Dynamic discrete decision simulation system

• US 8,204,836 B2
• Filed: 04/30/2008
• Issued: 06/19/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: University of Pittsburgh of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education
• Original Assignee: University of Pittsburgh-of the Commonwealth
• Inventors: Balaban, Carey, Sochats, Kenneth M., Kelley, Matthew Henry, Bidanda, Bopaya, Shuman, Larry J., Wu, Shengnan
• Primary Examiner(s): Holmes, Michael B
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hill, Stanley K
• Application Number:
  US12/112,642
• Publication Number:
  US 20100100510A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,511 Days
• Field of Search: 706/10
• US Class Current: 706/10
• CPC Class Codes: G06N 7/08 using chaos models or non-linear system models

Abstract

A system that enables dynamic discrete decision simulation is provided. Simulation has many advantages in modeling complex systems to facilitate decision making. The innovation discloses a system that integrates an agent-based discrete event simulator, a geographic information system, a rule base, and interactive databases in addition to interfaces and other supporting components. The modules can seamlessly communicate with each other by exchanging a progression of data, and by making a series of deductive decisions through embedded algorithms. The integrated system can be applied to disaster management planning and training.

Claims

1. A system that facilitates dynamic discrete simulation of an event, comprising:

at least one processor coupled to a memory, the processor executing;

an information gathering component that dynamically obtains information from a plurality of agents; and

an analyzer component that evaluates the information and communicates a subset of the information to a subset of the agents, wherein the subset of the agents generates a simulation of the event in real-time based at least in part on the subset of the information, wherein one or more of a plurality of rules are triggered in real-time during the simulation based at least in part on a status of the simulation, and wherein the status of the simulation is changed based at least in part on the plurality of rules.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of agents includes a geographical information system (GIS) component, a simulator component, and a decision model component.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the GIS component provides data associated with at least one of topology, geographic features, transportation routes, buildings, population, or resources that enable generation of the simulation.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the GIS component renders an interactive map based on the data provided by the GIS component.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the simulator component employs the decision model to establish a progressive simulation of the event.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the simulator component employs a network optimization algorithm to construct a node set, connections, and travel rates based on geographical information determined by the GIS component.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the decision model component implements the plurality of rules to codify at least one of standards, training procedures, best practices, exercises for first responders, exercises for dispatchers, exercises for civilians, research on terrorists or environmental factors.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of rules is determined dynamically based at least in part on the status of the simulation.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of rules is inferred by way of one of an artificial intelligence or a machine learning and reasoning mechanism.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the decision model component employs an SQL database management system to store and retrieve each of the plurality of rules.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the event is at least one of a natural disaster, a terrorist event, an accident/event caused by human error or an accident/event caused by mechanical failure, and wherein response to the event is coordinated based at least in part on the simulation.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising an interface component that enables a user to at least one of configure a subset of the information or view the simulation.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the information comprises at least one of ad-hoc rules or constraints related to one or more of the plurality of agents.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein a plan is developed based on the plurality of rules, one or more emergency personnel are sent instructions associated with the plan, the subset of the information is updated based at least in part on information received from the one or more emergency personnel, and at least one of the plurality of rules is revised based at least in part on the updated information.