ShapeTools Plugin project definition

Overview

This project aims to add the expertise to use a plugin framework with the ShapeTools^? applications and libraries. At present, we are beginning to experience version conflicts with our libraries. Software that would benefit from the capacity to add and remove plugins at runtime cannot (vis, ShapeViewer, ShapeToolsIO), The Eclipse Equinox OSGI implementation is well defined, robust and proven.

Success Description

The library will provide an easily used means for applications to use OSGI based plugins. The ShapeViewer will be have the capability for users to easily add new functions to the 3d display. New file formats will be able to be added to the ShapeToolsIO library at runtime.

Restrictions, Exclusions, Limitations

People Affected

Version

Requirements

• Java 1.5 is used to implement this reader

Requirements Change Procedure

• Changes and their date will be entered in a 'requirements change' list.

Requirements Changes

Products

• Web documentation illustrating
  • definition, and use of a simple plugin and an application that uses it
  • javadocs of the library

Approach

The OSGI plugin standard, as iplemented in the Equinox project will be used, unless it proves unworkable.

will be used

Schedule

• Phase 1 - Due 26 Aug 2008
  • Revise ShapeViewer to display runtime "extras" menu (where plugins will put menu entries) .
  • Write Simple, standalone plugin with sample application, from OSGI examples and tutorials.
  • Define and add first revision of ShapeViewer scene graph plugin (e.g. adds a scene graph branch).
  • Add a trivial runtime module to ShapeViewer.
  • Evaluate Phase 1 and decide whether to continue this project.
• Phase 2
  • Add a runtime module that uses ImageToShape to add a 2d image volume slice to the viewer.
  • Update documentation.
  • Release revised ShapeViewer.
  • Evaluate Phase 2 and decide whether to continue this project.
• Phase 3 - generalize and simplify what was learned in phase 1

Key: *= complete O = incomplete

Notes

Lessons Learned