Distributed Computing

• Simultaneous Queries (DCOM)
  

  Bluel recently developed an application for an econometrics firm that needed to automate queries to a legacy TN3270 mainframe (via IBM's popular EHLLAPI standard). We designed a domain-specific programming language that enables non-programmers to construct simple scripts describing the query. Using Microsoft's DCOM protocol, a client could then distribute these scripts to a collection of servers for execution. The entire process could be invoked manually by a user, or automatically via an ActiveX API.

  By distributing the queries across multiple terminals, the query times could be reduced from several hours to under 30 minutes. The software can schedule simultaneous queries submitted by multiple users, and it uses idle-time detection to avoid interfering with human access to a terminal. By leveraging the text-parsing API from a Bluel research project, we were able to complete the initial prototype in just a few weeks.

• Distributed Computation (TCP/IP)
  
  Bluel developed a parallel computation system for a Windows parallel computing cluster. It featured a language-independent API and datagram communications formalism layered on TCP/IP. This system was used by a major east coast investment firm to dramatically improve the speed of their market simulations. By subdividing the computations and distributing them across multiple workstations, a portfolio analysis which previously took 30-40 hours could be reduced to a mere 3 or 4 hours. The multihost exception handling framework designed for this project has been adapted for DCOM, and is in use for a current consulting project.

Cognitive Therapy

For several years, we have developed various software products for a local psychology clinic that specializes in cognitive training and evaluation. These applications include ADHD testing and diagnosis, listening skills, auditory attention, working memory, and phonemic awareness. These projects have been sold commercially and licensed to major hospitals. In collaboration with Ratloop, Inc, we created a complete graphics engine featuring layered sprites, scrolling tile maps, multichannel sound, and collision detection. The engine includes optimized drivers for both DirectX and GDI and is in active usage today.

Process Scheduling

Process scheduling is a central component of most business tasks. A recent Bluel contracting project involved the development of a multithreaded enterprise scheduling application. Using Microsoft's ActiveScript technology, this application can be extended with user scripts written in an assortment of plugin languages (e.g. Perl, Python, VBScript, JavaScript, etc.). Wizard-based triggers can then be used to execute these scripts in response to various events, such as time-of-day triggers, filesystem changes, and arrival of e-mail messages. The scheduler includes a language-independent runtime library for date calculations.

New: This project is being considered for retail distribution.

Electroencephalography

Bluel recently managed the design and development of a comprehensive EEG/EMG system for clinical diagnostics. The software provides a plug-in model supporting multiple vendor devices as well as a compositional signal generator capable of simulating realistic brainwave patterns. We worked with the client to implement an innovative noise correction algorithm that significantly improves feedback along with a series of integrated audio/visual patient exercises. The client has filed a provisional patent application for this technology and is preparing to market the product domestically and internationally.