Shade 10 The Toolbox

From ShadeCamp

The Tool Box contains functions (tools) which are mainly used to create and edit objects. Most of the functions provided by the Tool Box can also be accesses through the Tools menu

Contents 1 The Create Tool 1.1 Closed Line 1.2 Open Line 1.3 Rectangle 1.4 Disk 1.5 Sphere 1.6 Point Light 1.7 Spot Light 1.8 Camera 1.9 Master Surface 1.10 MetaBall 1.11 MetaCube 1.12 MetaCylinder 1.13 MagnetTool 1.14 MagicalSketch 1.15 Boolean Modeling 1.15.1 Boolean Modeling Options Window 1.15.1.1 Surface subdivision Pull-down Menu 1.15.1.2 Allow More Than 4 Vertices Per face Checkbox 1.16 TextEffector 2 The Part Tool 2.1 Part 2.2 Curved Surface 2.3 Rotator 2.4 Slider 2.5 Scale 2.6 Uni-Scale 2.7 Ball Joint 2.8 Light 2.9 Path 2.10 Morph 3 The Solid Tool 3.1 Extrude 3.2 Revolve 3.3 Clear 4 The Move Tool 4.1 Translate 4.2 Rotate 4.3 Scale 4.4 Uni-Scale 4.5 Skew 4.6 Numerical 4.6.1 Transformation Dialog 4.7 Clear 4.8 Cancel Transformation 4.9 Offset 4.10 Joint (1 – 9) 5 The Copy Tool 5.1 Translate 5.2 Rotate 5.3 Scale 5.4 Uni-Scale 5.5 Skew 5.6 Numerical 6 The Repeat Tool 7 The Modify Tool 7.1 Changing Control Points 7.2 Next Control Point 7.3 Previous Control Point 7.4 Show Normals 7.5 Iron 7.6 Smooth 7.7 Unsmooth 7.8 Switch 7.9 Reverse 7.10 Round Edge 7.10.1 Radius Dialog 7.10.1.1 Radius Text Box 7.11 Bevel Edge 7.11.1 Radius Dialog 7.11.1.1 Radius Text Box 7.12 Degenerate to Point 7.13 Convert to MetaPolygon 7.13.1 Convert to MetaPolygon Properties Dialog 7.13.1.1 MetaMesh Type Pull-down Menu 7.13.1.2 Meta Volume Pull-down Menu 7.13.1.3 Size of (Blob/Meta) Polygon Text Box 7.14 Line Fit 7.14.1 Line Fit Properties Dialog 7.14.1.1 Space Between Objects Text Box 7.14.1.2 Direction of Fitting Pull-down Menu 7.15 Shortest Distance 7.16 Side 7.17 Up 7.18 Front 7.18.1 OK Button 7.18.2 Cancel Button 7.18.3 Reset Button 7.18.4 Default Button 7.18.5 Convert Button 8 The Custom Tool 8.1 Set Native MetaRenderer Attribute 8.2 Native MetaRenderer Properties Dialog 8.2.1 Apply NativeMeta Renderer Checkbox 8.3 Set MetaMesh Attribute 8.3.1 MetaMesh Properties Dialog 8.3.1.1 Mesh Size Text Box 8.3.1.2 Realtime Mesh Scale Text Box 8.3.1.3 Display Mode Pull-down Menu 8.3.2 Meta-Elements Properties Dialog 8.3.2.1 Polarity of Meta-Volume Pull-down Menu 8.3.2.2 Meta-Element Type Pull-down Menu 8.3.2.3 Fusionable Scale Text Box 8.4 Set MagnetTool Attribute 8.4.1 MagnetTool Properties Dialog 8.4.1.1 Type of Transformation Pull-down Menu 8.4.1.2 Modification Frequency Properties Dialog 8.4.1.3 Center Plane Degree Text Box 8.4.1.4 End Plane Degree Text Box 8.4.1.5 NURBS Interpolation Checkbox 8.4.1.6 NURBS Interpolation Scope Text Box 8.4.1.7 Modification Rate Text Box 8.5 Set MagicalSketch Attribute 8.6 Set TextEffector Attribute 8.7 Finish Button 8.8 Zoom Out Button 8.9 Zoom In Button 8.10 Memory Show/Hide Button 8.11 Memory Button 8.12 Apply Button 8.13 Smooth Checkbox 8.14 Append Button 8.15 Sweep Button 8.16 Mesh Show/Hide Button 9 Selection Pull-down Menu 9.1 Extrude Button 9.2 Duplicate Button 9.3 Detach Button 9.4 Slash Button 9.5 Divide Pull-down Menu 9.6 Size Slider 9.7 Offset Slider

The Create Tool

Tools used to create objects are contained here. Click or drag in the Figure window to create an object.

