of claim 170,
wherein said repetitive measurement task parameter indicates that the node is to execute a specified number of times.
- 173. The method of claim 168, further comprising:
displaying a GUI element which is operable to control operation of the graphical program.
- 174. The method of claim 173, wherein the GUI element is operable to control start and/or stop operations of the measurement task performed by the graphical program.
- 175. The method of claim 173, wherein the GUI element is displayed in a panel separate from the graphical program.
- 176. The method of claim 173, wherein the GUI element is displayed in the graphical program.
- 177. The method of claim 173, further comprising:
receiving first user input to said GUI element to invoke execution of the graphical program; and receiving second user input to said GUI element to terminate execution of the graphical program.
- 178. The method of claim 173,
wherein said GUI element comprises a toggle switch which operates to alternately control start and stop operations of the measurement task performed by the graphical program.
- 179. The method of claim 168, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the measurement task; and the node performing one or more operations prior to or during a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 180. The method of claim 168, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the measurement task; and the node performing one or more operations during or after a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 181. The method of claim 136, further comprising:
receiving user input selecting the node; and displaying a more detailed graphical program representing operations of the node.
- 182. A carrier medium comprising program instructions for creating a graphical program that performs a measurement task, wherein the program instructions are executable to perform:
displaying a node in a graphical program; configuring the node to receive a measurement task specification; and executing the node in the graphical program, wherein said executing the node comprises:
the node receiving a measurement task specification as input, wherein the measurement task specification specifies a measurement task; and the node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task.
- 183. The carrier medium of claim 182, wherein said program instructions are further executable to perform:
the node generating a program which is operable to perform the measurement task, wherein the node generates the program based on the measurement task specification.
- 184. The carrier medium of claim 183,
wherein the node generating the program comprises:
the node invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification; and the node generating a program based on results of the expert system, wherein the program is operable to perform the measurement task.
- 185. The carrier medium of claim 183,
wherein the node generating the program comprises:
the node invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification and generate a run-time specification for the measurement task in response to said analyzing; the node invoking a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a run-time based on the run-time specification, wherein the run-time is executable to perform the measurement task.
- 186. The carrier medium of claim 185, wherein said program instructions are further executable to perform:
the expert system validating the measurement task specification prior to generating the run-time specification.
- 187. The carrier medium of claim 185, wherein said program instructions are further executable to perform:
the run-time builder configuring one or more measurement devices according to the run-time specification, wherein said run-time executes to perform the measurement task using the configured one or more measurement devices.
- 188. The carrier medium of claim 185,
wherein the node invoking execution of the program to perform the measurement task comprises the node invoking execution of the run-time to perform the measurement task.
- 189. The carrier medium of claim 182, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
generating said graphical program programmatically.
- 190. The carrier medium of claim 182, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) for specifying the measurement task; receiving user input to the GUI indicating a plurality of parameters characterizing the measurement task, wherein said plurality of parameters is useable in generating the measurement task specification; and generating the measurement task specification.
- 191. The carrier medium of claim 190, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
receiving user input to the GUI requesting programmatic generation of the graphical program; and generating said graphical program programmatically in response to said user input requesting said generation.
- 192. The carrier medium of claim 182,
wherein said configuring the node to receive a measurement task specification comprises connecting an input terminal of the node to an output terminal of different node in the graphical program.
- 193. The carrier medium of claim 192,
wherein said different node is a measurement task specification node.
- 194. The carrier medium of claim 192,
wherein said different node is a configuration node which operates to configure the measurement task specification for input to the node.
- 195. The carrier medium of claim 194, wherein said configuration node comprises one of:
a channel configuration node, which is operable to add channel configuration information to the measurement task specification; a timing configuration node, which is operable to add timing configuration information to the measurement task specification; and a triggering configuration node, which is operable to add triggering configuration information to the measurement task specification.
- 196. The carrier medium of claim 194, wherein said configuration node operates in conjunction with one or more other configuration nodes to generate the measurement task specification.
- 197. The carrier medium of claim 182,
wherein the node is a primitive node provided by a graphical programming development environment for inclusion in the graphical program.
- 198. The carrier medium of claim 182, wherein the node is further operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the measurement task, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the measurement task, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation.
- 199. The carrier medium of claim 182, wherein the node is operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to acquire data from a measurement device, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to write data to a measurement device, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation.
- 200. The carrier medium of claim 199,
wherein the measurement task comprises a repetitive measurement task, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the measurement task; and the node performing one or more operations during or prior to a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 201. The carrier medium of claim 199, wherein the measurement task comprises a repetitive task, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
displaying a stop node in the graphical program, wherein the stop node is connected to said one or more of said read node and said write node, and wherein the stop node is operable to terminate the measurement task.
- 202. The carrier medium of claim 201, wherein the node invoking execution of the program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the measurement task; and the stop node performing one or more operations prior to or during a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 203. The carrier medium of claim 137, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement, and wherein the node is further operable to acquire data from a measurement device.
- 204. The carrier medium of claim 182, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
the node executing to configure a measurement device to acquire data from a source; wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the measurement device acquiring data from the source; and the node acquiring data from the measurement device.
