Distributed simulation

Abstract

A method and apparatus are presented to facilitate simulation of complex systems on multiple computing devices. Model authors can specify state-related information to be exported for viewing or access by other applications and models. Subsystem models may be written to enable connection with other subsystem models via controlled interfaces, such as by defining state-related information for export and providing for a particular use of data imported from other models to which a subsystem model is connected. In some embodiments, a consistent distributed simulation API enables cross-platform, multi-device simulation of complex systems, wherein the proprietor of each subsystem simulation can keep its implementation secret but accessible to others.

1 . A computer-implemented method for simulating operation of a physical system having a plurality of physical subsystems, comprising:
 simulating a first physical subsystem with a first continuous-time simulation on a first physical computing device, wherein the first continuous-time simulation is a state-space simulation;   accepting a request for export of information relating to a number n of state-related variables that characterize the state of the first physical subsystem in the simulating;   sending a first series of state-related messages, each message containing information relating to the value of at least one of the n state-related variables;   simulating a second physical subsystem with a second continuous-time simulation on a second physical computing device;   receiving in the second continuous-time simulation the first series of state-related messages from the first continuous-time simulation without the first series of state-related messages passing through a central communication process; and   outputing data representative of a state of the second continuous-time simulation; wherein:   the first physical subsystem interacts with the second physical subsystem; and   the at least one state-related variable characterizes at least a portion of the interaction between the first physical subsystem and the second physical subsystem.   
   
   
       2 . A computer-implemented method for simulating operation of a physical system having a plurality of physical subsystems, comprising:
 simulating a first physical subsystem with a first continuous-time simulation on a first physical computing device, wherein the simulation of the first physical subsystem with the first continuous-time simulation uses a first numerical integration technique;   accepting a request for export of information relating to a number n of state-related variables that characterize the state of the first physical subsystem in the simulating;   sending a first series of state-related messages, each message containing information relating to the value of at least one of the n state-related variables;   simulating a second physical subsystem with a second continuous-time simulation on a second physical computing device, wherein the simulation of the second physical subsystem with the second continuous-time simulation uses a second numerical integration technique;   receiving in the second continuous-time simulation the first series of state-related messages from the first continuous-time simulation without the first series of state-related messages passing through a central communication process; and   outputing data representative of a state of the second continuous-time simulation; wherein:   the first physical subsystem interacts with the second physical subsystem; and   the at least one state-related variable characterizes at least a portion of the interaction between the first physical subsystem and the second physical subsystem.