Showing papers on "Software portability published in 1982"

The SLATEC mathematical subroutine library

Abstract: The SLATEC Common Mathematical Subroutine Library is an experiment in resource sharing by the computing departments of several Department of Energy Laboratories. The objective is to cooperatively assemble and install at each site a mathematical subroutine library characterized by portability, good numerical technology, good documentation, robustness, and quality assurance. The result is a portable Fortran mathematical subroutine library of over 130,000 lines of code.Much of the following report is based on [1], a chapter to be included in a forthcoming book about mathematical software.

A user's guide to the Gottman-Williams time-series analysis computer programs for social scientists

Abstract: Esther Williams and John Gottman describe a complete set of programs they have written in Fortran IV to enable even beginners to use all the techniques presented in John Gottman's Time-Series Analysis: A Comprehensive Introduction for Social Scientists. There are three packages, available on IBM card source desks from the authors, for (1) time and frequency domain model fitting, including detecting cycles, (2) forecasting and interrupted time-series analysis, and (3) multivariate time-series analysis, in both time and frequency domains. The packages have been tested for portability. Modification specific computers are noted in the guide.

Multi-purpose fuel efficient portable stove/heater

Abstract: A multi-purpose stove/heater constructed of elements that are readily assembled by hand at a chosen use site, and then easily disassembled and stowed in a compact manner to facilitate portability. The elements can be put together into several different combinations to provide units for a variety of cooking, smoking, heating and drying functions, and each unit utilizes fuel in a highly efficient manner and fulfills current safety requirements as well as those for the protection of the environment wherein the unit is used.

Simulation in Micro-Computers

Abstract: Visual colour simulation development on APPLE computers is described in the context of a project to assess an expensive capital installation. The project was successful and showed the value and power of graphics on cheap computers when attention is paid to correct programme design. Emphasis is laid on rapid working, portability and the removal of communication barriers between analyst and management.

The Architecture of an Electronic Book

Abstract: The architecture of a very large scale integration (VLSI) based system capable of storing, processing, and displaying information normally contained in book form is presented in this paper. The operational characteristics of the system, including complex string search capabilities, are discussed. Portability aspects of the system are considered. The implications of VLSI-based electronic books in industry and in the scientific, legal, and medical professions are outlined. Educational possibilities for such systems are investigated. Technology requirements are defined.

Some principles of screen design and software for their support

Abstract: The relatively unexciting issue of screen design has often been neglected in CAL or CAT. Changing technology and user requirements may make it more important. Authoring systems (languages, methodologies, software tools) need to satisfy certain requirements at different stages of the authoring process. Such requirements, relating to screen management, aesthetics, specification and documentation, implementation, maintenance and portability, are considered. Some can be met by adopting certain standards and techniques, and by the provision of software tools. Certain solutions are suggested, in particular, the software tools for screen design provided by a particular authoring system. COMBAT are described. These directly correspond to specification and documentation techniques, assist in implementation and maintenance, and help in the adoption of good design standards.

A computer language system for model building and experimentation

Abstract: The computer offers the possibility of allowing students to explore mathematical ideas, but for them to become fluent in the use of existing model‐building languages makes excessive demands on many students. The paper describes an attempt to overcome this fluency barrier by allowing students to express their ideas for models in a friendly environment. Whilst the language MODL relieves the students of complex numerical methods, it does not take away the need for them to formulate a model in a logical and consistent way. To aid software portability the language is written in BASIC and was developed on a microcomputer with good graphical display characteristics.

System design methodology in C.A.D. programs based on the finite element method

Abstract: The general structure of a Finite Element package is analysed and we show how it is possible to build an evolutive system, both highly structured and without a great problem of portability. The help of a program generator may reduce the time devoted to the construction or the adaptation of a package and may increase its reliability. Problem solving techniques are available for the optimization of the general structure of the system and the reduction of computation time. A global structure well adapted to the present needs of computer aided design using finite elements is given in an example.

