Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Contribution
The Amapi Pro documentation was written by Sylvie Gateuil
The Amapi Pro documentation add-on was written by Thomas Roussel and Pascal Doux
The translation has been made by Blaise Zapparata, Laurent Billy and Pascal Doux.
Thanks
This manual would not have existed without the help and support of Philip Staiger and Blaise Zapparata.
We would like to express our gratitude for the active involvement that Pierre Bretagnolle and
Richard Enjalbert gave us in the formal and functional specifications of the program and for the graphical
user interface graphic design.
Pierre and Richard took part in the program validation phase and the design of the 3D objects supplied
with Amapi Pro.
Many thanks to Emmanuel Rmia who created the model for the cover.
Many thanks to Valrie Berth, Lori Izabelle and Matthew Schultz
for the validation of the English translation of this manual.
Thanks also to all the beta-testers who helped us enthusiastically during the program validation phase
and particularly to Olivier Drion!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Ch 1
Welcome..............................................................................................................................3
Ch 2
Ch 3
Installation ........................................................................................................................7
PC..................................................................................................................................................7
Amapi ProT M
Getting started
Ch 4
Quick Tour
...................................................................................................................... 13
Ergonomics ............................................................................................................................. 13
Screen Layout ....................................................................................................................... 18
Rooms ........................................................................................................................................ 19
3D window, views and navigation ............................................................................ 20
Objects and 3D entities ................................................................................................... 22
Selections ................................................................................................................................ 24
Working plane and ruler ................................................................................................. 24
Using tools ............................................................................................................................... 26
Scene management .......................................................................................................... 27
Dynamic Geometry (DG)................................................................................................ 28
Entering values ..................................................................................................................... 29
Modeling room tools palette ......................................................................................... 29
Ch 5
Ch 6
Tutorials .............................................................................................................................. 37
A sphere, a 3D tube and a parallelepiped........................................................... 38
Creating an ashtray ........................................................................................................... 50
Creating a bottle .................................................................................................................. 59
Modeling a mouse .............................................................................................................. 68
ii
Reference Manual
Two interfaces
....................................................................................................................79
Ch 8
Ch 9
Curves ....................................................................................................................................91
Surfaces / Volumes ...........................................................................................................92
Object names .........................................................................................................................92
Amapi ProT M
iii
Ch 13 Selection............................................................................................................................. 147
The concept of selection ................................................................................................ 147
The selection accessories ............................................................................................. 148
iv
Reference Manual
Hide .........................................................................................................................................184
Show .......................................................................................................................................184
Isolate .........................................................................................................................................185
Group, Ungroup ....................................................................................................................186
Group .....................................................................................................................................186
Ungroup ................................................................................................................................186
Information ...............................................................................................................................187
Information ...........................................................................................................................187
Functions ..............................................................................................................................188
Dynamic Geometry tree...................................................................................................189
Ch 16 The constraints...........................................................................................................191
Snapping ...................................................................................................................................192
Amapi ProT M
Scene.......................................................................................................................................... 218
vi
Reference Manual
Views ...........................................................................................................................................223
Tools ............................................................................................................................................225
Ch 21 3D Digitizing ...................................................................................................................233
MicroScribe .............................................................................................................................233
Calibration ................................................................................................................................234
The tools which allow you to digitize .......................................................................234
AutoPlot Mode and Scaling factor ............................................................................235
Modeling room
Ch 22 Basic toolkit
..................................................................................................................241
Move ............................................................................................................................................242
Scale ............................................................................................................................................248
Amapi ProT M
vii
Additional information
..................................................................................................... 251
viii
Reference Manual
Double-Sweep .......................................................................................................................321
Use ..........................................................................................................................................322
Base orientation options .................................................................................................322
Additional information ......................................................................................................323
Ruled Surface ........................................................................................................................324
Chamfer .....................................................................................................................................347
Amapi ProT M
ix
Reference Manual
Close ...........................................................................................................................................400
Weld .............................................................................................................................................403
Snap/Align ................................................................................................................................406
Use ..........................................................................................................................................406
Align ........................................................................................................................................406
Some illustrated examples ............................................................................................407
Additional information ......................................................................................................407
Lay on .........................................................................................................................................408
Unfold ..........................................................................................................................................409
Wrap ............................................................................................................................................413
Options ..................................................................................................................................413
Spread management .......................................................................................................414
The Threshold accessory ..............................................................................................414
Additional information ......................................................................................................414
Measurements.......................................................................................................................415
Amapi ProT M
xi
Rendering Room
Ch 26 Previewing and rendering............................................................................. 425
The rendering commands ............................................................................................. 426
Additional functions ........................................................................................................... 426
Ch 27
Materials............................................................................................................................ 427
Material catalog .................................................................................................................... 428
xii
Reference Manual
Environment ............................................................................................................................440
Fog ................................................................................................................................................440
Image format ..........................................................................................................................440
Catalog room
Ch 30 The Catalog .....................................................................................................................443
Open a directory...................................................................................................................444
Browsing the pages of the catalog ...........................................................................444
Edit the information of a file ..........................................................................................445
Deleting a file from the catalog ...................................................................................445
Deleting the entire scene ................................................................................................445
Importing a file from the catalog into the scene ...............................................446
Saving the scene in the catalog .................................................................................446
Organizing the catalog .....................................................................................................446
Managing the favorites directory ...............................................................................447
Rebuilding the catalog ......................................................................................................448
Import ..........................................................................................................................................448
Export ..........................................................................................................................................448
Preferences
Ch 31
Preferences....................................................................................................................451
Preferences editor...............................................................................................................451
Appendix
Ch 32 Glossary.............................................................................................................................. 481
Ch 33 Index ........................................................................................................................................ 489
xiv
Reference Manual
Introduction
1
Welcome
Amapi Pro is the creative tool par excellence for the design and realization of models and
3D scenes for Product Design, Architecture and the creation of advanced 3D models. Integrating all the technologies of NURBS surface modeling, complete with an interface entirely
dedicated to creation yet preserving the legendary creativity of the Amapi product,
Amapi Pro is the first software package that offers such a high level of functionality, making
it a complete and unique tool in its category.
