Autoturn User Manual.pdf

User’s Guide

Transoft Solutions, Inc. 13575 Commerce Parkway, Suite 250 Richmond, BC CANADA V6V 2K9 Tel. (604) 244-8387 Fax (604) 244-1770 http://www.transoftsolutions.com Printed June 20 2006

Disclaimer Transoft Solutions Inc. makes no warranty or guarantee, expressed, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, suitability, functioning, or results derived from the AutoTURN software program. Nor shall the licensing of the program and related program materials or manuals constitute any warranty or guarantee. Transoft Solutions Inc. shall have no liability or responsibility to the licensee or any other person or entity with respect to any liability, loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the AutoTURN software program and/or related program materials, including, but not limited to, any interruption of service, loss of business or anticipated profits, or consequential damages resulting from the use or operation of this product. All computer program results require professional interpretation, and Transoft Solutions Inc. makes no warranty of results obtained by using the AutoTURN software program. Any liability of Transoft Solutions Inc. is limited exclusively to product replacement. This software and related materials and manual are sold “as is”. Any and all warranties for merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, express, implied or statutory, are expressly excluded. Portions of the program are protected by copyright laws, Common Law Copyright, and/or trade secret protection by Transoft Solutions Inc. All programs and related program materials are subject to proprietary rights of Transoft Solutions Inc. Copyrights All rights reserved. No portion of this document may be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form without prior written consent from Transoft Solutions Inc. AutoTURN is protected by copyright and any copying for use by third parties without the express written permission of Transoft Solutions Inc. is prohibited. Federal and provincial laws provide for the protection of this computer program and its documentation. Any persons found in violation of the above copyright protection will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. AutoTURN is a registered trademark of Transoft Solutions Inc. AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk Inc. MicroStation is a registered trademark of Bentley Systems, an Intergraph affiliate. Transoft Solutions Inc. is a Registered Developer with Autodesk Inc. Microsoft, Windows, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and/or other Microsoft products referenced herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft. © 2006, Transoft Solutions Inc.

Table of Contents Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 9 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 11 Platform Requirements............................................................................................... 11 Program Limitations .......................................................................................................... 12 Use of Design Guidelines ........................................................................................... 12 Interpretation of Program Results .............................................................................. 12 Turn Speeds and Minimum Turning Radii.................................................................. 12 Unusual Conditions .................................................................................................... 12 Tight Maneuvers with Standard Vehicles ................................................................... 13 Acceleration ................................................................................................................ 13 Active Paths and Simulations ........................................................................................... 14 Active Path.................................................................................................................. 14 Active Simulation ........................................................................................................ 15 Vehicles and Types........................................................................................................... 16 SmartPath Tools ............................................................................................................... 17 Speed, Lateral Friction and Superelevation ............................................................... 17 Steering Wheel Turn Rate .......................................................................................... 17 Reverse Maneuvers ................................................................................................... 18 Pre-Drawn Paths ........................................................................................................ 18 Tutorials ............................................................................................................................ 19 Installation .................................................................................................................................... 21 General Installation Notes................................................................................................. 23 Uninstalling Previous Versions of AutoTURN ............................................................ 23 Installing AutoTURN 5.1 ............................................................................................. 23 Migrating from AutoTURN 4 ....................................................................................... 23 Transferring User Created Content ............................................................................ 23 Installing on a Standalone Computer................................................................................ 24 Installing on a Network...................................................................................................... 25 Folders and Permissions ............................................................................................ 25 Network Configuration Types ..................................................................................... 26 Setting up the Server:................................................................................................. 26 Configuring the Workstations: .................................................................................... 27 Monitoring the Number of Network Users .................................................................. 27 Starting AutoTURN in AutoCAD ....................................................................................... 28

Starting AutoTURN in MicroStation .................................................................................. 29 Authorizing AutoTURN...................................................................................................... 30 AutoTURN Configuration Utility ........................................................................................ 32 Move Program................................................................................................................... 37 Upgrade License ............................................................................................................... 40 Uninstalling AutoTURN ..................................................................................................... 42 Tools.............................................................................................................................................. 43 AutoTURN Menu Overview............................................................................................... 45 Settings Tools ............................................................................................................. 45 SmartPath Tools ......................................................................................................... 45 Path Editing Tools ...................................................................................................... 45 Path Follow Tools ....................................................................................................... 45 Editing and Reporting Tools ....................................................................................... 45 Help and Tutorials Tools............................................................................................. 45 Program Settings .............................................................................................................. 47 General Category ....................................................................................................... 47 Display Options Category........................................................................................... 48 Permissions Category ................................................................................................ 50 Access Levels (from lowest to highest): ..................................................................... 50 Hints Category ............................................................................................................ 52 Licensing Category..................................................................................................... 53 Contact Transoft Category ......................................................................................... 53 Simulation Properties ........................................................................................................ 54 General Category ....................................................................................................... 54 Envelopes Category ................................................................................................... 55 Hatching Category...................................................................................................... 58 Vehicles............................................................................................................................. 60 Create New Vehicle.................................................................................................... 61 Copy Vehicle............................................................................................................... 62 Vehicle Information..................................................................................................... 63 Calculate Steering Lock.............................................................................................. 65 Build Custom Type ..................................................................................................... 65 Parts View................................................................................................................... 68 Steering Linkages ....................................................................................................... 68 Articulate..................................................................................................................... 70 Load............................................................................................................................ 71 Sight Lines .................................................................................................................. 72 SmartPath Tools ............................................................................................................... 75 SmartPath Tool Options: ............................................................................................ 77 Generate Arc Path ............................................................................................................ 81 Generate Corner Path....................................................................................................... 82 Oversteer Corner Path ...................................................................................................... 84 Steer A Path...................................................................................................................... 86

Reverse Maneuvers .......................................................................................................... 88 Reverse Arc Path .............................................................................................................. 89 Reverse Corner Path ........................................................................................................ 90 Reverse Steered Path....................................................................................................... 94 Continue Simulation .......................................................................................................... 95 Delete Last Section ........................................................................................................... 96 Path Control ...................................................................................................................... 97 Place Offset Simulation..................................................................................................... 99 Select Active Path ........................................................................................................... 101 Place Simulation ............................................................................................................. 102 Steering and Articulating Angles .............................................................................. 102 Run Animation................................................................................................................. 103 Simultaneous Animations ......................................................................................... 103 Looping Animations .................................................................................................. 103 Place Vehicle .................................................................................................................. 104 Delete Vehicle ................................................................................................................. 105 Insert Profile .................................................................................................................... 106 Recall Simulations........................................................................................................... 107 Making Multiple Selections ....................................................................................... 108 Generate Template ......................................................................................................... 109 Generate Template vs SmartPath Tools .................................................................. 111 Turning Report ................................................................................................................ 112 Report Formatting Options ....................................................................................... 113 Tutorials .......................................................................................................................... 115 Help ................................................................................................................................. 118 Customizing AutoTURN ............................................................................................................ 119 Creating a Vehicle Profile................................................................................................ 121 Appendix ..................................................................................................................................... 123 AutoTURN File Types ..................................................................................................... 125 Vehicle Library Source Documents................................................................................. 126 AASHTO 2001 (US) ................................................................................................. 126 AASHTOM 2001 (US) .............................................................................................. 126 AASHTO 2004 (US) ................................................................................................. 126 AASHTOM 2004 (US) .............................................................................................. 126 CALTRANS 2005 (US) ............................................................................................. 127 CALTRANSM 2005 (US) .......................................................................................... 127 ILDOT 2002 (US)...................................................................................................... 127 AUSTROADS (AU) ................................................................................................... 128 AUSTROADS 2006 (AU).......................................................................................... 128 STANDARDS (AU) ................................................................................................... 128 CROW (NL) .............................................................................................................. 128 CROW 2004 (NL) ..................................................................................................... 128

DANSK (DK) ............................................................................................................. 129 FRANCE (FR)........................................................................................................... 129 NEW ZEALAND (NZ) ............................................................................................... 129 RAS-K-EAE (DE) ...................................................................................................... 129 FGSV 2001 (DE) ...................................................................................................... 130 ROA (NL) .................................................................................................................. 130 TAC-1999 (CA) ......................................................................................................... 130 TIEHALLINTO (FI) .................................................................................................... 130 DETR DB32 (UK) ..................................................................................................... 131 FTA 98 (UK).............................................................................................................. 131 FTA CUSTOM (UK) .................................................................................................. 131 VAGVERKET (SE) ................................................................................................... 131 VAGVERKET 2004 (SE) .......................................................................................... 131 VEGVESEN (NO) ..................................................................................................... 132 VSS 1990 (CH) ......................................................................................................... 132 CSN (CZ) .................................................................................................................. 132 CSN 2005 (CZ) ......................................................................................................... 132 RVS 2005 (AUT)....................................................................................................... 132 Minimum Turn Radius ..................................................................................................... 133 License Server Administration Tool ................................................................................ 134 Glossary ...................................................................................................................................... 145 Index ............................................................................................................................................ 151

Overview

Overview

Introduction

Introduction AutoTURN is a CAD-based program that simulates low speed turning maneuvers for highway vehicles. AutoTURN operates in the AutoCAD or MicroStation CAD environments, and may be used to define vehicles and determine vehicle tire tracking and swept paths. The program can be used in the design of road intersections, parking garages, loading ramps and most types of vehicular facilities. AutoTURN calculates the location and orientation of the vehicle as the user moves the mouse or “steers” the vehicle through a series of maneuvers, or follows a pre-drawn path. The path is that of the location of the center of the steering axle of the vehicle, and is either generated by AutoTURN or is predrawn in the CAD environment using a combination of arcs and tangents. Pre-drawn path segments can be combined into Polylines or Complex Chains. AutoTURN includes complete sets of standard design vehicles for a number of different countries. See Vehicle Library Source Documents. User-defined vehicles can be created where vehicle dimensions can be varied and turn limitations defined. Program output includes various combinations of tire, body, and clearance envelopes as well as full motion animation. AutoTURN works in millimeters, centimeters, meters, inches or feet units. Vehicle dimensions and path geometry need not be expressed in the same units. AutoTURN simulations are based on the constant pursuit method of analysis. Tire friction and road conditions can also be taken into account.

Platform Requirements Operating System

CAD Program

Minimum Version

1

AutoCAD

2000

1

MicroStation

V8.1

Windows 2000/XP Windows 2000/XP 1.

1

1

Transoft Solutions cannot guarantee compatibility with future versions of AutoCAD, MicroStation or Windows.

11

Program Limitations

Overview

Program Limitations The user is responsible for applying engineering judgment in interpreting and using program results. Familiarity with the software and its limitations is therefore important to ensure that the results produced by the software are applied appropriately.

Use of Design Guidelines AutoTURN is not intended to be a source for design information. The software must be used in conjunction with the most currently available design guidelines for the local jurisdiction.

Interpretation of Program Results AutoTURN is primarily a kinematic model, meaning that it does not account for the forces resulting from vehicle inertia or road surface conditions other than dry pavement. AutoTURN produces geometrically idealized results that may be difficult to replicate exactly under actual field driving and road conditions. A successfully run AutoTURN simulation does NOT suggest that all drivers can follow the defined path in real conditions, NOR does it imply that other driveable paths between the desired start and end positions are not possible. For the above reasons, AutoTURN results should be used conservatively, with ample allowances added for clearances between vehicle tire track or swept path envelopes and road edges or obstructions.

Turn Speeds and Minimum Turning Radii Turn limitations for standard design vehicles are generally based on the minimum turn radius as specified in the design guidelines for each jurisdiction. These are generally intended for speeds of less than 15 km/h (about 10 mph). For AUSTROADS vehicles, turn limitations are based on the absolute minimum radii, which are for speeds less than 5 km/h.

Unusual Conditions If non-standard vehicle types, roadway surfaces other than dry pavement, or other unusual or non-standard conditions are used, AutoTURN may produce inaccurate results. Caution is advised when dealing with the following conditions for which program results have not been verified:  

12

Speeds greater than 15 km/hr (about 10 mph) where tire slippage and inertial forces become significant; Icy or otherwise slippery road surfaces, since they tend to produce less tire tracking than dry road surfaces;

Overview      

Program Limitations

Vehicles with multiple-axle bogeys consisting of three or more axles per bogey (as in heavy load movers); Vehicles where the ratio of the spacing between the fixed axles in a group to the wheelbase (the distance between axle groups) is 0.5 or more; Vehicles having more than four tires per axle; Vehicle parts with steerable rear axles; Vehicle combinations with multiple tractors; Vehicle combinations consisting of tractors with four or more trailing parts.

It is highly recommended that the user obtain as much turning information as possible for nonstandard vehicles from manufacturers and other sources so as to be able to verify and draw conclusions about AutoTURN’s results.

Tight Maneuvers with Standard Vehicles The standard design vehicles provided with AutoTURN have turn limitations derived from the turning templates contained in the Design Manuals published by the corresponding jurisdictions. See Vehicle Library Source Documents. The primary purpose of these design manuals is to provide guidance for typical road design conditions. Consequently, in some cases the standard vehicles may have turning circles that are too large for situations where tight maneuvering is required, such as in loading areas or parking facilities. In these cases, it may be necessary to create user-defined vehicles and provide turn limitations that allow the tighter, more realistic minimum turning circles. In AutoTURN this can be accomplished by copying the design vehicle and setting higher values for the steering lock and articulating angles (see Vehicles). CAUTION: The user must set steering lock angles that reflect the turn limitations of the specific vehicle being considered. Actual field measurements or manufacturers data should be used. Use of arbitrary angles will lead to misleading results.

Acceleration AutoTURN does not consider vehicle acceleration or deceleration. When simulations are generated from a stopped position, or to a stopped position, the vehicle is assumed to reach its final speed, or come to a stop, in a short enough distance that it can be ignored when determining the turn radius.

13

Active Paths and Simulations

Overview

Active Paths and Simulations Active Path and Active Simulation are concepts that were introduced in AutoTURN 4.0. The current Active Path or Active Simulation is used by a number of different program functions. Only the most recent Active Path OR Active Simulation is used. It is important to remember that only one vehicle path can be active at any one time, and it can be either a path picked with the Select Active Path tool (Active Path), or a path contained in a simulation that has been placed, generated, or selected (Active Simulation). These concepts allow the user to perform various operations repeatedly without having to continuously re-select objects.

Active Path An Active Path is the last pre-drawn path selected by the user using the Select Active Path tool. When a path is selected, symbols are displayed at the start and end to indicate the direction of travel, as shown below:

An Active Path

A path remains the Active Path until another path is selected OR a simulation is created using any one of the SmartPath Tools. In the latter case, the last generated simulation becomes the Active Simulation. These functions act on the current Active Path and use the current selected vehicle:    14

Place Simulation Run Animation Place Vehicle

Overview 

Active Paths and Simulations

Turning Report

Active Simulation An Active Simulation is the last simulation created by any of the SmartPath Tools or the Place Simulation or Place Offset Simulation tools. Circles at the start and end points indicate selected simulations, as shown below:

An Active Simulation

A simulation remains the Active Simulation until another simulation is created OR the Select Active Path tool is used to pick a different simulation or select another pre-drawn path. These functions act on the current Active Simulation and use the vehicle from the simulation:   

Run Animation Place Vehicle Turning Report

15

Vehicles and Types

Overview

Vehicles and Types Each AutoTURN vehicle is stored as a set of dimensions, but also references a separately stored vehicle type definition. The type definition includes:    

The number of parts (maximum of 20) The type of each part including the arrangement of articulating points The number and arrangement of axles and wheels The diameters of the tires

Once a type exists, a vehicle can be quickly created based on the type. This eliminates the need to make many detailed decisions regarding numbers of parts, articulating points, tires, axles, etc. each time a vehicle is created. When creating a vehicle, only the following information needs to be input:    

The dimensions of each part The steering lock angle The steering lock to lock time The maximum articulating angle (for mulit-part vehicles)

AutoTURN includes a wide variety of vehicle types from which new vehicles can be quickly created. However, users can also create their own custom types. See Tools/Vehicles/Build Custom Type.

