Abstract - Vancso et al., 1988

Article:

Vancso, K., Fischlin, A. & Schaufelberger, W. 1988.  SAM - Simulation and 
        modelling software for working stations based on modelling theory. In: 
        Vichnevetsky, R., Borne, P. & Vignes, J. (eds.), Proc. IMACS 1988, Paris, 
        July 18-22, 12th IMACS World Congress on Scientific Computation, July 18-22 
        1988, Paris, France, 5 Vols., 2: 761-763.

Abstract:

The usage of interactive modelling and simulation software on personal computers and working stations requires modifications of traditional simulation software architectures. First, most currently available simulation software is not apt to be ported onto working stations without major modifications because it is not interactive and does not properly support a modern man-machine interface typical for advanced working stations. Furthermore, it is usually not based on modelling theory, a second important reason for fundamental changes. This paper describes the architecture of a new interactive modelling and simulation software written in Modula2, SAM (Simulation And Modelling), which is based on modelling theory and was designed to run on working stations supporting a graphical oriented user interface with bit-map graphics, menu and window techniques plus a mouse. A prototype of SAM was realized as a set of Modula2 modules providing all functions required to model and conduct simulation experiments on an arbitrary number of systems of the classes sequential machine, DESS (ordinary differential equations), and DEVS (discrete event). A complex, hierarchical system may be modelled by several subsystems which can be coupled to form the original system. Generally modular modelling is supported by mapping the structure of a coupled system to that of a set of Modula2 modules. Moreover, this approach has the advantage of offering powerful data structuring formalisms as provided by modern programming languages such as Modula2. Experiences gained with SAM, its general structure and its modelling and user interface are discussed in terms of its feasability to provide a useful interactive modelling and simulation environment for modern working stations.

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