Graphical system for modelling a process and associated method

• US 5,732,277 A
• Filed: 06/07/1995
• Issued: 03/24/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 10/24/1986
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: National Instruments Corporation (Emerson Electric Company)
• Original Assignee: National Instruments Corporation (Emerson Electric Company)
• Inventors: Truchard, James J., Kodosky, Jeffrey L., MacCrisken, John E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pan, Daniel H.
• Application Number:
  US08/477,073
• Time in Patent Office: 1,021 Days
• Field of Search: 395/159, 395/145, 395/500, 395/161, 395/140, 395/800, 395/349, 395/357, 395/967, 395/407, 395/970, 395/348, 395/708, 395/183.14, 395/183.22, 395/131, 395/615 , 395/133, 395/135, 395/326, 395/340, 395/703, 395/335, 364/578, 364/DIG. 1, 364/DIG. 2
• US Class Current: 717/125
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/31912 Tester/user interface
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04817 using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 30/20 Design optimisation, verification or simulation optimisation, verification or simulation of circuit designs G06F30/30
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/34 Graphical or visual programming
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/00 Simulators for teaching or training purposes for the use of weapons F41; computing aspects G06; protocols for games, networked simulations or virtual reality H04L67/131
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 715/967 Visual or iconic programming
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 715/97 Instrumentation and component modelling, e.g. interactive control panel

Abstract

A method for programming a computer to execute a procedure is based on a graphical interface which utilizes data flow diagrams to represent the procedure. The method stores a plurality of executable functions, scheduling functions, and data types. A data flow diagram is assembled in response to the user input utilizing icons which correspond to the respective executable functions, scheduling functions, and data types which are interconnected by arcs on the screen. A panel, representative of an instrument fron panel having input and output formats is likewise assembled for the data flow diagram. An executable program is generated in response to the data flow diagram and the panel utilizing the executable functions, scheduling functions, and data types stored in the memory. Furthermore, the executable functions may include user defined functions that have been generated using the method for programming. In this manner, a hierarchy of procedures is implemented, each represented by a data flow diagram.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising:

displaying on the screen at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations, wherein said iteration icon includes an interior portion;

displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon, wherein said displaying on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one iteration icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one iteration icon; and

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one iteration icon references software executing in the computer system for performing said multiple iterations of operations.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an iteration portion which receives the number of said multiple iterations to be performed, the method further comprising:

receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed; and

wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one iteration icon executes for said number N of iterations.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed comprises:

displaying on the screen a number icon which represents a number;

connecting said number icon to said iteration portion.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

displaying on the screen a number of said multiple iterations that have been performed, wherein said displaying the number of said multiple iterations that have been performed is performed during said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program for said multiple iterations.

6. The method of claim 1,

wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.

7. The method of claim 1,

wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes;

a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon; and

b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value;

wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b);

wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

9. The method of claim 7,

wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is executed a first time prior to said examining;

wherein step b) is performed zero or more times after said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is executed said first time.

11. The method of claim 1,

wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes;

a) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for a first iteration;

b) examining said value currently received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon after an iteration is performed; and

c) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for another iteration if said examined value is a true value, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is not executed if said examined value is a false value;

wherein said examining step b) and said executing step c) are repetitively performed for zero or more iterations until said examining step b) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

12. A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising:

displaying on the screen at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations, wherein said iteration icon includes an interior portion, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that have been performed;

displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon;

receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed; and

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one iteration icon for said number N of iterations.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

said index portion displaying on the screen a number of said multiple iterations that have been performed during said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program for said number N of iterations.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said at least one iteration icon references software executing in the computer system for performing said multiple iterations of operations.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an iteration portion which receives the number N of said multiple iterations to be performed;

wherein said receiving said number N comprises said iteration portion receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed further comprises:

displaying on the screen a number icon which represents a number; and

connecting said number icon to said iteration portion.

17. A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising:

displaying on the screen at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons;

displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons includes arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value;

determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon;

executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software executing in the computer system for performing said conditional branching of operations.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon.

20. A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising:

displaying on the screen at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons;

displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value;

determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon;

executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software executing in the computer system for performing said conditional branching of operations.

