Flexsim DS - Overview
Take advantage of networked computing resources for large-scale simulations, multi-user simultaneous collaboration, or virtual reality visualizations.
Technology
Flexsim DS incorporates the latest advances in 3D simulation software - from realistic VR environments to network collaboration. Learn more
Applications
The future of simulation is distributed. Find out how Flexsim DS will take you there. Learn more
Services
We can create custom installations, build distributed modeling environments, or set up virtual reality simulations. Learn more
Flexsim DS - Technology
Flexsim DS incorporates many state of the art technologies; an overview is given in the following sections.
Distributed simulation
Distributed models run on a network of interconnected computers - local or remote.
There are several standards for distributed simulations. High Level Architecture (HLA), is the most common and is backed by the US Department of Defense. Flexsim DS is currently interoperable with the HLA standard.
Collaborative Virtual Environments
CVEs allow collaboration and interaction of many participants, remote or local. Typical examples are distributed simulations, 3D multiplayer games, collaborative engineering software, etc. The applications are usually based on the shared virtual environment.
Because of the spreading of participants and communication latency, a data consistency model must be used to keep the data consistent.
Parallel computing
Most computer software has been written for serial computation - or for use on one processor. To solve a problem, an algorithm is constructed and implemented as a serial stream of instructions. These instructions are executed on a central processing unit on one computer. Only one instruction may execute at a time — after that instruction is finished, the next is executed.
Parallel computing, on the other hand, uses multiple processing elements simultaneously to solve a problem. This is accomplished by breaking the problem into independent parts so that each processing element can execute its part of the algorithm simultaneously with the others.
The processing elements can be diverse and include resources such as a single computer with multiple processors, several networked computers, specialized hardware, or any combination of the above.
High Level Architecture
High Level Architecture (HLA) is a general purpose architecture for distributed computer simulation systems.
Using HLA, computer simulations can communicate to other computer simulations regardless of the computing platforms. Communication between simulations is managed by a Run-Time Infrastructure (simulation) (RTI).
Distributed computing
In distributed computing a program is split up into parts that run simultaneously on multiple computers communicating over a network.
Distributed computing is a form of parallel computing, though parallel computing is most commonly used to describe program parts running simultaneously on multiple processor cores in the same computer.
Both types of processing require dividing a program into parts that can run simultaneously, but distributed programs often must deal with heterogeneous environments, network links of varying latencies, and unpredictable failures in the network or the computers. Flexsim DS has the underlying capabilities to support such environments.
Virtual reality
Virtual Reality describes a wide array of applications, commonly associated with its immersive, highly visual, 3D environments.
The development of CAD software, graphics hardware acceleration, head mounted displays, database gloves and miniaturization have helped popularize VR. In his book The Metaphysics of Virtual Reality, Michael Heim identifies seven different VR concepts: simulation, interaction, artificiality, immersion, telepresence, full-body immersion, and network communication.
Flexsim DS can be incorporated into any VR environment with a custom installation. Learn more
Applications of Flexsim DS
The applications of the Flexsim DS framework are many. Some of the most common applications are listed below.
Multi-user login
Many users can connect simultaneously to the system. They can merely observe the simulation, or they can interact with it, affecting the simulation as it plays out over time.
Multi-designer login
Similar to the multi-user login, many users can log in to a central simulation world. However, instead of playing a role within the simulation, users participate in the design of the model - interactively experimenting with and refining the simulation in a collaborative group effort.
Scalable models via combination
Link multiple simulation models on individual workstations into one combined model. By harnessing the power of many PCs combined simulation models can be many times larger than a standard simulation.
Multi-processing
By allocating non-overlapping computation tasks to linked workstations in a combined simulation, the computational load of a single simulation model can be parallelized.
Distributed visualization
Separating the processing of the simulation from the computation of the visual presentation provides an easy avenue to parallelism.
Extending this principle allows individual workstations to handle visuals that are specific to them, such as part of the scene, a view of the scene from a different angle or location, or a completely different informatic view of the simulation world.