Closed Line

Enter control points in the Figure window to create a closed line. Click the mouse button to create a control point. Click and hold the mouse button and drag it to create a tangent handle.

Open Line

Follow the same procedure as for “Closed Line” above to create an open line whose starting point and end point are not closed.

Rectangle

Drag out a diagonal line in the Figure window to create a rectangular closed line.

Disk

You create a disk by dragging out the radius of the disk in the Figure window.

Sphere

You create a sphere by dragging out the radius of the sphere in the Figure window.

Point Light

You create a point light by dragging a distance vector which represents the position and the intensity of the light in the Figure window.

Spot Light

You create a spotlight by dragging a distance vector which represents the position, direction, and intensity.

Camera

You can create a camera object by dragging from the eye point toward the target point in the Figure window.

Master Surface

You can create a surface attribute which can be used in several different objects, called a master surface.

MetaBall

You can create a MetaBall element and a Meta-mesh by dragging out a radius from a center point of the MetaBall element.

MetaCube

You can create a MetaCube element and Meta-mesh by dragging out a side.

MetaCylinder

You can create a MetaCylinder element and Metamesh by dragging out a length.

MagnetTool

You can create a MagnetTool which enables you to transform an object. In the Figure window, drag the distance which represents the range of the magnet. The MagnetTool’s Properties dialog opens instantly, where you can specify settings for the MagnetTool.

MagicalSketch

You can launch MagicalSketch, with which you can easily create 3D objects by drawing freehand. Refer to the section on MagicalSketch for details on how to use this tool.

Boolean Modeling

Select an object for which Boolean rendering is specified with special characters, then choose Boolean Modeling to see the results.

Boolean Modeling Options Window

This window appears when you choose Boolean Modeling from the Create tool.

These settings determine how the object will look after performing Boolean modeling.

Surface subdivision Pull-down Menu

The level of subdivision used when an object is made into a polygon mesh by means of Boolean modeling is specified with this pull-down menu.

Allow More Than 4 Vertices Per face Checkbox

You can choose whether or not polygons with more than 4 vertices per face are allowed when an object is made into a polygon mesh by means of Boolean modeling.

TextEffector

This item launches TextEffector, which enables you to create 3D text with ease.

Refer to the section on TextEffector for more details.

The Part Tool

Items in the Part tool enables you to create parts, curved surface parts, and various joints.

Part

Choose this item to create a new part.

Curved Surface

Choose this item to create a new curved surface part.

Rotator

Choose this item to create a rotator joint by dragging out the axis of rotation in the Figure window.

Slider

To create a slider joint, drag in the Figure window to specify the direction and distance to slide the selected objects.

Scale

To create a scale joint, click in the Figure window to specify the direction of magnification/reduction and the center point of the joint.

If you create a scale joint by dragging the cursor, the length of the drag is not relevant.

Uni-Scale

To create a uni-scale joint, click in the Figure window to specify the center point of the joint to magnify/ reduce.

A uni-scale joint affects all axes (directions) equally.

If you create a uni-scale joint by dragging the cursor, the length of the drag is not relevant.

Ball Joint

To create a ball joint, click in the Figure window to specify the center point.

The rotation of the ball joint affects all axes.

If you create a ball joint by dragging the cursor, the length of the drag is not relevant. The only difference in this case is the size of the joint in the Figure window.

Light

A light joint which controls the brightness of the light can be created with this item.

Path

A path joint which enables you to use a line object as a path can be created with this item.

Morph

A morph joint which enables you to interpolate between multiple objects and surface attributes can be created with this item.

The Solid Tool

Tools used to create solid objects are found here.

