An introduction to the hybrid simulation – the conception of the simulation system

Purpose: of this paper: The aim of this paper is to present a simple hybrid simulation system, which is composed of virtual reality software and a mathematically oriented application. From the engineer’s point of view, an important possibility is to link together the mathematical software programs with these for creating presentation graphics or virtual reality, in order to create a simulation system with the large customisability. Design/methodology/approach: The coupling of mathematical and virtual reality system can be done in several different ways, using mechanisms for the Interprocess Communication. Findings: It has been assumed that EonX control will be used in a program conceptually similar to the EON Viewer, but equipped with support of basic interprocess communication interfaces in order to maximize flexibility and possibility of data exchange with different applications. Research limitations/implications: The one of specific requirements is to create an appropriate virtual world in EON Studio with use of external events nodes. Practical implications: The simple application named SockED has been created for testing purposes. The SockED application, which is hosting EonX control, acts as DDE server. As an external application any mathematical program that supports the DDE communication can be used (eg. Microsoft Excel, Matlab). There is also theoretical possibility of use the Programmable Logic Controller in similar manner like in case of SCADA application, but this case was not tested yet. Originality/value: There is no program on the market that allows complicated mathematical computation along with high resolution, 3D presentation graphics. The creation of SockED application allowed combining a mathematical program with the powerful graphics engine from EON Reality.