Inter-Process Communication for Digital-Human Model Inter- Connectivity

Abstract

Digital human models (DHMs) provide tools for simulating human performance and capabilities, which allow

users to evaluate any product or process virtually. As applications for DHMs expand substantially, so does the necessity

for more complex and more accurate models. This in turn requires coupling of sometimes co-located sub-models for

simulating various aspects of the human. In addition, DHMs are used in conjunction with other types of (non-human)

models in order to evaluate products and processes, and this also necessitate integrated systems for seamless

concurrent engineering. This level of multi-scale modeling and human systems integration requires a new inter-process

communication (IPC) system specifically for DHMs. Thus, this paper provides a new architecture for peer-to-peer IPC.

The proposed system uses a TCP/IP protocol for necessary security and for ensuring all data packets are received in

order. The system has been designed to facilitate an uninterrupted workflow, which is critical for applications that involve

concurrent team-oriented analysis and design. In addition, this new system supports multiple connection mediums and

facilitates variations in the number of users. The common issues of blocking and potential lost data have been

addressed. Test cases demonstrate superior computational speed.