Simulation Interoperability Research Articles

Formal Methods for Establishing Simulation Interoperability for Military Health System Applications.

Advancements in information technology have facilitated information exchange practices within the Military Health System (MHS), enabling "systems of systems" approaches that broaden and coordinate the set of capabilities available to enhance patient outcomes. This is applicable for MHS modeling and simulation (M&S) applications as well. Learning from successful approaches applied in current interoperability solutions used in the military helps to ensure interoperability practices yield trusted compositions of simulations. The use of formal methods provides the rigor necessary to unambiguously communicate these approaches across the MHS community. Here, 3 formal methods are proposed to ensure the harmonization of models and alignment of M&S data needed for simulation interoperability for MHS applications. To clarify considerations relevant for establishing simulation interoperability, the proposed formal methods are examined within a notional example of an injury sustained because of blast exposure. The first method applies the principles of semiotics, addressing the coding of information via syntax and semantics, to understand how to align and transform data across simulations within a composition. The second method applies the concepts of well-specified co-simulations, and the use of different techniques, tools, and algorithms to address the composition and synchronization of M&S components. The third method applies the mathematical branch of model theory to codify expert knowledge about concepts, assumptions, and constraints to ensure conceptual alignment within the simulation composition. Biomedical research must contend with complexity inherent to computational human body modeling, enlisting expert knowledge from multiple domains supporting the development of cross-disciplinary research tools that resolve research foci and associated differences in underlying theories, methods, and applied tools. This is closely related to the broader context of digital engineering for military systems engineering.

Terrain-Aware Military Planning Agents

Terrain is important, often decisive, in military battles. This concept recurs across numerous historical examples, military theorists, and doctrinal manuals used by armies around the world. This poster discusses how Mission Command Agents, automated agents used to represent the behaviors of military forces in combat simulations, achieve this understanding of the importance of terrain. First, a review of tactical manuals from different nations consistently identified the importance of terrain to observation, fires, and mobility. Based on the unit’s mission, the geography afforded, or prevented, these activities with respect to the enemy force. The next step was to build an automated tool that could quickly calculate these effects based on the anticipated positions. The third step was to formulate these quantifiable terrain effects as objectives in a multi-objective search heuristic so that different places could be compared with each other. After excellent results with these techniques in a realistic military planning scenario, the team is further enhancing human-machine collaboration in this area by adding geospatial and military characteristics of terrain to an existing standard for Command and Control – Simulation Interoperation (C2SIM). With this enhancement, the reasoning employed by the agents is more explainable to military observers. It also allows military experts to adjust agent behaviors by adjusting their goals, without the need to change source code, while employing a user interface that they will be familiar with.

Promoting Safety, Security, Awareness and Productivity in Port Plants

This paper focuses on the combined use of eXtended Reality and Simulation to improve awareness and confidence in Container Terminal Operations by tailoring a Simulation Systems. Experimentation is proposed as example of the benefits achievable by training virtually operators in this context. The complexity of Port Operations creates a quite dangerous environment where the highly competitive business sector push to increase speed of operations and flows. In additions Port Terminals involve many actors that have to work and interoperate within a multi domain environment, outdoor all around the clock along the year in an almost all- weather context. Ports are growing getting encapsulated within major city that over time turn to be megacities creating additional challenges especially in terms of Safety and Security that require to operate with high performance in a safe framework. The automation obviously is crucial to further increase operations, therefore up to know the human component is still quite critical for many ancillary activities as well as often on main and secondary ones due to the flexibility and reliability required. This aspect could suggest a big potential for Industry 4.0 and its future evolution in this field as well as a continuous struggling with the very conservative mentality of Shipping and Maritime Operations relying in Systems able to operate in the previous mentioned conditions. Indeed, Training and Education are crucial to face these challenges and make it possible to introduce new technologies, policies and approaches in the very strategic field of Port Activities. The authors propose an experimentation carried out to demonstrate the potential to move training and education on virtual interactive solutions based on MS2G paradigm (Modeling, interoperable Simulation and Serious Games) by tailoring a Simulation System on specific criticalities

Loose coupling in future distributed space safety simulations

Distributed simulations play an important role in complex space safety related examinations. Realizing an associated system-of-systems solution with as less software adaptation development effort as possible represents a key challenge in this context. The paper presents a microservice-based approach, considering possibilities of the new Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) standard Space Reference Federate Object Model. Different High-Level Architecture (HLA) compliant solutions are conversed, ranging from usage of the HLA evolved standard's web service application programming interface (API) over the implementation of a tightly coupled bridging federate to the exploitation of the future HLA (HLA 4) version's standardized federate protocol. A human-in-the-loop space flight simulator concept use case is presented and discussed.

