To observe important information as the experiment occurs, researchers often use data display monitors. Data can be displayed as text or in graphic form, such as the gauges seen in this data display. In addition, a visual representation of the task can be created. In this case, researchers could see when the simulated helicopter, represented by the white circle in the lower right diagram, moved within specified bounds. In the lower left diagram, the red circle represented the position of the center stick flight control.
Researchers have two additional means to monitor data quickly.
Eight strip chart recorders, like those at right, continuously display up to 128 variables as the simulation occurs, and they can be configured quickly to display different variables. Researchers can record many aspects of a simulation for later analysis. At the end of every simulation experiment, compact discs with series data and summary data are made. Series data are variables recorded many times each second. Summary data are collected at the end of each run and include variables such as the conditions at the start of each run and selected minimum and maximum values.