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Using the NavLoader Programs

1. Start the program. NavLoad can either be found as a shortcut on the Desktop or by going to Start and then Programs.

2. After the credits appear, a Load File window will appear.

3. Locate where your vrml file is and select it.

4. If you receive an error message saying that the program cannot load the file, then you have created a file not supported by the NavLoad Program.

5. Your model will now appear on the screen with a menu bar. Note that some models may take a while to load. To make sure that the program is loading properly, a Progress Bar has been included to show your file being loaded.

6. There are 5 different tabs in the main menu. Make sure you have Stereo On and Front Lights On (if necessary). You can choose the view you feel the most comfortable with in the Views tab. Also, if you created views from Form-Z, those can be imported into Navload in the Load Views tab. The Sky tab allows for the user to change the color of the sky.

7. You can now navigate through your model using the Microsoft Sidewinder. Instructions on how to use both of the joysticks are listed below.

8. To view the main menu again, simply press <ALT> & then <TAB> on the keyboard.

9. To exit out of the program, simply click <Esc> on the keyboard.

Using the Microsoft Sidewinder Joystick

ORIENTATION

The joystick functions similarly in all versions of the NavLoader programs (e.g. single screen stereo, two screen mono or stereo) except that joystick orientation is always normal to the overall screen presentation:

Positive X axis = screen right

Positive Y axis = screen top

Positive Z axis = towards viewer

• Single-screen display - Z axis is perpendicular to screen, pointing out at viewer
• Dual-screen display - Z axis bisects angle formed by screens, pointing at viewer who is centered between the screens.

NAVIGATION

Throttle

Adjusts the speed of navigation translations.

Forward = Faster

Backward = Slower

Pushing Hat Switch

Up or down - slides viewpoint up or down (along Y axis)

Left or right - slides viewpoint left or right (along X axis)

Trigger

Changes joystick function from "sliding along" to "rotating about" an axis

(NOTE: Don't continue to push the joystick in any direction when you release the trigger, as doing so will result in sliding the view in that direction. Return the joystick to the neutral (middle) position prior to releasing the trigger and then resume navigation.)

Pushing Joystick Forward/Backward

(no trigger) - Slides view forward or backward along the Z axis

(with trigger) - Rotates view about the X axis to "look down or up"

Pushing Joystick Left/Right

(no trigger) - Slides view left or right along the X axis

(with trigger) - Rotates view about the Z axis (like tilting your head to the side)

Twisting the Joystick

(with or without trigger) - Rotates view about the Y axis (like turning your head left or right)

Buttons 2 & 3

Two buttons have been programmed to help get reoriented should you get lost or the scene develop an undesirable tilt while navigating. (Remember that you also can recall the views menu and select any of the preprogrammed views (left, right, top, etc.) as a starting point for further navigation)

Button 2 - Resets all Z and X tilt, preserving the direction of view in Y.

Button 3 - Resets view to the original position.

Please send questions or suggestions about this web page to vizgroup@psu.edu

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