KBSIM: a system for interactive knowledge-based simulation

Abstract

The kbsim system integrates quantitative simulation with symbolic reasoning techniques, under the control of a user interface management system, using a relational database management system for data storage and interprocess communication. The system stores and processes knowledge from three distinct knowledge domains, viz. (i) knowledge about the processes of the system under investigation, expressed in terms of a Continuous System Simulation Language (CSSL); (ii) heuristic knowledge on how to reach the goals of the simulation experiment, expressed in terms of a Rule Description Language (RDL); and (iii) knowledge about the requirements of the intended users, expressed in terms of a User Interface Description Language (UIDL). The user works in an interactive environment controlling the simulation course with use of a mouse and a large screen containing a set of ‘live’ charts and forms. The user is assisted by an embedded ‘expert system’ module continuously watching both the system's behavior and the user's action, and producing alerts, alarms, comments and advice. The system was developed on a Hewlett-Packard 9000/350 workstation under the HP-Unix and HP-Windows operating systems, using the Mimer database management system, and Fortran, Prolog/Lisp and C as implementation languages. The kbsim system has great potentials for supporting problem solving, design of working procedures and teaching related to management of highly dynamic systems.