Parallel processing architecture for real-time control

Modern neuroscience research often requires the coordination of multiple processes such as stimulus generation, real-time experimental control, as well as behavioral and neural measurements. The technical demands required to simultaneously manage these processes with high temporal fidelity is a barrier that limits the number of labs performing such work. Here we present an open-source, network-based parallel processing framework that lowers this barrier. The Real-Time Experimental Control with Graphical User Interface (REC-GUI) framework offers multiple advantages: (i) a modular design that is agnostic to coding language(s) and operating system(s) to maximize experimental flexibility and minimize researcher effort, (ii) simple interfacing to connect multiple measurement and recording devices, (iii) high temporal fidelity by dividing task demands across CPUs, and (iv) real-time control using a fully customizable and intuitive GUI. We present applications for human, non-human primate, and rodent studies which collectively demonstrate that the REC-GUI framework facilitates technically demanding, behavior-contingent neuroscience research.Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (<xref ref-type="decision-letter" rid="SA1">see decision letter</xref>).

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Parallel Processing for Real-Time Control and Simulation of DCCS

IFAC Proceedings Volumes ◽

10.1016/s1474-6670(17)63269-5 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 103-113 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

H. Kasahara ◽

S. Narita

Keyword(s):

Parallel Processing ◽

Real Time ◽

Real Time Control ◽

Time Control

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An application of parallel processing to distributed real time control of aircraft testing

Proceedings of IEEE International Conference on Control and Applications CCA-94 ◽

10.1109/cca.1994.381215 ◽

1994 ◽

Author(s):

Burnett ◽

Patterson ◽

Powlesland ◽

Morris ◽

Roelofs

Keyword(s):

Parallel Processing ◽

Real Time ◽

Real Time Control ◽

Time Control

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Real-time experimental control using network-based parallel processing

10.1101/392654 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Byounghoon Kim ◽

Shobha Kenchappa ◽

Adhira Sunkara ◽

Ting-Yu Chang ◽

Lowell Thompson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parallel Processing ◽

Real Time ◽

Modular Design ◽

Task Demands ◽

Real Time Control ◽

Experimental Control ◽

Time Control ◽

Neuroscience Research ◽

Multiple Processes ◽

Stimulus Generation

AbstractModern neuroscience research often requires the coordination of multiple processes such as stimulus generation, real-time experimental control, as well as behavioral and neural measurements. The technical demands required to simultaneously manage these processes with high temporal fidelity limits the number of labs capable of performing such work. Here we present an open-source network-based parallel processing framework that eliminates these barriers. The Real-Time Experimental Control with Graphical User Interface (REC-GUI) framework offers multiple advantages: (i) a modular design agnostic to coding language(s) and operating system(s) that maximizes experimental flexibility and minimizes researcher effort, (ii) simple interfacing to connect measurement and recording devices, (iii) high temporal fidelity by dividing task demands across CPUs, and (iv) real-time control using a fully customizable and intuitive GUI. Testing results demonstrate that the REC-GUI framework facilitates technically demanding, behavior-contingent neuroscience research. Sample code and hardware configurations are downloadable, and future developments will be regularly released.

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