JP5584678B2 - Distributed simulation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a distributed simulation apparatus that performs integrated simulation by transmitting and receiving signal data between a plurality of simulators, and in particular, can be applied to a large-scale simulation system having a large number of types of signal data to be handled and a large data capacity. The present invention relates to a distributed simulation apparatus.

  In recent computer systems, the amount of information that can be processed has increased remarkably as the performance of computers, which are hardware, has increased significantly, and the scale of the computer system itself has increased and the system configuration has become more complex. . In view of this, a distributed system has been proposed to cope with the increase in scale and complexity of such a system. A distributed system is generally configured to perform parallel processing with a plurality of computers connected by a network.

  For example, in the field of simulation equipment, if the processing power of the computer is not sufficient, the phenomena that can actually occur will be simulated using an extremely simplified or deformed model, but a distributed system is used. Since the simulation apparatus (distributed simulation apparatus) can cope with an increase in scale and complexity, it is possible to construct and simulate a model that is more realistic.

  Here, in the distributed simulation apparatus, it is important to improve the real-time property. For example, in the case of a moving object such as an aircraft, an automobile, and a railway vehicle, it is required to ensure high real-time performance from the viewpoint of evaluating the response performance of the moving object with respect to the surrounding environment. However, the pursuit of real-time performance may lead to a contradictory situation in which real-time performance is impaired. For example, in the simulation of the moving object, data related to each other is exchanged between the simulated environment such as the ground surface and the simulated moving object between the computers. Therefore, a large amount of data is frequently exchanged between the computers. Moreover, it is necessary to exchange (transmit / receive) at high speed. Therefore, even in a distributed system, the processing load may be concentrated on the network, and as a result, it becomes difficult to guarantee real-time performance.

  Therefore, various techniques have been proposed in the past to further improve the performance of the distributed simulation apparatus. For example, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 disclose a configuration in which a simulation control function unit and a distributed shared memory are arranged in a distributed manner in order to avoid performance degradation due to the concentration of simulation control functions. In this distributed simulation apparatus, for example, when the contents of a certain distributed shared memory are changed, the simulation control function unit corresponding to the distributed shared memory is changed to all other simulation control function units via the network. A message is sent informing that there has been, so that the contents of all the distributed shared memories are kept the same.

  Although not limited to the field of distributed simulation apparatuses, examples of techniques for communicating large volumes of data at higher speed include adoption of reflective memory or direct memory access (DMA), or optimization of a communication bus. .

  Reflective memory is a technique that enables a memory to be shared among a plurality of computers. When data is written to the memory of a certain computer, the data is transmitted to another computer via a network and stored in the memory of the computer. Copied immediately. A series of steps from the transmission of the data to the copy to the memory is sequentially repeated until returning to the computer where the data is first written.

  Direct memory access is a method of directly transferring data between memories without using a computing unit (CPU or the like) of each computer, and means for controlling data transfer, for example, a DMA controller, is provided separately from the computing unit. The arithmetic unit simply instructs the DMA controller to start data transfer, and the data transfer is controlled by the DMA controller. Therefore, the arithmetic unit can perform arithmetic processing other than data transfer control even during data transfer.

  With regard to the communication bus, a large amount of data can be transmitted and received at high speed by connecting a plurality of computers via the communication bus and performing appropriate programming. When connecting general modules, a general-purpose communication bus can be used by simplifying these controls, and programming associated with the communication bus connection can be made relatively simple. When computers that can be used as simulators are connected to each other, special programming according to the configuration of the computers is usually performed using a dedicated communication bus device.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-272621 JP 2000-215191 A

  However, with the techniques and methods described above, it is difficult to manufacture a distributed simulation apparatus that is excellent in real-time characteristics while avoiding an increase in cost.

  For example, in the technique of Patent Document 1 or 2, since each simulator has a simulation control function unit and a distributed shared memory, it is possible to avoid a processing load from being concentrated on a single simulation control function unit. Since there are a plurality of configurations called simulation control function units, the manufacturing cost cannot be reduced sufficiently.

  In addition, when the reflective memory is applied to the distributed simulation apparatus, not only dedicated hardware is required, but also it is necessary to individually convert the signal data into a physical quantity in each computer. Alternatively, when direct memory access is applied, since data is directly transferred between memories without using an arithmetic unit, the mutual relationship between the computers becomes complicated and the data itself is dispersed. Therefore, it takes time for event analysis, and it does not lead to improvement in simulation performance including real-time performance.

  Even when the communication bus of the distributed simulation apparatus is optimized, each computer performs an individual simulation, and therefore a dedicated communication bus device that can support these computers is required. In addition, since special programming according to the bus device is required, there is a risk that the cost may increase from the hardware and software aspects.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and realizes a distributed simulation apparatus that can be applied to a large-scale simulation system while suppressing an increase in cost without impairing real-time performance. For the purpose.

