AutoTURN
AutoTURN is a third-party 2-dimensional CAD software released for the AutoCAD or MicroStation platforms, developed and sold by Transoft Solutions Inc. AutoTURN software can only be used on computers that run Microsoft Windows operating system. Among a number of things, it analyses and simulates swept path vehicle maneuvers.
History
- AutoTURN was originally developed for Transoft Solutions Inc. in 1991. AutoTURN was designed as the practical application of a University of Calgary civil engineering graduate studies thesis [1] by Milton Carrasco. The first version of AutoTURN was released for use on Autodesk’s AutoCAD Release 9. In the 20 years since the software was released, it has improved to reflect the needs of engineers and designers in the transportation sector. AutoTURN is used to analyze road and site design projects including intersections, roundabouts, bus terminals, loading bays, parking lots or any on/off-street assignments involving vehicle access checks, clearances, and swept path maneuvers.
- In 1992, AutoTURN 2.0 was released and was the first released version of AutoTURN compatible with Bentley Systems MicroStation Unix. The libraries of vehicles available for swept path simulation and analysis was limited and vehicle simulations could only be carried out in a forward direction. AutoTURN 2.0 was compatible with AutoCAD Release 10 and then Unix version of MicroStation V 3.4.
- AutoTURN 3.0 was released in 1993, less than 1 year after AutoTURN 2.0. The 3.0 release version of AutoTURN included many upgrades over its predecessor. This version of AutoTURN included larger vehicle libraries, and a supplement for use with aircraft (This supplement would become expanded into a separate software called AutoTURN Aircraft in 1995). Among other improvements, AutoTURN 3.0 enabled users to run simultaneous simulations of two vehicles in forward and reverse directions in a stop motion (frame by frame) animation. Simulations could only be done from pre-drawn paths.
- In 2000 the release of AutoTURN 4.0 accounted for international users, it was the first version of AutoTURN available in multiple languages. Among other improvements, AutoTURN 4.0 included expanded international libraries of vehicles. To incorporate the many new capabilities it was necessary to make significant changes to the program’s visual interface and functionality. The change in interface included a new toolbar. Generate simulation tools were introduced so users didn’t first have to draw the vehicle path in order to generate a simulation. AutoTURN 4 introduced the concepts of Active Path and Active Simulation allowing for repetition of various functions without repeated re-selecting of objects. Like the previous release versions, AutoTURN 4.0 contained a supplement for aircraft.
- AutoTURN 5.0’s release in 2004, among many other functions, introduced Heuristic algorithms for tracking, creation of simulations on spline elements, and improved layer management for simulations. The standard vehicle library file was changed to a searchable database of vehicles based on international or custom standards. Adding to those features AutoTURN 5.1 introduces the ability to set Steering Linkage ratios between the front and rear steering axle groups. Additionally, in the 5.1 version could continuously loop simulations.
- The 2008 release of AutoTURN 6.0 added additional simulation functions. It builds on version 5.1’s abilities to loop simulations by adding the ability to export simulations to InVision (a separate software application) in order to create video clips. Plan view and chamfered vehicles can be used for simulations and or modified in this version.
- In 2011, Transoft Solutions added 3D capabilities to the original AutoTURN product. The ability to view clearance issues on the horizontal and vertical planes provides engineers with a more complete picture of their project environments. Transoft engineers conducted several years of research to add the 3D capacity to the back-end code of the software.
- In April 2014, AutoTURN 9.0 will be released to the transportation engineering sector.
Release history
| Name |
Version |
Date Released |
Comments |
| AutoTURN 1.0 |
1.0 |
Nov, 1991 |
Initial release, available for Autodesk’s AutoCAD Release 9 |
| AutoTURN 2.0 |
2.0 |
July 1992 |
First version to run on Bentley Systems’ MicroStation (Unix) |
| AutoTURN 3.0 |
3.0 |
May 1993 |
First version to include an aircraft supplement |
| AutoTURN 4.0 |
4.0 |
Oct, 2000 |
Graphical based simulations |
| AutoTURN 4.1 |
4.1 |
Aug, 2002 |
AutoCAD MDI compliant, 2002, MicroStation V8, Windows 95 98 NT 2000 XP compatible |
| AutoTURN 4.2 |
4.2 |
Jun, 2003 |
Chinese language support |
| AutoTURN 5.0 |
5.0 |
Nov, 2004 |
Introduced Heuristic algorithms for tracking |
| AutoTURN 5.1 |
5.1 |
Apr, 2006 |
Ability to set Steering Linkage ratios between the front and rear steering axle groups |
| AutoTURN 6.0 |
6.0 |
Apr, 2008 |
Library database search, customizable vehicles, InVision support |
| AutoTURN 6.1 |
6.1 |
Apr, 2009 |
SQL Express Database engine, AutoCAD 2010 and MicroStation V8i compatibility, Microsoft Window Vista - 64 bit compatibility |
| AutoTURN 7.0 |
7.0 |
Feb, 2010 |
Specialized transport systems support and complimentary additional functions |
| AutoTURN 8.0 |
8.0 |
Sep, 2011 |
New multi-language version, Direct relationship between simulations and CAD geometry, Live feedback and new comprehensive design and analysis tools |
|
See also
References
- ↑ CARRASCO, Milton S. E., 1992 : . Computerized Vehicle-Turning Simulation: An Interactive Application
External links