Interactive evolutionary modelling and simulation of discrete-event systems using prototypical objects

Abstract

In this paper, we describe an alternative approach to the traditional class-based approach of building simulation models using object-oriented languages. We use the Discrete EVent Systems specification (DEVS) formalism implemented by prototypical objects. The main reason why we use prototype-based object orientation for simulation modelling is the fact that it offers the level of flexibility that we need for interactive evolutionary modelling and simulation, which is used for simulation-based development of systems without exact specifications. We introduce a reflective framework model that constructs, inspects and edits the models specified using DEVS. The meta-object protocol of this framework allows the models to be constructed from scratch and inspected and edited during run-time. Interactive evolutionary modelling and simulation is supported by a visual tool set which has been highly influenced by the user interface of Self, an object-oriented language based on prototypical objects.