Dynamic information architecture system (DIAS) : multiple model simulation management.
Dynamic Information Architecture System (DIAS) is a flexible, extensible, object-based framework for developing and maintaining complex multidisciplinary simulations of a wide variety of application contexts. The modeling domain of a specific DIAS-based simulation is determined by (1) software Entity (domain-specific) objects that represent the real-world entities that comprise the problem space (atmosphere, watershed, human), and (2) simulation models and other data processing applications that express the dynamic behaviors of the domain entities. In DIAS, models communicate only with Entity objects, never with each other. Each Entity object has a number of Parameter and Aspect (of behavior) objects associated with it. The Parameter objects contain the state properties of the Entity object. The Aspect objects represent the behaviors of the Entity object and how it interacts with other objects. DIAS extends the ''Object'' paradigm by abstraction of the object's dynamic behaviors, separating the ''WHAT'' from the ''HOW.'' DIAS object class definitions contain an abstract description of the various aspects of the object's behavior (the WHAT), but no implementation details (the HOW). Separate DIAS models/applications carry the implementation of object behaviors (the HOW). Any model deemed appropriate, including existing legacy-type models written in other languages, can drive entity object behavior. The DIAS design promotes plug-and-play of alternative models, with minimal recoding of existing applications. The DIAS Context Builder object builds a constructs or scenario for the simulation, based on developer specification and user inputs. Because DIAS is a discrete event simulation system, there is a Simulation Manager object with which all events are processed. Any class that registers to receive events must implement an event handler (method) to process the event during execution. Event handlers can schedule other events; create or remove Entities from the simulation; execute an Entity's behavior; and, of course, change the state of an Entity. In summary, the flexibility of the DIAS software infrastructure offers the ability to address a complex problem by allowing many disparate multidisciplinary simulation models and other applications to work together within a common framework. This inherent flexibility allows application developers to more easily incorporate new data, concepts, and technologies into the simulation framework, bringing the best available knowledge, science, and technology to bear on decision-making processes.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31-109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 797931
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/DIS/CP-107648; TRN: US200218%%115
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 2nd Federal Interagency Hydrologic Modeling Conference, Las Vegas, NV (US), 07/28/2002--08/01/2002; Other Information: PBD: 13 May 2002
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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