Interactive air situation simulator

In the present day, simulators play a significant role in training military personnel. They allow, among other things, for practicing combat scenarios that are difficult or outright impossible to execute in reality. Virtual reality technologies are being constantly developed, as are the ways of their interaction with each other and with real objects. This article brings up the topic of interactive distributed simulations, presenting their technological developments as well as the goals of their authors. After the analysis of selected methods of interactive distributed simulations, project assumptions are formulated and interactions occurring between objects in virtual airspace are stated. The last part of the article describes the attempt of creating an interactive air situation simulator in accordance with the formulated assumptions. As a result of the work conducted, it was possible to program a simulator that allows us to study the interactions between radar warning receivers and ground based primary surveillance radars. Not all assumptions have been achieved, most notably full functionality with the DIS standard, however, the project can be further developed, allowing for full compatibility with this standard. Developing a simulator is a process that requires many assumptions, but also trade-offs. With correct assumptions and a standardised way of information exchange between simulators, it is possible to make a web of interoperable simulators. Keywords: aerospace engineering, simulators, radars, distributed interactive simulation

SpaceFOM - A robust standard for enabling a-priori interoperability of HLA-based space systems simulations

ABSTRACT The development of modern space systems requires the collaboration among several national and international space organisations. Along with this complexity and diversity come progressively increasing challenges with managing the associated requirements, properties, emergent behaviours, and integration risks. Collaborative and distributed simulation is one technology being applied to address these challenges. A notable example of this is the well-established standard for distributed simulation, the IEEE 1516-2010 – High Level Architecture (HLA). To enable and ensure a-priori interoperability for complex space systems simulations and foster international collaboration, the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) formed a Product Development Group (PDG) to develop the Space Reference Federation Object Model (SpaceFOM). This article presents the SpaceFOM standard describing the principal design elements that compose it along with a set of design patterns introduced to deal with common issues in distributed simulation and to pursue extensibility, interoperability, and robustness.

Advanced Modular Manikin and Surgical Team Experience During a Trauma Simulation: Results of a Single-Blinded Randomized Trial

Our aim was assess whether an integrated Advanced Modular Manikin (AMM) provides improved participant experience compared with use of peripheral simulators alone during a standardized trauma team scenario. Simulation-based team training has been shown to improve team performance. To address limitations of existing manikin simulators, the AMM platform was created that enables interconnectedness, interoperability, and integration of multiple simulators ("peripherals") into an adaptable, comprehensive training system. A randomized single-blinded, crossover study with 2 conditions was used to assess learner experience differences when using the integrated AMM platform vs peripheral simulators. First responders, anesthesiologists, and surgeons rated their experience and workload with the conditions in a 3-scene standardized trauma scenario. Participant ratings were compared and focus groups conducted to obtain insight into participant experience. Fourteen teams (n= 42) participated. Team experience ratings were higher for the integrated AMM condition compared with peripherals (Cohen's d= .25, p= 0.016). Participant experience varied by background with surgeons and first responders rating their experience significantly higher compared with anesthesiologists (p < 0.001). Higher workload ratings were observed with the integrated AMM condition (Cohen's d= .35, p= 0.014) driven primarily by anesthesiologist ratings. Focus groups revealed that participants preferred the integrated AMM condition based on its increased realism, physiologic responsiveness, and feedback provided on their interventions. This first comprehensive evaluation suggests that integration with the AMM platform provides benefits over individual peripheral simulators and has the potential to expand simulation-based learning opportunities and enhance learner experience, especially for surgeons.

Dynamic thermal simulation based on building information modeling: A review

With the emergence of the fourth industrial revolution and extensive promotion of information communication tools, it is on the construction industry to reconsider the current linear design approach and adopt more integrated design approaches that encompass dynamic thermal simulation. Building information modeling (BIM), without a doubt, is a technology, which proposes an integrated practice for building design. Design team using BIM cooperatively work on each activity loop during the design procedure and present a three-dimensional (3D) design model with all data from various disciplines attached at the final stage. The inclusion of a data-rich 3D shape into the design procedure marks the dynamic thermal simulation as a simple, accessible, and, more importantly, decisive stage. This article aims to draw the role of BIM in facilitating the inclusion of dynamic thermal simulation in building design procedures. BIM in this article is introduced as an effective remedy for dealing with the linear nature of conventional building design that is the major impediment to the inclusion of dynamic thermal simulations in the design efforts. This article goes through the conventional method's deficiencies and challenges with the BIM-based method to portray each approach's advantages and disadvantages. Renowned BIM software, interoperable simulation tools, and their distinguishing characteristics are introduced in summary to give a better insight into the application of BIM for dynamic thermal simulation purposes. Additionally, a literature survey on applying the introduced tools is conducted to derive the possible BIM-based mechanisms for thermal performance and comfort analysis. This article concludes that, regardless of interoperability issues, BIM by coordination of building data and information in a consistent framework significantly facilitates data collection procedure for conducting dynamic thermal simulations. In combination with data collection and interoperable simulation tools, BIM tools provide novel mechanisms for dynamic thermal performance and comfort analysis. Highlights Traditional and BIM-based building design procedures have been reviewed. The role of iterative simulation in BIM-based simulation has been elaborated. A BIM-based framework for building design has been provided. BIM-based approaches for thermal performance and comfort analysis have been reviewed.

