DEVS based plug-in framework for interoperability of simulators

For many years, designers of complex systems have recognized the need for interoperation among different system models. Each of models is proper to represent structures or behaviors of the target system, such as discrete event system and continuous system. Furthermore, interoperation can provide users with reusability of models and distributed simulation environment. This paper proposes a framework, called PlugSim, which provides not only distributed simulation environment but also interoperation among simulators. The PlugSim utilizes plugin method so that users can simulate a target system with models developed in accordance with the simple interface of the PlugSim. The PlugSim provides two kinds of interfaces: DEVS model interface and Non-DEVS model interface. With plug-in method, users can synthesize an interoperable simulator with the framework and their models. Besides, users can change user models during the simulation. For a distributed and interoperation environment, the PlugSim is separated from user models and has algorithms to support data exchange and time synchronization. At the end of the paper, to show the correctness of the PlugSim, the result of an experiment about interoperation with DEVS model and MATLAB model, an example of Non-DEVS Model will be shown.