This report describes the Signalling and Computer aided design (SigCad) computer program version 1.0. This program has been developed for the design of matrix signs in a MS-DOS environment. The input of the program are the xy-coordinates of the outlines of traffic signs and their symbols. The various areas of the traffic sign are under mouse control, and can be filled with lightpoints. The following parameters can be modified: (1) colour; (2) viewing distance; (3) maximum angle between two lightpoints; (4) lightpoint diameter; (5) lightpoint luminous intensity; and (6) grid type: square or hexagonal. Single lightpoints can be added, deleted, and moved, within certain limits, using a set of rules. SigCad calculates the position and number of the lightpoints, the symbol luminance, the symbol luminous intensity and the symbol area dimensions. The program saves these data in ASCII-files according to the SigCad format. For the next version, it is recommended to have SigCad supported by MS Windows, and to add extra area fill options. It is also recommended to add an option for simultaneously showing different symbol overlays. (A)
Abstract