Method and apparatus for more efficient function synchronization in a data flow program

A system which provides increased efficiency in synchronizing separate activities in a data flow diagram, comprising:

• a video screen;
• means for displaying on the screen a first input terminal icon, wherein said first input terminal icon references a first input variable;
• means for displaying on the screen a first output terminal icon, wherein said first output terminal references a first output variable;
• means for displaying on the screen a first function icon, wherein said first function icon controls a first function, wherein said first function icon generates first data;
• means for displaying on the screen a second input terminal icon, wherein said second input terminal icon references a second input variable;
• means for displaying on the screen a second output terminal icon, wherein said second output terminal references a second output variable;
• means for displaying on the screen a second function icon, wherein said second function icon controls a second function, wherein said second function icon requires said first data from said first function icon before beginning operation;
• means for displaying on the screen a set occurrence icon, wherein said set occurrence icon is associated with said first function icon that triggers an occurrence when said first data is generated;
• means for displaying on the screen a wait on occurrence icon, wherein said wait on occurrence icon is associated with said second function icon, wherein said wait on occurrence icon activates said second function icon when said first function icon generates said first data;
• and
• means for assembling on the screen a first data flow diagram including said first input terminal icon, said first output terminal icon, said first function icon, and said set occurrence icon, wherein the first data flow diagram displays a procedure for producing at least one value for said first output terminal icon from at least one value for said first input terminal icon;
• means for assembling on the screen a second data flow diagram including said second input terminal icon, said second output terminal icon, said second function icon, and said wait on occurrence icon, wherein said wait on occurrence icon includes an output coupled to said second function icon, wherein the second data flow diagram displays a procedure for producing at least one value for said second output terminal icon from at least one value for said second input terminal icon;
• wherein said set occurrence icon in said first data flow diagram triggers an occurrence when said first function icon generates said first data;
• wherein said wait on occurrence icon in said second data flow diagram generates said output to said second function icon when said first data is generated and said occurrence is triggered;
• wherein said second function icon begins operation when said wait on occurrence icon output is received;
• and
• wherein said second function icon does not require any CPU time until said first function icon generates said first data.