Giving life to the map can save more lives. Wildfire scenario with interoperable simulations

Abstract. In the Mediterranean region, drier and hotter summers are leading to more likely and severe wildfires. The authors propose an innovative approach for situational awareness by giving life to maps and exploiting interoperable GIS, hazard models, simulations, and interconnection analysis processes aimed to enhance preparedness and strengthen the resilience of responding organizations. The information related to a virtual city and its countryside has been implemented in the terrain of simulation systems. The TIGER wildfire model software has been adapted to a scenario where districts, refugee camps and critical infrastructures can be impacted by a fire and has been linked to a smoke dispersion model, and associated impacts to the electricity network and roads. The transfer of computed fire propagation and combustion data to the AI-powered SWORD simulation enable more accurate computing of damage and loss. In SWORD, civil protection, military assets and humanitarian actions can be performed for training and operation preparation. The simulation data about fire and assets’ deployments can feed a web app map or a command and control system, thus providing situational awareness for optimal decision-making, and analysis about people in danger, network interconnections and potential service disruption. Disaster managers and commanders can interact with simulated assets performing their chosen courses of action and analyse the outcomes.In conclusion, tests in a wildfire case study demonstrated a high level of interoperability among those systems and the possibility to provide updated situational awareness leading to better emergency preparedness and critical infrastructure resilience building, finally contributing to save more lives.

Innovative social networks modelling for population simulation

Today social networks are an important element of society that requires developing new models as well as guidelines to create interoperable simulators covering these aspects. These new simulators are expected to enable researches and developments focused on people reactions to simulated events via social networks. This research area results are promising, however, it is necessary to address also several challenging issues including proper development of new conceptual models as well as validation and verification processes and definition of human behaviour modifiers. The authors present a new methodological framework for modelling individuals and populations by means of web social networks, in order to reproduce their dynamics. The article proposes to create interoperable models of social networks along with a real case study related to training and decision making process for authorities. The paper includes experimentations over a complex scenario where human factors and social networks play a crucial role.

Machine learning-based discrete event dynamic surrogate model of communication systems for simulating the command, control, and communication system of systems

Command and control (C2) and communication are at the heart of successful military operations in network-centric warfare. Interoperable simulation of a C2 system model and a communication (C) system model may be employed to interactively analyze their detailed behaviors. However, such simulation would be inefficient in simulation time for analysis of combat effectiveness of the C2 model against possible input combinations while considering the communication effect in combat operations. This study proposes a discrete event dynamic surrogate model (DEDSM) for the C model, which would be integrated with the C2 model and simulated. The proposed integrated simulation reduces execution time markedly in analysis of combat effectiveness without sacrificing the accuracy reflecting the communication effect. We hypothesize the DEDSM as a probabilistic priority queuing model whose semantics is expressed in a discrete event systems specification model with some characteristic functions unknown. The unknown functions are identified by machine learning with a data set generated by interoperable simulation of the C2 and C models. The case study with the command, control, and communication system of systems first validates the proposed approach through an equivalence test between the interoperable simulation and the proposed one. It then compares the simulation execution times and the number of events exchanged between the two simulations.

Generalized discrete event system specification: a state-of-the-art study

The Generalized Discrete Event System specification (G-DEVS) language was introduced by Norbert Giambiasi in the 1990s. This paper first examines the specification of G-DEVS and gives an historical view of N Giambiasi’s works that contributed to this concept. The paper particularly focuses on the extension of G-DEVS to distributed simulation. An example of a G-DEVS model of a ski chairlift system with chair and skier is proposed to show the accuracy gained by using G-DEVS instead of other classical discrete event modeling formalisms. Then, the paper presents how G-DEVS has been extended for interoperability with other components in the context of supply chain modeling and simulation coping, with the possibility to compose different model formats at simulation time. Next, the focus is on a G-DEVS editor tool and its extensions: LSIS_DME. The distributed simulation and the high-level architecture standard were used to support the interoperability of various models and simulators.

