AutoTURN
Encyclopedia
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.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a software application for computer-aided design and drafting in both 2D and 3D. It is developed and sold by Autodesk, Inc. First released in December 1982, AutoCAD was one of the first CAD programs to run on personal computers, notably the IBM PC...
or MicroStation
Microstation
MicroStation is a CAD software product for 2- and 3-dimensional design and drafting, developed and sold by Bentley Systems. The latest versions of the software are released solely for Microsoft Windows operating systems, but historically MicroStation was available for Macintosh platforms and a...
platforms, developed and sold by Transoft Solutions Inc. AutoTURN software can only be used on computers that run Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
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 CalgaryUniversity of CalgaryThe University of Calgary is a public research university located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1966 the U of C is composed of 14 faculties and more than 85 research institutes and centres.More than 25,000 undergraduate and 5,500 graduate students are currently...
civil engineering graduate studies thesis by Milton Carrasco. The first version of AutoTURN was released for use on AutodeskAutodeskAutodesk, Inc. is an American multinational corporation that focuses on 3D design software for use in the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media and entertainment industries. The company was founded in 1982 by John Walker, a coauthor of the first versions of the company's...
’s AutoCAD Release 9.
- In 1992, AutoTURN 2.0 was released and was the first released version of AutoTURN compatible with Bentley SystemsBentley SystemsBentley Systems, Incorporated is a software company that produces solutions for the design, construction and operation of infrastructure. The company’s software serves the building, plant, civil, and geospatial vertical markets in the areas of architecture, engineering, construction and operations...
MicroStationMicrostationMicroStation is a CAD software product for 2- and 3-dimensional design and drafting, developed and sold by Bentley Systems. The latest versions of the software are released solely for Microsoft Windows operating systems, but historically MicroStation was available for Macintosh platforms and a...
UnixUnixUnix is a multitasking, multi-user computer operating system originally developed in 1969 by a group of AT&T employees at Bell Labs, including Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, Brian Kernighan, Douglas McIlroy, and Joe Ossanna...
. The libraries of vehicles available for swept path simulationSimulationSimulation is the imitation of some real thing available, state of affairs, or process. The act of simulating something generally entails representing certain key characteristics or behaviours of a selected physical or abstract system....
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 UnixUnixUnix is a multitasking, multi-user computer operating system originally developed in 1969 by a group of AT&T employees at Bell Labs, including Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, Brian Kernighan, Douglas McIlroy, and Joe Ossanna...
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 simulationSimulationSimulation is the imitation of some real thing available, state of affairs, or process. The act of simulating something generally entails representing certain key characteristics or behaviours of a selected physical or abstract system....
s 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 interfaceUser interfaceThe user interface, in the industrial design field of human–machine interaction, is the space where interaction between humans and machines occurs. The goal of interaction between a human and a machine at the user interface is effective operation and control of the machine, and feedback from the...
and functionality. The change in interface included a new toolbarToolbarIn a graphical user interface, on a computer monitor, a toolbar is a GUI widget on which on-screen buttons, icons, menus, or other input or output elements are placed. Toolbars are seen in office suites, graphics editors, and web browsers...
. 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 HeuristicHeuristicHeuristic refers to experience-based techniques for problem solving, learning, and discovery. Heuristic methods are used to speed up the process of finding a satisfactory solution, where an exhaustive search is impractical...
algorithmAlgorithmIn mathematics and computer science, an algorithm is an effective method expressed as a finite list of well-defined instructions for calculating a function. Algorithms are used for calculation, data processing, and automated reasoning...
s for tracking, creation of simulations on spline elements, and improved layer management for simulations. The standard vehicle library file was changed to a searchable databaseDatabaseA database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality , in a way that supports processes requiring this information...
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.
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 Unix Unix is a multitasking, multi-user computer operating system originally developed in 1969 by a group of AT&T employees at Bell Labs, including Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, Brian Kernighan, Douglas McIlroy, and Joe Ossanna... ) |
| 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 Heuristic Heuristic refers to experience-based techniques for problem solving, learning, and discovery. Heuristic methods are used to speed up the process of finding a satisfactory solution, where an exhaustive search is impractical... 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
- CAD
- Comparison of CAD SoftwareComparison of CAD softwareThis page compares computer-aided design software that engineers and architects use to create drawings for the fields of architecture, engineering and construction in terms of aspects that can be directly compared...
- List of CAx companies