Concepts for modular simulation environments

Ideally, each simulationist would employ a self-selected set of software tools operating within an integrated environment. Some of these tools would perform simulation specific tasks such as model building. Other tools, such as word processors and spreadsheets, are more general purpose but able to perform simulation project tasks such as graphing simulation results, entering simulation input values, and performing statistical analyses. Tailoring of these general purpose tools to simulation activities or particular problem contests is necessary. These requirements are addressed by a modular simulation environment. A database management system provides for the organization, storage and retrieval of simulation input values, simulation results, and models. Standard information exchange mechanisms retrieve data from the database for use by software tools and store data resulting from the use of these tools. Pre-existing and newly developed tools can be attached or detached as needed from a modular simulation environment to serve different user types or different contexts. Standard user interfaces, such as those provided by a windowing environment support a common user interface for the tools as well as other possibilities for information exchange between tools.