The client source represents the starting point of the movement of a client through the system. A simulation model can consist of one or more source elements. At a table-based source clients are not created based on inter-arrival times but the times are loaded from a database table.
The name of the database source element has no meaning for the simulation. At each database source next to the database connection settings the name of a database table from which the arrivals are to be loaded and the names of the row containing the arrival times (in seconds), the corresponding client types and optional a column for additional client data have to be specified. Additional the names of the client types which are to be respected when loading the database table have to be specified.
The client data column has to contain expressions of the form "ClientData(1)=5", "ClientData('key')=TextValue" or w=Formula. (Instead of w also t, p, wCosts, tCosts and pCosts are available.) If multiple assignments are to be made for an arriving client the expressions can be split by tabs in the cell.
See also the explanations on the help page for the table source station.
The client source represents the starting point of the movement of a client through the system. A simulation model can consist of one or more source elements. At a DDE table-based source clients are not created based on inter-arrival times but the times are loaded via DDE from a table.
The name of the Excel DDE source element has no meaning for the simulation. At a Excel DDE source the DDE connection settings (workbook, table, starting cell) via which the arrivals are to be loaded and the list of the client types for which client arrivals are to be loaded from the table have to be specified.
Format of the table:
Tables to be used at a Excel DDE source element have to consist of at least two columns.
The first column has to contain the time stamps of the individual client arrivals
or the inter-arrival times. The values represent the number of seconds since the
start of the simulation or since the last client arrival.
In the second column the client type names of clients which arrive at the times
noted in the first column are defined. Rows containing a client type which is
not in the client types list in the table source element are ignored.
All optional further columns have to contain expressions of the following form:
Using these expression new client objects can get client-specific data directly.
Any number of edges can be inserted into an exit element, but no edges run out of this element. The exit represents the last station of a client in the queue system. At this station, the client leaves the system, and no further processing is possible thereafter. All the ways of the client have to end in such an element.
The name of the exit element has no further meaning for the simulation.
The exit element can be defined as an emergency exit: In this mode, the simulation is aborted as soon as a client arrives at the station.
The multi source represents the starting point of the movement of a client through the system. A simulation model can consist of one or more source or multi source elements.
The name of the multi source element has no meaning for the simulation.
Per individual sub source the following settings can be made:
Per sub source a name for the client type of the clients to be generated has to be defined. The dialog consists of a number of tabs which allow to setup the different properties of the client source:
With respect to the inter-arrival times, it is possible to determine whether these should be determined according to a distribution, according to an expression, on a schedule, by a release condition, a threshold value, by one or multiple signals, by a number of arrivals per interval, by inter-arrival times per interval or by fixed numerical values representing arrival times or inter-arrival times.
A batch size larger than 1 can be used to specify that, per arrival, not a single client, but several clients should arrive at the same time. It is possible to set up the same number of clients per arrival (fixed batch size) or a distribution of the rates according to which the respective sizes of the arrival batches are to be determined. In case of batch arrivals, the inter-arrival times refer to the distances from one batch to the next. If, for example, batches of each 3 clients arrive with an average inter-arrival time of 2 minutes, one client arrives every 40 seconds on average.
In the general case, a source element generates constantly arrivals according to the inter-arrival time distribution until the total number of clients in the simulation has been reached or the simulation has been terminated by an expression. But it can also be defined that the source element stops generating clients after a specified number of clients. Alternatively, a maximum number of clients to be generated can be specified. If no batch arrivals are used, the number of arrival events equals the number of clients. For batch arrivals, more clients will arrive than there are arrival events.
In the default case the source elements starts generating arrivals immediately after starting the simulation. By defining some other start time the client generation (e.g. the first inter-arrival time before the first client arrival) will start at a later point of time.
When generating arrivals with specific inter-arrival times (defined by a distribution or a calculation expression), the first inter-arrival time normally starts at the start time. The actual first arrival is then at start time+inter-arrival time. The option First arrival at time 0 can be used to set the first arrival to occur directly at the start time.
On this tab client variable assignment to variables like ClientData(nr) can be setup. These assignments are applied to each client created by this source.
On this tab client text assignments like key:=value can be setup. These assignments are applied to each client created by this source.
It can be set whether all sub-sources should be active at the same time, i.e. the multiple source acts as if it consists of several individual, independent client sources, or whether the sub-sources should be used in turn. In the second mode, the inter-arrival times for the sub-sources has to be consistently defined via probability distributions or calculation expressions.
Optionally, a limit for the number of clients to be generated in sum over all partial sources can be set.
If a large number of client types is to be used in a model, this function can be used to load several client types from a table. Each table line contains the data for one client type.
The first column specifies the name of the client type, the second the definition of the inter-arrival times. Thereby the inter-arrival times can be defined either by a calculation expression or by the definition of a distribution. The format of the distributions is documented in the pdf document "Distribution XML reference for Warteschlangensimulator". These two columns can be followed by any number of additional columns with the following contents:
Additionally a assignment, that can be made at a Table source, can be used.
Any number of edges can be inserted into an exit element, but no edges run out of this element. The exit represents the last station of a client in the queue system. At this station, the client leaves the system, and no further processing is possible thereafter. All the ways of the client have to end in such an element.
A Save and exit element stores the data of the individual clients in a table before they leave the system. Tables generated in this way can be used at table sources stations to use the clients who left the current system as an input stream in another model.
For a Save and exit element, a file must be specified where clients are to be recorded before leaving the system.
The name of the exit element has no further meaning for the simulation.
The exit element can be defined as an emergency exit: In this mode, the simulation is aborted as soon as a client arrives at the station.
The tables created at this station can be converted into normal tables via the Process output table dialog.
The client source represents the starting point of the movement of a client through the system. A simulation model can consist of one or more source elements.
The name of the source element also defines the names of the clients who originate from it. The dialog consists of a number of tabs which allow to setup the different properties of the client source:
With respect to the inter-arrival times, it is possible to determine whether these should be determined according to a distribution, according to an expression, on a schedule, by a release condition, a threshold value, by one or multiple signals, by a number of arrivals per interval, by inter-arrival times per interval or by fixed numerical values representing arrival times or inter-arrival times.
A batch size larger than 1 can be used to specify that, per arrival, not a single client, but several clients should arrive at the same time. It is possible to set up the same number of clients per arrival (fixed batch size) or a distribution of the rates according to which the respective sizes of the arrival batches are to be determined. In case of batch arrivals, the inter-arrival times refer to the distances from one batch to the next. If, for example, batches of each 3 clients arrive with an average inter-arrival time of 2 minutes, one client arrives every 40 seconds on average.
In the general case, a source element generates constantly arrivals according to the inter-arrival time distribution until the total number of clients in the simulation has been reached or the simulation has been terminated by an expression. But it can also be defined that the source element stops generating clients after a specified number of clients. Alternatively, a maximum number of clients to be generated can be specified. If no batch arrivals are used, the number of arrival events equals the number of clients. For batch arrivals, more clients will arrive than there are arrival events.
In the default case the source elements starts generating arrivals immediately after starting the simulation. By defining some other start time the client generation (e.g. the first inter-arrival time before the first client arrival) will start at a later point of time.
When generating arrivals with specific inter-arrival times (defined by a distribution or a calculation expression), the first inter-arrival time normally starts at the start time. The actual first arrival is then at start time+inter-arrival time. The option First arrival at time 0 can be used to set the first arrival to occur directly at the start time.
On this tab client variable assignment to variables like ClientData(nr) can be setup. These assignments are applied to each client created by this source.
On this tab client text assignments like key:=value can be setup. These assignments are applied to each client created by this source.
