Numeric displays

Use a numeric display object to show the current value for a model variable at each time period (DT). Numeric displays are useful for getting a precise reading of what's going on in the model as a simulation unfolds.

When you add a numeric display to your model, you define it by associating it with a model variable. Then, select how you want the variable's value to be displayed and whether or not you want the variable's name to appear. You can also choose to include a navigation arrow on the numeric display.

To place a numeric display on the diagram

1. From the Build toolbar, click the numeric display tool.

2. Click the diagram to add the numeric display.

   

3. Position the numeric display and size it as desired.

4. In the Numeric Display Settings tab of the Properties panel, select the variable you want displayed.

5. Tell me how

   Choose a variable in one of the following ways:

   • In the Variable box, begin typing the name of the variable you want to add. A list of matching variables will appear. Click the variable you want, (or arrow to it) and press Enter.
   • Click the Find icon at the top of the Properties panel and begin typing the name of the variable you want to add. A list of matches will appear. Drag the name you want to the Variable box.
   • Ctrl-drag (⌘-drag on Mac) directly from the model to the Variable box.
6. With the numeric display selected, choose numeric display options and set the object styles from the Properties panel.

For more information about placing and editing numeric displays, see Working with Objects.

Note: You can choose to have the name of the associated variable shown on the numeric display, but you can't otherwise define or edit the numeric display's name.

To define a numeric display

1. Open Numeric Display Properties for the numeric display that you want to define.

2. Select the variable that you want to associate with the numeric display.

   Choose a variable in one of the following ways:

   • In the Variable box, begin typing the name of the variable you want to add. A list of matching variables will appear. Click the variable you want, (or arrow to it) and press Enter.
   • Click the Find icon at the top of the Properties panel and begin typing the name of the variable you want to add. A list of matches will appear. Drag the name you want to the Variable box.
   • Ctrl-drag (⌘-drag on Mac) directly from the model to the Variable box.

3. If you've selected an arrayed variable, the Choose Subscript dialog box opens so that you can select which element in the array to control with the numeric display.

4. Use the rest of the options in the Numeric Display dialog box to define the numeric display. For detailed information about all of the options, see Numeric Display Properties.
5. When you're finished, click OK.

To navigate to the associated variable

If the numeric display is defined to include a navigation arrow (by selecting the Show Navigation Arrow check box in the Numeric Display Properties panel), a navigation () button appears on the numeric display icon.

• While in Explore mode, click the navigation () button.

  The associated variable is shown and selected, and results for that variable are shown.

See Also