- 205. The carrier medium of claim 204,
wherein the program instructions implement a portion of a measurement system comprising a computer system and the measurement device; and wherein the node acquiring data from the measurement device comprises the node acquiring data from the measurement device and providing the acquired data to the computer system.
- 206. The carrier medium of claim 182, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation, and wherein the node is further operable to write data to a measurement device.
- 207. The carrier medium of claim 182, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
the node executing to configure a measurement device to perform a signal generation; wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the node invoking signal generation by the measurement device; and the measurement device generating a signal in response to said invocation.
- 208. The carrier medium of claim 207,
wherein the program instructions implement a portion of a measurement system comprising a computer system and the measurement device; and wherein the node invoking signal generation by the measurement device comprises the node acquiring data from the computer system and providing the acquired data to the measurement device.
- 209. The carrier medium of claim 182,
wherein said graphical program comprises a LabVIEW graphical program.
- 210. The carrier medium of claim 182, wherein the measurement task comprises one or more of:
one or more measurements; and one or more signal generations.
- 211. The carrier medium of claim 182, wherein the measurement task comprises a complex measurement operation using a plurality of measurement devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of measurement devices comprises a measurement hardware device.
- 212. The carrier medium of claim 182, wherein the measurement task comprises a complex measurement operation using a plurality of measurement devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of measurement devices comprises a virtual measurement device.
- 213. The carrier medium of claim 182,
wherein said measurement task specification comprises configuration information for one or more measurement devices; and wherein, after being configured with said configuration information, the one or more measurement devices are operable to perform the measurement task.
- 214. The carrier medium of claim 182, wherein the measurement task comprises a repetitive measurement task, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
configuring the node to perform the repetitive measurement task;
- 215. The carrier medium of claim 214,
wherein said configuring the node to perform the repetitive measurement task comprises displaying the node in a loop structure in the graphical program, wherein the loop structure indicates that the node is to execute continuously or a specified number of times.
- 216. The carrier medium of claim 214,
wherein said configuring the node to perform the repetitive measurement task comprises displaying a different node in the graphical program which represents a repetitive measurement task parameter; and connecting the node to the different node to indicate that the node is to execute repetitively in accordance with the repetitive measurement task parameter.
- 217. The carrier medium of claim 216,
wherein said repetitive measurement task parameter indicates that the node is to execute continuously.
- 218. The carrier medium of claim 216,
wherein said repetitive measurement task parameter indicates that the node is to execute a specified number of times.
- 219. The carrier medium of claim 214, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
displaying a GUI element which is operable to control operation of the graphical program.
- 220. The carrier medium of claim 219, wherein the GUI element is operable to control start and/or stop operations of the task performed by the graphical program.
- 221. The carrier medium of claim 219, wherein the GUI element is displayed in a panel separate from the graphical program.
- 222. The carrier medium of claim 219, wherein the GUI element is displayed in the graphical program.
- 223. The carrier medium of claim 219, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
receiving first user input to said GUI element to invoke execution of the graphical program; and receiving second user input to said GUI element to terminate execution of the graphical program.
- 224. The carrier medium of claim 219,
wherein said GUI element comprises a toggle switch which operates to alternately control start and stop operations of the graphical program.
- 225. The carrier medium of claim 214, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform, the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations prior to or during a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 226. The carrier medium of claim 214, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations during or after a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 227. The carrier medium of claim 182, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
receiving user input selecting the node; and displaying a more detailed graphical program representing operations of the node.
- 228. A node in a graphical program,
wherein the node is configurable to receive a measurement task specification as input, wherein the measurement task specification specifies a measurement task; and wherein the node is executable in the graphical program to perform:
receiving the measurement task specification as input; and invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task.
- 229. The node of claim 228, wherein the node is further executable in the graphical program to perform:
generating a program which is operable to perform the measurement task, wherein the node generates the program based on the measurement task specification.
- 230. The node of claim 229, wherein generating the program comprises:
invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification; and generating a program based on results of the expert system, wherein the program is operable to perform the measurement task.
- 231. The node of claim 229, wherein generating the program comprises:
invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification and generate a run-time specification for the measurement task in response to said analyzing; and invoking a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a run-time based on the run-time specification, wherein the run-time is executable to perform the measurement task.
- 232. The node of claim 231, wherein generating the program further comprises:
invoking the expert system to validate the measurement task specification prior to generating the run-time specification.
- 233. The node of claim 231, wherein generating the program further comprises:
invoking the run-time builder to configure one or more measurement devices according to the run-time specification, wherein said run-time executes to perform the measurement task using the configured one or more measurement devices.
- 234. The node of claim 231, wherein invoking execution of the program to perform the measurement task comprises invoking execution of the run-time to perform the measurement task.
- 235. The node of claim 228,
wherein the node is a primitive node provided by a graphical programming development environment for inclusion in the graphical program.
- 236. The node of claim 228, wherein the node is further operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the measurement task, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the measurement task, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation.
- 237. The node of claim 228, wherein the node is operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to acquire data from a measurement device, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to write data to a measurement device, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation.
