The development of a distributed program is not an easy task. In this paper, we present a set of rapid prototyping tools that can efficiently help the development process of remote procedure call (RPC)-based programs. After some introduction in the first section, we describe the structure of our prototyping tools in the second section. The tool-set consists of three generators: the distributed frame generator, the user interface generator, and the application model generator. Three sections are devoted to describing these generators. The last part of our paper presents a prototyping example using our tool-set and summarizes the paper. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)
Computer-Aided Engineering. April 1992, Vol. 11 Issue 4, p66, 5 p. photograph
Subjects
Computer-Aided Design, Rapid Prototyping, New Technique, Models, Prototypes, Engineering -- Design and construction, and Computer industry -- Product information
Abstract
Companies can produce a prototype from a computer-aided design (CAD) file within one or two days by using the services of one of the approximately 40 rapid prototyping (RP) service bureaus. The CAD system must interface with the RP equipment, the file format being particularly important. An STL file interfaces with most RP systems and can be created with a good CAD system. Alternatively, many software developers now offer STL translators. STL translators can be created only for solid-model CAD systems only, rather than for models that do not close. Surface models work only if they are designed to be watertight. Additionally, supports must be created for any cantilevers or other unsupported structures to develop a CAD model and it is often appropriate to allow the RP service bureau to create the supports themselves. Future alternatives to the STL format will allow users to create smooth, precise surfaces.
Rapid Prototyping, Service Bureaus, CAD/CAM, Tutorial, and CAD-CAM systems -- Usage
Abstract
A business can use a rapid prototyping (RP) service bureau instead of buying a RP system, which can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $550,000. The service bureau can not only act as a supplier but can also serve as an active consultant to the design process. A business needs to receive a job cost estimate first from the RP service bureau, providing all necessary design specifications such as tolerances and product use. The best way to transfer computer-aided files to the service bureau is to use the STL file protocol because it is recognized as the standard for hooking RP machines to computer-aided design systems. The cost of using a service bureau depends on the time it takes to convert data, the time to actually build the part on the RP system and the amount of time it takes to detail the finished product. One disadvantage of the system is a lack of security surrounding the product design even when nondisclosure agreements have been signed. The best use of a rapid prototyping system is when it builds complex parts. A directory of RP service bureaus is included.
Computer-Aided Engineering. Oct 1992, Vol. 11 Issue 10, p84, 4 p. table
Subjects
Rapid Prototyping, Comparison, Manufacturing, Automobile industry, Automobiles, Chrysler Corp. -- Production management, Repetitive manufacturing systems -- Testing, Automobile industry -- Production management, and Automobiles -- Equipment and supplies
Abstract
When evaluating rapid prototyping systems it is important to measure the accuracy of the process, as well as the safety and durability of materials. Additionally, it is important to consider the cost of installation, training and maintenance. Chrysler's Jeep and Truck Engineering unit decided to produce a single automobile part on five rapid prototyping systems in order to compare them. Chrysler sent an STL of the speedometer adaptor to five companies: DTM, Cubital, Stratasys, Helisys and 3D Systems. Detailed is an overview of the comparisons between the five systems. Areas discussed include quality quantifications, price parameters, and the benchmark bottom line. Skill and experience of the operator can have a significant effect on the accuracy of the part produced.
Rapid Prototyping, Processor Architecture, Algorithm, Miniaturization, Reconfiguration, Circuit Design, Integrated circuit fabrication, Signal processing, Prototypes, Engineering -- Design and construction, Integrated circuit fabrication -- Testing, and Signal processing -- Research
Abstract
Ageneralized architecture for signal processing, the wafer scale integration architecture for rapid prototyping (WARP), consists of the universal multiply-substract-add (UMSA) cell and the universal nonlinear (UNL) cell. The class of algorithms is broadened by the WARP architecture, using a single rapid-prototyping architecture. FIR filtering algorithms, FFT computation algorithms and L-U decomposition algorithms can be implemented. The high degree of regularity in signal processing algorithms makes them suitable for wafer scale integration (WSI). Mapping of the algorithm to an array of just a few types of cells on the wafer is facilitated. Careful test planning and strict adherence to design-for-test practices are important to testing WSI circuits. The UMSA and UNL cells are discussed in detail with the mapping of the FFT and L-U decomposition algorithms.
