BIO-SPEAD: a parallel computing environment to accelerate development of biologic signal processing algorithms

We have created BIO-SPEAD (pronounced speed), a BIOlogical Signal Processing Environment for Algorithm Development. BIO-SPEAD is designed to accelerate development of complex algorithms which integrate information derived from single or multiple physiologic waveforms. BIO-SPEAD currently performs all of the basic analyses of several arterial blood pressure waveforms, and allows the user to utilize the results of those low-level analyses for development of more complex algorithms. We utilized a parallel programming architecture called the Process Trellis which keeps the different tasks, or processes, within BIO-SPEAD independent of each other. Additionally, we have developed a graphics interface to enable the user to visualize the waveform under analysis, the low-level system analysis, and the internal workings of the algorithm under development. The system has been used for several algorithm development projects and has demonstrated its utility.