Subject: Japan's comments on SEDRIS NP

From: fujimura <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 26 Jul 1999 21:29:10 +0900

Japan's comments on SC24 N 2010 -- SEDRIS NP (draft)

1) The proposed title does not tell the generality of its contents and it is confusing with the whole project done in the SEDRIS Organization.

It is better to change the title in order to stress its generality and to make the difference between the ISO/IEC project name and the contributing consortium -- in the same way as in the case of UCS(ISO/IEC 10646) and the Unicode.

NOTE) In the case of VRML and PNG, it was not necessary to change the titles because the titles lie in SC24's scope and the name of the liaison body is different from the title of the specifications.

2) In the document, there are many statements which suggest that the new work item is only applicable to environmental simulations.
Some changes should be done in order to stress its generality.

3) Considering the above two problems, Japan suggests to revise N 2010 before the JTC1 ballot as follows:

	--- A suggestion for changing the title and the document body --

Title (subject to be covered and type of standard, e.g. terminology method of test, performance requirements, etc.)

Scientific Visualization Facilities Specification (SVFS)

1  Scope and Field of Application

The proposed new work item specifies a set of facilities for scientific simulation and visualization activities.

Scientific visualization (SV) is a handling of a natural or artificial well-defined data set which should be presented visually.  SV applications are becoming a big market though they are suffering from the lack of program and/or data interoperability.

Conventional computer graphic standards are not good tools for preparing SV programs or SV data sets for the following reasons.

In SV, the data set often need to be represented in some non-Cartesian coordinate system which are not used in conventional graphic systems -- e.g. in the case of meteorological applications coordinate systems may be the combination of two-dimensional curved coordinates ranging some thousand kilometers and one coordinates for air depth ranging some thousand meters.

Another extension to the conventional computer graphics is needed in SSV where the targets of visualization are not restricted to visual data and complex combinations of invisible data elements need to be displayed as computing goes or interactively -- consider that wind, air pressure, temperature, humidity and their combinations are displayed in weather simulations. In order to do this kind of various presentations, the attributes of the objects, as well as the relationships amongst the types of objects should be represented systematically.  

Thus SV facilities should include topological, rule-based and other constraints necessary to insure correct automatically generated behaviors. These include topological and rule-based constraints.

In the context of this NP, modeling means the description of the objects on scientific visualization environment, for example their graphical and/or aural manifestations; and selected aspects of the behavior of the objects within the environment, including interactions amongst the simulated entities, as well as interactions between the environment and such entities, where the entities respond to events in the environment or influence the environment.

Specific aspects included in this NP are: 
a.      representational polymorphism; 
b.      conceptual models of the represented objects; 
c.      data interchange formats;
d. 	APIs for reading, writing and/or accessing scientific 	visualization applications with associated language bindings;
e. 	codes for assigning meaning to characteristics, attributes, 	and state of features; and 
f. 	standardized reference models for representing complex coordinate systems including but not limited to geographic systems.

The proven work from the SEDRIS (Synthetic Environment Data Representation & Interchange Specification) project of the SEDRIS Organization will be the base document for this work.  The project to transpose the current SEDRIS Specifications into International Standards will be accomplished by a partnership between JTC 1/ SC 24 and the SEDRIS Organization.  The work will be governed by a Cooperative Agreement.  The Category C Liaison Mechanism will be used to allow necessary coordination.  For more information about SEDRIS, please consult: www.sedris.org .

2  Purpose and Justification

2.1 Introduction 

The SVFS provides unencumbered and well-specified solution for the definition and exchange of scientific visualization data. The base of SVFS, SEDRIS, was conceived and implemented to capture and provide a complete (terrain, ocean, atmosphere, and space) data representation model of the physical environment, access methods to that data representation model, and an associated interchange format.

In the context of promoting data reuse and interoperability, the specific objectives of SVFS are:

a. Capture the complete set of visualization data elements, including presentation properties, and their relationships in the context of a data representation model. 
b. Supports a standard application programmer's interface (API) for access to data elements. 
c. Minimize cost to access and reuse simulation and visualization environmental data by lowering the software barrier to entry. 
d. Provide a standard data interchange mechanism between scientific visualization database builders and consumers. 
e. Facilitate interoperability of networked heterogeneous simulations. 
f. Support reuse of scientific visualization databases between disparate systems. 
g. Use the same data representation model for both completed database interchange and as an access mechanism to import and export source data into and out of various database generation systems and included GIS software products. 
h. Promote, through education, a consensus understanding of the diverse requirements and implementation choices used within the broad modeling, simulation, visualization and other communities.
i. Supports the promulgation of standardized tool sets thus promoting software and data reuse.

