Distributed simulation

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention is directed to a simulation system.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 provides a top view of one example of a simulation space partitioned into regions.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second example of a simulation space partitioned into regions.

#FIG. 3 provides one example of how to divide a region in the simulation space into a set of bins.

#The present invention can be used to simulate a simulation space. Examples of a simulation space include a surface, a region of air space, a volume of water, a building, a body, an imaginary world, outer space, a building, a cave, a portion of the Earth, a mechanical device, an electrical device, an optical device, or anything else imaginable that can be modeled. Additionally, the simulation space can be a combination of any of the above. In many cases, the simulation space will be a three dimensional environment. However, the simulation space can also be a two-dimensional environment, or other than two or three dimensions.

#One embodiment of the present invention partitions the simulation space into a set of regions so that each location in the simulation space is located in a region. FIG. 1 shows simulation space 10 divided into nine regions, A0, A1, A2, B0, B1, B2, C0, C1, and C2. FIG. 1, which depicts a top view of the three dimensional simulation space 10, shows the regions as being equally sized and square-shaped. It is contemplated that the regions extend vertically to cover all space above and below the surface. The regions are contiguous in that the neighboring regions share edges so that the simulation space appears to be one continuous space. In one embodiment, the partitioning of the simulation space into regions is transparent to the user. That is, because the regions are contiguous and continuous, the user can roam within the simulation space without knowing that they are passing into different regions.

#Although FIG. 1 shows simulation space 10 having equally sized regions, a simulation space may not necessarily have to be divided in to equally sized regions. Additionally, the regions can be any shape. For example, FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a simulation space. Simulation space 20 is divided into regions 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 and 34. These regions are not equally sized. For example, regions 24, 26, and 28 are deeper than regions 30, 32 and 34. Additionally, region 26 is wider than regions 24 and 28. Region 22 is substantially bigger than any of the other regions. There are many reasons why different size regions may be used. For example, it-may be a goal to have relatively equal number of objects in the different regions and because users may want to put more objects in certain parts of the simulation space, the regions may be divided unequally to accommodate different amounts of objects in different places. Additionally, regions may be created to include all of a body of water, all of a weather system, etc., or to limit boundary crossings by objects, users, environmental systems, etc.