USER MANUAL Appendices 199
Vs Vx Vy=+
22
The vector distance is the integral of Vs, or the total distance traveled along the path. To illustrate this
further, suppose that a string was placed along the path in the X-Y plane. The length of that string
represents the distance traveled by the vector motion.
The vector velocity is specified independently of the path to allow continuous motion. The path is
specified as a collection of segments. For the purpose of specifying the path, define a special X-Y
coordinate system whose origin is the starting point of the sequence. Each linear segment is specified
by the X-Y coordinate of the final point expressed in units of resolution, and each circular arc is
defined by the arc radius, the starting angle, and the angular width of the arc. The zero angle
corresponds to the positive direction of the X-axis and the CCW direction of rotation is positive.
Angles are expressed in degrees, and the resolution is 1/256th of a degree. For example, the path
shown in Fig. 12.2 is specified by the instructions:
VP 0,10000
CR 10000, 180, -90
VP 20000, 20000
10000 20000
20000
10000
Y

CD

B

A

X
Figure 12.2 - X-Y Motion Path
The first line describes the straight line vector segment between points A and B. The next segment is a
circular arc, which starts at an angle of 180° and traverses -90°. Finally, the third line describes the
linear segment between points C and D. Note that the total length of the motion consists of the
segments:
A-B Linear 10000 units