The client source represents the starting point of the movement of a client through the system. A simulation model can consist of one or more source elements. At a table-based source clients are not created based on inter-arrival times but the times are loaded from a table.
The name of the table source element has no meaning for the simulation. At a table source the file name of the table from which the arrivals are to be loaded and the list of the client types for which client arrivals are to be loaded from the table have to be specified.
If a table is to be used directly without preprocessing at a table source, the meaning of the table columns has to be configured via the dialog that can be called up via the gearwheel symbol to the right of the input field for the file name of the table. In case of a preprocessed table this is not necessary.
Format of a preprocessed table:
Tables to be used at a table source element have to consist of at least two columns.
The first column has to contain the time stamps of the individual client arrivals
or the inter-arrival times. The values represent the number of seconds since the
start of the simulation or since the last client arrival.
In the second column the client type names of clients which arrive at the times
noted in the first column are defined. Rows containing a client type which is
not in the client types list in the table source element are ignored.
All optional further columns have to contain expressions of the following form:
Using these expression new client objects can get client-specific data directly.
Hint: The button to the right of the table file input line can be used to open the Prepare table for table source dialog, where tables in normal column form can be converted to tables in the format described above.
When passing a delay element, the clients are delayed for a specific time period which can be determined by means of a distribution function or an expression. There will be no further processing on the clients.
The name of the delay element has no further meaning. The distribution or the expression of the delay times can be used to determine how long the individual clients have to wait while passing the element. A global distribution or expression, which is always applied when no client-type-specific data are defined, and optionally an individual distribution or expression can be specified for each client type.
If clients are to be released via an external script element for further movement through the system before the delay time has elapsed, it must be activated via the corresponding checkbox that a corresponding list for script access should be provided. The provision of this list slows down the simulation, even if it is not accessed.
If a large number of client types with different settings is to be used at a station, this function can be used to load several client type settings from a table. Each table line contains the data for one client type.
The first column specifies the name of the client type, the second the definition of the corresponding times. Thereby the times can be defined either by a calculation expression or by the definition of a distribution. The format of the distributions is documented in the pdf document "Distribution XML reference for Warteschlangensimulator".
When passing a delay element, the clients are delayed for a specific time period which can be determined by means of a distribution function or an expression. There will be no further processing on the clients.
The name of the delay element has no further meaning. The return value of the script code is used to determine the delay time each time a client arrives.
The script code can contain any Javascript or Java commands as well as some special Javascript commands or special Java commands for accessing the simulation system. As return value (to be output by Output.print()) a numerical value which denotes the delay time in seconds is expected.
If clients are to be released via an external script element for further movement through the system before the delay time has elapsed, it must be activated via the corresponding checkbox that a corresponding list for script access should be provided. The provision of this list slows down the simulation, even if it is not accessed.
The process station is the central element of each simulation model. In an process station, clients wait for an operator to become available and then are served by this operator for a certain time. Clients whose (optional) limited waiting time tolerance has been exceeded will cancel waiting without having been served. An operator (also optionally) can go into a post-processing time after serving a client, before he is again ready to serve the next client.
It can be stated that, instead of one operator, several operators are optionally required from several different groups to serve a client.
Additionally it can also be set up that clients are not served individually, but in groups. In this case, the necessary numbers of operators refer to operating a whole group.
The name of the process station element has no further meaning.
On this dialog page, the probability distribution or the expression for the clients's processing times can be set. Optionally, an individual distribution or expressions can be defined for each client type.
Note on individual processing times and batch processing:
In principle, individual client processing times and the simultaneous operation of several clients
(of possibly different types) contradict each. Nevertheless, this can be used in the simulation.
In this case, an processing time according to the predefined distribution is determined for each
client type contained in the batch. This processing time then applies to all clients in the batch
of client's type. The resources are seized until the maximum of the processing times for all
clients included in the batch is reached.
On this dialog page, additional times between the service processes of clients of the same or - which is usually the case - of different types can be defined. These setup times, which are optional for each client type transition, can be defined each using either a probability distribution or an expression.
Note on setup times and batch processing:
Setup times and batching cannot be used at the same time at one process station.
A process station with setup times can serve clients which are temporary or
permanently batched but creating batches directly at the process station is
not possible in this case, because the simulator would not be able to determine
which setup time is in charge in this case.
The optional post-processing times can be used to specify a probability distribution or an expression according to which the operator will require additional time after the client has been served before they are available to process the next client. Optionally, an individual distribution can also be set for each client type.
Note about individual post-processing times and batch processing:
In principle, individual client post-processing times and the simultaneous operation of several clients
(of possibly different types) contradict each. Nevertheless, this can be used in the simulation.
In this case, an post-processing time according to the predefined distribution is determined for each
client type contained in the batch. The resources are seized until the maximum of the post-processing times
for all clients included in the batch is reached.
If the clients are only willing to wait for a limited period of time, a waiting time tolerance (based on a distribution or on an expression) is determined for each client according to the waiting time tolerance distribution (globally or optionally individual per client type). If this time is exceeded, the client cancels waiting and leaves the system without being served.
If more than one client is waiting and an operator is available, the client to be served next is determined by the priorities. The client with the highest priority will be served next. "w" indicates here the client's previous waiting time at the current station. (In all other cases "w" is the total waiting time of the current client.) This means that the formula "w" for the priority results in a first-in-first-out queue. "-w" would result in a last-in-first-out system.
The batch size indicates how many clients can be operated simultaneously by an operator. Obviously, the minimum batch size can not be larger as the maximum batch size. If both values are identical, a fixed batch size is obtained. If the minimum batch size is actually smaller than the maximum batch size, after waiting for this minimum number of waiting customers, a millisecond is still waited to see if further customers arrive. Then at least as many clients as before (= minimum batch size) and at most as many of the waiting clients as the maximum batch size are served.
In the default case, the service order is determined via the priority formulas (which can be set individually for each client type). However, this can lead to very frequent changes of the client type. If setup times are used at an process station when changing the client type, it may be desirable to serve as many clients of one type as possible in succession. This can be achieved by activating the campaign mode. In this case, the evaluation of priorities is divided into two parts: First, an attempt is made to select the client with the highest priority for service among the clients of the same type, as in the case of the last client served. If no client of the same type as the type of the last served client is waiting, the priority formula-based search is extended to all waiting clients.
Note on variable batch sizes in the simulation:
Clients are basically moving through the queueing network as individual objects.
As a result, when a variable batch size is used, the client group operation would theoretically always
start with the minimum batch size. - Even if the next client of the virtual batch would arrive immediately.
In order to accommodate this fact, the simulator waits a millisecond after the arrival of a client, which
increases the number of waiting clients to the minimum necessary batch size, so as to allow the addition
of further directly incoming clients to the batch.
Note on batch service and campaign mode:
A batch consists of several clients; the clients are arranged into service batches according to their priorities.
This means in particular that clients of different types can be in one batch. Therefore, batches cannot
be combined with the campaign mode, which requires that there is a unique type for the last served client.
To operate a client (or a client batch) several operators from several groups can be required. The operation starts only if all necessary operators are available at the same time and all can be seized simultaneously. Additionally alternative group setups can be defined. All groups of one setup have to be available in order to start the service of a client. The alternatives will be checked for availability in the defined order.
The resource priority can be used to determine the priority of this process station when a resource which is necessary for processing the clients at this station becomes free. Larger values mean a higher priority, or a higher probability, that this process station gets the appropriate resources if there are multiple process stations that need the same resource.
