Copyright (C) 2001 Roland DG Corporation

Transcription

1 User's Manual Unauthorized copying or transferal, in whole or in part, of this manual is prohibited. The contents of this operation manual and the specifications of this product are subject to change without notice. The operation manual and the product have been prepared and tested as much as possible. If you find any misprint or error, please inform us. Roland DG Corp. assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect loss or damage which may occur through use of this product, regardless of any failure to perform on the part of this product.

2 * Windows(R) and Windows NT(R) are registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft(R) Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. * Pentium is registered trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States. * Adobe Acrobat is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated. * Macintosh and QuickDraw are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. in the USA and other countries. * AutoCAD(R) are registered trademarks of AutoDesk Corporation in the United States * OpenGL(R) is trademark or registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other company names and product name are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Copyright (C) 2001 Roland DG Corporation

3 Table of Contents Part 1 What's 3D Editor? System Requirements Overview of 3D Editor What You Can Do With 3D Editor Names and Functions of Screen Items... 7 Part 2 Basic Operations for Objects Selecting objects Selecting polygon Rotating objects Moving objects To change the size Part 3 Hints and Tips Reducing the size of 3D data Smoothing unevenness in data scanned by a 3D scanner Combining separate 3D data to create a single object Dividing 3D data into parts before cutting Step1: Separating an object...16 Step2: Cutting an object Cutting a three-dimensional object approaching a computer-graphic image Customizing the screen colors Part 4 Commands Toolbar buttons Shortcut keys [File] menu [File] - [New] command...23 [File] - [Open] command...23 [File] - [Save] command...23 [File] - [Save As] command...23 [File] - [Import] - [3D Editor] command...23 [File] - [Import] - [Dr.PICZA] command...24 [Dr.PICZA File] dialog box...24 [File] - [Import] - [DXF] command...24 [File] - [Import] - [STL] command...24 [File] - [Export] - [DXF] command...25 [File] - [Export] - [VRML] command...25 [File] - [Export] - [STL] command...25 [File] - [Export] - [3DMF] command...25 [File] - [Export] - [BMP] command...25 [File] - [Export] - [Point Group] command...26 [File] - [Export] - [Cut-line] command...26 [Cut Line] dialog box...27 [Cut Line Output Settings] dialog box

4 2 [Cut Line Output Settings] dialog box...28 [File] - [Export] - [IGES] command...29 [File] - [Run MODELA Player] command...30 [File] - [Print] command...30 [File] - [Print Preview] command...30 [File] - [Page Setup] command...30 [Page Setup] dialog box...31 [File] - [Preference] command...32 [Preference] dialog box...32 [File] - [Exit] command [Edit] menu [Edit] - [Undo] command...33 [Edit] - [Redo] command...33 [Edit] - [Erase] command...33 [Edit] - [Move Object] command...34 [Move Object] dialog box...34 [Edit] - [Rotate Object] command...35 [Object Rotation] dialog box...35 [Edit] - [Modify] - [Set Leveled Coordinates] command...35 [Edit] - [Modify] - [Move Selected Area] command...36 [Move Selected Area] dialog box...36 [Edit] - [Modify] - [Enlarge/Reduce Object] command...37 [Enlarge/Reduce Object] dialog box...37 [Edit] - [Polygon] - [Smoothing] command...38 [Edit] - [Polygon] - [Reduce Polygons] command...38 [Reduce Polygons] dialog box...38 [Edit] - [Polygon] - [Reverse Surface Orientation] command...39 [Edit] - [Cut] - [Extract Parting Line] command...39 [Edit] - [Cut] - [Specify Cut Surface] command...40 [Cut at Plane] dialog box...40 [Edit] - [Merge] - [Align Objects] command...41 [Edit] - [Merge] - [Merge Objects] command [View] menu [View] - [Fit to Screen] command...43 [View] - [Return to Original Perspective] command...43 [View] - [Perspective] command...43 [View] - [Top] command...43 [View] - [Front] command...43 [View] - [Side] command...43 [View] - [Shared] command...43 [View] - [Select Coordinate System] - [Global] command...44 [View] - [Select Coordinate System] - [Local] command...44 [View] - [Coordinates and Distances] command...44 [Coordinates and Distances] window...45 [View] - [Point Group] command...45 [View] - [Wire Frame] command...45 [View] - [Hide Lines] command...46 [View] - [Rendering] command...46 [View] - [Shape Information Bar] command...46 [Shape Information] Bar...46 [View] - [Tool Bar] - [Standard] command...46 [View] - [Tool Bar] - [Edit / View] command...47 [View] - [Status Bar] command...47

5 [View] - [Options] command...47 [Options] dialog box [Select] menu [Select] - [Select Object] command...48 [Select] - [Select All Objects] command...48 [Select] - [Select Area With Rectangle] command...48 [Select] - [Select Area With Polygon] command...48 [Select] - [Select Entire Area] command...49 [Select] - [Invert Selection] command [Help] menu [Help] - [Contents] command...50 [Help] - [About] command...50 Part 5 If You Think There's a Problem D Editor doesn't function Error Messages Other symptoms Appendix...53 Glossary

