The SIMPLE_1 simulation environment

ABSTRACT

SIMPLE_1 is an integrated modeling environment for interactive simulation using the IBM PC, XT, AT and true compatible microcomputers. SIMPLE_1 has a number of innovative features relative to simulation software and programming languages: The implementation of SIMPLE_1 combines compilation and run time systems into an integrated environment including on-line tutorials, learning modules, and a full screen editor coupled to the compiler and run time system.

Errors detected by the compiler or run time system initiate a call to the editor to isolate the error and speed up the editcompile-debug model development cycle. The language supports application programs and a “tool box” concept whereby models and programs to support simulation project activities can be written in SIMPLE_1 to post process simulation results or for data collection activities. Application programs can be run using RUNSIM which loads and executes SIMPLE_1 models compiled to disk with the commercial version of the software. A built in capability to animate simulation results using a character graphics methodology stresses a simplified approach to model animation. The language supports reading and waiting of data to files and devices as standard ASCII text files in addition to animation and keyboard data input capabilities. ASCII text file I/O serves as a straight forward hook to other third party software. SIMPLE_1 is not just a pretty picture: the language support extensive statistics collection capabilities including statistics on individual elements of user defined arrays!

References

1. 1.Bottomry, Larry D. Capt. USAF, "Station Loading on the DATSA (Depot Automated Test Station for Avionics)", unpublished Masters Thesis, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFBase, OH, 1986
2. 2.Cobbin, Philip, "SIMPLE 1' A simulation environment for the IBM PC", Modeling and Simulation on Microcomputers, Claude, C. Barnett, Editor, Society for Computer Simulation, La Jolla, 1986, pp 243-248.
3. 3.Cobbin, Philip, "Applying SIMPLE_I 1o manufacturing systems", Summer Computer SimuJation Conference, July 28-30 lg86, Reno, Nevada, Roy Crosbie and Paul Luker, Editors, Society for Computer Simulation, La Jolla, pp 724-730.
4. 4.Cobbin, Philip, "A Tutorial on the SIMPLE_I simulation environment", Winter Simulation Conference procedings, December 1976, Washington D.C. pp I68-177
5. 5.Cobbin, Philip, " Modeling tote stacker operation as a WIP storage device", Winter Simulation Conference proceedings, December 1986, Washington D.C. pp 597-605
6. 6.Cobbin, Philip, "SIMPLE_l" Follow-on developments in the life of a micro-based simulation language", Modeling and Simulation on Microcomputers, Paul F. Hogan Editor, Society for Computer Simulation, La Jolla, 1987, pp 29-32.
7. 7.DiBiase, bebra, "The cash flow simulator: A microcompute-based model", Modeling and Simulation on Microcomputers, Paul F. Hogan Editor, Society for Computer Simulation, La JoPla, 1987, pp 101-1 O3.
8. 8.DiBiase, Debra, "The inventory simulator:A microcomputer based inventory model", Modeling and Simulation on Microcomputers, Paul F. Hogan Editor, Society for Computer Simulation, La Jolla, 1987, pp 104-106.
9. 9.Hauck, Warren Stephen, "A study of heuristics for inspection location in flexible manufacturing systems", unpublished Masters Thesis, The University of Iowa, Iowa City Iowa, 1987.
10. 10.Sierra Simulations & Software: SIMPLE_I User's guide arid reference manual, 1985.
11. 11.Starr, Patrick, Skrien, Douglas, and Meyer, Robert,"Simulating schedule recovery strategies {n manufacturing assembly operations" Winter Simulation Conference proceedings, December 1986, Washington D.C.pp 694-699.

Index Terms

• Computing methodologies

  • Modeling and simulation

    • Simulation support systems

      • Simulation environments

      • Simulation languages

• General and reference

  • Document types

    • Surveys and overviews