Interactive Simulation Tool Research Articles

Using interactive model simulations in co-design: An experiment in urban design

This paper presents an experiment in which people performed a co-design task in urban design, using a multi-user touch table application with or without interactive model simulations. We hypothesised that using the interactive model simulations would improve communication and co-operation between co-design participants, would help participants to develop shared understanding and would positively affect the co-design process and its outcomes. However, our experiment (involving 60 people in 20 co-design sessions) only partly confirmed these hypotheses. People positively evaluated the interactive model simulation tools (an interactive map of an urban area, interactive models for traffic, sound, sight and safety, and ‘tangibles’), and these tools promoted communication and co-operation, and the exploration of design solutions. However, people's experiences of social cohesion and their satisfaction with their own contribution to the co-design process were better without these tools, possibly because using these tools drew people's attention towards these interactive model simulations and away from the dynamics between the participants. We therefore advocate using such tools selectively, for example, early on in a co-design process, to improve shared understanding of the contents of the problem, rather than later on, when people need to focus on their fellow participants and on the processes of communication and co-operation.

Current prospects on Low Energy Particle Track Simulation for biomedical applications

The Low Energy Particle Track Simulation code is a radiation interaction simulation tool specifically designed to describe electron and positron interactions below 10keV at a molecular level. Relying on carefully selected, preferentially experimental input parameters that account for all expected scattering processes, it provides detailed results about all collisional events undergone by an incident radiation particle during its slowdown until thermalisation. Here, we give an up-to-date description of its input data sources and selection procedure and summarise the current contents of the resulting database.

An Interactive Simulation Tool for the study of Multirate Systems

Dealing with practical applications of digital control, the assumption of regular and uniform sampling pattern is questionable. Sometimes a non-uniform sampling scheme leads to beneficial results as better performance or energy saving among others. However in these cases the theoretical analysis of the controlled system performances is much more computationally involved. In this contribution an interactive simulation tool to deal with multirate systems (MR) is presented. It allows an easy understanding of the performance degrading or improvement when changing the sampling pattern parameters. The tool was developed using Sysquake, a Matlab-like language with fast execution and powerful graphic facilities. It can be delivered as an executable.

Simulation tool for teaching and learning 3D kinematics workspaces of serial robotic arms with up to 5‐DOF

AbstractThis work develops a new educational simulation tool whose objective is to make attractive and practical teaching and learning in kinematics of serial robotic arms. At engineering laboratories in which practices with robotic arms are necessary for understanding fundamental concepts of theory, students need to accomplish a complete study attending to different aspects related with kinematics. Its graphic user interface (GUI) is a straight‐forward and easy‐to‐follow Denavit–Hartenberg (DH)‐based method which helps at engineering practices without requiring a programming knowledge. We develop, in a theoretical way, both forward (FK) and inverse kinematics (IK), which are necessary to demonstrate the study of an educational robotic arm as a practical case. The interactive simulation tool allows defining DH parameters and geometry in serial arms with up to 5 degrees of freedom (DOF). Thus, the interest of this work lies in an innovative graphic environment which teaching professionals can use to study DH convention, observe the movement of serial robotic manipulators and map both forward and joint workspaces in a visual manner. This process is much simpler that interpreting the results in an analytic way. Furthermore, the generic capabilities of this simulation tool allow comparing different robot arm configurations (considering its physical parameters and mechanical characteristics previously known), both if robotic arms are physically available or not in lab. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 750–761, 2012

Neural correlates of visuomotor transformations using the Rehabilitation Gaming System (RGS): actual and imagined target catching

Aims: The Rehabilitation Gaming System is an interactive computer simulation tool used to improve rehabilitation of motor deficits in stroke or other neurological patients. Based on a virtual reality RGS mimics the movements of the user by two virtual arms of an avatar integrated in a virtual environment. We assumed that combined observation, imagination and active execution of movements induce neural reorganization and fascilitate functional recovery.

Simulation and design tool for performance analysis of planar parallel manipulators

In this paper, a novel interactive simulation and design tool based on a MATLAB graphical user interface (GUI) is developed for the performance analysis of planar parallel manipulators (PPMs), which are a special group among the other parallel robot manipulators. The novel simulation and design tool (SIDEP) for the performance analysis of PPMs provides a suite of analysis tools allowing forward and inverse kinematics, Jacobian matrices, workspaces and singularities to be analyzed in a straightforward manner. As a simulation and design tool, SIDEP allows researchers to change the parameters such as base and end-effector coordinates the side length of the equilateral triangle moving platform and link lengths in order to interactively design their manipulators. The three-degree-of-freedom RRR and RPR PPMs are given as examples to illustrate the simulation and design principles of SIDEP.

