A system and method for specifying a computer-implemented process utilizing two
or more different program creation methodologies. In one embodiment, the different
program creation methodologies may include specifying steps or operations for the
process using graphical input panels, e.g., in a "wizard-based" manner, and using
graphical programming techniques for other portions, such as to specify decision
operations. Thus, optimum program creation methodologies may be used for specifying
different respective portions of the process. At least a portion of the process
may be dependent on prior execution results determined by a previous portion of
the process. As an example, for a machine vision inspection process, the previous
portion of the process may analyze images of a product, and a subsequent portion
of the process may depend on the results of the image analysis, e.g., may either
accept or reject the product depending on prior execution results of the image
analysis portion. Thus, the process may include one or more decision operations
that analyze the prior execution results. The execution of the portion(s) of the
process that are dependent on prior execution results may depend on the outcome(s)
of the decision operation(s). The decision operation(s) may advantageously be specified
graphically, e.g., as a block diagram constructed in response to user input.