In order to solve the above problems, the distributed simulation apparatus according to the present invention is connected to each other via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other, and performs individual simulations using installed application programs, and the signal data generated by the individual simulations. And a simulation integrated control unit that performs integrated simulation by controlling transmission / reception of signal data between the simulators, the network being a local area network, and the simulation integrated control parts are as a file that can the simulator reference defines all signal data used for the integrated simulation, database definitions and a signal on an individual of the simulator A signal file for simulator, which is a file defining an expression, and a signal communication package for performing transmission and reception of the signal data in a common format and a common procedure is mounted on all the simulators, and the signal based on the communications package, the simulator is configured to acquire the simulator signal file corresponding to the self et simulator from the simulation integrated control unit, the signal data file used in the individual simulations own et simulator, the simulation is obtained from the database definition file of the integrated control unit, generates a signal database from the signal file and the signal data file for the simulator, in the while performing the individual simulations, from the application program In response to a command, the signal value in the signal database is referred to or updated, and when the signal data is transmitted / received to / from another simulator, signal data for transmission / reception is generated from the signal value in the signal database. .

  According to the said structure, signal data can be transmitted / received between several simulators by the signal communication package which refers to a signal database. Therefore, since it is not necessary to use a special format as signal data, it is not necessary to prepare special software or dedicated hardware for transmitting / receiving the signal data. Moreover, it is not necessary to convert the signal data into physical quantities in each simulator, and the mutual relationship between the simulators can be simplified. This makes it possible to realize a simple system configuration that does not require grasping the transmission / reception relationship in communication, and avoids the possibility that the signal data transmission / reception time and the signal search time become longer than necessary. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a distributed simulation apparatus excellent in real-time performance at a low cost.

  In addition, each simulator does not need to have definition of unnecessary signal data and definition of signal format, so that an increase in storage capacity can be suppressed. Therefore, the cost can be reduced also from this viewpoint.

  Furthermore, each simulator does not have a definition of all signal data, so it is possible to add, change, or delete signal data required for integrated simulation simply by updating the signal data file held by the simulation integrated control unit. It becomes. This eliminates the need to change the application program installed in each simulator when adding signal data or the like.

  In addition, the signal data can be centrally managed by the simulation integrated control unit, and changes and the like can be easily and quickly performed by the simulation integrated control unit. Furthermore, since the signal data transmission / reception mode and procedure are made common, even if any problem occurs in the integrated simulation, it becomes easy to identify the problem location. Therefore, it is possible to improve the maintainability of the distributed simulation apparatus.

In the distributed simulation apparatus, the simulator stores a communication unit that transmits / receives signal data via the network, a simulation execution unit that executes the individual simulation, and at least the application program and a signal communication package. And the simulation execution unit activates the application program and the signal communication package to obtain the simulator signal file obtained from the simulation integrated control unit , and the database definition file of the simulation integrated control unit. and generating the signal database from the signal data file acquired from the stored in the storage unit, when executing the individual simulations, and stored in the storage unit the The signal value of the No. database may be referenced or updated constituting.

In the distributed simulation apparatus, the storage unit of the simulator includes a shared storage area shared on the network, and the shared storage area is a virtual single storage space on the network. The simulation execution unit of the simulator assigns the signal data generated by the individual simulation to the partial region assigned to another simulator. if to be input data, and controls the communication unit to transmit the signal data to the other of the simulator, it said signal data received from the other of the simulator, are assigned to the own et simulator the If the data is to be output to a partial area, The data may be configured to be stored in the shared storage area.

  In the distributed simulation apparatus, the local area network may be configured by Ethernet (registered trademark).

  The distributed simulation apparatus further includes an input / output unit that is communicably connected to the simulator via the network and capable of inputting and outputting data outside the network, and the simulation integrated control unit includes the simulator The integrated simulation may be performed by controlling transmission and reception of the signal data between the input / output units.

  The specific application of the distributed simulation device is not particularly limited, but a typical example is an aircraft simulation device.

  As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that a distributed simulation apparatus that can be applied to a large-scale simulation system can be realized while suppressing an increase in cost without impairing real-time performance.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the dispersion | distribution simulation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the structure of the memory communication applied to the distributed simulation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the production | generation of a signal database in the dispersion | distribution simulation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the operation | movement of the signal communication package in the dispersion | distribution simulation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the whole structure of the aircraft simulation apparatus which is a specific example of the dispersion | distribution simulation apparatus shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings, and redundant description thereof is omitted.

