A graphical programming interface for use in developing computer programs
providing computational decision-making capabilities. The interface uses
a structure of graphically displayed positions, arguments and linkages to
enable the development of computational decision making programs. The
positions are primarily characterized by position values that may
represent outputs although they may have a variety of other function
features such as thresholds. The arguments are characterized by argument
values that may represent inputs. The arguments are associated with
particular positions and the values of the arguments associated with a
given position are combined to determine the value of that position. The
linkages extend between different positions and arguments and define
different types of functional relationships between them. Programs are
developed through the creation and manipulation of the graphical items of
the interface using visually oriented processes such as drop down windows
and drag and drop techniques.