Flash MX for interactive simulation

Together with its CD-ROM and companion Web site, Flash MX for Interactive Product Simulation (www.FlashSim.com) is the first definitive package designed to lead readers to success in using Flash MX to deliver interactive product simulations for use in online- and CD-ROM-based training, promotion and prototyping. Flash MX for Interactive Product Simulation teaches a proven methodology for streamlining the planning, design, and implementation of realistic device simulations. Practical, step-by-step examples and working simulators demonstrate how to apply this methodology to the construction of a variety of devices, from cell phones to cranes. This tried-and-true approach will guide even the most complicated simulation project to a successful conclusion. Readers will find that their simulations are easier to program, maintain, and upgrade. The book even includes an extensive starter toolkit of interfaces objects (such as dials, gauges, timers, and knobs), implemented as Flash MX Components, that can be reused by readers in their own simulation projects.

Part I Project Fundamentals and Planning	p. 1
Chapter 1 Simulation and Flash	p. 3
What Is Device Simulation?	p. 4
Why Is Device Simulation Important?	p. 4
Chapter 2 Movie Clip Fundamentals	p. 9
Movie Clip Basics	p. 9
The Stage Coordinate System	p. 10
Movie Clip Properties	p. 11
Movie Clip Addressing	p. 14
Movie Clip Event Handlers	p. 15
Movie Clip versus Function and Object Persistence	p. 17
Chapter 3 The Process Perspective	p. 19
Overview of Project Approach	p. 19
Team Roles and Responsibilities	p. 20
The Development Process	p. 25
Chapter 4 Asset Production	p. 39
Developing an Asset Inventory	p. 39
Naming Conventions	p. 40
Planning and Research Assets	p. 41
Presentation Interface Design Assets	p. 42
Complex Media Design Assets	p. 42
Implementation Assets	p. 44
Part II Simulator Architecture	p. 49
Chapter 5 Object-Oriented Programming in Flash	p. 51
What Is an Object?	p. 51
Defining Objects with Classes	p. 53
Inheritance	p. 55
Creating Movie Clip Instances Programmatically	p. 60
Chapter 6 Simulator Architecture	p. 63
Real Device versus Simulator	p. 63
The UCM Architecture	p. 65
Layer Communication	p. 68
The State Engine Data Structure	p. 70
Advanced Applications	p. 73
Chapter 7 Describing Behaviors Using Statecharts	p. 75
What Is a Statechart?	p. 76
States	p. 77
Transitions	p. 84
Actions and Activities	p. 91
Event-Action Tables	p. 98
Chapter 8 Techniques for Describing Behavior	p. 103
Statechart Rules	p. 103
State Rules	p. 106
Event Rules	p. 108
Transition Rules	p. 109
Action and Activity Rules	p. 112
Part III Constructing the Elements of Simulation	p. 115
Chapter 9 Introduction to Simulator Construction	p. 117
Interface Panel Arrangement	p. 119
Control Object Layer Construction	p. 120
Model Layer Construction	p. 132
Connecting and Activating the Layers	p. 138
Device Configuration	p. 139
Chapter 10 Flash MX Components	p. 143
The Assignment: An Isosceles Triangle Component	p. 144
Beyond Component Basics	p. 164
Chapter 11 Simple Interface Objects	p. 169
Visual Interface Projects	p. 169
FISBase: Basic Object Functionality	p. 170
FISLamp	p. 172
FISButton: Momentary Push Button	p. 176
FISButtonToggle: Toggle Push Button	p. 180
FISSwitch: Switch	p. 181
FISSlider: Slider	p. 186
FISRndDial: Round Dial	p. 192
FISSectDial: Sector Dial	p. 195
Chapter 12 Nonvisual Objects	p. 199
Time-Based Activities	p. 199
Time-Based Activity Using SetInterval	p. 200
FISTimer: Countdown Timer	p. 201
FISStopwatch: Stopwatch	p. 204
Chapter 13 Advanced Interface Objects	p. 209
FISKeypad: Keypad	p. 210
FISDigits: Digital Numeric Display	p. 214
FISDigitsX: Alphanumeric Display	p. 217
FISBDial: Barrel Dial	p. 219
FISJog: Jog Knob	p. 222
FISPot: Potentiometer	p. 231
FISJoystick: Joystick	p. 233
FISButtonRep: Repeater Button	p. 237
Chapter 14 Model Layer Simulation	p. 243
Developing a Model	p. 244
Computational Forms	p. 245
Model Coordination with the State Engine	p. 246