6 Part 1 What's 3D Editor? 1-1 System Requirements - Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT(R) 4.0, Windows 2000, or Windows XP operating system - The minimum required CPU for the operating system (Pentium(R) or higher recommended) - The minimum amount of required RAM for the operating system (64 Mbytes or more recommended) - 10 Mbytes or more of free hard disk space for installation color video card with a resolution of 640 x 480 (OpenGL-compatible video board with 800 x 600 resolution and 16-bit color (High Color) or higher recommended) * This is the system structure for the PICZA programs, including both Dr. PICZA3 and 3D Editor. 1-2 Overview of 3D Editor 3D Editor is a program for editing 3D data (surface model). You can import Dr.PICZA scanning data as well as data in general formats such as DXF or STL, and modify the shape and size. This program runs under Windows. Main Features of 3D Editor Editing 3D data - Import 3D data from a different file and merge shapes - Severing three-dimensional shapes - Delete unneeded polygons - Enlarge or reduce sizes - Invert polygon surfaces front to back - Reduce the number of polygons - Smooth data Open files in any of a number of different formats - You can import 3D Editor, Dr.PICZA, DXF, and STL files. Export files in any of a number of different file formats - You can export DXF, VRML, STL, 3DMF, BMP, Point Group, Cut Line, and IGES files. Add 3D data to data being edited - You can use the import feature to add 3D data from a different file to data being edited. Cut edited 3D data - You can output 3D data directly to MODELA Player. Measure distances between vertices - You can view the linear distance between two points you select. 4

7 1-3 What You Can Do With 3D Editor Edit 3D data and modify shapes You can bring together 3D data made separately and merge it into a single shape. You can cut at the place you want to divide an object into two parts. You can reduce the number of polygons to the greatest extent possible, keeping the contour. 5

8 You can create smooth 3D data. Output 3D data in various file formats You can export edited data in any of various file formats. 6

9 1-4 Names and Functions of Screen Items (1) Title bar The file name and program name are displayed here. The window can be moved by dragging the title bar. (2) Menu Bar Runs the various commands for 3D Editor. (3) Toolbar The toolbar is provided with buttons for running 3D Editor commands. Moving the mouse pointer over a button displays a brief description of the button's function. (4) Coordinate axis display This shows the object's coordinate axes. Note that the point of intersection of the coordinate axes is not the origin point! (5) Shape Information Bar This shows the location of mouse pointer, as well as the centerpoint and size of the object. (6) Status Bar This shows 3D Editor's state of operation and provides brief descriptions of commands. 7

10 (7) Object This is the three-dimensional object drawn with the 3D data. Shown as a polyhedron made up of triangles, squares, and other polygons. (8) View window This displays objects from various angles. To change the split ratio of the window, drag the split lines in the view window. To display only one of the split windows, then from the [View] menu, click [Perspective], [Top], [Front], or [Side]. The present active window is indicated by a yellow box around the name of the window in the upper left. (9) Popup Menu Right-click in the view window to display the menu. (10) Minimize button This shrinks the window to a button on the taskbar. (11) Maximize button / Restore button This expands the window to fill the screen. To restore the window size, click again. (12) Close button This ends the program. If changes made to the file being edited have not been saved, a dialog box asking if you wish to save the changes is displayed. 8

11 Part 2 Basic Operations for Objects 2-1 Selecting objects Before you change an object's location or size, select the object for processing. 1. Click. 2. Click on the object to select it. The selected object is displayed in a dark color. 3. To select more than one object, hold down the [Shift] key as you click the objects. To cancel the selection, select another object. 9

12 2-2 Selecting polygon Select the area for processing. To select an area with a rectangle 1. Click. 2. Drag the area to select. The selected area appears in red. 3. To select more than one area, hold down the [Shift] key as you drag. To cancel the selection, click outside the area. To select an area with a polygon 1. Click. 2. Click the vertices of the polygon, then double-click the last vertex. The selected area appears in red. 3. To select more than one area, hold down the [Shift] key as you carry out step 2. To cancel the selection, double-click outside the area. 10

13 2-3 Rotating objects You can change the angle of an object. 1. Click. 2. Click on the object to select it. The selected object is displayed in a dark color. To select more than one object, hold down the [Shift] key as you click the objects. 3. Click. 4. The centerpoint of rotation is set at the object's center. To change the centerpoint of rotation, click the location you want. 5. Drag with the mouse in the desired direction of rotation. To specify the rotation angle as a numerical value, follow the steps below. 1. From the [Edit] menu, click [Rotate Object]. The [Object Rotation] dialog box appears. 2. Enter the rotation angles around the respective axes, then click [OK]. The object rotates, with the object's center as the centerpoint. 11

14 2-4 Moving objects You can change an object's location (coordinate values). 1. Click. 2. Click on the object to select it. The selected object is displayed in a dark color. To select more than one object, hold down the [Shift] key as you click the objects. 3. Click. 4. Drag with the mouse in the desired direction of movement. To specify movement as a numerical value, follow the steps below. 1. From the [Edit] menu, click [Move Object]. The [Move Object] dialog box appears. 2. To enter coordinates, click [Distance from origin point]. To enter the amount of movement, click [Amount of movement from present position]. 3. Enter the centerpoint coordinates or the amount of movement, then click [OK]. 12

15 2-5 To change the size You can change the size of an object. 1. Click. 2. Click on the object to select it. The selected object is displayed in a dark color. To select more than one object, hold down the [Shift] key as you click the objects. 3. Click. To change the size of the object without changing its XYZ ratio, click. 4. The centerpoint for enlarging or reducing is set at the center of the object. To change the centerpoint for enlarging or reducing, click the location you want. 5. Drag with the mouse. To specify the enlargement or reduction scale as a numerical value, follow the steps below. 1. At the [Edit] menu, point to [Modify], then click [Enlarge/Reduce Object]. The [Enlarge/Reduce Object] dialog box appears. 2. To change the size while maintaining the object's XYZ ratio, select [Keep XYZ ratio]. To perform enlargement or reduction with a freely varying ratio, clear the selection for [Keep XYZ ratio]. 3. Enter the ratio, then click [OK]. The object is enlarged or reduced, with the object's center as the centerpoint. 13