Amapi Pro is a complete modeler at the leading edge of current performances, offering
advanced functions such as the construction and editing of NURBS surfaces and volumes
(multiple profiles, constrained volumes, cutting, boolean operators, surface joints, chamfers,
thicknesses, etc.), and a full tools palette for polygonal modeling.
The second variation in the New Generation of the Amapi products, Amapi Pro is based on
the concepts and structures already implemented in Amapi Designer. Its resolutely creative
approach and exceptional ergonomics give it an unequalled short training time and flexibility of use. The perfect tool for Creative Designers, it is well suited for free-form research and
ideal for the precise execution and the finalization of projects.
All modeling can be realized with NURBS surfaces, the models created with Amapi Pro are
precise and directly manufacturable. Amapi Pro communicates easily with all CAD/CAM
tools, through native imports/exports such as DWG (AutoCAD), IGES and STL.
All other standard interchange formats are also supported: DXF, OBJ, VRML, EPS, etc.
You will be able to communicate directly with other tools for the creation of images and 3D
animations, such as Shade, as well as with all the other high-level rendering and animation
software.
Amapi ProT M
Previous Amapi users will reach an unequalled working capacity with Amapi Pro.
What is more, all your models can now be flawlessly exported to dedicated manufacturing
solutions.
If you are new to Amapi Pro, this powerful modeling product will let you discover how to
create exact high-end models while remaining highly intuitive and flexible, in short, a genuine tool for creation.
For all of the above reasons, you can be pleased with your choice and Amapi Pro wishes you
a warm welcome into the world of creative modeling in 3 Dimensions.
Do not forget to register, by filling out and sending the Registration card included with this
manual, or by filling out our on-line registration form at the http://www.e-frontier.com/go/
support/registration Registration section.
Lastly, do not hesitate to contact us for any suggestions you may have or to forward us
images of your achievements!
Reference Manual
2
How to use the Reference Manual?
It will not take you more than a few hours of training to become acquainted with the philosophy of this new software and only a few days for you to become a proficient user.
Initially, it is recommended to consult the first chapters of the manual for a quick and efficient start. You will find:
The chapter #3 gives you detailed information to install and start the program (see
details on page 7).
In chapter #4, an Amapi Pro quicktour is designed for a better understanding of the
spirit and the power of the software (see details on page 13).
The chapter #5 presents a table summarizing the different modeling tools (see details
on page 31).
The chapter #6 offers several exercises designed for progressive learning (see details on
page 37).
Once used to the program, you will be able to create your own models.
The following chapters will give you full details about each program function. The sequential reading of this manual will appear superfluous if the suggested training has been
respected. Indeed, you will already know what you can do with Amapi Designer and will
only have to refer to the reference manual corresponding to what you are trying to do.
Amapi ProT M
Each note is symbolized by a pictograph which allows you to quickly understand the kind of
information.
Additional information
Warning note
Restrictions
Note
Reminder
Reference Manual
3
Installation
3.1
PC
Amapi Pro works on any PC-compatible computer with at least the following configuration:
3.1.1
Pentium III or Celeron 500 MHz or latest computer with a minimum of 128 MB RAM.
Microsoft Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP.
65 MB hard drive space.
3D Graphics Accelerator card supporting OpenGL.
CD-ROM drive.
3.1.2
Pentium III 1 GHz or latest computer with a minimum of 256 MB RAM (more
recommended).
Microsoft Windows XP.
65 MB hard drive space.
3D Graphics Accelerator card supporting OpenGL.
CD-ROM drive.
Amapi ProT M
3.1.3
Installation
When inserting the Amapi Pro CD-ROM into any PC running Windows, an Autorun
window automatically appears. You can choose to install your Amapi Pro software or to
explore the other files on the CD-ROM.
Alternatively, you can install Amapi Pro without using Autorun. Choose Start menu >
Control Panels. Then double-click Add/Remove Programs from the Control Panel and
follow the instructions.
To install Amapi Pro:
1) Start Windows.