16

Overview

SmartPath Tools

SmartPath Tools SmartPath Tools allow the user to automatically generate a vehicle path and simulation. This is done on the fly by moving the mouse in the direction of travel. The SmartPath Tools account for a vehicle’s speed and for lateral friction and superelevation, as explained in the sections below.

Speed, Lateral Friction and Superelevation The minimum radius of a generated path is determined from either the vehicle’s minimum turning radius as calculated from the steering lock angle, or from a minimum turning radius calculated from the vehicle’s speed, lateral friction and superelevation. The larger of these two radii is used. Minimum turning radius as a function of speed, lateral friction and superelevation is calculated using the following AASHTO formula: 2

R=

V 127 (e + f)

R = radius (m) V = speed (km/h) e = superelevation (m/m eg. 0.02 = 2/100) f = friction (eg. 0.03)

Default lateral friction and superelevation factors used in AutoTURN are based on AASHTO (1994) values. The default values can be overridden at the time a simulation is created.

Steering Wheel Turn Rate AutoTURN’s SmartPath Tools generate vehicle paths that account for the maximum rate at which the steering wheel can be turned by incorporating spiral sections into the generated path. The spiral sections transition the steering wheels between their initial angle and the angle required to turn toward the target point. Steering wheel turn rate is determined from the lock to lock time and the vehicle’s speed. The lock to lock time is defined as the time it takes a driver to comfortably turn the steering wheel from one steering lock position to the opposite side. Conservative lock to lock times are assumed for all standard design vehicles.

17

SmartPath Tools

Overview

Reverse Maneuvers Lateral friction and superelevation are not accounted for in reverse maneuvers, however, the steering wheel turn rate is. Reverse maneuvers are carried out at 6 mph (10 km/h), a speed at which these factors should be negligible. See Reverse Maneuvers in SmartPath Tools.

Pre-Drawn Paths Turn simulations created from pre-drawn paths do not account for speed, lateral friction, superelevation or steering wheel turn rate. Only forward maneuvers are possible with pre-drawn paths. Reverse maneuvers must be carried out using the SmartPath Tools. The path must be created by the user using either a series of connected lines and arcs, or a single Polyline (for AutoCAD) or a single Complex Chain (for MicroStation). Splines (for AutoCAD) and B-splines (for MicroStation) are also now supported since AutoTURN 5.0. The pre-drawn path can not be longer than 6600 feet or 2000 meters.

18

Overview

Tutorials

Tutorials AutoTURN features interactive tutorials that run in the user’s chosen CAD environment. The tutorials take the user step by step through various aspects of the software allowing the user to quickly become familiar with the software. By running the tutorials, the user is actually using AutoTURN to complete the tutorial steps. Each step of the tutorial requires a specific action which must be completed correctly before the tutorial will advance to the next step. We feel that this positive feedback provides an advantage over other methods of learning which can let the user get lost or confused along the way. See Tools/Tutorials for instructions on accessing the supplied tutorials and for creating userdefined tutorials.

19

Installation

Installation

General Installation Notes

General Installation Notes Uninstalling Previous Versions of AutoTURN Versions of AutoTURN prior to 5.0 must be uninstalled before installing AutoTURN 5.1. The installation routine will not proceed if it detects a previous version of AutoTURN on the computer you are installing to. User created content will not be deleted so it can be migrated to AutoTURN 5.1. See Migrating from AutoTURN 4. If you have version 5.0 installed you do not need to perform an uninstall before installing AutoTURN 5.1.

Installing AutoTURN 5.1 AutoTURN 5.1 installs all Program files required to run in AutoCAD and MicroStation to the same program folder. AutoTURN 5.1 now stores program folder locations in the registry.

Migrating from AutoTURN 4 It may be desirable to re-use simulations, custom types, custom vehicles, and tutorials with the new version of AutoTURN. Once AutoTURN 5.1 is installed, move or copy the contents of the output, tutorials user, types user, and vehicles user folders to the new Program files folder on the Standalone computer. If the new installation is a Network configuration, it may be desirable to have the files copied to the Workstation or Server depending upon the configuration type - see Network Configuration Types.

Transferring User Created Content It is possible to share user created content with users who are not on your network. Simply copy the vehicle files: .vcl, .ld, and .sln files from the user created group under the Vehicles user folder to the transferring media (floppy diskette, CD, etc.). Send the transferring media to the new user and inform them to create the same user created group folder under their Vehicles user folder. They can then copy the files to the user created group folder. The new user vehicle folder and vehicle(s) will appear the next time they click Vehicles.

23

Installing on a Standalone Computer

Installation

Installing on a Standalone Computer IMPORTANT! You must have administrator permissions to install and configure AutoTURN.

To install AutoTURN from CD 1 2

3 4 5 6

24

Insert the AutoTURN CD into the computer’s CD-ROM drive. If the installation program does not start automatically: a. Click Start > Run on the Windows taskbar. b. Type drive:\setup where drive is the drive letter of the computer’s CD-ROM drive. c. Click OK then follow the on-screen installation instructions. When prompted, enter the License Number and CD Key that came with your package then click OK. When prompted, provide Setup with the location to install the Program files. The setup file will create the Required Folders, desktop and Start menu shortcuts for AutoCAD as well as the registry entries. Proceed to Starting AutoTURN in AutoCAD or Starting AutoTURN in MicroStation.

Installation

Installing on a Network

Installing on a Network Installing AutoTURN on a network involves two stages: Setting up the Server then, Configuring the Workstations.

Folders and Permissions The names of folders where files are located are stored in the registry. The registry entries are automatically created when AutoTURN is installed, but can be changed after installation if desired by using the AutoTURN Configuration Utility. See AutoTURN Configuration Utility. Permissions required during installation: Folder Contents Permissions Program files Full read/write License Server files Full read/write Output files and settings Full read/write Note: The person performing the installation must have full read/write access to the above folders. Permissions after installation: Folder Contents Program files License Server files Output files and settings

Permissions Read/execute Read/execute Full read/write

The Program files do not need to be stored on the same drive or computer as the License Server files to allow for more flexibility. The Program files will be installed to a subfolder of the location specified in the installation. The License Server files will also be installed to a subfolder of the location specified in the installation. The Output files should always be located on each workstation to preserve each user’s individual settings. This location is referred to as the Workstation folder in the Configuring the Workstation section of the installation.

25

Installing on a Network

Installation

Network Configuration Types Run from Workstation AutoTURN is run from the workstation to reduce network traffic (recommended configuration). The Program files are copied down to the workstation so that AutoTURN is running locally (the Workstation folder doubles as the Program files folder in this case).

Run from Server The workstation is configured to run AutoTURN from the server so network traffic is heavier. No Program files are copied to the workstation. Note: Each workstation running AutoTURN must be able to access the License Server in either configuration.

IMPORTANT! Installation of the Program files must be performed at the network server if you want Setup to create an uninstall routine on the server. The instructions for Setting up the Server are assumed to be performed at the server, however, they can be performed at a workstation. You must have administrator permissions to install and configure AutoTURN on the server.

Setting up the Server: 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8

Insert the AutoTURN CD into the server’s CD-ROM drive. If the installation program does not start automatically: a. Click Start > Run on the Windows taskbar. b. Type drive:\setup where drive is the drive letter of the server’s CD-ROM drive. c. Click OK then follow the on-screen installation instructions. Enter the License Number and CD Key that came with your package then click OK. Enter the computer name of the machine where the Program files are to be installed. Enter a file path for the Program files. An “AutoTURN 5” share will be created on this folder during installation to allow access to the Workstation installer program. Enter the computer name and desired communications port of the machine where the License Server is to be installed. Enter a file path for the License Server files. Proceed to Configuring the Workstations.

IMPORTANT! You must have administrator permissions to install and configure AutoTURN for use on the workstations.

26

Installation

Installing on a Network

Configuring the Workstations: 1

2 3 4 5

At each workstation that will be running AutoTURN, browse to the “AutoTURN 5” share on the Program files server computer specified in step 4 of Setting up the Server above. Browse to the Workstation subfolder then run SetupWorkstation to start the workstation installer. Choose the type of network configuration you want: Run from Workstation (recommended) or Run from Server. See Network Configuration Types. When prompted for the location of the Workstation folder, browse to a local folder on the workstation. Setup will create the required local folders and registry entries on the workstation and setup communication with the License Server. Proceed to Starting AutoTURN in AutoCAD or Starting AutoTURN in MicroStation.

Monitoring the Number of Network Users AutoTURN monitors network usage by maintaining a log of users who have executed certain program functions. When the maximum number of licensed users is reached, new users will be denied access. Administrators can access this log by generating a report from within the License Server Administration Tool. See License Server Administration Tool.

27

Starting AutoTURN in AutoCAD

Installation

Starting AutoTURN in AutoCAD In AutoCAD, AutoTURN can be started in the following manner on the standalone or workstation computer: 1 2 3

Double-click the AutoTURN for AutoCAD desktop icon, OR Click the AutoTURN for AutoCAD shortcut icon in the Start, Programs, AutoTURN folder, OR From within AutoCAD: a. Click any button on the AutoTURN toolbar, OR b. Via Tools, Load Application…, load the appropriate ARX file for your AutoCAD version from the program folder.

If the program has not been authorized yet, see Authorizing AutoTURN. Once the program is loaded, all commands can be accessed from the toolbar or menu. See Tools.

28

Installation

Starting AutoTURN in MicroStation

Starting AutoTURN in MicroStation In MicroStation, AutoTURN can be started in the following manner on the standalone or workstation computer: 1 2 3 4

Click Utilities, MDL Applications from the MicroStation main menu. Click Browse. Select the MA file from the AutoTURN program folder. Click OK.

If the program has not been authorized yet, see Authorizing AutoTURN. Once the program is loaded, all commands can be accessed from the toolbar. See the Tools section. If the toolbar is closed, it can be restored by typing AT TOOLS in the key-in window

29

Authorizing AutoTURN

Installation

Authorizing AutoTURN On initial program load, and subsequent loads until authorized, the Program Authorization dialog appears prompting for your Authorization Key.

Program Authorization

To Authorize AutoTURN 1 2

3 4 5 6

30

If you are connected to the internet click Request Authorization (preferred method). Please note that if you are behind a firewall, you will need to configure it to allow the CAD application (i.e. AutoCAD/acad.exe or MicroStation/ustation.exe) to have access to the internet. You will be directed to a web page where you are required to fill in contact information to request an Authorization Key. Click Submit. An email containing the Authorization Key will be sent to the email address you supplied. Alternatively, you can contact Transoft Solutions with the information displayed in your Program Authorization dialog to receive your Authorization Key. Once you have received the Authorization Key, enter it into the dialog and click OK.

Installation

Authorizing AutoTURN

To Bypass the Authorization process Click Bypass to use AutoTURN for a preset grace period. Once the grace period has expired however, you must enter a valid Authorization Key to continue using the software.

31

AutoTURN Configuration Utility

Installation

AutoTURN Configuration Utility AutoTURN uses the registry to keep track of where the folders and files it requires are located. If you need to change these locations after installation, use the AutoTURN Configuration Utility: atconfig.exe so AutoTURN will know what the new locations are. This utility should only be used if you manually move the AutoTURN folders after installation, the License Server has been changed (i.e. IP Address or communications port), or the workstation has lost communication with the License Server because of network changes. This utility should not be used during the installation process as the required registry entries are created automatically during program installation. This utility is made available for workstations in network configurations and standalone computers running AutoTURN. The utility must not be run on computers not configured to run AutoTURN (i.e. License Servers or servers hosting the Program files). For more information regarding transferring the program to another standalone computer see Move Program. For information on moving the program or administering the license in a network configuration see License Server Administration Tool.

32

Installation

AutoTURN Configuration Utility

Configuration Settings The following figure shows a typical standalone installation where the Program files and Workstation folders are on the same computer.

AutoTURN Configuration Utility – Standalone Installation

License Server Host: This can be either an IP Address or a computer name. Port: This is the communications port that the workstations will communicate with the License Server on.

Required Folders Program files: These are the files required by AutoTURN to run the program. Generally they include the arx, ma, exe, and dll files, etc.

33

AutoTURN Configuration Utility

Installation

Workstation: This is usually a location on the workstation used by AutoTURN for storing the user created content.

Optional Folders Set these values if you want to specify different locations for user created content. Set them to to have AutoTURN use default folders in the Workstation folder location setting.

MicroStation Cell Libraries The Patterns location is used by MicroStation to locate hatch pattern files for use in AutoTURN. This value is ignored for AutoCAD users as AutoTURN uses AutoCAD’s search file path to locate hatch patterns.

Report Click this button to generate a report of your current configuration settings. This is useful if you require assistance from Technical Support and they need to diagnose a problem with your configuration.

Reset Click this button to reset AutoTURN to default settings. The settings file (autoturn.set) will be deleted and the current user registry entries will be cleared.

34

Installation

AutoTURN Configuration Utility

The following is an example of a Run from Workstation network configuration. During the workstation configuration step of the installation, the workstation was pointed to the server for the license, the Program files were copied to the workstation, and a local folder was specified to store the Output files. In this configuration, the Program files are accessed from the workstation.

Example Run from Workstation Network Configuration

35

AutoTURN Configuration Utility

Installation

The following is an example of a Run from Server network configuration setup. During the workstation configuration step of the installation, the workstation was pointed to the server for the license, and a local folder was specified to store the Output files. In this configuration, the Program files are accessed from the server.

Example Run from Server Network Configuration

36

Installation

Move Program

Move Program Notes: Network configuration administrators see License Server Administration Tool/Move License. At the end of this procedure, AutoTURN will no longer function on the computer you are moving the program and license from.

To move AutoTURN from one Standalone computer to another: 1 2 3

At the new standalone computer, follow the instructions for installing AutoTURN. See Installing on a Standalone Computer. Start the program. See Starting AutoTURN in AutoCAD or Starting AutoTURN in MicroStation. Write down the Installation Code that displays in the Program Authorization dialog, as in the example below:

Program Authorization

4 5 6 7 8

Go to the computer you are moving the program from. Start AutoTURN. See Starting AutoTURN in AutoCAD or Starting AutoTURN in MicroStation. Click Program Settings. Select the Permissions category. Enter the “admin” password then click Submit. 37

Move Program

9

Installation

Select the Licensing category. The following dialog displays:

Program Settings – Licensing tab

Note: The Build Date, License Number, Maintenance Contract expiry date, and Installation Code values may be different in your dialog. 10 Click Move Program. The following dialog displays:

Move Program

11 Ensure that steps 1-4 in the dialog have been completed successfully then click Proceed. 12 Enter the Installation code from the new computer that was written down from step 3 then click OK. The following dialog displays:

38

Installation

Move Program

Move Program – Enter New Installation Code

13 Click OK to confirm that you want to move the program to another computer and disable the operation of AutoTURN on the original computer. The following dialog displays:

Move Program – Confirmation Dialog

14 Write down the new Authorization Code that will be displayed, as in the example below. Note that this code is also written to a file in case it is mislaid, as indicated in the example:

Move Program – New Authorization Code

15 Go to the new computer and enter the new Authorization Code in the Program Authorization dialog (see the illustration from step 3). 16 The program can now be uninstalled from the original computer. See Uninstalling AutoTURN.

