Integration of Kepler with ROADNet: Visual Dataflow Design with Real-time Geophysical Data

Fricke, Tobin T; Ludaescher, B; Altintas, I; Lindquist, K; Hansen, T; Rajasekar, A; Vernon, F; Orcutt, J

The ROADNet project concentrates real-time data from a wide variety of signal domains, providing a reliable platform to store and transport these data. Ptolemy is a general purpose visual programming environment in which work flows on data streams can be constructed by connecting general purpose components. The Kepler scientific workflow system extends Ptolemy to approach design and automation of scientific data analysis tasks. In this work we discuss our integration of ROADNet (and the Antelope platform on which ROADNet is based in part) with the Ptolemy environment.

We have produced interface components that allow someone using the Kepler scientific workflow system to readily use ROADNet data resources. Presently we have working components to gather real-time waveform and image data from ROADNet object ring buffers, and we are working to provide the ability to perform Datascope database queries from Kepler. The Kepler project, including the Antelope interface, is entirely free and open-source, and will run on any platform where Java is available.

We discuss existing applications in addition to possible future directions, such as coherent array processing, event detection, and online stream processing. A major advantage of the Ptolemy environment is the ease with which it may be used for rapid prototyping of analyses by even inexperienced users. For instance, a user can drag-and-drop an Orb Waveform Source component and several general purpose analysis and display components, connect them visually, and immediately perform an analysis on real-time data.