Integrated numeric and symbolic signal processing using a heterogeneous design environment

We present a solution to a complex multi-tone transient detection problem to illustrate the integrated use of symbolic and numeric processing techniques which are supported by well-established underlying models. Examples of such models include synchronous dataflow for numeric processing and the blackboard paradigm for symbolic heuristic search. Our transient detection solution serves to emphasize the importance of developing system design methods and tools which can support the integrated use of well-established symbolic and numerical models of computation. Recently, we incorporated a blackboard-based model of computation underlying the Integrated Processing and Understanding of Signals (IPUS) paradigm into a system-level design environment for numeric processing called Ptolemy. Using the IPUS/Ptolemy environment, we are implementing our solution to the multi-tone transient detection problem.