ITE specializes in the implementation of pre/post-processing (e.g. GUI, graphical reports) of data used in mainframe programs; also we can convert old mainframe programs to state-of-the-art PC version or aiding in the development of new engineering software

History

The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario has recently adopted the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC). Consequently, The software OMBAS (Ontario Modular Bridge Analysis) was modified to conform to the new code requirements and is known as CANBAS. The first versions of OMBAS were FORTRAN programs running in batch mode on IBM mainframe computers in the late 80s. The system is mainly used to analyse existing and new bridge designs in Ontario. Subsequently, it has been ported to the UNIX and the Windows NT/95 environments. In the early 90s, it was decided that a GUI front end was required to greatly increase the user friendliness and marketability of the system. OMBAS GUI was officially released, as ver.6.2.1, allowing GUI input for two standard bridge types (Bridge Type 1 and 2), in early 1998. Another version v6.3.0, which includes a third standard bridge (Bridge Type 3), was released in October 1998. The Ministry of Transportation then decided to contract out the remaining GUI work, to be release as OMBAS GUI v6.4.0. Inter-Tech Engineering (ITE) was awarded the contract, in May 1999, to finish the remaining modules. These modules included: dynamic graphics for Bridge Type 3, Bridge footings, Integral Abutment option for Bridge Type 1 & 2, Abutments, Piers, Culverts, Columns more than 60 input screens. In 2002, ITE was contracted to convert the existing OMBAS GUI to reflect the new Code. ITE is currently working on new upgrades for CANBAS. For more information about CANBAS please contact Mr.James Eggleton at (905) 704-2393 or james.eggleton@mto.gov.on.ca

CANBAS GUI

The GUI allows the users to easily enter data using dialog boxes, radio buttons, pull-down menus, etc. Also, information on input parameters is displayed graphically through an independent window, known as static graphics. ITE developed a library of graphical functions using XVT code. The inputted geometrical data of any standard problem (e.g., Bridge Type 3, Footing, Culvert, etc.) can be viewed graphically at any input stage. These graphics are called dynamic graphics and generated using C++ Classes that incorporate HOOPS graphical libraries. ITE developed all dynamic graphic classes for CANBAS, including basic drawing tools such as polygons, elliptical arcs and circles together with their rendering properties colour, texture, etc. The GUI also allows the users to verify all data entered through geometry reports. The data entered by the GUI is used to generate the input batch file that is used by the FORTRAN modules (CANBAS POL) to analyse the bridge components. The GUI allows the users to view all reports created by CANBAS POL and displays some reports graphically. All reports and graphics can be printed using the GUI.

Development Environment

The GUI system was developed with XVT DSC (development solution for C) and HOOPS graphics system, both cross platform development tools. The XVT tool was used to create all input screens and functionality for events within the screens. Using C++ and HOOPS graphic libraries, classes were developed to allow the creation of interactive graphics within the XVT program. External C functions were also used for I/O and interfacing with the OMBAS FORTRAN software. Parsing of existing text reports using lex and yacc (flex and bison on NT/95) are used to generate graphical reports. Originally, program control was performed using UNIX platform with borne shell scripts. To enable execution of borne shell scripts on NT/95 platform, a gnu version of sh called BASH (Borne again shell) and a suite of UNIX commands are employed. XVT code is compiled using SUNs Sparcworks compiler for UNIX or Microsofts Developers Studio for NT environments, respectively. Other tools used to include the RogueWave libraries, Enscript (ascii to postscript), f2c (FORTRAN to C), Installshield, GAME (third party POL FORTRAN input) and POLO (third party FORTRAN DBMS).

XVT DSC

ITE has gained valuable experience in the use of XVT Development Solution for C (DSC). XVT development solution may be what your company is looking for and ITE can help! What is XVT DSC software? XVT Development Solution for C (DSC) is a high-performance GUI builder that enables applications to be portable, yet remain native. Unlike interpretive languages and emulated windowing systems, DSC leverages the native windowing system. Productivity increases by streamlining and accelerating the development process. ITE can create complex applications performing at native speeds on the most popular platforms. Unlike proprietary-language tools, DSC relies on C (a mature, industry-standard language) so that it offers ITE a great flexibility in customizing your applications and integrating existing and/or third party development tools. It can also achieve native look-and-feel without the poor performance associated with interpretive languages and emulated windowing systems. Unlike proprietary systems, DSC is reliable, responsive to the changing needs of end users, and free of runtime fees and royalty payments. For more information on this product and others please visit XVT web site.

HOOPS / 3dAF

The HOOPS 3D Application Framework (HOOPS/3dAF) is a system for creating interactive graphics applications. HOOPS/3dAF is an extensible, high-level component that dramatically simplifies the design, development and maintenance of high-performance, interactive 2D/3D applications for Windows, UNIX, LINUX, Windows CE devices or the Web.HOOPS 3D permits ITE software developers the ability to dramatically simplify the development or enhancement of high-performance 3D applications using preexisting build-in components. Market-leading applications may be rapidly constructed or existing applications competitively enriched using HOOPS powerful tools. Thus, reducing R & D costs."Much like the Parasolid and ACIS modeling components fueled the explosion of mid-priced solids modeling, we believe Tech Soft's component graphics technology is poised to serve as an enabler for the coming Web-centric collaborative applications revolution."

Typical CANBAS Data Input window:

Typical CANBAS Input Graphic Display:

Typical CANBAS Output Dynamic Graphic Display  Scaled Drawing:

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