Showing papers on "Software portability published in 2006"

The Tau Parallel Performance System

Abstract: The ability of performance technology to keep pace with the growing complexity of parallel and distributed systems depends on robust performance frameworks that can at once provide system-specific performance capabilities and support high-level performance problem solving Flexibility and portability in empirical methods and processes are influenced primarily by the strategies available for instrmentation and measurement, and how effectively they are integrated and composed This paper presents the TAU (Tuning and Analysis Utilities) parallel performance sytem and describe how it addresses diverse requirements for performance observation and analysis

Emulation of Software Faults: A Field Data Study and a Practical Approach

Abstract: The injection of faults has been widely used to evaluate fault tolerance mechanisms and to assess the impact of faults in computer systems. However, the injection of software faults is not as well understood as other classes of faults (e.g., hardware faults). In this paper, we analyze how software faults can be injected (emulated) in a source-code independent manner. We specifically address important emulation requirements such as fault representativeness and emulation accuracy. We start with the analysis of an extensive collection of real software faults. We observed that a large percentage of faults falls into well-defined classes and can be characterized in a very precise way, allowing accurate emulation of software faults through a small set of emulation operators. A new software fault injection technique (G-SWFIT) based on emulation operators derived from the field study is proposed. This technique consists of finding key programming structures at the machine code-level where high-level software faults can be emulated. The fault-emulation accuracy of this technique is shown. This work also includes a study on the key aspects that may impact the technique accuracy. The portability of the technique is also discussed and it is shown that a high degree of portability can be achieved

Algorithm 852: RealPaver: an interval solver using constraint satisfaction techniques

Abstract: RealPaver is an interval software for modeling and solving nonlinear systems. Reliable approximations of continuous or discrete solution sets are computed using Cartesian products of intervals. Systems are given by sets of equations or inequality constraints over integer and real variables. Moreover, they may have different natures, being square or nonsquare, sparse or dense, linear, polynomial, or involving transcendental functions.The modeling language permits stating constraint models and tuning parameters of solving algorithms which efficiently combine interval methods and constraint satisfaction techniques. Several consistency techniques (box, hull, and 3B) are implemented. The distribution includes C sources, executables for different machine architectures, documentation, and benchmarks. The portability is ensured by the GNU C compiler.

Live updating operating systems using virtualization

Abstract: Many critical IT infrastructures require non-disruptive operations. However, the operating systems thereon are far from perfect that patches and upgrades are frequently applied, in order to close vulnerabilities, add new features and enhance performance. To mitigate the loss of availability, such operating systems need to provide features such as live update through which patches and upgrades can be applied without having to stop and reboot the operating system. Unfortunately, most current live updating approaches cannot be easily applied to existing operating systems: some are tightly bound to specific design approaches (e.g. object-oriented); others can only be used under particular circumstances (e.g. quiescence states).In this paper, we propose using virtualization to provide the live update capability. The proposed approach allows a broad range of patches and upgrades to be applied at any time without the requirement of a quiescence state. Moreover, such approach shares good portability for its OS-transparency and is suitable for inclusion in general virtualization systems. We present a working prototype, LUCOS, which supports live update capability on Linux running on Xen virtual machine monitor. To demonstrate the applicability of our approach, we use real-life kernel patches from Linux kernel 2.6.10 to Linux kernel 2.6.11, and apply some of those kernel patches on the fly. Performance measurements show that our implementation incurs negligible performance overhead: a less than 1% performance degradation compared to a Xen-Linux. The time to apply a patch is also very minimal.

Hardware abstraction layer (hal) for a robot

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that provide a hardware abstraction layer (HAL) for a robot are disclosed. A HAL can reside as a software layer or as a firmware layer residing between robot control software and underlying robot hardware and/or an operating system for the hardware. The HAL provides a relatively uniform abstract for aggregates of underlying hardware such that the underlying robotic hardware is transparent to perception and control software, i.e., robot control software. This advantageously permits robot control software to be written in a robot-independent manner. Developers of robot control software are then freed from tedious lower level tasks. Portability is another advantage. For example, the HAL efficiently permits robot control software developed for one robot to be ported to another. In one example, the HAL permits the same navigation algorithm to be ported from a wheeled robot and used on a humanoid legged robot.