- 238. The node of claim 237,
wherein the task comprises a repetitive task, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations during or prior to a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 239. The node of claim 337, wherein the task comprises a repetitive task, and wherein the graphical program further comprises:
a stop node displayed in the graphical program, wherein the stop node is connected to said one or more of said read node and said write node, and wherein the stop node is operable to terminate the task.
- 240. The node of claim 239, wherein the node invoking execution of the program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the stop node performing one or more operations prior to or during a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 241. The node of claim 228, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement, and wherein the node is further operable to acquire data from a measurement device.
- 242. The node of claim 228, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
the node executing to configure a measurement device to acquire data from a source; wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the measurement device acquiring data from the source; and the node acquiring data from the measurement device.
- 243. The node of claim 242,
wherein the node implements a portion of a measurement system comprising a computer system and the measurement device; and wherein the node acquiring data from the measurement device comprises the node acquiring data from the measurement device and providing the acquired data to the computer system.
- 244. The node of claim 228, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation, and wherein the node is further operable to write data to a measurement device.
- 245. The node of claim 228, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
the node executing to configure a measurement device to perform a signal generation; wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the node invoking signal generation by the measurement device; and the measurement device generating a signal in response to said invocation.
- 246. The node of claim 245,
wherein the node implements a portion of a measurement system comprising a computer system and the measurement device; and wherein the node invoking signal generation by the measurement device comprises the node acquiring data from the computer system and providing the acquired data to the measurement device.
- 247. The node of claim 228,
wherein said graphical program comprises a LabVIEW graphical program.
- 248. The node of claim 228, wherein the measurement task comprises one or more of:
one or more measurements; and one or more signal generations.
- 249. The node of claim 228, wherein the measurement task comprises a complex measurement operation using a plurality of measurement devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of measurement devices comprises a measurement hardware device.
- 250. The node of claim 228, wherein the measurement task comprises a complex measurement operation using a plurality of measurement devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of measurement devices comprises a virtual measurement device.
- 251. The node of claim 228,
wherein said measurement task specification comprises configuration information for one or more measurement devices; and wherein, after being configured with said configuration information, the one or more measurement devices are operable to perform the measurement task.
- 252. The node of claim 228, wherein the measurement task comprises a repetitive measurement task, wherein the node is configurable to perform the repetitive measurement task;
- 253. The node of claim 252,
wherein the node is configurable to perform the repetitive measurement task by displaying the node in a loop structure in the graphical program, wherein the loop structure indicates that the node is to execute continuously or a specified number of times.
- 254. The node of claim 252,
wherein the node is configurable to perform the repetitive measurement task by:
displaying a different node in the graphical program which represents a repetitive measurement task parameter; and connecting the node to the different node to indicate that the node is to execute repetitively in accordance with the repetitive measurement task parameter.
- 255. The node of claim 254,
wherein said repetitive measurement task parameter indicates that the node is to execute continuously.
- 256. The node of claim 254,
wherein said repetitive measurement task parameter indicates that the node is to execute a specified number of times.
- 257. The node of claim 252, wherein the graphical program comprises:
a GUI element which is operable to control operation of the graphical program.
- 258. The node of claim 257, wherein the GUI element is operable to control start and/or stop operations of the task performed by the graphical program.
- 259. The node of claim 258, wherein the GUI element is displayed in a panel separate from the graphical program.
- 260. The node of claim 258, wherein the GUI element is displayed in the graphical program.
- 261. The node of claim 258,
wherein said GUI element is operable to receive first user input to invoke execution of the graphical program; and wherein said GUI element is further operable to receive second user input to terminate execution of the graphical program.
- 262. The node of claim 258,
wherein said GUI element comprises a toggle switch which operates to alternately control start and stop operations of the graphical program.
- 263. The node of claim 252, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations prior to or during a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 264. The node of claim 252, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations during or after a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 265. The graphical program of claim 228, wherein the node is operable to:
receive user input selecting the node; and display a more detailed graphical program representing operations of the node.
- 266. A node in a graphical program which is operable to:
receive a measurement task specification as input, wherein the measurement task specification specifies a measurement task; and invoke execution of a program to perform the measurement task.
- 267. A node in a graphical program which is operable to:
receive a measurement task specification as input, wherein the measurement task specification specifies a measurement task; and generate a program which is operable to perform the measurement task.
- 268. A node in a graphical program which is operable to:
receive a measurement task specification as input, wherein the measurement task specification specifies a measurement task; invoke an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification; and generate a program based on results of the expert system, wherein the program is operable to perform the measurement task.
- 269. The node of claim 268, wherein the node is further operable to:
invoke a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a runtime based on the run-time specification, wherein said run-time is executable to perform the measurement task; and invoke execution of said run-time to perform the measurement task.
- 270. A method for creating a graphical program that performs a measurement task, the method comprising:
displaying a node in a graphical program; configuring the node to receive a measurement task specification; executing the node in the graphical program, wherein said executing the node comprises:
the node receiving the measurement task specification; the node invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification and generate a run-time specification for the measurement task in response to said analyzing; the node invoking a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a run-time based on the run-time specification, wherein said run-time is executable to perform the measurement task; and the node invoking execution of said run-time to perform the measurement task.
