GO system: design and implementation of an output generator

This paper concerns a conceptual model for a general purpose output generator and its implementation. The Generated Output (GO) System is based on two major criteria: (1) user oriented and (2) easy maintenance. Its goal is to produce tailored output in an unambiguous, camera-ready form. Basically, the system is comprised of a derived file, a descriptor file and an interface module which integrates the two files according to externally supplied specifications. Derived data are usually numeric results such as percentages, totals, subtotals, etc. Descriptors are defined as alphanumeric labels whose function is to clearly identify derived data. Classification of different types of calculated and label files are discussed with accompanying examples and illustrations.