A Framework for Creating VRML Visualizations from Discrete Event Simulations

摘要

This paper describes an approach for developing web- enabled 3D visualizations of discrete event simulations developed on simulation platforms that support either no animation or only 2D animation. Using a Unified Modeling Language (UML) framework, we describe a process for synthesizing a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) based visualization to replay the discrete event simulation (DES). The system, called 3DGen, partially automates the process of creating the visualization. The UML framework defines all tasks that must be addressed to create the model. The general method requires the DES to generate a simulation trace file having sufficient fidelity to construct a 3D visualization. In addition, the user must provide additional information, such as solid models representing objects and entity behaviors that are inferred from the DES but not explicitly specified. An example of an Arena simulation of stock being loaded and unloaded from a warehouse facility is presented. The paper concludes with a discussion of the limitations and possible extensions of the approach.