An apparatus for manipulating a relational data base includes a unit for describing input data in a table format, a unit for describing all the operational manipulation with respect to the input data in a non-text format, and a unit for outputting data by referring to the relational data base based on the described input data and operational manipulation. The input data of a table format includes an input table and an output table. The input table includes an operational description region and the output table includes a region wherein a map relation between the respective items of the input and output table is described. The manipulation contents are described in the operation manipulation description region and the map relation description region. The operation flow is described and defined by a connection line with directiveness. The apparatus enables description of all the operational manipulation in a graphical manner in a non-text format, providing a user with data base manipulation environment with excellent understandability and operability.

A iconic programming system process represented by a directed graph of icons and connections. When a user starts execution of the iconic system, the system first separates the icons into a list of threads starting with icons at the highest level of the graph. Icons at lower levels of the graph, such as icons within subprograms or virtual threads, will be placed on a thread when the subprogram or virtual thread is started. Virtual threads contain all icons connected to the output of an iteration icon. Each thread is processed by selecting a start icon, or by randomly selecting an unconstrained icon if no start icons are present. Processing continues by processing each icon which has all data input available. Each of the threads is processed by processing one icon per thread in each cycle, until all icons have been processed.

A graphic interface configuration system is allows a user to create a graphic interface for a computer program in which graphic elements in the interface are linked to variables or functions in any one of a number of programming elements.

A method and system are disclosed for the efficient generation of manufacturing process plans. A visual image of at least a portion of a selected product is captured or generated and displayed on a portion of the video display of a computer system. A library of iconic representations of manufacturing process steps is also displayed, each having a stored textual instruction associated therewith. By utilizing a graphical pointing device, the operator may select a location within the visual image and thereafter select the iconic representation of the manufacturing step desired. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operator may selectively alter the textual instruction utilizing a known text editor. In the depicted embodiment of the present invention, the textual instructions are automatically sequentially numbered and stored for later use by a manufacturing technician during the manufacturing process. The visual image of the selected product is also altered to include reference numerals corresponding to each sequentially numbered textual instruction.

The present invention provides an authoring tool (10) which simplifies the authoring and editing functions of a simulated training system. The authoring tool (10) utilizes a development tool and method (40) which condenses authoring, editing and testing into one environment. This authoring tool, (10) referred to as the learn mode courseware tool, includes a user interface (70) which permits the author to produce, edit and test procedural logic structure. In addition, the system (10) permits the author to preview audio, video, and graphics displays, and also permits the author to interact with a representation of many trainer devices (18, 20, 26) at a single trainer device (32).