Dynamic text and timer

Hello,
Is there a direct way of adding dynamic text to a simulation using the Visual Tool?
I had an idea with a string global variable that is displayed , and it is constantly changed throughout the simulation, the only problem is that during one tasksequence I would need that global variable to chance twice, and I don't exactly know how to do that.
Also, what is the new line character in FlexSim? Because \n doesn't work, it displays an empty check box.
And is there a way of displaying a timer on the screen during the simulation?
Thank you.

Dear Andreea Adda,

The solution is attached with the post.You have to use refreshglobalvariables() command to update global variables.I have used task sequence in the queue which sends message to the queue to update text before loading and unloading tasks.The timer can be attached to the screen using billboard property of visual tool.I think the \n command can be used if you toggle the codes as c++ in the code edit window.Hope this helps.The link given below will give idea on how to change global variable.If I am wrong ignore this post

http://www.flexsim.com/community/for...lobal+variable

Regards,

Arun KR
CCS,India

Yes, it worked, than you very much. Though I do not see where in your model does the queue send a message to itself, but I managed to get my model working, thank you again.

Dear Andrea,

The message is send as a task.For viewing the task check the task sequence code under the use transport option of the Queue.

Regards,

Arun KR

CCS,India

Oh, I understand. One last question, though. What is the TASKTYPE_BREAK used for?

Dear Andreaa,

The task type break causes the TaskExecuter to "break" from its currently active task sequence to a new task sequence.For better understanding of task sequences refer the Flexsim documentation of task sequences.

Regards,

Arun KR
CCS,India

That's not what refreshglobalvariables() command is for. Do not use it like that. That command is for developer use to configure all the global variables so that they can be used globally. You should not execute it while the model is running. Just use the global variable by name; that's its purpose.

Also, the node you are setting is the reset value of the global variable, not its current value. Do not change this value during the model run. Just use the global variable directly.

To set the value of a global variable, you just assign it a new value with the = operator:

myglobalvariable = "loaded";

To read the value of a global variable, you just type its name:

string localvariable = myglobalvariable;

Also, using "\n" is how you use a newline character in both C++ and Flexscript, but the 3d draw text functionality of FlexSim ignores newline characters. If you want to have multiple lines of 3d text, use multiple 3d text objects.