UbiREAL: realistic smartspace simulator for systematic testing

Abstract: In this paper, we propose a simulator for facilitating reliable and inexpensive development of ubiquitous applications where each application software controls a lot of information appliances based on the state of external environment, user's contexts and preferences The proposed simulator realistically reproduces behavior of application software on virtual devices in a virtual 3D space For this purpose, the simulator provides functions to facilitate deployment of virtual devices in a 3D space, simulates communication among the devices from MAC level to application level, and reproduces the change of physical quantities (eg, temperature) caused by devices (eg, air conditioners) Also, we keep software portability between virtual devices and real devices As the most prominent function of the simulator, we provide a systematic and visual testing method for testing whether a given application software satisfies specified requirements

TMD-MPI: An MPI Implementation for Multiple Processors Across Multiple FPGAs

Abstract: With current FPGAs, designers can now instantiate several embedded processors, memory units, and a wide variety of IP blocks to build a single-chip, high-performance multiprocessor embedded system Furthermore, Multi-FPGA systems can be built to provide massive parallelism given an efficient programming model In this paper, we present a lightweight subset implementation of the standard message-passing interface, MPI, that is suitable for embedded processors It does not require an operating system and uses a small memory footprint With our MPI implementation (TMD-MPI), we provide a programming model capable of using multiple-FPGAs that hides hardware complexities from the programmer, facilitates the development of parallel code and promotes code portability To enable intra-FPGA and inter-FPGA communications, a simple Network-on-Chip is also developed using a low overhead network packet protocol Together, TMD-MPI and the network provide a homogeneous view of a cluster of embedded processors to the programmer Performance parameters such as link latency, link bandwidth, and synchronization cost are measured by executing a set of microbenchmarks

Formal Modeling of Function Block Applications Running in IEC 61499 Execution Runtime

Abstract: The execution model in a new standard for distributed control systems, IEC 61499, is analyzed. It is shown how the same standard compliant application running in two different standard compliant runtime environments may result in completely different behaviors. Thus, to achieve true portability of applications between multiple standard compliant runtime environments a more detailed execution model is necessary. In this paper a new runtime environment, Fuber, is presented along with a formal execution model. In this case the execution model is given as a set of interacting state machines which makes it straightforward to analyze the behavior of the application and runtime together using existing tools for formal verification.

Design of High Performance MVAPICH2: MPI2 over InfiniBand

Abstract: MPICH2 provides a layered architecture for implementing MPI-2. In this paper, we provide a new design for implementing MPI-2 over InfiniBand by extending the MPICH2 ADI3 layer. Our new design aims to achieve high performance by providing a multi-communication method framework that can utilize appropriate communication channels/devices to attain optimal performance without compromising on scalability and portability. We also present the performance comparison of the new design with our previous design based on the MPICH2 RDMA channel. We show significant performance improvements in micro-benchmarks and NAS Parallel Benchmarks.

Designing Wireless Sensor Networks as a Shared Resource for Sustainable Development

Abstract: Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are a relatively new and rapidly developing technology; they have a wide range of applications including environmental monitoring, agriculture, and public health. Shared technology is a common usage model for technology adoption in developing countries. WSNs have great potential to be utilized as a shared resource due to their on-board processing and ad-hoc networking capabilities, however their deployment as a shared resource requires that the technical community first address several challenges. The main challenges include enabling sensor portability: (1) the frequent movement of sensors within and between deployments, and rapidly deployable systems; (2) systems that are quick and simple to deploy. We first discuss the feasibility of using sensor networks as a shared resource, and then describe our research in addressing the various technical challenges that arise in enabling such sensor portability and rapid deployment. We also outline our experiences in developing and deploying water quality monitoring wireless sensor networks in Bangladesh and California

STEP-NC and function blocks for interoperable manufacturing

Abstract: Interoperable manufacturing systems help manufacturing companies stay competitive in the environment of frequent and unpredictable market changes. An important part of a manufacturing system is computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools. Over the years, G-codes have been extensively used by CNC machine tools and are now considered as a bottleneck for making these machines adaptable and interoperable. Two new technologies emerged in recent years: Standard for the Exchange of Product data for Numerical Control (STEP-NC) and function blocks. The STEP-NC data model represents a common standard for NC programming, making the goal of a generic NC code generation facility a reality. Function blocks are an emerging IEC standard for distributed industrial processes and control systems. They can be used for CNC controls to encapsulate machining data, such as machining features and their needed algorithms. This paper introduces the above two new standards and the technologies that are developed based on the standards. The main body is devoted to analyze the standards from the functionality viewpoint. These functionalities include, bidirectional information flow in computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing, data sharing over the Internet, the use of feature-based machining concept, modularity and reusability, intelligent and autonomous CNC, and portability among resources. Some implementations are also presented to showcase how the standards are used to develop technologies for interoperable machining. Note to Practitioners-Modern computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools are limited in functions because their controllers rely on G-codes for communications. G-code is considered a "dumb" language as it only documents instructional and procedural data, leaving most of the design information behind. G-code programs are also hardware dependent, denying modern CNC machine tools desired interoperability and portability. In recent years, two new standards emerged, STEP-NC and function blocks. They may hold the key to empowering CNC machine tools with richer information which, in turn, gives CNC machine tools the ability to "think" intelligently and to be interoperable. This paper introduces these two standards, the technologies that have been developed based on the standards and some prototype systems using the standards and technologies. The intention is not to highlight any achieved research outcome. Instead, the focus is on informing the research and practical world about these new standards, analyzing them from the viewpoint of supporting interoperable CNC machine tools, and offering some futuristic views about these standards and technologies. While these standards are still in their infancy, research activities and prototype systems are already coming thick and fast. There seems to be a "healthy" mixture of participants working in the field. They range from the manufacturers of all systems related to the data interface (i.e., CAM systems, controls, and machine tools), to the users and academic institutions.