A Portable Package for Testing Minimization Algorithms

Abstract: A package of routines designed to aid in the process of testing minimization (or other types of) algorithms will be discussed., The intention is to provide a vehicle for evaluating codes which is portable, versatile and simple to use. Ease of use should encourage algorithm designers to use the package, versatility will ensure that it is applicable to testing many different routines, and portability will mean that it is available to anyone. This last point should contribute to consistency in the testing of algorithms. The emphasis is not on actual testing, but is on the presentation of some ideas of how one can design a useful testing mechanism.

Towards Effective Data Processing: Portable Software Models

Abstract: In many application fields a need for more effective data processing has been identified. There are various means to achieve this goal: 1) new technological developments; 2) new information management and organizational techniques; 3)new methods and tools for systems development; 4) greater awareness of economic;, legal, and social aspects of data processing. An attempt is being made to integrate these means into the “optimal solution” of effectiveness problem. The approach taken is to develop flexible software models in order to test for applicability in the real-world environment. Major characteristics of such software models are: 1) portability; 2) modifiability; 3) functionality; 4) operationality.

Planning for Portability

Abstract: In this chapter we consider those issues affecting planning for portability that are separate from details of how the portable programs themselves are to be written. The subject is introduced by considering the functions of the donor and the installer of a piece of portable software. We then consider in some detail the kinds of documentation and testing appropriate for portable software.

A mainframe implementation of concurrent pascal

Abstract: An implementation of Concurrent Pascal on a UNIVAC1106 is described Design decisions include the choice of compiled rather than interpreted code, as well as scheduling strategies The advantages and disadvantages of a mainframe implementation are discussed

Overview of the University of Pennsylvania CORE system: standard graphics package implementation

Abstract: The CORE System is a proposed standard for a device-independent graphics system. The concept of a deviceindependent system was first developed in 1977 by the Graphics Standards Planning Committee (GSPC) of ACM Siggraph and later refined in 1979 [1,2]. The CORE System design has received favorable reviews and has been implemented by various vendors at several universities, and other computing facilities (e.g. [3,7]). The main objectives of the CORE System are to provide uniformity, compatibility, and flexibility in graphics software. Three advantages that the CORE system provides over non-standard graphics systems are device independence, program portability, and functional completeness. A large number of different graphics hardware devices currently exist with a wide range of available functions. The CORE System provides device independence by shielding the applications programmer from specific hardware characteristics. The shielding is at the functional level: the device-independent (DI) system uses internal routines to convert the application programmer's functional commands to specific commands for the selected hardware device driver (DD). The progammer describes a graphical world to the CORE System in device-independent normalized device coordinates. The programmer also specifies the viewport on the logical view surface (output device) where a picture segment is to be placed. As the CORE System becomes the accepted standard graphics package, program portability will become more feasible. Program portability means the ability to transport application programs between two sites without requiring structural modifications. The CORE System was designed for functional completeness so that any graphics function a programmer desires is either included within the system or can be easily built on top of CORE System routines. Disciplines Computer Engineering | Computer Sciences Comments University of Pennsylvania Department of Computer and Information Science Technical Report No. MSCIS-82-17. This technical report is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/cis_reports/1004

The preparation of guidelines for portable programming in high-level languages

Abstract: Programming even in a folly standardized high-level language requires great care if portable programs are to result. We review two recent attempts at producing guidelines for portable programming in high-level languages. Areas of particular difficulty, software aids to monitor compliance with projected guidelines, the prospects for enhanced portability of future languages and the form of published guidelines are separately discussed.