Choose an item and perform an operation in the Figure window to make a solid object from a flat (2D) object.

Extrude

To extrude objects, drag in the Figure window to specify the direction and distance to extrude the selected objects. Extruded objects can only be created from line objects and disks.

Revolve

To create a revolved object, drag an axis of rotation in the Figure window.

Revolved objects can only be created from line objects and disks.

Clear

Undo an Extrude or Revolve and restore the original objects.

The Move Tool

Tools used to move objects are found here.

Choose a tool and perform operations in the Figure window to move objects.

Translate

Drag in the Figure window to specify the direction and distance to slide the selected objects.

Rotate

Click in the Figure window to specify the center of rotation, then drag to rotate the selected object.

Scale

Click in the Figure window to specify the center point, then drag to specify the direction and amount of magnification/reduction for the selected objects.

Uni-Scale

Click in the Figure window to specify the center point, then drag to specify the amount of equal-axis magnification/reduction of the selected objects.

Skew

Click in the Figure window to specify the center point, then drag to skew the selected objects at the specified angle.

Numerical

Objects can be transformed by means of numerical input.

Click in the Figure window to enter the center of transformation. The Transformation dialog appears. Enter appropriate values in the respective text boxes to convert the selected objects.

Transformation Dialog

Choose Special from either the move or the Copy tool, then click on the center of transformation in the Figure window to display this dialog.

Objects can be moved/copied by entering values in these text boxes.

In the Scale text boxes, enter the amount of magnification/reduction for the selected objects. A value of “1” indicates magnification/reduction of 100% (i.e. no change).

In the Rotate text boxes, enter angles of rotation.

In the Translate text boxes, enter distances to move the selected objects.

Click the OK button to move/copy the selected object according to the values entered.

Clear

Results of all operations obtained using the move or Copy tool on parts are reset to the defaults.

Cancel Transformation

Results of all operations obtained using the move or Copy tool on any parent parts of the selected object are reset to the defaults.

Offset

Offset is used to create paths for Ball joints and Cameras.

Joint (1 – 9)

Up to 9 levels of Rotator or Slider joints in an upper hierarchy can be specified to which to apply Inverse Kinematics.

Choose a joint name and drag an object in the Figure window. Objects up until that joint are interlocked with the drag.

The Copy Tool

Tools used to copy objects are found here. Choose a tool and perform the same operation as for the Move tool to copy objects.

Translate

Drag in the Figure window to specify the direction and distance to translate and copy the selected objects.

Rotate

Click in the Figure window to specify the center of rotation, then drag to rotate and copy the selected objects.

Scale

Click in the Figure window to specify the center point, then drag to specify the direction and amount of magnification/reduction copy for the selected objects.

Uni-Scale

Click in the Figure window to specify the center point, then drag to specify the amount of equal-axis magnification/reduction copy for the selected objects.

Skew

Click in the Figure window to specify the center point, then drag to skew and copy the selected objects at the specified angle.

Numerical

Objects can be copied by means of numerical input. Click in the Figure window to enter the center of transformation. The Transformation dialog appears. Enter appropriate values in the respective text boxes to copy the selected object. For details about the Transformation dialog, refer to the Move tool section.

The Repeat Tool

An operation performed with the move or Copy tool can be easily repeated up to ten times.

The Modify Tool

Tools used to edit objects are found here.

The available tools depend on how objects or control points are selected.

Changing Control Points

Control points of the currently selected objects are displayed, to enter the object editing mode.

Next Control Point

This item is activated when in the Modify mode, enabling you to select the next point from the currently selected control point. When no control point is selected, the starting control point of the selected object is selected.

Previous Control Point

This item is activated when in the Modify mode, enabling you to select the previous point from the currently selected control point.

Show Normals

The normal lines for the selected objects are shown. Selection can be made when in the Modify mode, and objects whose normals can be displayed are curved surfaces and polygon meshes.

Iron

You can automatically adjust control points and smooth line objects using the Iron tool. This tool can be used on line objects, curved surfaces, and selected control points.

Smooth

You can automatically adjust tangent handles and smooth line objects using the Smooth tool.

This tool can be used on line objects, curved surfaces, and selected control points.

Unsmooth

Tangent handles are deleted by applying Unsmooth.

