goddard@CS.ROCHESTER.EDU.UUCP (02/19/87)
In mid-April we will be releasing a much improved version of the simulator. The Rochester simulator allows construction and simulation of arbitrary networks with arbitrary unit functions. It is designed to be easily extensible both in unit structures and user interface, and includes a facility for interactive debugging during network construction. The simulator is written in C and currently runs here on Suns, Vaxen and the BBN Butterfly multiprocessor (and should run on any UNIX machine). There is a graphics interface package which runs on a Sun under suntools, and is primarily designed for interactive display of the flow of activation during network simulation. The simulator is easy to use for novices, and highly flexible for those with expertise. We are now collecting names and addresses of people and sites interested in receiving a copy of the simulator when released in April. The preferred method for dissemination is via electronic mail, but we will also send tape and possibly disk copies. To get on the distribution list, send mail to costanzo@cs.rochester.edu giving your name and addresses (both physical and electronic). This address is for the distribution list ONLY, for other questions see below. It is possible that there will be some kind of minimal licensing agreement required, for a nominal fee. There are many papers, journal articles and technical reports which give an idea of the connectionist research and philosophy here at Rochester. A complete list of these is in "Rochester Connectionist Papers: 1979-1985", by Feldman, Ballard, Brown and Dell, Computer Science TR 172. For this or any other technical report, write to: Peggy Meeker Department of Computer Science University of Rochester Rochester, NY 14627 The previous version of the simulator with some documentation is availible immediately via electronic mail from me (see addresses below). However you are advised to wait for the April release, as the documentation will be much better. Any other questions about the simulator should also be addressed to me. Nigel Goddard goddard@cs.rochester.edu ...!seismo!rochester!goddard