An Interactive Simulation Tool for Complex Multilayer Dielectric Devices

Novel devices incorporating multiple layers of new materials increase the complexity of device structures, particularly in field-effect transistors, capacitors, and nonvolatile memory (NVM). The mounting complexity of these devices increases the difficulty of generating energy band diagrams and performing device parameter calculations whether these calculations are done by hand, using spreadsheets, or via mathematical programs. Although finite-element Poisson-Schrodinger equation solvers are available to perform the calculations, the cost and time spent learning them can be a hindrance. A straightforward GUI interactive simulation tool is presented that quickly calculates and displays energy bands, electric fields, potentials, and charge distributions for 1-D metal-multilayered-dielectrics-semiconductor stacks. Fixed charge can be inserted into dielectric layers. The freeware program calculates device parameters, (e.g., effective oxide thickness, flat-band voltage (VFB), threshold voltage (Vt), stack capacitance) and layer parameters (e.g., capacitance, potential, electric field, tunneling distance). Calculated data can be exported. Using the simulation tool, trap-based flash NVM is examined. Device performance characteristics such as the Vt and VFB shifts of three different stacks are examined. Comparisons between the program and a finite-element Poisson-Schrodinger equation solver are performed to validate the program's accuracy.

Simulator‐supported descriptions of complex dynamic problems: experimental results on task performance and system understanding

AbstractResearch shows that people have great difficulty in understanding dynamics. Even when problem descriptions contain all the necessary information, people tend to mismanage dynamic systems. Given the increasing complexity of our modern societies, effective ways to communicate dynamics need to be identified. In this paper we explore the effectiveness of simulator‐supported problem descriptions. We add an interactive simulation tool to the textual instructions of a well‐tested natural‐resource management task. With this tool, the dynamic aspects of the problem can be explored. In laboratory experiments, we find that simulator‐supported problem presentations improve both the subjects' performance and their understanding. The analysis of mental effort data reveals that the simulator facilitates effective cognitive processing and thus allows the subjects to acquire more adequate mental representations of the task. Building on these results, we derive implications for the design of interactive learning environments and for the more general presentation of complex dynamic problems. Copyright © 2010 System Dynamics Society.

A Visual Simulation Environment for Teaching Power System Stability

Computer-mediated teaching can be very effective in enhancing students' understanding of concepts and increasing their involvement in the classroom. This paper presents an interactive visual simulation tool to assist instructors in demonstrating power system stability phenomena. Power flow computations, used to initialise the simulation, are carried out using Matlab, whereas the simulation is implemented using Simulink. The Graphical User Interface (GUI), which controls the whole program and is constructed using C#, provides the capability to change system parameters/operating points interactively. To further the grasp of stability notions and reinforce the sense of seamless photorealistic interaction with the simulation, visual animation illustrating the synchronous generator along with virtual analogue meters, represented as ActiveX controls to portray inherent machine variables, are constructed. Several test cases, which cover various power system stability events, are described and analysed.

Patient-Specific Planning for Radio-Frequency Ablation of Tumors in the Presence of Uncertainty

Abstract The radio frequency (RF) ablation is a promising minimally invasive form of treatment for hepatic metastases and primary tumors. Thereby a needle like applicator, which is interstitially placed into the lesion, induces an electric current that causes heating and consequent destruction of the tissue due to its Ohmic resistance. In order to be a true alternative to the standard surgical resection, RF ablation must lead to a result similar to R0 resections. Here, patient specific mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of the bio-physical processes lead to a valuable support of the therapy planning, because they allow for an a priori estimation of the success as well as an optimization of the therapy parameters. In this article we discuss a mathematical model of partial differential equations (PDEs) for the patient specific numerical simulation of RF ablation. A particular focus lies on the consideration of uncertainties in the material properties, the underlying image data as well as the computational results. We discuss a stochastic PDE model, which allows for a sensitivity analysis of the computational results with respect to perturbations in the material properties. Furthermore a method for the fast estimation of the thermal necrosis is shown, which bases on the separation of non patient specific pre-calculations and patient specific computations, leading to an interactive real-time simulation tool.

