Princeton Docket # 11-2681-1
Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have developed new software that provides an integrated software environment for exploring, modifying and displaying data. Physicists at different locations often work on the same projects and need to collaboratively share and manipulate data.
The software can also be used to teach Python programming and mathematical computation in a classroom setting where each student and the instructor have workstations. The collaborative capability enables an instructor to work interactively with a group of students. The instructor and one or more students can share the same workbench program. The instructor can see the student¿s input data, Python program, and displayed output. The instructor can review and modify the students program and annotate the student¿s graphs. Programs and graphs can be distributed to other students in the collaboration.
A central server manages the collaboration. Client programs register with the server to form groups of collaborators. Clients add their data graphs and analysis programs to the collaboration. The server forwards them to each collaborator in the group. When user interacts with a graph the interactions are sent to all collaborators. A user can enter a Python program to operate on the data in graph. The operation is performed on the server, returned to the originator, and forwarded to all collaborators. The programs communicate over typical local or wide area computer networks.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is a Collaborative National Center for plasma and fusion science. Its primary mission is to develop the scientific understanding and the key innovations which will lead to an attractive fusion energy source. Associated missions include conducting world-class research along the broad frontier of plasma science and providing the highest quality of scientific education.
Contact:
Michael Tyerech
Princeton University Office of Technology Licensing, (609) 258-6762, tyerech@princeton.edu