Visual interactive simulation an aid to decision making

doi:10.1016/0305-0483(78)90096-8

Omega

Volume 6, Issue 5, 1978, Pages 419-426

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Abstract

This paper describes a technique of visual interactive simulation. The technique allows a simulation model to be dynamically displayed on a visual display unit. The user can watch the model progress through time and has the ability to stop, interact and try alternative decision strategies. The paper shows that by watching a simulation model progress through time and having the ability to interact with it, a user can improve his analysis and understanding of the original problem situation.

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AJ Clementson
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An ALGOL-based simulation language
Comm. A.C.M.
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GS Fishman
Concepts and Methods in Discrete Event Digital Simulation
(1973)
G Gordon
System Simulation
(1969)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (24)

Experimental evaluation of user performance on two-dimensional and three-dimensional perspective displays in discrete-event simulation
2014, Decision Support Systems
Citation Excerpt :
Simulation software also usually includes interaction in that the user can stop the model at run time to make changes to the model and then continue the run, thus making it possible for users to perform experimentation and analyses (e.g. “what if” analysis) [12]. As in most decision support applications [18,12,34], visual display has long been used in simulation through the implementation of visual interactive modeling (VIM) [3,9,17,19,37] and visual interactive simulation (VIS) [5,8,19,28]. The application of visual display has not only increased DES modeling and simulation activities, but also revolutionized the modeling process [30], and remains an important part of a DES modeling till today.
Several experiments were carried out to compare the impacts of using a two dimensional (2D) plan view or a three dimensional (3D) perspective view in discrete event simulation visual displays. The experiments measured the performance of participants in spotting errors, describing the model, and suggesting improvements to the system. The participants using the 3D perspective display performed much better in spotting errors, taking on average about one third of the time of participants observing the 2D display. They also did much better in describing the model. There was no significant difference in suggesting improvements although this may have been because this task was easy. Most participants preferred the 3D perspective view when asked to compare the displays. The experiments indicate that the detailed design of the visual display may have a considerable effect on some of the tasks in a simulation project and hence on whether the overall project is successful.
User interfaces
1992, Handbooks in Operations Research and Management Science
This chapter presents theories, guidelines, and techniques to help design and build user interfaces for delivering operations research (OR) applications. The chapter presents a framework describing the lifecycle of an OR project and also discusses the theory and design of user interfaces; delved into cognitive psychology, becauase one-half of the user interface is human. This forms the basis for techniques and systems for facilitating the implementation of user interfaces, including current hardware and software technology, concluding user interface management systems that are designed to speed the implementation of user interfaces. The disciplines closely related to OR, including interactive optimization, decision support systems (DSS), and modeling languages for mathematical programming are also covered. Throughout, each of these fields is related to the framework for OR projects, identifying successful applications, potential pitfalls, and research opportunities.
Interaction with a visual interactive simulation, and the effect of cognitive style
1991, European Journal of Operational Research
Despite the considerable folklore surrounding Visual Interactive Simulation (VIS), there is little published empirical evidence concerning how users interact with models, what displays they require, and how well they perform with them. This paper reports an initial experiment into user interaction with a VIS. Twenty-five subjects were asked to ‘solve’ a service capacity and allocation problem using a VIS model that provided three separate displays: an animation, a listing, and a dynamically changing graphic. Use of the model was monitored by the simulation program. Compared to a known optimum, performance with the VIS was mediocre, and there was little evidence that any particular pattern of usage affected performance, although performance and absolute time to solve the problem were significantly correlated. Those who performed well, however, generally had higher confidence in their solution. Further, there was a marked preference for displays, with the listing hardly used, but with users' having a strong preference for either the animation or the graphic. Users' cognitive style was measured, using the Myers-Briggs instrument, and there is some weak evidence that preference for display type can be partially explained by cognitive style.
Intelligent Visual Interactive Modelling
1991, European Journal of Operational Research
Visual Interactive Modelling is a passive technique which is most effectively used by experienced personnel. The inherent nature of a VIM allows a user to initiate an interaction with a model but interactions from a model to a user are passive and are only possible as pre-programmed conditions. This paper describes methods by which expertise may be added to Visual Interactive Models so that they become participative along with the user in the search for an acceptable solution to the original problem. A parameter learning VIM, and an advisory expert component of a VIM will be used to describe the principles of Intelligent Visual Interactive Modelling. The paper concludes by suggesting that the inclusion of intelligent advisory components within the Visual Interactive Modelling framework can change the method from being passive, to that of an active participant, so that together with the client, they search for solutions to the original problem.
Applying simulation and expert systems to the control of advanced manufacturing facilities
1990, Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems
A decision support environment which combines the concepts of visual interactive simulation and expert systems technologies is described. The resulting system, referred to as a Real Time Interactive Control System (RETICS), has evolved through a feasibility study aimed at applying real-time simulation techniques and expert systems to the control of manufacturing material logistics. Following a description of the principles behind the concept, the discussion considers the various implementation options offered by the system. This begins with an off-line advisory tool, and extends through to a fully integrated subsystem within the overall architecture of an automated manufacturing system.
Visual interactive simulation modeling in a decision support role
1990, Computers and Operations Research
Visual interactive simulation (VIS) has revolutionized the practice of simulation, but simulation modelers have been slow to recognize the obvious relationship between VIS models and decision support systems. As a consequence, simulation modelers often build their models without paying sufficient attention to the usefulness of the dynamic graphic display to a decision maker facing the analysis of a complex problem. This paper presents an example problem to illustrate some design features that can transform a simulation model with animated output into a visual interactive decision support system (which happens to contain a simulation model).

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Visual interactive simulation an aid to decision making

Abstract

Extended Control and Simulation Language: Users Manual

An ALGOL-based simulation language

Comm. A.C.M.

Concepts and Methods in Discrete Event Digital Simulation

System Simulation