The technical aspects of the essence of simulation are elaborated based on the following definition: simulation is performing a goal-directed experimentation or gaining experience under controlled conditions by using dynamic models either to develop/enhance skills or for entertainment; where a dynamic model denotes a model for which behaviour and/or structure is variable over time. Hence, experimentation and experience aspects are explained. Several taxonomies, ontologies, and some ontology-based dictionaries are cited for a comprehensive and integrative perception of simulation. Finally, the evolution and increasing importance of simulation is explained.

Chapter Contents:

• 1.1 Introduction
• 1.2 Experimentation aspects of simulation
• 1.3 Experience aspects of simulation
• 1.3.1 Simulation for training
• 1.3.2 Simulation for entertainment
• 1.4 Taxonomies and ontologies of simulation
• 1.4.1 Background
• 1.4.2 Taxonomies of simulation
• 1.4.3 Ontologies of simulation
• 1.5 Evolution and increasing importance of simulation
• 1.6 Conclusion
• Disclaimer
• Appendix A – A list of over 750 types of simulation
• Appendix B – A list of 120 types of input
• References

Inspec keywords: computer simulation; ontologies (artificial intelligence)

Other keywords: goal-directed experimentation; dynamic model; experience gaining; ontology-based dictionaries; simulation

Subjects: Knowledge engineering techniques; Simulation techniques