On this page, you can optionally set the costs incurred by the clients. This are costs of the process station. For the waiting, transfer and operating times costs per client can be defined in the clients settings for each client type. Also the costs for allocation and availability of the resources can be defined in the resource settings.
If a large number of client types with different settings is to be used at a station, this function can be used to load several client type settings from a table. Each table line contains the data for one client type.
The first column specifies the name of the client type, the second the definition of the corresponding times. Thereby the times can be defined either by a calculation expression or by the definition of a distribution. The format of the distributions is documented in the pdf document "Distribution XML reference for Warteschlangensimulator".
The assign string element assigns one or more text values to keys of all clients passing this element.
The name of the type assign string element has no further meaning for the simulation. For each assignment a non-empty key has to be choosen. The value can optionally be an empty string.
The optional condition allows an assignment to be made only under certain conditions, when a client passes the station.
If clients pass through this station with a time interval of 0 seconds, they are counted as a batch. The counting is done on a batch basis as well as differentiated by batch sizes.
The counter name defines the name under which the results are to be recorded in the statistics.
The client statistics elements allows to switch statistics recording for the current client on or off.
The name of the client statistics element has no further meaning. In the element has to be set up if the recording is to be switch on or off for the clients passing this element.
If a client passes this element, some waiting, transfer and process time costs can be added to the statistics. In addition, costs due to the station itself can be recorded, too.
The name of the cost element has no further meaning. The defined clients costs are recorded in the clients element of the client who passes the station. Additionally, costs can be specified which are recorded for the station itself.
The optional condition allows an assignment to be made only under certain conditions, when a client passes the station.
If a client passes through this element, the associated counter is incremented by one. In this way, it is possible to measure how many clients have chosen a specific path in the simulation model.
In addition to the name of the counter, a group name for the counter has also to be specified. Next to the respective absolute value, the proportion of the counter within its respective group will be indicated in the statistics.
If a client passes through this element, the associated counter is increased or decreased by a certain value. The minimum value of the counter is 0. If several difference counters have the same name, they share the same counter object.
The name of the element specifies the counter object, which is to be changed by the element by the specified value when a client passes the element. The minimum and, at the same time, start value of each counter is 0.
By using sections the residence time of a client in some segment of the model can be measured. A client passing through this station is immediately forwarded to the next station. However, leaving the station is not recorded in the station statistics, so from the station statistics point of view the client is still at this station. Only when the client moves through an appropriate Leave section element it will be virtually removed from the station.
Stations of this type must have a name which allows them to be addressed by Leave section elements to signal that the client has now left the section.
By using a Leave section element, an Enter section element can be told that a client has left the model segment under consideration.
The name of the Leave section element has no further meaning for the simulation. The name of the Enter section station from which the client should be discharged while passing through this element has to be specified. If the client has not passed the associated Enter section element before, no processing will occur.
If a client passes through this element, depending on different conditions the value of one counter is incremented by one. In this way, it is possible to measure how many clients have chosen a specific path in the simulation model. A multi counter works like a decision by expression element followed by some normal counter elements.
The name of the multi counter element has no meaning for the simulation. By choosing a common group name for the counters in the statistics not only the absolute values of the counters will be reported but also the relative part of each counter in its group. If a client passes through this element, the given expressions will be checked one after each other. The value of the counter for the first fullfilled condition will be increased by one. If non of the conditions it met, the counter for the "else" case will be increased.
If a client passes through this element, variable assignments defined via a Javascript or Java programm are executed.
The name of the Script element has no further meaning. The script commands to be executed are defined in Javascript or Java. Next to the default Javascript or Java commands some additional Javascript commands or additional Java commands are available for accessing the simulation data.
The Javascript or Java based variable assignment allows maximum flexibility, but takes a comparatively long computing time. A faster option for assigning variables is using the Variable element.
If a client passes through this element, the associated system state is set in the statistics. By using multiple state statistics elements it can be recorded how long the system was in which state.
In addition to the name of the element, a group name for the state has also to be specified. Next to the respective absolute value, the proportion of time the system was in the specified state according to all states om the group will be indicated in the statistics.
If a client passes through this element, the associated counter is incremented by one and the current time is recorded. In this way, it is possible to measure the client throughput per time unit through this element.
The name of the throughput element has no further meaning for the simulation itself. But a name has to be specified for the element because the measured throughput is displayed using this name in the statistics.
The type assignment element assigns a new client type (for the statistics) to the clients who are passing this element.
The name of the type assignment element is at the same time the client type that all clients who pass through this element receive.
The optional condition allows an assignment to be made only under certain conditions, when a client passes the station.
If a client passes through this element, the variable assignments defined in this element are executed. In all other elements in which expressions are evaluated, especially in the Condition element, these variables can be accessed.
Initial all variables are set to 0. By using assignments like a:=a+1 counters can be realized.
The name of the variable element has no further meaning. The assignments are processed in the order in which they are defined in the element when a client passes the element.
By using the pseudo variables "w", "t" and "p" you can access the waiting time, the transfer time and the process time of the current client (each on second base) for reading and for writing. Additionally you can write to a client object data field by using "ClientData(index)" as target variable.
The optional condition allows an assignment to be made only under certain conditions, when a client passes the station.
The Javascript element allows to define more complex assignment. On the other side the Javascript element will need much more computing time to be executed during simulation.
The Balking element checks if clients are waiting at the next process station reachable on the direct way. In this case the condition (which may contain random expressions depending on some client properties) is evaluated. If the condition is true, the client will balk to enter the queue and leaves the Balking element by the connection which is intended for this case.
The name of the Balking element has no further meaning for the simulation. The entered expression will be evaluated if there is a queue of waiting clients on the next process station and determines if the client is willing to enter the queue or if he is balking to do so. As expression a condition or a balking probability can be entered. The value can also be set up global or by client type.
This element allows to forward the incoming clients to several different possible output directions. The branching can be carried out according to the following criteria:
The forwarding probabilities in the various possible output directions need not be given in the form of probabilities which have to sum up to 1, but it is sufficient to specify rates. These rates are automatically normalized by the program to probabilities. The following prerequisites apply: The rates may not be negative and at least one of the specified rates has to be greater than 0.
For each existing direction, a condition has to be specified under which the clients are routed in this direction. The conditions do not have to be mutually exclusive and are tested from top to bottom. No condition can be specified for the last direction. This direction is selected in the simulation whenever none of the previous conditions were true.
For each direction, a client type has to be specified whose clients are routed in this direction. No client type can be specified for the last direction. This direction is selected in the simulation whenever none of the previous conditions were true.
A clients key from which the values are to be read has to be specified. Additionally for each direction, a value has to be specified. If the client key has this value the client is routed in this direction. No value can be specified for the last direction. This direction is selected in the simulation whenever none of the previous conditions were true.
Additionally client types for each outgoing edges can be defined which will be assigned to the clients leaving the station.
This element allows to forward the incoming clients to several different possible output directions by using Javascript or Java code.
The script code can contain any Javascript or Java commands as well as some special Javascript commands or special Java commands for accessing the simulation system. As return value (to be output by Output.print()) a numerical value which denotes the exit to choose (1-based) is expected.
Any number of edges can go into a duplicate element. All client who arrive at the element via these edges are passed on over the several possible outgoing edges. If several edges run out of the element, the client object is duplicated and a similar object is passed over each edge.
The name of the duplicate element has no further meaning. Additionally client types for each outgoing edges can be defined which will be assigned to the clients leaving the station.
This element is used to stop incoming clients until a signal arrives on which they are released. Corresponding signals are generated if a clients passes a Signal element.
