Frames, Menus, Toolbars

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In this section we provide an overview of each element of the Numerus interface. The section contains links to more detailed descriptions.

Frames

Nova has two frames, the Design Frame and the Runtime Frame. As these names suggest, the Design Frame provides tools for creating and building a Numerus model. Once this model is built, the Runtime Frame provides the means to control and view the running simulation, in addition to special analytical tools of particular use with numerical models.

Links are provided to detailed descriptions

Design Frame

Mainframe1.png
a. Launch Panel
Sets the simulation parameters and launches the model for execution;
b. Design Tabs
An accordion list[1] of tools for building models; each of these is discussed in detail elsewhere;
c. Model Canvas
Construction platform for component-based models;
e. Property Pane
Shows controls for specifying component properties;

Runtime Frame

RuntimeFrame.png
a. Simulation Toolbar
Buttons for running the simulation, viewing current time, and setting temporary simulation parameters;
b. Console
provides Interactive access to the Numerus runtime interpreter.
c. Analytical Tools
Available when parameters are used for parameter sweep, optimization, etc.
d. Dashboard
Contains controls and visualizing elements for use during simulation execution.
e. Runtime Parameter Table
Facilitates temporary parameter settings


Framesliders.png

The sections of these frames are separated by dividers (shown in black in the picture on the right) that can be shifted to expose more or less of one side or the other. Use these dividers as needed to create additional viewing space when using one of the panels.

Menus

Design Frame

File New Clears the system and creates a new project
Open Select and load project
Recent Files Shows recently opened project for selection
Reload Rereads the current project into Nova
Browse Model Library Opens a browsing window to allow selection of a project from the model library
New Project Window Opens a new empty design frame
Save Saves the current project
Save As Saves the current project, possibly in a new file
Import Capsule(s) Into Project Imports a selected project as a submodel
Export Current Capsule Exports currently viewed capsule (and any dependencies) for import into another project
Open Current Capsule as New Project Opens a new design frame with currently viewed capsule, as main level, and any dependencies
Preferences Opens User Preference dialog
Exit Exits program
Edit Cut Remove the currently selected components and copy to the clipboard
Copy Copy the currently selected components to the clipboard
Paste Paste contents of the clipboard to the model canvas
Delete Remove the currently selected components without copying
Select All Selects all components in the current capsule
Create Phantoms Adds phantom components corresponding to those currently selected
Duplicate Current Capsule(s) Copies and pastes currently selected capsules into the current project
Copy Current Capsule(s) Copies currently selected capsules
Paste Capsules(s) Pastes previously copied capsules into current project
Tools Load Parameters Select and load a parameter set
Edit Equations Opens the Component Equation Panel, which permits editing of all component equations on the current level
Capsule Program Displays a compact description of the model's equations
View Novascript Displays the Novascript implementation of the current project
Snap to Grid Realigns all components with the underlying model canvas grid.
Reset Zoom Returns design canvas zoom level to 0.
Documentation Opens the documentation panel.
Add Connector Initiates selection process for adding a dependency connector
Delete Connector Initiates selection process for deleting a dependency connector
Reset Connectors Re-evaluates connector state of the current capsule
Arrows On In this mode all arrows are visible.
Arrows Highlight In this mode only those arrows for the component under the mouse are visible.
Arrows Off In this mode no arrows are visible.
Connector Beads Visible/Invisible Exposes/Hides connector beads
Build Website Creates Website for current project (Full version only)
Window Displays all windows associated with current project
Help About Shows version number, etc.

Runtime Frame

File Save Output Saves graph/table data to CSV file and/or image of graph/table to PNG file
Close Closes runtime frame
Tools Reset Zoom Resets dashboard zoom level
View Novascript Displays the Novascript implementation of the current project
Window Displays all windows associated with current project
Help About Shows version number, etc.

Design Tabs

This accordion list[1] contains all of the tools needed to design models. Each item links to a page providing details.

Capsule List
The list of capsules used in the project, with controls to add and delete capsules, and the ability for reordering the list.
Components
The list of model components. These can be inserted into the model by dragging them onto the model canvas.
Displays & Controls
A similar list of display and control components.
Plugins
A similar list of plugins[2].
Code Chips
The list of code chips used in this model, with controls to add and delete code chips.
Misc Definitions
Reveals a second accordion list with tabs for Prelude, Global Functions, Global Variables/Constants and Local Methods.
Load Files
Reveals a second accordion with tabs for specifying JavaScript, TSV and CSV files to be loaded by the simulation.
Primitives
Reveals two lists (primitive operators and primitive properties). Right-clicking on any element of these lists will result in a pop-up window with a definition of the element.
Parameters
The list of parameter sets and parameters. Parameter sets can be created and parameters can be added or deleted.

Simulation Toolbar

Buttons

  • Reload: Rereads and reinitializes the simulation.
  • Reset: Resets the simulation to its initial state without reloading.
  • Run: Executes the simulation.
  • Stop: Halts the simulation in its current state.
  • Continue: Restarts the simulation, either from initial state or following a Stop.
  • Step: Executes a single step (elapsed time = 1 Dt).

Runtime Parameter Controls

Most can be edited for a given run. Their values are not saved.

  • Start: Model time at the start of the simulation.
  • End: Model time at the end of the simulation.
  • Dt: Time step (elapsed time for each simulation step).
  • Method: Integration method.
  • Current: Displays current model time (cannot be edited).
  • Speed: Controls execution speed.
  • Run: Displays number of executions since last reload (cannot be edited).

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 An accordion list is s graphical control element comprising a vertically stacked list of items, such as labels or thumbnails. Each item can be "expanded" or "stretched" to reveal the content associated with that item. There can be zero expanded items, exactly one, or more than one item expanded at a time, depending on the configuration.
  2. A plugin is a special component that can be included with a particular configuration of the software.