Many Information Technology applications require significant access to and exploration of scientific visualization data.  These applications include modeling, simulation and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

2.2 Purpose

SVFS facilitates interoperability among heterogeneous information technology applications by providing complete and unambiguous interchange of visualization data. The range of applications addressed in the SVFS development includes entertainment, training, analysis, and system acquisition and support for visual, computer generated active elements, and sensor perspectives.  In addition, SVFS provides a standard interface for key components in the generation of complex integrated databases for simulation applications. The SVFS data interchange specification supports the pre-runtime distribution of source data, three-dimensional models, and integrated databases that describe the physical environment for both simulation and operational use.

2.3 Relationship to existing standards 

Organization

Standard

Relationship

JTC 1 SC 24 and Web3D Consortium
VRML
SVFS is a data interchange mechanism defining a data model with standard access methods. VRML is a programming language used for creating visual effects. VRML only encompasses the portion of SVFS that deals with data representational types of polygons, colors, and textures. SVFS includes more data representational types than just those used for visual scene generation.

JTC 1 SC 24
BIIF, CGM
SVFS is a user of these formats since files or data streams that contain structure image data may be referenced by SVFS.

JTC 1 SC 29
JPEG, MPEG
SVFS is a user of these formats since files or data streams that contain Still Images, Moving Images or Audio may be referenced by SVFS.

ISO TC 211
GIS Standards
SVFS addresses the interchange of data, representing the simulated natural or completely synthetic environment while GIS standards address the characteristics of the real world as geographic information. It is beneficial that common models be used to the maximum practical extents in the two communities, so SVFS is expected to be a user of TC 211's models.

Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO)
HLA, RTI
SVFS addresses the interchange and representation of environmental data. HLA (High Level Architecture) and the RTI (Run-Time Infrastructure) are focused on providing an architectural framework for network simulations and the exchange of data during program execution, respectively. HLA is currently being balloted as IEEE P1516.

2.4 Justification
Without an effective interchange mechanism, most visualization database interchange continues to be accomplished by point-to-point unique conversions between two applications.  Conversion of one system's data to another format is based upon rigidly defined database format specifications for both the source and target system.  Because of the differing proprietary database formats, each conversion requires the development of a customized data converter software application. These point-to-point solutions are expensive, time consuming, and often unreliable.  To meet the specific implementation needs of the target system, the converted database usually undergoes several additional conversions before a useable run-time format is obtained.  Each conversion adds to the risk of data loss or corruption. Additionally, the number of unique conversions increases geometrically with the number of sources involved. Development and maintenance of these conversion software modules is cost-proh!
!
ibitive.  Based on these factors
2.5  Feasibility

The SVFS will be based on the output of SEDRIS that proves its feasibility as follows.
 There are many independent implementations of SEDRIS on a variety of platforms with excellent demonstrated interoperability. SEDRIS is in daily use today worldwide for interchange of environmental data. The availability of free and commercial validation tools and a test suite contribute to the stability of the recommendation and to the ease of its implementation.

Among the many organizations and companies involved in the SEDRIS Organization and expected to participate in the International Standards effort are: A & T (Analysis and Technology, AcuSoft, Inc., AFTS (Armed Forces Training Systems, Inc.), ATLAS Elektronik GmbH, Centric Software, Inc., Cybernet Systems Corp., Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, The Defense Modeling and Simulation Office (DMSO), Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI), Evans and Sutherland , JRM Enterprises, Inc., Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems, Lockheed Martin Information Systems , MultiGen - Paradigm, Inc., National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), PAR Government Systems Corp., Raytheon Systems Company, Reality by Design , SAIC (Science Applications International Corp.), SGI Inc., SRI International, TASC, Thomson Training & Simulation, and the U.S. Army Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Co!
!
mmand (STRICOM).

