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version
for WindowsXP
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| Paths | Nodes | CSUs | Control-lights | Drawing tools | Metrolines | Vehicles | Timetables | Termini | Crosses | |
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Paths: Paths are sequences of line segments created by the user with the help of the mouse. Paths are the basis of the structure of any metroline model. Stations and nodes are interconnected by means of these paths. The direction of a path is the direction of when it was created: from the point of origin to the point of end. Paths can only be created in the modeller application. |
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Nodes: A node represents the point of junction of two or more paths. Nodes are created automatically, but only in the modeller application, that is, MetroModSim. Use the menu option 'Create->NetworkNodes' to create nodes. No node will be created in the end point of a path. Nodes of different types will look differently, to help the user detecting them in the network. |
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CSUs: Like most visual elements of the model, CSUs can be moved around with the mouse in order to be positioned in the appropriate coordinates of metro-stations and crosses. CSUs are, however, like floating objects over the structure of paths and nodes. Nodes within the radius of 'influence' of a CSU will receive the name of that CSU. It will be easy to know if a particular node was associated to a CSU or not. |
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Control-lights: Control-lights are modeled here as a pair of nodes connected by a special path (information path). The master node (in the origine of the information path) signals the slave node (of the end of the information path). This element needs more development, in the next versions of the simulator. |
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Drawing tools: Some very elemental drawing tools are included in the modeller's package, to help the user create a more detailed visual model: Help line: draws a dashed line. Contour line: draws a light green continuous line. Houses, Tunnel, Green and Water zones: draw polygons with different fill effects. Free text: allows the user to insert a one line text object. |
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Metrolines: In this modelling and simulation tool a metroline is considered a sequence of valid CSU nodes. Nodes other than of CSU type are ignored when the user builds, node by node, the metroline. Vehicles serving in a certain metroline will not stop at a CSU that doesn't belong to that metroline. Metrolines are created with the NewMetroline... (begin/end) command, accessed by means of a right-mouse-click over a node. |
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Vehicles: Vehicles are represented as coloured circles of the same colour of their metrolines. They are automatically generated and injected into the system during the simulation process. They are injected in the network following the timetables previously defined by the user at certain nodes (see bellow). Once injected, the vehicles will remain circulating in the system till the end of the simulation. |
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Timetables: A 'timetable' is automatically created in a 'node' for each 'metroline' using that 'node'. The ´timetable´ registers the departures from that 'node' (time and number of wagons). 'Timetables' are filled in dynamically as the simulation progresses in time. Vehicles are injected also through a 'timetable' object, configured by the user before simulation start. |
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Termini: Once a vehicle finds in its metroline a 'node-park' between the two consecutive nodes of a CSU, it will act as in the space of a 'terminus'. The 'node-park' to be used depends on the present occupancy of the terminus. The time spent moving in a 'terminus' is seen as manoeuvring (added to the inverting time of the metroline). This
element would need prolonged algorithm development in order to be updated
for modelling more complex termini operations.
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Crosses: All network crosses should be marked with a 'CSU-cross' element. The simulator uses this information in several algorithms. A 'CSU-cross' element, like the CSU, can be created by simply pressing a button in the main toolbar of the modeller application. Any nodes under a 'CSU-cross' will become CSU-nodes each time nodes are created in the model. |
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Contacts: J. Manuel Feliz-Teixeira emails: [email protected]; [email protected] urls: http://www.fe.up.pt/~feliz; http://geinsrv.fe.up.pt/feliz |