39

Upgrade License

Installation

Upgrade License Note: Network configuration administrators see License Server Administration Tool/Upgrade License. Standalone users can upgrade their AutoTURN license to add or update a MAP (Maintenance Assurance Program).

To Upgrade your License 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Contact Transoft Solutions to order an upgrade. Write down the new Authorization Key. Start AutoTURN. See Starting AutoTURN in AutoCAD or Starting AutoTURN in MicroStation. Click Program Settings. Select the Permissions category. Enter the “admin” password then click Submit. Select the Licensing category. The following dialog displays:

Program Settings – Licensing tab

Note: The Build Date, License Number, Maintenance Contract (MAP expiry) date, and Installation Code values may be different in your dialog. 8

40

Click Upgrade License. The following dialog displays:

Installation

Upgrade License

Upgrade License

9 10 11 12 13

Enter the new Authorization Key. Click OK. Click OK to confirm that you want to proceed with the upgrade. Click OK to close the Program Settings dialog. Click Program Settings to see the new Maintenance Contract date (MAP expiry date).

41

Uninstalling AutoTURN

Installation

Uninstalling AutoTURN To Uninstall AutoTURN 1 2 3 4 5

Exit AutoCAD or MicroStation. Click the Start button, then select Settings > Control Panel. Double-click Add/Remove Programs. Select AutoTURN from the list of installed programs. Click Add/Remove.

Note: There may still be files left on the computer after the uninstall routine finishes. The uninstall routine will not remove files that were created by the user – i.e., user created types, vehicles and simulations.

42

Tools

Tools

AutoTURN Menu Overview

AutoTURN Menu Overview The AutoTURN Toolbar appears the same in AutoCAD and MicroStation. Additionally, there is an AutoTURN menu in AutoCAD. The menu and toolbars provide access to all features.

AutoTURN Toolbar

Settings Tools Program Settings Simulation Properties Vehicles

SmartPath Tools Generate Arc Path Generate Corner Path Oversteer Corner Path Steer A Path

Path Editing Tools Continue Simulation Delete Last Section Path Control

Path Follow Tools Place Offset Simulation Select Active Path Place Simulation

Editing and Reporting Tools Run Animation Place Vehicle Delete Vehicle Insert Profile Recall Simulations Generate Template Turning Report

Help and Tutorials Tools Tutorials Help

45

AutoTURN Menu Overview

AutoTURN Menu

46

Tools

Tools

Program Settings

Program Settings Sets various general program settings, display options, permissions, what hints display, licensing information, functions for upgrading a license and moving a license between computers as well as information about how to contact Transoft Solutions.

General Category

Program Settings – General

Path This setting tells AutoTURN what units should be used to create turn simulations. In MicroStation, this setting refers to the master units setting of the design file. Care should be taken to ensure the correct units have been selected before placing a simulation or running an animation. Units available are:     

inches feet millimeters meters centimeters

Reverse Overrides These settings allow the user to set more realistic values for Steering lock and Articulating angles than what are used in some design vehicles for the purposes of maneuvering two part vehicles in reverse.

47

Program Settings

Tools

Save Simulation Select In Output Folder to have AutoTURN save simulations in the Output folder. Select In Drawing Folder to have simulations saved to an AutoTURN created subfolder where the drawing is located. The subfolder is created with an “AT-“ prefix.

Display Options Category

Program Settings – Display Options

Animation Animation speed Set how slow or fast the animation runs, where 1 is the slowest and 10 is the fastest speed. This setting is intended to allow users to view animations at a visually appealing rate on all computers and to adjust for varying presentations. While AutoTURN animations can be displayed at varying speeds, this is only for the purpose of visualizing the maneuver. The speed of animation display is in no way related to the speed of an actual vehicle.

Frame by frame Checking this box causes the animation to display in frame-by-frame stop motion. This feature can be used with screen capture software to capture each frame of an animation for transfer to video. When Frame by frame is checked, press any key once for every time you want to advance to the next frame until the animation is completed. To speed up running the animation in Frame by frame mode, press and hold down a key. Note: Use the Tab key in AutoCAD to advance frames in Frame by frame mode. The animation can be aborted at any time by pressing the Esc key. 48

Tools

Program Settings

Loop Toggle this option to have animations loop repeatedly. The animation loop can be aborted at any time by pressing the Esc key.

Draw tires Check this box to have the tires drawn when running animations. Uncheck this box to improve the smoothness of animations for older computers.

Draw envelopes Checking this box enables the display of the front and rear tire envelopes when the animation is run on an Active Path. This setting is ignored when running simulations on Active Simulations as tire envelopes are not displayed.

Steer A Path Set how fast or slow the vehicle follows the mouse while using the Steer A Path SmartPath Tool, where 1 is the slowest and 10 is the fastest speed. This setting is available to allow users to achieve a comfortable driving rate on all computers. The speed at which the vehicle follows the mouse is in no way related to the speed of an actual vehicle.

View Angles Display Check boxes allow the user to select when vehicle angles will display while the program is operating. Angle measurements display for steering and articulating angles. The following drawing illustrates a simulation with View Angles When Drawing option checked.

View Angle Example

Steering Pointer Check this box to have the steering pointer display while generating simulations. The steering pointer is a line with an arrow that shows the direction the vehicle’s steering wheels are pointing. The following drawing illustrates a simulation being generated with the Steering Pointer option checked.

49

Program Settings

Tools

Steering Pointer Example

Permissions Category

Program Settings – Permissions not enabled

AutoTURN 5.1 uses Permissions to allow CAD Systems Managers, et al, more control over the AutoTURN functions available to users in network configurations. AutoTURN 5.1 ships with Permissions disabled, which grants users access to the same standard program functions as in previous versions. If more restrictive access is desired, administrators can enable permissions. See To Enable Permissions. Once permissions have been enabled, each AutoTURN user will need to enter the password assigned to the access level they desire. If they do not enter an access level password, they will have Basic level access. AutoTURN will remember the user’s last access level when they restart AutoTURN so an access level password is not required every time AutoTURN is started. The passwords are stored on the License Server and are accessed by all workstations running AutoTURN.

Access Levels (from lowest to highest):

Basic – can select vehicles, can not create or add loads/sightlines, can not create new vehicles or set Steering Linkages. Default password: n/a.

50

Tools

Program Settings

Standard – can select vehicles, can create vehicles, can create custom types, can add/delete loads/sightlines and set Steering Linkages. Default password: standard. Advanced – Standard access level plus the ability to lock custom vehicles and custom types. Default password: advanced. Administrator – can enable/disable permissions, can change passwords. In standalone installations, the “admin” password enables the Move Program and Upgrade License buttons in the Program Settings/Licensing category. Default password: admin. Note: An equivalent or higher access level of that used to create the custom vehicle or type is required to edit or delete custom vehicles or types.

To Enable Permissions: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Start AutoTURN. See Starting AutoTURN in AutoCAD or Starting AutoTURN in MicroStation. Click Program Settings. Select the Permissions category. Enter the “admin” password. Click Submit. Select Enable Permissions located in approximately the middle of the Program Settings Permissions dialog:

Program Settings – Administration Dialog

7

It is recommended that the default Standard User, Advanced User, and Administrator passwords be changed at this time. Ensure you record the new passwords for easy retrieval. 8 Click Logout. 9 The message “Basic Access” will be displayed. 10 Click OK. 11 Logout of the workstation.

51

Program Settings

Tools

To Disable Permissions: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Start AutoTURN. See Starting AutoTURN in AutoCAD or Starting AutoTURN in MicroStation. Click Program Settings. Select the Permissions category. Enter the “admin” password. Click Submit. Deselect Enable Permissions. Click Logout. Click OK. Logout of the workstation.

To set User access level permissions: With the Program Settings dialog open to the Permissions category: 1 2 3 4

Start AutoTURN. See Starting AutoTURN in AutoCAD or Starting AutoTURN in MicroStation. Click Program Settings. Select the Permissions category. Enter the password for the access level you desire. See Access Levels for default passwords. 5 Click Submit. 6 A message will display below Password indicating the access level granted by the password that was just entered (i.e. “Standard Access”, “Advanced Access”, etc.). 7 Click OK. Note: Clicking Logout at any access level will return the user to Basic access level.

Hints Category

Program Settings - Hints

52

Tools

Program Settings

Check boxes allow the user to select which hints will display while the program is operating.

Licensing Category

Program Settings – Licensing

This dialog displays the product Name, Version, Build Date, maximum Number of users allowed, Maintenance Contract (MAP expiry) date, and the Installation Code for the currently installed product.

Contact Transoft Category

Program Settings – Contact Transoft

This dialog contains information for contacting Transoft Solutions via telephone, e-mail, or website.

53

Simulation Properties

Tools

Simulation Properties Sets the various properties that determine how turn simulations will be drawn. The Update function allows an existing simulation to be updated to the currently displayed properties.

General Category

Simulation Properties - General

Draw Simulation On Set the layer/level that the simulation will be drawn on. Click current layer/level to have simulation drawn on the CAD platform’s current layer/level. Click new layer/level then enter desired layer/level to have the simulation drawn on the new layer/level specified. To have simulation drawn on an existing layer/level, click layer/level then select the layer/level from drop down list.

the the the the

Path Draw Options Set color, and line style, for the path line and path icons that are drawn. Note: The path line is always drawn in SmartPath and Place Offset Simulation Tools simulations.

Vehicle Draw Options Set which elements to draw as well as the element’s Line Color, Line Style, and Fill as applicable for each element.

54

Tools

Simulation Properties

Notes: Tire treads can not be selected unless Tires is first selected. The Vehicle element is always drawn in simulations. If Vehicle Name is set to draw, the vehicle group and name will be drawn in every vehicle instance in the simulation.

Draw vehicles at Click Path Ends to have vehicles placed only at the start and end of the simulation. Click Section Ends to have vehicles placed at the end points of each section in a series of maneuvers. Click Intervals to have vehicles placed at spaced intervals. Enter the spacing between vehicle placements in the edit box. This value is expressed in vehicle lengths. For example, a value of 1 would result in vehicles being placed with the end of one coinciding with the beginning of the next.

Update Click this button then select an existing simulation to update the simulation to the properties currently displayed. This is useful for making changes to existing simulations without having to regenerate or place them again.

Envelopes Category

Simulation Properties – Envelopes

Set which envelopes to draw as well as the envelope’s Line Color, Line Style, Maximum Width dimension and Clearance Distances.

55

Simulation Properties

Tools

Envelope Types: Front Tires Check this box to have the simulation drawn with envelopes that track the outside edges of the tires in the front most axle group of the vehicle. If there is more than one axle in the front axle group, envelopes will be drawn for the first and last axle in the group.

Front Tires Envelopes Example

Rear Tires Check this box to have the simulation drawn with envelopes that track the outside edges of the vehicle’s rear most axle group. The envelopes generated depend upon the composition of the rear axle group: one envelope is drawn for the center of the group if the group contains less than three fixed axles; if the group contains more than three fixed axles an envelope is drawn for the center of the group and one for the last axle; if the group contains all steerable axles an envelope is drawn for the first and last axles; if the group contains a combination of fixed and steerable axles an envelope is drawn to track the center of the fixed group and either the first axle (if there are more steerable axles in front of the fixed group) or the last axle (if there are more steerable axles behind the fixed group).

Rear Tires Envelopes Example

56

Tools

Simulation Properties

Vehicle body Check this box to have the simulation drawn with a Vehicle body or Swept Path envelope. The Swept Path envelope is the widest path swept out by the sides and overhangs of the vehicle.

Vehicle Body Envelope Example

Load Check this box to have the simulation drawn with envelopes that track each point of the Load applied to the vehicle. If no Load is applied to the vehicle, Load envelopes will not be drawn.

Load Envelopes Example

Clearances Check these boxes and specify clearance distances to have the simulation drawn with envelopes generated at the distances offset from where they would normally be drawn.

Vehicle body Clearance Envelope Example

Max Width Check this box to have the simulation drawn with a symbol consisting of a circle on each envelope and a dimension between them at the widest point of the simulation for the selected envelope combinations. 57

Simulation Properties

Tools

Vehicle body Envelope with Max Width Example

Hatching Category

Simulation Properties – Hatching

Enable hatching then set the Hatch Pattern, Color, Scale and Angle. Note: Ensure that either the Vehicle body envelope or Body Clearance envelope is set to draw in the Envelopes Category. Hatching will not be applied to the simulation if one of these envelopes is not set to draw.

Hatching with Vehicle body Envelope Example

58

Tools

Simulation Properties

Hatching with Body Clearance Envelope Example

MicroStation users: AutoTURN uses the athatch.cel patterns file in the Patterns folder by default. To use a different hatch pattern file, specify the file’s location using the AutoTURN Configuration Utility. See AutoTURN Configuration Utility. Note: .cel files must be Version 8 or higher. AutoCAD users: AutoTURN scans the AutoCAD search path and includes any .pat files found. To use custom hatches, place them in a folder which is included in the search path.

59

Vehicles

Tools

Vehicles Sets the current vehicle. This tool is also used to create new vehicles, types, and groups, and to add loads and/or sight lines to vehicles. In addition, steering linkages can be set for vehicles with front and rear steering. Different icon buttons will appear at the bottom of the dialog depending on whether the vehicle has a Load and/or Sight Lines applied (see Load and Sight Lines below) or can be deleted. Permissions can be set to limit the access for creating and editing custom vehicles and types as well as the ability to add loads and sight lines to vehicles and to set steering linkages. The buttons will only be available if the user has the required permissions. See Program Settings –> Permissions.

To Select the Current Vehicle 1 2 3 4

Click Vehicles. Select the desired Vehicle Group from the Group list . Select the desired Vehicle from the Vehicle list . Click OK.

Select Current Vehicle

Group Select the group from the list of available vehicle groups. The vehicles in each group are displayed in the Vehicles list below. Groups containing standard design vehicles are displayed first in the group list. Groups containing user-defined vehicles are displayed last. Standard design vehicle groups cannot be deleted. 60

Tools

Vehicles

Vehicle Select the vehicle from this list. This list comprises all of the vehicles available in the currently selected Group. The selected vehicle will appear to the right in a profile view. If there is no profile drawing associated with the vehicle type, a plan view will be displayed. Standard design vehicles cannot be deleted, or modified.

Create New Vehicle Creates a new vehicle from a standard or custom type See Build Custom Type. Note: This button displays only when the user has the appropriate permissions to create a new vehicle. See Program Settings – Permissions.

To Create a New Vehicle 1 2

Click Vehicles. Click Create New Vehicle. The following dialog displays:

Create New Vehicle

3 4

5 6 7

Select the new vehicle’s type from the Select type list. See Build Custom Type if the vehicle type you want is not available. If there is no profile drawing associated with the vehicle type, a plan view of the vehicle type will be displayed. In this case, click Parts View to continue creating the new vehicle. See Customizing AutoTURN/Creating a Vehicle Profile. Enter a Name for the new vehicle. Select the Group in which you want to place the new vehicle from the - Select a Group - drop down list. If the group does not exist, click Create New Group – see Create New Group. Select the units for the new vehicle’s dimensions.

