user’s guide · web viewmap files might include: 1) a basic area map, 2) a features map showing...

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest ServiceSan Dimas Technology & Development Center444 E. Bonita Ave.San Dimas, CA 91773

USFS Mobile Interpreter DesignerUSER’S GUIDE

Version 2.1

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U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest ServiceSan Dimas Technology & Development Center444 E. Bonita Ave.San Dimas, CA 91773

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Table of Contents

USFS Mobile Interpreter.....................................4Getting Started...........................................................................................................................4

Modes of Operation.................................................................................................................4System Requirements..............................................................................................................5Installing..................................................................................................................................5Uninstalling..............................................................................................................................5

Elements of Mobile Site Interpretation...................................................................................6Locales.....................................................................................................................................6Digital Media...........................................................................................................................7

Media Files..........................................................................................................................7Urls......................................................................................................................................7Dvds.....................................................................................................................................7

Sites..........................................................................................................................................8GeoTriggers.............................................................................................................................8

Types of GeoTriggers..........................................................................................................8Point Triggers..................................................................................................................9Extent Triggers................................................................................................................9Area Triggers.................................................................................................................10Geo-trigger Combinations.............................................................................................10

About Linear GeoTriggers.................................................................................................11Documents.............................................................................................................................12

Understanding the User Interface..........................................................................................12Layout....................................................................................................................................12Main Menu.............................................................................................................................13Context Menus.......................................................................................................................15Control Panel.........................................................................................................................15

Site Pane............................................................................................................................16Sim Pane............................................................................................................................16Serial Pane.........................................................................................................................16Status Pane.........................................................................................................................16

Cartographic Interface...........................................................................................................17

Setup..........................................................................................................................................18Creating a Locale...................................................................................................................18Editing a Locale.....................................................................................................................19

Units of Measure............................................................................................................19Lat/Lon Format..............................................................................................................19GeoTrigger Sensitivity...................................................................................................19Default Average Travel Speed.......................................................................................20True Heading determination..........................................................................................20

Managing Locales..............................................................................................................21Locale Manager.............................................................................................................21Site Report.....................................................................................................................22

Import/Export........................................................................................................................22

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Table of Contents

Copying and Importing Locales........................................................................................22Exporting Locales..............................................................................................................22Importing Locale files........................................................................................................22

Setting up the Cartographic Interface....................................................................................23Constructing a Map............................................................................................................23Map Layers........................................................................................................................23Symbol Properties..............................................................................................................25GPS Location Symbol.......................................................................................................26

Using the Cartographic Interface...........................................................................................27Creating and Editing Sites.....................................................................................................30

Creating a Site....................................................................................................................30Editing a Site......................................................................................................................32Specifying Presentation Media..........................................................................................32

Creating GeoTriggers............................................................................................................35GPS and Serial Port Setup.....................................................................................................38

Monitoring GPS Status......................................................................................................38Monitoring Serial Input.....................................................................................................39

Simulations...............................................................................................................................40

Presentations............................................................................................................................44Presentation Options..............................................................................................................44

Presentation display options..............................................................................................45When idle...........................................................................................................................46Display map labels.............................................................................................................46Width of extent..................................................................................................................46Width of view....................................................................................................................47Center map on location & margins....................................................................................47Default Media....................................................................................................................47Status panel bitmap…........................................................................................................47

Sample Presentation Screens.................................................................................................48

Application Manifest.................................................................................................................49

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San Dimas Technology & Development Center5/27/2006

USFS Mobile Interpreter

USFS Mobile Interpreter has been designed and developed by the USDA, Forest Service, San Dimas Technology & Development Center, for the purpose of displaying interpretive media presentations in response to signals received from a GPS unit.

“Mobile Interpreter” represents a family of programs: two Designer programs, (one for laptops/desktops and one for Windows Mobile devices), and two Presentation-only programs (again, one for each). The two Designer programs contain full Presentation functionality and may be used for that purpose.

Mobile Interpreter supports various digital media, and allows the user to select from among a number of Presentation display configurations. Cartographic functionality is also included for the purpose of facilitating setup and enhancing presentations.

Current information and downloads are available at the following Forest Service intranet website:

http://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/programs/it/MobileInterpreter

Credits:Recreation Program Leader: Dexter MeadowsProject Leader: Ellen EubanksApplication Design & Development Marc Todd

Getting Started

Modes of Operation

Mobile Interpreter offers three modes of operation:

1. Design Mode: This is the default when the program is started. Design mode allows you to create and test all of the necessary program components and the GPS connection.

2. Simulation Mode: This mode allows you to observe how the program will operate in Presentation Mode. It simulates the reception of GPS signals, using the Site configurations and media files you have specified.

3. Presentation Mode: This mode reflects the ultimate purpose of the program, which is to automatically display digital media presentations as the intended audience travels through a given area.

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http://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/programs/it/MobileInterpreter/index.shtml


System Requirements

Microsoft Windows® operating system (Windows 2000 or better) Microsoft Windows Media Player (Version 9.0 or better) Serial port connection to a GPS unit that supports NMEA 0183 protocol A licensed copy of ESRI® ArcView®, ArcEditor® or ArcInfo® (ArcGIS 8.1 or

better) is required if the cartographic interface functionality is to be enabled

Installing

Insert the installation disc into the CD drive of your computer. If the installer program does not start automatically, then, using Windows Explorer, navigate to the CD drive and double-click on the file “MISetup.exe”, or browse to the file from the “StartRun” menu.

The installation disc also contains two sample Locales, either or both of which you may elect to install as well.

Uninstalling

1. Select “StartSettingsControl Panel”.

2. Double-click the “Add/Remove Programs” tab.

3. Scroll down until you find “USFS Mobile Interpreter”, and then select it by clicking on it. Your screen should now look like this:

4. Click the “Change/Remove” button.

5. In the Uninstall dialog that is then displayed, click “Uninstall” to remove USFS Mobile Interpreter and all support files from your computer.

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Overview

“USFS Mobile Interpreter” represents a family of software applications for desktop/laptop and mobile computing devices running the Microsoft Windows or Microsoft Mobile operating systems. This family of applications includes:

1. USFS Mobile Interpreter Designer: This program is intended solely for Agency use. MI Designer runs on desktop/laptop computers and it represents the work-horse of the family. The program may be used to design and create Locales and associated Sites, both for its own use and for use with others of the Mobile Interpreter family. It may also be used as an Agency-installed mobile interpreter in kiosks or in other locations. Cartographic functionality, which can be included during the presentation of interpretive media, is provided through the use of ESRI ArcGIS components.

2. USFS Mobile Interpreter: This program is intended for release to the public. It runs on desktop/laptop computers and makes use of the Locale files and folders produced with MI Designer in order to present interpretive media to the user. This application does not include cartographic functionality.

3. USFS Mobile Interpreter Designer PPC: This program is intended solely for Agency use. MI Designer PPC runs on mobile (PDA) devices and represents an instance of publicly-available Mobile Interpreter PPC, with the addition of functionality allowing the user to create and edit Sites (though not Locales).

4. USFS Mobile Interpreter PPC: This program is intended for release to the public. It runs on mobile (PDA) devices and makes use of the Locale files and folders produced with MI Designer in order to present interpretive media to the user. This application does not include cartographic functionality.

