An XML based system of systems agent-in-the-loop simulation framework using discrete event simulation

This paper extends an XML based system of systems simulation framework using DEVS to support hardware-in-the-loop simulations for SoS. A system of systems approach enables the simulation and analysis of multiple complex, independent, and cooperative systems by concentrating on the data transferred among systems. This paper wraps information exchanged among heterogeneous systems in XML to enable receiving systems to correctly parse and interpret the information. A Groundscout robot is deployed as a real agent working cooperatively with virtual agents in a robotic swarm. The DEVS activity concept facilitates communication between the real system and virtual systems in the SoS. A robust threat detection example is provided. Initial performance metrics of the SoS are briefly discussed.

I Introduction

The concept of Systems of Systems (SoS) is essential to more effectively implement and analyze large, complex, independent, and heterogeneous systems [1], [2]. SoS are comprised of systems which themselves are independent and complex systems that interact among each other to achieve a common goal [1]. For example, a Boeing 747 airplane is a system of an SoS, but an airport is an SoS. The SoS concept is still in the developing stages and several formal definitions are available [3], [4]. For this work we considered the following definition: SoS are large-scale concurrent and distributed systems that are comprised of complex systems. This is an Information Systems view as it emphasizes the interoperability and integration properties of an SoS [1].