2) No other application should be running during installation.
3) Insert the Amapi Pro CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive and click the Install button.
Windows locates the Amapi Pro installation program on the CD-ROM
4) Follow the instructions on the screen. Click Next to confirm each option and to move to
the next screen.
You have the option to run a Typical, Compact, or Custom installation. Typical will
install your software in a standard configuration appropriate for most users. Compact
installs a minimum configuration.
Choose Custom if you want to select individual files for installation.
The installer proposes an installation directory and Program Folder.
5) Once youve made these selections youll be able to confirm your installation settings.
Then click Start to install.
Reference Manual
3.2
Macintosh
Amapi Pro works on any Power Macintosh with at least the following configuration.
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
Installation
1) Turn off any virus protection and compression programs and close any other applications
currently open.
4) Choose the Install Location for the Amapi Pro folder and click Install.
5) Once Amapi Pro has finished installing, click Quit to quit the Installer.
6) Follow the instructions on the screen for electronic registration.
This documentation refers to the PC keyboard only.
Macintosh users must read Command each time Control (Ctrl) is called upon.
Amapi ProT M
10
Reference Manual
Getting started
4
Quick Tour
4.1
Ergonomics
Amapi Pro is a 3D NURBS and POLYHEDRAL modeling package. This tool allows you to
draw, build, and assemble scenes in 3 dimensions.
The ergonomics of Amapi Designer have been designed and tuned to give you the best
comfort and productivity while working on your projects.
The understanding of volumes in space, the manipulation of 3D graphic objects, the tools
options and accessory accessibility have been designed to reduce as much as possible the
number of manipulations and to maintain the consistency of the application.
You, undoubtedly, are accustomed to using many applications other than Amapi Pro and
you acquire specific ways of using these applications: window positions, keyboard
shortcuts, and user interface colors.
To allow you to integrate Amapi Pro into your working environment without having to
change your practices, we offer you an completely configurable environment.
You can easily choose the position of the palettes, the color of each element, the function of
a key, all the way through the applications operating mode. But, if you so desire, you can
also use Amapi Pro in the traditional Amapi mode - the one that has created the products
reputation since its very first version.: an immersive framework where the tools palettes
change by means of sweeping the cursor out of edge of the principal window and back.
The configurations of the interfaces are accessible in the Amapi Pro preferences. You can
also use interface themes presets such as the "Pro" theme selected with first startup or the
"With color gradient" theme which is Amapi Designers default theme or the "Immersive"
theme which again uses specifics from the previous versions of Amapi.
These themes represent sets of preset preferences. You can easily modify the adjustments by
changing your desired preferences.
Amapi ProT M
13
14
Reference Manual
Amapi ProT M
15
The various possible presentations for the tools and accessories make it possible to adapt
the use of Amapi Pro to your practices.
For example, Amapi Pro proposes two possible interfaces to display the tools of the
modeling room :
With the tool box type interface, you will easily find the tool that you need in one of the
four tools palettes but you will need make sure to click on the correct icon because of their
small size.
With the tools palette type interface, the tool icons are larger and only one of the three
palettes is displayed (the fourth, corresponding to the basic toolkit, is always visible). You
will pick up tools without losing sight of your 3D models. This mode is particularly
appropriate to users working with matter as a sculptor would.
You will quickly be able to customize your own working environment by moving or closing
the different panels.
For instance, the help windows or the viewing tools are generally used only during the
learning steps. When beginning, you will make the Viewing manipulations by using the
navigation palette. Then, you will prefer to use shortcuts (the keyboard arrow keys and
number pad keys).
16
Reference Manual
The keyboard is an essential component that gives direct access to the most commonly used
functions. It helps to save time and allows you to work more efficiently.
Amapi Pro uses (as much as possible) the most accessible keys: Space bar, Escape,
Enter, +/-, arrow keys, numerical pad, Shift, Control, Alt. Keyboard shortcuts can
be set for most tools to accelerate their launching when they are often used. You are
probably already familiar with other software products that have standard shortcuts on
common features like Cut, Paste, Undo and Open. Amapi Pro is set up by default to accept
these standard shortcuts.
Amapi ProT M
17
4.2
Screen Layout
Assistant palette
Menu bar
Optional
palettes
Access to
Rooms
Tools palettes
Control panel
We have seen that Amapi Pro proposes several different interface themes corresponding to
different user profiles. Testing and adopting one of them will save you invaluable time
through using the interface the most suited to your work.
It will always be possible to manually modify all the preferences by means of the
preferences editor.
The 3D graphic workspace appears in a large window. It can be split into two, three or four
views of the same scene. The different panels are located around this area.
The control panel is located under this graphic workspace. It contains some generic tools
and accessories that can be useful during the modeling steps. (see details on page 167). The
control panel can be hidden to have a larger workspace area.
18
Reference Manual
The tools palette window appears on the right-hand side of the screen. There are two
possible interfaces (See The Tools palettes on page 78).
