7/2/2004 SSCC/NIMH 21
world §ˆAFNI §ˆ SUMA §ˆ world
¥AFNI and SUMA are independent programs and communicate using NIML formatted data elements
Hvia shared memory if both programs are on the same computer
Hvia network sockets otherwise
HBoth AFNI and SUMA can also communicate with other programs
¥NIML: NeuroImaging Markup Language developed by Dr. R.W. Cox
HNIML will be the main format for SUMAÕs data storage.
¥NIML API library for packing/unpacking data is available and documented.
¥Communication protocol allows any independent program to communicate with AFNI.
¥Advantages include:
HPrograms execute on separate machines
HFast development
HScreen real-estate
¥Blemishes include:
HOnly one AFNI can be listening for connections
HOnly one SUMA can connect to AFNI