Open Competition - Information Technology (October 1999)

Intelligent Networked Simulation and Control

Sponsor: Real-Time Innovations, Inc.

• Project Performance Period: 11/15/1999 - 11/14/2002
• Total project (est.): $2,667,394.00
• Requested ATP funds: $1,998,262.00

One of the most difficult tasks in the development of a complex system such as an aircraft or a process control system for a large plant is the successful integration of dozens or hundreds of individual modules supplied by different vendors. Controllers, software, sensors, displays, actuators, and many other components must be tested together to assure that the final system actually works. Today, the only way to do this is expensive and time consuming -- bring all of the components and participants together at a single test site. Real-Time Innovations, Inc., proposes a three-year project to create a high-speed, distributed networking technology that allows such complex tests to be conducted from multiple remote sites. Each vendor will be able to configure a link to the test network that connects with their device or subsystem. The network will orchestrate the signals between all the subsystems, allowing them to be tested just as if they were wired together on a conventional testbed. Creating the control framework for such a network that works as well as a conventional testbed involves several major challenges. Each module must be synchronized with the simulation, possibly at the microsecond level -- a difficult task over a wide-area network. It also should be possible to save and recall the entire state of the simulation at any point -- but the simultaneous "saving" of the memory of multiple modular systems across a wide-area network in a given instant is an extremely difficult problem. A successful distributed simulation network will give industry an extraordinarily powerful tool for developing complex systems. RTI estimates that in the aerospace industry alone such simulations could save the industry $300 million per year. It also would allow smaller companies to compete more effectively for supplier contracts, spurring competition and innovation. And the modular nature of the system would make it possible to constantly improve the test software, something which is nearly impossible with many of today's testbeds. RTI, a small company, has been unable to secure outside funding for this project because of its high risk and relatively long time-line. RTI will work with the Stanford University Aerospace Robotics Laboratory in the development of the technology.

For project information:

Stan Schneider, (408) 734-4200
stan@rti.com

ATP Project Manager

Barbara Cuthill, (301) 975-3273
barbara.cuthill@nist.gov