Elements of Mobile Site Interpretation

There are four primary components of mobile site interpretation:

1. Locale: A loosely-defined geographic area that encompasses one or more features of interest (Sites). A locale might be defined as a National Forest or Ranger District, a Scenic Byway, or a National Park

2. Site: A specific feature of interest (such as an historical cabin or a stretch of highway), located within the boundaries of a Locale, which is represented as a data point containing a link to some form of digital media and the GeoTriggers which will initiate the presentation of that media

3. Geo-trigger: An imaginary geographic boundary, circular or linear in shape, which, when crossed, initiates display of the video media pertaining to a particular Site

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4. Digital Media: The audio/video pertaining to a specific feature of interest, which will be presented to the audience

USFS Mobile Interpreter also makes a Documents component available.

Locales

A “Locale” is defined as a general geographic area of interest, which will encompass a collection of “Sites”. A Locale might be a small neighborhood park, or it might span a continent. One Locale might contain a number of sites adjacent to the Alaska Marine Highway, for example, while another contains sites along a trail in the Appalachian Mountains.

There is no limit to the number of Locales you can create in Mobile Interpreter. From the program’s point of view, a Locale is simply the name of a folder in which all pertinent data is stored. This makes it relatively easy to manage Locales and to copy them from one computer to another. Digital media and document files may be stored in any location (CD/DVD drive, local hard drive, or network drive). Map files, on the other hand, must be stored in the Locale folder.

When USFS Mobile Interpreter is initially started, it displays either a “New Locale” dialog, or the “Locale Manager” (if you have installed either of the sample Locales). All that is required, in either case, is to specify the name of a Locale.

The structure of the Mobile Interpreter program directory is as follows (for informational purposes only):

[Installation directory (default: “C:\Program Files\USFS Mobile Interpreter”)]

Program folder: Docs (currently contains only this User Guide) Program folder: Locales

o Locale Folder: “[name]” (created by the program) File: Locale.xml (contains Locale information) File: MIMap.dat (contains Map information) File: MISim.dat (optional – contains Sim information)

Subfolder: Docs Files: [user-populated with reference documents]

Subfolder: Map Files: [user-populated with shapefiles, etc]

Subfolder: Presentations Files: [user-populated with digital media files]

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Warning: Mobile Interpreter stores some configuration information in files with a suffix of “.dat”, located in each Locale folder. Do not attempt to edit these files with a word processor or text editor (such as Notepad). If you do so, you will have to delete the file and let Mobile Interpreter re-create it.

Digital Media

In Presentation mode, Mobile Interpreter displays a digital audio or video clip that serves to interpret or describe a particular Site to the intended audience. Mobile Interpreter currently employs Windows Media Player® to display digital media.

Media Files

The following audio/video file formats are supported:

asf, aif, aifc, aiff, au, avi mid, mpe, mpeg, mpg, mpv2, mp2, mp3, m1v snd wav, wma, wmv

Urls

Mobile Interpreter can stream media files from the internet if desired. Media file types can be any of those listed under “Media Files” above.

Dvds

Mobile Interpreter can play individual chapters from a DVD. A proper codec running under the Windows XP operating system is necessary in order to use DVD playback.

Sites

In the interpretive realm, a site could be defined simply as a “feature of interest”. Examples of sites might include an historical cabin, a valley, or a particular stretch of highway. In Mobile Interpreter, however, a “Site” is simply a data structure associated with such a feature of interest.

When created, a Mobile Interpreter Site is given:

1. A name2. A link to a media file3. A pair of lat/lon coordinates

The geographic coordinates assigned to a site serve only as a reference point for certain related attributes (to anchor distance-based GeoTriggers and as a cartographic labeling point).

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The coordinates, therefore, do not necessarily need to be the same as those of the geographic feature that the Site represents.

GeoTriggers

A GeoTrigger is an imaginary geographic boundary, which, when crossed, initiates the display of the Presentation media specified for the Site.

The following illustration will be used throughout this section to describe how GeoTriggers might relate to Sites. This map fragment depicts a waterway, and the dotted line represents a route along which vessels travel. The labels describe the possible geographic geometries that can be represented by a Mobile Interpreter site.

Types of GeoTriggers

There are two kinds of GeoTriggers:

1. Distance-based GeoTrigger (represented as a circle): fires when travel has approached to within a given distance of the site’s location.

2. Linear GeoTrigger (represented as a straight line): fires when a geographic line has been crossed in a given general direction of travel (N, E, S, or W).

Any number of triggers, of either type, may be associated with a Mobile Interpreter site.

Point Triggers

In the simplest of situations, Presentation media might be triggered when travel has approached to within some distance of a point feature on the ground. In this case, the geographic coordinates entered for the Site would be the same as those of the feature on the ground and a single, distance-based GeoTrigger (circle, below left) would suffice to trigger the media. When travel enters this circle from any direction, the presentation begins.

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Alternatively, since the route of travel is confined to a marine corridor, two linear GeoTriggers could be created with specified general directions of travel as illustrated below right.

Examples of GeoTriggers for a Point feature:

Extent Triggers

When creating a distance-based GeoTrigger for a linear extent (such as a stretch of highway), the site should be positioned near the midpoint of that extent (circle, below left). Alternatively, a pair of linear triggers might be created, one at each end of the extent, having opposite directions of travel (north and south).

Example of GeoTriggers for an Extent feature:

Area Triggers

If an area is roughly circular or square in shape, a site should be located near the center of the area and a single distance-based trigger created (illustration below left). If the area is not regular in shape, multiple linear triggers might be more effective (illustration below right).

Example of GeoTriggers for an Area feature:

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Geo-trigger Combinations

In the illustration below, a port on shore is a feature of interest about which a presentation is to be displayed. The distance-based trigger (circle) will start the presentation as the vessel initially approaches the port. (In situations like this, you should insure that the trigger is placed at such a distance that the presentation will end shortly before the destination is reached.)

Example of GeoTrigger combination:

Since we would like the presentation to be repeated after the vessel leaves port with new passengers, a linear trigger has been created just outside of the port with a travel direction of South. This linear trigger will cause the presentation to be shown again when the vessel leaves port.

(Important: if Presentation mode is stopped while in port, and then started again upon leaving, Mobile Interpreter will assume that it has just come to be within the circle of the distance-based trigger and will fire that trigger immediately when Presentation mode is started, rather than waiting until the linear trigger has been crossed.)

About Linear GeoTriggers

The direction of travel associated with a linear GeoTrigger is intentionally very general (N, S, E, or W). If the given general direction of travel is East, for example, then any actual direction of travel ranging from just east of due North to just east of due South will cause the GeoTrigger to fire when it is crossed. The perpendicular alignment of a linear GeoTrigger to the actual direction of travel, therefore, need not be precise.

The minimum length of a linear GeoTrigger is 1 meter.

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When attaching only linear GeoTriggers to a Site, the geographic coordinates of the Site to which they are attached are irrelevant (except as a label point for the map), since there is no relationship between the location of the Site and the location of the linear trigger(s).

How Linear Triggers Fire: Without correction, GPS units are usually accurate to something less than 40 meters. The illustration below shows how a GPS unit might report a sequence of positions as the user moves in a NNE direction.