This tool can be used on line objects, curved surfaces, and selected control points.

Switch

Modifiable line objects are switched into line objects in the intersecting direction by applying Switch.

Reverse

Choosing Reverse when a line object is selected will reverse the order of the control points.

When Reverse is chosen while anchor points are selected, tangent handles are reversed.

Round Edge

The Round Edge tool rounds off edges of curved surfaces. This function is used on line objects that form the edges of a curved surface. A line object must meet the following conditions for it to be considered an edge:

• The line object is a ridgeline where two surfaces meet, not a circumference of the curved surface.

• The line object does not have any tangent handles stretching in the intersecting direction.

• The line objects on either side of the edge line object do not have any tangent handles that stretch in the intersecting direction of the line object to be rounded.

Radius Dialog

Select a line object that fulfills the above conditions, then apply Round Edge. The Radius dialog appears.

Radius Text Box

Enter the value of the radius to be rounded.

Bevel Edge

Edges of curved surfaces can be beveled. This function is used on line objects that form a curved surface. The same conditions apply as for the Round Edge function.

Radius Dialog

Select a line object that fulfills necessary conditions, then apply Bevel Edge. The same dialog as the Round Edge function (Radius dialog) appears.

This dialog is used to specify the value of the radius to be beveled.

Radius Text Box

Enter the value of the radius to be beveled.

Degenerate to Point

Selected line objects and anchor points are converged to an averaged point.

Convert to MetaPolygon

Polygon meshes can be transformed into meta polygons.

You can set the type of meta meshes and meta volumes during the transformation procedure.

Convert to MetaPolygon Properties Dialog

This dialog opens when a polygon mesh is transformed into a meta polygon.

This is where various settings for transforming meta polygons are specified.

MetaMesh Type Pull-down Menu

Choose whether to use Blob or SmoothMeta as the meta element type to be created.

The Blob method realizes coarser fusion than SmoothMeta, but requires less time for calculation; the SmoothMeta method realizes smoother fusion than Blob, but requires more time for calculation.

Meta Volume Pull-down Menu

You can choose whether to perform normal fusion or reverse-fusion (chip off) for the meta element to be created.

Size of (Blob/Meta) Polygon Text Box

The size of the meta polygons can be specified with numerical input.

Line Fit

Multiple objects can be automatically moved and transformed so as to make them fit along the surface of the target object.

Line Fit Properties Dialog

This dialog is displayed by selecting two or more objects and a target object, then choosing Line Fit from the Modify tool or from Modify in the Tools menu.

This dialog enables you to specify settings for the Line Fit.

When choosing Line Fit, if the selected objects do not contain line objects, or when only one object is selected, or if no objects are selected, an alert box will be displayed to indicate an error.

Space Between Objects Text Box

Enter a number to represent the distance between the anchor points of the selected objects and the surface of the target object.

The units of the entered value are the same as those set in the Unit item in the Figure menu.

The selected objects will be fitted to the front side of the target object when a positive value is entered, and to the back side when the entered value is negative.

Direction of Fitting Pull-down Menu

Choose the direction of fitting from four options: Shortest Distance, Side, Up, and Front.

Shortest Distance

Each of the anchor points of the selected object move so that they fit to the closest place on the surface of the target object.

The movement is along the line connecting the starting anchor point and the center of the target object.

Side

Each anchor point of the selected object moves so as to fit to the closest place on the side of the target object.

Up

Each anchor point of the selected object moves so as to fit to the closest place on the upper or lower side of the target object.

Front

Each anchor point of the selected object moves so as to fit to the closest place on the front or back side of the target object.

When choosing a direction other than Shortest Distance, if there is no plane in the chosen direction, then line fitting will be performed as Shortest Distance.

OK Button

Line Fitting will be performed according to the current setting.

Cancel Button

Closes the dialog without performing Line Fitting.

Reset Button

All settings are reset to the state when the Line Fit Properties dialog was opened.

Default Button

All settings are reset to the default state.

Convert Button

Click this button to convert an object to another type.

The result of the Convert operation depends on factors such as the selected objects.

For details about Convert, refer to the section on Converting Objects.

