Simulator for dynamical systems using graphics and equations for modeling

A prototype simulator for dynamical systems, called Hibliz (hierarchical block diagrams with information zooming), which explores some features of modern computer graphics, is presented. Hibliz supports hierarchical block diagrams to describe the model decomposition and interconnection structure. The user can scroll, pan, and zoom the block diagram continuously in real time. Zooming controls the amount of information displayed. Zooming in a block changes it from an annotated box to a representation showing internal structure with increasing detail. Since the block diagrams can be hierarchical, it is possible to make the description at each level simple and clear. Hibliz also simplifies model development by allowing submodels in the form or ordinary differential and algebraic equations rather than assignment statements for derivations and algebraic variables.<>