- 271. The method of claim 270, further comprising:
displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) for specifying the measurement task; receiving user input to the GUI indicating values for a plurality of parameters characterizing the measurement task, wherein said values for the plurality of parameters are useable in generating the measurement task specification; and generating the measurement task specification based on the values for the plurality of parameters.
- 272. The method of claim 270, further comprising:
generating said graphical program programmatically.
- 273. The method of claim 270, further comprising:
receiving user input to the GUI requesting programmatic generation of the graphical program; and generating said graphical program programmatically in response to said user input requesting said generation.
- 274. The method of claim 270,
wherein said configuring the node to receive a measurement task specification comprises connecting an input terminal of the node to an output terminal of different node in the graphical program.
- 275. The method of claim 274,
wherein said different node is a measurement task specification node.
- 276. The method of claim 274,
wherein said different node is a configuration node which operates to configure the measurement task specification for input to the node.
- 277. The method of claim 276, wherein said configuration node operates in conjunction with one or more other configuration nodes to generate the measurement task specification.
- 278. The method of claim 270,
wherein the node is a primitive node provided by a graphical programming development environment for inclusion in the graphical program.
- 279. The method of claim 270, wherein the node is further operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the measurement task, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the measurement task, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation.
- 280. The method of claim 270, wherein the node is further operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to acquire data from a measurement device, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to write data to a measurement device, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation.
- 281. The method of claim 280,
wherein the measurement task comprises a repetitive measurement task, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the measurement task; and the node performing one or more operations during or prior to a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 282. The method of claim 280, wherein the measurement task comprises a repetitive measurement task, the method further comprising:
displaying a stop node in the graphical program, wherein the stop node is connected to said one or more of said read node and said write node, and wherein the stop node is operable to terminate the measurement task.
- 283. The method of claim 282, wherein the node invoking execution of the program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the stop node performing one or more operations prior to or during a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 284. The method of claim 270, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement, and wherein the node is further operable to acquire data from a measurement device.
- 285. The method of claim 270, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation, and wherein the node is further operable to write data to a measurement device.
- 286. The method of claim 270, further comprising:
the expert system validating the measurement task specification prior to generating the run-time specification.
- 287. The method of claim 270, further comprising:
the run-time builder configuring one or more measurement devices according to the run-time specification, wherein said run-time executes to perform the measurement task using the configured one or more measurement devices.
- 288. The method of claim 270,
wherein said graphical program comprises a LabVIEW graphical program.
- 289. The method of claim 270, wherein the measurement task comprises one or more of:
one or more measurements; and one or more signal generations.
- 290. The method of claim 270, wherein the measurement task comprises a complex measurement operation using a plurality of measurement devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of measurement devices comprises a measurement hardware device.
- 291. The method of claim 270, wherein the measurement task comprises a complex measurement operation using a plurality of measurement devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of measurement devices comprises a virtual measurement device.
- 292. The method of claim 270,
wherein said measurement task specification comprises configuration information for one or more measurement devices; and wherein, after being configured with said configuration information, the one or more measurement devices are operable to perform the measurement task.
- 293. The method of claim 270,
wherein the measurement task comprises a repetitive measurement task, the method further comprising:
configuring the node to perform the repetitive measurement task;
- 294. The method of claim 293,
wherein said configuring the node to perform the repetitive measurement task comprises displaying the node in a loop structure in the graphical program, wherein the loop structure indicates that the node is to execute continuously or a specified number of times.
- 295. The method of claim 293,
wherein said configuring the node to perform the repetitive measurement task comprises displaying a different node in the graphical program which represents a repetitive measurement task parameter; and connecting the node to the different node to indicate that the node is to execute repetitively in accordance with the repetitive measurement task parameter.
- 296. The method of claim 295,
wherein said repetitive measurement task parameter indicates that the node is to execute continuously.
- 297. The method of claim 295,
wherein said repetitive measurement task parameter indicates that the node is to execute a specified number of times.
- 298. The method of claim 293, further comprising:
displaying a GUI element which is operable to control operation of the graphical program.
- 299. The method of claim 298, wherein the GUI element is operable to control start and/or stop operations of the measurement task performed by the graphical program.
- 300. The method of claim 298, wherein the GUI element is displayed in a panel separate from the graphical program.
- 301. The method of claim 298, wherein the GUI element is displayed in the graphical program.
- 302. The method of claim 298, further comprising:
receiving first user input to said GUI element to invoke execution of the graphical program; and receiving second user input to said GUI element to terminate execution of the graphical program.
- 303. The method of claim 298,
wherein said GUI element comprises a toggle switch which operates to alternately control start and stop operations of the measurement task performed by the graphical program.
- 304. The method of claim 293, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the measurement task; and the node performing one or more operations prior to or during a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 305. The method of claim 293, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the measurement task; and the node performing one or more operations during or after a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 306. The method of claim 270, further comprising:
receiving user input selecting the node; and displaying a more detailed graphical program representing operations of the node.
