DEVS Modeling and Simulation Methodology with MS4 Me Software Tool

Publication Overview

This academic paper, co-authored with Chungman Seo, Bernard P. Zeigler, and Doohwan Kim at RTSync Corp., presents a comprehensive methodology for DEVS (Discrete Event System Specification) modeling and simulation using the MS4 Modeling Environment software tool.

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Abstract

There are many implementations of DEVS Modeling and Simulation in various computer languages and software tools. Most of them focus on modeler-friendly approaches which mean a user should have knowledge of modeling and computer languages. In this paper, we introduce high and low level design methodology to help domain experts (who might not have an in-depth understanding of DEVS modeling theory) solve their domain problems with DEVS modeling and simulation software called MS4 Modeling Environment (MS4 Me).

The tool enables high level model design through a sequence diagram from which template DEVS models are automatically created. The sequence design is converted to a System Entity Structure (SES) document representing a coupled model. The template DEVS models are written to constrained natural language called DEVS Natural Language (DNL) to express DEVS atomic models which MS4 Me displays to a state diagram as a low level model design.

Key Contributions

Two-Level Design Methodology

The paper introduces a collaborative environment that bridges the gap between domain experts and DEVS modelers:

• High-Level Design: Domain experts create system designs using intuitive sequence diagrams without requiring deep knowledge of DEVS theory
• Low-Level Design: State diagrams provide detailed model behaviors, allowing modelers to implement complex logic

Three-Stage Development Process

1. Basic Implementation: Creating a simple scenario with sequence diagrams and basic atomic models
2. Detailed Behaviors: Elaborating model behaviors using state designers for non-sequential patterns
3. Experiment Frame Integration: Adding simulation control and statistical output collection

MS4 Me Software Features

• Sequence diagram editor for system structure design
• Automatic generation of template DEVS Natural Language (DNL) documents
• State diagram visualization of atomic model behaviors
• Java code generation from DNL files
• Simulation viewer with execution controls
• Dynamic structure modeling support
• Graphing capabilities for variable visualization

Military Application Example

The paper demonstrates the methodology through a military combat simulation example featuring:

• Two combat units (NT and ST) with different weapon systems
• Weapon assignment and damage calculation
• Simulation control through experimental frames
• Statistical result visualization through bar charts

Significance

This work represents an important contribution to making discrete event simulation more accessible to domain experts who may not have deep expertise in modeling theory or programming. By providing a collaborative environment with intuitive visual tools and automatic code generation, MS4 Me reduces the barrier to entry for simulation development while maintaining the full power of the DEVS formalism.

Citation

Seo, C., Zeigler, B. P., Coop, R., & Kim, D. “DEVS Modeling and Simulation Methodology with MS4 Me Software Tool.” RTSync Corp., Sierra Vista, AZ.

Keywords

Sequence Diagram, State Diagram, DEVS Natural Language, MS4 Me Software Tool, System Entity Structure, Discrete Event Simulation