Distributed and interoperable simulation for comprehensive disaster response management in facilities

Abstract Disaster-related simulations can be helpful for conducting various analysis on damage evaluations and response operations in damaged facilities. However, no single simulation can solve all the functional needs for complex disaster situations due to diverse disasters, damage types, and response efforts. To address these issues, the authors have developed a distributed simulation platform for a comprehensive analysis of facility damage and response operations, which can be flexibly applied to diverse disaster situations. The High Level Architecture is adopted to synchronize different federates such as simulation models and incoming data streams within an interoperable simulation environment. The developed simulation platform includes five different disaster-related federates such as the Fire Dynamics Simulator, USGS earthquake data feeds, OpenSees structure response simulation, evacuation simulation, and restoration simulation. The accuracy of interactions among different federates was confirmed with the case simulations of a facility fire evacuation and an earthquake restoration situation. The developed platform provides a flexible and interoperable distributed simulation environment for comprehensive disaster response management of unexpected disaster situations while promoting reusability and future extendibility of existing and newly-added disaster-related simulations.

Modeling the neuron as a nanocommunication system to identify spatiotemporal molecular events in neurodegenerative disease.

AimIn tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), molecular changes spanning multiple subcellular compartments of the neuron contribute to neurodegeneration and altered axonal signaling. Computational modeling of end-to-end linked events benefit mechanistic analysis and can be informative to understand disease progression and accelerate development of effective therapies. In the calcium-amyloid beta model of AD, calcium ions that are an important regulator of neuronal function undergo dysregulated homeostasis that disrupts cargo loading for neurotrophic signaling along axonal microtubules (MTs). The aim of the present study was to develop a computational model of the neuron using a layered architecture simulation that enables us to evaluate the functionalities of several interlinked components in the calcium-amyloid beta model.MethodsThe elevation of intracellular calcium levels is modeled upon binding of amyloid beta oligomers (AβOs) to calcium channels or as a result of membrane insertion of oligomeric Aβ1-42 to form pores/channels. The resulting subsequent Ca2+ disruption of dense core vesicle (DCV)-kinesin cargo loading and transport of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on axonal MTs are then evaluated. Our model applies published experimental data on calcium channel manipulation of DCV-BDNF and incorporates organizational complexity of the axon as bundled polar and discontinuous MTs. The interoperability simulation is based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standard association P1906.1 framework for nanoscale and molecular communication.ResultsOur analysis provides new spatiotemporal insights into the end-to-end signaling events linking calcium dysregulation and BDNF transport and by simulation compares the relative impact of dysregulation of calcium levels by AβO-channel interactions, oligomeric Aβ1-42 pores/channel formation, and release of calcium by internal stores. The flexible platform of our model allows continued expansion of molecular details including mechanistic and morphological parameters of axonal cytoskeleton networks as they become available to test disease and treatment predictions.ConclusionThe present model will benefit future drug studies on calcium homeostasis and dysregulation linked to measurable neural functional outcomes. The algorithms used can also link to other multiscale multi-cellular modeling platforms to fill in molecular gaps that we believe will assist in broadening and refining multiscale computational maps of neurodegeneration.

Infrastructure System Simulation Interoperability Using the High-Level Architecture

Infrastructure planners need new methods to exchange technical data in the pursuit of long-term and cross-sector objectives including sustainability. This paper demonstrates a method for infrastructure system simulation interoperability by applying the high-level architecture (HLA) to the infrastructure system of systems (ISoS) modeling framework. The ISoS considers time-aggregated simulations with iterative data exchange periods to resolve cyclic dependencies. Applying the HLA defines object models, operational agreements, federate implementations, and physical infrastructure required for a federated simulation. An example demonstrates the method on a scenario with 18 infrastructure elements across water, electricity, petroleum, and social sectors as individual federates. The cost of interoperability arises from network latency, runtime infrastructure (RTI) overhead, and additional development effort. Results across several RTIs show that a distributed simulation requires 10-100 times longer executions than noninteroperable configurations. Analysis of source code shows that the HLA contributes about 1500 (56%) more software lines of code to implement federation object models and agreements. The value of interoperability arises from new capabilities provided by the HLA: physical distribution and independent control of constituent models. Conclusions describe a role for the HLA in model-based concept exploration during collaborative and interorganizational design activities with live human participation similar to its use for wargames.