Cacace, Filippo, Ceri, Stefano, Tanca, Letzia, and Crespi-Reghizzi, Stefano
IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering. June 1992, Vol. 18 Issue 6, p534, 13 p. program
Subjects
Software engineering, Scientific Research, Program Development Techniques, Database, Programming Language, Rule-Based System, Rapid Prototyping, Object-Oriented Programming, Relational Database, and Software engineering -- Methods
Abstract
The design and rapid prototyping of data-intensive software applications can be accomplished via the use of Logres and Algres, two advanced database programming languages. Logres, a new-generation programming language, integrates rule-based programming with an object-oriented data model. Algres is a relational system that manages complex database relationships. Algres does not have the necessary programming constructs needed to implement imperative computations. Expressive power and openness to external libraries can be gained by embedding Algres into the C programming language, resulting in the Alice programming interface. THe Logres/Algres software platform allows data-intensive applications to be prototyped rapidly.
Computer Graphics World. Feb 1995, Vol. 18 Issue 2, p42, 5 p. photograph
Subjects
Medical Profession (Industry), Rapid Prototyping, CAD/CAM software, Prosthesis industry, Modeling, Technology Information, Surgical technology, Medical equipment and supplies industry -- Production management, and Surgical technology -- Product development
Abstract
A new computer-based rapid prototyping (RP) procedure known as stereolithography can aid physicians in planning surgery or prosthetic aids by generating 3D anatomical models. Computer models can be compiled from successive 2D computed tomoggraphy (CT) scans of the body part being treated. The 3D data sets generated from CT scans are then converted into a format appropriate for use in stereolithography equipment. A Belgian software firm, Materialise, developed the software necessary to produce the models. RP can be used to design implants and prosthetics accurate to within .0003 inches. Surgeons can also employ the plastic models to better visualize how a surgical procedure will be conducted with minimum damage to surrounding tissue. Medical instruments, probes and devices can also be developed with RP techniques.
There is well acknowledged need for convenient prototype development environments for parallel applications software on loosely coupled, distributed memory multiprocessor systems which support synchronized message passing as the primary means of interprocess communication. In addition, such an environment should provide facilities for experimenting with the allocation of processors to user processes and for subsequent user program monitoring with a view to achieving performance optimization and rapid prototyping. This paper describes the principles behind an actual design of such a system and highlights the major implementation issues. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)
Microprocessors and Microsystems. July-August, 1992, Vol. 16 Issue 6, p283, 8 p. chart
Subjects
Rapid Prototyping, Circuit Design, Programmable, Gate Arrays, and Algorithm
Abstract
The Anyboard rapid protoyping system is described. The Anyboard circuit partitioner is discussed and the results of experiments are presented that characterize its ability to find good partitions. Under some conditions it was found that an algorithm that is generally regarded as poor in fact produces good results in less time than an algorithm that is generally regarded as more powerful. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)
Journal of Systems Architecture. Sept, 2002, Vol. 48 Issue 1-3, p17, 20 p.
Subjects
Embedded system, System on a chip, Embedded systems -- Research, and Programmable logic devices -- Research
Abstract
A domain-specific approach to virtual prototyping is described and discussed. The approach can reduce risks associated with programmable logic controller (PLC)-based embedded systems programming.
The Journal of Systems and Software. August 1998, Vol. 42 Issue 2, p125, 16 p. table
Subjects
Prototypes, Engineering -- Models, Software -- Design and construction, and Specifications
Abstract
The evolution of software prototyping is a hopeful approach in formulating system requirements that exactly mirrors the needs of the stakeholders. Moreover, providing decision support tools and formal models to help the process of prototyping would make the approach more attractive. However, optimizations, which complicate realistic software designs make software evolution difficult. Optimizations increase the efficiency of the software by giving it additional constraints that confound the implementation.
Tiddeman, Bernard, Burt, Michael, and Perrett, David
IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications. Sept-Oct, 2001, Vol. 21 Issue 5, p42, 9 p.