HDF5-FastQuery: Accelerating Complex Queries on HDF Datasets using Fast Bitmap Indices

Abstract: Large scale scientific data is often stored in scientific data formats such as FITS, netCDF and HDF. These storage formats are of particular interest to the scientific user community since they provide multi-dimensional storage and retrieval. However, one of the drawbacks of these storage formats is that they do not support semantic indexing which is important for interactive data analysis where scientists look for features of interests such as "Find all supernova explosions where energy > 10^5 and temperature > 10^6". In this paper we present a novel approach called HDF5- FastQuery to accelerate the data access of large HDF5 files by introducing multi-dimensional semantic indexing. Our implementation leverages an efficient indexing technology called bitmap indexing that has been widely used in the database community. Bitmap indices are especially well suited for interactive exploration of large-scale readonly data. Storing the bitmap indices into the HDF5 file has the following advantages: a) Significant performance speedup of accessing subsets of multi-dimensional data and b) portability of the indices across multiple computer platforms. We will present an API that simplifies the execution of queries on HDF5 files for general scientific applications and data analysis. The design is flexible enough to accommodate the use of arbitrary indexing technology for semantic range queries. We will also provide a detailed performance analysis of HDF5-FastQuery for both synthetic and scientific data. The results demonstrate that our proposed approach for multi-dimensional queries is up to a factor of 2 faster than HDF5.

Energy-efficient graphical user interface design

Abstract: Mobile computers, such as cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), have dramatically increased in sophistication. At the same time, the desire of consumers for portability limits batters size. As a result, many researchers have targeted hardware and software energy optimization. However, most of these techniques focus on compute-intensive applications rather than interactive applications, which are dominant in mobile computers. These systems frequently use graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to handle human-computer interaction. This paper is the first to explore how GUIs can be designed to improve system energy efficiency. We investigate how GUI design approaches should be changed to improve system. Energy efficiency and provide specific suggestions to mobile computer designers to enable them to develop more energy-efficient systems. We demonstrate that energy-efficient GUI (E/sup 2/GUI) design techniques can improve the average system energy of three benchmarks (text-viewer, personnel viewer, and calculator) by 26.9, 45.2, and 16.4 percent, respectively. Average performance is simultaneously improved by 23.7, 34.6, and 19.3 percent, respectively.

A programmable real-time system for development and test of new ultrasound investigation methods

Abstract: In vitro and/or in vivo experimental tests represent a crucial phase in the development of new ultrasound (US) investigation methods for biomedical applications. Such tests frequently are made difficult by the lack of flexibility of general purpose instruments and commercial US machines typically available in research laboratories. This paper presents a novel, real-time development system specifically designed for US research purposes. Main features of the system are the limited dimensions (it is based on a single electronic board), the capability of transmitting arbitrary waveforms to two probes, of storing the received radio-frequency (RF) echo data in a file and/or of processing them in real-time according to programmable algorithms. As an example of application, results of simultaneous hemodynamic and mechanic investigations in human arteries are reported. However, the high system flexibility and portability make it suitable for a large class of US applications

Software Architecture Evaluation Methods for Performance, Maintainability, Testability, and Portability

Abstract: Software Architecture Evaluation Methods for Performance, Maintainability, Testability, and Portability

Distributed modular toolbox for multi-modal context recognition

Abstract: We present a GUI-based C++ toolbox that allows for building distributed, multi-modal context recognition systems by plugging together reusable, parameterizable components. The goals of the toolbox are to simplify the steps from prototypes to online implementations on low-power mobile devices, facilitate portability between platforms and foster easy adaptation and extensibility. The main features of the toolbox we focus on here are a set of parameterizable algorithms including different filters, feature computations and classifiers, a runtime environment that supports complex synchronous and asynchronous data flows, encapsulation of hardware-specific aspects including sensors and data types (e.g., int vs. float), and the ability to outsource parts of the computation to remote devices. In addition, components are provided for group-wise, event-based sensor synchronization and data labeling. We describe the architecture of the toolbox and illustrate its functionality on two case studies that are part of the downloadable distribution.

