Interactive Graphing of Simulation Networks

Abstract

Computer simulation usually requires first sketching a network and then translating it into computer input code. Many first‐time users of computer simulation programs are frustrated because of difficulties encountered in this computer‐input phase because errors or omissions here are usually fatal. This paper reports on a recent attempt to make the input phase easier for inexperienced or infrequent users. The program is in two parts. One part of the program allows the user to create the network interactively at a computer monitor. This is done using a Graphics Kernel System application to produce the symbols and linkages required for the simulation network. The other part of the program creates an interface with the computer simulation package by taking the network previously drawn on‐screen and automatically generating the required computed input. Additionally, this part of the program includes a low‐level error checker to catch mistakes prior to the run‐time phase of the simulation program. Results and future research directions are discussed.