On the left-hand side of the screen, a set of optional panels are displayed. There, you can
find the help panel, the viewing panel, Dynamic Geometry panel, the parameter panel and
the selection panel. A set of small icons located in the left-hand side of the control panel
allow you to show or hide these panels.
If you have selected the Pro or immersive Interface theme, these panels are floating panels.
They are displayed on top of the graphic workspace. If you have selected the Classic theme,
these panels are located in a window on the left-hand side of the graphic workspace. You
can choose to hide this window from the preference dialog in order to increase the size of the
graphic workspace (See Preferences editor on page 451).
When launching the application, the area located just above the graphic workspace. is
empty. When a tool is being used, this area will contain the current tool options (on the
right) and the current tool accessories (on the left) (see details on page 83).
The user can, on request, choose to display these options with a floating, mobile and
removable palette (See Preferences editor on page 451).
The Room icons are located at the top right-hand corner of the screen.
As in many other applications, the menu bar is located on the top left-hand side of the
screen.
4.3
Rooms
Amapi Pro splits the features into three rooms. This splitting helps to
reduce the number of tool icons displayed and to organize your
working process.
Click on the room icon to enter the room:
The Modeling room allows you to build, model, and assemble your objects (See
Modeling room on page 237).
The Rendering room contains the tools to set up your materials and to render objects
(See Rendering Room on page 421).
The Catalog room is useful to organize your files and save objects (See The
Catalog on page 443).
All rooms are built to the same layout but some areas are not displayed in all rooms. For
instance, some rooms have several tools palettes, but others have no tools palette at all.
Amapi ProT M
19
4.4
The graphic workspace displays the current scene. A scene is made up of objects created in
the same working space. Inside each view, the ground is symbolized by a grid. A small
trihedron displays the current orientation. The grid and the trihedron are useful for
localizing the objects in the 3D space. However, they can be turned off (See The graphic
environment on page 87).
Two additional grids can be added to
visualize the main planes of the 3D
space. On each plane, you can display
an image that can be used as a support
for modeling.
The 3D space dimensions are set in
the preferences. The dimension, scale
factor and units can be selected there.
The 3D window can contain up to four views of the same scene. A control panel icon allows
you to select one of the view layouts. When in multi-view mode, a view is activated by
clicking on it. Every action takes place in the active view.
Single view
20
Reference Manual
3 views
4 views
Amapi Pro displays the objects in perspective projection by default. This type of projection
simulates human sight. It is possible to switch to orthographic projection by clicking on
one of the control panel icon. This type of projection does not deform objects far from the
point of view. (See Perspective on page 176).
. : Zoom out
0: View All
1: View Detail
2: Front view
3: Zoom in
4: Left view
5: Top view
6: Right view
7: Viewpoint customizing
8: Rear view
9: Bottom view
Use the right, left, up, and down
arrow keys to turn around the
scene.
To have a panoramic
view of the scene,
press and hold the
Control key and press
on an arrow key.
Amapi ProT M
21
4.5
Amapi Pro is a 3D NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline) and polygonal modeler. This
implies that according to the mode you working in or according to the tool you use, you will
handle NURBS types or polyhedral entities. By default, Amapi Pro works in NURBS mode,
the mode best adapted to object design.
While modeling in polyhedral mode or when importing 3D object files, you will manipulate
basic entities that do not exist in real objects: the points, edges, lines, and facets. Amapi Pro
is a surface modeler. Every object is made up of a set of facets. This set can be opened or
closed. Each facet defines a planar surface delimited by a set of edges, each edge having one
3D point at each end.
Object
Facets
Edges
Points
Creating objects consists of creating points, lines and facets in the 3D space to define the
outlines of the final polyhedron.
It is also possible to create parametric surfaces called NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational BSpline) and to assemble them to obtain exact surfaces useful for advanced design projects.
NURBS are displayed as lines or surfaces, however their editable construction points are not
located on the surface but are a kind of magnet that attract the resulting surface.
Simple curve
22
Reference Manual
Simple Surface
NURBS curve
and its control shape
NURBS Surface
and its control shape
Displaying 3D objects consists of selecting the combination of point, edge and facet entities
to be visualized as well as the specific parameters allowing to obtain a more or less realistic
visual effect.
The object display mode can be changed at any time
from the control panel. The wireframe mode allows
perfect manipulation of edges and points. The solid
facetted mode gives a more realistic aspect. Edges can
be added to this mode. Finally, the smoothed mode is
the mode that gives the most realistic effect. Switching
from one mode to another allows the user to model in
wireframe mode and then to select the solid mode to
see the final result.
Amapi ProT M
23
4.6
Selections
4.7
During most of the actions in the 3D space, you will see a plane made up of two ruler axis
taken from the trihedron axis: X (red), Y (green) and Z (blue). Each plane represents one of
the three orthogonal planes.
These planes are used to simplify the 3D input operations. To enter 3D points, you usually
have a 2D device: the mouse. As setting three values with this type of device is impossible,
it is better to limit the input to predefined planes. By default, modeling is made in one of
these planes. (See The graphic environment on page 87).
Amapi Pro selects the orthogonal plane which is the most perpendicular to the current point
of view to be used as working plane.
