A Multimedia System to Render and Edit Self-explanatory Components

Abstract

A multimedia system to render and edit computational algorithms represented in a format of self-explanatory components is presented. Self-explanatory components constitute a framework for visual representation and specification of objects/processes, based on the idea of multiple views and algorithmic skeletons. In this framework, computational algorithms become components that are accessed and manipulated through a number of views related to its dynamic, static, and hierarchical features. This paper presents a system of two visual languages, a film language and an icon language, to specify and represent algorithms as self-explanatory components. The two languages support different levels of abstraction and multiple paradigms of representation and in this way try to provide self-explanatory understanding and operations. The system is aimed as a tool for visual creation and debugging of computational algorithms for scientific computing, including educational purposes, such as online or distance learning. Using this system, specification of algorithms is reduced to retrieving components acquired in a database and using it as it is or by editing and modifying it. Three examples of matrix multiplication algorithms are presented to describe the system and constituting visual languages.