From: doberman!mike (Mike Panzitta)
Subject: Simulation Kit Brings Continuous Simulation to the NeXT
Reply-To: doberman!mike@esunix.sim.es.com
Organization: Doberman Systems
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 92 05:35:20 GMT

Doberman Systems
2027 East Ashley Ridge Road
Sandy, Utah   84092-7260

Contact:
  Mike Panzitta
  801 944-4329
  doberman!mike@uunet.uu.net


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Simulation Kit Brings Continuous Simulation to the NeXT

SAN FRANCISCO, July 21, 1992-Doberman Systems today
announced the Simulation Kit, the first collection of
objects specifically developed for continuous system
modeling and simulation on the NeXT computer.  Coupled
with the NeXTSTEP application development
environment, the Simulation Kit provides the ideal
context for developing and analyzing object-oriented
simulations.  Unlike traditional methods, where the
model to be simulated is programmed procedurally from
derived equations, the object-oriented approach is
implemented directly from a block diagram
representation of the system.

Both academic and commercial users will find the
Simulation Kit to be a powerful yet easy-to-use tool for
modeling, analyzing, and teaching linear and nonlinear
continuous systems, numerical integration, and the
numerical solution of differential equations.  Typical
application areas are numerical analysis, engineering
systems (e.g. mechanical, electrical, thermodynamic,
and chemical), and control systems.  

The Simulation Kit includes Objective-C objects such as
processes, composite processes, simulations,
signals, and clocks.  Simulations are modeled by
connecting processes together with signals.  More
complex subsystems can be grouped together into
composite processes, which may then be manipulated and
used as a single process.  Commonly used processes such as
summers, gains, limiters, and Euler integrations are
included with source code; users can develop their own
processes by subclassing and using the provided sources
and documentation as a guide.

A typical use of the Simulation Kit can be illustrated by
simulating the motion of an automobile.  The car's
acceleration is determined by the pressure applied to
the accelerator by the driver, the slope of the road
(which depends on the location of the car), and the car's
drag (which increases with the vehicle's speed).  It is
known that the car's location and speed may be obtained by
successively integrating its acceleration.  From this
information, a block diagram composed of integrator,
gain, and summer blocks can be easily assembled.  These
process blocks and the signals that connect them are
implemented by Simulation Kit objects which are
organized in the same fashion as the block diagram. 
Information such as the car's position, velocity, and
acceleration may then be output as the car "moves"
through its virtual environment.  This approach to
modeling provides greater insight and intuition into
the behavior of the system and allows simple and rapid
modification of the simulation.

The Simulation Kit employs several advanced features
that are unavailable in other simulation packages. 
Multiple clocks allow simulations to contain "fast" and
"slow" subsystems.  Process prioritization permits
fine control over the execution of the simulation for
techniques such as cascaded integrations.

The Simulation Kit will be available in September 1992
for an estimated price of US$399 (US$99 academic). 
Objects, full documentation, and example source code
will be distributed on NeXT-compatible floppy disks. 
Technical support will be available by telephone or
electronic mail from Doberman Systems

Doberman Systems was launched in 1992 to develop
hardware and software solutions for the NeXT series of
professional workstations.  The firm is committed to
providing the highest quality products and services for
NeXT users and developers worldwide. 

Doberman Systems, the Doberman logo, and Simulation Kit
are trademarks of Doberman Systems.  NeXT and NeXTSTEP
are trademarks of NeXT Computer, Inc.  All other
trademarks mentioned belong to their respective
owners.

--
Mike Panzitta
Doberman Systems                                                        Member
doberman!mike@uunet.uu.net                 Salt Lake NeXT User's Group (SLNUG)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.software