Computing and the Web Simulation

Overview n Reasons for Simulation n Building a Model n Monopoly Game Simulation n SimCity Simulation n Design of Computer Simulations n Virtual Reality n Software Applications

Reasons for Simulation n Forecasting or predicting the future –Weather forecast –Stock market n Accessing the inaccessible or impossible –Reactor meltdown –Crush depth of a submarine n Experimentation and testing –“What if” section of a PC income tax program –Fighter jet flight simulator n Education and training n Cost savings

Reasons for Simulation n Education and training –Commercial flight simulator –Virtual surgery n Cost savings –Military weapons training –Automotive design –Airplane design n Simulation is used to mimic or imitate some phenomenon in a way that represents the real situation n Model is the mathematical / computational representation of the phenomenon

Building a Model n All models have characteristics –Continuous systems have quantities that vary smoothly or in a continuous manner –Discrete systems have quantities that vary in steps or jumps –Predictable systems have models that produce repeatable results (given the same inputs) –Unpredictable systems have models that contain unpredictable features (random number) –Feedback loops are used by models that feed results back as part of the next input

Monopoly Game Simulation n Monopoly consists of a system of rules and a simple objective n Basic flow of the game can be implemented via software n Accuracy and complexity of the model used by the game directly affects the realism of the simulation n Example: get out of jail –Roll doubles (3 attempts and then pay $) –Pay $50 –Use get out of jail free card

Monopoly Game Simulation n Look at the probability of the game n “Jail” has the highest probability of all properties on the board n Examine properties that are “1 roll of the dice” away n Look at the return on investment graph –Based on probability of people landing on property –Computes ROI of adding houses / hotels

SimCity Simulation n Objective of game is to build and run a city n Player must build roads, power plants, parks, housing, etc n Taxes can be levied to raise money, too much tax has a negative effect n Game includes disasters, wear and tear on factories, and deterioration of roads n Balance must be struck among –Residential –Commercial –industrial

SimCity Simulation n Based upon the balance that is struck you may need to: –Provide multiple transportation means –Water supply system –Include recreational facilities –Provide schools, police and firestations

Design of Computer Simulations n Steps to follow for the creation of a simulation: –Determine if the simulation is feasible –Create a model to mimic the real world situation –Write a computer program based on the model –Validate and verify that the program represents the real world situation –Experiment with the simulation to resolve the problem n Languages created specifically for simulation

Virtual Reality n VR describes a situation in which an individual has a three dimensional view into a world that doesn’t exist n Applications: –Gaming –Architecture –Virtual surgery

Software Applications n Spreadsheet is most common example –Allows user to create “models” and then vary parameters to evaluate the outcomes n Many commercial applications are available to meet specific needs –3D home architect –Home landscape design –Flight simulator