Enhanced modeling : real-time simulation and modeling of graph based problems on interactive workbenches

Abstract

This thesis presents a methodology and framework for designing systems that apply real-time simulation of computational models throughout the modeling and parameter modification stages of problem solving for graph based problems. An interactive problem solving technique is presented where the lines between problem modeling and simulation are blurred, enhancing the outcome of traditional problem solving. To demonstrate the versatility of the framework and methodology, two applications not normally thought of as graph problems - a circuit design application and an airport passenger flow application - are developed and tested. Three user studies test various parts of the framework, as well as the overall concept of real-time simulation on an interactive workbench. The first study provides quantitative support for the efficacy of the interaction technique chosen for manipulating graph structures. The second provides observational results of using the circuit design application to teach physics. The third addresses whether blurred lines of modeling and analysis enhance problem solving.