The name of the barrier element has no further meaning. You have to specify a least one Signal element that signals the release of clients waiting here. The number of waiting clients which are released at an incoming signal can be set up as well as if the release should act on all client type or on only one client type. Furthermore, a number of clients who are allowed to pass the barrier before the counting begins can be defined. If a signal arrives while no client is waiting, it is possible to specify whether this signal should be saved for a client who is then to be released immediately later, or whether it should be discarded.
When the condition element is passed, the clients are stopped until the defined condition is fulfilled.
The name of the condition element has no further meaning. If clients are in the queue, the system checks whether the condition is fulfilled. If yes, the client with the highest priority is released. After a (simulation time) millisecond the next check is performed and, if necessary, the next client is released. It can be set whether the condition is to be considered globally (without the option of using client-specific variables) or whether the condition is to be interpreted on a client-specific basis (including the option of using client-specific variables). In the case of a global interpretation, the condition is evaluated only once; if it is not fulfilled, processing is completed in this step. In the case of a client-specific interpretation, the condition is evaluated individually for each waiting client in each step (which will take a longer time). If the condition contains values that can change independently of events (e.g. the simulated time), it may is necessary, to activate the option "Do additional time-based condition checks". In this case, the value of the condition is additionally checked in certain time intervals. How long these intervals are can be configured in the Model properties dialog. Additional time-based checks significantly slow down the simulation and should only be activated if this is for the condition necessary.
This element allows to hold and forward the incoming clients by using a Javascript-based or Java-based condition.
The script code can contain any Javascript or Java commands as well as some special Javascript commands or special Java commands for accessing the simulation system.
If the condition contains values that can change independently of events (e.g. the simulated time), it may is necessary, to activate the option "Do additional time-based condition checks". In this case, the value of the condition is additionally checked in certain time intervals. How long these intervals are can be configured in the Model properties dialog. Additional time-based checks significantly slow down the simulation and should only be activated if this is for the condition necessary.
When a multi condition element is passed, a client ist stopped until for an outgouing edge the corresponding condition is met. The client is send in the direction where the condition is fulfilled.
The name of the multi condition element has no further meaning. If clients are in the queue, the system checks whether the conditions are fulfilled. If yes, the next client is released in the direction of the fulfilled condition. After a (simulation time) millisecond the next check is performed and, if necessary, the next client is released. If the condition contains values that can change independently of events (e.g. the simulated time), it may is necessary, to activate the option "Do additional time-based condition checks". In this case, the value of the condition is additionally checked in certain time intervals. How long these intervals are can be configured in the Model properties dialog. Additional time-based checks significantly slow down the simulation and should only be activated if this is for the condition necessary.
Pull barriers allow to control the number of clients in some segment. he pull barrier will only release clients to the next station, if the total number of clients beginning at this next station to another (controlled) stations is smaller than a threshold value. This allows to run some pull effect on the controlled station: If there are fewer clients at the controlled station than the threshold value allows at maximum and there are also not enough clients at the next station following the pull barrier to fill up the queue at the controlled station, then clients are released from the pull barrier station.
The name of the pull barrier element has no further meaning. The name of the station at which the number of clients is to be controlled has to be specified and also the maximum number of clients at this controlled station.
In a release resource element resources, that have von previously seized by a Seize resource element, are released again.
The three elements Seize resource, Delay and release resource in this order therefore work together similar to a process station element.
The name of the release resource element has no further meaning. But it is necessary to specify which Seize resources should work together with this element. In addition, a time span can be specified between the arrival of a client at the station and the release of the resources. If such a time period has been defined, the client will already have left the release element when the relevant resources are actually released.
If a large number of client types with different settings is to be used at a station, this function can be used to load several client type settings from a table. Each table line contains the data for one client type.
The first column specifies the name of the client type, the second the definition of the corresponding times. Thereby the times can be defined either by a calculation expression or by the definition of a distribution. The format of the distributions is documented in the pdf document "Distribution XML reference for Warteschlangensimulator".
In order for a client to be able to pass this element, appropriate resources have to be available, which are seized by the movement of the client through the element but are not released again.
The resources have to be released later by a Release resource element.
The three elements Seize resource, Delay and release resource in this order therefore work together similar to a process station element.
The seize resource element needs a name because the Release resource elements for this resources need to refer to the element.
In order to forward a client may several operators from several groups are required. The client is only relased if all the necessary operators are available at the same time and all can be seized simultaneously.
The resource priority can be used to define the priority of this element when a resource that is necessary at this station becomes free. Larger values mean a higher priority or a higher probability that this element receives the corresponding resources if there are several stations that need the same resource.
In addition, a maximum waiting time can be specified (timeout value). If this has elapsed for a client, he leaves the station via the second exit edge without any resources being allocated.
If a client passes a signal element, the signal corresponding to the name of the element is triggered. Barrier elements can be notified by such a signal and can release waiting clients.
The name of the signal element is also the name of the signal that is triggered when a client passes the element. In addition, a time period can be set by which the triggering of the signal is to be delayed after a client arrival. If no delay time is set, the event is triggered as soon as a client arrives at the station.
In this element, incoming clients have to wait until a certain number of clients are available. These are then forwarded simultaneously or a temporary or a permanent batch is built.
The name of the batch element has no further meaning. The minimum and the maximum batch size can be used to set the number of clients that have to have arrived at minimum at the batch element before they are forwarded (in batches with maximum the number of specified clients). Furthermore, it can be set whether the combined clients simply leave the station again (at the same time), or whether a temporary batch (which can be dissolved by the Dissolve batch element) or whether the route through the network ends for the clients ends at this point (because the two clients, for example, represent partial components that are combined into a larger element) and instead a new client object is created and started from this point.
If the incoming clients are connected to a temporary or a permanent batch, it can be set whether and if so in which way the recorded time durations (waiting time, service time, ...) as well as the user-defined data fields of the individual clients are to be transferred to the batch object.
Batch sizes have to be positive integer numbers. Calculation expressions for the batch sizes can also be specified. If these contain variables or functions that are only valid in the simulation context, these are evaluated onceb> at the start of the simulation. This means that the batch sizes set at a station do not change during a running simulation.
The match element has two or more inputs. If a client is present at each of the inputs, they are forwarded simultaneously at the same time or a temporary or a permanent batch is built. If clients are only present at one input line, they have to wait until clients have also arrived at the other input lines. In addition, a restriction can be made to only match clients in which a particular client data field has the same numeric or text value and a condition which has to be met for matching clients can be defined.
The name of the match element has no further meaning. For the match element it can be set whether the combined clients simply leave the station again (at the same time), or whether a temporary batch (which can be dissolved by the Dissolve batch element) or whether the route through the network ends for the clients ends at this point (because the two clients, for example, represent partial components that are combined into a larger element) and instead a new client object is created and started from this point. Additionally a client data field can be defined to be used for matching and a condition which has to be met for matching clients can be defined.
If the incoming clients are connected to a temporary or a permanent batch, it can be set whether and if so in which way the recorded time durations (waiting time, service time, ...) as well as the user-defined data fields of the individual clients are to be transferred to the batch object.
In this element, incoming clients have to wait until a certain number of clients are available. These are then forwarded simultaneously or a temporary or a permanent batch is built. In contrast to the Batch station, you can configure at this station per client type how many clients are to be combined in which way.
The name of the batch element has no further meaning. The minimum and the maximum batch size can be used to set the number of clients that have to have arrived at minimum at the batch element before they are forwarded (in batches with maximum the number of specified clients). Furthermore, it can be set whether the combined clients simply leave the station again (at the same time), or whether a temporary batch (which can be dissolved by the Dissolve batch element) or whether the route through the network ends for the clients ends at this point (because the two clients, for example, represent partial components that are combined into a larger element) and instead a new client object is created and started from this point. Clients for whose type no batch formation rule is defined will pass the station without further delay.
