Simulation

A complete mathematical representation of a physical system which allows a user to study the behavior of the system is called a computer simulation.

Characteristics of simulation
It mimics the real life situation. The behavior of the model is determined by rules. The behavior of the model can be studied to find out how the actual system would behave in similar circumstances.

Supermarket Queue
Input: A sensible range of data for the following The number of customers that can be expected to use the store. The pattern and the rate of arrival. The average time taken be the customer to pay at the checkout.

Process: The program for the computer model will randomly select values for the above input data. The simulation program is run using different values within the selected range. Output: The number of checkouts and the corresponding number of customers in the queue.

Advantage: The simulated values helps the manager to pick out the optimum number of checkout counters required and avoid both queue build up and waste of staff wages.
Remark: The same type of simulation can be used for calculating the number of berths required for shops in the dock/port.

Traffic Lights
Input: Rate and pattern at which the cars are arriving at the junction. Duration for which the lights are green and red. Number of cars / vehicles expected to use the road.

Process: The computer simulation runs the program for a randomly selected number of cars arriving at the junction and their waiting period at the junction. Output: A set of values for the duration for which the lights are red and the corresponding number of cars waiting at the junction. Advantage: Traffic build can be avoided, the duration of red light and the green light can be set differently for the peak periods and other times.

Nuclear Power plant

Input: Temperature, pressure and flow of gases and liquids at different point in the plant. Process: Simulation will randomly select temperature, pressure and flow of gases and liquids and it will run with different temperature pressure with varying gases and liquids. It will be helpful to find out which temperature, pressure and other conditions are suitable for the plant. Output: After viewing the simulation the scientists can decide whether the plant will be safe or not.

What is a flight simulator?

A flight simulator consists of an artificial aircraft cockpit mounted on a hydraulic suspension system. A computer system provides the control signals needed to allow the flight simulator to behave like a real aircraft. Life like scenes are projected on to the wind screen of the cockpit and the pilots use of the control is monitored. The computer then makes the projected screen and cockpit move just as it would if the pilot were flying a real plane.

Flight Simulation (Pilot Training)

Input: Different weather conditions, Different engine problems.

Process: The simulation program randomly selects values from the inputs of different weather conditions and engine problems. Output: Better Advantage: training for the No risk of life. pilots in different No risk of plane weather conditions. crash

INPUT:
The following data is required:
No. of customers who have A/c in the bank.
No. of customers with fixed deposit. The total amount of money of all the customers with fixed deposit. Average deposit amount per customer. The time period each customer keeps his account active.

Process: The computer model of banking system will select the random number of customers, random amount of deposit and random time periods and it will run with different number of customers and varying deposit amounts. It will help to decide the optimum number of customers and the minimum amount.

OUTPUT: After viewing the simulated system the bank managers will be able to make decision on the minimum deposit amount and duration and rate of interest to be offered which can be profitable to both customers and the bank.

Input: Wind speed, humidity, temperature etc are collected from satellite, weather stations, weather balloons etc.

Process: The data is processed by a super computer which runs a complex simulation program. From the input data the processor will randomly select temperature, humidity, wind speed and runs the simulation program. The program is run twice dailymorning and afternoon.

Output: The front end processor uses graph plotter to generate weather maps which are useful for displaying during the weather forecast on T.V and Radio broadcast. The weather forecast are important for airlines and shipping companies in order to plan safe routes.

VIRTUAL REALITY
It is a computer system that provides a simulated environment by three dimensional graphical images and an appropriate sound track. It gives the user the impression of being within the environment.

Special H/w required for Virtual Reality

Data Glove: It is an input device worn on hand of a user of a virtual reality system. Typically it enables the Position of the fingers and the orientation of the hand to be sensed by the system.

Headset: It is an input and output device like a helmet worn by the user of a virtual reality system. It gives the wearer an impression of being within the computer generated scene with sound provided through Head phones and vision through small video screens in goggles worn over eyes.

Pilot Training

Games

Assignment
1) What is a computer model? 2) Why are computer models used? 3) Give examples of computer modelling.
Reference site:
http://www.igcseict.info/theory/7_1/model/index.html