Trends in computational tools for biomagnetism: from procedural codes to intelligent scientific models

The nature of the available computing tools strongly influences modern scientific investigations. The sources of well known problems associated with the use of procedural computer languages are traced and their consequences investigated. The likely impact of recent quantitative and qualitative advances in software and hardware is examined with emphasis on its relevance to the biomagnetic inverse problem. Gradual changes in the use of computers, some already employed in a recent study of a specific biomagnetic inverse problem, are outlined which take into account the large investment in conventional codes.