16 Part 3 Hints and Tips 3-1 Reducing the size of 3D data Reducing the number of polygons to reduce the size of the data makes it possible to save hard-disk space and shorten data processing times. 3D Editor's polygon-reducing feature can reduce the number of polygons while leaving as much as possible of the shape before processing. 1. At the [Edit] menu, point to [Polygon], then click [Reduce Polygons]. The [Reduce Polygons] dialog box appears. 2. Enter the reduction rate for the number of polygons or the number of polygons after reduction. 3. Click [OK]. When processing ends, the results of the operation are displayed. 3-2 Smoothing unevenness in data scanned by a 3D scanner Depending on the scanning method and the shape of the scan object, unevenness that is not present in the original object may be read in by the 3D scanner. You can eliminate excessive unevenness by editing the polygon vertices and coordinates, but this processing may be simplified by using the smoothing feature. 1. From the [Select] menu, click [Select Area With Rectangle] or [Select Area With Polygon]. 2. Specify the smoothing range by dragging. 3. At the [Edit] menu, point to [Polygon], then click [Smoothing]. After a short interval, the results of smoothing appear in the view window. 14

17 3-3 Combining separate 3D data to create a single object You can merge a number of sets of 3D data into a single object. The merged 3D data can be saved in a general-format file for import to a 3D CAD or computer-graphic program. This section explains how to divide a three-dimensional object into upper and lower parts, scan the object, and merge the scanning data. For information about scanning methods, refer to the help screens for Dr. PICZA3 or the documentation for the 3D scanner. 1. Load the object in the 3D scanner. 2. Start Dr.PICZA3 and scan the upper half of the object. 3. After scanning has finished, save the data in a file. 4. Continue with scanning the lower half of the object and saving the data in a file. 5. From the 3D Editor [File] menu, click [Open]. The [Open] dialog box appears. 6. Set [File Type] to [Dr. PICZA File]. Specify the file location and open the scanning data for the upper half. The [Dr.PICZA File] dialog box appears. 7. Select the check boxes, then click [OK]. In this example, select all. 8. At the [File] menu, point to [Import], then click [Dr.PICZA]. The [Open] dialog box appears. 9. Specify the file location and open the scanning data for the lower half. The [Dr. PICZA File] dialog box appears. 10. Select the check boxes, then click [OK]. Here as well, select all. 11. To make it easier to align the objects, adjust the position and angle of the objects. To adjust, go to the [Edit] menu and use either [Move Object] or [Rotate Object]. 12. At the [Edit] menu, point to [Merge], then click [Align Objects]. For more information, see the explanation for the [Align Objects] command. 13. At the [Edit] menu, point to [Merge], then click [Merge Objects]. 14. Click the two objects to merge. A dialog box prompting you to confirm processing of the surfaces after merging appears. 15. Clicking [Yes] connects released vertices to create polygons automatically, after which the window closes. In this example, click [Yes]. 16. At the [File] menu, point to [Export], then click the file format for output. 15

18 3-4 Dividing 3D data into parts before cutting When you have 3D data for a shape that cannot be cut in one pass, then before you output it to MODELA Player, you need to divide the object along a parting line, and then output the 3D data. This section explains how to separate a single object into two along a parting line. Step1: Separating an object This separates an object into two parts. 1. At the [Edit] menu, point to [Cut], then click [Specify Cut Surface]. The [Cut at Plane] dialog box appears. 2. Using the mouse, manipulate the plane for cutting displayed in the view window and determine the location for cutting (the parting line). 3. After deciding on the location, click [Run]. The object is separated into two parts. 16

19 Step2: Cutting an object This starts MODELA Player and cuts the object with the modeling machine. For information about cutting methods, refer to the help screens for MODELA Player or the documentation for the modeling machine you're using. 1. From the [Select] menu, click [Select Object]. Each object is displayed enclosed in a rectangle. 2. Position the pointer on the upper half of the object to cut first, then click. The object is selected. 3. From the [File] menu, click [Run MODELA Player]. MODELA Player starts and the upper-half object is imported. 4. Use MODELA Player to cut the upper-half object with the modeling machine. 5. Next, select the lower-half object. 6. From the [File] menu, click [Run MODELA Player]. MODELA Player starts and the lower-half object is imported. 7. Use MODELA Player to cut the lower-half object with the modeling machine. 3-5 Cutting a three-dimensional object approaching a computer-graphic image The on-screen image of an object displayed in a computer-graphic or 3D CAD program may appear quite different than the actual article cut using the 3D data. This is because computer-graphic and 3D CAD programs draw the on-screen image so that it appears attractive even when a small number of polygons are used. When the goal is to perform cutting, it is desirable to make the actual article resemble the on-screen image. In such cases, we recommend opening the 3D data with 3D Editor before you perform cutting. 3D Editor draws the polygons faithfully, so you can see an image that approaches the way the object will look after cutting it. When you want to cut a three-dimensional object that closely resembles the image draw by computer graphics, use 3D Editor's smoothing feature to smooth the surface of the object. 1. From the [File] menu, click [Open]. 2. From the [Edit] menu, click [Smoothing]. Repeat processing until you get the image you want. 3. From the [File] menu, click [Run MODELA Player]. For information about how to use MODELA Player, refer to the MODELA Player help screens. 17

