A visual simulation tool: Visual Solutions Inc. VisSim

Article Abstract:

VisSim, $1195, from Visual Solutions Inc (Westford, MA), is programming software that does block diagram modeling, simulation and real-time monitoring and control of nonlinear dynamic systems. VisSim combines an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) with mathematical integration techniques. It can simulate static, dynamic, linear, nonlinear, continuous, discrete and hybrid systems. It can be linked with real-time inputs and outputs via analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog boards to function as a hardware-in-the-loop system. VisSim does not use lines of code, but depends instead on its block diagram arrangement for its simulations. To avoid simulations that are crowded and therefore not comprehensible, VisSim uses compound blocks to simplify structure. Compound blocks can have many functions, but they look like single blocks with inputs and outputs. VisSim is easy to install and use. A VisSim development kit, which is offered separately, allows a user to incorporate C or Fortran code into a block diagram. The version of VisSim that was reviewed requires at least an 80286-based IBM-or-compatible microcomputer running Microsoft Windows 3.0.

Computer programming services, Mathematical models, Mathematical software, Computer simulation, Statistical software, Scientific software, Simulation, Statistical/Mathematical Software, Visual Solutions Inc., VisSim (Application development software)

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A neural-network-based tool

Article Abstract:

AIM 1.1, $1,500, a development tool from AbTech Corp of Charlottesville, VA, uses neural network techniques combined with statistical modeling to build mathematical models, or AIM Networks, of relationships in databases. To develop an AIM Network, a user starts with a database of examples in ASCII format. AIM divides the examples into two databases: one is a training set that generates the mathematical model; and the test set that is used to evaluate the model. After a model is generated, it can be automatically evaluated, interactively queried or coded in C. This program is so well-designed and easy to use that even a beginner can use it without any special training and with little need to reference the program's documentation. AIM 1.1 requires an IBM-or-compatible microcomputer with MS-DOS 3.3 or higher, 640 Kbytes of system memory and a hard drive with at least 2 Mbytes of storage. Apple Macintosh and Unix versions are available.

Computer networks, Neural networks, Network Models, Neural Network, AbTech Corp., AIM-PC (Expert system development software)

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Virtual instruments

Article Abstract:

National Instruments Corp's LabVIEW for Windows 2.5 program development software, $1,995, is excellent at bringing an icon-based programming environment for developing virtual instruments from the Apple Macintosh to PC-compatible microcomputers. Almost everything in the package works flawlessly. LabVIEW's tutorial is thorough and detailed, giving solid instruction on the use of the software's virtual instrument (VI) libraries. The VIs are nested and well-organized, providing icons that may contain sub-icons, which in turn may contain additional sub-icons. Creating the VIs is simple and fun, involving the creation of a measurement function and a front panel. One of the VIs lets the user build, for example, a spectrum analyzer; another VI is based on a VXI 5-1/2-digit multimeter connected to test points by a VXI crosspoint switch.

Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, National Instruments Corp., LabVIEW for Windows 2.5 (Program development software)

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