The Custom Tool

The Custom tool displays information specific to Shade plug-ins. The available options from the Custom tool depend on which, if any, plug-ins are installed.

Set Native MetaRenderer Attribute

This item is available only when Meta-mesh is selected. The Native MetaRenderer Properties dialog can be displayed to apply the Native MetaRenderer.

Native MetaRenderer Properties Dialog

This dialog is displayed by selecting a Meta-mesh and choosing Set Native MetaRenderer Attribute from either the custom tool in the Tool Box or from Custom in the Tools menu. By applying the Native MetaRenderer to a Meta-mesh, a smooth rendered image of two meta-elements fusing together, which is not affected by the resolution of the Meta-mesh, can be obtained.

A rendered image using the surface attribute settings of each meta-element can also be obtained.

Apply NativeMeta Renderer Checkbox

Switching this checkbox on will apply the Native MetaRenderer to the selected Meta-mesh.

Set MetaMesh Attribute

A dialog is displayed if a Meta-mesh, meta-element, or a joint containing a meta-element is currently selected.

When a Meta-mesh is selected, then the MetaMesh Properties dialog is displayed; when a meta-element or a joint containing a meta-element is selected, then the meta-element Properties dialog is displayed.

MetaMesh Properties Dialog

This dialog will appear after selecting a Meta-mesh and choosing Set MetaMesh Attribute from the custom tool in the Tool Box or from Custom in the Tools menu.

This dialog enables you to specify various settings for Meta-meshes.

Mesh Size Text Box

The size (resolution) of the meta-mesh can be set with this text box. The size of the selected Meta-mesh is reflected in the quick rendering display and quick rendering result.

The lower the value, the smoother the display will be, but it will require more time and more memory for the calculation.

Realtime Mesh Scale Text Box

This text box sets the scale to be applied to the original size for simplified display of the Meta-mesh when in the Modify mode. Changing the Meta-element in the Modify mode in accordance with the value in this text box will display changes in the Meta-mesh in realtime.

This text box is set to 20 by default.

Display Mode Pull-down Menu

Choose a display mode for the Meta-mesh from Mesh or Basic Shape.

The Mesh setting displays the Meta-mesh fused in accordance with the Meta-mesh settings.

The Basic Shape setting displays only the Metamesh, regardless of the meta-element or Meta-mesh settings.

Meta-Elements Properties Dialog

This dialog appears after selecting a meta-element or a joint containing a meta-element and choosing Set MetaMesh Attribute from the custom tool in the Tool Box or from Custom in the Tools menu.

This dialog enables you to specify various settings for meta-elements.

Polarity of Meta-Volume Pull-down Menu

You can choose to apply either normal fusion or inverse fusion (chip off) to the meta-element.

The + setting in the pull-down menu will apply normal fusion, whereas the - setting will apply inverse fusion.

Meta-Element Type Pull-down Menu

You can choose a type of meta-element from Blob or SmoothMeta.

The Blob method realizes coarser fusion than SmoothMeta, but requires less time for calculation; the SmoothMeta method realizes smoother fusion than Blob, but requires more time for calculation.

Fusionable Scale Text Box

The fusionable range of the meta-element can be set with the scale of the currently selected metaelement.

Set MagnetTool Attribute

This item is available when a MagnetTool is chosen. The MagnetTool Properties dialog enables you to specify various settings for the MagnetTool. This dialog is the same as the one which appears when a MagnetTool is created.

MagnetTool Properties Dialog

This dialog appears when a MagnetTool is created, or by selecting a MagnetTool and choosing Set MagnetTool Attribute from the custom tool in the Tool box or from Custom in the Tools menu. This dialog enables you to specify various settings for MagnetTools.

Type of Transformation Pull-down Menu

The type of transformation for the magnet can be chosen using this pull-down menu.

There are three options: saturation distribution, diffusion distribution, and modification frequency.

With saturation distribution, smooth transformation is performed at the center and on edges.

With diffusion distribution, sharp transformation is performed at the center, and smooth transformation is performed on edges.

Choose Modification frequency and click OK to display the modification frequency Properties dialog, where you can specify the level of transformation numerically.

Modification Frequency Properties Dialog

This dialog appears when Modification frequency is selected as the transformation type, and enables you to set the level of transformation numerically.