Performance evaluation of open-source multiagent platforms

Abstract: Nowadays, most multiagent platforms are internally designed as middleware and are usually implemented in Java and run on top of an operating system. This kind of design maximizes portability and reduces the development cost; however, it may lead to low performance and scalability. In this context, our research has the long-term goal of integrating into the operating system some key services which are currently supported by middleware platforms. The first step in achieving this goal is to study some well-known, open-source platforms in order to understand to what extent the internal design of a platform influences its performance.

Critical success factors for the development of mobile learning applications

Abstract: The importance and acceptance of M-Learning systems by both students and faculty is becoming increasingly important. The advantages offered by such systems such as accessibility, mobility, collaboration, and the opening of the educational process for continuous and lifelong learning are of paramount importance. Since teaching and learning has been practised for thousands of years, the transfer of this process into the electronic environment requires a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. This paper identifies and examines three major areas of critical success factors for the development of mobile learning applications. The first one includes the understanding of characteristics, peculiarities and constraints of the various mobile devices and technologies to be used in M-Learning. The second major area investigated is the learners' needs and requirements. The third area is the examination of the quality components, namely usability, functionality, reliability, efficiency, maintainability and portability for the successful development of mobile learning applications. Finally, the synergy of all these factors are incorporated into a proposed mobile learning engineering process called MobE.

A Quality Evaluation Technique of RFID Middleware in Ubiquitous Computing

Abstract: With ubiquitous computing system, users can access information through a computer network at any time and in any place. The basic infrastructure of ubiquitous computing system is wireless network environment, and a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system is composed tags, readers, middleware, application services, etc. and uses networks. RFID middleware is system software that collects a large volume of raw data generated in RFID environment, filters the data, summarizes them into meaningful information and delivers the information to application services. RFID middleware links hardware to conventional middleware. Previous researches on RFID middleware have covered middleware from SUN, SAP, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, etc. These products attach importance to different quality characteristics, and there have been few researches on the quality properties of RFID middleware. The present study examined functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency and portability among the quality characteristics of software in international standard ISO/IEC 9126 as well as the quality elements of standard RFID middleware of EPC Global, and based on them we extracted and analyzed items for evaluating the quality of RFID middleware in ubiquitous computing systems. Using the AHP (Analytic hierarchy process) that enables rational decision making by simplifying complicated problems, we evaluated the subjective characteristics of stakeholders in an objective way and proposed a selection method that evaluates quality using quality evaluation criteria. The proposed evaluation selection method is useful for developers who are going to develop RFID middleware in areas such as distribution and logistics to select RFID middleware suitable for their environment.

Portability and applicability of virtual fixtures across medical and manufacturing tasks

Abstract: Virtual fixtures are virtual constraints that enhance human performance in motion tasks. They can either confine and/or guide a user's motion. In this paper, we use a commercially available motion platform to explore the portability and applicability of virtual fixtures and document how people interact with them. Two micromanipulation tasks are analyzed and the effects of similarly designed virtual fixtures are discussed. One task simulates a medical task, retinal vein cannulation, and the other simulates a manufacturing task, fine leads soldering. Preliminary experimental results show that the virtual fixtures increase the accuracy of both medical and manufacturing tasks, lending support to its portability and applicability across unrelated tasks

JaSkel: a Java skeleton-based framework for structured cluster and grid computing

Abstract: This paper presents JaSkel, a skeleton-based framework to develop parallel and grid applications. The framework provides a set of Java abstract classes as a skeleton catalogue, which implements recurring parallel interaction paradigms. This approach aims to improve code efficiency and portability. It also helps to structure scalable applications through the refinement and composition of skeletons. Evaluation results show that using the provided skeletons do contribute to improve both application development time and execution performance.

