MAN-MACHINE INTERFACE SIMULATOR.

Abstract

An improved software development tool for the simulation and development of man-machine interfaces is described. The man-machine interface simulation tool (MMIST) is a versatile, interactive software system which resides in a VAX 11/780 with a device-independent graphics package. With MMIST designers can develop and demonstrate detailed interactive displays/menus and processing sequences early in the software design phase. MMIST capabilities include a robust display/menu construction tool set, a friendly interface for inexperienced users, and a strong simulation capability to allow end users to examine and critique the menu hierarchies and display formats before any production software is generated. The use of MMIST is demonstrated through sample menus and graphic output. Simulation capabilities are illustrated with examples of selected display sequence simulations.