Notice that it appears that the linear trigger has been crossed three times (3-4, 4-5, 5-6). If Mobile Interpreter is configured to obtain the direction of travel from the True Heading data of the Magnetic Compass output of the GPS unit, then all three crossings of the line will be associated with that single direction of travel (NNE), which might normally cause the trigger to fire three times in rather rapid succession. Mobile Interpreter handles this situation in two different ways simultaneously:

1. When a GeoTrigger fires, Mobile Interpreter checks to see if the presentation associated with the site to which that trigger is attached is already running. If it is, then the program simply ignores the firing of the trigger and continues displaying the current presentation. In the example above, the 3-4 crossing will have started the presentation, so crossings 4-5 and 5-6 will be ignored.

2. Additionally, Mobile Interpreter incorporates a setting called “GeoTrigger Sensitivity” (under “Locale Edit”) that allows you to specify a minimum travel distance. If this minimum travel distance were set to 50 meters in the case above, then Mobile Interpreter would use only points 1 and 6 to determine whether or not the trigger should be fired. (If the True Heading option was set to be computed by Mobile Interpreter, then points 1 and 6 would also be used to determine the true heading.)

Documents

Mobile Interpreter allows you to store documents within a Locale folder, making them available from the Main Menu when that Locale is active. Documents might include such

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things as travel schedules, maps in GIF format, etc., which might serve as aids in setting up sites for that locale. Additionally, this User Guide is always available as a document.

Understanding the User Interface

Becoming familiar with the layout of the program and with the options available within the program will greatly facilitate program setup.

Layout

The Mobile Interpreter setup window is generally split into two sections. The left-hand section contains the “Control Panel”, in which are located the “Site” pane, the “Serial” pane, and the “Status” pane, which are selectable by buttons at the top. The right-hand section of the setup window is used to display the Cartographic Interface, the media player, and/or the GPS monitor.

The initial Mobile Interpreter screen is shown below. The Site Pane is currently active in the Control Panel. (In this image, a Locale named “Lynn Canal” has been created and map shapefiles have been copied to it; therefore, the “Map” button is enabled.)

Main Menu

The Main Menu is located just below the title bar at the top of the screen. Descriptions of each menu item and their respective sub-items are given below. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are also available as Hotkeys when running in Presentation Mode.

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File *Exit Exit the program.Hotkey: Ctrl+X

Locale New… Create a new Locale.Hotkey: Ctrl+N

Load Activate a Locale in the current parent folder.

Edit… Rename and copy files to the current Locale; change locale and presentation options.Hotkey: Ctrl+E

Copy… Copy the current Locale (e.g. to a writeable CD).

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Report sites… Display/print/save a report of existing Sites & GeoTriggers.

Import Locale... Import a Locale (e.g. from a CD).

File… Replace the current locale data file.

Export For Laptops... Copy the locale data file and the Presentations folder to another location for presentations on a laptop.

For PDAs… Copy the locale data file and the Presentations folder to another location for presentations on a PDA.

Manager… Set the current parent folder. Select, create, edit, copy, export, import, or delete Locales.

Defaults Reset the settings and presentation options for the current locale to their default factory settings.

Map Display map/Close map Open/Close the Cartographic Interface (display the currently defined map).Hotkey: Ctrl+M

Layers & Symbols… Configure cartographic options.

Presentation *Start/Stop Start or stop displaying Presentations.Hotkey: Ctrl+S (Esc also stops presentations)

Options… Specify how presentations should be displayed for the current Locale.Hotkey: Ctrl+P

Player Play File... Select a media file and begin playing it immediately.

Url… Specify a web url and begin playing it immediately.

Dvd… Select a dvd chapter and begin playing it immediately.

Replay last Replay the last media

Pause Pause/Resume the presentation that is currently running.Hotkey: F4

Stop Stop (unload) the presentation that is currently running.Hotkey: F5

Controls Toggle display of the Windows Media Player control bar (progress, volume, play/stop buttons, etc).Hotkey: F8

Fullscreen Toggle between full-screen mode and windowed mode.Hotkey: F9

Stretch to fit Toggle: stretch media to fit screen.Hotkey: F10

Window Control Panel Open/Close the Control Panel.Hotkey: Ctrl+K

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Map Open/Close the Cartographic Interface (display the currently defined map).Hotkey: Ctrl+M

Media Player Open /Close the Windows Media Player window.

GPS Trace Open /Close the serial port Trace window.

View Status Bar Hide/Show the status bar at the bottom of the program screen.

(Control Panel, etc) From the list of open windows, select one to bring to the top (i.e., to make visible and active).

Help Help Topics Display the on-line help.Hotkey: F1

Documents View this User Guide or any other documents attached to the current Locale.

About Mobile Interpreter Version number and credits.

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Context Menus

Context menus are available by clicking the right mouse button anywhere in the program window. The options presented by these popup menus depend on the current context of the program. Example of a context menu:

Control Panel

The Control Panel contains four panes, each of which may be selected by clicking on the appropriate button at the top of the Control Panel:

1. Site Pane Manage Site and GeoTrigger configurations2. Serial Pane Configure, start, and stop communication with a GPS unit3. Sim Pane Configure, save and start simulations4. Status Pane Monitor GPS status

Site pane Sim pane

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Serial pane Status pane

Site Pane

The Site Pane allows you to create/edit/delete Sites, attach presentation media, and create/edit/delete associated GeoTriggers. If the cartographic interface is being used, the Site Pane and the map work together. See “Creating and Editing Sites” for instructions on how to use the Site Pane.

Sim Pane

The Sim Pane allows you to configure simulations of presentation mode once you have some Sites, GeoTriggers, and media files defined. This pane also works together with the cartographic interface. See “Simulations” for instructions on how to use the Sim Pane.

Serial Pane

The Serial Pane allows you to configure the serial port and GPS protocols. Currently, Mobile Interpreter supports only the NMEA protocol. See “GPS and Serial Port Setup” for instructions on how to use the Serial Pane.

Status Pane

The Status Pane displays the status of the input from the GPS unit.

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Cartographic Interface

Although not required in order to make use of the program (see “System Requirements”), the power of Mobile Interpreter’s Design mode lies in its cartographic capabilities.

The cartographic interface can be accessed in one of three ways:

1. By clicking the “Display Map” button in the Site Pane of the Control Panel2. By selecting “Map Display map” from the Main Menu3. By selecting “Window Map” from the Main Menu

Illustration of the Cartographic Interface:

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Setup

Before the program can be put to its intended use (Presentation Mode), the user must first:

1. Create a Locale

2. Create Sites for the Locale and attach digital media files to each

3. Create the necessary GeoTriggers for each Site

4. Set the desired Presentation Mode options

5. Configure the serial port to match the protocols of the GPS unit

USFS Mobile Interpreter makes it relatively easy to create even very complex interpretive site configurations.

It is advisable, though not necessary, to have all of the presentation media files, map files, and document files that will be used in connection with the program created and available for reference or copy operations before actually beginning Site and GeoTrigger creation.

If you are able to make use of the cartographic interface, then you should first obtain GIS shape file(s) or geo-referenced TIFF file(s) that cover the area(s) you are interested in. These files can often be obtained free of charge from the Internet (although higher quality files may come with a price).

