Patent ID: 8381174

Claim:
A computer-implemented method, comprising: utilizing a computer to perform: receiving input specifying a graphical program, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually represents the graphical program; wherein said receiving input specifying the graphical program comprises: receiving input including a graphical structure in the graphical program; associating a global variable with the graphical structure; and displaying the graphical structure in the graphical program based on the user input; and associating at least one node in the graphical program with the graphical structure, wherein the at least one node is executable to modify the value of the global variable, wherein the graphical structure is distinct from the global variable, wherein the graphical structure comprises an interior portion, wherein said associating comprises placing the at least one node in the interior portion of the graphical structure, and wherein said associating does not include editing the at least one node; and wherein during execution of the graphical program the graphical structure ensures deterministic modification of values of the global variable, wherein the deterministic modification prevents other modifications to the value of the global variable by any other nodes during the deterministic modification.