Virtual reality & multi-displays
Flexsim DS can visualize scenes from many different viewpoints simultaneously. Each view will be from a different angle in the simulation world. When combined together in a composite display, Flexsim DS can create a 3D virtual reality environment in which the user can work and interact
Flexsim DS supports multi-frustrum displays. This term refers to the geometric space which corresponds to a particular view, requiring separate computation from other views.
Remote operation
Run simulations remotely via intranet and/or internet. The model can be visually represented on the user's station while it is actually being run on a remote workstation or cluster of PCs. The simulation run and parameters can be controlled remotely from the users station.
Classic agent models
Agent based simulation is a growing segment of our industry. Much can be learned about a system by programming individual agents with a set of behaviors and letting them interact independantly. Learn more
Agent models can be computationally intensive depending on the agent population size and the complexity of their behaviors. Flexsim DS is optimized to handle models with large numbers of interacting objects.
High fidelity agent models
These simulations model more sophisticated agent behavior, such as a human aircraft pilot. These types of complex behaviors are often referred to as artificial intelligence, or AI. These agents often represent real humans, taking an important role in a simulation.
Interoperability
Standardization of distributed simulation interfaces is important to ensure compatibility of distributed simulation models, especially within large organizations. The United States' DOD HLA is one such interface. Flexsim DS is designed to interface with the HLA standard.
Flexsim DS Services
Flexsim provides a whole range of services in relation to distributed simulation. We can integrate Flexsim DS into your current simulation ecosystem, help create feature-rich distributed applications, or train your engineers to work in-house with Flexsim DS.
Integration
No matter what your purpose for using distributed simulation, we can help get you set up and moving. Our engineers will get Flexsim DS working seemlessly in your VR environment, or working across your network or cluster. No matter what your setup is, we can make Flexsim DS work for you. Custom installations are our specialty.
Full model building
Let Flexsim partner with you to build your entire simulation model from start to finish. We can quickly create a powerful, sophisticated, and realistic model of your system.
Working closely with you allows our engineers to properly understand the concepts and constraints of your system. Working with us allows you to finish generally 2-4 times faster, and with a more advanced model, than most new users can produce. We call this a simulation win-win!
Realism
We can inject realism and artistry into your model. Our staff is well trained in 3D design and can add that extra touch that changes your model from analysis tool to marketing tool.
By creating custom animations, 3D shapes and textures, and dynamic lighting effects, our engineers can turn an ordinary simulation model into a virtual reality showcase. Let us take your model to the next level!
Training
We offer in-depth personal training to teach you the the ins and outs of Flexsim DS and distributed simulation.
You'll be trained by one of our top engineers specializing in distributed simulation.
Service rates
Projects can be contracted on an hourly basis, or bid as fixed-price, depending on our clients' needs. Fixed-price bids are based on time estimates and our service rates.
Contact us to request a bid or to retain our help on an hourly basis. Our most up-to-date service rates are available on request.
Recommended1 System Requirements
CPU |
Any modern2 Intel or AMD processor |
RAM |
3 GB RAM or more |
Graphics |
NVIDIA or ATI graphics |
OS |
Windows XP (32 bit) Windows Vista (32 or 64 bit) Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit) |
Additional Software |
.NET Framework 3 (required) Visual C++4 (optional) |
- Most desktop and laptop computers produced in the last few years will have no problems running Flexsim. However, for the best experience, we recommend at least the system specifications listed above.
- Produced after 2008. Some modern low power processors, such as Intel's Atom, have lower performance in highly demanding apps like Flexsim than mainstream desktop and notebook processors. Consequently, large simulations will take longer to complete on these low power CPUs.
- Flexsim uses functionality provided by Microsoft's .NET framework version 2.0 or higher. The .NET framework is already installed on most computers. It can be freely obtained from Microsoft Windows Update, or as a standalone download directly from Microsoft.
- Microsoft's Visual C++ can be used in conjunction with Flexsim to build compiled models or enhance system level functionality (OS, network, etc.). These features are optional, however. Flexsim does not require a compiler to build or run simulation models. Microsoft's Visual C++ Express Edition is a free download from Microsoft Corporation.
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Miscellaneous