Number portability for an ims network

Abstract: An apparatus and method for number portability for an IMS network In one example the method may have the steps of: processing all calls with E164 numbers in a BGCF (Breakout Gateway Control Function); executing digit analysis on a respective E164 number in the BGCF; and querying, by the BGCF, a NPDB (portable number database) to retrieve a routing number if the respective E164 number is ported

Non-intrusive end-to-end runtime path tracing for J2EE systems

Abstract: An end-to-end runtime path-tracing approach for J2EE systems has been introduced. The approach is non-intrusive and thus does not require instrumentation of middleware or application source code. The implementation of the system has been realised in the COMPAS Java end-to-end monitoring tool that extends and integrates a number of open source projects. The first set of results shows the performance overhead associated with the tool. Further results show the portability of this approach, by applying it to a number of different application server implementations. Finally, it is also shown that runtime paths collected by the implementation can be used for reasoning about the overall system structure and design of complex enterprise applications.

Code Quality: The Open Source Perspective (Effective Software Development Series)

Abstract: Page 26: How can I avoid off-by-one errors? Page 143: Are Trojan Horse attacks for real? Page 158: Where should I look when my application can't handle its workload? Page 256: How can I detect memory leaks? Page 309: How do I target my application to international markets? Page 394: How should I name my code's identifiers? Page 441: How can I find and improve the code coverage of my tests? Diomidis Spinellis' first book, Code Reading, showed programmers how to understand and modify key functional properties of software. Code Quality focuses on non-functional properties, demonstrating how to meet such critical requirements as reliability, security, portability, and maintainability, as well as efficiency in time and space.Spinellis draws on hundreds of examples from open source projects--such as the Apache web and application servers, the BSD Unix systems, and the HSQLDB Java database--to illustrate concepts and techniques that every professional software developer will be able to appreciate and apply immediately.Complete files for the open source code illustrated in this book are available on the Code Reading CD-ROM and online at: http://www.spinellis.gr/codequality/

Advanced EHR architectures--promises or reality.

Abstract: Objectives: Forming the informational reflection of the patients and their care, the Electronic Health Record (EHR) is the core application of any complex health information system or health network. Such an ideally lifelong history file must be reliable, flexible, adaptable to new concepts and technologies, and robust, to allow for sharing knowledge over its lifetime. A sophisticated architecture must be chosen for meeting this challenge. Methods: An advanced EHR architecture for designing and implementing future-proof EHR systems must be a model of generic properties required for any Electronic Patient Record to provide communicable, comprehensive, useful, effective, and legally binding records that preserve their integrity over the time, independent of platforms and systems as well as of national specialties. The resulting approach is based on the ISO Reference Model – Open Distributed Processing. Results: Based on advanced architectural principles introduced in the paper, a new generation of EHR systems has been designed and implemented for demonstrating the feasibility of the approach. This result is presented and evaluated regarding the achievements and problems using the componentbased paradigm of model-driven health information system architectures. Conclusions: The future-proof EHR approach that has been established has been shortly evaluated. Advantages regarding flexibility, reliability, and portability of policy-driven, highly secure, role-dependent applications have to be considered in the light of performance as well as of the availability of network and application services.

Technique for improving scalability and portability of a storage management system

Abstract: A technique for improving scalability and portability of a storage management system is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a storage management system operatively coupled to a storage system. The storage management system may comprise a plurality of processor modules, wherein each processor module is capable of intercepting write commands directed to the storage system, backing up data associated with the write commands, and generating metadata having timestamps for the backup data. The storage management system may also comprise one or more indexing modules that create one or more indexing tables for the backup data based on the metadata, wherein the one or more indexing modules are in communication with the processor modules and the storage system.

A network-based architecture for seamless mobility services

Abstract: Given the tremendous growth in mobile voice and data usage and the emergence of new multifunction, multiradio handheld devices, there is an emerging interest in seamless mobility - applications and services that provide service portability and application persistence across multiple network connections. Seamless mobility ultimately allows users to transparently access all of their data and services in a consistent method. This article describes an implementation of a network-based architecture for seamless mobility services that supports the full range of applications voice, data, video, and messaging - using bimode devices that interface to both Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks. This solution provides advanced functionality to existing cellular devices, while providing a solid migration path to full IP-based multimedia services. The solution relies on network-based interfaces and systems, providing a multinetwork-capable, scalable solution with a unified service experience for the user from a single device

Concurrent deadlock detection in parallel programs

Abstract: Many parallel programs have been developed that use message passing for communication. This leads to efficient and portable programs, but their complexity makes them hard to debug. One of the common problems in such programs is the detection of deadlocks. A deadlock detector, MPIDD, has been developed for dynamically detecting deadlocks in parallel programs that are written using C++ and MPI. The detection code for most of the blocking and non-blocking point-to-point and collective routines has been implemented. The code has been tested against an extensive test suite, application programs, and some publicly available benchmarks. The detector takes advantage of the MPI's profiling layer, requires no significant modification of user's code, and incurs very little overhead when invoked. Portability of the detector code is also a key advantage.