A conceptual discussion for an airborne graphics software support system

A concept for a software support system for the development of airborne graphics software is described. The advent of the CRT in cockpits and the current trend toward complex pictorial formats has caused a significant increase in the amount of graphics software on board the aircraft. However, current software development tools relies on techniques that do not lend themselves to digital graphics. The software support system discussed provides several key items. An interactive workstation allows the designer to essentially draw the desired image and specify the dynamic attributes. A code generation system then creates hardware independent source code. A targetting compiler section creates hardware specific code and also modifies existing system code to accept the new graphics module. This automated system concept not only supports the initial graphics software creation but also supports the software maintenance of fielded systems. The system allows rapid production of software and significantly reduces the software skills required of the user