Design Patterns for Computer Generated Forces

摘要

A design pattern names, abstracts, and identifies the key aspects of a common reusable design structure that can be applied in software. There are numerous examples in the object-oriented software community where the cataloging and later application of relevant design patterns has facilitated software development. A key to developing and applying a good design pattern catalog is the identification and development of patterns that have a high degree of recurrence across many situations. Also important is the amount of teaching that a particular design pattern provides to give the potential user the understanding of how and when to tailor the solution to a specific problem. Although frequently applied in the context of object-oriented software designs, patterns can be applied to any software system. Many legacy Computer Generated Forces systems have not been implemented using object-oriented languages, but their implementations have made use of common well-recognized design patterns. This paper examines important design patterns that have been applied to the ModSAF and CCTT SAF virtual entity simulations. Notable examples of design patterns that have improved the underlying simulation systems are described, as well as misapplied or missing patterns that have caused problems or missed opportunities in the underlying software structure. Finally, future patterns that will need to be examined or developed for future CGF systems are described.