[Configuration of distributed simulation equipment]
First, an example of the configuration of the distributed simulation apparatus according to the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the distributed simulation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes at least one simulation integrated control unit 10, a plurality of simulators 20A to 20N, and at least one input / output unit 30. These are connected via the network 40 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The simulation integrated control unit 10 performs integrated simulation by controlling transmission and reception of signal data between the simulators 20A to 20N, and includes an integrated control function unit 11, an integrated control storage unit 12, and an integrated control communication unit 13. ing. The integrated control function unit 11 controls integrated simulation by the simulation integrated control unit 10 and controls transmission / reception of signal data between the simulators 20 </ b> A to 20 </ b> N via the network 40. The integrated control storage unit 12 stores various programs and various data necessary for the control operation by the integrated control function unit 11, and a database definition file 121 and simulator signal files 122A to 122N described later. The integrated control communication unit 13 performs various communications with the simulators 20 </ b> A to 20 </ b> N via the network 40.

  A specific configuration of the simulation integrated control unit 10 is not particularly limited, and a known computer can be suitably used. This computer may be a terminal such as a workstation or a personal computer connectable to the network 40, may function as a server, or may be another known computer.

  The integrated control function unit 11 has a functional configuration of a computer constituting the simulation integrated control unit 10. That is, the integrated control function unit 11 is realized by the operation of a computing unit such as a CPU provided in the computer, and stores a program for operating the computing unit as the integrated control function unit 11 in the integrated control storage unit 12. The arithmetic unit is configured to realize the integrated control function unit 11 by operating according to the program.

  The integrated control storage unit 12 is a variety of storage devices provided in the computer. For example, a storage device such as a main storage device provided as an internal memory of an arithmetic unit and a built-in hard disk drive used as an auxiliary storage device, or an external storage device An external storage device such as an attached hard disk drive is used. Although these storage devices may constitute the integrated control storage unit 12 alone, it is necessary to store a large capacity data file such as the database definition file 121 and the simulator signal files 122A to 122N as described later. It is preferable that the main storage device is not only an auxiliary storage device and / or an external storage device.

  The integrated control communication unit 13 is a communication device provided in the computer, and a device according to the type of the network 40 is used. In the present embodiment, since the network 40 is configured by a LAN as described later, the integrated control communication unit 13 may be a LAN adapter such as a LAN card or a LAN board.

  The simulators 20A to 20N are a plurality of simulators constituting the distributed simulation apparatus 100. The simulators 20A to 20N are communicably connected to each other via the network 40. The simulators 20A to 20N perform individual simulations using the installed application programs 211A, and are generated by the individual simulations. The transmitted signal data can be transmitted and received with each other. In FIG. 1, four simulators A simulator 20A, B simulator 20B, C simulator 20C, and D simulator 20D and an N simulator 20N indicating an arbitrary number are illustrated in alphabetical order.

  The configuration will be specifically described by taking the A simulator 20A as an example. The A simulator 20A includes a simulation execution unit 21, a simulator storage unit 22, and a simulator communication unit 23. The simulation execution unit 21 executes an individual simulation handled by the A simulator 20A. The simulator storage unit 22 stores an application program 211A for executing an individual simulation, a signal communication package 212 described later, and the like. The simulator communication unit 23 transmits and receives signal data and the like to and from the other simulators 20B to 20N via the network 40.

  A specific configuration of the A simulator 20A is not particularly limited, and a known computer can be suitably used. This computer can be connected to the network 40 and may be developed exclusively for simulation, may be a terminal such as a workstation or a personal computer, or other known computer. Also good. The same applies to the other simulators 20B to 20N.

  The simulation execution unit 21 provided in the simulators 20A to 20N has a functional configuration of a computer that constitutes the simulators 20A to 20N. That is, as described above, since the application program 211A for executing the individual simulation is stored in the simulator storage unit 22, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU included in the computer operates according to the application program 211A. The simulation execution unit 21 that performs the individual simulation is configured to be realized.

  The simulator storage unit 22 is a variety of storage devices included in the computer, and includes a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, an external storage device, and the like, similar to the integrated control storage unit 12. The simulator storage unit 22 stores a signal communication package 212 in addition to the application program 211A, and the signal communication package 212 generates a signal database 213A from a file acquired in advance from the simulation integrated control unit 10. The signal database 213A can also be stored in the simulator storage unit 22. The simulator communication unit 23 is a communicator included in the computer. Like the integrated control communication unit 13, the simulator communication unit 23 corresponds to the type of the network 40, specifically, a LAN adapter such as a LAN card or a LAN board. The

  In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, blocks indicating the integrated control storage unit 12 and the simulator storage unit 22 are abbreviated as “storage units”, respectively, and blocks indicating the integrated control communication unit 13 and the simulator communication unit 23 are also illustrated. Each is abbreviated as “communication unit”. In addition, the simulation integrated control unit 10 other than the integrated control function unit 11, the integrated control storage unit 12, and the integrated control communication unit 13 according to the content of the integrated simulation performed by the distributed simulation apparatus 100 or the content of the individual simulation. Similarly, the simulators 20 </ b> A to 20 </ b> N may have a configuration other than the simulation execution unit 21, the simulator storage unit 22, and the simulator communication unit 23.