2.6  Timeliness

The SEDRIS Organization published the latest version of its specifications (Version 2.0) in January, 1999.  The technology is now mature, has received market acceptance, and is becoming widely implemented within specific communities.  The features of SEDRIS are not available in other ISO standards or in non-proprietary de facto industry standards.  Because of this, it is important that SVFS be standardized within ISO to complement facilities available in VRML and in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) standards. Many emerging applications, especially in the entertainment and engineering markets have requirements for 3D virtual worlds. By adopting SVFS as an exchange standard, a commercial marketplace for scientific visualization,  especially the Synthetic Environments, that form the basis for the creation of such worlds will be created.

2.7  Urgency
If this standard is not developed, multiple application-specific file formats with similar, but incompatible, features will continue to proliferate. The result will be less software re-use, redundant development of conversion software and hence increased cost and less interoperability of Information Technology applications that use simulation and visualization data.

2.8  Benefits
Today, simulation and visualization databases are created through a costly and time- consuming authoring process resulting in a very large platform-dependent database that supports a single application.  One goal of the SVFS standard is to enable reuse and sharing of such data and related tools between authoring systems, thereby eliminating the need to re-create each database from scratch and also enabling the creation of a market for lower-cost, shared simulation and visualization and their components.  The value of SVFS in this environment consists of its ability to access images and other graphical information efficiently in streamable environments where progressive display is advantageous.  This is especially critical due to the rapid evolution of the Internet.

2.9  Risk identification and mitigation
The key risks to the timely and successful development of SVFS are: 
a. Extended development-the standard must be developed within a specified time frame or the feasibility of continuing the work must be reexamined.
b. Overlap with external activities, especially external standards activities with their own (already fixed) scopes and schedules. Coordinated interoperability with non-SC24 standards, and GIS and Image Compression standards in particular, will be a long term goal of SVFS.
c. Excessive divergence from the de facto technology standard.
To mitigate these risks, the following risk reduction strategies will be used:
d. Joint development with the original designer of the standard (the SEDRIS Organization). This project will operate under the provisions of a Cooperative Agreement between JTC 1 and the SEDRIS Organization as approved by the ISO/IEC Council.
e. Close coordination with appropriate standards committees and use groups.
f. Goal of upward compatibility of any functional changes to that in the existing SEDRIS Specifications.

3  Programme of work / schedule

SC24 and the SEDRIS Organization who will work cooperatively to create and review both this NP and the Working Draft text that will accompany it propose the following schedule for SVFS Part 1:

* Cooperative Agreement
IGBT Synthetic Environments WG
1/1999

SEDRIS Organization Approval
6/1999

SC 24 Approval
6/1999

JTC 1 Approval
11/1999

ISO/IEC Council Approval
3/2000

* NP
IGBT Synthetic Environments WG
1/1999

SC 24 Approval
8/1999

JTC 1 Approval
12/1999

* Produce Initial Draft text
SEDRIS Organization
8/1999

* Editing Meeting to prepare FCD Text 
SVFS WG
8/2000

* Initiate FCD ballot
SC 24
9/2000

* Editing Meeting to prepare FDIS text 
SC 24
2/2001

* Initiate FDIS ballot
JTC 1
3/2001

* Publish IS
ITTF
9/2001

The other parts of the SVFS standard as well as the other three standards depend on SVFS Part 1 and will be initiated shortly after the Working Draft text has been submitted. The schedule for these other parts and standards are in the following schedule:

* Cooperative Agreement
IGBT Synthetic Environments WG
1/1999

SEDRIS Organization Approval
6/1999

SC 24 Approval
6/1999

JTC 1 Approval
11/1999

ISO/IEC Council Approval
3/2000

* NP
IGBT Synthetic Environments WG
1/1999

SC 24 Approval
8/1999

JTC 1 Approval
12/1999

* Produce Initial Draft text
SEDRIS Organization
11/1999

* Editing Meeting to prepare FCD Text 
SVFS WG
12/2000

* Initiate FCD ballot
SC 24
1/2001

* Editing Meeting to prepare FDIS text 
SC 24
6/2001

* Initiate FDIS ballot
JTC 1
7/2001

* Publish IS
ITTF
1/2002

NEW WORK ITEM PROPOSAL - PROJECT ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

