Multi-Infrastructure Modeling System for Simulating Interdependencies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software-based simulation approaches are inadequate for modeling and simulating the interdependencies between multiple critical infrastructures, which are complex and vulnerable to catastrophic failures, and lack the capability to handle multiple infrastructure types simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A software-based system utilizing intelligent software agents for method-level integration, enabling the simultaneous simulation of multiple infrastructure models across different categories, including behavioral, relational, and physical infrastructures, by incorporating geospatial relationships and meta-knowledge to model and simulate interdependencies and vulnerabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current software-based simulation approaches are used, then single infrastructure modeling is achievable, but multi-infrastructure interdependency simulation is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex multi-infrastructure simulation problem into separate infrastructure-specific modules (power grid module, transportation module, communication module, etc.), where each module models a specific infrastructure type. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple infrastructure types simultaneously while maintaining specialized accuracy for each, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal simulation framework that can model multiple infrastructure types through a common architecture. The framework includes standardized interfaces for defining infrastructure components, relationships, and failure propagation rules, enabling it to adapt to different infrastructure types while maintaining consistent simulation reliability across all types.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive multi-infrastructure modeling is implemented, then interdependency analysis is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a hierarchical dimension to organize the complex interdependencies. It models relationships at multiple levels: component level (individual infrastructure elements), infrastructure level (complete infrastructure systems), and inter-infrastructure level (relationships between different infrastructure types). This hierarchical organization reduces complexity by structuring the modeling approach across dimensions rather than treating all relationships at a single level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs an intermediary simulation engine that manages the complex interactions between multiple infrastructure modules. This intermediary layer handles the coordination, data exchange, and failure propagation logic between different infrastructure models, reducing the overall system complexity by centralizing the management of interdependencies rather than requiring direct connections between all infrastructure components.
3Measurement precision
If detailed infrastructure models are created, then simulation precision is improved, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial modeling where detailed precision is applied only to critical infrastructure components and high-impact interdependencies, while less critical elements use simplified models. The simulation engine dynamically adjusts the level of detail based on the scenario being analyzed, applying comprehensive modeling only where necessary to achieve accurate failure impact measurements while reducing computational requirements for less critical aspects.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for simulating interdependencies between multiple critical physical infrastructure models, including a first infrastructure data model that models a first critical physical infrastructure, a second infrastructure data model that models a second critical physical infrastructure, wherein the second critical physical infrastructure is a different critical physical infrastructure from the first critical physical infrastructure, a simulation engine including a visualization application and adapted to automatically produce a change in the second infrastructure data model in response to a change in the first infrastructure data model, and a user interface permitting a user to interact with the simulation engine.