  The input / output unit 30 is communicably connected to the simulators 20 </ b> A to 20 </ b> N via the network 40, and can input / output data to / from the network 40. The simulation integrated control unit 10 is configured to control transmission / reception of signal data not only between the simulators 20A to 20N but also between the simulators 20A to 20N and the input / output unit 30.

  The specific configuration of the input / output unit 30 is not particularly limited, and an appropriate input device or output device is used according to the type or content of the integrated simulation executed by the distributed simulation device 100. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, an aircraft maneuvering simulation apparatus is cited as a specific example, and the aircraft simulation apparatus includes a cockpit simulator, and thus is provided in the cockpit simulator. A simulated control stick, simulated instruments, a monitor, and the like correspond to the input / output unit 30.

  The network 40 connects the simulation integrated control unit 10, the simulators 20A to 20N, and the input / output unit 30 so that they can communicate with each other. In the present embodiment, the network 40 is configured by a general local area network (LAN), and more preferably is configured by Ethernet (registered trademark).

  If the network 40 is a LAN, all the simulators 20A to 20N connected to the network 40 share the network 40. Therefore, the simulators 20A to 20N all have the authority to transmit signal data on an equal basis, and therefore do not need to grasp the relationship between transmission and reception on communication. As a result, the mutual relationship between the simulators 20A to 20N can be simplified, and the parallel processing distributed simulation apparatus 100 having real-time characteristics can be easily constructed.

  The specific configuration of the network 40 is not particularly limited, and may be a bus type in which one line is shared by the simulators 20A to 20N, or a star type that shares the simulators 20A to 20N via a hub. Alternatively, a fabric type in which the simulators 20A to 20N are connected in a mesh shape may be used.

[Simulator storage unit shared configuration]
Next, a more preferable configuration of the simulator storage unit 22 in the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  The simulators 20A to 20N are connected to each other via the network 40 so that they can communicate with each other. However, in the present embodiment, the simulator storage unit 22 is shared on the network 40 as schematically shown in FIG. Shared storage areas 233A to 233N are included. The shared storage areas 233A to 233N are allocated as different partial areas for the simulators 20A to 20N so that a single virtual storage space 433 is configured on the network 40.

  The shared storage areas 233A to 233N are divided into an input area for inputting data and an output area for outputting data. The signal data input to the input area is transmitted to the other shared storage areas 233A to 233N via the simulator communication unit 23 as necessary. Moreover, the signal data transmitted through the simulator communication unit 23 with the signal data input to the other shared storage areas 233A to 233N is stored in the output area as necessary.

  In FIG. 2, the shared storage areas 233A to 233N are divided into an input area and an output area, the input area is illustrated as a thick line block, for example, “Nin”, and the output area is illustrated as a double line block, for example, “Nout”. Yes. Further, A simulator 20A, B simulator 20B... N simulator 20N are illustrated in order from the top in the figure, and simulator storage units 22A to 22N corresponding to these simulators 20A to 20N are also illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a shared storage area 233A is allocated to the simulator storage unit 22A of the A simulator 20A, a shared storage area 233B is allocated to the simulator storage unit 22B of the B simulator 20B, and the simulator storage unit of the C simulator 20C. The shared storage area 233C is allocated to 22C, the shared storage area 233D is allocated to the simulator storage section 22D of the D simulator 20D, and the shared storage area 233N is allocated to the simulator storage section 22N of the N simulator 20N. These shared storage areas 233A to 233N correspond to the virtual storage space 433 shown at the top of FIG. 2, and a single storage space 433 is configured on the network 40 by such allocation. .

  The simulation execution unit 21 (not shown in FIG. 2) of each of the simulators 20A to 20N determines that the signal is generated if the signal data generated by the individual simulation is data to be input to a partial area assigned to another station. The simulator communication unit 23 is controlled to transmit data to the other simulators 20A to 20N, and the signal data received from the other simulators 20A to 20N is data to be output to the partial area allocated to the own station. If there is, the signal data is stored in the shared storage areas 233A to 233N.

  For example, if the A simulator 20A is described as an example, if the simulation execution unit 21 of the A simulator 20A performs individual simulation by the application program 211A (see FIG. 1) and generates signal data, the simulation execution unit 21 It is determined whether the signal data is data to be input to the shared storage areas 233B to 233N of other stations shown in FIG. If it is data to be input, the signal data is transmitted to the other simulators 20B to 20N as indicated by an arrow from the “Ain” block in FIG.

  On the other hand, as shown by the arrow from the storage space 433 for the “Aout” block in FIG. 2, in the A simulator 20A, if the signal data is received from the other simulators 20B to 20N, the simulation executing unit 21 It is determined whether the data is to be output to the shared storage area 233A of the local station. If it is data to be output, it is stored in the shared storage area 233A.

