[mod.ai] Rochester Connectionist Simulator release in April

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