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

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.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2004

Author dc:creator

• Chak, Daniel, 1980-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Hiroshi Ishii.

• Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/26915

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/26915