  More specifically, when a signal data is updated as a result of the individual simulation in the A simulator 20A and the signal data is also used in the B simulator 20B, the A simulator 20A stores the data in the shared storage area 233A. The updated signal data is input to the input area and transmitted to the B simulator 20B via the simulator communication unit 23. In the B simulator 20B, the signal data received in the shared storage area 233B is output and stored in the output area.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the simulators 20A to 20N are connected to each other so as to realize memory communication shared by the network 40, that is, cyclic communication. Since the network 40 is a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), the signal data updated in each simulator 20A to 20N by the cyclic communication and common to the other simulators 20A to 20N can be easily rewritten. become. Therefore, a system configuration for transmitting and receiving signal data in real time can be easily constructed. Note that the signal data communication method between the simulators 20A to 20N is not limited to cyclic communication, and any other known method can be used as long as it can improve the real-time property.

[Transmission and reception of signal data between simulators]
Next, a specific configuration for transmitting and receiving signal data between the simulators 20A to 20N will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 in addition to FIG. In FIG. 3, the software configuration of the simulators 20A to 20N constituting the distributed simulation apparatus 100 is schematically illustrated. The simulation integrated control unit 10 (in the frame of the broken line in the figure) is stored in the integrated control storage unit 12. Only the stored files are schematically illustrated. Moreover, in FIG. 3, A simulator 20A, B simulator 20B, and N simulator 20N are shown as simulator 20A-20N.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, a signal communication package 212 for performing transmission / reception of signal data in a common mode and a common procedure is mounted on all the simulators 20A to 20N. That is, the signal communication packages 212 mounted on the simulators 20A to 20N are the same (except for the signal databases 213A to 213N). The signal communication package 212 is stored in the simulator storage unit 22 of the simulators 20A to 20N, and constitutes software of the simulators 20A to 20N together with application programs 211A to 211N specific to the simulators 20A to 20N.

  The signal communication package 212 appropriately refers to the signal databases 213A to 213N when transmitting and receiving signal data. The signal databases 213A to 213N communicate with the simulation integrated control unit 10 as necessary by the respective simulators 20A to 20N, so that the files or data corresponding to the own station are stored in the integrated control storage unit 12. Are respectively generated by the simulators 20A to 20N.

  The integrated control storage unit 12 of the simulation integrated control unit 10 stores a database definition file 121 and simulator signal files 122A to 122N as files that can be referred to by the simulators 20A to 20N.

  The database definition file 121 is a collection of files (database) that includes the signal data files 221A to 221N, and defines all signal data used in the integrated simulation. When changing the definition of the signal data of the own station, the simulators 20A to 20N are connected to the simulation integrated control unit 10, and the signal data file used for the individual simulation of the own station by the signal communication package 212 from the database definition file 121. 221A to 221N are acquired.

  Therefore, for example, when the definition of signal data is changed in both the A simulator 20A and the B simulator 20B, the signal data file 221A and the signal data file 221B are acquired, respectively, but the signal data file 221A acquired by the A simulator 20A is acquired. The signal data file 221B acquired by the B simulator 20B may have a common part of the defined signal data group, or may define a completely different signal data group. If the A simulator 20A and the B simulator 20B execute the same individual simulation independently of each other, the signal data file 221A and the signal data file 221B may define the same signal data group. .

  Alternatively, if the signal data definition of the A simulator 20A needs to be changed, but the signal data of the B simulator 20B does not need to be changed, only the A simulator 20A connects to the simulation integrated control unit 10 and the signal Although the data file 221 </ b> A is acquired, the B simulator 20 </ b> B is not connected to the simulation integrated control unit 10.

  Further, the simulator signal files 122A to 122N are individually prepared so as to correspond to the simulators 20A to 20N, respectively, and are files that define the signal formats of the individual simulators 20A to 20N. The simulators 20A to 20N select and acquire the simulator corresponding to the own station from the simulator signal files 122A to 122N using the signal communication package 212.

  And in each simulator 20A-20N, signal database 213A-213N is produced | generated by the signal communication package 212 from the signal data file 221A-221N acquired from the simulation integrated control part 10, and the simulator signal file 122A-122N, and own station Are stored in the simulator storage units 22A to 22N.

  Taking the A simulator 20A as an example, generation of the signal database 213A by the signal communication package 212 and transmission / reception of signal data will be specifically described. The simulation execution unit 21 (see FIG. 1) of the A simulator 20A activates the application program 211A stored in the simulator storage unit 22A (see FIG. 1).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the application program 211A outputs a database generation command to the signal communication package 212 to activate the signal communication package 212 (solid arrow in operation S01). Upon receiving this operation command, the signal communication package 212 accesses the simulation integrated control unit 10 (see FIG. 1) and refers to the integrated control storage unit 12 (solid line arrow Rf in FIG. 4), and the A corresponding to the A simulator 20A. A simulator signal file 122A and a signal data file 221A used for individual simulation by the application program 211A are acquired (dotted line arrow Df in FIG. 4), and a signal database 213A is generated and stored in the simulator storage unit 22A.

