Method for configuration and parameterization of a graphical computer program for the operation of a data processing system

A system for creating a computer program, comprising:

• at least one data processor;
• a memory, wherein the memory stores a graphical program development software program which is executable for creating the computer program;
• an input device;
• and
• a display device;
• wherein the graphical program development software program is executable by the processor to generate a matrix which graphically specifies operation of the computer program, wherein the matrix comprises columns displayed on the display device, wherein, in generating the matrix, the processor is operable to:
• display a first column of the matrix, wherein the first column comprises a plurality of symbols for functional elements;
• display an interconnection column proximate to the first column that contains fields that each form a row with the fields of adjacent interconnection columns, wherein each row is assigned to one signal transmission channel;
• and
• display an interconnection between one signal transmission channel and another signal transmission channel within the interconnection column in accordance with user input, wherein the interconnection operates to connect two or more of the symbols for functional elements;
• wherein the computer program comprises a plurality of interconnected symbols, including said two or more of the symbols and a plurality of interconnections, including said interconnection, wherein the plurality of interconnected symbols graphically represents the functionality of the computer program, and wherein the computer program is executable according to the interconnected symbols for functional elements displayed in the matrix.

A memory medium comprising program instructions for creating a computer program, wherein the computer program controls functional elements, wherein the program instructions are executable to implement:

• generating a matrix which graphically specifies operation of the computer program, wherein the matrix comprises columns displayed on the display device, wherein said generating the matrix comprises:
• displaying a first column of the matrix, wherein the first column comprises a plurality of symbols for functional elements;
• displaying an interconnection column proximate to the first column that contains fields that each form a row with the fields of adjacent interconnection columns, wherein each row is assigned to one signal transmission channel;
• and
• displaying an interconnection between one signal transmission channel and another signal transmission channel within the interconnection column in accordance with user input, wherein the interconnection operates to connect two or more of the symbols for functional elements;
• wherein the computer program comprises a plurality of interconnected symbols, including said two or more of the symbols and a plurality of interconnections, including said interconnection, wherein the plurality of interconnected symbols graphically represents the functionality of the computer program, and wherein the computer program is executable according to the interconnected symbols for the functional elements represented in the matrix.

A memory medium which stores a graphical computer program, wherein the graphical computer program controls functional elements, wherein the graphical computer program comprises:

• a matrix which graphically specifies operation of the computer program, wherein the matrix comprises columns displayed on a display device, wherein the matrix comprises:
• a first column of the matrix, wherein the first column comprises a plurality of symbols for functional elements;
• an interconnection column proximate to the first column that contains fields that each form a row with the fields of adjacent interconnection columns, wherein each row is assigned to one signal transmission channel;
• and
• an interconnection between one signal transmission channel and another signal transmission channel within the interconnection column in accordance with user input, wherein the interconnection operates to connect two or more of the symbols for functional elements;
• wherein the graphical computer program comprises a plurality of interconnected symbols, including said two or more of the symbols and a plurality of interconnections, including said interconnection, wherein the plurality of interconnected symbols graphically represents the functionality of the computer program, and wherein the computer program is executable according to the interconnected symbols for the functional elements represented in the matrix.

A method for the configuration and parameterization of a computer program for the operation of a data processing system that contains at least one data processor, one data memory, one input device and one display device, wherein the computer program controls functional elements, characterized by the following steps:

• a) generating a first column of a matrix with columns and rows that are perpendicular to one another on the display device, wherein the first column contains at least one field for accommodating a symbol for a functional element that can be input by means of the input device,
• b) generating an interconnection column that is parallel to the first column and contains fields that each form a row with the fields of adjacent interconnection columns, wherein each row is assigned to one signal transmission channel, and
• c) generating an interconnection between one signal transmission channel and another signal transmission channel within an interconnection column in accordance with user inputs by means of the input device, the interconnection being displayed in the interconnection column on the display device, and this interconnection column being blocked against a second interconnection between other signal transmission channels;
• wherein said matrix, when configured with a plurality of symbols and a plurality of interconnections, including said interconnection, comprises the computer program, wherein the computer program is executable according to the interconnected symbols for the functional elements represented in the matrix.