Modeling the Interaction of Devices with the Real World	p. 251
Part IV Hands-on Device Construction	p. 253
Chapter 15 Modeling a Crane Arm	p. 255
User Interface	p. 255
Control Object	p. 256
Model Object	p. 261
Chapter 16 Modeling an Analog/Digital Wristwatch	p. 269
The First Assignment	p. 269
Extending the Design	p. 294
Chapter 17 Creating a Fish Finder	p. 307
The Fish Finder Functions	p. 307
The User Interface	p. 307
The Control Object	p. 309
The Model Object	p. 323
Chapter 18 My First Cell Phone	p. 333
Behavior Requirements and Architecture	p. 334
Interface Panel Arrangement	p. 337
Control Object Layer Construction	p. 338
Model Layer Construction	p. 355
Connecting and Activating the Layers	p. 361
Testing and Configuring the Phone	p. 362
Part V Authoring Simulation-Based Instruction	p. 363
Chapter 19 Performance Analysis	p. 365
What Is Performance Analysis?	p. 365
Key Concept: Performance Is Behavior and Accomplishment	p. 366
Define Performance in Observable Terms	p. 366
Performance Requirements	p. 367
Recognize That Different Audiences Have Different Instructional Goals	p. 368
Defining Performance Problems	p. 368
Identify Root Causes	p. 368
Solutions Brokering	p. 371
Performance Objectives	p. 372
Involve Subject Matter Experts and Master Operators	p. 372
State the Outcome	p. 372
Characteristics of Mastery Performance	p. 373
Chapter 20 Instructional Presentation	p. 375
Audience Analysis	p. 375
Skill Building	p. 377
Instructional Strategies	p. 380
Chapter 21 Establishing Elemental Skills	p. 383
Task Analysis	p. 383
Designing Instructional Exercises	p. 385
Developing a Content Outline	p. 389
Writing the Script and Coding the Tutorial	p. 391
Evaluating Learner Responses	p. 399
Chapter 22 Practice and Drills	p. 401
Mastery Performance Revisited	p. 401
Measurement	p. 401
Use of Drills	p. 402
Flash-Based Practice Engine Implementation	p. 403
Chapter 23 Testing and Assessment	p. 409
Evaluating Learner Satisfaction	p. 409
Evaluate Knowledge Acquisition	p. 413
Evaluating Learner Performance	p. 418
Evaluating Results	p. 420
Other Testing Considerations	p. 421
Part VI Bringing It All Together	p. 425
Chapter 24 Integrating Simulator and Presentation	p. 427
Placing a Simulator within a Flash Presentation	p. 427
Controlling the Simulator from the Presentation	p. 429
Presentation Notification	p. 434
Integrating Flash Objects with Authorware and Director	p. 436
Chapter 25 Data Capture and Transmission	p. 445
Do You Need a Learning Management System?	p. 445
What Are AICC and SCORM?	p. 446
AICC Data Requirements	p. 447
Designing Trackable Simulation-Based Lessons	p. 450
Creating a Data Structure for Interaction Data	p. 450
Creating an Interaction Tracking Array	p. 450
Preparing the Lesson to Capture Interaction Data	p. 451
Preparing the Lesson to Capture Completion Data	p. 452
Tracking Scripts	p. 452
Chapter 26 Usability Testing	p. 455
Preparing the Program for Testing	p. 455
Equipment Setup	p. 456
Observation Setup	p. 457
Questionnaires and Documents about Users	p. 458
Post-interview Questionnaire	p. 458
Legal Forms	p. 459
Nondisclosure Forms	p. 459
Video Release	p. 459
Observation Sheet	p. 459
Pretest and Posttest	p. 460
Preparing for Testing	p. 460
Rules to Follow When Conducting Usability Testing	p. 461
Motivation versus Instructional Errors	p. 462
Useful Data Tracking	p. 462
Item Analysis	p. 463
Manual Data Collection	p. 463
Test Report	p. 463
Chapter 27 Case Studies	p. 465
Case Study 1 How to Use an Abacus	p. 465
Case Study 2 Applying My First Cell Phone	p. 482
Postscript	p. 501
Glossary	p. 503
Index	p. 507
Appendices Appendices A to F can be found on the companion CD-ROM
Appendix A Flash and Simulation Web Resources [CD-ROM]
Appendix B Quick Reference: Creating State Engines [CD-ROM]
Appendix C Flash State Engine Implementation [CD-ROM]
Appendix D State Engine Reference [CD-ROM]
Appendix E Errors and Warnings Reference [CD-ROM]
Appendix F Additional Design Materials [CD-ROM]

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Table of Contents