Windowing Systems Enhance Computer Simulation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Historically, simulation has been performed on mainframe computers, obtaining input through a text file. Creation of the input data file was error prone, and use of the simulator was often difficult. Debugging an input file containing erroneous information was difficult and time consuming. When error checking occurred, it was often within the simulator and fatal errors would result in wasted execution. These computer systems were often remote and expensive to use. The increased speed and capacity of computers allows simulations to be performed on increasingly complicated problems. Application research allows processes to be represented more precisely. As simulators and computers become more complex, creation and debugging of input data files becomes more difficult. The difficulty of required simulations, coupled with the enhanced speed and capacity of available machines, increases the difficulties associated with interfacing the engineer with the simulation and data file creation processes. In particular, the availability and capacity of desktop computers eliminates the need of mainframe computers for many simulators. This solves many of the cost problems associated with remote mainframe computers. However, the human-machine interface provided under desktop computer operating systems is not a significant improvement on the mainframe environment. Using a graphical user interface (GUI) can improve the environment encountered by the engineer, provide sophisticated data checking, and provide other enhancements to the simulation process. The GUI can offer solutions for many of the input file and data error difficulties.