24
Reference Manual
working plane
x
z
working plane
Amapi ProT M
25
4.8
Using tools
Tools are operators allowing you create, manipulate, assemble, objects but also to manage
views, import files,...etc. Although they are very different, they are all built to the same
common architecture. A tool is made up of a sequence of operations called steps.
Each step requires setting up one or several parameters (3D position, angle,...) in the
parameter palette or directly in the 3D window.
A set of current options and accessories can be viewed in a panel located just under the
menu bar. An option is, for example, the construction method for a sphere (From the base or
from the center). An accessory lets you perform a particular operation in the current tool
such as changing the rotation point of an object when using rotate tool. At each step, a help
message is displayed in the help window.
Current tool icon
Tool options
Tool accessory
Selection
accessory
palette
Navigation
palette
Help
palette
Parameters
palette
Graphic workspace
26
Reference Manual
The tool operation stops at the end of the last step or/and when the user clicks on the
assistant palette validation icon or/and presses the Enter key. The selection of another tool
will validate the current tool before initializing the new tool. It is always possible to stop a
tool execution by pressing on the cancel button in the assistant palette or by pressing the
Escape key.
Some accessories are in fact real tools. They contain several steps and achieve complex
operations but when they have completed, they restore the parent tool to the state it was
before launching the accessory. For instance, to punch a hole in a surface, one can use the
Cut tool and create a circle from within the Cut tool as an accessory. Once the circle is
created, the Cut tool automatically starts the cut action.
(See Using tools on page 80)
4.9
Scene management
Amapi ProT M
27
4.10
Dynamic geometry is a concept that allows Amapi Pro to memorize the construction steps of
objects.
For instance, a curve extruded along a profile will create an object made up of two curves
and will have the extruded surface as the resulting shape.
Such objects can be edited afterwards. Manipulating their entities (points, edges or facets)
means manipulating the basic shapes they contain (called the control shapes). The resulting
shapes are automatically updated.
Stretched
Point
Profile
Section
Step #1:
Step #2:
Draw two construction Extrude the section
curves.
along the profile.
Amapi Pro keeps the
construction curves.
Step #3:
Smooth the object.
Amapi Pro keeps the
extruded object.
Step #4:
If the result is not satisfying,
modify the shape of the profile
curve. This modification
automatically and interactively
updates the extrusion and the
smoothing.
This concept allows a quick modification of the basic shapes without having to repeat the
intermediate construction steps. One will be able to create several versions of a same object
by modifying a single construction point.
The Dynamic Geometry palette helps to manage
Dynamic Geometry, to select and to suppress levels.
Its simplified presentation gives you a quick
preview of the current selection as an object list.
3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweep 1
1. Polyline 2
28
Reference Manual
4.11
Entering values
4.12
Parameter palette
The modeling room contains three tools palettes and a Basic toolkit.
Amapi Pro gives you the choice between two tools palette representations (See Toolbox
on page 456).
The Tool box interface displays the four palettes in one.
The Tools palette interface displays the Basic toolkit and only one tools palette. To
toggle from one palette to another, just hit the right-hand side of the graphic workspace with
the mouse cursor.
The basic toolkit
This palette
is always
visible. It
contains the
Move,
Rotate,
Scale and
Stretch
tools.
The construction
palette
This palette
contains
basic line
and surface
drawing
tools as well
as advanced
surface
creation
tools.
The modeling
palette
This palette
contains
modification
tools that can
edit existing
objects.
The assembly
palette
This palette
contains
tools to carry
out complex
assemblies
and a few
generic tools
Amapi ProT M
29
30
Reference Manual
5
Modeling tools description
In the modeling room, Amapi Pro displays only the tools likely to be necessary to
each step of modeling.
That is why they are divided in palettes:
Each tool is described in the following paragraphs. For detailed information, see the
Reference Manual.
Amapi ProT M
31
5.1
Toolkit
Above each main tools palette, a Toolkit is displayed. It contains tools which are always
available even while using a tool from the main palettes.
Icon
Tool name
Description
Move
page 242
Rotate
page 244
Scale
page 248
Stretch
page 252
32
See
Reference Manual
5.2
Construction palette
This tools palette contains the tools used to draw the shapes that will be the basis for your
models.
Icon
Tool name
Description
See
Line drawing
page 258
page 277
Extract Lines
This tool creates curve(s) from points selected on the current object or
existing objects of the scene.
page 300
Extract Facets
page 304
Sweep
The basic use of this tool is to create sweeped shapes from curves.
However, it can also extrude facets, edges or points
page 307
Double-Sweep
page 321
Ruled Surface
This tool lets you create a skin tightened between two or more 2D or
3D curves.
page 324
Coons Surface
page 331
Gordon surface
page 334
Manifold
This tool creates a volume from NURBS surfaces which will define the
future volume
page 336
Amapi ProT M
33
Modeling palette
5.3
This tools palette contains the tools used to model the objects.