  Next, the application program 211A outputs an operation command for setting a unique parameter at startup to the signal communication package 212 (solid arrow in operation S02) and outputs the specific parameter to the signal communication package 212 (under operation S02). Dotted arrow PMT). Next, the application program 211A outputs an operation command for initializing the signal communication package 212 (solid arrow in operation S03), and then outputs an operation command for starting execution of the signal communication package 212 (solid arrow in operation S04). ). In this state, the signal communication package 212 can transmit and receive signal data.

  Here, the distributed simulation apparatus 100 may cause the A simulator 20A and the other simulators 20B to 20N to immediately start individual simulations according to the control of the simulation integrated control unit 10, but before that, the input / output unit 30 is connected. In order to make a diagnosis, diagnosis control for transmitting and receiving signal data between the simulators 20A to 20N and the input / output unit 30 may be performed. In this case, the application program 211A receives the control of the simulation integrated control unit 10 and uses the generated signal database 213A for transmission / reception of signal data by diagnostic control.

  Specifically, when signal data is transmitted to and received from the input / output unit 30 (not shown in FIG. 4) via the network 40 in FIG. 4 (dotted line arrows Sm and Rm in FIG. 4), the signal The communication package 212 receives the received message and inputs the signal value Vs to the signal database 213A (dotted arrow Rv) or outputs the signal value Vs of the signal database 213A to transmit the transmission message to the input / output unit 30. (Dotted arrow Sv). This signal value Vs is data in a common format transmitted / received via the network 40.

  On the other hand, independently of the input / output of these signal values Vs (dotted arrows Sv and Rv), as shown in FIG. 4, the application program 211A outputs a signal data acquisition command to the signal communication package 212 (operation S05). Solid line arrow), and a signal data setting command is output to the signal communication package 212 (solid arrow in operation S06). In response to this, the signal communication package 212 refers to the signal value Vs of the signal database 213A (solid line arrow Rf) or updates the signal value Vs of the signal database 213A (solid line arrow Ud).

  When referring to the signal value Vs, the signal value Vs referred to the application program 211A from the signal communication package 212 becomes the signal value VsA for the A simulator 20A based on the A simulator signal file 122A of the signal database 213A. It is converted and output (dotted line arrow under operation S05). On the other hand, when the signal value Vs is updated, the signal value VsA to be updated is output from the application program 211A to the signal communication package 212 (dotted arrow below operation S06). This signal value VsA is converted into data Vs of a common format based on the A simulator signal file 122A of the signal database 213A, and the corresponding data on the signal database 21A is updated.

  The input / output unit 30 is diagnosed by such diagnostic control, and the input / output operation is inspected based on whether or not signal data can be transmitted / received to / from the input / output unit 30, and each simulator 20A to 20N. , The signal value Vs due to the input / output operation is confirmed based on the result transmitted / received to / from the input / output unit 30.

  When the diagnosis control is completed, the application program 211A initializes the signal communication package 212 again (operation S03). After that, when the individual simulation is started by the application program 211A, the A simulator 20A and the other simulators 20B to 20N. Signal data is transmitted to and received from. Therefore, the application program 211A appropriately outputs an operation command for acquiring signal data or an operation command for setting signal data to the signal communication package 212 (operation S05 or S06). In response to this, the signal communication package 212 refers to or updates the signal database 213A (solid arrow Rf or Ud).

  Thus, in the A simulator 20A, when executing the individual simulation, the signal value Vs of the signal database 213A stored in the simulator storage unit 22A (see FIG. 2) is referred to or updated by the application program 211A. Further, when transmitting / receiving signal data to / from other simulators 20B to 20N, the signal communication package 212 transmits / receives a message based on the signal value Vs of the signal database 213A.

  Thereafter, the application program 211A can temporarily stop the signal communication package 212 being executed as necessary. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the application program 211A outputs a primary stop command (solid arrow in operation S07), and the signal communication package 212 receives this and stops temporarily so that it can be resumed. When it is desired to resume execution of the signal communication package 212, a restart command is output (solid arrow in operation S08), and the signal communication package 212 is restarted in response to this.

  Note that the termination of the application program 211A and the signal communication package 212 is normally determined to be the termination due to the shutdown of the A simulator 20A. Therefore, no specific operation command is output to the signal communication package 212 at the end.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, signal data can be transmitted and received between the simulators 20A to 20N by the signal communication package 212 that refers to the signal database 213A. Therefore, since it is not necessary to use a special format as signal data, it is not necessary to prepare special software or dedicated hardware for transmitting / receiving the signal data. Moreover, it is not necessary to convert the signal data into physical quantities in the respective simulators 20A to 20N, and the mutual relationship between the simulators 20A to 20N can be simplified.