If the incoming clients are connected to a temporary or a permanent batch, it can be set whether and if so in which way the recorded time durations (waiting time, service time, ...) as well as the user-defined data fields of the individual clients are to be transferred to the batch object.
Batch sizes have to be positive integer numbers. Calculation expressions for the batch sizes can also be specified. If these contain variables or functions that are only valid in the simulation context, these are evaluated onceb> at the start of the simulation. This means that the batch sizes set at a station do not change during a running simulation.
If a client passes this element, a client is also taken from the queue of another element and forwarded along the new path together with the current client or a temporary or a permanent batch is built with the current client.
The name of the pick up element has no further meaning. By specifying a process station, a condition or a barrier element, you can select from which queue the client, who is to be forwarded together with the current client, should be picked up. You can specify whether the current client, if there is no client in the queue of the other element, is to be forwarded alone, or whether the client will wait until another client is present in the other queue. Furthermore, it can be set whether the combined clients simply leave the station again (at the same time), or whether a temporary batch (which can be dissolved by the Dissolve batch element) or whether the route through the network ends for the clients ends at this point (because the two clients, for example, represent partial components that are combined into a larger element) and instead a new client object is created and started from this point.
If a batch moves through this element, the batch is dissolved into the individual clients from which it is made. Corresponding batches can be created in the elements Batch, Match and Pick up.
The name of the separate element has no further meaning.
If a client arrives at a Split station, its live cycle ends there just like at an Exit-Element. Therefore one or more new clients are generated just like at a einer Multi source element.
The name of the split element has no meaning for the simulation.
Per individual sub source the following settings can be made:
Per sub source a name for the client type of the clients to be generated has to be defined. The dialog consists of a number of tabs which allow to setup the different properties of the client source:
A batch size larger than 1 can be used to specify that, per arrival, not a single client, but several clients should arrive at the same time. It is possible to set up the same number of clients per arrival (fixed batch size) or a distribution of the rates according to which the respective sizes of the arrival batches are to be determined.
On this tab client variable assignment to variables like ClientData(nr) can be setup. These assignments are applied to each client created by this source.
On this tab client text assignments like key:=value can be setup. These assignments are applied to each client created by this source.
Independently of the settings per partial sub source, it is possible to set that the numeric and text-based client data should be transferred from the source client to the newly generated clients.
If a large number of client types is to be used in a model, this function can be used to load several client types from a table. Each table line contains the data for one client type.
The first column specifies the name of the client type, the second the definition of the inter-arrival times. Thereby the inter-arrival times can be defined either by a calculation expression or by the definition of a distribution. The format of the distributions is documented in the pdf document "Distribution XML reference for Warteschlangensimulator". These two columns can be followed by any number of additional columns with the following contents:
Additionally a assignment, that can be made at a Table source, can be used.
The assign sequence element assigns a the to the clients who are passing this element an production planning sequence. The sequence is used at the Transport origin elements to determine the transport destination of the clients.
The name of the assign sequence element has no further meaning. However, a production plan sequence has to be selected which is assigned to the clients who pass this element.
A conveyor delays all arriving clients for a fixed time. Additionally a conveyor has a limited capacity and each arriving client can need a different amount of this capacity. Clients for which there is not enough free transport capacity will need to wait in a queue.
The name of the conveyor element has no further meaning for the simulation. For each conveyor an available transport capacity and a needed capacity for transporting a single client (optional per client type) can be defined. Transporting a client along the conveyor will take some defineable fixed time. This means a client cannot overtake another client on the conveyor. Additionally the movement direction of the clients on the conveyor during the animation can be set up.
Teleport transports allow to timeless transport a client from a teleport transport source to a teleport transport destination. In contrast to normal transports, this is not about modeling a clients's actual transport (which may takes a certain amount of time and requires some resources), but to keep the model clear. If a client enters a teleport transport source, he is immediately transported to the specified teleport transport destination. Start and end points can be located in different places in the model; unlike a transport over an edge, no connection line between start and finish is drawn.
A Decide and Teleport station combines the functions of a einer Decide station with a Teleport transport source station: In a first step, the client object is branched into several directions. Then the client object is sent to the selected destination via a teleport transport.
The branching can be carried out according to the following criteria:
The forwarding probabilities in the various possible output directions need not be given in the form of probabilities which have to sum up to 1, but it is sufficient to specify rates. These rates are automatically normalized by the program to probabilities. The following prerequisites apply: The rates may not be negative and at least one of the specified rates has to be greater than 0.
For each existing direction, a condition has to be specified under which the clients are routed in this direction. The conditions do not have to be mutually exclusive and are tested from top to bottom. No condition can be specified for the last direction. This direction is selected in the simulation whenever none of the previous conditions were true.
For each direction, a client type has to be specified whose clients are routed in this direction. No client type can be specified for the last direction. This direction is selected in the simulation whenever none of the previous conditions were true.
A clients key from which the values are to be read has to be specified. Additionally for each direction, a value has to be specified. If the client key has this value the client is routed in this direction. No value can be specified for the last direction. This direction is selected in the simulation whenever none of the previous conditions were true.
Teleport transports allow to timeless transport a client from a teleport transport source to a teleport transport destination. In contrast to normal transports, this is not about modeling a clients's actual transport (which may takes a certain amount of time and requires some resources), but to keep the model clear. If a client enters a teleport transport source, he is immediately transported to the specified teleport transport destination. Start and end points can be located in different places in the model; unlike a transport over an edge, no connection line between start and finish is drawn.
A Duplicate and Teleport station combines the functions of a einer Duplicate station with a Teleport transport source station: In a first step, the client object is divided into several similar objects (always with the same data). Then the client objects are sent to all destinations configured in the station simultaneously.
The name of the teleport transport source element has no further meaning for the simulation. However, the names of Teleport transport destination station are to be configured to define to which stations the arriving clients are to be transported. The list of destination names also specifies how many copies of the client object are to be created. Individual destinations can also be selected multiple times; in this case, multiple client objects are sent to the respective destination.
If there is no station requesting a transporter after it has reached its destination station the transporter will stay at the destination station. If the transporter is requested later it will may have to move a far distance to the requsting origin station. A parking lot station can requst a transporter just like a origin station. But the transporter will not be loaded at a parking lot; it will just stay there and wait. The advantage of using parking lots is that a parking lot can be much closer to a origin station. So if a transporter already waiting at a parking lot is requested by an origin station the travel distance may be much shorter.
The name of the parking lot element has no further meaning. The Transporter type drop down box allows to define which type of transporters is to be attracted by the parking lot station. The Parking lot capacity defined the maximum number of transporters which can wait at the station. The Priority for requesting free transporters should always be smaller than the priority for requesting free transporters of origin stations. Otherwise free transporters will head to parking lots instead of moving to origin stations where they are needed for transporting.
Teleport transports allow to timeless transport a client from a teleport transport source to a teleport transport destination. In contrast to normal transports, this is not about modeling a clients's actual transport (which may takes a certain amount of time and requires some resources), but to keep the model clear. If a client enters a teleport transport source, he is immediately transported to the specified teleport transport destination. Start and end points can be located in different places in the model; unlike a transport over an edge, no connection line between start and finish is drawn.
The teleport transport destination elements are identified by their names when transporting clients from a teleport transport source element to a teleport transport destination element.
