Computer animation with CINEMA

Abstract

A description is given of CINEMA, a general-purpose animation system designed to animate models developed using the SIMAN simulation language. The CINEMA package consists of a module used to draw the graphical images used in the animation and a module to execute a SIMAN model and associated animation. Animation typically centers around the presentation of final modeling results. However, the simplicity of developing CINEMA animations allows users to exploit animation in more phases of a simulation project. By using CINEMA, animation benefits can be found throughout the entire simulation project from initial model building through the presentation of the final simulation results. CINEMA IV complements the advanced capabilities found in SIMAN. While any process can be modeled using SIMAN/CINEMA, the software has exceptional ease and accuracy in modeling material handling functions such as accumulating conveyors and AGV (automatic guided vehicle) systems. CINEMA provides real-time graphical outputs for SIMAN statistical routines such as dynamic plots and histograms.