Creating a Locale

To create a new Locale, select “Locale New…” from the Main Menu (or click the “New” button in the “Locale Manager” dialog). The “New Locale” dialog (below) will be displayed.

You should give the Locale a name descriptive of the area to which it pertains. If you want this to be the currently selected Locale after it has been created, put a check in the checkbox. Click the “Create” button to create the Locale folder, subfolders and default configuration files.

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Editing a Locale

This dialog box allows you to select among various Locale and Presentation options and to conveniently transfer files to the proper Locale subfolder. Note that the Description is made available to users of PDA devices.

Units of Measure

Select the unit of measure that best suits your preference or the requirements of the Locale.

Lat/Lon Format

Select the display format that best suits your preference or the requirements of the Locale. Latitude and longitude may be entered in any of the supported formats. The program will reformat the entered data into the selected display format.

GeoTrigger Sensitivity

If directed to by this setting, Mobile Interpreter will record GPS locations only at the specified interval of distance. That is, the program will record one arbitrary location and then will not record another until the next location reported by the GPS unit is determined to equal or exceed the distance from the previously recorded location, as specified. It is usually safe to set this to a relatively small distance, e.g., 10 meters.

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Default Average Travel Speed

This is the travel speed automatically inserted into the appropriate field of the Site Pane when creating distance-based GeoTriggers. You may change the speed for each individual trigger if you like and if you are using travel speed to help determine the appropriate distance for a distance-based trigger.

True Heading determination

This setting is used to define the source from which direction of travel will be determined, for the purpose of determining whether or not to fire linear GeoTriggers. (See “About Linear GeoTriggers” under “Components of Mobile Site Interpretation”.)

From GPS Compass: the true heading is calculated by Mobile Interpreter using the “degrees” and “variation” fields of the NMEA sentence $HCHDG (magnetic compass) output by the GPS unit (the “deviation” field of this sentence is not used). This setting should be selected only if the GPS unit will always be oriented to the direction of travel.

As calculated by GPS unit: the true heading is obtained directly from the “degrees true” field of the NMEA sentence $GPVTG output by the GPS unit. Using this setting may result in incorrect readings (see “About Linear GeoTriggers”).

As calculated by Program: the true heading is computed by Mobile Interpreter as the azimuth from the last recorded GPS location to the current one, based upon the “GeoTrigger Sensitivity” setting.

Click the “Media…” button and navigate to the location of the files that will be used as Presentation media. When you click the “Open” button in the subsequent File-Open dialog, the selected files will be copied to the “Presentations” subfolder under the Locale folder. If your media files are in various locations, you will need to perform this operation more than once. Note that it is not necessary that media files be copied to the Locale. You can select media files for each Site individually from different locations.

Click the “Maps…” button and navigate to the location of the map files to be used. Although a shape file or a geo-referenced TIFF file is actually a collection of files (.shp, .shx, .dbf, .sbn, .sbx, and .prj), you need only select the .shp or .tif file. Mobile Interpreter will copy all pertinent files to the proper location automatically. Map files must be copied to the proper Locale subdirectory in order to be available to Mobile Interpreter.

Click the “Documents…” button and navigate to the location of any documents to be included in the Locale. Documents can include such items as schedules, map images, etc; and are made available to the user through the Main Menu. Associated documents must exist in the proper Locale subdirectory in order to be made available from the Mobile Interpreter Main Menu.

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See “Presentation Options” on page 43 for instructions on using that page.

Managing Locales

The “Locale Manager” dialog allows you to conveniently select and manage Locales.

Locale Manager

The “Locale Manager” is accessed by selecting “Locale Manager…” from the main menu.

The Local Manager provides the following options:

Select : selects the highlighted name as the currently active Locale.

New : displays the “New Locale” dialog, allowing a new Locale to be created.

Edit : displays the “Locale Editor” dialog allowing you to rename or otherwise edit the highlighted Locale.

Sites : lists the Sites and GeoTriggers contained in the highlighted Locale.

Copy : copy the selected Locale folder to a writeable CD or thumb-drive.

Import : import a Locale folder from a CD or thumb-drive.

Export : copies the data file and the Presentation folder of the selected Locale to another folder or SD card for use on a PDA.

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Delete : permanently deletes the highlighted Locale and all files and folders associated with it.

Download : download Locales from the FS website.

Site Report

The Site Report lists the Sites and GeoTriggers contained in a Locale. (The bracketed numbers following Site names and Trigger headings are application-assigned identification numbers. They are included primarily for debugging purposes and may change as items are added or deleted.)

To print or save a copy as a text file, click the appropriate button.

Import/Export

Copying and Importing Locales

A Locale may be transferred from one computer to another simply by copying the Locale folder. Mobile Interpreter provides “Copy” and “Import Locale…” methods to accomplish this task without leaving the program as well as providing additional validation.

Exporting Locales

Locales should be exported when they are to be used solely for Presentation mode computers (on Windows Mobile devices or on Presentation-only laptops). Exporting for laptop or PDA instructs the program to copy only the “Locale.xml” file and only the

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“Presentations” folder. Additionally, Mobile Interpreter will copy only the relevant media files to the Presentation folder.

Importing Locale files

When it is necessary only to update a “Locale.xml” file, which has been modified on another source such as a PDA, you may import just that file into a Locale by selecting “Import File…” from the Main Menu.

Setting up the Cartographic Interface

Cartographic functionality is provided primarily as an aid to setting up Mobile Interpreter Sites, though the map can also be displayed in Presentation Mode.

Because the cartographic capabilities are not required, it is possible to create site configurations on a computer that has the proper licensing, and then copy the locale folder(s) (minus the map files, to conserve disk space) to other computers that lack it. Copied site configurations may be “tweaked” on the other computers, using only the Control Panel, when operating conditions such as travel speed (which may affect GeoTrigger positioning) differ.

Constructing a Map

Mobile Interpreter currently supports only ESRI shape files and geo-referenced TIFF files. These files must exist in the “Map” subfolder of the Locale folder. The Locale “Edit” dialog provides an easy way to copy the necessary files to the proper subfolder of the Locale.

Map files might include: 1) a basic area map, 2) a features map showing either the sites to be interpreted, or identifiable features that will aid in identifying those sites, and 3) a map showing typical movement between the sites (e.g. a transportation map). Or perhaps a single Digital Raster Graphic (DRG) TIFF file.

Only one map file is required, and at least one map file must have an associated projection file (.prj in the case of shape files, or .tfw in the case of geo-referenced TIFF files). TIFF files will automatically be “pyramidized” if they are not already so (a .rrd file will be created).

Be aware that the greater the number of map files included in the base map, the longer it will take to refresh the map when changes are made. It may be beneficial to merge multiple map files into a single shape file whenever possible (using ArcMap® or similar software).

Map Layers

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The order in which layers are displayed can make a difference in what is visible on the map. If a polygon layer is placed on top, for example, it will hide everything under it (because polygons are filled by default in Mobile Interpreter). The program allows you to change the order in which layers are displayed; to turn layers on and off; and to select the colors, symbols, and labels with which the layers will be displayed.

