Classification of Model and Simulation: Topic
Classification of Model and Simulation: Topic
Learning Objectives
Descriptive Models
Analytical Models
Domain-Specific Models
System Models
Manikin Simulation
Tissue-Based Simulation
3.1-1 References
Information Sheet 1.1-1
Learning Objectives
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, STUDENT MUST be able to UNDERSTAND that:
1. How classification of models can be useful for selecting the right type of model for the
Classification of Models
vary in degrees of formalism could be considered models. In particular, one could draw a picture
of a system and consider it a model. Similarly, one could write a description of a system in text,
and refer to that as a model. Both examples are representations of a system. However, unless
there is some agreement on the meaning of the terms, there is a potential lack of precision and
modeling language. While less formal representations can be useful, a model must meet certain
(MBSE). In particular, the initial classification distinguishes between informal and formal
models as supported by a modeling language with a defined syntax and the semantics for the
mathematical and logical models, both of which are more abstract representations of the system.
The abstract model can be further classified as descriptive (similar to logical) or analytical
(similar to mathematical).
Descriptive Models
relationship that defines its parts tree, the interconnection between its parts, the functions that its
components perform, or the test cases that are used to verify the system requirements. Typical
descriptive models may include those that describe the functional or physical architecture of a
Analytical Models
equations that support quantifiable analysis about the system parameters. Analytical models can
be further classified into dynamic and static models. Dynamic models describe the time-varying
state of a system, whereas static models perform computations that do not represent the time-
varying state of a system. A dynamic model may represent the performance of a system, such as
the aircraft position, velocity, acceleration, and fuel consumption over time. A static model may
A particular model may include descriptive and analytical aspects as described above,
but models may favor one aspect or the other. The logical relationships of a descriptive model
can also be analyzed, and inferences can be made to reason about the system. Nevertheless,
logical analysis provides different insights than a quantitative analysis of system parameters.
Domain-specific Models
Both descriptive and analytical models can be further classified according to the
design models;
application domain. For example, when modeling organization or business, the behavioral model
may be referred to as workflow or process model, and the performance modeling may refer to
the cost and schedule performance associated with the organization or business process.
A single model may include multiple domain categories from the above list. For
example, a reliability, thermal, and/or power model may be defined for an electrical design of a
System Models
System models can be hybrid models that are both descriptive and analytical. They
often span several modeling domains that must be integrated to ensure a consistent and cohesive
system representation. As such, the system model must provide both general-purpose system
constructs and domain-specific constructs that are shared across modeling domains. A system
model may comprise multiple views to support planning, requirements, design, analysis, and
verification.
The term simulation, or more specifically computer simulation, refers to a method for
implementing a model over times. The computer simulation includes the analytical model which
is represented in executable codes, the input conditions and other input data, and the computing
infrastructure. The computing infrastructure includes the computational engine needed to execute
the model, as well as input and output devices. The great variety of approaches to computer
simulation is apparent from the choices that the designer of computer simulation must make,
which include
stochastic or deterministic;
steady-state or dynamic;
local or distributed.
Descriptive modeling, or clustering, also divides data into groups. With clustering,
however, the proper groups are not known in advance; the patterns discovered by analyzing the
data are used to determine the groups. For example, an advertiser could analyze a general
population in order to classify potential customers into different clusters and then develop
separate advertising campaigns targeted to each group. Fraud detection also makes use of
The analytical models developed for the token bus will be presented in an order
corresponding mathematical assumptions. In each of the models, a steady state, constant message
size, and equal spacing between processors will be assumed. In addition, once the IU has been
given control of the bus, it will be assumed that the message buffer for the interface unit will be
emptied instantaneously onto the bus. The underlying specific assumptions in each case will be
clearly outlined.
Information Sheet 2.1-2
Simulation Types
scenarios. This gives clinicians hands-on experience and an added benefit of eliminating the risk
to an actual patient.
Manikin Simulation
scenarios. This gives clinicians hands-on experience and an added benefit of eliminating the risk
to an actual patient.
Skills Training Simulation
Skills training simulation allows the student to practice basic skills on task trainers to
ensure patient safety and comfort. At OHSU, physicians and students attain individual
improvement from the ability to practice a variety of skills, such as suturing, dissection, and
pattern cutting, and allows physicians in training to improve their visual, tactile and coordination
skills. These training procedures range from the basics, such as drawing blood to more
This type of training improves critical thinking, decision making, and clinical
VSSTC in partnership with the Body Donation Program (human tissue) and other
industry partners (animal tissue) offers learners hi-fidelity hands-on technical training.
difficulty in their simulation curriculum. Moving from dry-lab task trainers to wet-lab
experiences ensures learners the opportunity to practice procedural skills outside of the clinical
environment. This not only benefits the learners but also ensures patient safety and quality
clinical care.
Virtual Reality Simulation
Advances in healthcare technology have created new advantages and opportunities for
surgical simulations. The Virtual Simulation and Surgical Training Center has available three
instrumental simulators that help learners practice technical surgical skills and related activities
in a low risk simulated environment that is as close to real-life as possible without impacting
The Standardized Patient Program at OHSU has over 70 Standardized Patients in the
program. This program offers live-action simulation in clinical scenarios where patient
communication is the primary focus. This type of simulation pairs technical skill with
experiential learning to help learners build crucial communication soft-skills necessary for
task trainer providing learners an opportunity to perform more invasive skills on the task trainer
instead of an actual person. This provides a more realistic experience for learners.
https://www.sebokwiki.org/wiki/Types_of_Models#Formal_versus_Informal_Models
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/analytical-model
https://www.britannica.com/technology/data-mining
https://www.ohsu.edu/simulation/skills-training-simulation
https://www.ohsu.edu/simulation/tissue-based-simulation
https://www.ohsu.edu/simulation/manikin-based-simulation
https://www.ohsu.edu/simulation/standardized-patient-program