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The running mean will integrate a given input over time and return the mean value. In versions prior to Ecolego 6, this functionality was incorporated in the recorder block.
When creating a running mean block, you must specify either the name of the object to integrate, or an expression to integrate. This is called the “Target expression”.
The running mean block makes heavy use of discrete events. By selecting discrete events you can tell the block when to start or stop the integration or when you want to reset the integration.
From the Projects window
From the Matrix window
From the Blocks window
Note | Most block properties can be edited directly in the Blocks window. |
The block editor is shown by right-clicking the block in a window and selecting Edit. In the Blocks window, you can also show the block editor by selecting the block and clicking the button, or by double-clicking the right-most “validation” column of the block.
The block editor has three tabs:
This page lets you edit basic properties such as name, sub-system and base unit. See editing properties for more information.
This page lets you edit the visual properties of the block in the matrix window and graph window. See editing appearance for more information.
Dimension - You can specify the dimension of the block by using the Type drop down list. Depending on the dimension the index drop down lists are activated.
Data - The data table let you specify index specific properties like target expression and start/stop recording events.
Consider a model for contamination of air, where we want to consider the average dose received by a person visiting the area between may and august.
Let us assume that the current concentration in air is given by an expression C_air, the time (may) when the person enters the area is given by parameter t_enter and that the time (august) when the person leaves the area is given by parameter t_leave.
First create a discrete event named Event_enter which will start the integration at t = t_enter. The values given to this block are:
Property | Value |
---|---|
Left expression | time |
Direction | → |
Right expression | t_enter |
Create another discrete event Event_leave which will stop the integration at t = t_leave, where the values are the same as for the first event but where t_leave is used instead of t_enter.
Create a running mean block and give it the following values:
Property | Value |
---|---|
Target expression | C_air |
Start recording | Event_enter |
Stop recording | Event_leave |