An interactive simulation modeling system: DYNAGRAPH for multi-period planning on an APL spreadsheet

ABSTRACT

A Modeling System named DYNAGRAPH has been developed on the IBM 5550 Personal Computer with NEXUS 5500 Graphics to interactively build dynamic simulation models using APL functions. A model for the simulation is represented by APL expressions in the rows of an APL Spreadsheet. The modeling of dynamic systems is achieved by a state-variable method. The paper introduces DYNAGRAPH and the underlying modeling method. Some of the modeling functions for dynamic simulations are presented. We claim that the method is suitable and convenient for modeling problems of moderate size, especially when using APL in teaching or business environments: DYNAGRAPH is useful as a training tool and an APL program generator to enhance APL applications in management science.

REFERENCES

• 1: Japanese APL Language for IBM 5550 : User's Guide, SB18-1008. IBM Corporation, 1985.
• 2: Aonuma,T., ** A Graphic Siaulation Method on APL for Dynamic Systems" (in Japanese), Jour. of Kobe Univ. of Commerce, Vol. 38(1987), pp.631-204.
• 3: Aonuma,T,, "An Interactive and Graphic Siaulation Modeiing Systew on an APL Spreadsheet Forsat"(in Japanese). Vorking Paper N0.91, Kobe University of Commerce, 1987.
• 4: Aonuma,T., Uchihashi.N.. Fuji0ka.K. and Ono,K., " Developsent of an Interactive and Graphic Simulator as a Teaching Tool", Proceedings of the First Computer Software Conference at Kyoto University, Feb..9,1987. The Japan Society for Softvare Science and Technology.
• 5: EXECUCOM : IFPS User's Manual, EX- ECUCOM Systems Corp., 1983.
• 6: IBU APL Association : Finn APL Idiom Library (Japanese edition 1, 1984.
• 7: M. Udo , Y. Akimoto , S. Kaneko , T. Sanuki , M. Alfonseca, Japanese APL language system on IBM Multistation 5550, ACM SIGAPL APL Quote Quad, v.16 n.4, p.326-334, 1986

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.2 Language Classifications

          Nouns: APL

Additional Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.7 Natural Language Processing

          Nouns: NEXUS
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.4 Graphics Utilities
          Subjects: Application packages
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING

General Terms:
Languages