There are numerous forms for dynamic models, which specify how an object or scene behaves over time. Discrete state automata, Petri nets, and data flow graphs are only a few samples of model types available, which aid modelers in capturing dynamics. Whereas most modeling frameworks employ rigidly entities as state, event, and function, we present a system called rube that allows the modeler to craft models in 3D, and with personalized metaphors. The advantages of this system lie in the education of modeling dynamic systems, and in the exploitation of customization in the user interface. We use extensible 3D (X3D), and XML technology, to demonstrate rube, along with an example.

There are numerous forms for dynamic models, which specify how an object or scene behaves over time. Discrete state automata, Petri nets, and data flow graphs are only a small sample of model types available, which aid modelers in capturing dynamics. Whereas most modeling frameworks employ rigidly defined textual or 2D symbols for representing such abstract entities such as state, event, and function, we present a system called rube TM that allows the modeler to craft models in 3D, and with personalized metaphors. The advantages of this system lie in the education of modeling dynamic systems, and in the exploitation of customization in the user interface. We use extensible 3D (X3D), and XML technology, to demonstrate rube TM , along with an example. Keywords: rube TM , XML, VRML, X3D, MXL, XSLT, 3D, dynamic modeling, personalization, aesthetic programming. 1.

One of the primary formalisms for modeling concurrency and resource contention in systems is Petri nets. The literature on Petri nets is rich with activity on applications as well as extensions. We use the basic Petri net formalism as well as several extensions to demonstrate how metaphor can be applied to yield 3D model worlds. A number of metaphors, including 3Dprimitive and landscape are employed within the framework of VRML-enabled simulation. We designed a template for use in creating any Petri net model and then using the template, implemented an example model utilizing metaphors for both the structure and the behaviors of the model. We determined that the result is an effectively and efficiently communicated model with high memory retention. The modeling methodology that we employ was successfully implemented for Petri nets with the ability for model reuse and/or personalization with any aesthetics applied to the desired Petri net.

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