Teleport transports allow to timeless transport a client from a teleport transport source to a teleport transport destination. In contrast to normal transports, this is not about modeling a clients's actual transport (which may takes a certain amount of time and requires some resources), but to keep the model clear. If a client enters a teleport transport source, he is immediately transported to the specified teleport transport destination. Start and end points can be located in different places in the model; unlike a transport over an edge, no connection line between start and finish is drawn.
The name of the teleport transport source element has no further meaning for the simulation. However, the name of a Teleport transport destination to which the arriving clients are to be transported has to be specified.
The transport destination elements can be used a target stations when transporting clients from a transport origin element. There is no need for a connection edge between the transport origin element and the transport destination element for routing clients from the origin to the destination.
The transport destination elements are identified by their names when routing clients from a transport origin element to a transport destination element.
A transport origin element allows to transport a client to any transport destination element. How much time is needed for the transport and to which transport destination element the client is transported can be set up in the transport origin element. There is no need for a connection edge between the transport origin element and the transport destination element for routing clients from the origin to the destination.
The name of the transport origin element has no further meaning.
On the dialog page Transport times one can define how long the transportation of a client will take. The transport times can be defined by a probability distribution or by an expression. Additionally it can be set up if the transport time should be recorded as waiting time, transfer time (default) oder process time.
On the dialog page Routing destinations target stations for transfering the clients can be registered. Conditions or client types can be specified for the transport destinations. Alternatively the clients sequence or a clients text property can be used to determine the transport destination.
On the dialog page Needed resource a resource which is needed to transport the client to the destination station can be selected. Next to the type of the resource the quantity of operators from the resource needed to transport one client can be defined. Additionally a delayed release time can be set up. If a delayed release is selected the resource will not be released immediately after arrival of the client on the destination station but some time later. This can be used to model the return time of the resource to the origin station.
On the dialog page Leave section optionally an enter section station can be specified. When the transport of the client starts, the corresponding section will be left.
A transporter start element allows to transport a client to any transport destination element. How much time is needed for the transport and to which transport destination element the client is transported can be set up in the transporter start element. There is no need for a connection edge between the transport origin element and the transport destination element for routing clients from the origin to the destination. In comparison to the transport origin element at a transporter start element no resources (which do not have a physical location) are used but transporters which move between the stations.
The name of the transporter start element has no further meaning.
On the dialog page Transporter, it is possible to specify which type of transporter is to be used to pick up for waiting clients, how many clients have to wait before a transporter is being requested, and what priority the transporter start element should have when requesting transporters. Furthermore, even without waiting clients, transporters can be requested, which then park in the element. Again, a priority and maximum capacity can be specified.
On the dialog page Routing destinations target stations for transfering the clients can be registered. Conditions or client types can be specified for the transport destinations. Alternatively the clients sequence or a clients text property can be used to determine the transport destination.
On the dialog page Priorities a priority for waiting clients to get a place in an arriving transporter can be defined. The variable "w" indicates here the client's previous waiting time at the current station. (In all other cases "w" is the total waiting time of the current client.)
On the dialog page Leave section optionally an enter section station can be specified. When the transport of the client starts, the corresponding section will be left.
Way points are visited by transporters during the animation on their way from an origin to a destination station. They have no meaning for the simulation itself.
For each way point can be set on which routes from which origin to which destination station they are to be visited.
Node:
Creating paths by editing the way point settings directly is very expensive.
To simplify this process the paths editor
which can be accessed via the context menu of a way point can be used.
If a client passes through this element, a numerical value is read from a file and assigned to a variable. The reading position then is moved by one line. If a client is reaching the end of the file, different actions can be processed.
The name of the input element has no further meaning for the simulation. You need to set up the name of the input file to be read, the intended behavior at the end of the file and the name of the variable where the value is to be assigned to.
By using the pseudo variables "w", "t" and "p" you can access the waiting time, the transfer time and the process time of the current client (each on second base) for reading and for writing. Additionally you can write to a client object data field by using "ClientData(index)" as target variable or a text to a client-based key by using "ClientData('key')".
The Input (JS) element allows to define more complex processings of the input values. On the other side the Javascript programs to be executed with the input values will need much more computing time to be executed during simulation.
If a client passes through this element, a numerical value is read from a database table and assigned to a variable. The reading position then is moved by one line. If a client is reaching the end of the file, different actions can be processed.
The name of the input element has no further meaning for the simulation. Next to the database connection settings, the table and the column to load the intended behavior at the end of the file and the name of the variable where the value is to be assigned to have to be specified.
By using the pseudo variables "w", "t" and "p" you can access the waiting time, the transfer time and the process time of the current client (each on second base) for reading and for writing. Additionally you can write to a client object data field by using "ClientData(index)" as target variable or a text to a client-based key by using "ClientData('key')".
If a client passes through this element, a numerical value is read via DDE from an Excel table and assigned to a variable. The reading position then is moved by one line. If a client is reaching the end of the file, different actions can be processed.
The name of the input element has no further meaning for the simulation. Next to the DDE connection settings the intended behavior at the end of the file and the name of the variable where the value is to be assigned to have to be specified.
By using the pseudo variables "w", "t" and "p" you can access the waiting time, the transfer time and the process time of the current client (each on second base) for reading and for writing. Additionally you can write to a client object data field by using "ClientData(index)" as target variable or a text to a client-based key by using "ClientData('key')".
If a client passes through this element, a numerical value is read from a file and make available in an user-defined Javascript or Java program.
The name of the input element has no further meaning for the simulation. You need to set up the name of the input file to be read, the intended behavior at the end of the file and the script to be executed. The script commands to be executed are defined in Javascript or in Java. Next to the default Javascript or Java commands some additional Javascript commands or additional Java commands are available for accessing the simulation data.
The script based variable assignment allows maximum flexibility, but takes a comparatively long computing time. A faster option for assigning variables is using the Input element.
If a client passes through this element, some definable status information are written to an output file.
The name of the output element has no further meaning. The name of the file to which the data is to be written can be specified using the filename field. Multiple data can be written for each client event whose order and values can be defined via the table rows in the setting dialog of the output element.
The Output (JS) element allows to define more complex output formats for the simulation data. On the other side the Output (JS) element will need much more computing time to be executed during simulation.
If a client passes through this element, some definable status information are written to a database table.
The name of the Output (DB) element has no further meaning. One has to specify settings to connect to the database and the name of a table in the database into which the information are to be written. Multiple data can be written in different table columns for each client event. Each client arrival adds a new row the database table.
If a client passes through this element, some definable status information are written via DDE to an Excel table.
The name of the Output (DDE) element has no further meaning. One has to specify the DDE connect settings. Multiple data can be written in different table columns for each client event. Each client arrival adds a new row the table.
If a client passes through this element, some definable status information are written to the log output. If loggig is not activated, no output will happen.
The name of the output element has no further meaning. Multiple data can be written for each client event whose order and values can be defined via the table rows in the setting dialog of the output element.
If a client passes through this element, some status information definable via a Javascript or a Jaava program are written to an output file.
The name of the output element has no further meaning. The name of the file to which the data is to be written can be specified using the filename field. The script commands to be executed are defined in Javascript or in Java. Next to the default Javascript and Java commands some additional Javascript commands or additional Java commands are available for accessing the simulation data.
The definition of script defined output allows maximum flexibility, but takes a comparatively long computing time. A faster option for writing out simulation data is to use the Output element.
If a client passes through this element, the values of one or two user-defined expressions are recorded to the statistics. If one expression is given, the values will be presented as a line diagrame. On two expressions a X-Y points diagram will be created.
The data will be recorded in the statistics under the name of the data recording element. At least one expression whose values are to be recorded has to be specified. The second expression is optional.