Automatic Generation of Flight Simulation Scenarios with Aviation Scenario Definition Language

The rise of modeling and simulation has been phenomenal in aviation as a swift, accurate, and cost-effective method for experimentation and training. However, there still exists a lack of common understanding and standardized practices in the simulation scenario development process. This paper presents a detailed overview of the Aviation Scenario Definition Language, which provides a standard scenario specification mechanism in the aviation domain. The Aviation Scenario Definition Language provides a well-structured definition language to formally specify a complete flight simulation scenario. This paper provides the technical details of the Aviation Scenario Definition Language and its underlying Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization standard base object model. A case study for unmanned aerial vehicle flight is presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the Aviation Scenario Definition Language in automatically generating simulation scenario scripts for a target flight simulator.

Hybrid simulation using implicit solver coupling with HLA and FMI

Hybrid systems such as Cyber Physical System (CPS) are becoming increasingly popular, mainly due to the involvement of information technology in different aspects of life. For analysis and verification of hybrid system models, simulation is used extensively. As parts of a common hybrid system may belong to different domains of study, it is sometimes beneficial to use specialized simulation packages (SPs) for each domain. In this case, parts of a system are simulated in different SPs. The idea may seem simple, but coupling more than one simulation component presents challenges related to numerical stability. The presented article suggests an implicit solver coupling technique enhanced to facilitate simulation of hybrid models using multiple simulation components. The technique is developed using two of the most popular simulation interoperability standards, namely, the High Level Architecture and the Functional Mock-up Interface. By using these standards, the developed algorithm will be useful for a large number of practitioners and researchers. The developed algorithm is described using a generic distributed computation model, which makes it reproducible even without using the standards. For the verification of results, the algorithm is tested on two case studies. The results are compared to a monolithic simulator and the proximity of results initiates the validity of the developed algorithm.

Experiences in simplifying distributed simulation: The HLA development kit framework

Distributed simulation represents a solid discipline and an effective approach for handling the increasing complexity in the analysis and design of modern Systems and Systems of Systems (SoSs). The IEEE 1516-2010 – High-Level Architecture (HLA) is one of the most mature and popular standards for distributed simulation, and it is increasingly exploited in a great variety of application domains, ranging from aerospace to energy, due to its capabilities to enable the interoperability and reusability of distributed simulation components. However, the development of fully fledged simulation models, based on the IEEE 1516-2010 standard, is still a challenging task and requires considerable development effort that often results not only in an increase in development time but also in low reliability. In this context, the paper presents the HLA Development Kit framework, a general-purpose, domain-independent software framework that aims to ease the development of HLA-based simulations by letting the developers to focus on the specific aspects of their simulation rather than dealing with the common HLA functionalities. Moreover, the so obtained simulation code is independent of any specific HLA platform, thus enabling its deployment and execution on any desired implementation of the HLA standard provided it is written in Java. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is shown in the context of the Simulation Exploration Experience (SEE), a project organized by the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) and led by NASA that involves several U.S. and European Institutions.

Integrated cellular framework for modeling ecosystems: Theory and applications

We introduce an integrated framework for modeling and simulation of ecosystems based on cellular models. The framework integrates cellular modeling, web-based simulation, and geographic information systems (GISs) for data collection and visualization. In this framework, data extraction from GISs is automated; we use the Cell-DEVS formalism for modeling the ecosystem and the CD++ cellular modeling tool within the RISE (RESTful Interoperability Simulation Environment) middleware for web-based simulation. The simulation results are easily integrated with Google Earth data for visualization. We discuss the design, implementation, and benefits of the integrated approach for modeling and simulation in spatial analysis of ecosystem services. We show different case studies in the area of ecological systems, demonstrating how to apply the framework, its usability, and flexibility. We focus on the use of models available in remote servers, their integration with GIS data for inputs, and georeferenced visualization of the results. We show how the modeling methods based on DEVS and their modular interfaces make it easy to build such an architecture and we discuss its application to the field of environmental systems.

Interoperable Nanoscale Communication [Future Directions

Nanoscale communication fills a gap, namely, ad hoc communication among entities whose length scale is on the order of nanometers. These entities may be entirely synthetic, but in practice they have more often involved machine communication with small-scale biological entities, namely, subcellular components. Communication directly with and through neurons is a prime example. However, prior to the IEEE 1906.1-2015 standard, there was no clear and consistent definition of nanoscale communication because it encompasses a broad set of disciplines nor were the research results interoperable or even directly usable by others to build upon. The IEEE 1906.1-2015 standard has helped to alleviate this problem by defining a conceptual model, practical framework, and common metrics that allow industry and research to speak a common language and to develop interoperable simulations and hardware components without constraining innovation or creativity. The developers of the standard realize that this is an emerging technology and that new ideas and inventions that leverage change in length scale for communication have yet to be developed.