Tools and techniques for understanding the fundamentals of automotive sound quality

Understanding the sounds that create the most positive subjective and emotional responses for customers and, importantly, linking this knowledge to objective engineering specifications is a major challenge. This paper presents research to create the tools and techniques to achieve this. It starts with work carried out to understand the language of sound perception and a means to capture it succinctly. Two perceptual dimensions were established that enabled the positioning of current, competitor, and target vehicles in a subjective space to be determined. Early work involved the study of fixed sounds, both real and simulated, in a listening room. However, this approach has been improved by enhancing the level of context and interactivity. Perception of the sounds of on-road cars is affected by stimuli for other senses (e.g. visual and vibrational), and the fact that an assessor is also concentrating on driving. Furthermore, drivers experience a full range of vehicle sounds, rather than fixed stimuli. The development and use of interactive simulation tools are therefore introduced. They provide a more confident assessment of preferences but also allow a greater understanding of the contributing factors to these preferences, e.g. those aspects of real-world driving that are most important in forming overall impressions of vehicle sound.

Ensino e orientação para projeto de conversores CC-CC através de aplicativos em java

Este trabalho apresenta um novo conjunto de ferramentas de simulação interativas abordando a operação idealizada de conversores CC-CC não isolados, visando o auxílio e aprimoramento do ensino em Eletrônica de Potência. Estas novas ferramentas de simulação utilizam uma metodologia consolidada de desenvolvimento, empregando recursos modernos da linguagem Java, para propiciar um ambiente dinâmico e interativo de visualização de simulações em regime permanente. Adicionalmente, este trabalho apresenta as principais características operacionais das ferramentas educacionais propostas, e, aborda sua utilização como ferramenta de projeto orientado para as aulas de laboratórios no curso de Eletrônica de Potência. Neste sentido, com o objetivo de validar as ferramentas desenvolvidas e mostrar a sua utilidade, alguns exemplos considerando o conversor Buck são apresentados, onde são efetuadas comparações com ambientes de simulação conhecidos, e com resultados experimentais obtidos nos laboratórios didáticos.

LPAT: An interactive simulation tool for assessing the lightning performance of Hellenic high voltage transmission lines

The paper presents the Lightning Performance Assessment Tool (LPAT), an interactive simulation tool which assesses the lightning performance of high voltage transmission lines. The LPAT design was based on a recently published methodology that has been developed in order to assess the lightning performance of the Hellenic high voltage transmission lines. This methodology has been adapted to enable tool's users to enter a large dataset required for the computations eliminating the possibility of mistakes. Moreover, LPAT, written in a high-level programming language and using the appropriate user interface models and programming architecture, enables electrical engineers to adapt the level of granularity in which they prefer to examine the lightning performance of a transmission line. This approach is proved to be ideal for electrical systems such as the Hellenic transmission system whose individual characteristics depend upon the meteorological and geographical characteristics of the Hellenic territory. This tool is also flexible to any modification and change in order to support different transmission systems. The presented simulation tool is valuable for designers of electric power systems intending in a more effective lightning protection.

An interactive simulation tool for image registration education

AbstractA medical image registration simulation toolkit built using MATLAB graphical user interface (GUI) is presented. The developed Matlab GUI's provide an effective tool for exploring different image registration techniques including a new feature‐based image registration technique proposed by the authors. The toolkit is useful for biomedical engineering students and can be used as a web‐based learning tool. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 225–237, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20179

Implementation of depolarization due to beam-beam effects in the beam-beam interaction simulation tool GUINEA-PIG++

Depolarization is a new feature in the beam-beam simulation tool GUINEA-PIG++ (GP++). The results of this simulation are studied and compared with another beam-beam simulation tool, CAIN, considering different beam parameters for the International Linear Collider (ILC) with a centre-of-mass energy of 500 GeV.

Swarm Chemistry

We propose swarm chemistry, a new artificial chemistry framework that uses artificial swarm populations as chemical reactants. Reaction in swarm chemistry is not determined by predefined reaction rules as commonly assumed in typical artificial chemistry studies, but is spontaneously achieved by the emergence of a new spatiotemporal pattern of collective behavior through the kinetic interaction between multiple chemical species. We developed a prototype of an interactive simulation tool with which one can explore the dynamics of swarm chemistry using an interactive evolutionary method. Several preliminary results are reported to illustrate the characteristics and effectiveness of this framework, including spontaneous segregation of distinct chemical species, production and restriction of movements, and interactive design of complex biological-looking structures.

