Motoei Azuma

An empirical study of evaluating software development environment quality

A study that evaluates new-paradigm-oriented software development environments which have been developed in the five-year formal approach to software environment technology (FASET) project is reviewed. For this study, a software environment evaluation technology based on a software quality evaluation process model defined in ISO/IEC 9126 has been developed. The evaluation technology has been applied to the R&D project at the middle and final phase of development. The evaluation results provide useful information to develop a widely acceptable evaluation technology and to improve the new-paradigm-oriented software development environments that are based on various specification methods: the algebraic specification method, function-oriented specification method, declarative specification method, natural-language-oriented specification method, diagrammatic specification method, state-transition-oriented specification method, and model-based specification method. >

Formgraphics: A Form-Based Graphics Architecture Providing a Database Workbench

Complex combinations of text, graphics, and alphanumeric strings can be manipulated easily and rapidly when displayed in screen formats similar to conventional hard-copy forms.

Form document management system SPECDOQ its architecture and implementation

Architecture and implementation of a form document management system SPECDOQ are presented. The system automates or semi-automates manipulation of conventional form documents combining alphanumeric and Kanji/Kana character strings, texts, and graphics. SPECDOQ features uniform management of the document database in terms of unnormalized relations, named nested tables. Complicated manipulation of form documents can be accomplished by combinations of abstract, algebraic operations on the nested tables. The system also features graphics-based user friendly manipulation of external form documents on the screen. Architectural key concepts in SPECDOQ and their implementation are explained. Some system-user interaction examples and early experiences on SPECDOQ field use are also given in this paper.

SPD: A Humanized Documentation Technology

The SPD (Structured Programming Diagram) is a documentation technology used to design well structured programs. With SPD, designers can easily express functional structure, control structure, and physical layout of a program on one sheet of paper. Its straightforward expression appeals to both document writers and readers. SPD concept and conventions are introduced in this paper. SPD usage is then explained with a program design example. Other documentation technologies used in coordination with SPD are briefly touched upon. Finally, SPD reputation and evolution in the last ten years are reviewed.

USER- AND ADMINISTRATOR- FRIENDLY ARCHITECTURE FOR INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Human factors of an interactive software development tool FRIEND are discussed. FRIEND attains both the friendliness for tool users and the friendliness for tool administrators. These two types of friendliness are discussed and illustrated from the architectural viewpoint. The architecture is based on mappings between the user specification level and the database level.

Increasing Productivity in Computer Software Development by Environmental Modification

In this paper, we deal with the computer software development task which is completely new in the researches of human factors. In order to increase productivity in software development, environmental modification in a software office was carried out: At first, we proposed the procedure for environmental modification in software offices, by taking into consideration the processes involved in system design. An actual work environment was, then, modified by using this procedure. Finally, we obtained the guidelines on environmental modification in software offices.