Observing blocks

Per definition an Observing Block (OB) gives a full description of a (set of) observation(s). As an integral part of our queue-mode observing as part of the fast-track service program we use OBs to define and schedule observations. Currently the system of OBs is mostly used to provide descriptions of the observations, where the execution is to a large extend done manually. An obvious step is to integrate the OB system with the sequencer system such that it defines scripts which can be executed directly and perform the complete (set of) observation(s).

However, observing scripts are typically rather specialized and very specific, while the OB system should be able to be used by any kind of observer an should be inherently flexible. On the other hand, making a script which would perform all the tasks of an OB while providing all the options is next to impossible. We have discussed this in detail and decide that the way to go is to divide the OBs in basic parts that are specific to an observing mode (e.g., imaging, long-slit spectroscopy, etc). The plan is to make script for each observing mode where separate (sets of) observations can be defined by setting a limited number of (well-defined) parameters (e.g., through pull-down menus or fixed-format input spaces). In this way all the options can be offered through relatively limited scripts which should make defining, checking and executing OBs well-defined. The system should be dynamical in the sense that only when the OBs are queried by the scheduling tool, or are used to execute observations the information will be translated in to specific commands. This will allow to implement the system in steps as to, e.g., how information is used to define which OB to schedule, or how to define what instrument set-up is need to be able to execute a (number of) OB(s), but also how to actually execute the observations (e.g., first only a pop-up window will appear which tells the observer to do something, while later the specific action will be implemented automatically).