A web-based interactive simulation architecture for airbase logistics systems analysis

Portable interactive simulations that support concurrent multi-user interaction are useful in the analysis of large and semistructured problems especially those in which human interaction are of important consideration. Emerging concepts in distributed computing provide enabling technologies for the development of flexible and portable interactive simulation infrastructure. This article describes an object-based interactive simulation architecture, through which multiple users can interact concurrently with an executing simulation from distributed locations. The simulation executes on a server and users can connect in to the simulation and provide user commands through interfaces implemented as separate processes. This article describes the architectural components and demonstrates application in a real-world problem in the domain of airbase logistics. This paper also presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of various means of facilitating communication between interfaces and the simulation process including the use of Java application programming through sockets, Java programs integrated with Common Object Request Broker Architecture technology, and Java's remote method invocation protocol.