Visual environment for the development of parallel real-time programs (Visual-RT)

• Grant number: 01/08530-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 2002
• End date: June 30, 2004
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Computer Science - Computing Methodologies and Techniques
• Principal Investigator: José Roberto Pinto Ribeiro
• Grantee: José Roberto Pinto Ribeiro
• Company: Quadros Systems Brasil Ltda
• City: São Carlos

Abstract

This project aims to develop a graphical tool for the generation of source code for parallel real-time systems, executed with the support of the Virtuoso parallel kernel, developed by Eonic Systems.Virtuoso is built with a layer on top of C programming language, giving it functionalities similar to a parallel programming language. To offer support to the kernel a set of tools are required which assist in the development of parallel applications, debugging of errors and analysis of the requirements of real time. The aim of Visual-RT is to help in the generation of source code for programs executed in the parallel machine. In Visual-RT, applications are represented in a graphic model, which will be used to integrate the other tools which make up the visual environment. The main component of this model will be a graphic, where the nodes will denote the data structures of the parallel program and the peaks will represent the communication and synchronization operations related to these structures. The information from the graphical models could be complemented with text descriptions, that’s to say, stretches of code written by the user. On the basis of the graphical and textual information, the tool will automatically generate the application source code. Visual- RT will also help the programmer to maintain continuity in the development of projects which use methodologies for the most commonly used realtime systems, facilitating the transition from the initial phases, that is, analysis and design, to the implementation phase.To help the programmer execute this transition, the tool will permit the development of prototypes of the parallel program, which will gradually be improved until the final product is obtained. (AU)