Icon
Tool name
Description
See
Smooth
This tool is used to control the number of facets defining a surface and the
number of points defining a curve and to give them a smoother aspect.
page 340
Chamfer
page 347
Thickness/Offset
page 351
Cut
Proposes several methods to cut one or several objects at the same time.
page 354
Delete
This tool allows you to delete one or several elements (facet, edge or
point) from the selected objects.
page 364
Tesselate
page 367
Deform
This tool lets you apply several kinds of deformations to the current
selection proposed as options.
page 374
Bend
page 379
Mold
This tool allows you to pull on the current selection so that to the points
located in the influence area are moved with an inertia effect.
page 382
Bump/Soften
This tool allows you to work on the surface bump of the current selection.
page 385
34
Reference Manual
5.4
Assembly Palette
This tools palette contains the tools used to place and orient objects:
Icon
Tool name
Description
See
Duplicate
page 388
Symmetry
page 398
Close
Lets you close the current selection, such as a curve or an opened surface.
page 400
Weld
page 403
Snap/Align
page 406
Lay on
Use this tool to lay a facet of the selected object onto a facet of another
object (center on center).
page 408
Unfold
page 409
Wrap
page 413
Measurements
page 415
Decimate
page 420
Amapi ProT M
35
36
Reference Manual
6
Tutorials
These tutorials have been designed to quickly introduce the user to most of the navigation
and manipulation principles that apply to Amapi Pro. It is advised to do these exercises in
their chronological order.
Once familiar with the software, the user will be able to create his own models and will only
occasionally need to refer to the Reference Manual. This chapter explains in detail how each
tool operates.
Of course, these exercises represent only some of the main functions of Amapi. You will
find detailed illustrations of modeling techniques and case studies on the www.efrontier.com web site.
Amapi ProT M
37
6.1
A sphere, a 3D
tube and a
parallelepiped
38
Reference Manual
Building a sphere
Select the room:
In order to reduce the number of tools visible at
the same time on the screen, Amapi Pro splits the
main functions into three groups called Rooms.
These are represented by a group of icons at the
top right of the screen. To toggle from one to the
other, click on the icon showing the desired room.
As a general rule, you will usually start working
in the modeling room. To start this exercise,
make sure you are in the modeling room
.
Modeling
Room
Rendering
Room
Basic toolkit
Construction
Palette
Basic toolkit
Construction Palette,
Modeling palette,
Modeling
palette
Assembly palette
They are displayed on the right side of the screen.
You will chose the tools from one of these
palettes.
Select the Polyhedral or NURBS construction
mode:
Amapi Pro works indifferently in polyhedral
mode or in NURBS mode. An icon of the control
panel displays the current mode. The NURBS
mode is the default mode.
We will start this exercise by using the polyhedral
mode. We will use the NURBS mode in the next
step.
Click on the icon
(in the control panel) to
work in polyhedral construction mode
Assembly
palette
Amapi ProT M
39
Construction
Palette
Sphere sub-tool
options
Assistant Palette
40
Reference Manual
Parameter palette
2) Click on the
icons or
# of Points =7
# of Points=8
# of Points=9
Amapi ProT M
41
Navigation
The navigation palette:
Amapi Pro allows you to work on a model from
any viewpoint. The user will appreciate how easy
it is to move around, towards or away from a
viewpoint.
Amapi Pro proposes several kinds of interfaces to
access the navigational functions:
The Navigation Palette
The keyboard or the mouse-keyboard
navigation (the quickest)
42
Reference Manual
Navigation palette
. : Zoom out
0: View All
1: View Detail
2: Front view
3: Zoom in
4: Left view
5: Top view
6: Right view
7: Viewpoint customizing
8: Rear view
9: Bottom view
To have a panoramic
view of the scene,
press and hold the
Control key and press
on an arrow key.
the 1 key).
Amapi ProT M
43
Drawing a 3D tube
With Amapi Pro, the construction of a tube is
done in two steps. We will first create the profile
of the tube and then add a thickness to it.
In this exercise, we will use the NURBS
construction mode. It allows you to draw exact
parametric surfaces ideal for exchanging data
with CAO/CFOAO software.
Select the NURBS construction mode:
Click on the icon
.
Control panel extract
in the
Construction
palette
44
Reference Manual
Line drawing
palette
Amapi ProT M
45
1) Click on the
46
Reference Manual
Thickness/Offset
tool options
Amapi ProT M
47
3) The tuner
Building a parallelepiped
Select the Surface and volume primitives
tool in the Construction Palette:
Click on the Surface and volume primitives
icon
tool.
48
Reference Manual
Construction
Palette
Amapi ProT M
49
6.2
Creating an
ashtray
snap to grid is on
(Control panel)
50
Reference Manual
Setting a strategy:
There are always several methods available to
make the same model when working with
Amapi Pro. Determine a strategy before
beginning the model. Some methods will be more
appropriate, depending on the work method or
the application domain. Very quickly, you will be
able to use your own experience to define a
strategy
The first modeling step generally consists of
drawing curves or volumes as a construction
basis.
When looking at an ashtray, we can see that the
shape is based on a parallelepiped. So, lets start
by building a parallelepiped.
