Temporally parallel coupling of discrete simulation systems with virtual reality systems

The coupling of commercial discrete simulation systems with virtual reality (VR) systems opens new possibilities for the temporal interplay of product and process design. Among the possibilities is establishing virtual training centers aimed at shortening product ramp-up times. Up to now, coupling has only been employed sporadically because of the need to preserve the autonomy of the tools used. This paper focuses on the problems of synchronization as one of the important basic tasks when coupling discrete simulation and VR systems. Existing techniques of synchronization are examined for their suitability for coupling and a method of synchronization based on self-adapting buffer sizes is described.