The Do element always forwards clients to the next station. It is used as the starting point of loops and as jump target for Until stations.
The name of the station has no meaning for the simulation.
The Else element forwards the clients either to the directly following station or to the next EndIf station depending if the condition on the previous If or ElseIf element was fulfilled or not. This allows to implement a graphical flow control similar to classical programming languages.
The name of the station has no meaning for the simulation.
The ElseIf elements forwards the clients either to the directly following station or to the next ElseIf, Else or EndIf station depending if the condition on the previous If or ElseIf element was fulfilled and if the condition on this station is fulfilled. This allows to implement a graphical flow control similar to classical programming languages.
The name of the station has no meaning for the simulation. The next station for forwarding the clients to is selected by the given condition.
The EndIf element ends a flow control chain started with an If element.
The name of the station has no meaning for the simulation.
The EndWhile element ends a loop started by a While element. The client will be routed to the While element. The While element checks if the condition is still fulfilled. If not, the client will be routed to the element following the EndWhile element. Otherwise the loop will be executed another time.
The name of the station has no meaning for the simulation.
The If element forwards clients depending on a condition either to the directly following station (if the condition is fulfilled) or to the next ElseIf, Else or EndIf station. This allows to implement a graphical flow control similar to classical programming languages.
The name of the station has no meaning for the simulation. The next station for forwarding the clients to is selected by the given condition.
The Until element ends a loop started by a Do element. The client will be forwarded to the Do element again, as long as the condition is not yet fulfilled.
The name of the station has no meaning for the simulation. The next station for forwarding the clients to is selected by the given condition.
The While element forwards clients depending on a condition either to the directly following station (if the condition is fulfilled) or to the next EndWhile station. This allows to implement a graphical flow control similar to classical programming languages.
The name of the station has no meaning for the simulation. The next station for forwarding the clients to is selected by the given condition.
The element contains a value which changes by a rate over the time. The value and the rate can be changed during run time by a Change analog value element.
If a minimum and a maximum value for the analog value are defined, the fill level is drawn in the element shape.
The name of the analog value element has no further meaning for the simulation. Next to the initial value, the initial change rate and an optional minimum and maximum value one can specify how often the discreet simulation should be informed about the change of the continuous value.
If a client passes this element, in one or more Analog value and Tank elements new values and change rates will be set up.
The name of the analog value element has no further meaning for the simulation. In the element can be set up which values and rates will be changed in which element.
A flow is a connection between two Tanks (or to be more precise between two valves at two different tanks). Or between the flow source and a tank or between a tank and a flow destination.
A flow defines how many unit are to be transported from the source to the target or how long the flow is to be active.
The flow will be activated by a client passing through the element.
The name of the flow element has no further meaning for the simulation. For each flow, a source and a destination have to be specified. It is also necessary to define how long the flow should be active. The duration of activity can be defined as a time span, a flow quantity or by a stop signal.
A flow is a connection between two Tanks (or to be more precise between two valves at two different tanks). Or between the flow source and a tank or between a tank and a flow destination.
A flow defines how many unit are to be transported from the source to the target or how long the flow is to be active.
The flow will be activated by a signal.
The name of the flow element has no further meaning for the simulation. For each flow, a starting signal has to be specified. Additionally a source and a destination have to be specified for each flow and it is also necessary to define how long the flow should be active. The duration of activity can be defined as a time span, a flow quantity or by a stop signal.
A sensor element triggers a signal just like a Signal element. But in constrast to the signal element the signal ist not triggered on a client arrival but when a threshold value at a connected Tank element is exceeded or underflowed.
The name of the sensor element is also the name of the signal that is triggered when the condition is matched. As condition, either the exceeding or falling below a certain threshold value in a tank can be used.
The element contains a value which can change over the time. Each tank contains one or more valves. Flows (see Flow and Flow (Signal) elements) can be connected to the valves.The valves define how much of the content of the tank can flow per time unit, the flows define how much is to be transported or how long the flow should be active.
In contrast to the Analog value elements the value of a tank can never be negative and always has an upper limit (the capacity of the tank).
It is not necessary to connect a flow to a valve at all times. If a flow is connect to a valve, it will be served directly. If several flows are connect, only one flow will be served at any one time. Only when the first time flow has been processed, the next is activated. This means multiple flows will not share the available flow rate of a valve.
The name of the tank element has no further meaning for the simulation. Next to the capacity, the initial value and the valves with their maximum flow per time unit one can specify how often the discreet simulation should be informed about the change of the continuous value.
If a client passes through this element, the maximum flow of one or more valves at some Tank elements is changed.
The name of the valve setup element has no further meaning for the simulation. One can specify any number of valves which are to be set to a new maximum flow.
If a client passes an alarm element in animation mode, a user-defined sound is played. In simulation mode, an alarm element does not perform any actions.
The name of the alarm element has no further meaning for the simulation. It can be set under with conditions a sound is to be played and which sound file or system sound should be played when a client reaches the station in animation mode.
An analogue scale display element makes it possible to display the current value of an expression on an analogue measuring scale by positioning the pointer.
The name of the simulation time element has no further meaning. In addition to the calculation expression to be evaluated, the maximum value of the scale must be specified. In addition, a yellow and a red range (typically with values just below the maximum) can optionally be specified. The corresponding ranges are then displayed marked in color on the scale.
In the animation image element, several images can be specified which are displayed during the animation of the model depending on certain conditions.
The name of the animation image element has no further meaning. You can define a condition for each picture. The list of images and conditions is always processed from top to bottom during the animation. The image corresponding to the first fulfilled condition is displayed. If none of the specified conditions is true, the last image in the list (to which no condition can be specified) will be displayed.
The icon element assigns a new animation icon to the clients who pass this element.
The name of the icon element has no further meaning. The icon, which is to be assigned to the clients who pass this element, can be selected via the icon selection field.
The optional condition allows an assignment to be made only under certain conditions, when a client passes the station.
An LCD display element allows to display the current value of an expression in the form of a 7 segment display with an adjustable number of digits. Only the integer part of the value is output.
The name of the LCD display element has no further meaning. In addition to the expression to be evaluated, the number of 7 segment digits to be displayed and the color of the active segments can be set.
The simulation data as a text element allows to display data in text form during the animation of a model. The results of a script will be displayed.
The script code can contain any Javascript or Java commands as well as some special Javascript commands or special Java commands for accessing the simulation system.
Stations of the type "Show recorded data" allow to display the values recorded at a Data recording station during animation. The diagram type (line diagram or X-Y points diagram) is chosen automatically from the type of the data recording station (one or two values).
The name of the data recording display element has no further meaning. For displaying data a corresponding data recording element has to be chosen. Additional the number of data points to be displayed can be configured. (The most recent data will be displayed.)
The simulation data as a bar element allows to display the value of an expression in the form of a dynamically sized bar during the animation of a model. Each computable expression can be displayed (which includes the functions for determining queue lengths at individual stations as well as access to all user-defined simulation variables). For classical simulation, the simulation data elements are without further meaning.
The name of the simulation data element has no further meaning. For the expression to be displayed, a range can be set which the bar should represent.
The simulation data as a stacked bar element allows to display the values of multiple expressions in the form of a dynamically sized bar consisting of multiple segments during the animation of a model. Each computable expression can be displayed (which includes the functions for determining queue lengths at individual stations as well as access to all user-defined simulation variables). For classical simulation, the simulation data elements are without further meaning.
The name of the simulation data element has no further meaning. For the sum of the expressions to be displayed, a maximum value can be set otherwise the segments are scaled to fill the entry bar area.
