The Ansim directory is a collection of functions for MATLAB and a corresponding block for Simulink that are used to animate simple objects based on inputs from a Simulink model. Animation and setup are implemented in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment that allows the user to be hands off' the Simulink simulation.

Users have a choice of five object types that are available for animation: dot, line, patch, text and rectangle. Each of the objects has properties which can either be constant values or be dependent upon an input from the Simulink model. Any number of objects may be added, modified or deleted.

Other functionality that has been built in to the animation GUI includes the ability to control a number of axis parameters and the ability to save and load animation setups.

For a demonstration of the block, change to the ansim directory, and type ansimtest from the MATLAB command line. When the SIMULINK model appears, double click on the Animation Block. The Animation Figure Window will appear. You will then be prompted to see if you want to load a specific animation configuration file. Select the option to load the file and the setup will be completed. Edit objects by double-clicking on them, or just start the simulation and watch the animation.