20 3-6 Customizing the screen colors You can change the colors used to draw backgrounds and objects. 1. From the [View] menu, click [Options]. The [Options] dialog box appears. 2. Under [Color], click the respective drawing-color buttons and choose the colors used for drawing. When you save the object you are editing in the exclusive 3D Editor file format, the drawing colors you set are also saved, and you can edit the object with the same drawing colors the next time you open the file. Also, the drawing colors you set persist after you quit the program, and are in effect the next time you run it. 18

21 Part 4 Commands 4-1 Toolbar buttons The toolbar is provided with buttons for running 3D Editor commands. Moving the mouse pointer over a button displays a brief description of the button's function. The following buttons are available on the toolbar. Click on the button's icon to see an explanation of the command. New This creates a new file. Open This opens an existing file. Save This saves the file, overwriting the previous version of the file. Erase This deletes the selected area or objects. Undo This erases the change just made and returns to the previous form. Redo This cancels an [Undo] command that has just been run. Import This imports a file in other than 3D Editor format and adds it to the file being edited. Export This saves data in a file format other than 3D. Editor format. MODELA Player This launches MODELA Player to perform cutting on the Modeling Machine. Smoothing This smoothes the surface of the object. Conversely, sharpness is lost. Reduce Polygons This reduces the number of polygons, keeping as much of the object's shape as possible. 19

22 Reverse Surface Orientation This reverses the polygons surfaces from front to back. Cut At Plane This cuts and divides an object along a plane. Align Objects This specifies the junction points when merging objects. Merge Objects This merges two objects into a single object. Rotate Object This lets you rotate an object by dragging with the mouse. The pointer changes to. Clicking this button sets the centerpoint of rotation at the center of the object. To change the centerpoint for rotation, click the desired location. Move Object This lets you move an object by dragging with the mouse. The pointer changes to. Enlarge/Reduce Object This lets you change the size of an object by dragging with the mouse. The pointer changes to. Clicking this button sets the centerpoint for enlarging or reducing at the center of the object. To change the centerpoint for enlarging or reducing, click the desired location. Uni-Scale Object This lets you change the size of an object by dragging with the mouse, maintaining the present XYZ aspect ratio. The pointer changes to. Clicking this button sets the centerpoint for enlarging or reducing at the center of the object. To change the centerpoint for enlarging or reducing, click the desired location. Move Selected Area This lets you move a surface shape in a selected area, keeping the chosen shape unchanged. Drag the mouse to move the selected surface. Select Object When a single file contains a number of objects, this chooses the object to work with. Select rectangle area This selects polygons by using a rectangle. Select polygon area This selects polygons by using a multi-sided shape. 20

23 Rotate Eye Point This command allows the object to be rotated by dragging with the mouse to change the angle of view. The pointer changes to. This button has no effect in the Top, Front, and Side windows. Shortcut: Hold down the [Space] key while dragging the object. Move Eye Point This command allows the object to be moved by dragging with the mouse. The pointer changes to. This button is can be used in any of the view windows. Shortcut: Hold down the [Ctrl] key while dragging the object. Zoom In/Zoom Out This lets you zoom in or zoom out by dragging the object with the mouse. The pointer changes to. Drag toward the top of the screen to zoom in or toward the bottom to zoom out. Shortcut: Hold down the [Shift] key while dragging the object. Fit to Screen This command expands or reduces the size of the object shown to fill the screen. Point Group This displays only the vertices of polygons. Wire Frame This command displays the object using only a gridwork of lines. Hide Lines The lines that represent the back of the object, which ordinarily is hidden from view, are called "hidden lines." This command shows objects with a wire frame laid on the surfaces, and with hidden lines deleted. Rendering This command adds color and shadowing to the displayed object. Coordinates and Distances This command toggles display of the [Coordinates and Distances] window on or off. 21

24 4-2 Shortcut keys You can run menu and toolbar commands by using specific preassigned key operations. These are listed below. Here, "+" means to perform the indicated operations at the same time. Examples [Ctrl] + [N] Hold down the [Ctrl] key and press [N]. [Shift] + drag Hold down the [Shift] key and drag with the mouse. Command [File] - [New] [File] - [Open] [File] - [Save] [File] - [Print] [File] - [Exit] [Edit] - [Undo] [Edit] - [Redo] [Edit] - [Erase] [Select] - [Select All Objects] [Select] - [Select Entire Area] Other functions Select previous object Select next object Select more than one object Select more than one area Rotate Eye Point Move Eye Point Zoom In/Zoom Out [Ctrl] + [N] [Ctrl] + [O] [Ctrl] + [S] [Ctrl] + [P] [Alt] + [F4] [Ctrl] + [Z] [Ctrl] + [Y] [Del] [Ctrl] + [A] [Ctrl] + [Shift] + [A] [Alt] + [P] [Alt] + [N] [Shift] + Click objects [Shift] + Select areas [Space] + drag [Ctrl] + drag [Shift] + drag 22

