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version
for WindowsXP
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| Simulation mode | Simulation toolbar | Initial messages | The model running | Circles Model ready | The Circles Model | Zooming, etc. | |
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Simulation mode: In order to simulate a model, one has to enter the 'simulation mode', by choosing the menu command 'Simulation->Start'. Once the application enters the 'simulation mode' the main toolbar is hidden and replaced by a simulation toolbar from where the process of simulation can be controlled. |
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The simulation toolbar: The simulation toolbar appears at the bottom-left of the simulator's window when the application enters the 'simulation mode'. Use the buttons of the simulation toolbar to play, pause, step-by-step and end the simulator's engine. You may also set some initial variables of the simulation process, like the time step for advancing the visual effects, the period of simulation, and the seed for the random numbers generator (see figure for details). |
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Initial messages: In reaction to the play button of the simulation toolbar, some initial messages appear, as well as the input of the number of vehicle resources available to the system (number of wagons). Then, the simulator enters the simulation loop, that is, the model is finally being simulated.
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The model running: While the model is running, you can see the Time advancing in the SimCtrl dialog, if this dialog is set visible. Notice that you may pause and play the simulation at any time by simply pressing the appropriate buttons in the simulation toolbar. If you want to change the initial conditions of the simulation, like the time step or the end time, you must first pause the simulation, change the values in the SimCtrl dialog, and then play again the simulation. |
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Circles Model ready: After starting the simulation process, a certain time is needed for the system to compute certain important variables, like the true distance of metrolines' circles, average speeds, etc. Only after that is it possible to display the 'Circles Model', and that will be signalled by the simulator with a message. You may then look at your metro network from another dynamic perspective. |
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The Circles Model: This is a novel dynamic representation of the metro network. It gives the user a sense of how balanced the overall system is performing. With the help of the 'Circles Model', one can easily estimate if the number of vehicles serving in a metroline is appropriate, or detect any problems of traffic, even some of those undetectable with the standard method of representation. |
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Zooming, etc.: Zooming in any places of the network is also possible during the simulation run, as well as inspecting and changing any elements' variables through its property box. The figure shows an example of a 'timetable' automatically generated in a node. Notice that it is also possible to create a logo file of the simulation, by enabling the proper button on the simulation toolbar in the beginning of the simulation process. |
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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 |