- 307. A carrier medium comprising program instructions for creating a graphical program that performs a measurement task, wherein the program instructions are executable to perform:
displaying a node in a graphical program; configuring the node to receive a measurement task specification; executing the node in the graphical program, wherein said executing the node comprises:
the node receiving the measurement task specification; the node invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification and generate a run-time specification for the measurement task in response to said analyzing; the node invoking a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a run-time based on the run-time specification, wherein said run-time is executable to perform the measurement task; and the node invoking execution of said run-time to perform the measurement task.
- 308. The carrier medium of claim 307, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) for specifying the measurement task; receiving user input to the GUI indicating a plurality of parameters characterizing the measurement task, wherein said plurality of parameters is useable in generating the measurement task specification; and generating the measurement task specification.
- 309. The carrier medium of claim 307, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
generating said graphical program programmatically.
- 310. The carrier medium of claim 307, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
receiving user input to the GUI requesting programmatic generation of the graphical program; and generating said graphical program programmatically in response to said user input requesting said generation.
- 311. The carrier medium of claim 307,
wherein said configuring the node to receive a measurement task specification comprises connecting an input terminal of the node to an output terminal of different node in the graphical program.
- 312. The carrier medium of claim 311,
wherein said different node is a measurement task specification node.
- 313. The carrier medium of claim 311,
wherein said different node is a configuration node which operates to configure the measurement task specification for input to the node.
- 314. The carrier medium of claim 313, wherein said configuration node operates in conjunction with one or more other configuration nodes to generate the measurement task specification.
- 315. The carrier medium of claim 307,
wherein the node is a primitive node provided by a graphical programming development environment for inclusion in the graphical program.
- 316. The carrier medium of claim 307, wherein the node is further operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the measurement task, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the measurement task, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation.
- 317. The carrier medium of claim 307, wherein the node is operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to acquire data from a measurement device, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to write data to a measurement device, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation.
- 318. The carrier medium of claim 307,
wherein the measurement task comprises a repetitive measurement task, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the measurement task; and the node performing one or more operations during or prior to a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 319. The carrier medium of claim 317, wherein the measurement task comprises a repetitive task, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
displaying a stop node in the graphical program, wherein the stop node is connected to said one or more of said read node and said write node, and wherein the stop node is operable to terminate the measurement task.
- 320. The carrier medium of claim 319, wherein the node invoking execution of the program to perform the measurement task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the measurement task; and the stop node performing one or more operations prior to or during a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 321. The carrier medium of claim 307, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement, and wherein the node is further operable to acquire data from a measurement device.
- 322. The carrier medium of claim 307, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation, and wherein the node is further operable to write data to a measurement device.
- 323. The carrier medium of claim 307, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
the expert system validating the measurement task specification prior to generating the run-time specification.
- 324. The carrier medium of claim 307, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
the run-time builder configuring one or more measurement devices according to the run-time specification, wherein said run-time executes to perform the measurement task using the configured one or more measurement devices.
- 325. The carrier medium of claim 307,
wherein said graphical program comprises a LabVIEW graphical program.
- 326. The carrier medium of claim 307, wherein the measurement task comprises one or more of:
one or more measurements; and one or more signal generations.
- 327. The carrier medium of claim 307, wherein the measurement task comprises a complex measurement operation using a plurality of measurement devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of measurement devices comprises a measurement hardware device.
- 328. The carrier medium of claim 307, wherein the measurement task comprises a complex measurement operation using a plurality of measurement devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of measurement devices comprises a virtual measurement device.
- 329. The carrier medium of claim 307,
wherein said measurement task specification comprises configuration information for one or more measurement devices; and wherein, after being configured with said configuration information, the one or more measurement devices are operable to perform the measurement task.
- 330. The carrier medium of claim 307,
wherein the measurement task comprises a repetitive measurement task, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
configuring the node to perform the repetitive measurement task;
- 331. The carrier medium of claim 330,
wherein said configuring the node to perform the repetitive measurement task comprises displaying the node in a loop structure in the graphical program, wherein the loop structure indicates that the node is to execute continuously or a specified number of times.
- 332. The carrier medium of claim 330,
wherein said configuring the node to perform the repetitive measurement task comprises displaying a different node in the graphical program which represents a repetitive measurement task parameter; and connecting the node to the different node to indicate that the node is to execute repetitively in accordance with the repetitive measurement task parameter.
- 333. The carrier medium of claim 332,
wherein said repetitive measurement task parameter indicates that the node is to execute continuously.
- 334. The carrier medium of claim 332,
wherein said repetitive measurement task parameter indicates that the node is to execute a specified number of times.
- 335. The carrier medium of claim 330, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
displaying a GUI element which is operable to control operation of the graphical program.
- 336. The carrier medium of claim 335, wherein the GUI element is operable to control start and/or stop operations of the task performed by the graphical program.
- 337. The carrier medium of claim 335, wherein the GUI element is displayed in a panel separate from the graphical program.
- 338. The carrier medium of claim 335, wherein the GUI element is displayed in the graphical program.
