Graphical programming system and method for creating and managing a scene graph

A computer-implemented method for creating a data flow diagram which is executable to create a scene graph, the method comprising:

• displaying a plurality of nodes on a display, wherein each of the plurality of nodes is selectable for inclusion in a data flow diagram;
• receiving first input selecting at least a subset of the plurality of nodes for inclusion in the data flow diagram;
• and
• receiving second input connecting the plurality of nodes to create the data flow diagram, wherein the data flow diagram comprises the at least a subset of the plurality of nodes, and wherein the at least a subset of the plurality of nodes are executable by a processor to create and store a scene graph;
• wherein the scene graph comprises nodes representing corresponding objects in a scene, wherein the nodes representing the objects are different from the nodes in the data flow diagram, wherein the scene graph specifies a plurality of objects and relationships between the objects, and wherein the scene graph is usable in rendering a graphical image of the plurality of objects.

A system for creating a scene graph, comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory medium coupled to the processor, wherein the memory medium stores program instructions which are executable to:
• create a data flow diagram in response to input, wherein in creating the data flow diagram, the program instructions are executable to:
• display a plurality of nodes on a display in response to first input, wherein each of the plurality of nodes is executable to create at least a portion of the scene graph;
• and
• connect the plurality of nodes to create the data flow diagram in response to second input, wherein the plurality of nodes are connected to specify data flow among the plurality of nodes;
• execute the data flow diagram to create the scene graph and
• store the scene graph;
• wherein the scene graph comprises nodes representing corresponding objects in a scene, wherein the nodes representing the objects are different from the nodes in the data flow diagram, wherein the scene graph specifies a plurality of objects and relationships between the objects, and wherein the scene graph is usable in rendering a graphical image of the plurality of objects.

A system for creating a scene graph, comprising:

• means for creating a data flow diagram in response to input, comprising:
• means for displaying a first plurality of nodes on a display in response to first input, wherein each of the plurality of nodes is executable to create at least a portion of the scene graph;
• and
• means for connecting the first plurality of nodes to create the data flow diagram in response to second input, wherein the first plurality of nodes are connected to specify data flow among the plurality of nodes;
• means for executing the data flow diagram, wherein said executing creates the scene graph;
• and
• means for storing the scene graph;
• wherein the scene graph comprises nodes representing corresponding objects in a scene, wherein the nodes representing the objects are different from the nodes in the data flow diagram, wherein the scene graph specifies a plurality of objects and relationships between the objects, and wherein the scene graph is usable in rendering a graphical image of the plurality of objects.