Providing software that is efficient, flexible, reusable and easy to work with is a hard task for simulation developers. In this paper we propose the use of XML and its related tools (e.g. JAXB, XQuery, XSLT, and Native XML Database) for the implementation of a technology-unified data pipeline targeted to interactive simulation. We introduce a technology-independent conceptual data model as the basis for every simulation framework. We show that XML is a well-suited technology to be used in that context. We propose a data modeling methodology that takes its roots from Model-Driven Engineering (MDE). We also show a sample implementation that uses XML for transmitting data over the entire simulation loop. We thus present our experience in implementing that kind of architecture and discuss how the use of XML and associated technologies help in building a unified and generic data pipeline for interactive simulation.

Agent-based modeling has been of interest to researchers for some time now. Some research has focused on the analysis and design of such software, but none has truly addressed the need for automated assistance in creating agent-based simulators from initial problem comprehension. This paper proposes an approach addressing the gap and supporting the spiral process of generating an agent-based simulator. In particular, this approach enables the incremental and iterative representation of a problem and its translation into an executable model. Initially using an unconstrained ontology, the designer draws conceptual graphs representing the problem. Progressively, graph elements are linked hierarchically under concepts that are part of a predefined generic Scenarization Vocabulary (i.e., agent, patient, behaviour, attribute, parameter, variable «). This Scenarization semantic defines roles in the simulation. This approach is part of a broader research effort known as IMAGE that develops a toolset concept supporting collaborative understanding of complex situations.

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