dynamically run multiple VIs and return values

[Mattjk]

Dear Experts:

I would like to dynamically run 8 VIs from a main VI that esentially do the exact same thing.  The only thing that is different is the data passed to the VIs and the data returned.  The VI has a loop that can possible run for ever and each of the 8 loops can be started at different points in time.  I figure I would use a functional global to pass controls to the VI (loop).  I am not sure how I will get data from each loop.  I can't use a functional global for this because there is no sequencial timing. The number 8 might change so I can't just make 8 loops in main.

I would like to be a little more clear.  How do you return individual data from a VI that has been dynamically launched 8 times at different points in time?

[crossrulz]

I would use a queue.  The main VI should have a loop just for processing data from the queue.

[vt92]

I recommend reading the recent LabVIEW Field Journal articles on "Maintaining State Information"

This article talks about VI server: http://labviewjournal.com/2012/05/maintaining-state-3/#more-312

[Mattjk]

Thanks for the response guys.  I like the queue idea.  So how would you know what clone brought back data (what queue entry belonged to what clone)?

[crossrulz]

The data type of the queue needs to be a cluster.  One element being an ID of some sort (this ID should be passed into the subVI) and another element being the actual data.

[Mattjk]

This is what I was thinking but I just wanted to check with you.  Cool.  Great idea.  Thanks.