Whats new VStitcher Version 4.

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June 2008

The new VStitcher version 4.3 supports fabric thickness, has a new avatar, better simulation and new and improved 3D tools. These and other improvements, such as a new version of the Reference Management, supply better presentation capabilities and better design and development tools.

Whats new in V-Stitcher version 4.3: Quick links

Improved presentation capabilities
o Simulation 33 o Fabric Thickness o Avatars o Export 3DS is now open

Improved design capabilities

o Improved 3D drawing tools o Added support for color libraries o Added support for Adobe Illustrator files

Improved development capabilities

o Reference management o Drawing enhancements o Improved Print to file mechanism o FAST fabric testing conversion

Miscellaneous
o Improved efficiency

Note: When packing and sending garments to users of older versions of

VStitcher, they will not be able to work with the newer database version, as well as other new features of version 4.3

Improved presentation capabilities

o Simulation 33 o Fabric Thickness o Avatars o Export 3DS is now open

Back to main topic: Whats new in V-Stitcher version 4.3: Quick links

Simulation 33
The simulation is progressing further on. The new simulation version 33 improvements include better behavior of pressed crease lines, shrink lines, fold lines and pleats as well as improved simulation accuracy

Fabric Thickness
VStitcher 4.3 can simulate fabric thickness. The fabric thickness value is set in the fabric properties dialog box. Garment seams inherit the fabric thickness by default but may be assigned a larger value, which will be valid on the area of the fabric which is covered by the seam. The seam can now cover the thick edge on the outside only, or also on the inside and/or the depth of the edge. The edge thickness shape can be determined as Flat, Rounded or Double rounded. 4

Note: To enhance, the fabric thickness effect, especially for the hem, a new lighting option may be used, which illuminates the environment also from bellow. In the 3D window go to Effects Lights Floor Light Fabric thickness depth can be modified/updated interactively on the simulated garment Fabric thickness may be disabled altogether

Setting the fabric thickness value

VStitcher version 4.3 and up is capable of simulating fabric thickness. The thickness value set for a fabric will take effect in 3D. The thickness value is set in the fabric properties dialog box in millimeters

Applying Fabric thickness

"Properties" to set the fabric thickness value 1. In Fabric center, select Fabrics > Properties 2. From the image bank bar, select a fabrics icon. The Fabric Properties dialog box opens for the chosen fabric with the information displayed 3. In the Thickness field input a value in millimeters. The fabric thickness is set 4. The effect takes place on the simulated garment Note: Garments from version 4.2.1 or earlier will be loaded with the fabric thickness value reset to 0. To apply thickness, update the thickness value as described above and check the Use Thickness option in the 3D window Simulation menu

Setting the edge thickness shape

Edge thickness shape may be defined as Rounded (default) Double Rounded or Flat

Rounded

Double Rounded

Flat

Determining edges fabric thickness shape

"Properties" to assign the thickness shape 1. In Seam center, select Edges > properties. The properties dialog box opens 2. Click an edge to view its properties. 3. From the Thickness Finish drop down menu select the required shape. The edge shape is applied. 4. The effect takes place on the simulated garment

Seam thickness & coverage options

Garment seams inherit the fabric thickness by default but may be assigned a larger value, which will be valid on the area of the fabric which is covered by the seam. The seam can cover the thick edge on the outside only, or also on the inside and/or the depth of the edge.

Controlling the seam thickness and the edge coverage options

"Seam Thickness" to assign seam thickness options 1. In Seam center, select Edge Texture > Seam Thickness. The Seam Thickness dialog box opens

2. In the Use Fabric Thickness box Select True or False a. If True, The seam Thickness will inherit the value assigned for the fabric, regardless of the seam thickness value b. If False, seam Thickness value will take effect 3. If needed, in the Thickness box, set the thickness value which will be used for the seam 4. To cover the also the inner side of the fabric with edge texture, Cover Inside should be set to True. For example, a double needle stitch can be seen also from the inside but not on the depth (Thickness) 5. To cover also the depth (the thickness) of the fabric with edge texture, Cover Depth should be set to True. For example, binding covers both inside & outside as well as the depth. Note: Old garments are loaded with coverage options as True, which means that their edge texture will also cover the inside. Back to main topic: Improved presentation capabilities

Avatars
New Asian avatar
Introducing new Asian avatar: Kim Kim also has her own set of shoes

Improved Avatars
New body parts for all avatars
Bottom position The new body part bottom position is available for all parametric avatars. It allows further precision & fine tuning by adjusting the position of the bottom figure of the model.