61

Vehicles

Tools

8

Enter the new vehicle’s dimensions, Lock to lock time and Steering lock angle (See Calculate Steering Lock), etc. See the Glossary for explanations of these terms. 9 If the vehicle type has a front and rear steering configuration click Steering Linkages to enter the steering angles and ratios. See Steering Linkages. 10 Click OK. This new vehicle is now the Current Vehicle. Note: An equivalent or higher access level of that used to create the custom vehicle or type is required to edit or delete custom vehicles or types.

Copy Vehicle Creates a new vehicle by copying the currently selected vehicle. Note: This button displays only when the user has the appropriate permissions to copy the selected vehicle. See Program Settings – Permissions.

To Copy a Vehicle 1 2

Click Vehicles. Click Copy Vehicle. The following dialog displays:

Copy Vehicle

3 4 5 6 7

62

Enter a Name for the new vehicle. Select which Group to create the vehicle in. Change any of the vehicle’s dimensions. If the vehicle type has a front and rear steering configuration click Steering Linkages to enter the steering angles and ratios. See Steering Linkages. Click OK. This new vehicle is now the Current Vehicle.

Tools

Vehicles

Create New Vehicle Buttons

Vehicle Information Click this button to see additional information about the selected vehicle. Click this button when creating new vehicles to add additional information. The Vehicle Information will be translated on the fly if the information is written using the tags in the following list.

List of Tags: SP AS VD BO

Source Publication: Assumptions: Vehicle Dimensions Prorated Based on

TC TL

Tractor Trailer

BF WB BL CR PA WD TR TB OL AX

Body Front Wheelbase Body Length Axle to Pivot Pivot to Axle Width Track Towbar Overall Length Axle Spacing

LL

Lock to Lock Time 63

Vehicles

SA AA

Tools

Steering Lock Angle Articulating Angle

Note: There is a limit of 8 lines and a maximum of 400 characters.

Vehicle Information – CROW 2004 (NL) VA

The following example shows how the Vehicle Information was formatted for the CROW 2004 (NL) VA vehicle:

=SP= ASVV 2004, CROW, 2004 =AS= =VD= =SA= =BO= ROA (NL) TO98. =TC= =BL= =BO= ROA (NL) TO98.

Create New Group Creates a new group in which to store user created vehicles. Creating a new group can only be accomplished while creating a new vehicle or copying a vehicle. See Create New Vehicle and Copy Vehicle.

New Vehicle Group

Enter the new vehicle Group name then click OK.

64

Tools

Vehicles

Calculate Steering Lock Calculates the steering lock angle for the given radius type and radius entered by the user. Calculating a vehicle’s steering lock angle can only be accomplished while creating a new vehicle. See Create New Vehicle and Copy Vehicle.

To Calculate a Vehicle’s Steering Lock Angle: 1

Click Calculate Steering Lock. The following dialog displays:

Calculate Steering Lock Angle

2 3 4

Select the desired Minimum Turning Radius type. Enter a value for the Radius. Press the Tab key to have the calculator display the steering lock angle for the entered radius. 5 Click Apply. The steering lock angle will be entered into the vehicle creation dialog. Note: The units used are those of the vehicle being created.

Build Custom Type Creates a new vehicle geometry type for use in creating new vehicles. If a profile view of the new type is desired see Customizing AutoTURN/Creating a Vehicle Profile once the new type is created. Note: This button displays only when the user has the appropriate permissions to create a custom type. See Program Settings – Permissions.

To Build a Custom Type 1 2 3

Click Vehicles. Click Create New Vehicle. Click Build Custom Type. The following dialog displays: 65

Vehicles

Tools

Build Custom Type

4 5 6 7 8 9

Enter a Name for the new type. Select the type of Tractor from the Current Part list. Enter the Tire size and units for this part. Select the number of front and rear axles and wheels. Enter the axle Spacing of the front and rear axle groups. Select the type of Steering. a. Note that tractors can have the following steering configurations: Front only, Rear only, Front and rear, and Front fixed only. b. To enable Steering Linkages for a single part vehicle select the Front and rear steering configuration. See Steering Linkages. 10 Click Articulate to check steering components. 11 Click Add New Part. 12 Select the type of Trailer from the Current Part list. 13 Repeat steps 6-10 to define the new part. a. Note that the last trailer’s rear axles can be fixed or steerable. b. To enable Steering Linkages, only the last trailer’s rear axles can be configured as rear steerable and all axles in the rear group must be steerable. See Steering Linkages. 14 Click Delete Last Part to remove undesired parts. 15 If there are no more parts to be added, click OK or 16 If there are more parts to be added click Add New Part and repeat steps 6-10 until you have defined all the parts for the custom type. Note on Tire Units: The units used to express tire diameters default to inches if the vehicle dimensions are in feet or millimeters if the vehicle dimensions are in meters. Note: An equivalent or higher access level of that used to create the custom vehicle or type is required to edit or delete custom vehicles or types. 66

Tools

Vehicles

Custom Type Buttons

Edit Custom Type Allows editing of the selected user created custom type. Note: This button displays only when the user has the appropriate permissions to edit the selected custom type. See Program Settings – Permissions.

To Edit a Custom Type 1 2 3 4 5

Click Vehicles. Click Create New Vehicle. Select the custom type to edit. Click Edit Custom Type. Make the desired changes then click OK.

Delete Custom Type Deletes the selected custom vehicle type. Note: This button displays only when the user has the appropriate permissions to delete the selected custom type. See Program Settings – Permissions.

To Delete a Custom Type 1 2 3 4 5

Click Vehicles. Click Create New Vehicle. Select the custom type to delete. Click Delete Custom Type. Confirm deletion of the custom vehicle type. 67

Vehicles

Tools

Parts View Allows the user to view the relevant details of the currently selected vehicle. The vehicle is displayed in a plan view. If the user has appropriate permissions, editing of the vehicle’s dimensions are possible. This dialog is also useful for seeing how the vehicle will articulate by clicking the Articulate button.

Parts View

The data in the top left corner displays the current vehicle’s Name, Type, Group, Units, Lock to lock time, Steering lock angle, and Articulating angle (where applicable). The entire vehicle (click All) or vehicle part (click Part) can be displayed in the top portion of the dialog box, while the lower portion details the selected part (highlighted with a red arrow above the center of that part). Clicking in the center of a part will highlight that part. It is possible to edit the vehicle’s dimensions: front overhang, wheelbase, body length, connector, vehicle width and track width, Lock to lock time, Steering lock angle, and Articulating angles. It is not possible to make changes to vehicle type information in this dialog: Part types, numbers of Axles or Wheels, Tire size, or axle Spacing (see Edit Custom Type).

Steering Linkages AutoTURN 5.1 introduces the ability to set Steering Linkage ratios between the front and rear steering axle groups. Previous versions of AutoTURN had a 1:1 ratio between the front and rear steering angles. This meant that if the front angle was 15 degrees then the rear angle was also 15 degrees. This ratio can now be expressed as a Rate from 0 to 1 where a value of 1 would provide the same 1:1 ratio as previous versions. A ratio of 1:2 would be entered as a Rate of 0.5 and the rear steering angle would change at a rate of one degree for every 2 degrees that the front steering angle changed. To simulate non-linear linkage ratios, this feature allows the setting of different rates of change for the rear steering angle based on different front steering angle ranges. For example, the rear 68

Tools

Vehicles

steering angle rate of change for the front steering angle range of 0 to 10 degrees could be set to 0.5 (a ratio of 1:2), a different rate could be set from 10 to 20 degrees, say 0.25 (a ratio of 1:4), yet another rate could be set from 20-40 degrees, say 0.2 (a ratio of 1:5), etc. Steering Linkage ratios are available for single part vehicles when front and rear steering is configured. In this case the angle of the front steering angle affects the rear steering angle.

Steering Linkages for a single part vehicle

Steering Linkage ratios are also available for multi-part vehicles when the tractor has front steering and the last trailer has rear steering configured. Only the last trailer of multi-part vehicles can have rear steering applied to it. In addition, the tractor can not have front and rear steering if a trailer in the type is to have rear steering. All axles in the rear steered group must be steering axles to enable Steering Linkages. In the case of multi-part vehicles employing rear steering, the rear steering angle is affected by the articulating angle of the rear steered part.

Steering Linkages for vehicle with rear steered trailer

The rear steering angle is derived from the front steering angle (in the case of single part vehicles) or articulating angle (in the case of multi-part vehicles) using the following formula: ((To1 - From1) * Rate1) + ((To2 - From2) * Rate2) + … Therefore, if the articulating angle in the multi-part vehicle example pictured above is 45 degrees, the rear steering angle is 15 degrees: ((20 – 0) * 0.25) + ((45 – 20) * 0.4) = 15 69

Vehicles

Tools

Steering Linkage ratios for single part vehicles with front and rear steering apply when generating forward and reverse maneuvers. Steering Linkage ratios for multi-part vehicles with front and rear steering only apply when generating forward maneuvers. When a multi-part vehicle with front and rear steering is generating a reverse maneuver the trailer’s axles are considered to be fixed.

Articulate Click Articulate to demonstrate the articulation of the vehicle or part.

Delete Vehicle, Load, and Sight Lines Buttons

Delete Vehicle Deletes the currently selected user created custom vehicle. Note: This button displays only when the user has the appropriate permissions to delete the selected custom vehicle. See Program Settings – Permissions.

To Delete a Vehicle 1 2 3 4

Click Vehicles. Select the group and vehicle you want to delete. Click Delete Vehicle. Confirm deletion of vehicle.

Note: Standard design vehicles cannot be deleted.

Delete Load Deletes the load associated with the current vehicle. 70

Tools

Vehicles

Note: This button displays only when there is a load associated with the vehicle and the user has the appropriate permissions to delete the load. See Program Settings – Permissions.

To Delete a Load from a vehicle 1 2 3 4

Click Vehicles. Select the group and vehicle you want to delete the load from. Click Delete Load. Confirm deletion of the load.

Load Creates a user-defined load for the current vehicle. The load can only be applied to the vehicle it was created for. See Apply Load. Note: This button displays only when the user has the appropriate permissions to create a load for the selected vehicle. See Program Settings – Permissions.

To create a Load for a vehicle 1 2 3 4 5 6

Click Vehicles. Select the group and vehicle you want to create a load for. Click Load. Select the part to add the load to by clicking inside the wheelbase of the part (highlighted with a red arrow above the center of that part). Select the type of load to add from the Load type drop down list. Define each coordinate of the load. The load datum is the front-center point of the part. You will see the load update in the plan view as in the example dialog below:

Example of a 4 point shape Load

71

Vehicles

7

Tools

When satisfied with the load definition, click OK.

Note: The vehicle and load will be drawn the next time a simulation is generated. Alternatively, it is possible to Update the simulation to have the load drawn in the vehicle instances (See Simulation Properties). Uncheck the Apply box if you do not want to see the load displayed when generating or updating simulations. See Apply Load.

Apply Load Allows the load associated with the current vehicle to be displayed when generating simulations, running animations, placing vehicles in a simulation, or updating simulations. Note: This button displays only when there is a load associated with the vehicle and the user has the appropriate permissions to apply the load. See Program Settings – Permissions.

To Apply the Load 1 2 3

Click Vehicles. Select the group and vehicle you want to apply the load to. Check the box beside Load.

To Disable the Load 1 2 3

Click Vehicles. Select the group and vehicle you want to disable the load for. Uncheck the box beside Load.

Delete Sight Lines Deletes the sight lines associated with the current vehicle. Note: This button displays only when there is a sight line associated with the vehicle and the user has the appropriate permissions to delete the sight line. See Program Settings – Permissions.

To Delete Sight Lines from a vehicle 1 2 3 4

Click Vehicles. Select the group and vehicle you want to delete sight lines from. Click Delete Sight Lines. Confirm deletion of the sight lines.

Sight Lines Creates user-defined sight lines for the current vehicle. This tool can be used to simulate headlights, rear or side mirror viewing areas, etc. The sight lines can only be applied to the vehicle it was created for. See Apply Sight Lines. 72

Tools

Vehicles

Note: This button displays only when the user has the appropriate permissions to add sight lines to the selected vehicle. See Program Settings – Permissions.

Sight Lines Example



Base point

The sight lines base point is located at the front-center of the part.



Base width

This is the width of the sight lines at the base point. The Base width is centered on the Base point so, one half of the Base width is measured to either side of the Base point.



Beam angle

This is the angle of the sight line as measured along the center of the sight line counter clockwise from the Base point.



Beam length

This is the length of the sight line as measured along the center of the sight line.



Sweep angle

This is the angle swept out by the sight line

To Create Sight Lines for a Vehicle 1 2 3

Click Vehicles. Select the group and vehicle you want to create sight lines for. Click Sight Lines. 73

Vehicles

4 5 6

Tools

Select the part to add sight lines to (highlighted with a red arrow above the center of that part). Define the characteristics of the sight lines as desired. You will see the sight lines update in the plan view: When satisfied with the sight lines, click OK.

Note: The vehicle and sight lines will be drawn the next time a simulation is generated. Alternatively, it is possible to Update the simulation to have the sight lines drawn in the vehicle instances (See Simulation Properties - Update).

Apply Sight Lines Allows the sight lines associated with the current vehicle to be displayed when generating simulations, running animations, placing vehicles in a simulation, or updating simulations. Note: This button displays only when there is a sight line associated with the selected vehicle and the user has the appropriate permissions to apply the sight line. See Program Settings – Permissions.

To Apply the Sight Lines 1 2 3

Click Vehicles. Select the group and vehicle you want to apply the sight lines to. Check the box beside Sight Lines.

To Disable the Sight Lines 1 2 3

74

Click Vehicles. Select the group and vehicle you want to apply the sight lines to. Uncheck the box beside Sight Lines.

Tools

SmartPath Tools

SmartPath Tools Creates various types of turn simulations by prompting the user for a starting position then dynamically generating the path geometry as the mouse is moved through the maneuver. Simulations are generated using the current vehicle, settings, and properties. See Vehicles, Program Settings, and Simulation Properties.

To Generate a Turn Simulation: Notes: These instructions are generic for creating forward simulations with all SmartPath Tools. See the section on each SmartPath Tool for information specific to each SmartPath Tool. For instructions on how to generate reverse maneuvers see Reverse Maneuvers. The last simulation generated or placed (See Place Offset Simulation and Place Simulation) in the drawing is the Active Simulation. 1 2

Select one of the SmartPath Tools to begin generating a turn simulation. Move the vehicle to the desired start position then click to set the vehicle. This sets the location of the center of the vehicle’s front axle. The following dialog displays:

SmartPath Tools - Vehicle Start Angle

3

Move the mouse in an arc around the front of the vehicle then click to set the Vehicle Start Angle, or enter the start angle in the SmartPath Tools dialog then click Apply. This sets the starting angle of the vehicle and its parts. The following dialog displays:

SmartPath Tools - Generate Arc Path

75

SmartPath Tools

4

Tools

Although the SmartPath Tools dialog displays once the Vehicle Start Angle is set, it is possible to set the Articulating angles of a multi-part vehicle – until the first section of the simulation is generated. Note: Perform this step only if a non-zero articulating angle between the vehicle parts is desired. a. Click inside the wheelbase of a vehicle part, other than the first part then move the mouse ahead of the part in an arc to rotate it. When the desired angle is reached, click to set it. This process can be repeated as many times as desired until the first section of the simulation is generated.