25 4-3 [File] menu [File] - [New] command This creates a new file. If changes made to a file being edited have not been saved, a window asking if you wish to save the changes is displayed. Keyboard shortcut: [Ctrl]+[N] [File] - [Open] command This opens an existing file. You can open files in 3D Editor, Dr. PICZA, DXF, or STL format. Running this command opens the [Open] dialog box. When you open a file in Dr.PICZA format, the [Dr.PICZA File] dialog box appears. Keyboard shortcut: [Ctrl]+[O] [File] - [Save] command This saves the file, overwriting the previous version of the file. To save the file with a different name or in a different area, use the [Save As] command. Keyboard shortcut: [Ctrl]+[S] [File] - [Save As] command This saves the file with a different name. Running this command opens the [Save As] dialog box. Normally, ".edx" is used as the file extension. [File] - [Import] - [3D Editor] command This imports a file in 3D Editor format and adds it to the file being edited. Running this command opens the [Open] dialog box. 23

26 [File] - [Import] - [Dr.PICZA] command This imports a file in Dr.PICZA format and adds it to the file being edited. Running this command opens the [Open] dialog box. Opening a file displays the [Dr. PICZA File] dialog box. [Dr.PICZA File] dialog box Exclude empty scanning data When importing data scanned by Dr.PICZA, this excludes planes made up of Z-axis coordinates whose values are all zero. Triangular surface This generates all polygons making up objects as triangles. [File] - [Import] - [DXF] command This imports a file in DXF format and adds it to the file being edited. Running this command opens the [Open] dialog box. [File] - [Import] - [STL] command This imports a file in STL format and adds it to the file being edited. Running this command opens the [Open] dialog box. 24

27 [File] - [Export] - [DXF] command This saves the 3D data as a file in DXF format. When you have specified an area or object, only the selected portion is saved. The output file can be read by applications that support the DXF file format. Color information for rendering is not saved. [File] - [Export] - [VRML] command This saves the 3D data as a file in VRML 1.0 format. Color information for rendering is also saved. When you have specified an area or object, only the selected portion is saved. The exported file can be opened by programs that can support importing of VRML files. [File] - [Export] - [STL] command This saves the 3D data as a file in STL format. Color information for rendering is not saved. When you have specified an area or object, only the selected portion is saved. Running this command displays a dialog box for choosing the STL file format. Make sure the program supports the STL file format, then choose either [Text] or [Binary] format. If both are supported, it is usually better to choose the binary format, which uses comparatively less space. [File] - [Export] - [3DMF] command This saves the 3D data as a file in 3DMF format. Color information for rendering is also saved. When you have specified an area or object, only the selected portion is saved. The output file can be read by applications that support the 3DMF file format. [File] - [Export] - [BMP] command This saves the screen image of the scanned object as a file in BMP format. When you have specified an area or object, only the selected portion is saved. The number of colors in the image depends on the number of colors your monitor is set to display. This is available only when [Software] has been chosen as the drawing method in the [Options] dialog box. 25

28 [File] - [Export] - [Point Group] command This saves the coordinate values of polygon vertices as a text file. When you have specified an area or object, only the selected portion is saved. The coordinates are exported in one of the following formats, depending on the separator character. The coordinate values are in millimeters. Comma: <X coordinate>, <Y coordinate>, <Z coordinate> [CR][LF] Space: <X coordinate> <Y coordinate> <Z coordinate> [CR][LF] Tab: <X coordinate> [TAB] <Y coordinate> [TAB] <Z coordinate> [CR][LF] * [CR] and [LF] are new-line control codes. * [TAB] is tab control codes. [File] - [Export] - [Cut-line] command When an object is sectioned along planes, this saves the data for the contour lines as a point groups in a text file or a file in DXF format. You can save DXF files in either 2D polyline or 3D polyline format. Running this command displays the [Cut Line] dialog box. The cut plane appears in the view window at this time. 26

29 [Cut Line] dialog box Move Drag the cut plane to move it. Rotate Drag the cut plane to rotate it. Reset This resets the position and angle of the cut plane, returning them to their original state. Preview This displays the contour line of the cut plane. Exit This closes the dialog box. Output This saves the contour line data when cut at the cut plane to a file. Clicking this displays the [Cut Line Output Settings] dialog box. 27

30 [Cut Line Output Settings] dialog box 2D Polyline DXF This outputs polyline data in a DXF format that can be manipulated by 2D CAD programs. 3D Polyline DXF This outputs polyline data in a DXF format that can be manipulated by 3D CAD programs. Point Group This saves the coordinate values of the vertices include in the contour line as a text file. Only the selected portion of the displayed object is saved in the file. The coordinates are exported in one of the following formats, depending on the separator character. The coordinate values are in millimeters. Comma: <X coordinate>, <Y coordinate>, <Z coordinate> [CR][LF] Space: <X coordinate> <Y coordinate> <Z coordinate> [CR][LF] Tab: <X coordinate> [TAB] <Y coordinate> [TAB] <Z coordinate> [CR][LF] * [CR] and [LF] are new-line control codes. * [TAB] is tab control codes. 28

31 [File] - [Export] - [IGES] command This converts the polygons in the specified area to third-order Bezier surface patches, then exports the file in IGES format. The specifications for the IGES format are as follows: Entity types: 128 Entity names: Rational B-spline surface The output file can be read by applications that support the IGES file format. Color data is not saved. documentation for the modeling machine you're using. 1. At the [File] menu, point to [Export], then click [IGES]. A red triangle ( ) appears. At this time, the screen is limited to just a top view of the object. 2. Use a quadrilateral to specify the area to export to a file. Click and set the vertices of the quadrilateral one after the other. To undo the setting for the very last vertex you set, press the [Esc] key. 3. When you click the fourth vertex, a dialog box appears, prompting you to continue specifying more areas. To specify more than one area, click [Yes]. To quit specifying areas, click [No]. In this section, click [No], then continue with the following description of operations. The [Curved Surface] dialog box appears at this time. 4. Drag the [Shape] slider to the left or right. Drag the slider to the right to give the shape finer detail, or to the left for coarser detail. To check the coarseness of the shape on screen, click [Preview]. To check the number of control points and the amount of memory, click [Show Information]. 5. Click [OK]. The [Export to IGES] dialog box appears. 29