All the way out

default

All the way in

Buttocks Volume Is another option for further fine tuning the avatars by adjusting the volume of the buttocks. Again, this is available for all parametric avatars including the Dress Forms

Minimum

Normal

Maximum

Back to main topic: Improved presentation capabilities

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Exporting 3DS is now open

Use to export garments to standard 3d format: 3DS. This feature is now available for all to export a 3D file 1. In the 3D window menu bar, select Current Outfit > Export 3D > 3DS. The Export 3D Objects dialog box opens 2. Select the objects to include

3. Under Settings, select Use Short Names, to enable widest compatibility. This will limit the images file name length 4. Click the Save button. The Save As dialog box opens 5. Select a folder for saving the files, enter a name for the object and press Save. The designated folder now holds the 3D object together with all the texture images Note: With texture effects, only basic color is exported to the file. The shadow color is not included Back to main topic: Improved presentation capabilities Back to main topic: Whats new in V-Stitcher version 4.3: Quick links

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Improved design capabilities

Improved 3D drawing tools o 3D slashing o 3D lines Symmetry Added support for color libraries Added support for Adobe Illustrator files

Back to main topic: Whats new in V-Stitcher version 4.3: Quick links

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Improved 3D drawing tools

Further 3D drawing enhancements include 3D slash and 3D lines symmetry These enable greater advantages to the 3D lines mechanism

Before 3D slash

After 3D slash

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3D lines Symmetry
Creating symmetric 3D Lines
Symmetrically dependent 3D lines may be drawn in 3D on garments with symmetric shapes. Using this function, drawing on a symmetric shape will result in an automatic, symmetrically dependent line on the symmetric counterpart. Manipulating a line of the symmetric set, will modify also all its other symmetric siblings Drawing symmetrical 3D lines is available both in 3D and 2D Symmetry may also be cancelled if needed Please check the Help for the full instructions

3D slashing basics
Use 3D lines to trim off sections of garments. Select which side of the line will be trimmed Preview the slash action in 3D and when satisfied, execute the actual slash.

Types of 3D lines that may be used for the slash

3D lines used for slashing must be one of the following types 1. A 3D line which starts and ends close to the boundaries of the garment 2. A closed (or almost closed) round segment. For example a line that runs around a sleeve or around the body of a garment

Previewing the 3D slash effect

Preview the 3D slash effect by hiding the trimmed area. The effect takes place immediately in 3D.

Check how the slashed garment will look in 3D

"3D Slash preview" to hide the trimmed area of the garment 1. 2. 3. 4. Create and/or edit a 3D line which is 3D slash compatible In the 3D Tools center, select Edit line in 3D > 3D Slash preview Press the Ctrl key and click a 3D line. The selected line changes color to red Keep the Ctrl key pressed and click beside the line, designating the area to be trimmed. The selected area becomes transparent all along the 3D line

Note: The transparent areas are automatically covered by attachments Manipulating these attachments or the originating 3D lines will break the 3D preview effect

Applying the 3D slash

Apply the 3D slash effect permanently. The shapes will be trimmed based on the 3D line