Setting Articulating angles

b. Optionally, the vehicle can be moved to a new start position (at any time before the first section is generated) by clicking inside the wheelbase of the vehicle’s first part, moving the vehicle to the new start position then clicking to set the new start position. The Articulating angles will be retained. 5 Set the Speed, Radius Type, and other various SmartPath Tools options depending on the type of simulation being generated. See SmartPath Tools Options, Generate Corner Path and Oversteer Corner Path. 6 Move the mouse to the desired endpoint of the section then left click to generate the section. The simulation can not exceed 6600 feet or 2000 meters. 7 Generate another section by moving the mouse to a new endpoint then left-clicking. 8 Repeat step 7 until the desired maneuver is completed. There can be a maximum of 40 sections in a simulation. 9 Stop generating the simulation and the SmartPath Tool by right clicking. Note: Click a different SmartPath Tool button in the SmartPath Tools dialog to change the type of maneuver generated in the next section of the simulation. This functionality allows the simulation to be comprised of different Maneuver Types.

76

Tools

SmartPath Tools

SmartPath Tool Options:

SmartPath Tools

The various SmartPath Tools options are explained below. See each SmartPath Tool section for pertinent information about each tool.

Current SmartPath Tool Highlights which SmartPath Tool is currently being used with a red outline.

Maneuver Type Indicates which direction and what type of section (forward or reverse) is being generated. A forward maneuver is indicated by the one of the following depending upon which SmartPath Tool is active: Forward Arc Path Forward Corner Path Forward Oversteered Path Forward Steered Path Reverse Maneuvers are indicated by one of the following depending upon which SmartPath Tool is active: Reverse Arc Path Reverse Corner Path Reverse Steered Path See Reverse Maneuvers.

Steering Lock or Reverse Overrides Indicates whether the vehicle’s steering specifications or Program Settings’ Reverse Overrides are being used while generating the simulation. When a forward simulation is being generated the vehicle’s Steering Lock Angle will always be used. When generating a reverse simulation the Reverse Overrides settings in Program Settings will be used if they are greater than the steering specifications for the vehicle. 77

SmartPath Tools

Tools

Turn wheels from stop When this box is not checked, the vehicle is assumed to be starting the maneuver at the speed entered. The vehicle’s Lock to lock time and speed are used to create a transition zone in the generated path. In this zone, the vehicle’s steering wheels turn at a linear rate until they reach the angle at which the mouse position can be reached. When this box is checked, the vehicle is assumed to be starting the section from a complete stop. This allows the steering wheels to be turned while the vehicle is stopped, allowing the vehicle to proceed at a constant steering angle to the mouse position. This option is only available in the Generate Arc Path and Steer A Path SmartPath Tools and only at very slow speeds (6 mph (10 km/h) or less), and should only be used when maneuvering space is at a premium.

Speed Sets the speed at which the vehicle is traveling. Reverse maneuvers are conducted at 6 mph (10 km/h).

Radius Type Select the Radius Type from Centerline, Curb to Curb, or Wall to Wall. The radius value will be displayed for this type.

Radius Generate Arc Path: The radius is dynamically updated for the current speed and radius type selected as the mouse is moved while generating Arc Path simulations.

Generate Corner Path: An edit box is provided to set the desired radius for the radius type selected. Note: AutoTURN will not allow a radius to be set to a smaller value than the minimum radius capabilities for the current vehicle at the current speed.

78

Tools

SmartPath Tools

Oversteer Corner Path: An edit box is provided to set the desired radius for the radius type selected. Note: AutoTURN will not allow a radius to be set to a smaller value than the minimum radius capabilities for the current vehicle at the current speed.

Steer A Path: The minimum centerline turning radius is displayed for the current speed.

Shrink/Expand Shrinks the SmartPath Tools dialog to its minimum size to increase the working space in the drawing area.

SmartPath Tools - Shrunk

Click Expand to return the SmartPath Tools dialog to its full size.

Undo Deletes the last generated section. Hint: Alternatively, an undo can be performed by clicking inside the wheelbase of the last vehicle position generated.

79

SmartPath Tools

Tools

Superelevation Displays the superelevation (i.e. slope) of the road surface. This value is considered in determining the minimum turn radius, and is only available at speeds of 10 mph (16 km/h) or greater. Check the Set box to override the default value.

Lateral Friction Displays the friction factor between the vehicle’s tires and the road surface. This value is considered in determining the minimum turn radius, and is only available at speeds of 10 mph (16 km/h) or greater. Check the Set box to override the default value.

80

Tools

Generate Arc Path

Generate Arc Path Generates the simplest and most commonly used type of simulation. It generates a path that follows an arc from the start position to the position of the mouse. Note: For more information on generating simulations see To Generate a Turn Simulation.

To Generate a Forward Arc Path Simulation: 1 2 3

Click Generate Arc Path. Set the vehicle’s start position, angle, and articulating angles if applicable. The following dialog displays:

SmartPath Tools – Forward Arc Path

4 Set the Speed and Radius Type for the current section. 5 (AutoCAD only) Click in the drawing area to begin generating the simulation. 6 The Radius dynamically updates as you move the mouse. 7 Click the desired end position to generate the section. 8 Continue generating sections by clicking end positions or right click to stop using this tool. See also: Run Animation, Place Vehicle, Turning Report, and Insert Profile.

81

Generate Corner Path

Tools

Generate Corner Path Generates a turn simulation using an entrance tangent, arc, and exit tangent, with input for the turn Radius and the amount of turn Sweep. The Sweep can also be set by selecting an existing element. The tangents can be lengthened or shortened by moving the mouse in the direction of the tangent. Note: For more information on generating simulations see To Generate a Turn Simulation.

To Generate a Forward Corner Path Simulation: 1 2 3

Click Generate Corner Path. Set the vehicle’s start position, angle, and articulating angles if applicable. The following dialog displays:

SmartPath Tools – Forward Corner Path

4

5 6 7 82

Set the following options for the current section: a. Enter the Speed. b. Select the Radius Type. c. Enter the Corner Radius. d. Enter the Sweep Angle for the radius, or e. Click the Sweep button  then pick an element in the drawing area. Note: The sweep angle is defined as the angle between a line extending through the vehicle’s direction of travel and the element’s closest point (to the midpoint of the vehicles’ front axle) to the element’s end point. (AutoCAD only) Click in the drawing area to begin generating the simulation. Lengthen or shorten the entrance and exit tangents by moving the mouse closer to and farther away from the vehicle start position. Click the desired end position to generate the section.

Tools

Generate Corner Path

8 Continue generating sections by clicking end positions or right click to stop using this tool. The following drawing illustrates a simulation created with Generate Corner Path. This type of simulation is distinguished by the presence of an Entrance Tangent, Arc, and Exit Tangent.

Forward Corner Path Simulation Example

See also: Run Animation, Place Vehicle, Turning Report, and Insert Profile.

83

Oversteer Corner Path

Tools

Oversteer Corner Path Generates an over-steered maneuver similar to Generate Corner Path with the goal of having the body of the vehicle’s first part and steering tires parallel at the end of the maneuver. Entry and exit tangent offsets are used to control the amount of oversteer applied to the maneuver. Note: For more information on generating simulations see To Generate a Turn Simulation.

To Generate a Forward Oversteered Path Simulation: 1 2 3

Click Oversteer Corner Path. Set the vehicle’s start position, angle, and articulating angle if applicable. The following dialog displays:

SmartPath Tools – Forward Oversteered Path

4

5 6

84

Set the following options for the current section: a. Enter the Speed. b. Select the Radius Type. c. Enter the Corner Radius. d. Enter the Sweep Angle for the radius, or e. Click the Sweep button  then pick an element in the drawing area. Note: The sweep angle is defined as the angle between a line extending through the vehicle’s direction of travel and the element’s closest point (to the midpoint of the vehicles’ front axle) to the element’s end point. f. Enter the Entry and/or Exit Offset(s). (AutoCAD only) Click in the drawing area to begin generating the simulation. Lengthen or shorten the entrance and exit tangents by moving the mouse closer to and farther away from the vehicle start position.

Tools

7 8

Oversteer Corner Path

Click the desired end position to generate the section. Continue generating sections by clicking end positions or right click to stop using this tool.

Notes: The Entry and Exit Offsets are measured from the body of the vehicle’s first part perpendicular to the extents of the vehicle body envelope.

ENTRY OFFSET

Oversteer Corner Path – Offset dimensions

See also: Run Animation, Place Vehicle, Turning Report, and Insert Profile.

85

Steer A Path

Tools

Steer A Path Provides a means of driving a vehicle along an arbitrary path by moving the mouse in the desired direction. When the mouse stops moving, the vehicle stops moving. Click to start and stop the vehicle and/or to go forward or reverse. Note: For more information on generating simulations see To Generate a Turn Simulation.

To Generate a Forward Steered Path Simulation: 1 2 3

Click Steer A Path. Set the vehicle’s start position, angle, and articulating angles if applicable. The following dialog displays:

SmartPath Tools – Forward Steered Path

4 5 6

Set the Speed for the current section. The minimum centerline turning radius for the current speed is displayed. Click in the drawing area to begin driving the vehicle. The vehicle will move towards the mouse position to the best of its ability given the current speed. While the mouse is in motion, the vehicle will be in motion. 7 Click the desired end position to generate the section. 8 Repeat steps 6-7 as many times as required to complete the desired simulation or right click to stop using this tool. Hint: Click often to generate sections. This will aid in editing the simulation later.

86

Tools

Steer A Path

Forward Steered Path Simulation Path Example

See also: Run Animation, Place Vehicle, Turning Report, and Insert Profile.

87

Reverse Maneuvers

Tools

Reverse Maneuvers It is possible to generate reverse maneuvers with the Generate Arc Path, Generate Corner Path and Steer A Path tools. Reverse Maneuvers are initiated simply by moving the mouse through the rear axle group while generating simulations. Reverse Maneuvers are indicated by their reverse SmartPath Tool button and the following Maneuver Types displayed in the SmartPath Tools dialog: Reverse Arc Path Reverse Corner Path Reverse Steered Path Reverse maneuvers are only possible for vehicles with one or two parts (i.e. articulating components). Reverse maneuvers are always performed at 6 mph (10 km/h) with Turn wheels from stop on. Additionally, the first forward maneuver after a reverse maneuver is also performed at 6 mph (10 km/h) with Turn wheels from stop on. The Speed can be changed in the second section after a reverse maneuver.

Changing directions to Generate a Reverse Maneuver: Note: These instructions are generic for creating reverse simulations with all SmartPath Tools (except for the Steer A Path Tool – see Reverse Steered Path). See the section on each Reverse SmartPath Tool for information specific to each tool. 1 2

3 4

While generating a simulation with a SmartPath Tool (exception – see Reverse Steered Path) move the mouse through the rear axle group of the vehicle. The vehicle will now be traveling in reverse – performing a reverse maneuver type of the same SmartPath Tool (exception – AutoTURN switches to the Reverse Corner Path Tool automatically when a reverse maneuver is initiated while using the Oversteer Corner Path Tool). Click the desired end position to generate the reverse section. Continue generating reverse sections by clicking end positions or right click to stop using the tool.

To Resume Forward Motion: 1 2 3 4

88

While generating a simulation with a SmartPath Tool (exception – see Reverse Steered Path), move the mouse through the front axle group of the vehicle. The vehicle will be traveling forwards. Click the desired end position to generate the forward section. Continue generating forward sections by clicking end positions or right click to stop using the tool.

Tools

Reverse Arc Path

Reverse Arc Path Generates a reverse section using the simplest type of simulation. It generates a reverse arc path that follows an arc from the start position to the position of the mouse. The Reverse Arc Path tool is accessed via the Generate Arc Path SmartPath Tool and initiating a reverse maneuver. Note: For more information on generating simulations see To Generate a Turn Simulation.

To Generate a Reverse Arc Path Simulation: 1 2 3 4

Click Generate Arc Path. Set the vehicle’s start position, angle, and articulating angles if applicable. Before clicking to begin generating a section, move the mouse through the rear axle group of the vehicle. The following dialog displays:

SmartPath Tools – Reverse Arc Path

5 Set the Radius Type for the current section. 6 (AutoCAD only) Click in the drawing area to begin generating the simulation. 7 The Radius dynamically updates as you move the mouse. 8 Click the desired end position to generate the section. 9 Continue generating sections by clicking end positions or right click to stop using this tool. See also: Run Animation, Place Vehicle, Turning Report, and Insert Profile.

89

Reverse Corner Path

Tools

Reverse Corner Path The Reverse Corner Path Tool allows a reverse maneuver to be generated with a tangent-arctangent combination by specifying the desired Sweep angle (via keyboard entry or selecting drawing elements). The entrance and exit tangents can be lengthened or shortened by moving the mouse in the direction of the tangent. AutoTURN switches to the Reverse Corner Path Tool automatically when a reverse maneuver is initiated while using the Oversteer Corner Path Tool. The Reverse Corner Path Tool behaves differently for one and two part vehicles:

Generating Reverse Corner Simulations with One Part Vehicles It is possible to set the Radius Type, Radius, and Sweep angle when generating reverse simulations with one part vehicles. In addition, the entrance and exit tangents can always be lengthened or shortened.

Generating Reverse Corner Simulations with Two Part Vehicles Only the Sweep angle and Tolerance settings are available when generating reverse simulations with two part vehicles. The Tolerance setting aids maneuvering in close quarters by setting an articulating angle between the tractor and trailer at the end of the arc portion of the maneuver. By default, Tolerance is set to the minimum value of 0.1 degrees, which does not affect the generation of the simulation. Increase the Tolerance value to decrease the amount of space required to complete a reverse corner section. An exit tangent is not generated when Tolerance is set to a value greater than 5 degrees. The maximum Tolerance angle is 45 degrees.

To Generate a Reverse Corner Path Simulation with a One Part Vehicle: 1 2 3 4

90

Click Generate Corner Path. Set the vehicle’s start position and starting angle. Before clicking to begin generating a section, move the mouse through the rear axle group of the vehicle. The following dialog displays:

Tools

Reverse Corner Path

SmartPath Tools – Reverse Corner Path

5

6 7 8 9

Set the following options for the current section: a. Select the Radius Type. b. Enter the Corner Radius. c. Enter the Sweep Angle for the radius, or d. Click the Sweep button  then pick an element in the drawing area. Notes:  The sweep angle is defined as the angle between a line extending through the vehicle’s direction of travel and the element’s closest point (to the midpoint of the vehicles’ front axle) to the element’s end point.  If a sweep angle greater than 160 degrees is entered or picked, a warning message will display and the sweep angle will be set to 160 degrees. (AutoCAD only) Click in the drawing area to begin generating the simulation. Lengthen or shorten the entrance and exit tangents by moving the mouse closer to and farther away from the vehicle start position. Click the desired end position to generate the section. Continue generating sections by clicking end positions or right click to stop using this tool.