- 339. The carrier medium of claim 335, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
receiving first user input to said GUI element to invoke execution of the graphical program; and receiving second user input to said GUI element to terminate execution of the graphical program.
- 340. The carrier medium of claim 335,
wherein said GUI element comprises a toggle switch which operates to alternately control start and stop operations of the graphical program.
- 341. The carrier medium of claim 330, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations prior to or during a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 342. The carrier medium of claim 330, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations during or after a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 343. The carrier medium of claim 307, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
receiving user input selecting the node; and displaying a more detailed graphical program representing operations of the node.
- 344. A node in a graphical program which is operable to:
receive a measurement task specification as input, wherein the measurement task specification specifies a measurement task; invoke an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification and generate a run-time specification for the measurement task in response to said analyzing; invoke a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a runtime based on the run-time specification, wherein said run-time is executable to perform the measurement task; and invoke execution of said run-time to perform the measurement task.
- 345. The node of claim 344, wherein said expert system is further operable to validate the measurement task specification prior to generating the run-time specification.
- 346. The node of claim 344, wherein said run-time builder is further operable to:
configure one or more measurement devices according to the run-time specification, wherein said run-time is executable to perform the measurement task using the configured one or more measurement devices.
- 347. The node of claim 344,
wherein the node is a primitive node provided by a graphical programming development environment for inclusion in the graphical program.
- 348. The node of claim 344, wherein the node is further operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the measurement task, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to perform at least a portion of the measurement task, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation.
- 349. The node of claim 344, wherein the node is further operable to be connected to one or more of:
a read node, which is operable to acquire data from a measurement device, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement; and a write node, which is operable to write data to a measurement device, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation.
- 350. The node of claim 349,
wherein the task comprises a repetitive task, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations during or prior to a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 351. The node of claim 349, wherein the task comprises a repetitive task, and wherein the graphical program further comprises:
a stop node displayed in the graphical program, wherein the stop node is connected to said one or more of said read node and said write node, and wherein the stop node is operable to terminate the task.
- 352. The node of claim 351, wherein the node invoking execution of the program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the stop node performing one or more operations prior to or during a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 353. The node of claim 344, wherein the measurement task comprises a measurement, and wherein the node is further operable to acquire data from a measurement device.
- 354. The node of claim 344, wherein the measurement task comprises a signal generation, and wherein the node is further operable to write data to a measurement device.
- 355. The node of claim 344, wherein, in being operable to receive a measurement task specification as input, an input terminal of the node is operable to be connected to an output terminal of a measurement task specification node in said graphical program.
- 356. The node of claim 355,
wherein, in being operable to receive a measurement task specification as input, an input terminal of the node is operable to be connected to an output terminal of a configuration node, wherein said configuration node is operable to configure said measurement task specification for input to the node.
- 357. The node of claim 344, wherein the measurement task comprises a repetitive measurement task, wherein the node is configurable to perform the repetitive measurement task;
- 358. The node of claim 357,
wherein the node is configurable to perform the repetitive measurement task by displaying the node in a loop structure in the graphical program, wherein the loop structure indicates that the node is to execute continuously or a specified number of times.
- 359. The node of claim 357,
wherein the node is configurable to perform the repetitive measurement task by:
displaying a different node in the graphical program which represents a repetitive measurement task parameter; and connecting the node to the different node to indicate that the node is to execute repetitively in accordance with the repetitive measurement task parameter.
- 360. The node of claim 359,
wherein said repetitive measurement task parameter indicates that the node is to execute continuously.
- 361. The node of claim 359,
wherein said repetitive measurement task parameter indicates that the node is to execute a specified number of times.
- 362. The node of claim 357, wherein the graphical program comprises:
a GUI element which is operable to control operation of the graphical program.
- 363. The node of claim 362, wherein the GUI element is operable to control start and/or stop operations of the task performed by the graphical program.
- 364. The node of claim 362, wherein the GUI element is displayed in a panel separate from the graphical program.
- 365. The node of claim 362, wherein the GUI element is displayed in the graphical program.
- 366. The node of claim 362,
wherein said GUI element is operable to receive first user input to invoke execution of the graphical program; and wherein said GUI element is further operable to receive second user input to terminate execution of the graphical program.
- 367. The node of claim 362,
wherein said GUI element comprises a toggle switch which operates to alternately control start and stop operations of the graphical program.
- 368. The node of claim 357, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations prior to or during a first iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 369. The node of claim 357, wherein the node invoking execution of a program to perform the task comprises:
the node invoking two or more iteration cycles of the program to perform the task; and the node performing one or more operations during or after a final iteration cycle of said two or more iteration cycles of the program.
- 370. The graphical program of claim 344, wherein the node is operable to:
receive user input selecting the node; and display a more detailed graphical program representing operations of the node.
- 371. A method for creating a graphical program that performs a measurement task, the method comprising:
displaying a first node in a graphical program; configuring the first node to receive a measurement task specification; displaying a read node in the graphical program; connecting the first node to the read node; and executing the graphical program, wherein said executing comprises:
the first node receiving a measurement task specification as input, wherein the measurement task specification specifies a measurement task; the first node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task; the program executing to configure a measurement device to acquire data from a source; and the read node acquiring data from the measurement device.