Building a parallelepiped
Select the Cube tool:
1) Select
the
primitives
Surface
and
volume
in the construction palette.
Amapi ProT M
51
52
Reference Manual
Boolean option
in the modeling
palette.
option.
Current option
Amapi ProT M
53
Switch to 4 views:
in the
control panel. The view palette appears.
.
Note: only one view is a perspective view.
The others are planar views.
in the
Surface and volume primitives palette.
54
Reference Manual
accessory to
Amapi ProT M
55
to open the
view palette.
56
Reference Manual
in the modeling
palette.
The cylinders must be the selected object.
in the
option palette: the resulting object is the
ashtray body minus the cylinders.
from the
3) The tuner
Rendered display
Set the viewpoint:
Amapi ProT M
57
Rendering:
Press the Enter key to display the rendered
object.
.
Open a
directory.
58
Reference Manual
Modeling
Room
Rendering
Room
6.3
Creating a bottle
Amapi ProT M
59
60
Reference Manual
tool in the
construction palette.
drawing palette.
Alignment guide at
45 degrees
Amapi ProT M
61
tool in the
construction palette.
drawing palette.
option.
Position the center of the circle by clicking at
the center of the gradated axis in the graphic
window or by entering a value of (0,0,0) in
the parameters window.
6) The tuner-cursor
62
Reference Manual
tool
the Sweep
construction palette.
tool
in
the
option.
Amapi ProT M
63
of the DG palette to
display the polylines of control associated to
this dynamic geometry level. See right.
of the DG palette to
display the NURBS curves of the profile and
the circle.
of the DG palette to
64
Reference Manual
of the DG palette to
display the NURBS profile and the NURBS
circle.
Amapi ProT M
65
tool
66
Reference Manual
Amapi ProT M
67
6.4
Modeling a
mouse
68
Reference Manual
tool.
Curve 1
tool.
Curve 4
Curve 3
Curve 2
Amapi ProT M
69
.
option.
.
You should obtain a result similar to the in
our illustration.
Rectification
1) Your mouses edges are a little sharp. We will
now soften them.
70
Reference Manual
Adding a wheel
The wheel cavity
Amapi ProT M
71
Close up
view of the
wheel
cavity
Close up
view of the
wheel
during
construction
72
Reference Manual
Close up
view of the
wire
connection
Close up
view of the
wire
connection
tool and
simply determine the thickness of your wire
by pressing on the + and - keys.
Amapi ProT M
73
Adding feet
To improve this mouse, you may add four little
feet and a spot to stick on the brand.
To do this, 4 small closed and stretched cylinders
will be placed on the mouse body.
This is not necessary to create 4 feet, but only one
and then copy it with the Duplicate tool.
74
Reference Manual
7
The Rooms, Palettes and Tools
7.1
The Rooms
In order to reduce the number of tools visible at the same time on the
screen, Amapi Pro divides the main functions into three groups called
Rooms.
To toggle from one to the other, click on the icon showing the desired room:
The Modeling room which allows you to build, model and assemble the objects (See
Modeling room on page 237).
The Rendering room to set the materials and the lights (See Rendering Room on
page 421).
The Catalog room where you can record the objects or the scenes (See The
Catalog on page 443).
Amapi ProT M
77
7.2
7.2.1
Construction
palette
Modeling
palette
Assembly
palette
78
Reference Manual
7.2.2
Two interfaces
Amapi Pro proposes two possible interfaces to display the modeling room tools:
The Toolbox interface has
the advantage of being familiar
as it permanently displays all
the tools.
Amapi Pro displays four palettes corresponding to the three
tools palettes and the basic
toolkit.
You will be able to change this preference in the Preferences editor> User interface>
Palettes display> Toolbox (see details on page 456).
By default, Amapi Pro displays the tools palettes on the right side of the screen. Its also possible
to display them on the left side.
Preferences editor> User interface> Miscellaneous> Right-handed palettes display (see
details on page 456).
Amapi ProT M
79
7.3
Using tools
80
Reference Manual
Amapi ProT M
81
82
Reference Manual
8
The tools options and accessories
When a tool is selected, Amapi Pro proposes, in a reserved area, a series of icons showing
the available options and accessories.
These are:
Current
tool icon
Group of
options
Accessory
This options and accessories area can be hidden to free up more space for the graphic
workspace.
SeePreferences editor> User interface> Palettes display> Tools options and accessories
display support area (see details on page 455).
Amapi ProT M
83
8.1
8.1.1
Tools are organized as a sequence of steps. Some of these steps allow you to select between
several working methods or computing options. These methods or options are displayed on
the top right of the graphic workspace.
Some options can change the behavior and/or the number of steps:
Diameter
In the following example, passing from one method-option to the other modifies the
behavior of the tool. The Sphere tool proposes two building methods:
Radius
base
Center
Pole sphere
(default option)
84
Reference Manual
Geodesic sphere
based on a cube
Geodesic sphere
based on
an icosahedron
Geodesic sphere
based on
an octahedron
8.1.2
Selecting an option
For each tool step, there is always a default option. There are several methods for selecting
another option:
It is possible to toggle quickly from one option to the other by pressing both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys. This operation can be made only when the options group is
highlighted as the current options group.