Distributed design review using tangible augmented technical drawings

In this work we integrate augmented reality technology in a product development process using real technical drawings as a tangible interface for design review. We present an original collaborative framework for Augmented Design Review Over Network (ADRON). It provides the following features: augmented technical drawings, interactive FEM simulation, multimodal annotation and chat tools, web content integration and collaborative client/server architecture. Our framework is intended to use common hardware instead of expensive and complex virtual or augmented facilities. We designed the interface specifically for users with little or no augmented reality expertise proposing tangible interfaces for data review and visual editing for all the functions and configurations. Two case studies are presented and discussed: a real-time “touch and see” stress/strain simulation and a collaborative distributed design review session of an industrial component.

Impact of beam-beam effects on precision luminosity measurements at the ILC

In this paper, the impact of beam-beam effects on theprecision luminosity measurement at the International Linear Collideris investigated quantitatively for the first time. GUINEA-PIG, abeam-beam interaction simulation tool, is adapted to treat the spacecharge effects affecting the Bhabha events used in thismeasurement. The biases due to the resulting changes in kinematics areevaluated for different center-of-mass energies and beam parameters.

An educational simulation tool for negotiating sustainable natural resource management strategies among stakeholders with conflicting interests

Biotic communities subject to productive transformation – and social relations among stakeholders involved in their management – are complex, nonlinear, adaptive processes. The inner workings and potential behaviors of such processes are not always easily grasped. It is important to help people understand the dynamic nature of sustainability attributes and to better address the issues, tradeoffs and conflicts associated with sustainable management of natural resources. We have developed a number of graphic, interactive simulation tools – coupled with role-playing games – that allow stakeholders to explore scenarios and negotiate collective decisions regarding such management. The free-ware tool described here is called “Negotiated Design of Sustainable Production Systems among Social Agents with Conflicting Interests” ( www.ecosur.mx/sustentabilidad ). It is an interactive drama in three acts. In act 1, users play the role of slash-and-burn farmers compelled by the government to leave a biodiversity reserve zone and to intensify maize production in a smaller area using nitrogen fertilizer. Users simulate production under different fertilization scenarios and decide if they can sustain their families under the government's proposal. In act 2, other users play the role of rural families who depend on ecotourism in a clear lake downhill and who anticipate that their livelihood could be threatened by lake eutrophication caused by nitrogen runoff. As part of the negotiations with uphill farmers, they need to know how much N can lixiviate from the fields before the lake becomes murky. Time series, coupled with parameter-sensitive cup and marble models that run as real-time animations, allow the user to better understand the dynamics of this bi-stable lake ecosystem. In act 3, stakeholders negotiate possible solutions, combining computer use and group dramatization. They search for nitrogen management strategies based on maize monocrop and maize-leguminous shrub systems. Technical decisions change output variables that are monitored through a graphical multi-criteria analysis of environmental and social sustainability attributes. Results from 12 workshops show that participants usually come up with creative solutions that meet the biodiversity conservation and rural livelihood interests of all stakeholders involved. Through these dynamical modeling games, users better grasp the meaning of productivity, stability, resistance, resilience, reliability, adaptability and equity. They also understand concepts such as bi-stability, thresholds, risk, catastrophic shift, hysteresis and restoration. Ultimately, they get an opportunity to become familiar with more creative and open-minded attitudes when defending interests and making collective decisions in a multi-stakeholder environment.

Conceptualizing Sustainability: Simulating Concrete Possibilities in an Imperfect World

This paper uses a cultural model approach to interpret and analyse the impact of an interactive computer simulation tool (GB-Quest) on the possibility of fostering dialogue about sustainability in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. We define cultural models theory, compare cultural models to mental models and illustrate some basic features of cultural models. We then describe the research process in which participants engaged in conversation, guided and facilitated by GB-Quest, about sustainability. Findings suggest that the use of cultural models frameworks reinforces participants' understanding of sustainability. In reflecting on their prior models of sustainability, we argue that study participants can elucidate how cognitive conceptual resources reflect publicly shared knowledge (Turner, 2004).