- 372. The method of claim 371,
wherein the method operates in a measurement system comprising a computer system and the measurement device; and wherein the read node acquiring data from the measurement device comprises the read node acquiring data from the measurement device and providing the acquired data to the computer system.
- 373. The method of claim 371, further comprising:
the first node generating a program which is operable to perform the measurement task, wherein the first node generates the program based on the measurement task specification.
- 374. The method of claim 373,
wherein the first node generating the program comprises:
the first node invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification; and the first node generating a program based on results of the expert system, wherein the program is operable to perform the measurement task.
- 375. The method of claim 373,
wherein the first node generating the program comprises:
the first node invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification and generate a run-time specification for the measurement task in response to said analyzing; and the first node invoking a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a run-time based on the run-time specification, wherein the run-time is executable to perform the measurement task.
- 376. The method of claim 375,
wherein the first node invoking execution of the program to perform the measurement task comprises the first node invoking execution of the run-time to perform the measurement task.
- 377. The method of claim 375, wherein the first node generating the program further comprises:
the expert system validating the measurement task specification prior to generating the run-time specification.
- 378. The method of claim 375, wherein the first node generating the program further comprises:
the run-time builder configuring one or more measurement devices according to the run-time specification, wherein said run-time executes to perform the measurement task using the configured one or more measurement devices.
- 379. The method of claim 371, further comprising:
displaying a stop node in the graphical program; and connecting the stop node to the read node; wherein said executing the graphical program further comprises:
the stop node terminating the measurement task after said read node acquiring data from the measurement device.
- 380. The method of claim 371, further comprising:
displaying at least one configuration node in the graphical program; wherein configuring the first node to receive a measurement task specification comprises:
connecting the at least one configuration node to the first node, wherein the at least one configuration node is operable to generate the measurement task specification based on user-specified parameters; wherein said executing the graphical program further comprises:
the at least one configuration node generating the measurement task specification for input to the first node.
- 381. A carrier medium comprising program instructions for creating a graphical program that performs a measurement task, wherein the program instructions are executable to perform:
displaying a first node in a graphical program; configuring the first node to receive a measurement task specification; displaying a read node in the graphical program; connecting the first node to the read node; and executing the graphical program, wherein said executing comprises:
the first node receiving a measurement task specification as input, wherein the measurement task specification specifies a measurement task; the first node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task; the program executing to configure a measurement device to acquire data from a source; and the read node acquiring data from the measurement device.
- 382. The carrier medium of claim 381,
wherein the program instructions implement a portion of a measurement system comprising a computer system and the measurement device; and wherein the read node acquiring data from the measurement device comprises the read node acquiring data from the measurement device and providing the acquired data to the computer system.
- 383. The carrier medium of claim 381, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
the first node generating a program which is operable to perform the measurement task, wherein the first node generates the program based on the measurement task specification.
- 384. The carrier medium of claim 383,
wherein the first node generating the program comprises:
the first node invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification; and the first node generating a program based on results of the expert system, wherein the program is operable to perform the measurement task.
- 385. The carrier medium of claim 383,
wherein the first node generating the program comprises:
the first node invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification and generate a run-time specification for the measurement task in response to said analyzing; and the first node invoking a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a run-time based on the run-time specification, wherein the run-time is executable to perform the measurement task.
- 386. The carrier medium of claim 385,
wherein the first node invoking execution of the program to perform the measurement task comprises the first node invoking execution of the run-time to perform the measurement task.
- 387. The carrier medium of claim 385, wherein the first node generating the program further comprises:
the expert system validating the measurement task specification prior to generating the run-time specification.
- 388. The carrier medium of claim 385, wherein the first node generating the program further comprises:
the run-time builder configuring one or more measurement devices according to the run-time specification, wherein said run-time executes to perform the measurement task using the configured one or more measurement devices.
- 389. The carrier medium of claim 381, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
displaying a stop node in the graphical program; and connecting the stop node to the read node; wherein said executing the graphical program further comprises:
the stop node terminating the measurement task after said read node acquiring data from the measurement device.
- 390. The carrier medium of claim 381, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
displaying at least one configuration node in the graphical program; wherein configuring the first node to receive a measurement task specification comprises:
connecting the at least one configuration node to the first node, wherein the at least one configuration node is operable to generate the measurement task specification based on user-specified parameters; wherein said executing the graphical program further comprises:
the at least one configuration node generating the measurement task specification for input to the first node.
- 391. A method for creating a graphical program that performs a measurement task, the method comprising:
displaying a first node in a graphical program; configuring the first node to receive a measurement task specification; displaying a write node in the graphical program; connecting the first node to the write node; and executing the graphical program, wherein said executing comprises:
the first node receiving a measurement task specification as input, wherein the measurement task specification specifies a measurement task; the first node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task; the program executing to configure a measurement device to generate a signal; and the write node invoking signal generation by the measurement device.