22. A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising:

displaying on the screen at least one sequence structure icon for controlling sequencing of operations, wherein said sequence structure icon includes a plurality of sequence icons each having an interior portion, wherein said sequence icons have an order including a first sequence icon and a last sequence icon;

displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons comprises arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one sequence structure icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing includes;

executing said portions of the graphical program comprised in said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said portions of the graphical program are executed in said order of said sequence icons from said first sequence icon to said last sequence icon.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said at least one sequence structure icon references software executing in the computer system for controlling said sequencing of operations.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein each of said sequence icons comprising said at least one sequence structure icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said order of said sequence icons.

25. A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising:

displaying on the screen at least one sequence structure icon for controlling sequencing of operations, wherein said sequence structure icon includes a plurality of sequence icons each having an interior portion, wherein said sequence icons have an order including a first sequence icon and a last sequence icon, wherein each of said sequence icons comprising said at least one sequence structure icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said order of said sequence icons;

displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons;

executing said graphical program, wherein said step of executing includes;

executing said portions of the graphical program comprised in said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said portions of the graphical program are executed in said order of said sequence icons from said first sequence icon to said last sequence icon.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein said at least one sequence structure icon references software executing in the computer system for controlling said sequencing of operations.

27. The method of claim 25, further comprising:

arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one sequence structure icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons.

28. A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising:

displaying on the screen at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon, wherein said displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one loop structure icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon;

executing said graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein said at least one loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed;

the method further comprising;

said index portion displaying a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon has been executed during said executing said graphical program.

30. The method of claim 28, further comprising:

connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one loop structure icon.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein said executing said graphical program includes:

a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said loop structure icon; and

b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value;

wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

32. A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising:

displaying on the screen at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon, wherein said displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one loop structure icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing includes;

a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said loop structure icon; and

b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value;

wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b);

wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

34. The method of claim 32,

wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon is executed a first time prior to said examining;

wherein step b) is performed zero or more times after said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon is executed said first time.

36. The method of claim 32, wherein said at least one loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed;

the method further comprising;

said index portion displaying a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon has been executed during said executing said graphical program.

37. The method of claim 32, further comprising:

connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one loop structure icon.

38. A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising:

displaying on the screen at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed;

displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said loop structure icon;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

a) examining a value provided to said loop structure icon;

b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value, wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value; and

c) said index portion displaying a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed during said executing said graphical program.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein said loop structure icon includes a recirculation icon which is adapted to receive a value which is either true or false;

wherein said examining a value provided to said loop structure icon includes;

said recirculation icon receiving said value; and

examining said value received by said recirculation icon.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising:

connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said loop structure icon.

41. The method of claim 38, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b);

wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

42. The method of claim 38,

wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

43. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of:

displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations, wherein said iteration icon includes an interior portion;

displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon, wherein said displaying on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one iteration icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one iteration icon;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations.

44. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 43, wherein said at least one iteration icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said multiple iterations of operations.

45. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 43, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an iteration portion which receives the number of said multiple iterations to be performed, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the steps of:

receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed; and

wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one iteration icon executes for said number N of iterations.

46. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 45, wherein said receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed comprises:

displaying on the screen a number icon which represents a number; and

connecting said number icon to said iteration portion.

47. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 43, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of:

displaying on the screen a number of said multiple iterations that have been performed, wherein said displaying the number of said multiple iterations is performed during said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program for said multiple iterations.

48. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 43,

wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.

49. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 43,

wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes;

a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon; and

b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value;

wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

50. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b);

wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

51. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 49,

wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

52. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 51, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is executed a first time prior to said examining;

wherein step b) is performed zero or more times after said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is executed said first time.

53. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 43,

wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes;

a) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for a first iteration;

b) examining said value currently received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon after an iteration is performed; and

c) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon for another iteration if said examined value is a true value, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is not executed if said examined value is a false value;

wherein said examining step b) and said executing step c) are repetitively performed for zero or more iterations until said examining step b) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

54. Computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of:

displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations, wherein said iteration icon includes an interior portion, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an index portion which displays a number indicating the number of iterations that have been performed;

displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon;

receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one iteration icon for said number N of iterations.

55. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 54, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of:

said index portion displaying on the screen a number of said multiple iterations that have been performed during said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program.

56. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 54, wherein said at least one iteration icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said multiple iterations of operations.

57. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 54, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an iteration portion which receives the number N of said multiple iterations to be performed;

wherein said receiving said number N comprises said iteration portion receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed.

58. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 57, wherein said receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed further comprises:

displaying on the screen a number icon which represents a number;

connecting said number icon to said iteration portion.

59. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of:

displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons;

displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons includes arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value;

determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon;

executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.

60. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 59, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said conditional branching of operations.

61. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 59, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon.

62. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of:

displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons;

displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value;

determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon;

executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.

63. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 62, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said conditional branching of operations.

64. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of:

displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one sequence structure icon for controlling sequencing of operations, wherein said sequence structure icon includes a plurality of sequence icons each having an interior portion, wherein said sequence icons have an order including a first sequence icon and a last sequence icon;

displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons comprises arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one sequence structure icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing includes;

executing said portions of the graphical program comprised in said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said portions of the graphical program are executed in said order of said sequence icons from said first sequence icon to said last sequence icon.

65. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 64, wherein said at least one sequence structure icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for controlling said sequencing of operations.

66. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 64, wherein each of said sequence icons comprising said at least one sequence structure icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said order of said sequence icons.

67. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of:

displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one sequence structure icon for controlling sequencing of operations, wherein said sequence structure icon includes a plurality of sequence icons each having an interior portion, wherein said sequence icons have an order including a first sequence icon and a last sequence icon, wherein each of said sequence icons comprising said at least one sequence structure icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said order of said sequence icons;

displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons;

executing said graphical program, wherein said step of executing includes;

executing said portions of the graphical program comprised in said plurality of sequence icons, wherein said portions of the graphical program are executed in said order of said sequence icons from said first sequence icon to said last sequence icon.

68. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 67, wherein said at least one sequence structure icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for controlling said sequencing of operations.

69. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 67, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of:

arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one sequence structure icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of sequence icons.

70. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of:

displaying on a display screen of the computer system at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon, wherein said displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one loop structure icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon;

executing said graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.

71. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 70, wherein said at least one loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed;

wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of;

said index portion displaying a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon has been executed during said executing said graphical program.

72. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 70, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of:

connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one loop structure icon.

73. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 70, wherein said executing said graphical program includes:

a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said loop structure icon; and

b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value;

wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

74. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of:

displaying on a display screen of the computer system at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon, wherein said displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program includes arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one loop structure icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing includes;

a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said loop structure icon; and

b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value;

wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

75. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b);

wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

76. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 74,

wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

77. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 76, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon is executed a first time prior to said examining;

wherein step b) is performed zero or more times after said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said at least one loop structure icon is executed said first time.

78. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein said at least one loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed;

wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of;

said index portion displaying a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon has been executed during said executing said graphical program.

79. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of:

connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one loop structure icon.

80. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of:

displaying on a display screen of the computer system at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations, wherein said loop structure icon includes an interior portion, wherein said loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed;

displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program, wherein said at least a portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portion of said loop structure icon;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

a) examining a value provided to said loop structure icon;

b) executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value, wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value; and

c) said index portion displaying a number of iterations that said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said loop structure icon has been executed during said executing said graphical program.

81. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 80, wherein said loop structure icon includes a recirculation icon which is adapted to receive a value which is either true or false;

wherein said examining a value provided to said loop structure icon includes;

said recirculation icon receiving said value; and

examining said value received by said recirculation icon.

82. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 81, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of:

connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said loop structure icon.

83. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 80, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b);

wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

84. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 80,

wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

85. A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising:

displaying on the screen at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations;

displaying on the screen at least a portion of the graphical program;

arranging on the screen said at least a portion of the graphical program and said at least one iteration icon such that said at least a portion of the graphical program is displayed on the screen substantially inside said at least one iteration icon;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

executing said at least a portion of the graphical program displayed substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations.

86. The method of claim 85, wherein said at least one iteration icon references software executing in the computer system for performing said multiple iterations of operations.

87. The method of claim 85, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an iteration portion which receives the number of said multiple iterations to be performed, the method further comprising

receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed;

and

wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program comprised in said at least one iteration icon executes for said number N of iterations.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein said receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed comprises:

displaying on the screen a number icon which represents a number;

connecting said number icon to said iteration portion.

89. The method of claim 85, further comprising:

displaying on the screen a number of said multiple iterations that have been performed, wherein said displaying the number of said multiple iterations is performed during said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program for said multiple iterations.