32 6. Enter the destination for saving the file and the file name, then click [Save]. Tip To specify surfaces that you cannot select in Top, go to the [Edit] menu and use the [Rotate Object] command to rotate the object. [File] - [Run MODELA Player] command This launches MODELA Player to perform cutting on the Modeling Machine. By selecting a surface or an object and then running this command, you can export only the selected portion to MODELA Player. [File] - [Print] command This sends the image on the screen to the printer. By selecting an object and running this command, you can print only the selected portion. Running this command opens the [Print] dialog box. This dialog box is normally used to make settings for paper size, orientation, number of copies, and the like, but the available setting items will vary according to the printer. Keyboard shortcut: [Ctrl]+[P] [File] - [Print Preview] command This allows you to check the printing results on-screen before actually printing the data. Running this command makes the window change to the Preview screen. Preview screen commands Print... This performs printing. The [Print] dialog box appears. Page Setup... This allows you to make settings for paper size, margins, and the like. The [Page Setup] dialog box appears. Zoom In This enlarges the view size of the print image. Zoom Out This reduces the view size of the print image. Close This closes the Preview screen for printing. [File] - [Page Setup] command This allows you to set the printing position and size. Running this command displays the [Page Setup] dialog box. 30

33 [Page Setup] dialog box Position The values show the printing position of the image on the paper. The values show the object's distance in millimeters (or inches) from the paper's upper-left edge. The printing position can also be set by typing in numerical values directly in the text box. Paper Size This displays the paper's printing area without margins. To change the paper size or type of printer, click [Printer Setup]. Gray Area The gray area shows the size of the image when printed. Drag the area to change the location of the printed image on the paper. Dragging the pointers ( ) at the four corners changes the size of the image on the paper. The object's vertical and horizontal ratio is always maintained [Preview] button This allows you to check the printing results on-screen before actually printing the data. Running this command makes the window change to the Preview screen. Preview screen commands Print... This performs printing. The [Print] dialog box appears. Page Setup... This allows you to make settings for paper size, margins, and the like. The [Page Setup] dialog box appears. Zoom In This enlarges the view size of the print image. Zoom Out This reduces the view size of the print image. Close This closes the Preview screen for printing Entering values using arithmetic expressions In the text box in this dialog box, you can enter values using arithmetic expressions. Use this when it is easier to enter a formula than to enter a numerical value directly. You can use the operators for addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), and division (/), and parentheses. For example, entering 10*2 yields the value 20, and entering (10+20)/3 yields the value

34 [File] - [Preference] command This sets the unit of measurement for lengths used by 3D Editor for coordinate values, distances between points, movement distances, and the like. Running this command opens the [Preference] dialog box. [Preference] dialog box Unit This sets the unit of measurement used to "inch" or "millimeter." Undo Count This determines the number of operations that can be canceled using the [Undo] command. [File] - [Exit] command This ends the program. If changes made to the file being edited have not been saved, a dialog box asking if you wish to save the changes is displayed. Shortcut: Click the button for closing the application window. 32

35 4-4 [Edit] menu [Edit] - [Undo] command This erases the change just made and returns to the previous form. Keyboard shortcut: [Ctrl]+[Z] [Edit] - [Redo] command This cancels an [Undo] command that has just been run. Keyboard shortcut: [Ctrl]+[Y] [Edit] - [Erase] command This deletes the selected area or objects. Keyboard shortcut: [Delete] 33

36 [Edit] - [Move Object] command This moves the location of an object. You specify either the distance from the origin point to the centerpoint of the object, or the amount of movement from the present location. (The centerpoint of the object is the centerpoint of a cube circumscribing the object.) Running this command opens the [Move Object] dialog box. [Move Object] dialog box Object center coordinates Enter the coordinates of the center of the object after moving. Distance from origin point This performs movement referenced from the 3D Editor origin point (0, 0, 0). Amount of movement from present position This performs movement referenced from the center coordinates of the currently selected object Entering values using arithmetic expressions In the text box in this dialog box, you can enter values using arithmetic expressions. Use this when it is easier to enter a formula than to enter a numerical value directly. You can use the operators for addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), and division (/), and parentheses. For example, entering 10*2 yields the value 20, and entering (10+20)/3 yields the value

37 [Edit] - [Rotate Object] command This rotates an object around axes formed by lines parallel to the X, Y, and Z axes. The axis of rotation passes through the centerpoint of the object. (The centerpoint of the object is the centerpoint of a cube circumscribing the object.) Running this command opens the [Object Rotation] dialog box. [Object Rotation] dialog box Rotation Angle Enter the respective amounts of rotation for the X, Y, and Z axes Entering values using arithmetic expressions In the text box in this dialog box, you can enter values using arithmetic expressions. Use this when it is easier to enter a formula than to enter a numerical value directly. You can use the operators for addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), and division (/), and parentheses. For example, entering 10*2 yields the value 20, and entering (10+20)/3 yields the value [Edit] - [Modify] - [Set Leveled Coordinates] command This sets the coordinates of vertices for polygons included in the selected area to the identical value. Specify the area, then from the menu, choose the coordinate axis to set to the same value (the X, Y, or Z axis). The [Coordinate Entry] dialog box appears at this time. 35