The portability of BCPL to the MC68000 via the intermediate language SLIM

Abstract: T h i s t h e s i s d e s c r i b e s t h e d e s i g n o f a s y s t e m t h a t c o n v e r t s t h e i n t e r m e d i a t e l a n g u a g e SLIM, i n t o a s s e m b l e r code f o r t h e M o t o r o l a MC68000. T h i s i s t h e n a s s e m b l e d and l o a d e d o n t o a MC68000 s i m u l a t o r where i t s u c c e s s f u l l y r u n s . The s u i t a b i l i t y o f SLIM as an i n t e r m e d i a t e l a n g u a g e i s a l s o s t u d i e d , w i t h a t r e a t m e n t on code o p t i m i z a t i o n .

No. 5 ESS Maintenance Software

Abstract: No. 5 ESS is a stored program controlled digital switching system using distributed processing to provide smooth growth across the entire central office line range. The No. 5 ESS maintenance hardware and software is designed to meet all Bell System reliability and maintenance requirements. New approaches for maintenance software design have been required to accomplish this in a distributed processing environment. The responsibility for carrying out maintenance functions is distributed so that major functional units are almost totally responsible for their own maintenance. This allows system evolution to take place with minimum impact on the overall software structure and also allows loose coupling of system elements. Loose coupling means that relatively slow control channels can be used for intrasystem communication. All of these features facilitate the remoting of major functional units away from No. 5 ESS. Switch maintenance, terminal maintenance, system integrity, and human-machine interface software are present in each of No. 5 ESS's distributed processors. Software in these processors is decomposed into small, easily understood components with well-defined interfaces. Operating systems are used to switch messages between software processes and to provide common services for the maintenance subsystems. Most of the software is written in the C high-level language. This simplifies software development by allowing the same coding language to be used for all system processors and provides future code portability when new generations of processors are introduced into the system. The No. 5 ESS maintenance software architecture and design approach helps ensure a high-quality end product. It should also minimize future effort needed to introduce new hardware, services, and features into the system.

Exploiting machine‐specific pointer operations in abstract machines

Abstract: Increasingly powerful machine instructions complicate abstract machine design for portability. Abstract machine instructions must be “larger” than the target machine instructions that they are to exploit, but they must not grow so large as to complicate the realization of the abstract machine on real machines. This paper presents related techniques for low-level yet machine-independent access to typical stack and string-processing instructions.

Ada model arithmetic: costs and benefits

Abstract: The design of the Ada arithmetic capabilities is presented as an elaborate compromise between conflicting requirements of efficiency and machine independence. The costs and benefits incurred by this compromise are explored in some detail and some areas for eventual investigation in the light of future experience with Ada arithmetic are identified.

The barrel concept: a study in language system development

Abstract: We describe a variation in theme on abstract machine implementation through general purpose macro processing. Using data flow diagrams we show how the central focus of concern can be shifted from the output focus of conventional macro processing to an user-oriented focus, on a system developed upon an optimized and extended version of the Stage2 processor of W. Waite and co-workers.The approach has potential theoretical interest in its: being a modern expression of widely accepted older ideas and implementations, applications which incorporate synergisms in language concepts (string and list processing, tables), possible opening to logic programming.Data flow descriptions are used to illustrate top-level and selected lower level computation activities, e.g., combination evaluation. Usage of the array of capabilities presented by Barrel are outlined: portability, prototyping in a multiple-machine context, "permanent" (compiled) codes for network operations.

MINI-EXEC: a portable executive for 8-bit microcomputers

Abstract: As microprocessor systems and single-chip microcomputers become more complex, so do the software systems developed for them. In many cases, software is being designed that incorporates multiple control functions running asynchronously on a single microprocessor. Here, discussion focuses on the motivation for running such multiple functions under the control of a real-time multitasking executive. A successfully implemented executive whose design is portable and suitable for use on most 8-bit microprocessors is presented.

Implementation of a CORAL66 programming environment

Abstract: CORAL66 programming environment has been implemented on a host environment of a Nova real time disk operating system. It consists of a CORAL66 C-compiler, a program for compilation error code summary, a c-code assembler, an interpreter as well as utilities from the host environment. In this paper, details of the implementation are discussed and we argue that such an implementation on mini-computer systems can be used as an important and flexible tool for teaching and research purposes in software engineering.

