Computer simulation environment with output models and input models

A method for routing data in a computer simulation environment that comprises a plurality of output models that produce output data and a plurality of input models that utilize the output data, wherein one or more of the models step at a rate of multiple frames per step, the method comprising:

• when a selected output model of the plurality of output models finishes a step, copying the output data from an output buffer of the selected output model and sending the output data to an output queue;
• storing the output data in the output queue until a selected input model of the plurality of input models is ready to step a selected frame;
• and
• when the selected input model of the plurality of input models is ready to step the selected frame, copying the output data from the output queue into an input buffer of the selected input model;
• and
• maintaining the plurality of output models and the plurality of input models within a predetermined number of steps of each other.

A computing system for executing a computer simulation environment that comprises a plurality of output models that produce output data and a plurality of input models that are waiting for a portion of the output data from the plurality of output models, wherein one or more of the models step at a rate of multiple frames per step, the computing system comprising:

• a logic subsystem;
• and
• a storage subsystem comprising executable instructions that, in response to execution by the logic subsystem, cause the computing system to implement at least:
• a scheduler configured to, for each of the input models:
• determine if prerequisite data is available, wherein the prerequisite data comprises output data generated by one or more output models of the plurality of output models,
• on condition that the prerequisite data is available for the input model, step the input model;
• and
• maintain the plurality of output models and the plurality of input models within a predetermined number of steps of each other;
• and
• a router configured to:
• when a selected output model of the plurality of output models finishes a step, copy the output data from an output buffer of the selected output model and send the output data to an output queue,
• store the output data in the output queue until a selected input model of the plurality of input models is ready to step a selected frame, and
• when the selected input model of the plurality of input models is ready to step the selected frame, copy the output data from the output queue into an input packet buffer of the selected input model.