  This makes it possible to realize a simple system configuration that does not require grasping the transmission / reception relationship in communication, and avoids the possibility that the signal data transmission / reception time and the signal search time become longer than necessary. Therefore, the distributed simulation apparatus 100 excellent in real time can be manufactured at a low cost.

  Moreover, each simulator 20A-20N does not need to have the definition of signal data and the definition of a signal format, and can also suppress the increase in storage capacity. Therefore, the cost can be reduced also from this viewpoint.

  Furthermore, since each simulator 20A-20N does not have the definition of signal data, the integrated simulation is performed only by updating the database (database definition file 121) of the signal data files 221A-221N held by the simulation integrated control unit 10. It is possible to add, change, or delete signal data necessary for the transmission. This eliminates the need to change the application programs 211A to 211N installed in the simulators 20A to 20N when adding signal data or the like.

  Moreover, not only can the signal data be centrally managed by the simulation integrated control unit 10, but also the setting and changing of the conditions or environment of the integrated simulation can be easily and quickly performed by the simulation integrated control unit 10. Furthermore, since the signal data transmission / reception mode and procedure are made common, even if any problem occurs in the integrated simulation, it becomes easy to identify the problem location. Therefore, the maintenance and manageability of the distributed simulation apparatus 100 can be improved.

  Further, the simulation integrated control unit 10 is configured to perform diagnostic control for transmitting and receiving the signal data between the simulators 20A to 20N and the input / output unit 30 in order to diagnose the input / output unit 30, and the simulators 20A to 20N The signal communication package 212 is configured to use the generated signal databases 213A to 213N for transmission / reception of the signal data by diagnostic control.

  With this configuration, transmission / reception of signal data by the signal communication package 212 can be used for maintenance such as maintenance and inspection of the input / output unit 30 included in the distributed simulation apparatus 100. In this case, it is not necessary for the simulation integrated control unit 10 to perform special control for maintenance, and maintenance inspection can be performed by transmitting and receiving the same signal data as in the individual simulation. Therefore, the maintainability of the distributed simulation apparatus 100 can be further improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the simulator storage units 22A to 22N included in the simulators 20A to 20N constitute a virtual single storage space 433 on the network 40. The shared storage areas 233A to 233N are allocated as described above. Therefore, even when the signal data of the signal databases 213A to 213N is updated by the individual simulation executed by the simulators 20A to 20N, the simulator storage units 22A to 22N of the simulators 20A to 20N are quickly transmitted by cyclic communication. In addition, signal data can be transmitted and received.

  Therefore, not only can signal data be transmitted and received through the signal communication package 212 in a common format and common procedure, but transmission and reception of signal data between the simulators 20A to 20N itself requires dedicated hardware, special programs, and the like. And can be done efficiently in real time. As a result, the real-time property of the integrated simulation in the distributed simulation apparatus 100 can be further improved.

[Specific application examples]
Although the distributed simulation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can be applied to any simulation, it can be preferably applied particularly to simulation of moving objects such as aircraft, automobiles, and railway vehicles. Since the simulation of moving objects needs to evaluate the response performance of moving objects to the surrounding environment, not only does the simulation increase in scale (the number of types of signal data handled increases and the data capacity increases), but also This is because high real-time performance is required. As a more specific example, an aircraft simulation apparatus will be described and described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the aircraft simulation apparatus 500 includes a control unit 510, simulation calculation units 520 and 531, and an image display unit 532.

  The control unit 510 corresponds to the simulation integrated control unit 10 and is composed of a control computer and is equipped with various software for control, and also includes a database definition file 121 and simulator signal files 122A to 122N for aircraft simulation. Is held. The simulation calculation unit 520 corresponds to the plurality of simulators 20A to 20N, and includes a plurality of computers that simulate the aircraft, its equipment, the surrounding environment, and the like.

  The simulation calculation unit 531 simulates the cockpit of an aircraft, and the control stick, instrument, display unit, etc. provided in the actual cockpit are reproduced, and these are operated according to the aircraft simulation. The signal data is transmitted to and received from the simulation calculation unit 520 that is a group of simulators. Therefore, the simulation calculation unit 531 corresponds to the input / output unit 30. The image display unit 532 is a system display device that displays various images according to aircraft simulation. The image display unit 532 also corresponds to the input / output unit 30.

  In aircraft simulation, there are various types of signal data handled, such as weather information, gyro signals, speed information, relative position information with respect to the ground surface, avionics related information, etc. Depending on the type of aircraft, more than 100,000 points Signal data may be handled. Moreover, in the simulation, for example, a large amount of mutually related data is exchanged (transmitted / received) between a simulator simulating a flight environment and a simulator simulating an aircraft. Here, considering the demand for aircraft simulation, the market size, etc., it is inefficient to manufacture unique communication software in such a large-scale system.