To Generate a Reverse Corner Path Simulation with a Two Part Vehicle: 1 2 3 4

Click Generate Corner Path. Set the vehicle’s start position, start angle, and articulating angles. Before clicking to begin generating a section, move the mouse through the rear axle group of the vehicle. The following dialog displays:

91

Reverse Corner Path

Tools

SmartPath Tools – Reverse Corner Path

5

6 7 8

Set the following options for the current section: a. Enter the Sweep Angle, or b. Click the Sweep button  then pick an element in the drawing area. Notes:  The sweep angle is defined as the angle between a line extending through the vehicle’s direction of travel and the element’s closest point (to the midpoint of the vehicles’ front axle) to the element’s end point.  If a sweep angle greater than 160 degrees is entered or picked, a warning message will display and the sweep angle will be set to 160 degrees. c. Enter a Tolerance value if maneuvering room is limited. (AutoCAD only) Click in the drawing area to begin generating the simulation. Lengthen or shorten the entrance tangent by moving the mouse closer to and farther away from the vehicle start position. If the Tolerance value is 5 degrees or less, lengthen or shorten the exit tangent. If Tolerance is 6 degrees or higher, AutoTURN truncates the simulation at the end of the arc portion as in the following example:

Reverse Corner Path with 45 degree Tolerance Example

9 Click the desired end position to generate the section. 10 Continue generating sections by clicking end positions or right click to stop using this tool. The following drawing illustrates a simulation created with the Reverse Corner Path Tool and a minimum Tolerance setting of 0.1 degrees. The Sweep angle was obtained by clicking the Sweep button then selecting one of the parking lines. 92

Tools

Reverse Corner Path

Reverse Corner Path Simulation Example

See also: Run Animation, Place Vehicle, Turning Report, and Insert Profile.

93

Reverse Steered Path

Tools

Reverse Steered Path Provides a means of reversing a vehicle along an arbitrary path by moving the mouse in the desired direction. When the mouse stops moving, the vehicle stops moving. Click to start and stop the vehicle and/or to go forward or reverse. Note: For more information on generating simulations see To Generate a Turn Simulation.

To Generate a Reverse Steered Path Simulation: 1 2 3 4

Click Steer A Path. Set the vehicle’s start position, angle, and articulating angles if applicable. Move the mouse through the rear axle group of the vehicle. The following dialog displays:

SmartPath Tools – Reverse Steered Path

5

The minimum centerline turning radius for the vehicle traveling at 6 mph (10 km/h) is displayed. 6 Click in the drawing area to begin reversing the vehicle. The vehicle will move towards the mouse position to the best of its ability given the reverse speed. While the mouse is in motion, the vehicle will be in motion. 7 Click the desired end position to generate the section. 8 Repeat steps 6-7 as many times as required to complete the desired simulation or right click to stop using this tool. Hint: Click often to generate sections. This will aid in editing the simulation later. See also: Run Animation, Place Vehicle, Turning Report, and Insert Profile.

94

Tools

Continue Simulation

Continue Simulation Continues generating the selected simulation.

To Continue a Simulation This tool requires an existing simulation. 1 2 3

Click Continue Simulation. Select the simulation you wish to continue. The SmartPath Tools dialog box will appear, and the simulation can be continued. See SmartPath Tools.

SmartPath Tools

Hint: Alternatively, you can continue a simulation by clicking any of the SmartPath Tools (Generate Arc Path, Generate Corner Path, Oversteer Corner Path, or Steer A Path), then picking a point inside the wheelbase of the vehicle at the end of the simulation to be continued (instead of picking a point to pick a start position). The vehicle will be changed to the one used in the existing simulation.

95

Delete Last Section

Tools

Delete Last Section Deletes the last section of a picked simulation.

To Delete the Last Section of a simulation This tool requires an existing simulation. 1 2 3 4 5

Click Delete Last Section. Select the simulation you want the last section deleted from. If the simulation comprises more than one section, the last section is deleted. If the simulation is only one section, only the starting vehicle position will remain after deleting the section. Continue deleting last sections as desired, ending by right clicking.

Before Deleting

After Deleting

The process of deleting sections can be continued until the last section has been deleted, leaving only the vehicle in the start position. The Continue Simulation tool can be used to continue when only the start vehicle remains.

96

Tools

Path Control

Path Control Path Control is used to make adjustments to existing simulations by moving or adding nodes. Nodes are the start or end points of the sections in a simulation. Path Control is intended for making relatively minor adjustments to simulations. For example, if the vehicle runs too close to an object or runs slightly over a curb line, this tool can be used to make the necessary correction without having to recreate the simulation; however, for larger scale changes it is recommended that other editing tools such as Delete Last Section and Continue Simulation be used.

To use Path Control This tool requires an existing simulation. 1 2 3

4 5

Click Path Control. Select the simulation you want to edit. Move the mouse over the simulation. If the pointer is close to a node, the node will be highlighted with a circle. If the pointer is between nodes, the nodes on either side will be highlighted with a line joining them. To move a node, click when that single node is highlighted. To add a node between two existing nodes, click when the two nodes are highlighted.

Moving a Node

97

Path Control

Tools

Adding a Node

Editing Corner Path Sections Editing a Corner Path section with the two end nodes highlighted does not add a new node. Instead, the corner’s radius may be changed by moving the mouse towards or away from the center of the arc.

Notes and Limitations  

  

98

Changes are limited by the vehicle's turn limitations and speed. The vehicle must pass through all original nodes. This may result in large fluctuations if the vehicle is in continuous motion, traveling faster than a very slow speed, or if the existing nodes are relatively close together. This may be alleviated to some extent by making relatively small alternating adjustments to adjacent nodes. Performance may be sluggish for longer simulations if the editing is being done near the beginning of the simulation. This is because all the sections after the edit point must be continuously regenerated as the mouse is moved. The vehicle angle at the start position is fixed; however, the start position may be moved. The vehicle angle at the end position of the simulation is not fixed; however, its range of variation is limited to 60 degrees from its original angle.

Tools

Place Offset Simulation

Place Offset Simulation This tool generates a simulation using the current vehicle where an Offset Distance specified by the user is maintained from a boundary element. The Offset Distance is measured from the boundary element to the Front Tires Envelope or Rear Tires Envelope of the simulation, depending on which envelope is closest to the boundary element. This tool requires existing CAD geometry in the drawing to act as the boundary element. The geometry may consist of lines and arcs, or a polyline. Lines and arcs can not be combined with polylines to make up the boundary element. The simulation will be placed using the current vehicle, settings, and properties. See Vehicles, Program Settings, and Simulation Properties.

To Place an Offset Simulation 1

Click Place Offset Simulation. The following dialog displays:

Place Offset Simulation

2 3

Select the boundary element(s). Click a blank spot in the drawing area when done selecting line and arc boundary elements. (If a polyline was selected, the following dialog displays after selecting the polyline.) The following dialog displays:

Place Offset Simulation

4 5 6

Enter the desired Minimum Offset value. Select the side to offset from the boundary element(s) from the Direction drop down menu. Click Apply.

99

Place Offset Simulation

Tools

Note: If the current vehicle is unable to negotiate the entire maneuver a message will be displayed to that affect. The following diagram illustrates a simulation created by using the Place Offset Simulation tool. The asterisk (*) denotes the Offset Distance between the Front and Rear Tire Envelopes and the boundary element. REAR TIRE ENVELOPES FRONT TIRE ENVELOPES *

*

*

* * OFFSET DISTANCE

* BOUNDARY ELEMENT

Place Offset Simulation - example

Notes: Only forward maneuvers are possible using the Place Offset Simulation tool. For reverse maneuvers see Reverse Maneuvers in SmartPath Tools. The last simulation placed or generated (See SmartPath Tools) in the drawing is the Active Simulation. See also: Run Animation, Place Vehicle, Turning Report, Insert Profile and Place Simulation.

100

Tools

Select Active Path

Select Active Path Sets the current Active Path (i.e. pre-drawn path) or Active Simulation used by AutoTURN’s Place Simulation, Run Animation, Place Vehicle, and Turning Report tools. It is also used to set the current vehicle from the selected simulation for the Insert Profile tool.

To Set the Active Path This tool requires an existing pre-drawn path. See Pre-Drawn Paths. 1 2 3

Click Select Active Path. Select the path element(s): If the pre-drawn path consists of:  

Lines/arcs—select the path elements in the desired direction of travel. A Complex Chain or B-spline/Polyline or Spline — select the path nearer to the start than the end of the path.

When the path has been selected, a circle will display at the start point of the path and an arrow symbol will display at the end of the path representing the direction of travel.

To Set the Active Simulation This tool requires an existing simulation. 1 2

Click Select Active Path. Select a simulation in the drawing.

See also: Place Simulation, Run Animation, Place Vehicle, Turning Report, and Insert Profile.

101

Place Simulation

Tools

Place Simulation Places a simulation using the current vehicle on the Active Path. The simulation will be placed using the current vehicle, settings, properties, and Active Path. See Vehicles, Program Settings, Simulation Properties and Select Active Path.

To Place a Simulation 1

If there isn’t an Active Path in the drawing, click Select Active Path. a. Select the desired path. 2 Click Place Simulation. Note: If the current vehicle is unable to negotiate the entire maneuver a message will be displayed to that affect.

Steering and Articulating Angles If the vehicle’s steering lock or maximum articulating angle is exceeded at any point along the path, the simulation will terminate at the point where the angle was exceeded. A message will be displayed stating that the simulation could not be fully placed. The angle will be displayed in the simulation.

Angle exceeded

In the event that an angle is exceeded during the course of a simulation, delete the simulation, increase the radius of the arc where the simulation stopped (or otherwise alter the path), then pick the path and place the simulation again. It is suggested that turn radii be of at least the minimum centerline turning radius for the vehicle. Notes: Only forward maneuvers are possible using the Place Simulation tool. For reverse maneuvers see Reverse Maneuvers in SmartPath Tools. The last simulation placed or generated (See SmartPath Tools) in the drawing is the Active Simulation. See also: Pre-Drawn Paths, Place Offset Simulation, and Recall Simulations.

102

Tools

Run Animation

Run Animation Runs an animation of the current vehicle on the Active Path or runs an animation of the vehicle used in the Active Simulation. This function requires an Active Path or Active Simulation. Run Animation can be used directly after generating or placing a simulation as the SmartPath Tools, Place Simulation, and Place Offset Simulation tools set the simulation just created as the Active Simulation.

To Run an Animation 1

If there isn’t an Active Path or Active Simulation in the drawing, click Select Active Path. a. Select the desired path. 2 Click Run Animation. 3 Repeat step 3 as many times as desired to re-run the animation. Abort the animation by pressing the Esc key. The Run Animation tool does not produce drawing elements in the drawing file. Any animation elements left on the screen after an animation is finished can be cleared from the screen by performing a Redraw in AutoCAD or an Update in MicroStation. See Program Settings for adjusting the speed of animations and for viewing animations in frameby-frame mode.

Simultaneous Animations See Recall Simulations for running multiple simultaneous animations.

Looping Animations See Program Settings -> Display Options: Animation to enable the Loop setting which allows animations to be run continuously.

103

Place Vehicle

Tools

Place Vehicle Places plan view representations of the vehicle anywhere along an Active Path or Active Simulation.

To Place a Vehicle This function requires that either an Active Path or Active Simulation exist. 1 2 3 4

Click Place Vehicle. Move the vehicle along the path then click to place. Repeat step 2 as desired. Right click to stop using this tool.

Note: This tool can be used as an alternative to the Run Animation tool for visualizing vehicle movement along a path. Simply move the vehicle backwards and forwards along the path to visualize the movement, without left clicking. Right click to stop using this tool.

104

Tools

Delete Vehicle

Delete Vehicle Deletes vehicles in simulations that were placed using the Place Vehicle tool.

To Delete a Vehicle 1 2 3

Click Delete Vehicle. Pick a vehicle in a simulation to delete, by picking a point inside the wheelbase of any vehicle part. The vehicles at either end of a path or at a change of orientation cannot be deleted. Continue deleting vehicles as desired, ending by right clicking.

105

Insert Profile

Tools

Insert Profile Inserts a dimensioned profile view of a vehicle. The vehicle used is either the current vehicle, or the vehicle from the current Active Simulation, whichever is most recent.

Dimensioned Profile

To Insert a Profile Using the Current Vehicle 1 2 3

Select a Vehicle (see Vehicles). Click Insert Profile. Click a point in the drawing to place the profile.

To Insert a Profile Using an Existing Simulation 1 2 3 4

Click Select Active Simulation. Select the simulation for which you want to insert a profile. Click Insert Profile. Click a point in the drawing to place the profile.

See Creating a Vehicle Profile for vehicles created from custom types.

106

Tools

Recall Simulations

Recall Simulations Recalls previously stored simulations by either placing the simulations or running their animations. You can also Rename simulations to archive them and Delete unwanted simulations. AutoTURN saves a copy of each simulation to disk whenever a simulation is placed or generated in a drawing. The simulation is saved in a subfolder of the Output folder or Drawing folder (See Program Settings - General/Save Simulation). The subfolder has the same name as the drawing. The number of simulations saved for each drawing is the number displayed in the Store last XX sims for this file setting. This allows the user the flexibility to store different numbers of simulations for different drawing files by changing the Store last XX sims for this file setting.

Recall Simulations

To Recall Simulations 1 2 3 4 5 6

Click Recall Simulations. Select a simulation from the list. Click Place Simulation  within this dialog to place the highlighted simulation in the drawing OR, Click Run Animation  within this dialog to run an animation of the highlighted simulation. Repeat steps 2-4 as desired. Click Close to stop using this tool.

To Rename a Simulation 1 2 3

Click Recall Simulations. Select a simulation from the list. Click Rename. 107

Recall Simulations

Tools

4 Enter a new name for the simulation (max. 32 characters). 5 Click OK. Note: Once a simulation is renamed, it will not count towards the total number of saved simulations for that drawing, i.e., it is now Archived.

To Delete a Simulation 1 2 3 4

Click Recall Simulations. Select a simulation from the list. Click Delete. Confirm the deletion by clicking OK or retain the simulation by clicking Cancel.

Making Multiple Selections Multiple selections can be made from the list of stored simulations by holding the control key down while making selections. Any number of simulations can be selected and placed at one time with the Place Simulation icon. Animations can be run simultaneously by selecting up to 5 stored simulations from the list and clicking the Run Animation icon.

108

Tools

Generate Template

Generate Template

30

Generates a turning template of the current vehicle complete with all relevant vehicle and selected radii dimensions. The template is generated based on settings in Simulation Properties such as colors and line styles, fills, envelopes, etc. Templates can be generated for any vehicle.

60

OUTSIDE SWEPT PATH

90 INSIDE SWEPT PATH

ft 43 25. 14

3.00 ft

.39

ft

12

20.99 ft

0

MAX. STEERING ANGLE = 31.5 deg. 11.00 ft

5.00 ft 7.00 ft

15

180

AASHTO 2001 (US) [ft]

0

P

Generated Template

109

Generate Template

Tools

To Generate a Template 1 2 3

Select a Vehicle (see Vehicles). Choose desired settings in Simulation Properties. Click Generate Template. The following dialog displays:

Generate Template

4

Check the boxes for each Sweep angle to generate. Hint: Edit the Sweep angles to desired values. 5 Select the Radius Type for the template. 6 Select the Radius value for the type selected in Step 5. Hint: To find the minimum radius for the selected type, enter a very low value then press the Tab key – the minimum radius for that Radius Type will be displayed. 7 Select the type of starting condition: Wheels Straight or Turned. Hint: Choose Straight for the most common type of template or Turned for a Turn wheels from Stop condition. 8 Select the turn direction. 9 Enter a value for the Exit tangent as measured in vehicle lengths. 10 Select Draw Options for the Center Line, Notes, Arrows and radii dimensions. 11 Click Place. 12 Click a point in the drawing to draw the template. Note: If the current vehicle is unable negotiate a specific sweep turn, a message is displayed stating the sweep turn that could not be generated in the template drawing. 110

Tools

Generate Template

Generate Template vs SmartPath Tools Standard templates published by most jurisdictions consist of simple tangent and arc paths. Rate of wheel turn is not usually considered. The SmartPath Tools such as Generate Arc Path and Generate Corner Path take into account the rate the wheel can be turned and incorporate spiral transition sections into the path. For this reason, the SmartPath Tools cannot be used to create standard turning templates.

