====== Interaction matrix ======

A graphical representation Ecolego of the interactions and relationships between the building blocks of a model.
{{:matrix_view.png?500|Interaction matrix}}

Blocks are put on the diagonal of the matrix, and are connected by special types of connecting block which are put on the off-diagonal elements. For more information about the structure of an iteraction matrix, see [[Matrix_window|the matrix window]].

The advantage with an interaction matrix is that the interactions are well organised and never overlap (like in a [[Box_diagram|box diagram]].

An interaction matrix becomes impractical when there are many diagonal blocks as the area required to display the model increases exponentially with the number of diagonal elements. This situation can be remedied by grouping blocks into [[Sub-system|sub-systems]].
==== Inserting empty cells ====

  - Select one or more diagonal cells in the matrix. To select more than one cell, first select the top-most cell. While keeping the SHIFT-key pressed on you keyboard, select the last cell.
  - Right-click the selected area and choose either **Insert above** or **Insert below**.

==== Deleting cells ====

  - Select one or more cells in the matrix.
  - Either press the DELETE-key on your keyboard, or right-click the selected area and choose **Delete**

==== Renaming objects ====

  - Double-click on the object, or right click and select **Edit** from the menu that appears.
  - A window appears which has two pages:
  - **Properties** - Let you give a new name to the object.
  - **Matrix** - Allows you to change the image, color and font for the object.

==== Moving components ====

  - Select the component(s) you wish to move.
  - While keeping the mouse button pressed, move the mouse cursor to the new location.
  - When the mouse button is relesed the objects are moved.

Typically only the most important blocks for the model structure are put on the matrix, such as [[Compartment|compartments]], [[Transfer|transfers]], etc.

===== See also =====

  * [[Box_diagram|Box diagram]]
  * The [[Matrix_window|Matrix window]]