A Communication Oriented Data Collection Approach for Distributed Simulations

Abstract

In this paper, we present a framework for coordinating information gathering within a distributed simulation. In the world of distributed simulation studies, a model is decomposed into sub-models that exchange entities. These sub-models may run on different computers connected by a network. Because each sub-model operates in a relatively independent manner, they each have only a partial view of certain performance characteristics. Hence it becomes necessary to provide services that facilitate data collection and analysis within the distributed simulation. This paper focuses on issues related to the design of such a software system. The framework proposed in this paper is integrated within the DEVSJAVA/CORBA environment, which provides a system-theoretic basis for formulating discrete event simulation models through a collection of objects. The operation of the system is illustrated through an example in automated mining.