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Executing 3D slash
"3D Slash Apply" to actually trim the garment 1. In the 3D Tools center, select Edit line in 3D > 3D Slash apply 2. Press the Ctrl key and click a 3D line in 3D slash preview mode (or directly on suitable 3D lines). The selected line changes color to red 3. Keep the Ctrl key pressed and click beside the line, designating the area to be trimmed. The shapes are trimmed and the selected area disappears all along the 3D line in 2D. 4. A message listing the deleted stitches pops up. Click OK. The garment is undressed. 5. Stitch back the deleted stitches in order to be able to dress the garment again Note: Stitches affected by the slash will be deleted with a notification. All unaffected stitches will be kept intact All affected shapes lose their symmetry Back to main topic: Improved design capabilities

Added support for color libraries

Have predefined colors from color libraries available for use with image effects such as basic color, shininess, etc... Color libraries may be added to the garment file from which individual colors may be selected. The new colors may be added to the custom colors section of the color selection dialog box of the different functions. The supported file format for color libraries is *.ACO.

Color libraries are related to individual garments and are saved with them. Note:

The supported color formats included in the libraries files are: o RGB o HSB 15

o o o

Grayscale CMYK Wide CMYK

If a library contains unsupported color formats, a warning will be issued, and the relevant colors will appear as "unsupported" in the Color column A library may include a combination of color formats, some, or all of them may be unsupported

Opening the color libraries management window

The libraries management window controls the library list and allows access to the colors

Managing color libraries

Library to open the Color Libraries window 1. On the image bank bar select an icon 2. In Texture center > Effect select Basic Color. The Color selection dialog box opens 3. Press the Library button. The Color Libraries window opens

Loading/removing Color Libraries to/from a garment

To use colors from color libraries, the libraries must first be loaded and added to the garment. A garment may include several different color libraries based on source ACO files. Removing libraries from a garment will reduce the garment file size (the extent depends on the library file size)

Loading Color Libraries to a garment

Add Library to load a color library to a garment 1. Open the Color Libraries window 2. Press the Add Library button. The Select a color library to load dialog box opens 3. Browse and select an ACO file. The color library is added to the garment and its colors may be used.

Removing Color libraries from a garment

Remove Library to delete a Color library from a garment 1. Open the Color Libraries window 2. Press the Remove Library button. The currently selected Color library is deleted Note: Custom colors are not affected by removing color libraries

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Applying Color Libraries colors

Apply color library colors to a garment. Library colors may be used for the Texture center Effects and more

Using a color from the color libraries

Pick to use a library color 1. Open the Color Libraries window 2. Select a library from the Library drop down list. The library colors become available 3. Select a color from the list and press the Pick button 4. The Color Libraries window closes and the selected library color becomes the current color in the color selection dialog box of the current function and may be added to the custom colors Note: To search for a color, type its name or part of it in the Find by Color Name box. The list is updated immediately Back to main topic: Improved design capabilities

Added support for Adobe Illustrator files

Use Adobe illustrator files (*.AI) for drag & drop image actions as with any other image. The files are automatically converted to TGA format. Adobe Illustrator must be installed. It will be opened briefly whenever using this feature.

Using Adobe illustrator files for replacing images

"Drag & Drop" to use an AI file in VStitcher 1. Select an AI file from a folder 2. Drag and drop it onto a simulated garment in the 3D window, to replace a fabric, an edge texture or an attachment 3. If it isn't already open, Adobe illustrator opens briefly, the file is converted automatically 4. The action is completed with the new image replacing the old one 5. Adjust the DPI resolution if needed Note: Adobe Illustrator must be installed This feature currently supports only Adobe Illustrator version CS3 Back to main topic: Improved design capabilities Back to main topic: Whats new in V-Stitcher version 4.3: Quick links

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Improved development capabilities

Reference management Drawing enhancements Improved Print to file mechanism FAST fabric testing conversion

Back to main topic: Whats new in V-Stitcher version 4.3: Quick links

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New version for the Reference Management database

A new version for the reference management is available

The advantages of the new version are:

Advanced search and filtering capabilities The new version supports various regional settings. (e.g. comma as decimal point) New user friendly interface

Back to main topic: Improved development capabilities

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Drawing enhancements
Quite a few enhancements were added to the Drawing mode
Free line Support