111

Turning Report

Tools

Turning Report View the vehicle’s Steering Angle graph as you generate a simulation or a placed simulation. Alternatively, you can view the Steering Angle graph report or summary report of any simulation in the drawing.

Turning Report

Place Report Click this button to place the Report into the current drawing file.

Summary Click this button to create a text file report, which is saved to disk then displayed on screen using Notepad (or default text editor). Note: Simulations created with Place Simulation and Place Offset Simulation are displayed as one section.

To Set Report Formatting Options 1 2 3 4

112

Click Turning Report Check the Show Formatting Options box. Set desired formatting options. Click Close.

Tools

Turning Report

Report Formatting Options

Turning Report – Show Formatting

Show Speed Checking this option will display the Vehicle speed for the section when the report is placed in the drawing.

Show Length Checking this option will display the length of each section when the report is placed in the drawing.

Show Start Condition Checking this option will display the start condition for each section when the report is placed. The start condition is either “in motion” if Turn wheels from stop was not checked or “Stopped” if Turn wheels from stop was checked when the section was generated.

Show Type Checking this option will display the Maneuver Type for each section when the report is placed.

Horizontal Scale This option allows the report to be stretched out or shortened to accommodate report labels when the report is placed in the drawing.

113

Turning Report

Tools

Angle Line Sets the Line Color and Line Style for the line representing the steering angle.

Outer Box Sets the Line Color for the outermost line of the report.

Text Labels Sets the Line Color for the text labels that appear below the report when placed in the drawing.

Origin Circle Check this option to display and set the Line Color for the circle designating zero (0) degrees.

Grid Lines Check this option to display and set the Line Color, Line Style, and spacing interval of the horizontal grid lines.

Section Lines Check this option to display and set the Line Color and Line Style for the vertical lines designating change of sections in the simulation.

To View a Report “on the fly” 1 2 3 4 5 6

Click Turning Report. Select desired formatting options (See Report Formatting Options). Select any one of the SmartPath Tools. Generate a simulation. Watch as the Turning Report dynamically updates as you move/drive the vehicle through simulations. Click Close when finished using this tool.

To View a Report of a placed simulation This tool requires an existing simulation. 1 2 3 4

114

Click Select Active Simulation. Select a simulation. Click Turning Report to view the report of the Active Simulation. Click Close when finished using this tool.

Tools

Tutorials

Tutorials Play, Record, and Delete tutorials. See Overview for a review of tutorials.

Tutorials

To Play a Tutorial 1 2 3 4 5 6

Click Tutorials. Select a tutorial from the list. Click Play. Follow the dialog prompts to complete the required actions. The current tutorial closes once the last step is performed. Click Close to close the Tutorials dialog.

To Record a Tutorial 1 2 3 4 5 6

Open the desired drawing file. Zoom into the appropriate area where the tutorial will take place. Click Tutorials. Click Record. Enter a name for the tutorial then click Apply. Type the instruction the user is to follow for the current step. This is the prompt displayed when the tutorial is played. 7 Click the tool or perform the action described in step 6. The user will be required to use this tool or click the highlighted point when the tutorial is played. 8 Once a tool or point is clicked, a new prompt screen is displayed. Repeat steps 6-7 until you have reached the end of the tutorial. 9 Click Stop to end recording. 10 Click Close to close the Tutorials dialog. 115

Tutorials

Tools

Notes The tutorial’s file name is created by joining the drawing name and tutorial name with a dash(-) (i.e., _sample-Example 1.tut). Describe as accurately and succinctly as possible the sequence of steps for the user to follow the tutorial. (Try the supplied tutorials to get a better idea of how to phrase the prompts as briefly as possible.) Tutorials must contain only one instruction per step. Every button click the user will have to execute when playing the tutorial must be recorded as a separate step. This includes OK button clicks needed to close dialog boxes. Since a drawing file is associated with a tutorial, if the tutorial is to be shared by other users on the network, both the tutorial and the drawing must be copied to the tutorials folder. All tutorials located on the server and on the workstation will display in the list of available tutorials. Tutorials located on the workstation will appear with an asterisk (*) following the name. To make a user created tutorial available to all users, move the file to the server’s tutorials folder. If the server’s tutorials folder is read-only, the tutorial will be protected from modification.

Editing a Tutorial File The tutorial is an ASCII text file and can be easily edited with Notepad or any other text editor. The first line in the tutorial is the name of the file to be opened when the tutorial is played. Each successive section of the file is the next step the user will follow. The section begins with the step number, contains the tool name required by the user to click, a brief instruction the user is to follow, and/or a point required by the user to click. The end of a section is designated with the terminator ‘END’. Below is an excerpt of the Example 1 tutorial: _sample 1 command:SETTINGS This tutorial will lead you through the steps to place a simulation in a drawing. Simply complete the actions outlined in each step. Click Program Settings. END 2 command:SETTINGSOK Select the General category. Change Path units to ft. Click OK. 116

Tools

Tutorials

END . . . 10 We are now done selecting elements to add to the path. Pick the indicated data point (the crosshair) to tell AutoTURN that we are done. point:156.5573,64.9791 END 11 command:PLACESIMULATION Notice the circle designating the start point and an arrow indicating the direction of travel at the end of the Active path. Click Place Simulation to place the simulation. This is the last step of this tutorial. END

117

Help

Tools

Help AutoTURN Help provides in-depth information on features as well as step-by-step instructions for specific tasks. To access Help, click Help on the menu or toolbar.

Context-Sensitive Help By clicking Help in the lower right corner of a dialog, you can open context-sensitive help for the current dialog.

118

Customizing AutoTURN

Customizing AutoTURN

Creating a Vehicle Profile

Creating a Vehicle Profile To make it possible to display a side view, or profile picture of each vehicle in the Vehicle dialog box, profile drawings must be available to AutoTURN for each vehicle type. Profile drawings are included with the software for all the supplied vehicle types. However, if the user creates a custom type, and wishes to be able to do any of the following, then a vehicle profile drawing must be created: 

Enter dimensions for new vehicles created from the custom type into a profile view, as with the supplied types.



See a profile view of vehicles created from the custom type when selecting a current vehicle.



Use the Insert Profile tool for vehicles created from the new custom type.

Creating a profile drawing is optional, since AutoTURN will automatically display a plan view if no profile drawing exists. However, the Insert Profile tool requires a profile drawing.

Profile Drawing Name and Location A vehicle profile is a drawing of the vehicle in side view. For AutoCAD, each profile drawing must exist as separate elements (i.e. not as a block) in a .dwg file. For MicroStation, each profile must exist as a single cell in a separate cell library file. The profile drawing (either the .dwg file or the cell library) must have the same name as the vehicle type and must be located in the User Types folder.

Profile Layers/Levels Drawings should be created with the following layer/level setup: AutoCAD

MicroStation

Description

ATVEHICLE

1

all lines pertaining to the vehicle

ATDIMS

2

all dimension lines

ATTEXT

3

all dimension labels and text

Profile Tags Profile drawings must contain text elements called tags that tell AutoTURN where particular vehicle dimensions or other parameters are to be placed. The tags are text strings of 2 or 3 characters that represent the various possible dimensions that can be applied to each vehicle part, and some that apply to the vehicle as a whole. For each vehicle part, use the following tags followed by a number indicating the part number: BF

Body front overhang 121

Creating a Vehicle Profile

WB

Wheelbase

BL

Body length

CR

Rear axle to pivot location

WD

Width

TR

Track

Customizing AutoTURN

For the whole vehicle: LL

Lock to lock time

SA

Steering lock

AA

Maximum articulating angle

An example of a typical profile drawing for a vehicle with two parts is shown below:

Profile Tags

122

Appendix

Appendix

AutoTURN File Types

AutoTURN File Types AutoTURN employs the following file types: Extension

Explanation and Location

typ

Standard vehicle types are stored in the types folder. Custom (user-created) vehicle types are stored in the types user folder.

vcl

Standard vehicles are stored in vehicle group folders under the Vehicles folder. Custom (user-created) vehicles are stored in custom vehicle group folders under the vehicles user folder.

Dwg Cel

Standard vehicle profiles are stored as the tractor types and trailer types .dwg (ACAD) and .cel (MSTN) files in the program folder. Tutorial drawings used in the tutorials are .dwg and .cel files.

sim

Simulations are stored as .sim files in drawing folder names under output or alternatively saved in the drawing’s folder. See Program Settings -> General.

tut

Tutorials are stored in the tutorials folder as .tut files. Custom (user-created) tutorials are recorded to the tutorials user folder.

ld

Vehicle Load files are saved in the vehicles’ folders as .ld files.

Sln

Vehicle Sight Lines are saved in the vehicle’s folders as .sln files.

125

Vehicle Library Source Documents

Appendix

Vehicle Library Source Documents This section lists the documents used to derive the dimensions and turn limitations for the standard design vehicles included in the program.

AASHTO 2001 (US) English Units A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 2001

AASHTOM 2001 (US) Metric Units A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 2001

AASHTO 2004 (US) English Units A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 2004

AASHTOM 2004 (US) Metric Units A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 2004

126

Appendix

Vehicle Library Source Documents

CALTRANS 2005 (US) English Units Highway Design Manual California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) st

July 1 , 2004

A summary of the California Vehicle Code Length California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

CALTRANSM 2005 (US) Metric Units Highway Design Manual California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) st

July 1 , 2004

A summary of the California Vehicle Code Length California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

ILDOT 2002 (US) English Units Bureau of Design & Environment Manual IL DOT 2002

127

Vehicle Library Source Documents

Appendix

AUSTROADS (AU) Metric Units AUSTROADS: Design Vehicles and Turning Path Templates AUSTROADS 1995 Note: AUSTROADS vehicle turn limits are based on the absolute minimum turning radius for each vehicle, intended for speeds less than 5 km/hr. For speeds greater then 5 km/hr, refer to the above document for the appropriate turning radius.

AUSTROADS 2006 (AU) Metric Units AUSTROADS: Design Vehicles and Turning Path Templates AUSTROADS 2006

STANDARDS (AU) Metric Units AS 2890.2-2002, Revision of AS 2890.1-1993 Standards Australia 2002

CROW (NL) Metric Units Recommendations for traffic provisions in build-up areas (ASVV) C.R.O.W. First Edition – March 1998

CROW 2004 (NL) Metric Units AANBEVELINGEN VOOR VERKEERSVOORZIENINGEN BINNEN DE BEBOUWDE KDM C.R.O.W. 2004 128

Appendix

Vehicle Library Source Documents

DANSK (DK) Metric Units Byernes trafikarealer Haefte 1 Forudsaetninger for den geometriske udfomning Danish Road Directorate 1991

FRANCE (FR) Metric Units CARACTÉRISTIQUES GÉOMÉTRIQUES DES VÉHICULES TYPES Service d’Études Techniques des Routes et Autoroutes (SETRA)

NEW ZEALAND (NZ) Metric Units New Zealand On-Road Tracking Curves Land Transport Safety Authority October 1995

RAS-K-EAE (DE) Metric Units Richtlinien für die Anlage von Straßen - Teil: Knotenpunkte (RAS - K) FORSCHUNGSGESELLSCHAFT FÜR STRASSEN- UND VERKEHRSWESEN ARBEITSGRUPPE STRASSENENTWURF Ausgabe 1988

Empfehlungen für die Anlage von Erschließungsstraßen EAE 85/95 FORSCHUNGSGESELLSCHAFT FÜR STRASSEN- UND VERKEHRSWESEN ARBEITSGRUPPE STRASSENENTWURF Ausgabe 1985, Ergänzte Fassung 1995

129

Vehicle Library Source Documents

FGSV 2001 (DE) Metric Units Bemessungsfahrzeuge und Schleppkurven zur Überprufüng der Befahrbarkeit von Verkehrsflächen FORSCHUNGSGESELLSCHAFT FÜR STRASSEN- UND VERKEHRSWESEN ARBEITSGRUPPE STRASSENENTWURF Ausgabe 2001

ROA (NL) Metric Units The Dutch Standard Vehicles for Road Design, The Netherlands Rijkwaterstaat 1980

TAC-1999 (CA) Metric Units Turning Vehicle Templates The Road and Transportation Association of Canada Metric Edition - 1998

TIEHALLINTO (FI) Metric Units Tasoliittymät TIEHALLINTO Helsinki 2001

130

Appendix

Appendix

Vehicle Library Source Documents

DETR DB32 (UK) Residential Roads and Footpaths Design Bulletin 32 Dept. of Environment, Dept. of Transportation 2nd Edition, April 1992

FTA 98 (UK) Metric Units Designing for Deliveries Freight Transport Association 1998

FTA CUSTOM (UK) Metric Units Designing for Deliveries Freight Transport Association 1998

VAGVERKET (SE) Metric Units VU 94 Supplement 2, Publikation 1999:86 & 2002:113 Swedish National Road Administration

VAGVERKET 2004 (SE) Metric Units GRUNDVÄRDEN 2 Motorfordon, VV Publikation 2004:80 ~ 2004-05 Swedish National Road Administration 2004

131

Vehicle Library Source Documents

VEGVESEN (NO) Metric Units VEG-OG GATEUTFORMING Statens Vegvesen 1993

VSS 1990 (CH) Metric Units Schweizer Norm (SN) Vereinigung Schweizerischer Strassenfachleute 1990

CSN (CZ) Metric Units ODSTAVNE A PARKOVACI PLOCHY SILNICNICH VOZIDEL CSN 1988

CSN 2005 (CZ) Metric Units Vleèné køivky pro ovìøování prùjezdnosti smìrových prvkù pozemních komunikací Ministerstvo dopravy, odbor pozemních komunikací 2005

RVS 2005 (AUT) Metric Units Richtlinien und Vorschriften für den Straßenbau (RVS) Österreichische Forschungsgemeinschaft Straße und Verkehr FSV 2005

132

Appendix

Appendix

Minimum Turn Radius

Minimum Turn Radius The diagram below shows a vehicle with wheels turned to the steering lock position. This results in the minimum turn radius. The formula shows how to calculate the steering lock angle for a vehicle, given the minimum centerline turn radius.

Minimum Turn Radius

WB

Wheelbase

RF

Minimum turn radius (forward)

RR

Minimum turn radius (reverse)

A

Steering lock angle

Formulas for calculating steering lock angle: A = arcsin (WB / RF) Or A = arctan (WB / RR)

133

License Server Administration Tool

Appendix

License Server Administration Tool The License Server Administration Tool (LicenseServerAdminTool.exe) is provided as a means for Network Administrators to identify those users currently using Transoft Solutions software products on their network. The utility also provides the ability to log out any or all current users, generate usage reports, update the licenses on the License Server, move the License Server, and add new product licenses. The License Server Administration Tool is installed to the location specified for the License Server during the installation. It is recommended that the Network Administrator set executable rights limited to the Network Administrator on this file.

To Administrate a License: 1 2

Browse to the License Server folder. Double click the License Server Administration (LicenseServerAdminTool.exe). The following dialog displays:

Tool

executable

Specify License Server

3 4

Specify the License Server’s address by entering the License Server computer’s name or IP address and communications port number. Click OK. The following dialog displays:

Select Product License

5 134

Select the desired product license from the drop down list.

Appendix

6

License Server Administration Tool

Click Select. The following dialog displays:

License Server Administration Tool

The functions of each of the program buttons are outlined below:

Currently Administrating Displays the product, version number, and platform for the selected license.