38 [Edit] - [Modify] - [Move Selected Area] command This moves the surface in the selected area, keeping the shape unchanged. Running this command opens the [Move selected area] dialog box. [Move Selected Area] dialog box Movement amount Specify the movement location for the surface in the selected area as coordinate values Entering values using arithmetic expressions In the text box in this dialog box, you can enter values using arithmetic expressions. Use this when it is easier to enter a formula than to enter a numerical value directly. You can use the operators for addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), and division (/), and parentheses. For example, entering 10*2 yields the value 20, and entering (10+20)/3 yields the value

39 [Edit] - [Modify] - [Enlarge/Reduce Object] command This changes the size of an object. Running this command opens the [Enlarge/Reduce Object] dialog box. [Enlarge/Reduce Object] dialog box Keep XYZ ratio This changes the size while keeping the object's XYZ ratio unchanged. Scale Specify the change in size of the object as a percentage. Specify separately This changes the size of the object with different aspects for X, Y, and Z. The units are percentages Entering values using arithmetic expressions In the text box in this dialog box, you can enter values using arithmetic expressions. Use this when it is easier to enter a formula than to enter a numerical value directly. You can use the operators for addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), and division (/), and parentheses. For example, entering 10*2 yields the value 20, and entering (10+20)/3 yields the value

40 [Edit] - [Polygon] - [Smoothing] command This smoothes the surface of the object. Conversely, sharpness is lost. It segments the surfaces that make up the object into subdivision surfaces and performs correction to smooth curves. When you have specified an area or object, only the selected portion is smoothed. [Edit] - [Polygon] - [Reduce Polygons] command This reduces the number of polygons, keeping as much of the object's shape as possible. Reducing the number of surfaces brings about a corresponding reduction in the size of the data file. When there is more than one object, the polygons of the selected objects are reduced. Running this command opens the [Reduce Polygons] dialog box. [Reduce Polygons] dialog box Slider Drag the slider to the left or right to specify the number of polygons after reduction. As you drag, the values for the percentage and number of polygons change together. Percentage of polygon Specify a percentage value for the number of polygons after reduction, with the present number of polygons taken to be 100%. You can specify any value within the range of 1% to 99%. Number of polygon Enter the number of polygons after reduction. The polygons are reduced to a number close to the entered value, but the number of polygons after reduction may not necessarily be exactly the same as the entered value. 38

41 [Edit] - [Polygon] - [Reverse Surface Orientation] command This reverses the polygons surfaces from front to back. When 3D Editor performs rendering, it determines the fronts and backs of object surfaces and displays them on the screen. Surfaces recognized as front surfaces appear in the color set for [View] under [View] - [Options], and area recognized as back surfaces are displayed with a dark color. When you open or import a file made with another program, the relationship between front and back may be different from what is intended. If this happens, run this command, then click the surface you want to reverse. When you specify a single surface making up an object, all surfaces around the selected surface that have the same orientation are reversed. [Edit] - [Cut] - [Extract Parting Line] command This deletes vertices whose Z-axis coordinates are zero. This uses the local coordinate system, not the global coordinate system. When there is more than one object, the parting line is extracted for the selected objects. 39

42 [Edit] - [Cut] - [Specify Cut Surface] command This cuts and divides an object along a plane. Running this command opens the [Cut at plane] dialog box. The cut plane appears in the view window at this time. [Cut at Plane] dialog box Move Drag the cut plane to move it. Rotate Drag the cut plane to rotate it. Reset This resets the position and angle of the cut plane, returning them to their original state. Fill cut plane This creates a polygon on the cross-section of the object, and applies a surface. Preview This displays the contour line of the cut plane. Run This cuts an object along a specified cut plane, dividing it into two parts. Exit This closes the dialog box. 40

43 [Edit] - [Merge] - [Align Objects] command This specifies the junction points when merging objects. Before you specify the junction points, you need to do rough alignment of the positions and angles of the objects. Specify three junction points on each of the two objects to merge. 1. At the [Edit] menu, point to [Merge], then click [Align Objects]. A red triangle ( ) appears, and a numerical value is displayed at the pointer. In this case, this indicates that you should specify the first point on the first object. 2. Click the first point on the first object. The pointer value changes to Click the first point of the second object. The pointer value changes to Repeat steps 2 and 3 two more times to specify all three junction points for each (six points in all). 5. When you specify the final point, a confirmation dialog box appears. A preview of what the objects will look like after the junction points are aligned is displayed at this time. Click [Yes] to accept it, or [No] to redo the operation. 6. Clicking [No] releases the specified junction points so that you can specify them again. To release the specified points, press the [Esc] key. Tip When you are doing alignment, it can be helpful to watch the instructions displayed on the status bar as you work. To cancel this command, click the right button. 41

44 [Edit] - [Merge] - [Merge Objects] command This merges two objects into a single object. Although you can merge only up to two surfaces at one time, you can merge three or more objects by continuing to work without closing the surface. You cannot use the [Merge Objects] command to align objects. Before merging, use the [Align Objects] command to align the positions and angles of the objects. 1. At the [Edit] menu, point to [Merge], then click [Merge Objects]. 2. Click the two objects to merge. 3. When you click the second object, the [Merging Direction] dialog box appears. At the same time, axes appear at the center of the first object. 4. Specify the direction where the other merge object is located, then click [OK]. 5. For the second object, in the same way, specify the direction where the other merge object is located, then click [OK]. A dialog box appears, prompting you to confirm surface processing after merging. 6. To quit merging here, click [Yes]. Opened vertices are connected, polygons are generated automatically, and the command ends. To merge three or more objects, click [No]. Tip When you are doing merger, it can be helpful to watch the instructions displayed on the status bar as you work. To cancel this command, click the right button. 42

