Frames, Menus, Toolbars
In this section we explain each element of the Nova interface.
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.
Design Frame
- a. Launch Panel
- Sets the simulation parameters and launches the model for execution;
- b. Design Tabs
- Menus containing 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;
- f. Parameter Table
- Manages sets of parameters used by the model.
Runtime Frame
- a. Simulation Control Toolbar
- Buttons for running the simulation 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
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 | |
| 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 Arrows | Recomputes arrows | |
| Documentation | Opens the documentation panel. | |
| 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 | Exposes connector beads | |
| Connector Beads Invisible | 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 "accordian list" contains all of the tools needed to design models. We present a summary below, with each tool described in detail in other sections.
Toolbars
Main toolbar
- The main toolbar duplicates functionalities found in menu items
Pallet toggles and contextual help
- The next three buttons toggle (open/closed) the Component, Plugin and Code Chip pallets; these pallets are discussed below; the fourth button enables/disables contextual help.
Simulation controls and execution/development modes
- Simulation controls: Capture, load, etc. for executing simulations
- Stats Selector: Enables use of R statistical package within Nova
- Timeline view: Timeline view allows forward/backward simulation execution.
- Automode: When enabled, cause automatic re-execution of simulation when an input parameter changes.
- Top-level capture: When checked, capture always occurs at the top level regardless of the current model level in view.
Execution toolbar
- Simulation Runtime: user-specified clock parameters and integration method; displays current model time during execution.
- Simulation Speed: determines real-time simulation speed.
Pallets
- Component Pallet: Select component for insertion onto model canvas. Components are described in Component Guide
- Plugin Pallet: Select plugin for insertion onto model canvas and/or dashboard. Plugins are described in Plugins
- Code Chip Pallet: Shows currently defined code chips for insertion onto model canvas. Code chips are described in Code Chips
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