Computing%20and%20the%20Web

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Computing and the Web

• Simulation

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Overview

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

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Reasons for Simulation

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

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Reasons for Simulation

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

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Building a Model

• 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

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Monopoly Game Simulation

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

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Monopoly Game Simulation

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

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SimCity Simulation

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

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SimCity Simulation

• 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

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Design of Computer Simulations

• 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
• Languages created specifically for simulation

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Virtual Reality

• VR describes a situation in which an individual
  has a three dimensional view into a world that
  doesnt exist
• Applications
• Gaming
• Architecture
• Virtual surgery

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Software Applications

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