Transportable image-processing software*

Abstract

The computations of image processing, like those of many technical disciplines, require substantial programs to perform. These programs are often organized into "packages" with the intent of making them easy for the (computer) novice to use. Access to a package of programs is an important resource, since its creation is beyond the capabilities of all but a few research groups. Unfortunately, while packages are invaluable, they could often be improved in the following ways: 1. They could be easier to use. The intellectual task of communication with the package is too difficult, the commands too peculiar and errors too easy to make. When things go wrong, very little help is available. 2. They could make more efficient use of the underlying machine and its operating system. A package may use very sophisticated algorithms for its discipline-oriented operations, while at the same time using the most cumbersome mechanisms for controlling the resources of the machine. Its authors are seldom systems programming experts. 3. They could be easier to move from machine to machine. In the process of getting the package to work at all, many peculiarities of the programming language (in its local implementation) and the local system become entwined in the code and getting it to run elsewhere may be difficult or impossible. 4. They could be easier to understand, modify and extend. To add a new routine or alter the behavior of an existing one may not be too difficult for the program’s author, but for others it may be impossible. If many changes are made independently, combining them without conflict is difficult.