45 4-5 [View] menu [View] - [Fit to Screen] command This command expands or reduces the size of the object shown to fill the screen. [View] - [Return to Original Perspective] command This opens the file and returns the perspective to the location it was at when you started working. [View] - [Perspective] command This displays objects drawn using the perspective projection method. This is handy when you want to verify the overall shape of an object. [View] - [Top] command This displays objects drawn on the XY plane using the parallel projection method. When you use this, you cannot vary the angle of perspective. [View] - [Front] command This displays objects drawn on the XZ plane using the parallel projection method. When you use this, you cannot vary the angle of perspective. [View] - [Side] command This displays objects drawn on the YZ plane using the parallel projection method. When you use this, you cannot vary the angle of perspective. [View] - [Shared] command This splits the window into four parts and displays the Perspective, Top, Front, and Side views simultaneous. To change the split ratio of the window, drag the split lines in the view window. 43

46 [View] - [Select Coordinate System] - [Global] command The global coordinate system is a coordinate space that treats the coordinate systems of individual objects (local coordinate systems) as a group. This indicates all coordinates as distances from a fixed point. The origin point is fixed and cannot be moved. [View] - [Select Coordinate System] - [Local] command The local coordinate system is a coordinate space that exists for each individual object. This indicates all coordinates as distances from a fixed point held by an object. When you change the object that serves as the reference, the origin point also changes. This is handy when you want to specify locations and coordinates with relative values from an object of your choosing. The fixed point of an object (origin point for local coordinates) is as described below. To change the object that serves as the reference, follow the steps below. 1. At the [View] menu, point to [Select Coordinate System], then click [Global]. 2. From the [Select] menu, click [Select Object]. 3. Click the object to serve as the reference for local coordinates. 4. At the [View] menu, point to [Select Coordinate System], then click [Local]. [View] - [Coordinates and Distances] command This command toggles display of the [Coordinates and Distances] window on or off. Display the [Coordinates and Distances] window to find out the coordinates of a point or the distance between two points. 44

47 [Coordinates and Distances] window Current This displays the coordinate of the pointer ( ) at all times. Coordinate 1 This displays the coordinates (X, Y, Z) of the location where you first clicked (the location indicated by ). When it is difficult to specify the point, then move or rotate objects, or zoom in or out. Move Drag while holding down the [Ctrl] key. Rotate Drag while holding down the [Space] key. Zoom in/zoom out Drag while holding down the [Shift] key. Coordinate 2 This shows the coordinates (X/Y/Z) of the position you click after you specify "Coordinate 1." When it is difficult to specify the point, then move or rotate objects, or zoom in or out. Move Drag while holding down the [Ctrl] key. Rotate Drag while holding down the [Space] key. Zoom in/zoom out Drag while holding down the [Shift] key. Distance This shows the distance from "Coordinate 1" to "Coordinate 2" for each axis (X/Y/Z). Length This shows the linear distance from "Coordinate 1" to "Coordinate 2". [View] - [Point Group] command This displays only the vertices of polygons. To change the color of the vertices, from the [View] menu, click [Options]. [View] - [Wire Frame] command This command displays the object using only a gridwork of lines. To change the color of the frame, from the [View] menu, click [Options]. 45

48 [View] - [Hide Lines] command The lines that represent the back of the object, which ordinarily is hidden from view, are called "hidden lines." This command shows objects with a wire frame laid on the surfaces, and with hidden lines deleted. This command can be useful when the view of the object is cluttered by too many lines, making it hard to make out the front and back of the object. To change the color of the frame, from the [View] menu, click [Options]. [View] - [Rendering] command This command adds color and shadowing to the displayed object. To change the color of rendering, from the [View] menu, click [Options]. [View] - [Shape Information Bar] command This toggles the display of the shape information bar on or off. The shape information bar shows the position of the mouse pointer, as well as the object's centerpoint and dimensions. Toggling off the display of the shape information bar enlarges the area of the edit screen. [Shape Information] Bar Cursor This shows the present coordinates of the pointer. Center This shows the coordinates of the center of the object. Size This shows the size of the object. [View] - [Tool Bar] - [Standard] command This command toggles display of the Standard tool bar on or off. 46

49 [View] - [Tool Bar] - [Edit / View] command This command toggles display of the Edit / View tool bar on or off. [View] - [Status Bar] command This command toggles display of the status bar window on or off. The status bar shows helpful comments amount commands. We recommend leaving the status bar on until you're familiar with how 3D Editor works. Turning off the status bar enlarges the object's display area. [View] - [Options] command This specifies the drawing method and color scheme for the screen display. Running this command displays the [Options] dialog box [Options] dialog box Drawing Method This specifies the command set (graphic library) used to draw three-dimensional shapes on the screen. Generally, high-speed drawing is performed when you specify a general-use library such as [OpenGL]. If the display is corrupted, set this to [Software]. General-use libraries that the operating system does not include are not displayed as selections. Foreground This specifies the color for Wire Frame view and Point Group view. Clicking this opens [Color] dialog box. Surface This specifies the colors for the surfaces of objects when in Rendering view. Clicking this opens [Color] dialog box. Background This specifies the background color for objects. Clicking this opens [Color] dialog box. 47