90. The method of claim 85,

wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said at least a portion of the graphical program displayed substantially inside said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.

91. A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising:

displaying on the screen at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations;

displaying on the screen a first one or more function icons;

displaying on the screen a second one or more function icons;

assembling on the screen a graphical program, wherein said assembling on the screen the graphical program comprises arranging on the screen the first one or more function icons substantially inside said at least one iteration icon, and arranging on the screen the second one or more function icons outside of said at least one iteration icon; and

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations; and

executing said second one or more function icons, wherein said second one or more function icons arranged outside of said at least one iteration icon are not executed for said multiple iterations.

92. The method of claim 91, wherein said at least one iteration icon references software executing in the computer system for performing said multiple iterations of operations.

93. The method of claim 91, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an iteration portion which receives the number of said multiple iterations to be performed, the method further comprising

receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed;

and

wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon is performed for said number N of iterations.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein said receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed comprises:

displaying on the screen a number icon which represents a number;

connecting said number icon to said iteration portion.

95. The method of claim 91, further comprising:

displaying on the screen a number of said multiple iterations that have been performed, wherein said displaying the number of said multiple iterations that have been performed is performed during said executing said graphical program.

96. The method of claim 91,

wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.

97. The method of claim 91,

wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes;

a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon; and

b) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value;

wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

98. The method of claim 97, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b);

wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

99. The method of claim 97,

wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

100. The method of claim 99, wherein said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon are executed a first time prior to said examining;

wherein step b) is performed zero or more times after said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon are executed said first time.

101. The method of claim 91,

wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes;

a) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for a first iteration;

b) examining said value currently received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon after an iteration is performed;

c) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for another iteration if said examined value is a true value, wherein said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon are not executed if said examined value is a false value;

wherein said examining step b) and said executing step c) are performed for zero or more iterations until said examining step b) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

102. A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising:

displaying on the screen at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations;

displaying on the screen a first one or more function icons;

displaying on the screen a second one or more function icons;

assembling on the screen a graphical program, wherein said assembling on the screen the graphical program comprises arranging on the screen the first one or more function icons substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon, and arranging on the screen the second one or more function icons outside of said at least one loop structure icon; and

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for multiple iterations;

executing said second one or more function icons, wherein said second one or more function icons arranged outside of said at least one loop structure icon are not executed for said multiple iterations.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein said loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon have been executed;

the method further comprising;

said index portion displaying on the screen a number of iterations that said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said loop structure icon have been executed during said executing said graphical program.

104. The method of claim 102, wherein said loop structure icon includes a recirculation icon which is adapted to receive a value which is either true or false;

wherein said executing said graphical program further comprises;

receiving a value for said recirculation icon, wherein said received value is true for a first period of time;

executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for said multiple iterations during said first period of time in response to said received value.

105. The method of claim 104, further comprising:

connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one loop structure icon.

106. The method of claim 102,

wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for said multiple iterations includes;

a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon; and

b) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value;

wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

107. The method of claim 106, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b);

wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

108. The method of claim 106,

wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

109. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of:

displaying on a video semen of the computer system at least one iteration icon for controlling multiple iterations of operations;

displaying on the screen a first one or more function icons;

displaying on the screen a second one or more function icons;

assembling on the screen a graphical program, wherein said assembling on the screen the graphical program comprises arranging on the screen the first one or more function icons substantially inside said at least one iteration icon, and arranging on the screen the second one or more function icons outside of said at least one iteration icon; and

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations; and

executing said second one or more function icons, wherein said second one or more function icons arranged outside of said at least one iteration icon are not executed for said multiple iterations.

110. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein said at least one iteration icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said multiple iterations of operations.

111. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein said at least one iteration icon includes an iteration portion which receives the number of said multiple iterations to be performed, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of:

receiving, in response to user input, a number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations; and

wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon is performed for said number N of iterations.

112. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 111, wherein said receiving said number N which indicates the number of said multiple iterations to be performed comprises:

displaying on the screen a number icon which represents a number;

connecting said number icon to said iteration portion.

113. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of:

displaying on the screen a number of said multiple iterations that have been performed, wherein said displaying the number of said multiple iterations that have been performed is performed during said executing said graphical program.

114. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 109,

wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value,

wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon is repetitively performed while said recirculation icon receives a true value.

115. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 109,

wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes;

a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon; and

b) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value;

wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

116. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b);

wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

117. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 115,

wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

118. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 117, wherein said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon are executed a first time prior to said examining;

wherein step b) is performed zero or more times after said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon are executed said first time.

119. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 109,

wherein said iteration icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for said multiple iterations includes;

a) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for a first iteration;

b) examining said value currently received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon after an iteration is performed;

c) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon for another iteration if said examined value is a true value, wherein said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one iteration icon are not executed if said examined value is a false value;

wherein said examining step b) and said executing step c) are performed for zero or more iterations until said examining step b) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

120. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of:

displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one loop structure icon for controlling looping of operations;

displaying on the screen a first one or more function icons;

displaying on the screen a second one or more function icons;

assembling on the screen a graphical program, wherein said assembling on the screen the graphical program comprises arranging on the screen the first one or more function icons substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon, and arranging on the screen the second one or more function icons outside of said at least one loop structure icon; and

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for multiple iterations;

executing said second one or more function icons, wherein said second one or more function icons arranged outside of said at least one loop structure icon are not executed for said multiple iterations.

121. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 120, wherein said loop structure icon includes an index portion which displays a number of iterations that said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon have been executed;

wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of;

said index portion displaying on the screen a number of iterations that said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said loop structure icon have been executed during said executing said graphical program.

122. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 120, wherein said loop structure icon includes a recirculation icon which is adapted to receive a value which is either true or false;

wherein said executing said graphical program further comprises;

receiving a value for said recirculation icon, wherein said received value is true for a first period of time;

executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for said multiple iterations during said first period of time in response to said received value.

123. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 122, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of:

connecting a node to the recirculation icon which provides said value to said recirculation icon, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one loop structure icon.

124. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 120,

wherein said loop structure icon further includes a recirculation icon which receives a value, wherein said value is either true or false;

wherein said executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for said multiple iterations includes;

a) examining said value received by said recirculation icon of said iteration icon; and

b) executing said first one or more function icons arranged substantially inside said at least one loop structure icon for an iteration after said examining if said examined value is a true value;

wherein said executing step b) is not performed after said examining step a) if said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

125. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 124, wherein said examining step a) is performed after each occurrence of said executing step b);

wherein said executing step b) is performed after each said examining step a) until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

126. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 124,

wherein said examining step a) and said executing step b) repeat until said examining step a) indicates that said examined value is a false value.

127. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of:

displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons;

displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein said displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons includes arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value;

determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon;

executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.

128. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 127, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said conditional branching of operations.

129. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 127, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon.

130. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of:

displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons;

displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons, wherein a different portion of the graphical program is comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value;

determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon;

executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.

131. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 130, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said conditional branching of operations.

132. A method for assembling a graphical program in a computer system, wherein the computer system includes a video screen, the method comprising:

displaying on the screen at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons;

displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program;

arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value;

determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon;

executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.

133. The method of claim 132, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software executing in the computer system for performing said conditional branching of operations.

134. The method of claim 132, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon.

135. The method of claim 132, further comprising:

connecting a node to said selector input portion which provides said value to said selector input portion, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one conditional icon.

136. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, wherein said program instructions are operable to assemble a graphical program in a computer system, wherein said program instructions are operable to implement the steps of:

displaying on a video screen of the computer system at least one conditional icon for controlling conditional branching of operations, wherein said conditional icon includes a plurality of case icons each having an interior portion, wherein said conditional icon includes a selector input portion which selects between said plurality of case icons;

displaying on the screen portions of the graphical program;

arranging on the screen said portions of the graphical program and said at least one conditional icon such that said different portions of the graphical program are comprised within said interior portions of each of said plurality of case icons;

executing said graphical program, wherein said executing comprises;

said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon receiving a value;

determining one of said plurality of case icons, wherein said determining depends on said value received by said selector input portion of said at least one conditional icon;

executing a portion of the graphical program comprised in said interior portion of said determined one of said plurality of case icons in response to said determining.

137. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 136, wherein said at least one conditional icon references software on said computer-readable storage medium for performing said conditional branching of operations.

138. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 136, wherein each of said case icons comprising said at least one conditional icon includes a portion which displays a value identifying said case icon.

139. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 136, wherein said program instructions are further operable to implement the step of:

connecting a node to said selector input portion which provides said value to said selector input portion, wherein said connecting is performed after said displaying on the screen said at least one conditional icon.