Improvements of User Control in QUASI: A Computer Program

Abstract

In early April of 1984, a project to add computer graphics to the QUASI computer simulation system was completed and implemented at Texas A & M University. QUASI is a system that can be used in several engineering fields to compute various aspects of a mathematical model of a real-world process, then compare the model with data taken from observation of the process. This program provides quick access to a comprehensive analysis of a design, and can be used to great advantage early in the design process. It was decided to add graphics to the system to provide a better format for the representation of large groups of data. The system was implemented using the Data General Dasher G300 terminal as a display unit. The advantages of the system are its ability to alert the user to errors in the model, provide fast, flexible methods for comparing models, and in general make the system more "user-friendly." The major conclusion of this project is that the enhancements greatly increase the user's productivity and interest in the system, and it is recommended that QUASI, with the graphics enhancements, be considered by industry to be a standard tool for design and testing work.