- 392. The method of claim 391,
wherein the method operates in a measurement system comprising a computer system and the measurement device.
- 393. The method of claim 391, further comprising:
the first node generating a program which is operable to perform the measurement task, wherein the first node generates the program based on the measurement task specification.
- 394. The method of claim 393,
wherein the first node generating the program comprises:
the first node invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification; and the first node generating a program based on results of the expert system, wherein the program is operable to perform the measurement task.
- 395. The method of claim 393,
wherein the first node generating the program comprises:
the first node invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification and generate a run-time specification for the measurement task in response to said analyzing; and the first node invoking a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a run-time based on the run-time specification, wherein the run-time is executable to perform the measurement task.
- 396. The method of claim 395,
wherein the first node invoking execution of the program to perform the measurement task comprises the first node invoking execution of the run-time to perform the measurement task.
- 397. The method of claim 395, wherein the first node generating the program further comprises:
the expert system validating the measurement task specification prior to generating the run-time specification.
- 398. The method of claim 395, wherein the first node generating the program further comprises:
the run-time builder configuring one or more measurement devices according to the run-time specification, wherein said run-time executes to perform the measurement task using the configured one or more measurement devices.
- 399. The method of claim 391, further comprising:
displaying a stop node in the graphical program; and connecting the stop node to the write node; wherein said executing the graphical program further comprises:
the stop node terminating the measurement task after said write node invoking signal generation by the measurement device.
- 400. The method of claim 391, further comprising:
displaying at least one configuration node in the graphical program; wherein configuring the first node to receive a measurement task specification comprises:
connecting the at least one configuration node to the first node, wherein the at least one configuration node is operable to generate the measurement task specification based on user-specified parameters; and wherein said executing the graphical program further comprises:
the at least one configuration node generating the measurement task specification for input to the first node.
- 401. A carrier medium comprising program instructions for creating a graphical program that performs a measurement task, wherein the program instructions are executable to perform:
displaying a first node in a graphical program; configuring the first node to receive a measurement task specification; displaying a write node in the graphical program; connecting the first node to the write node; and executing the graphical program, wherein said executing comprises:
the first node receiving a measurement task specification as input, wherein the measurement task specification specifies a measurement task; the first node invoking execution of a program to perform the measurement task; the program executing to configure a measurement device to generate a signal; and the write node invoking signal generation by the measurement device.
- 402. The carrier medium of claim 401,
wherein the program instructions implement a portion of a measurement system comprising a computer system and the measurement device.
- 403. The carrier medium of claim 401, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
the first node generating a program which is operable to perform the measurement task, wherein the first node generates the program based on the measurement task specification.
- 404. The carrier medium of claim 403,
wherein the first node generating the program comprises:
the first node invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification; and the first node generating a program based on results of the expert system, wherein the program is operable to perform the measurement task.
- 405. The carrier medium of claim 403,
wherein the first node generating the program comprises:
the first node invoking an expert system to analyze the measurement task specification and generate a run-time specification for the measurement task in response to said analyzing; and the first node invoking a run-time builder to analyze the run-time specification and generate a run-time based on the run-time specification, wherein the run-time is executable to perform the measurement task.
- 406. The carrier medium of claim 405,
wherein the first node invoking execution of the program to perform the measurement task comprises the first node invoking execution of the run-time to perform the measurement task.
- 407. The carrier medium of claim 405, wherein the first node generating the program further comprises:
the expert system validating the measurement task specification prior to generating the run-time specification.
- 408. The carrier medium of claim 405, wherein the first node generating the program further comprises:
the run-time builder configuring one or more measurement devices according to the run-time specification, wherein said run-time executes to perform the measurement task using the configured one or more measurement devices.
- 409. The carrier medium of claim 401, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
displaying a stop node in the graphical program; and connecting the stop node to the write node; wherein said executing the graphical program further comprises:
the stop node terminating the measurement task after said write node invoking signal generation by the measurement device.
- 410. The carrier medium of claim 401, wherein the program instructions are further executable to perform:
displaying at least one configuration node in the graphical program; wherein configuring the first node to receive a measurement task specification comprises:
connecting the at least one configuration node to the first node, wherein the at least one configuration node is operable to generate the measurement task specification based on user-specified parameters; and wherein said executing the graphical program further comprises:
the at least one configuration node generating the measurement task specification for input to the first node.
CONTINUATION DATA
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. utility application Ser. No. 10/008,792 titled “Measurement System Software Architecture for Easily Creating High-Performance Measurement Applications” filed Nov. 13, 2001, whose inventors are Geoffrey Schmit, Brent Schwan, Jonathan Brumley, Thomas A. Makowski, and Christopher T. Bartz, which claims benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/301,785 titled “Measurement System Software Architecture for Easily Creating High-Performance Measurement Applications” filed Jun. 29, 2001, whose inventors are Geoffrey Schmit, Brent Schwan, Jonathan Brumley, Thomas A. Makowski, and Christopher T. Bartz.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60301785 |
Jun 2001 |
US |
Continuation in Parts (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
10008792 |
Nov 2001 |
US |
Child |
10194476 |
Jul 2002 |
US |