Definition

Noun: 1. A simulation time scale where events are processed faster than real time: Specifically, in computer simulation and data processing, a "fast time scale" refers to a model where the internal clock of the simulation advances more rapidly than actual, wall-clock time. This is achieved by using a time-scale factor of less than one, meaning simulated time progresses faster than real time.

Usage

• This term is primarily technical and used in fields like computer science, engineering, and scientific modeling.
• It describes the operational mode of a simulation, contrasting with "real-time scale" (factor = 1) and "slow time scale" (factor > 1).
• Example: "To test the long-term effects of the policy, the economists ran the model on a fast time scale, compressing a decade of data into a few hours of computation."

Advanced Usage

• "To run on a fast time scale": This phrase describes the action of executing a simulation with a time-scale factor less than one.
  • Example: "The climate prediction model was run on a fast time scale to generate century-long forecasts within a week."

Variants and Related Words

• Time-scale factor (n): The numerical ratio of simulation time to real time. A factor of 0.1 means one second of real time equals ten seconds of simulation time.
• Real-time simulation (n): A simulation where the time-scale factor is equal to one; events proceed at the same speed as in reality.
• Slow time scale (n): A simulation time scale where the time-scale factor is greater than one, meaning simulated time progresses slower than real time (often used for detailed analysis of rapid events).
• Time compression (n): A general concept related to fast time scaling, where a long process is simulated in a shorter actual time.

Synonyms

• Compressed time scale
• Accelerated time scale
• Faster-than-real-time simulation

Antonyms

• Real-time scale
• Slow time scale
• Decelerated time scale

Noun

1. (simulation) the time scale used in data processing when the time-scale factor is less than one