Database-driven distributed 3D simulation

Distributed 3D simulations are used in various fields of application like geo information systems (GIS), space robotics or industrial automation. We present a new database-driven approach that combines 3D real-time simulation techniques with object-oriented data management. It consists of simulation clients that replicate from a central database object data as well as the data schema itself. The central database stores static and dynamic parts of a simulation model, distributes changes caused by the simulation, and logs the simulation run. Compared to standard decentralized methods this approach has several advantages like persistence for state and course of time, object identification, standardized interfaces for simulation, modeling and evaluation, as well as a consistent data schema and world model for the overall system, which at the same time serves as a means for communication.