The “Map Layers and Symbols” dialog box can be accessed from the Main Menu (“Map

Layers & Symbols”), or from the toolbar of the Cartographic Interface (“Layers” ( )).

To include an available layer in the base map, check the box next to the layer name. Layers that are checked will be loaded into the map. Unchecked layers will not be included in the map.

Layers appear on the map in the order in which they appear in the list, with the topmost on top. In the example above, the “AK_towns.shp” layer (which is a point layer) is displayed on top of all of the other selected layers so that it will not be hidden by them.

You can change the order of layers by highlighting it and clicking either the up or down arrow button.

When you are finished selecting and re-ordering layers, click the “Apply” button.

Following is a description of the remaining left-side buttons and the checkbox:

Zoom to Layer: Clicking this button will set the map view to the extents of the selected layer.

Zoom to Sites: Clicking this button will set the map view to the extents of the Site and GeoTrigger layers.

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Delete Layer: This will delete all of the files associated with the selected layer from the Locale’s Map subfolder and remove the name from the list.

Add Layers: This option allows you to copy map files to the current Locale’s Map subfolder and add them to the list. You can then select and arrange them as desired. (See also “Editing a Locale”.)

Remember last extent: When checked, view extent of the map will be restored to that which existed when the map was last closed. Otherwise the full extent of the map is displayed when a map is opened.

Symbols : The buttons at the right-hand side of the dialog allow you to change the colors and symbols for various layers and for other map items:

Layer: Highlighted layer Site: Application’s Site layer GeoTrigger: Application’s GeoTrigger layer GPS Location: GPS location (used in Presentation Mode only) Background: The underlying map background color

Each of these will display an appropriate Symbol selection dialog from which you may make the desired changes (see “Layer Symbols” and “GPS Location Symbol” following).

Click “Close” or the system “x” when you are finished. All changes will be saved to the map configuration file (MIMap.dat in the locale directory), and will be applied to the map whenever it is opened.

Symbol Properties

The “Symbol Properties” dialog displayed below is representative of the dialog that will be displayed when you click on one of the Symbol buttons in the “Map Layers and Symbols” dialog box. The symbols made available will differ according to the type of layer selected (polygon, polyline, or point).

The dialog box below is split into two groups: a group labeled “Symbol” and a group labeled “Selection Symbol.” The lower group is visible only when editing symbols for one of the two application layers (Sites or GeoTriggers).

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Symbol: Highlight the symbol you want to use by clicking on it in the list at left. The button under the heading “Symbol” displays the current color of the symbol. Click this button to change the color. The edit box below this button represents the size of the symbol (in pixels). Change the size as desired. Change the outline style and size in the same way.

If you want labels to be displayed for this layer, check the “Enable” box under the heading “Label”. (Labeling cannot be enabled for a layer that has no associated text fields). When labels are enabled, the dropdown list will display the fields that can be used as labels. Select the field you want from the list. Click the “Font…” button to change the style, size, and color of the font used to display the label.

Labeling for Sites and GeoTriggers is enabled by default, though only linear GeoTriggers will be labeled. The label for linear GeoTriggers consists of the name of the Site to which the trigger is attached and the direction of travel associated with it (in parentheses).

Selection Symbol: You can change the symbol that represents a selected Site or GeoTrigger on the map. This symbol is displayed on top of the normal symbol. For example, the default symbol for a site is a yellow square with a red diamond selection symbol. Normally, then, a site looks like ( ), and when selected it looks like ( ).

In the dialog, click the “Apply” button to immediately apply any changes to the map. You can reset the symbol and label properties to their default values by clicking the “Default” button. Click “Close”, or on the system “x” when you are finished making changes.

Remember that labels will not be displayed on the map unless the “Display Labels” button on the map toolbar is selected (toggled to the down position).

GPS Location Symbol

When the map is displayed in Presentation mode, you can select the type of symbol used to represent the current GPS location.

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“Size” is in points (approx. 1/72 inch) as shown on the screen.

If you select “Align image to direction of travel”, be aware that the top of the bitmap image or marker symbol will face the direction of travel (i.e., it will be the “front”).

Using the Cartographic Interface

In Mobile Interpreter’s Design mode (see “Getting Started – Modes of Operation”), the Cartographic Interface can be used to manage Sites and GeoTriggers. In Presentation mode, it can be used to display the current location to the audience. This section will deal only with use of the interface in Design mode (see “Presentations” for information about using the interface in Presentation mode).

The current Locale’s map may be opened in any one of three ways: 1) Click the “Display Map” button in the Site Pane of the Control Panel, 2) Select “Map Display map” from the Main Menu, or 3) Select “Window Map” from the Main Menu. The Status bar at the bottom of the Mobile Interpreter window displays the current stage of the map loading process. During the load process, Mobile Interpreter:

1. Opens the Locale’s “Map” subfolder as an ESRI workspace (checks licensing)2. Loads the base map layers as specified in the “Map Manager” dialog3. Creates (or loads) two application shapefiles: MISites (point) and MIGeoTriggers

(polyline)4. Creates (or deletes and re-creates) all of the Site and GeoTrigger features based on the

information contained in the Locale’s Geodata.dat file.

Site and GeoTrigger coordinates are always stored as WGS 1984. The coordinate system of the two application shapefiles is always that of the base map under which they were created. However, if the base map is later redefined so that it loads with a different coordinate system, the application layers will continue to work. Transformation between the coordinate system

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of the map and that of the Sites and GeoTriggers is handled automatically by Mobile Interpreter.

(If you should ever have a problem with either of the two application layers, you can close the program; navigate to the Locale’s “Map” subfolder and delete all of the files associated with the two application shapefiles. When you next load the map, these shapefiles will be automatically re-created.)

The operations of the Cartographic Interface and those of the Site Pane of the Control Panel are synchronized when both are open. When you select a Site using the map, for example, the same will be selected in the Site Pane, and vice versa. It is not necessary, however, that the Control Panel be open.

It is presumed that the user has some familiarity with GIS applications. If not, there are numerous books on the topic from which to gather more information. The remainder of this section simply describes the options available from within the Cartographic Interface.

Icon Label What it does

Print Prints the current map view

Properties Displays the coordinate system of the map

Layers Displays the Map Manager dialog (turn layers of the base map on and off; define the order in which layers are displayed; define the symbols used to portray features in the layers)

Display Labels Displays labels for all layers for which labels have been enabled (using the “Layers” option)

Refresh Refreshes the display

Zoom Extent Zooms the display to the full extent of the MapZoom Previous Zooms the display to the previous extent

Zoom Next Zooms the display to the next extent

Zoom Selected Zooms the display to the selected feature (see more below)

Center On Centers the display on the currently selected Site (or on the current GPS location if GPS is active)

Zoom In Zooms the display to a smaller area.Zoom Out Zooms the display to a larger areaPan Moves the display to an adjacent area

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Info Displays layer information attached to a Site or GeoTrigger

Select Selects a Site or a GeoTriggerCreate Site Creates a new SiteCreate Distance-based GeoTrigger

Attaches a new distance-based GeoTrigger to the currently selected Site

Create Linear GeoTrigger

Attaches a new linear GeoTrigger to the currently selected Site

Move, orResize

Moves the currently selected Site or linear GeoTriggerResizes the currently selected circular GeoTrigger

The following “Hotkeys” are also available when the map is active:

+ (plus key) Zoom in by 2- (minus key) Zoom out by 2Delete Delete selected feature (Site or GeoTrigger)Escape Cancel the current operation

Occasionally, after performing some operation, the map may fail to re-display properly. In this case, simply click the Refresh button [ ].