  On the other hand, in the distributed simulation apparatus 100 according to the present invention, in order to bidirectionally communicate a large amount of signal data and a large amount of signal data using a general LAN between the simulators 20A to 20N. The signal communication package 212 is mounted on each of the simulators 20A to 20N. Since the signal communication package 212 appropriately reads the signal definition specific to the computer system constituting each simulator 20A to 20N from the simulation integrated control unit 10, there is no need to manufacture specific communication software, and high performance at low cost. It is possible to build a real-time simulation.

[Modification]
In the present embodiment, the distributed simulation apparatus 100 includes only one simulation integrated control unit 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and does not hinder reduction in manufacturing cost, and real-time performance of integrated simulation. As long as it meets the improvement in performance such as accuracy, a plurality of simulation integrated control units 10 may be provided.

  In this embodiment, one computer constitutes one simulator. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one simulator is constructed by two or more computers. A plurality may be provided.

  In the present embodiment, an aircraft simulation is exemplified as a specific example of a large-scale simulation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even a simulation of another moving object such as an automobile or a railway vehicle may be used. Moreover, it can be preferably applied to simulations other than moving objects, such as the medical field and the plant field.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the scope of the claims, and are disclosed in different embodiments and a plurality of modifications. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be widely and suitably used for a large-scale distributed system simulation apparatus such as an aircraft simulation.

10 simulation integrated control unit 11 integrated control function unit 12 integrated control storage unit (storage unit)
13 Integrated control communication unit (communication unit)
20A to 20N Simulator 21 Simulation execution unit 22, 22A to 22N Simulator storage unit (storage unit)
23 Simulator Communication Department (Communication Department)
30 Input / Output Unit 40 Network 100 Distributed Simulation Devices 122A to 122N Simulator Signal Files 211A to 211N Application Program 212 Signal Communication Packages 213A to 213N Signal Databases 221A to 221N Signal Data Files 233A to 233N Shared Storage Area (Partial Area)
433 (virtual) storage space 500 aircraft simulation device (distributed simulation device)
510 Controller (Simulation integrated controller)
520 Simulation calculation unit (simulator)
531 Simulation Calculation Unit (Input / Output Unit)
532 Image display unit (input / output unit)

Claims (6)

A plurality of simulators that are connected to each other via a network, perform individual simulations with installed application programs, and can transmit and receive signal data generated by the individual simulations with each other;
A simulation integrated control unit that performs integrated simulation by controlling transmission and reception of signal data between these simulators,
The network is a local area network;
The simulation integrated control unit, as a file that can be referred to the simulator,
A database definition file that defines all signal data used in the integrated simulation;
And a simulator signal file, which is a file that defines a signal format for each simulator.
A signal communication package for performing transmission / reception of the signal data in a common format and a common procedure is mounted on all the simulators,
Based on the signal communication package, the simulator is configured to acquire the simulator signal file corresponding to the self et simulator from the simulation integrated control unit, the signal data file used in the individual simulations own et simulator, Obtained from the database definition file of the simulation integrated control unit , to generate a signal database from the signal file for simulator and the signal data file ,
While performing the individual simulation, refer to or update the signal value of the signal database in response to an instruction from the application program,
When transmitting / receiving the signal data to / from other simulators, the signal data for transmission / reception is generated from the signal values of the signal database,
Distributed simulation device. The simulator
A communication unit that transmits and receives signal data via the network;
A simulation execution unit for executing the individual simulation;
A storage unit storing at least the application program and the signal communication package,
The simulation execution unit
Starting the application program and the signal communication package, the signal file for the simulator acquired from the simulation integrated control unit , and the signal database from the signal data file acquired from the database definition file of the simulation integrated control unit Generated and stored in the storage unit,
When executing the individual simulation, the signal value of the signal database stored in the storage unit is referred to or updated,
The dispersion simulation apparatus according to claim 1. The storage unit of the simulator includes a shared storage area shared on the network,
The shared storage area is allocated as a different partial area for each simulator so that a virtual single storage space is configured on the network,
The simulation execution unit of the simulator is
If the signal data generated by the individual simulation is data to be input to the partial area assigned to another simulator , the communication unit is controlled to transmit the signal data to the other simulator. ,
The signal data received from the other of said simulator, if the data to be output to the partial area allocated to the own et simulator, and to store the signal data in the shared storage area,
The dispersion simulation apparatus according to claim 2 . The local area network is configured by Ethernet (registered trademark),
The distributed simulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Furthermore, it is communicably connected to the simulator via the network, and includes an input / output unit capable of inputting / outputting data outside the network,
The simulation integrated control unit performs the integrated simulation by controlling transmission and reception of the signal data between the simulator and the input / output unit.
The dispersion simulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. It is used as an aircraft simulation device,
The dispersion simulation apparatus according to claim 1.

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