Positive real-numbers equal to or greater than zero can be entered in the fields.

Center Plane Degree Text Box

The center plane degree after transformation.

End Plane Degree Text Box

The end plane degree after transformation.

NURBS Interpolation Checkbox

This checkbox is only available for saturation distribution and diffusion distribution. Switching this checkbox on will transform the curved surface so that the plane will appear smooth by means of NURBS interpolation.

NURBS Interpolation Scope Text Box

This text box sets the number of anchor points that are not affected by the MagnetTool, and to which NURBS interpolation is to be applied.

Modification Rate Text Box

By entering a value greater than zero, the movement distance of the control points is modified by the entered value.

Set MagicalSketch Attribute

This item is available for objects loaded into the Figure window which were created by the MagicalSketch tool. Choosing it will enable you to return to MagicalSketch to edit the settings.

A part containing the loaded object (default name: MagicalSketch) must be selected, since a partial selection of the target object will not show MagicalSketch attributes.

Set TextEffector Attribute

This item is available for objects loaded into the Figure window which were created by the TextEffector tool. Choosing it will enable you to return to TextEffector to edit the settings.

A part containing the loaded object must be selected, since a partial selection of the target object (part of a character) will not show TextEffector attributes.

Finish Button

This button is used to finalize an operation. Click this button to finish entering line objects or to exit the Modify mode.

Zoom Out Button

This button is used to zoom out the Figure window, centered around the center of the view plane. Click this button while holding down the 2 key (Win) / 3 key (Mac) to zoom out centered around the coordinate values of the retained 3D cursor.

Zoom In Button

This button is used to zoom in the Figure window, centered around the center of the view plane. Click this button while holding down the 2 key (Win) / 3 key (Mac) to zoom in centered around the coordinate values of the retained 3D cursor.

Memory Show/Hide Button

This button is used to show/hide the Memory tool items. These items are used to record information on line objects and control points, so that the information can be used for various operations.

Memory Button

This button records information on the currently selected line objects or control points.

Apply Button

The memorized control point or line object information is applied to the selected line objects.

Smooth Checkbox

This checkbox is only relevant when the Apply button is used, and sets whether or not to apply the setting to the tangent handles in the intersecting direction as well.

Append Button

The memorized line objects are appended to the selected line objects.

Sweep Button

The selected line objects are placed alongside the memorized line objects to create a curved surface.

Mesh Show/Hide Button

This button is used to show/hide the Mesh tool items.

Mesh tools are available when editing polygon meshes. The selection pull-down menu is activated when the vertices of a polygon mesh are selected, and operations such as Extrude and Duplicate can be performed for the plane chosen from the pull-down menu.

Selection Pull-down Menu

This pull-down menu enables you to choose planes of a polygon mesh according to the state of the vertices of the selected polygon mesh. You can choose from either tight or loose.

Choosing tight will select only the planes which consist of the selected vertices, whereas choosing loose will select all planes which are adjacent to the selected vertices.

Extrude Button

Click this button and drag in the Figure window to pull out the selected planes. You can also limit the angle by holding down the 4 key while dragging.

Duplicate Button

Click this button and drag in the Figure window to duplicate the selected planes, and move it to the dragged position. You can also limit the angle by holding down the 4 key while dragging.

Note that there is only one polygon mesh even if a plane is duplicated.

Detach Button

Click this button and drag in the Figure window to detach the selected planes, and move it to the dragged position. You can also limit the angle by holding down the 4 key while dragging.

Note that there is only one polygon mesh even if a plane is detached.

Slash Button

Click this button and drag in the Figure window so that the cursor lays on top of the selected plane to slash the overlapping part and create new vertices.

Divide Pull-down Menu

Choose a value from the pull-down menu to divide the space between vertices of the selected planes, to create new vertices.

Size Slider

By moving this slider, you can magnify/shrink the plane centered around the center of the selected plane without changing the direction. This slider can be used from any position, and the relative value from the position where dragging started is reflected on the setting.

Offset Slider

By moving this slider, you can perform offset-movement of the selected plane; that is, the normal-line direction of the plane magnifies/shrinks. This slider can be used from any position, and the relative value from the position where dragging started is reflected on the setting. |