Selecting an existing Site or GeoTrigger on the Map:

Click the “Select” [ ] button in the toolbar, move the arrow near to the item you wish to select, and then click the left mouse button. The program will select and highlight the Site or GeoTrigger nearest to the cursor. If you move the mouse while holding the left mouse button down, a selection box will form as you drag the cursor. When you release the button, the first item within the box that can be identified by the program will be selected. If nothing is found within the selection box, the item nearest the lower left corner of the selection box will be selected.

Zoom Selected [ ]:

When zooming to a Site, you will be presented with a dialog asking how much area you want to be visible in the zoomed extent (because a Site is only a one-dimensional point):

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Move Feature [ ] or [ ]:

You can move a linear GeoTrigger or a Site, or resize a distance-based GeoTrigger, by first selecting the feature on the map and then clicking the toolbar button. If the feature is visible in the view, the cursor will automatically snap to that position. Press and hold down the left mouse button and drag the feature to the place you want it, and then release the mouse button.

To cancel any operation, press the Escape key before releasing or pressing the left mouse button. This will return you to Select mode.

Creating and Editing Sites

You may use either the Site Pane of the Control Panel or the Cartographic Interface, or both, for creating and editing Sites and GeoTriggers.

Since the Control Panel displays both a Site and one of that Site’s GeoTriggers, you may need to select which of these layers should be made active in the map. If you select by clicking in the map, the layer is automatically activated. If you select in the Control Panel, however, you may need to click the appropriate radio button in the “Active map layer” group of the Site Pane:

The second group of controls in the Site Pane (labeled “Site”) contains the information for the currently selected Site:

Creating a Site

To create a new Site from the Control Panel, click the “New” button located next to the Site Name field.

To create a new Site from the Cartographic Interface:

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1. Click on the “Create Site” button [ ] in the toolbar at the top of the map.2. Move the cursor to the location of the Site on the map.3. Press and release the left mouse button.

Either of these two methods will bring up the “New Site” dialog:

The three fields of the topmost group are required:

1. Enter a “Name” for the Site (duplicate names are allowed).2. If the Site is being created from the Control Panel, then either:

Enter a valid latitude and longitude for the Site in WGS 1984 coordinates, or If a GPS unit is active, the latitude and longitude fields can be populated with

your current location by clicking the “GPS” button.

If the Site is being created from the Cartographic Interface, then the latitude and longitude fields will already have been populated with the proper coordinates.

Once these fields are populated, you can attach a media to be displayed to the audience as the Presentation for that Site (see “Specifying Presentation Media”).

When you have finished entering all information for the Site, click the “Save” button to save it. If you choose not to associate media with the Site, you will be asked to confirm that you want to save the Site without associated media.

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Editing a Site

Sites may be edited only from the Site Pane of the Control Panel. Use the drop-down button of the “Name” field in the Site Pane to select a Site, then click the “Edit” button. This will display the same Site dialog that is used to create new Site (see “Creating a Site”).

All of the information associated with a Site may be altered. You can rename a Site or change the latitude and longitude simply by entering the new information into the appropriate field(s). Similarly, you can change the media associated with the Site simply by selecting a different one. Note that the Description is made available to users of PDA devices. Click the small square box button to expand/contract the Description field.

When you have finished entering all information for the Site, click the “Save” button to save it. If you choose not to associate Presentation media with the Site, you will be asked to confirm that you want to save the Site without associated media.

Specifying Presentation Media

(Note: If you intend to copy this Locale for use on another computer, then the specified media sources must be available in the same locations on that computer or Mobile Interpreter will not be able to find them. This is why the program provides a subdirectory into which media files can be copied. Note that PDA media files must be located in the Presentations subdirectory of the Locale folder.)

Because PDA devices support only a limited set of media types, Mobile Interpreter allows different media types for desktop/laptop computers and for PDA devices. This allows you, for example, to specify a high-resolution MPEG file for desktop/laptop devices and a lower-resolution WMV file for PDA devices.

In the Site dialog box, click one of the buttons that represent the type of media you wish to use (File, DVD, or URL). Upon clicking one of these buttons a dialog box will be presented allowing you to specify the source.

Media File:

A standard File Open dialog will be displayed, from which you may select a media file.

Url:

A simple dialog box will be displayed, in which you may enter a URL in the format "http://[path to file]".

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Dvd:

The dialog box shown below will be displayed. At first, it will appear as in the illustration below. In this case, you simply type in the appropriate information.

If the DVD’s “video_ts” folder is located in a subdirectory, then you must specify the path to it. For example, if the full path is “C:\ DVDTest\VIDEO_TS”, then you would type “DVDTest” in the “Folder” field as shown above (do not include the drive specifier in this field).

Checking the "Scan" box alters the dialog as shown below, allowing you to select drives, titles and chapters from drop-down lists.

In “Scan” mode, the “Cd/Dvd” dropdown list will contain only removable (CD) drives (it is assumed that the “video_ts” folder on a removable drive will not be located in a subfolder).

If the DVD is located on the local hard drive (e.g. “C:”) or on a network drive, click the “Browse” button, navigate to the location of the “VIDEO_TS” folder and double-click on that folder as illustrated below.

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Note that when you select a DVD source using this method, the drive letter will be displayed in the Folder field as part of the path.

Also note the DVD specification string just above the buttons at the bottom. This is the string that will be passed to Windows Media Player and is displayed here for informational purposes only.

Repeat: If you would like the Presentation media to be repeated, enter the number of times to repeat it in the appropriate field in the Site Dialog. This entry represents the number of times to display the media in addition to the one initiated by the firing of a GeoTrigger.

Run time: The “Run time” field in the Site Dialog is for informational purposes only. If you select a DVD chapter from the drop-down boxes of the DVD dialog (in “Scan” mode), this field will be filled in automatically with the run time of the chapter. Otherwise, you may enter a run time if desired. Be aware that it may take an additional few seconds for a media presentation to load.

Stretch to fit: Check this if you want the media to be stretched to fit the Media window (the default is checked). This option has no effect on DVDs. They will fill the available window regardless.

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Creating GeoTriggers

GeoTriggers may be created either from the Control Panel or from the Cartographic Interface.

When using the Control Panel:

1. Make sure the correct Site is displayed in the Control Panel.2. In the “Geographic Triggers” group, click the “New” button.

3. ...

To create a distance-based GeoTrigger:

a. In the “Distance-based” group, click on “Activate within specified distance from Site”.

b. Check either the “Distance” or the “Travel Time” box, as appropriate.c. Enter the appropriate information in the active fields.

To create a linear GeoTrigger:

a. In the “Linear” group, click on “Activate when geographic line is crossed”.

b. Enter the WGS 1984 coordinates of the beginning and end points of the line.c. Select an appropriate general direction of travel from the dropdown list.

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4. Click the “Save” button to save the GeoTrigger, or “Cancel” to cancel the operation.