Criterion
Validity
Explanation
A
Business Requirement
A.1
Market Requirement
Essential
X
SEDRIS, the base of SVFS, is used to interchange data between diverse proprietary simulation systems. SEDRIS was originally developed as a means of reducing the special programming needed to exchange simulation information between these proprietary systems. A typical use of SEDRIS is to exchange environment data created in one proprietary system for use in another.  One example is a training exercise that might require data from different countries such as the training of aircraft pilots going from one airport to another.  By working cooperatively with the SEDRIS Organization to transpose the SEDRIS specifications into International Standards, the long term stability and future growth of SEDRIS will be enhanced. Use of the SEDRIS is already established within the world-wide simulation and training community.  By transposing SEDRIS into an International Standard, the interoperability of expensively constructed environmental data will be enhanced.
Moreover some other scientific simulation systems will be developed using SVFS.

Desirable

Supportive

A.2
Regulatory Context
Essential

Desirable

Supportive

Not Relevant
X
SEDRIS is subject to no known Regulatory requirements.

B.
Related Work
B.1
Completion/Maintenance of current standards
Yes

This NP defines a series of documents which together form a complete se of new standards for SEDRIS technology.

No
X

B.2
Commitment to other organization
Yes
X
This NP represents the first several standards in a series that will create International Standards based on work initiated within the SEDRI Organization and transposed with the cooperation of JTC 1/ SC 24.  JT 1/ SC 24 and the SEDRIS Organization have already agreed to cooperate in this work and a Cooperative Agreement approved by both organizations is being submitted to ISO/IEC Council via JTC 1.

No

B.3
Other sources of standards
Yes

No
X
The directions for this question state that it addresses other known activities that "might be available to JTC 1 as PAS." While we believe that this is the first set in a series of standards to be developed in cooperation with the SEDRIS Organization, neither JTC 1/ SC 24 nor the SEDRIS Organization believes that the PAS process should be used for this work.

C.
Technical Status
C.1
Mature Technology
Yes
X
The prototype implementations of  SEDRIS, the base of SVFS,  has been proven to be an essential part of environmental data interchange. No sophisticated technologies are needed for implementation. Interoperability concerns with the prototype implementations are being addressed and will be resolved prior to CD. All other aspects of SEDRIS have proven to be both useful and effective.

No

C.2
Prospective Technology
Yes

No
X
This work is not anticipatory. The need is proven.

C.3
Models/Tools
Yes

No
X
This NP does not relate to the creation of supportive reference models or tools. The reference models already exist but a specification relating their use in SVFS will be created.

D.
Other Justification

Notes to Proforma

A.      Business Relevance. That which identifies market place relevance in terms of what problem is being solved and or need being addressed.

A.1.    Market Requirement. When submitting a NP, the proposer shall identify the nature of the Market Requirement, assessing the extent to which it is essential, desirable or merely supportive of some other project. 

A.2     Technical Regulation. If a Regulatory requirement is deemed to exist - e.g. for an area of public concern e.g. Information Security, Data protection, potentially leading to regulatory/public interest action based on the use of this voluntary international standard - the proposer shall identify this here.
 B.      Related Work. Aspects of the relationship of this NP to other areas of standardization work shall be identified in this section.

B.1     Competition/Maintenance. If this NP is concerned with completing or maintaining existing standards, those concerned shall be identified here.

B.2     External Commitment. Groups, bodies, or for external to JTC1 to which a commitment has been made by JTC for cooperation and or collaboration on this NP shall be identified here.

B.3 External Std/Specification. If other activities creating standards or specifications in this topic area are known to exist or be planned, and which might be available to JTC1 as PAS, they shall be identified here.

C.      Technical Status. The proposer shall indicate here an assessment of the extent to which the proposed standard is supported by current technology.

C.1     Mature Technology. Indicate here the extent to which the technology is reasonably stable and ripe for standardization.

C.2     Prospective Technology. If the NP is anticipatory in nature based on expected or forecasted need, this shall be indicated here.

C.3     Models/Tools. If the NP relates to the creation of supportive reference models or tools, this shall be indicated here.

D.      Any other aspects of background information justifying this NP shall be indicated here.