Interchanging Simulation Data using XML

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Interchanging Simulation Data using XML Lee
Lacy LLacy_at_DRC.com Cynthia Tuttle CTuttle_at_DRC.co
m
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Agenda

• Identify challenges in interchanging non run-time
  simulation application data
• Propose the use of XML to aid in interchanging
  data
• Predict results that could be achieved

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Challenges

• Need for Data Interoperability
• HLA Tool Architecture
• Worst case O(n2) problem
• Content and Format Requirements
• Software development and maintenance costs driven
  higher

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HLA Tool Architecture
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N2 Problem
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Proposed Solution

• Neutral Interchange Format
• Self-Describing Formats
• Use of XML
• SISOs Role

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Neutral Interchange Formats
N2-N Problem
2N Problem
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Self-Describing Formats

• Open Information Management concept
• Use for DIFs Pioneered by Georgia Tech (Maclean,
  et al) regarding Tagged Backus Naur Form (TBNF)
• Leads to automated processing

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OMDD TBNF Sample Datafile
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OMDD BNF Description
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Use of eXtensible Markup Language (XML)

• XML Genealogy
• XML Concepts
• XML-Enabled COTS
• XML DIFs

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XML Genealogy

• Simplified version of SGML (ISO 8879)
• Standardized by XML Working Group of World Wide
  Web Consortium (W3C)
• Intended for industry-specific markup in support
  of vendor-neutral data exchange
• Based on BNF concepts
• Resembles HTML, but is instead a meta-language,
  not a specific vocabulary
• Rapidly being adopted by software industry
  leaders for a variety of data interchange tasks

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Recent XML Application Announcements

• Microsofts Chrome Effects
• SAP
• Oracle
• Interleaf
• etc...

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XML Concepts

• Nested angled brackets (lt and gt) used for
  tagging
• ASCII markup tags used
• Tags defined in Data Type Definitions (DTDs)
  grammars which make datafiles self-describing
• XML Datafiles can be described using BNF and
  manipulated using BNF-based tools

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XML-Enabled COTS

• Microsofts XML Notepad
• ezDTD Editor 1.1
• Interleafs Bladerunner
• Vervets XML Pro
• Microsofts Internet Explorer 4.0

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XML DIFs

• XML Document Type Descriptions often associated
  with vertical markets
• Simulation-related DTDs work has already begun
  and could be expanded into DIF world
• XML DIFs would provide
• Direct Internet-tool manipulation
• COTS browser tools
• COTS code library

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OMDD XML Sample Datafile
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XML Notepad Screenshot of OMDD XML Sample
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OMDD XML DTD
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ezDTD Screenshot of OMDD XML DTD editing
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SISOs Role

• Standards support interoperability and reuse
• Vertical market DTDs should be managed by
  industry standard organizations such as SISO
• SISO could provide forum for discussions,
  collaboration, and configuration management of
  DIF DTDs

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Anticipated Results

• Lower Costs
• Less custom code
• More reuse
• Higher Data Quality through DTD validation

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Summary

• Data must be interchanged between non real time
  simulation-related applications
• clear understanding of requirements needed
• proposed approach involves
• extending DMSO's neutral file format (DIF)
  concept
• using self-describing formats,
• specifying formats using XML
• XML grammars can be standardized by SISO
• approach should result in lowered software
  development costs and increased data quality

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Supporting Web Site
http//orl01.DRC.com/XMLDIF