Overview of Testing of Numerical Software

Abstract: The purposes of program testing are to expose errors; to insure that standards for portability, robustness, etc. are met; and to evaluate performance. A selection of work in these three applications of program testing is presented here.

A portable program to present courseware on microcomputers

Abstract: In computer assisted instruction, certain main functions which have to be carried out by the computer can he distinguished. The performance of these functions will have different software and hardware requirements in different educational environments and both the requirements and the technology to implement them will change over time. It is therefore advantageous to make CAI systems as adaptable as possible. One approach to this is to divide the systems into independent modules each designed to achieve good portability both for software and for hardware. This paper describes such a module which is part of the Modular CAI System Delft. The program makes it possible to present on different types of microcomputers courseware designed using other modules of the system. The program is implemented in Pascal to yield maximum portability on modern microcomputers. Its future and portability are discussed.

Hidden costs in Ada

Abstract: The purpose of Ada is to provide the Department of Defense with a common language in order to reduce software production costs across the realm of embedded systems. This paper discusses whether the costs inherent in Ada will offset the savings characteristic in common language and expected by DoD.Ada is examined by looking at three aspects: uniformity, portability, and reliability. A justification for uniformity is followed by a discussion of how Ada reflects this aspect of language design. We then discuss portability, its importance to a common language, and how it is vital if an overall software production cost savings is desired in multiple implementations of Ada. Next, we discuss the reliability of code written in Ada based upon general principles of software engineering and compiler design, and on recent studies in producing large embedded systems. Finally, we conclude by collecting the results of our discussions and assessing the economic benefit and overall cost of Ada.

Book III: Scientific and Research Applications in Medical Care: Screening for Hypertension Using Diagnostic Triaging: An Interactive Policy Analysis System

Abstract: The paper describes the development of a system for screening and group-specific diagnostic management of patients with hypertension. Based on a single-period long-term model, the system is of potential value for administrative health care planning focusing on an effective allocation of a limited budget. Since the overall goal is insight not numbers the system is to be used in a “what...if” mode. The user specifies the problem he wants to consider choosing the decision criterion, the evaluation parameters and the algorithms. Input data can be modified interactively as well. Design criteria include flexibility, expandability, adaptability to various populations, and also portability and low-cost operation.

About the Portability of the DIDASS-Package (an IBM Implementation)

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to point out the portability of the program package for linear multiple criteria reference point optimization. This should be understood as a step to improve the user-oriented feature of software developed at IIASA and can be an example for further implementations of the software on other computer systems. The actual reason for transferring the DIDASS-package to INSEE is the need for solving problems of medium- and long-term planning for the national economy of France which can be described by dynamic multiple-criteria linear programming models. This paper is an initial note on implementation problems. As soon as there is substantive application in INSEE it will be reported. We first describe the implementation problems, then the solutions and an hypothetical example to demonstrate the workability of the software.

A new communications technique for the nonvocal person, using the Apple II Computer.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe a technique for nonvocal personal communication for the severely handicapped person, using the Apple II computer system and standard commercially available software diskettes (Visi-Calc). The user's input in a pseudo-Morse code is generated via minute chin motions or limited finger motions applied to a suitable configured two-switch device, and input via the JHU/APL Morse code interface card. The commands and features of the program's row-column matrix, originally intended and widely used for financial management, are used here to call up and modify a large array of stored sentences which can be useful in personal communication. It is not known at this time if the system is in fact cost-effective for the sole purpose of nonvocal communication, since system tradeoff studies have not been made relative to other techniques. However, in some instances an Apple computer may be already available for other purposes at the institution or in the home, and the system described could simply be another utilization of that personal computer. In any case, the system clearly does not meet the requirement of portability. No special components (except for the JHU/APL Morse interface card) and no special programming experience are required to duplicate the communications technique described.