Free lines now participate in drawing mode, and may be used for all drawing activities. Free lines may also be created directly in Drawing mode
Ortho mode

Constraining mouse movement to predefined angles (Ortho)

Constrain the mouse movement to 90 or 45 degrees angles during activities such as moving shapes or points, or during objects creation. Move, or draw with constraint "Space bar" to constrain mouse movement 1. While drawing or moving elements, press & hold the Space bar 2. Dotted lines appear which illustrate increments of 45 degrees and the mouse movement is constrained accordingly. 3. Release the space bar to stop constraining. Note: Ortho is only available in drawing mode
Finish drawing/extracting by double clicking

In Addition to pressing the Enter key, finish drawing/extracting also by doubleclicking the mouse
Improved Extract Shape: the borders of the selected regions are displayed

When selecting several regions to extract a shape from, the select areas borders remain visible.

Added parameters for circle: perimeter and surface

When drawing a circle, in addition to the X & Y axes, two new parameters are now available : Perimeter & surface.

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Point selection indication

Selecting a point is now highlighted:

Easier object selection

Selecting objects is now easier. Clicking close to the line selects it as well as clicking directly on the line. Selecting objects is differentiated from points, so it is much clearer which is selected.
Improved Drawing

When creating new objects, they are now visible from the first point clicked, even if the mouse is not released. This way, the outline is always visible and thus its easier to control the drawing.
Improved snap

Added snap to the dragged point when moving elements. The point dragged (actual or virtual) will snap to objects.
Inner Symmetry display

Inner symmetry is now displayed in drawing mode

Background grid

Background grid is now displayed and controlled in the same way as in normal mode
Background color

The regular background color selected by the user now also takes effect in drawing mode.

Improved print to file mechanism

Print to file now includes: Out of shape attachments Multi colored nest Better allowance behavior Better texture printing options See: Help Help Center Contents Output files Printing pattern images

Back to main topic: Improved development capabilities

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Converting FAST test results

The FAST test results may be converted to VStitcher specific fabric properties. A conversion utility for this purpose is provided with the VStitcher installation

Using the FAST converter

"FASTconverter.exe" to convert FAST test results to VStitcher values 1. In the VStitcher installation folder double click FASTconverter.exe. The Fast Converter dialog box opens

1. On the FAST Data pane enter the test results and press the Convert button 2. The VStitcher data pane is populated with the converted results 3. Copy the VStitcher data to the appropriate physical properties in the reference management or directly to the physical properties sheet of a fabric in VStitcher Back to main topic: Improved development capabilities Back to main topic: Whats new in V-Stitcher version 4.3: Quick links

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Miscellaneous
Improved efficiency:
o Avoiding unnecessary redressing o Simulation cache: 0 seconds simulation Back to main topic: Whats new in V-Stitcher version 4.3: Quick links

Avoiding unnecessary redressing

In the new VStitcher, some actions which used to cause unnecessary redressing were eliminated, thus saving precious time. For example: replacing color ways where the physical properties are the same and quite a few fabric, attachments and edge texture actions which no longer undress the garment.

Simulation cache
The simulation cache may be used to display the simulated garment on the avatar whenever nothing has changed from the last simulation. In such cases dressing the garment will skip all the simulation stages and the garment will be displayed immediately, exactly as the result of the last simulation, thus saving precious time. Whenever a component has changed, such as: Avatar Avatar pose Garment size Pattern modification Fabric properties Clusters For multiple garments: the garments dressing order Etc... The cache will not be valid anymore and the garment will be fully simulated again. The cache files are saved with the garment. The cache may be disabled by the user: 1. Per garment 2. Per VStitcher working session 3. Per simulation 4. A single deletion of the cache is available whenever needed Note: the closet cache mechanism remains unchanged Check the Help for the full instructions

Back to main topic: Miscellaneous Back to main topic: Whats new in V-Stitcher version 4.3: Quick links

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