POL: an interactive system to analyze large data sets

This paper describes an interactive system to analyze large samples of collected data. The first application has been developed to ensure a significant improvement in the efficiency of data management in recent high energy physics experiments (Ω-project). However, the system is also suitable in all experiments treating large volumes of experimental data. The relevant features of the system are:- the possibility to select a subsample of experimental data in real time with a response time smaller (by an order of magnitude) than other programs used at present;- the possibility to display data in monodimensional distributions and scatter-plots;- the possibility to store in real time selection procedures to be used later. Editing facilities are provided. A few different terminals (video or teletype) can interact with the system, that has been designed for a multi-user environment. (Auth.)