A UML-based tool for designing HLA federates

Abstract

The High Level Architecture (HLA) defines a set of standards and principles for distributed simulations and promotes the reuse of simulation software and interoperability between them. However, it is a laborious task when directly developing HLA simulations with the low level service methods. Moreover, the HLA does not address formal design approach for the simulation software. These difficulties hinder the HLA simulations design and development. To improve the productivity of the simulation development and enhance software reuse, this project proposes a design framework based on the HLA simulation development process. It is an architectural point for the users to implement the simulation software. Moreover, a UML-based tool is implemented to support designing HLA simulations. It includes pre-defined class diagram, reflection-in-action context help, and automatic code generation. Concepts and notations for HLA extensions have been presented and their implementations are discussed. Two example simulations, HelloWorld and Tank, are introduced to describe the basic process of the design and development of HLA simulations under the proposed framework with tool support.