When using the Cartographic Interface:

1. Make sure the desired Site is selected.2. If you would like to see the travel time as you create the trigger, make sure the

default travel speed is set to the proper value (see “Editing a Locale”).3. Zoom in to the general area of the Site using the [ ] button.4. Center the display on the selected Site if desired using the [ ] button.5. …

To create a distance-based GeoTrigger:

b. Click the “Create Distance-based GeoTrigger” button [ ] in the toolbar.c. Move the cursor to a position on the Map roughly the desired distance from

the currently selected Site.d. Press and continue to hold down the left mouse button.e. Drag the cursor to size the displayed circle as desired (notice that the Control

Panel will display the distance and time/speed as the circle is being sized.)f. Release the left mouse button when the desired distance is obtained.

To create a linear GeoTrigger:

a. Click the “Create Linear GeoTrigger” button [ ] in the toolbar.b. Move the cursor to the position on the Map where the line should begin.c. Hold down the left mouse button.d. Drag the cursor to where the line should end.e. Release the left mouse button.

When asked to verify the operation, click “OK” to create the trigger, or “Cancel” to cancel the operation.

When creating a linear GeoTrigger, notice that the program makes an educated guess as to the direction of travel. You should change this in the Control Panel if it is incorrect.

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Example of a Site having a pair of linear GeoTriggers, as displayed in the Cartographic Interface and in the Control Panel:

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GPS and Serial Port Setup

(Note: Mobile Interpreter currently supports only NMEA protocols.)

To set up the GPS interface:

1. Connect a GPS unit to one of your computer’s serial ports.2. Turn the GPS unit on, and set it to input and output in NMEA format.3. Click the “Serial” button at the top of the Control Panel.4. From the “Serial port” dropdown list, select the correct serial port.5. Set the “State” values to match those of your GPS unit. The usual settings for NMEA

are: Baud Rate: 4800 Data Bits: 8 Stop Bits: 1 Parity: None Handshake: None

6. You may save these settings if you like.

To test the connection:

1. In the Serial Pane of the Control Panel, click the “Open” button in the “Trace” grouping in the lower-right corner of the panel. This will display the Trace window.

2. Click the “Open” button in the Serial Port grouping to open the serial port. Within a second or two, you should see lines of GPS code scrolling in the Trace window. If not, close the serial port and recheck your settings (make sure you selected the correct serial port). (See “Monitoring Serial Input”, below, for further information.)

3. Click the “Close” button in the Trace grouping to close the Trace Window.4. Click the “Close” button in the Serial port grouping to close the serial port.

Monitoring GPS Status

GPS status is displayed in the Status Pane of the Control Panel. Simply click the “Status” button at the top of the Control Panel.

GPS Fix represents the quality of the GPS position being reported, and will be one of the following:

Value Name Positioning Accuracy

None (no fix obtained) n/a n/aSPS Standard Positioning Service 2D < 30 metersDGPS Differential GPS 2D < 10 metersPPS Precise Positioning Service 3D < 3 meters

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Monitoring Serial Input

To monitor GPS activity: click the “Start” button in the “Trace” grouping at the bottom of the Serial Pane.

There are three trace modes, which have the following purposes:

1. Raw Data Mode: Displays the data received from the serial port. For example:

Data from a GPS unit that has not yet obtained a fix:

$GPRMC,,V,,,,,,,090305,13.4,E,N*01$GPRMB,V,,,,,,,,,,,,A,N*13$GPGGA,,,,,,0,00,,,M,,M,,*66$GPGSA,A,1,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,*1E$GPGSV,3,3,10,29,22,112,00,30,44,206,00*76

Data from a GPS unit that has obtained a fix:

$GPRMC,201528,A,3406.3982,N,11747.9547,W,0.0,186.1,090305,13.4,E,A*38$GPRMB,A,,,,,,,,,,,,A,A*0B$GPGGA,201528,3406.3982,N,11747.9547,W,1,04,3.2,327.5,M,-31.2,M,,*7D$GPGSA,A,3,,,06,10,,16,,21,,,,,3.4,3.2,1.0*36$GPGSV,3,1,11,02,10,066,00,05,18,177,00,06,73,344,43,10,37,045,41*72

2. Data and Events Mode: Displays data from the serial port, as well as certain status information received from the serial port itself. This mode is not very useful for the normal user.

3. Position Mode: Displays the current and previous Lat/Lon positions reported by the GPS unit, and the distance between those points. For example:

CurLatLon: 34.10654833 : -117.79927500PrvLatLon: 34.10655833 : -117.79927667Distance: 1.119852 meters

CurLatLon: 34.10654000 : -117.79927500PrvLatLon: 34.10654833 : -117.79927500Distance: 0.924369 meters

Trace mode may be changed even when monitoring is in progress.

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An explanation of the buttons:

Start/Stop: Opens the GPS Trace window, and begins displaying data.

Clear: Clears the Trace window.

Pause: Pauses display of the data.

Save: Saves the contents of the Trace window to a file called “SerialTrace.txt”, located in the Mobile Interpreter program directory.

If you click somewhere outside of the Trace window while monitoring is in progress, the data may stop automatically scrolling. To restart scrolling, move the mouse over the Trace window.

Simulations

You can simulate Presentation mode for testing purposes without the necessity of having to attach a GPS unit to the computer. You can create up to 300 nodes (299 travel segments), each with an associated speed; and you can save the simulation so that it can be run again at a later date. Creating a simulation is much easier if you are able to make use of the Cartographic Interface.

On the Control Panel, click the “Sim” button. If the map is displayed, it will automatically enter Simulation mode; in which normal Site and selection options are disabled and a special cursor [

] is displayed.

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To create a Simulation using the Cartographic Interface, simply start clicking the left mouse button on the map where you want travel segments to begin and end.

To create a Simulation using the Control Panel, enter the latitude and longitude of the beginning node and, thereafter, enter the distance and bearing to the next node; or enter the latitude and longitude of the next node directly.

A double arrow next to either the “Lat1” or the “Lat2” input field serves to indicate which one is the “current” node.

Following is a description of the options available in the Sim Pane:

Symbols…: Use this option to change the color and style of the nodes and segments as they are displayed on the map.

Display/Close Map: Use this option to open or close the Cartographic Interface.

Speed: This is the “speed” at which you want to “travel”. It defaults to the speed specified in Locale Edit Default Travel Speed, but you can set it to whatever you want for each segment individually. The “Time” entry will change accordingly.

Time: This is time the simulation will take to go from node A to node B. You can change it to whatever you want. The “Speed” entry will change accordingly.

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Site: Use this option to create a node directly on, or offset a specified distance and direction from, a previously created Mobile Interpreter Site.

GPS: If a GPS unit is attached to the computer and has a valid fix, you can use this option to automatically insert your current position.

Insert (or “Insert” key if the map is the active window): Insert a node halfway between the current node and the next one, which you can then alter as you wish.

Delete (or “Delete” key if the map is the active window): Permanently delete the current node. This effectively merges the segments on each side of the node.

“▐◄” or “Home” key: Select the first node as the current one.

“◄” or “Page Up” key: Select the previous node as the current one.

“►”or “Page Down” key: Select the next node as the current one.