License Information Displays license information for the selected product license.

Select License Selects a different license of an installed product to administrate.

135

License Server Administration Tool

Appendix

Select Product License

Select the desired product from the drop down list then click Select.

Log Out Users Logs out selected or all users.

License Server Administration Tool – Log Out Users

Log Out Selected Select the individual users you want to log out, select Log Out Selected, then click OK. The selected users will be logged out of the Transoft Solutions product they were using. Log Out All Click this button to log out all users displayed in the list.

Generate Report Click this button to generate a User Log Report for the product currently being administered. This report lists, for each month, all users who used the software, how many times each user logged in 136

Appendix

License Server Administration Tool

to the software, and the number of times each user was refused access to the software (i.e. because the maximum number of users had been reached). If a report shows many "logins refused" values greater than zero, acquisition of additional program licenses should be considered.

Upgrade License Click this button to renew your MAP (Maintenance Assurance Program) or increase the number of licensed users in a network installation.

Upgrade License

1 2 3 4 5

Contact Transoft Solutions to order an upgrade. Write down the new Authorization Key. Enter the New Authorization Key. Click OK. Confirm that you want to proceed with the upgrade.

Move License This process describes how the administrator can move the license information for an installed product from one License Server to another in a network configuration. Note: Standalone users see Move Program. 1

2 3 4

Install the License Server on the new computer. a. Browse to the License Server folder. b. Double click the License Server Installation file (LicenseServerInstall.exe). c. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the new License Server. Browse to the License Server folder. Start the License Server Administration Tool. Specify the new License Server IP Address and communications port number. 137

License Server Administration Tool

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Appendix

Click Add New. Enter the License Number and CD Key for the product then click OK. Write down the Installation Code that appears in the License Information section. Quit the License Server Administration Tool. Start the License Server Administration Tool. Specify the old License Server IP Address, communications port number and product. Click Move License. The following dialog displays:

Move License

12 Ensure that steps 1-4 have been completed successfully then click Proceed. The following dialog displays:

138

Appendix

License Server Administration Tool

Move License

13 Enter the Installation Code obtained in step 7 then click OK. The following dialog displays:

Move License

14 Click OK to confirm that you want to move the product license to another License Server and disable the product license on this License Server. The following dialog displays:

Move License

15 Click OK. 16 The product license information has now been removed from this License Server. The NewCode.txt file contains the information required to complete the process of moving the product license to the new License Server. 17 Quit the License Server Administration Tool. 18 Start the License Server Administration Tool. 139

License Server Administration Tool

Appendix

19 Specify the new License Server IP Address, communications port number and new product. 20 Verify that the Installation Code in License Information matches the Installation Code in NewCode.txt. 21 Click Enter Authorization Key. 22 Enter the Authorization Key given in NewCode.txt 23 Click Authorize.

For each client that needs to access the new License Server: 1

Create an ASCII text file named configc.cfg containing the following two lines: SERVERNAME=10.0.0.70 SERVERPORT=27080

Notes: This is the information used to specify the License Server when starting the License Server Administration Tool. SERVERNAME is the new License Server's IP Address or computer name. SERVERPORT is the new License Server's Communications Port. 2 Place the file in the Workstation folder on each client workstation. The product will now be able to communicate with the License Server when the product is next loaded at each workstation.

To change the workstation installer to use the new License Server: 1 2 3

Browse to the Workstation folder in the AutoTURN Program Files folder. Open the tsInstall.XML file with a text editor. Change the server and port entries to point to the new License Server.

Delete License Deletes the license information for the selected product license.

To Add a New Product License This process describes how the administrator can add a license for a new product to the available licenses on the License Server. This process does not install the software product – it only adds the license information to the License Server. 1 2

140

Browse to the License Server folder. Double click the License Server Administration (LicenseServerAdminTool.exe). The following dialog displays:

Tool

executable

Appendix

License Server Administration Tool

Specify License Server

3

Specify the License Server’s computer name or IP address and communications port number. The following dialog displays:

Add New Product License

4

Click Add New. The following dialog displays:

Add New – Enter CD Key

5 6

Enter the License Number and CD Key that came with your new software package then click OK. The License Server Administration Tool dialog buttons reflect the unauthorized state of the new product license:

141

License Server Administration Tool

Appendix

New Product License added

To Authorize a New Product License Note: This process requires the existence of an unauthorized product license such as from performing the Add a New Product License procedure. The Enter Authorization Key and Request Authorization Key buttons display only for product licenses that have not been authorized yet. 1

142

If you are connected to the internet click Request Authorization Key (preferred method). The following dialog displays:

Appendix

License Server Administration Tool

Request Authorization Key

2 3 4 5 6 7

Please note that if you are behind a firewall, you will need to configure it to allow the License Server Administration Tool to have access to the internet. Click Request Authorization. You will be directed to a web page where you are required to fill in contact information to request an Authorization Key. Click Submit. An email containing the Authorization Key will be sent to the email address you supplied. Alternatively, you can contact Transoft Solutions via phone or email with the Installation Code displayed in this dialog to receive your Authorization Key. When you have received the Authorization Key, Click Enter Authorization Key in the main License Server Administration Tool dialog. The following dialog displays:

Enter Authorization Key

8 9

Enter the Authorization Key. Click Authorize. 143

Glossary

Glossary

Articulating Angle This is the angle between adjacent vehicle parts, such as between the tractor and trailer of a semitrailer vehicle type. See Reverse Overrides in Program Settings/General and To Generate a Turn Simulation in SmartPath Tools.

Constant pursuit An approximate numerical method used to calculate the positions and orientations of the body of a vehicle and any trailing articulating components as it moves forward, given a starting position and the path to be followed by the vehicle’s front axle.

Design Vehicle This is a set of dimensions for a common vehicle which defines a standard used by a particular jurisdiction for typical road design conditions.

Envelopes Envelopes refer to the lines traced out by the selected vehicle elements, the vehicle load, or clearances from these elements. See Swept Path and Tire Tracks.

Lock To Lock Time Is the time in seconds that an average driver would take under normal driving conditions to turn the steering wheel of a vehicle from the lock position on one side, to the lock position on the other side.

Maneuver A maneuver is a single section in a turn simulation. Section and Maneuver are synonymous.

Maximum Articulating Angle Is the maximum angle that can occur between adjacent vehicle parts, such as between the tractor and trailer of a semitrailer. This angle is zero degrees when the parts are aligned. See Reverse Overrides in Program Settings/General.

Minimum Centerline Turning Radius The radius of the arc formed by a vehicle with its steering wheels at the steering lock position. This circle passes through the center of the front (steering) axle for forward maneuvers.

147

Glossary

Minimum Curb to Curb Turning Radius The radius of the arc formed by the wheel farthest from the center of the vehicle turn at its maximum steering lock angle.

Minimum Wall to Wall Turning Radius The radius of the arc formed by the side of the vehicle farthest from the center of the vehicle turn at its maximum steering lock angle.

Nodes Nodes are the start or end points of the sections in a simulation.

Part

Refers to the parts in a vehicle type – there can be a maximum of 20 parts in a vehicle type. Each part of a vehicle type can be thought of as a vehicle section that contains one articulation point or pivot. For example, a semitrailer type has two parts (one for the tractor and one for the trailer) while a full trailer type has three parts (one for the tractor, and two for the trailer because the front axle of the trailer articulates).

Pre-drawn Path The vehicle path is drawn in the CAD Platform (AutoCAD or MicroStation) using the CAD Platform’s drawing tools. This path defines a known, or best guess of the path that will be followed by the center of the front axle of the current vehicle.

Prorated This term is used in the Vehicle Information dialog. It means that the source publication's vehicle dimensions have been adjusted by applying a prorating factor. The prorating factor is the approximate percentage of the total vehicle length over the total length of the vehicle components. In addition, the prorated vehicle (components) dimensions have been adjusted to favor the vehicle wheelbase length.

Section A section is a single maneuver in a turn simulation. Section and Maneuver are synonymous.

Steering Lock Angle Is the maximum angle the steering wheels can be turned. It is defined as the average of the angles made by the left and right steering wheels with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle when the wheels are turned to their maximum angle. 148

Glossary

Superelevation Is the angle, or bank of a road surface. It is expressed as a slope. For example, a superelevation of 0.01 is a one-percent slope, which rises 1 unit for every 100 units of horizontal distance.

Swept Path The swept path of a vehicle is the envelope swept out by the sides of the vehicle body, or any other part of the structure of the vehicle. A swept path determines whether the vehicle will make contact with vertical obstructions. Create a swept path simulation by selecting the Vehicle body envelope in Simulation Properties.

Tire Tracks A vehicle’s tire tracks are the paths taken by the front and rear most tires. Create a tire track simulation by selecting Front Tires and Rear Tires envelopes in Simulation Properties.

Track The track of a vehicle is defined as the distance between the outside edges of the outermost tires on the left and right sides.

Turn Simulation A turn simulation consists of a connected series of one or more vehicle maneuvers. The simulation comprises the path, the vehicle and the tire track or vehicle body envelopes.

User-defined vehicle A set of dimensions for a common or user-created vehicle.

Width The width of a vehicle is defined as the distance between adjacent sides.

149

Index

Index

A Acceleration 13 Active Path 102, 103, 104 selecting 101 Active Paths 14 Active Simulation 15, 103, 104 Add a Load 71 Add Sight Lines 73 Animation Settings Animation speed 48 Draw envelopes 49 Draw tires 49 Frame by frame 48 Animations Looping 49, 103 Running 103 Simultaneous 108 Articulate 70 Articulating angles 47, 49, 68, 76, 102 Authorizing AutoTURN 30 AutoTURN Configuration Utility 32 AutoTURN menu 45 AutoTURN Toolbar 45

B Base point 73 Base width 73 Beam angle 73 Beam length 73

C Changing directions 88 Clearance Envelope 57, 58 Complex Chains 11

Context-Sensitive Help 118 Continue Simulation 95 Copying Vehicles 62 Creating Loads 71 Creating Sight Lines 72 Creating Simulations 75 Creating Tutorials 115 Creating Vehicle Profiles 121 Creating Vehicles 61 Current Vehicle 14, 60, 62, 68, 71, 72, 75, 99, 101, 102, 103, 106, 109, 121 Custom Types Creating 65 Deleting 67 Editing 67

D Delete Last Section 96 Delete Vehicle 105 Deleting Loads 70 Deleting Placed Vehicles 104 Deleting Sight Lines 72 Deleting Vehicles 70

E Editing a Simulation 97 Editing a Tutorial 116 Envelopes 56 Clearance 57 Front Tires 56, 99 Load 57 Rear Tires 56, 99 Vehicle body 57 Expand 79

F Folders and Permissions 25 Front Tires Envelope 56, 99

G Generate Arc Path 78, 81, 88, 89, 95, 111 151

Index

Generate Corner Path 78, 82, 84, 88, 95, 111 Generate Template 109 Generating Simulations 75

H Help 118

I Insert Profile 106 Installation 21

N Network Configuration Types 26 Network Usage. Monitoring 27

O Offset Distance 99 Output files 25 Oversteer Corner Path 79, 84, 88, 90, 95 Overview 9

P L Lateral Friction 17, 80 License moving 137 Upgrading 40 License Server 27, 32, 33, 50, 134, 140 License Server Administration Tool 27, 134 License Server files 25 Load 57 Load Envelope 57 Loads Adding 71 Applying 72 Creating 71 Deleting 70 Loop 49, 103

M Maneuver Type 76, 77 Maneuver Types 88 Max Width 57 Menu 45 Minimum Turn Radius 12, 17, 65, 79, 80, 86, 94, 102, 133 Monitoring the Number of Network Users 27 Move Program 37 Multiple Selections 108

152

part 13, 16, 66, 75, 76, 88, 122, 147, 148 Path Control 97 Permissions 37, 40, 50, 51, 52, 60, 61, 62, 65, 67, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 Place Offset Simulation 99 Place Simulation 102, 107 Place Vehicle 104 Platform Requirements 11 Play a Tutorial 115 Polylines 11 Pre-Drawn Paths 18 Profile Inserting 106 Profile Tags 121 Program Uninstalling 42 Program files 23, 24, 25, 26, 32, 33 Program Limitations 12 Program Settings 47

R radius 12, 13, 17, 65, 78, 79, 80, 98, 102, 133 Radius 65, 78, 81, 82, 84, 89, 90, 91, 110 Radius Type 76, 78, 81, 82, 84, 89, 90, 91, 110 Rear Tires Envelope 56, 99 Recall Simulations 107 Record a Tutorial 115 Rename a Simulation 107 Report 112 Viewing 112

Index

Viewing of an existing simulation 114 Viewing on the fly 114 Required Folders 24, 33 Reset 34 Reverse Corner Path 90 Reverse Maneuvers 18, 75, 77, 88 Reverse Overrides 47, 77 Reverse Steered Path 94 Run Animation 103, 107 Run from Server 26, 27, 36 Run from Workstation 26, 27, 35

S Sections Deleting 96 Select Active Path 101 Selections Multiple 108 Server Run from Configuration Type 26 Shrink 79 Sight Lines Adding 73 Applying 74 Base point 73 Base width 73 Beam angle 73 Beam length 73 Creating 72 Deleting 72 Sweep angle 73 Simulation Properties 54 Simulation Type 77 Simulations Animating 103, 107 Archiving 108 Continuing 95 Deleting 108 Editing 97 Generating 75 Placing 102, 107 Recalling 107 Renaming 107 SmartPath Tools 17, 75

Expand 79 Shrink 79 Undo 79 speed 11, 12, 13, 17, 48, 49, 78, 79, 80, 98, 103 Speed 76, 78, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 88 Show, in Report 113 Standard Design Vehicles 11, 12, 13, 17, 60, 70, 126 Starting AutoTURN 28, 29 Steer A Path 49, 79, 86, 88, 95 Steering Angles 102 Steering Linkages 68 Steering lock 47, 68, 77, 102, 133 Steering Lock Calculating 65 Steering Wheel Turn Rate 17 Superelevation 17, 80 Sweep 82, 84, 90, 91, 92, 110 Sweep angle 73 Swept Path 57

T Templates Generating 109, 110 vs SmartPath Tools 111 Tolerance 90, 92 Toolbar 45 Turn limitations 11, 12, 13, 98 Turn Limitations 126 Turn Radius 133 Turn Rate 17 Turn Speeds 12 Turn wheels from stop 78 Turning Report 112 Turning Template 109, 111 Turning Templates 13 Tutorials 115 Editing 116 Playing 115 Recording 115 Types Creating 65 Deleting 67 Editing 67 153

Index

Envelopes 56

U Undo 79 Uninstalling AutoTURN 42 Unusual Conditions 12 Upgrade License 40 Using AutoTURN 43

V Vehicle body Envelope 57, 58 Vehicle dimensions 11 Vehicle Profile Creating 121 Vehicle Start Angle 75 Vehicle Start Position Setting 75 Vehicles 60 Articulate 70 Copying 62 Creating 61 Creating Custom Types 65 Current 14, 60, 62, 68, 71, 72, 75, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 109, 121 Deleting 70 Deleting placed vehicles 105 Group 60 Loads 71 Parts View 68 Placing 104 Reversing 88 Setting Current Vehicle 60 Sight Lines 72 Standard 11, 12, 13, 17, 60, 70, 126 Steering Linkages 68 Vehicles and Types 16

W Workstation 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 33, 50, 116, 140 Configuring 27 Run from Configuration Type 26 Workstation folder 25, 27, 33, 34, 140 154