For the programmer, IMP forms an insulating layer between the applications
program and the user input device. The programmer need not worry which type
of input device the user selects, or under which type of operating system the
applications are run. The user interface and error handling will always be
consistent.
Increased Programmer Productivity
Programmers spend most of their time writing and re-writing the machine-user
interface and error handling system, with portions spread throughout the
applications code. IMP provides a library of machine-independent FORTRAN 77
subroutines which provide all interface and error handling support. This
means that application programs can usually be developed in a fraction of the
time required by traditional methods.
The staff of PCI converted an image analysis package similar to PACE from a
PDP-11 to a Perkin-Elmer computer. The conversion required more than three
person years. Once EASI/PACE vas completed, a similar conversion required
only three person months!.
Application-Independent Programmer Environment
For the programmer, a single subroutine call is all that is required to
provide the entire link between the user and the application. This isolation
between the user interface and the application programs means that any
modification to either section will not affect the other.
Error Management
All application and user errors are handled through a consistent IMP
interface. Since error messages are retrieved from the parameter file,
modifying them or providing them in another natural language is a simple edit
operation which does not involve modifying any application code.
Maintainability
Together with reduced code size, IMP encourages the programmer to produce
well structured code. With PCI's software development environment, system
development utilities and on-line help and documentation generation are
automated.
CONCLUSIONS
EASI/IMP is a powerful tool for the development of application software
systems. Programmer productivity is increased by 100-500%. Transportability
is easily achieved resulting in wider availability of software application
systems to end users. Because of the consistent, easy-to-use user interface,
little or no retraining is required when upgrading hardware or when a variety
of different computers are available to the user.
EASI/IMP is a licensed product, ready and documented for immediate user and
programmer training and use. It is well documented at both the user and
programmer levels.
With IMP as the development environment and EASI as the user interface, PCI
has developed a powerful image analysis software system which can run on a
wide variety of computer systems supporting several different image display
subsystems. New computers or display devices can be added to the repertoire
at a modest cost.
600
res
and
Res
fir
eff
ass
Mor
Feb
Cle
Inf
pp.