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INGRID (Interactive Graphics Interface for Dispatching): An Interactive Color Graphics Interface for Dispatch of Emergency Vehicles

NCJ Number
113488
Author(s)
G L Chan
Date Published
1987
Length
286 pages
Annotation
The INGRID planning tool is a highly interactive color graphics interface for Richard C. Larson's (1974) hypercube queueing model. The model is designed to analyze various performance measures of a multiserver queueing system with distinguishable servers.
Abstract
The combination of INGRID with this mathematical model provides a powerful planning tool for emergency service agencies. Applications include police beat design, ambulance district design, assignment of bilingual personnel to response units, and adjustment of dispatch strategies to design back-up units. INGRID provides an easier environment for model inputs and a more intuitive graphic display of outputs that will run on an IBM PC/AT with a Summagraphics Summasketch locator device. The assumptions, limitations, and input and output requirements of the hypercube model are described; and the programming and implementation of inputting geometrical information are discussed. Algorithms used in implementation of INGRID are presented, and the system hardware and overall design are delineated. A users' manual for operation of the INGRID planning tool also is included. Limitations and possible improvements are considered. A programmers' reference program listing is appended. 7 figures, 6 exhibits, and 12 references. (Author abstract modified)