The simulation data as a text element allows to display data in text form during the animation of a model. Any computable expression can be displayed (which includes the functions for determining queue lengths at individual stations as well as access to all user-defined simulation variables). The output is in text form on the drawing surface. For classical simulation, the simulation data elements are without further meaning.
The name of the simulation data element is displayed on the drawing area directly above the value. You can select whether the element should display the current simulation time or any computable expression. If an expression is displayed, the numerical value can also optionally be displayed as a percentage (i.e., 70% instead of 0.7).
A simulation data bar chart allows you to display the value of one or more expressions in the form of a bar chart during the animation of a model. All computable expressions can be displayed (which includes the functions for determining queue lengths at individual stations as well as access to all user-defined simulation variables). For classical simulation, the simulation data elements are without further meaning.
The name of the simulation data bar chart element has no further meaning. For the expressions to be displayed in the bar chart, any valid expressions can be used; additional a value range can be set.
A simulation data line chart allows you to continuously display the value of one or more expressions in the form of a continuously updated line graph during the animation of a model. All computable expressions can be displayed (which includes the functions for determining queue lengths at individual stations as well as access to all user-defined simulation variables). For classical simulation, the simulation data elements are without further meaning.
The name of the simulation data line chart element has no further meaning. For the expressions to be displayed in the line chart, any valid expressions can be used; a value range can be set for each expression.
A simulation data pie chart allows you to continuously display the relationship of several values to each other as a pie chart during the animation of a model. For classical simulation, the simulation data elements are without further meaning.
The name of the simulation data pie chart element has no further meaning. For the expressions to be displayed in the bar chart, any valid expressions can be used.
The simulation data traffic lights element allows to display the value of an expression during the animation in the form of a traffic light, which distinguishes two or three states. Each computable expression can be displayed (which includes the functions for determining queue lengths at individual stations as well as access to all user-defined simulation variables). For classical simulation, the simulation data elements are without further meaning.
The name of the simulation data traffic lights element has no further meaning. In the case of a traffic light with three lights, the evaluation is carried out from the top to the bottom: The condition for the yellow light is only checked if the condition for the red light is not already fulfilled.
The simulation time element allows to display the current simulation time (or any other seconds-based value) in form of an analogue clock during animation. For classical simulation, the simulation data elements are without further meaning.
The name of the simulation time element has no further meaning. For the expression to be displayed in the clock any expression the simulation can calculate can be used.
The text by simulation data element allows to display different strings depending on some conditions. Any computable expression can be used as a condition to select as string (which includes the functions for determining queue lengths at individual stations as well as access to all user-defined simulation variables). The output is in text form on the drawing surface. For classical simulation, the simulation data elements are without further meaning.
The name of the simulation data element is displayed on the drawing area directly above the conditional string. You can define any number of conditions and strings and also one default string which is displayed, if non of the conditions apply.
Furthermore, you can set whether some special HTML and LaTeX symbols should be interpreted accordingly.
"Button" elements are not connected to the regular flow of clients. They can only be used during animation and will trigger one or more action when they are clicked.
These action types can be triggered by an "Button" element:
The name of the "Button" element has no further meaning for the simulation. In each "Button" element any number of actions can be defined. The actions will be executed if the button is clicked during animation.
"Checkbox" elements are not connected to the regular flow of clients. They can only be used during animation for adjusting the value of variables.
The name of the "Checkbox" element has no further meaning for the simulation. In each "Checkbox" element the name of the variable to which values are to be assigned has to be specified. Additionally the value which should be applied when activating and unactivating the checkbox during the animation have to be specified.
If a client passes a pause animation element in animation mode, the animation is paused. In simulation mode, a pause animation element does not perform any actions.
The name of the station has no meaning for the simulation. The conditions under which the station is to act as a breakpoint for the animation can be set.
"Radiobutton" elements are not connected to the regular flow of clients. They can only be used during animation for adjusting the value of variables.
The name of the "Radiobutton" element has no further meaning for the simulation. In each "Radiobutton" element the name of the variable to which values are to be assigned has to be specified. Additionally the value which should be applied when clicking the radiobutton during the animation has to be specified.
"Slider" elements are not connected to the regular flow of clients. They can only be used during animation for adjusting the value of variables.
The name of the "Slider" element has no further meaning for the simulation. In each "Slider" element has to specify the name of the variable and the range in which its to be changed when the element is clicked during the animation.
Connection edges always run in a straight line from the output component to the target component. In order to be able to present the sequences more clearly, connection vertices can be used. One or more edges can run into a connecting vertex, and one edge can - if necessary in a different direction - run out of the connecting vertex. In this way, paths can be optically deflected.
Connection vertices have no properties. Also, a connection vertex can not get a name.
Description texts have no function for the course of the simulation and serve only for the optical design of the model (for example, for labeling partial components, transitions, etc.).
In addition to the text itself, a font family and a font size can also be set for each description text element.
Furthermore, you can set whether some special HTML and LaTeX symbols should be interpreted accordingly, whether formatting should be performed according to the Markdown symbols #, ##, ###, * and ** and whether the LaTeX symbols _{...}, ^{...}, \frac{...}{...} and \binom{...}{...} are to be interpreted.
The line, the rectangle and the ellipse element are only used for the optical design of the model and have no significance for the simulation.
The name of the ellipse element has no further meaning.
Images are only for the optical design of the model and have no significance for the simulation.
Images can also be dragged directly to the canvas by drag&drop.
The name of the image element has no further meaning.
The line, the rectangle and the ellipse element are only used for the optical design of the model and have no significance for the simulation.
The name of the line element has no further meaning.
Notes have no meaning for simulation or animation. Notes are only used for the user to record important comments about the model.
An overview of all notes available in the model can be accessed via the Notes menu item in the model menu.
In addition to the text itself, the icon which is used for displaying the note on the drawing surface can be selected.
The line-, the ellipse and das rectangle Element are only used for the optical design of the model and have no significance for the simulation.
The name of the rectangle element has no further meaning.
"Action" elements are not connected to the regular flow of clients. "Action" elements trigger different actions when some conditions are matched.
These action types can be triggered by an "Action" element:
The name of the "Action" element has no further meaning for the simulation. In each "Action" element any number of actions can be defined. Each action consists of a trigger (a condition to be fulfilled, an exceeded threshold value or a signal) and some action to be executed (see above).
The reference element allows to use the settings from some other element. If a client passes the reference element the processing which would happen if the client would have passed the element to which is referenced is done.
The name of the reference element has no further meaning for the simulation. An element from which the settings are to be used has to be specified.
If a client passes through this element, some user-definable statistic information are recorded.
The name of the user-defined statistic data element has no further meaning. Each user-defined statistic data element can contain any number of records describing which information is to be recorded when a client passes through this station. The recording can take place in the form of discrete values (standard case) or continuously over time. If actual client characteristics (such as waiting times, etc.) are to be recorded, the values are discrete. Continuous recording only makes sense if the arrival of a client at the station is to be used to record the change in a value that does not necessarily have anything to do with the respective client.
In the default case, one statistics entry is created per data record, in which the data of all clients passing through the station is recorded. However, a client type-specific recording can also be set. In this case, an individual data record is created for each client type that passes through the station, the name of which is composed of a specified data record name and the name of the client type.
This element can contain a complete sub model, which is only visible as a single element in the main model. In this way, partial components can be encapsulated and the model can be kept visually clear.
The name of the sub model and the description for the sub model have no further meaning for the simulation. The number of input and output edges into and out of the sub model can be defined. The incoming and outgoing edges are visible in the sub model as connecting elements to the superordinate model.