Subjects
Computer graphics -- Research, Image processing -- Research, Face -- Research, and Perception -- Research
Abstract
Wavelet-based methods are proposed for prototyping facial textures and for transforming the age of facial images. Transforming facial images has applications in areas such as psychology, medicine, and forensics.
The Journal of Systems and Software. Jan 1997, Vol. 36 Issue 1, p3, 14 p. table
Subjects
Computer software industry -- Product development and Software engineering -- Methods
Abstract
Software development practitioners were surveyed to gain insights on the prototyping and waterfall software development approaches. Results showed an awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Practitioners rated prototyping better than the waterfall approach in communication with users, flexibility of the design produced and early problem detection. Prototyping was shown to have the greatest use in the design phase and the least use in the implementation phase.
Computer. Feb 1, 1999, Vol. 32 Issue 2, p116, 4 p. 4
Subjects
Java (Computer program language) -- Usage, Embedded systems -- Design and construction, and Prototypes, Engineering -- Design and construction
Abstract
Designing networked embedded system prototypes should take into consideration a key feature of next-generation embedded systems which is the ability to communicate over networks and adapt to various operating conditions. Thus, dynamically reconfigurable hardware components are employed in the complete design environment for an embedded system based on Java. A prototyping board connected to a PC through a PCI bus, which has a DPGA chip and local memory, is used. One of the key benefits of using a Java-based prototype is that it permits system-level testing of new designs.
IEEE Micro. Oct 1995, Vol. 15 Issue 5, p9, 13 p. table
Subjects
Embedded systems -- Research and Prototypes, Engineering -- Usage
Abstract
Virtual prototyping, a design methodology, is used in the hardware-software codesign process. Integration of VHDL models of hardware components and rapidly prototype complex, multiboard, embedded microcontroller-based DSP systems is done using the process. A VHDL model consists of application, control and diagnostic software. Reduction of hardware-software integration and system test times, from 10-24 months to less than a month, is achieved in virtual prototyping of a demonstration avionics system.
Janka, Randall S., Wills, Linda M., and Baumstark, Lewis B.
IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering. Sept, 2002, Vol. 28 Issue 9, p832, 15 p.
Subjects
Software development/engineering, Network software, Open system, Middleware, Benchmark, Embedded system, Software engineering -- Research, Network software -- Research, Computer software industry -- Research, Benchmarks -- Research, and Embedded systems -- Research
Abstract
A new specification and design methodology (SDM) called MAGIC (methodology applying generation, integration, and continuity) is presented and discussed.
Lauwereins, Rudy, Engels, Marc, Ade, Marleen, and Reperstraete, J.A.
Computer. Feb 1995, Vol. 28 Issue 2, p35, 9 p. table
Subjects
Signal processing -- Innovations and Engineering models -- Evaluation
Abstract
Graphical Rapid Prototyping Environment (grape-II) is used for rapid prototyping in digital signal processing applications. This approach facilitates resource estimation, partitioning, allocation, routing, scheduling, code generation and parameter alteration. This structured approach limits programming effort and uses general-purpose reusable hardware to restrict development cost. Grape-II has been used for a consumer audio processor, for a sender, receiver and channel simulator for digital audio broadcasting and for video encoder for mobile utility.
Computer. Feb 1995, Vol. 28 Issue 2, p26, 9 p. photograph
Subjects
Multiprocessors -- Design and construction and Prototypes, Engineering -- Evaluation
Abstract
The Rapid Prototyping engine for Multiprocessors (RPM) facilitates rapid prototyping of diverse multiprocessor architecture. RPM project aims to develop a common, configurable hardware platform for the precise emulation of multiple-instruction, multiple-data systems having nearly eight execution processors. Rapid prototyping of multiprocessors is based on hardware emulation to facilitate design verification and performance assessment.
IEEE Software. Jan 1995, Vol. 12 Issue 1, p85, 11 p. table
Subjects
Prototypes, Engineering -- Usage and Software -- Product development
Abstract
Several case studies of organizations using software projects which use rapid prototyping as a planning tool show that most of them considered it as a reliable tool and that most of them use the prototype for the actual product. The findings show that improved case of use and greater satisfaction of end-users were among the positive product effects while poor design quality and performance were some of the stated and potential problems. Prototyping also decreased development time and increased end-user participation in many cases.