“►▌”or “End” key: Select the last node as the current one.

Note: To append a new node, select “End” to select the last node and then select “Next”.

Clear: Remove all segments.

Load: Load/reload a previously saved simulation.

The next five options pertain to what you want to happen when simulated travel reaches final node:

Continue: Travel will continue in the current direction of travel forever until Presentation Mode is manually stopped (right-click the mouse and select “Stop” or “Exit” from the resulting context menu).

Start over: Travel will repeat, moving from beginning to end, until Presentation Mode is manually stopped.

Reverse direction: Travel will reverse direction, heading from the final node back to the first. These reversals of direction will continue until Presentation Mode is manually stopped.

Complete circuit: Travel will proceed in a straight line from the final node to the first, and will continue circling in this manner until Presentation mode is manually stopped.

End presentations: Presentation Mode will automatically stop at the final node, returning the program to Simulation Mode.

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The next option pertains to the Presentation Map (when that option has been selected) as the simulation is running:

Show site layers: Site and GeoTrigger locations are not normally displayed in Presentation mode. Select this option to display the Site and GeoTrigger layers during simulated Presentation mode so that you can observe the points at which the GeoTriggers will fire.

The last three buttons provide the following functionality:

Presentation options…: This is an alternative means of accessing the “Presentation Options” page of the “Locale Editor” dialog, rather than having to select it from the Main Menu.

Save: Saves the current configuration to disk for later use.

Start: Start simulated travel beginning at the first node. The program will automatically enter Presentation mode and behave just as if real travel were occurring.

Notes on using the map: 1) Clicking on the map when the current node is other than a new node will move the current node to the clicked location. 2) Occasionally, the segments may seem to disappear. When this occurs, simply click the Refresh button on the map.

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Presentations

In Presentation mode, the program normally runs unattended; displaying presentations as various GeoTriggers fire in response to input from the GPS unit.

To start and stop Presentation mode, hit the Ctrl+S key combination. This toggles between Presentation and Design modes.

Important: Before starting Presentation mode, make sure the computer’s screen saver and power saver options are turned off!

Presentation Options

The Presentation screen is composed of a Media window as illustrated below. A Map or a GPS Status window may optionally be displayed along with the Media window. These windows may be either framed or unframed, or sized within certain parameters.

Components of the Presentation screen

The “Presentation Options” page of the “Locale Editor” dialog displays the various options by which the Presentation screen may be configured to meet your requirements. The

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“Presentation Options” page is made available by selecting “Presentation Options” from the Main Menu or by hitting the Ctrl+P key combination. The “Locale Editor” is also accessible from the “Locale Manager” dialog and from the Main Menu.

The “Presentation Options” page is displayed below, followed by descriptions of the various options. Note that selecting some options will automatically exclude others.

Presentation display options

Media frame: When selected, the Media window will include a title bar at the top containing the name of the media that is currently running. If a map is included as part of the Presentation, the Map window will likewise display a title bar containing the name of the Locale in order to improve the symmetry of the Presentation. This setting applies to “When idle” as well.

Program frame: When selected, the application window will include a title bar at the top containing the name of the program (“Mobile Interpreter”), a hyphen, and the name of the current Locale. This setting applies to “When idle” as well.

Media only: Display full-screen media (or full-frame media if either “Media frame” or “Program frame” is checked).

Media with GPS status: Display the GPS status pane of the Control Panel to the left of the media screen. The Status panel will display Site or Locale descriptions if available.

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Media with map: The map is displayed to the left of the media screen and occupies the percentage of the entire screen specified by the “Width of View” option.

When maps are displayed in Presentation mode, only the base layers are displayed; the Site and GeoTrigger layers are not displayed (except during simulations).

When idle

Minimize application: When selected, the Mobile Interpreter window is hidden when no Presentation media is being displayed. This allows other running programs to be displayed. When not selected, the Mobile Interpreter window is always displayed, even when no Presentation media is being displayed.

Select one or two of the following options when the application is not to be minimized on idle:

Display default media: The default presentation is displayed (be sure to specify a default media). This option may be selected in addition to either of the other two options.

Display GPS status: The GPS status pane of the Control Panel is displayed at the left of the application window. This option should be selected only in combination with one of the other two as it will otherwise result in the right side of the application window displaying nothing.

Display map: The map is displayed in full-frame mode if neither of the additional two options is selected. In combination with “Display GPS Status,” the map is displayed to the right of the Status panel. In combination with “Display default media,” the map is displayed to the left of the media screen and will occupy the percentage of the entire screen specified by the “Width of View” option.

Display map labels

When the map is to be displayed and labeling has been enabled for any of the base layers, you may elect to show or hide the labels during Presentation mode.

Width of extent

When the map is to be displayed (whether always or only when idle) the “Width of extent” should be specified. This represents how much of the earth’s surface is displayed by the map.

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Width of view

When the map is to be always displayed, this represents how much of the Mobile Interpreter window the map will occupy (as a percentage of the entire window width). The minimum is 10% and the maximum is 90%.

Center map on location & margins

When the map is displayed, the current location (as reported by the GPS unit) is also displayed as a user-definable symbol. The “Center map on location” and the two “Margin” settings pertain to the location symbol.

When selected, the location symbol is always displayed in the center of the map and the map itself moves as the current location changes. This setting is not recommended since it tends to require considerable processing time, which can degrade the display.

When not selected, the location symbol moves until it reaches a specified “Margin” within the map view. At that point, the map is shifted and the current location is redrawn, so that the current location remains visible at all times. The “Margins” are specified as percentages of the width and height of the map view. The minimum is 0% and the maximum is 45%.

Default Media

When triggered Presentation media ends, Mobile Interpreter enters an “Idle” state, waiting for another GeoTrigger to be crossed. You may elect to display a Default Media during these periods, which will repeat indefinitely until the next GeoTrigger fires.

See the section entitled “Digital Media” (page 7) for further information on supported media sources and file types.

See “Specifying Presentation Media” (page 32) for further information on how to specify the media.

Status panel bitmap…

The bitmap header on the Status pane may be changed (see image #6 under “Sample Presentation Screens”). The image you specify should be no more than 284 pixels wide by 100 pixels high.

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Sample Presentation Screens

The images below illustrate some of the Presentation options available in Mobile Interpreter.

Fullscreen media Full-frame media + Media frame

Media with map Media with GPS Status

On idle: Display Map (+ Program frame) On idle: Display Map + GPS status

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Appendix

Application Manifest

Installer:Installation Filename Component Size (k)

CD install (w/sample locales) Autorun.inf 1MIDesignerSetup.exe Installer 27,385

Web install MIDesignerSetup_Web.exe Installer 4,251

Installed Files:Install Location Filename Component Size (k)

C:\Program Files\[Install Dir] [appname].exe Application 1392[appname].chm Compiled Help file 1610

C:\Program Files\[Install Dir]\Docs MI_UserGuide.doc User Guide 2333[User specified Locales folder] (user populated)

Registry entries:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Subkey/Name Created by

SOFTWARE USFS Mobile Interpreter Designer InstallerSOFTWARE\USFS Mobile Interpreter Designer Various Installer\Browser Various Installer\Locale Various Installer\Serial Various Installer

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