8.2
Tool accessories
Accessories are not essential to the tools but are useful add-ons. They let you perform
particular operations, such as:
Set a reference point
Several tools use a reference point. The rotation center, the reference point in the
scale tool or for a symmetry axis are examples of reference points. Amapi Pro sets
them to a default position. The reference point accessory allows the user to set it.
Apply to all
Several tools have an Apply to all accessory to apply the current operation to all
elements. You can therefore automatically generate an action to close all facets,
group all displayed entities or apply a chamfer to an entire current object in just one
operation. The shortcut is the A key.
Modify a particular parameter
Some tools offer parameter setting accessories, such as the spread accessory in the
Wrap tool which allows you to spread the projected surface in or out.
Turn off an action
Some tools have accessories that turn off a particular action.
Amapi ProT M
85
86
Reference Manual
9
The graphic environment
The user will work on the orthonormal base visualized as three gradated axis (see details
on page 88).
The working plane, on which the modeling will be done, (see details on page 89) is defined
by the two axis the most parallels to the current view plane (see details on page 137).
To create points in 3D, the user only has the use of a 2D mouse (or equivalent). He or she
will therefore have to change the viewpoint to change the working plane (See The
Navigation on page 135).
The orthogonal planes visualization will help for the orientation in the 3D graphic
workspace (See The orthogonal planes on page 90).
Working plane
Working plane
z
x
z
Amapi ProT M
87
9.1
Only the two axis of the orthonormal base defining the current working plane are displayed
while using the tools. They let you make precise alignments and simple constraints.
Their color code is as follows: X (red), Y (green) and Z (blue).
9.1.1
The origin
It is possible to move the origin of the orthonormal base at any time during modeling.
This can be done by using the
tool Orthonormal base origin (see details on page 173)
located in the Control panel.
9.1.2
The gradations
9.1.3
The constraints
It is possible to choose to snap or not to snap the cursor on the nodes of the virtual grid of
the axis gradation (See Snapping on page 192). The toggling is set by clicking on the
icon in the Control Panel.
88
Reference Manual
While editing, Amapi Pro allows you to set movement constraints along one axis. A
constrained movement allows you to restrict the action of the current tool on one of the two
axis or set the action direction (See Axis toggling on page 193).
The toggling is set by clicking on one of the
icon in the assistant palette (keyboard
shortcut: Space-Bar).
Amapi Pro proposes a series of Advanced constraints in a palette that the user can
choose to display or not by clicking on the toggle-icon integrated in the control panel.
(See Advanced constraints on page 194)
The Alignment guides tool allows you to create temporary alignment guides to
constrain the cursor while building 3D points. These guides are straight lines making
a singular angle (45 degrees, 90 degrees...) with the horizontal plane or a predefined
direction. These guides can be accumulated to allow singular line intersections. They can
also be oriented toward a specified axis. The control of these guides is entirely made with
the mouse. The guides disappear after each point created. The Alignment guides are
enabled by clicking on a toggle-icon in The Control panel. (See Alignment guides on
page 196)
9.1.4
The coordinates
The user can select to work in absolute mode, or in relative mode. (Preferences editor>
Units> Relative coordinates (see details on page 474).
Amapi Pro proposes to display or not to display the cursor coordinates along the axis
(Preferences editor> Graphic environment> Rulers> Local gradation (see details on
page 461).
The current parameter value can follow the cursor movement if selected (Preferences
editor> Graphic environment Cursor> Cursor-parameter display (see details on
page 463).
9.2
The two axis the most parallel to the current view plane define the working plane, where
the modeling will be done. The target is to create points in 3D with a 2D mouse (or
equivalent). The user will have to change the viewpoint to change the working plane (See
The Navigation on page 135).
Amapi ProT M
89
Sometimes, it could be necessary to work in a plane other than the standard planes. To do
this, click on the
icon in the Control Panel to select a new working plane (See Scene /
orthonormal base toggling on page 171).
In some cases, it can be interesting to work on the projection plane of the current view. This
method might make it easier to arrange objects in complex operations. To reach this, click on
the
icon in the Control Panel (See Working in the view plane on page 169).
9.3
The orthogonal planes displaying (xy), (xz) and (yz) can be useful for a better orientation in
the 3D graphic workspace. Specific preferences allow you to customize the display.
It is also possible to map images in these planes to:
Construction of an object from its image projected onto the orthogonal planes.
90
Reference Manual
10
The objects
10.1
10.1.1
Curves
A curve is an object made up of one or several lines. There are several kinds of lines.
Generally, they are defined by a set of points. But some of them may include one or several
parameters. Lines can be drawn in two or three dimensions. Circles, arcs, rectangles,
polylines, NURBS or interpolated curves are examples of lines (See Line drawing on
page 277).
Simple curve: Object made up of only one unique line.
Connected curves: Connected curves are several curves, where a curve has one end exactly
superimposed with one end of another curve.
Composite curve: A composite curve is an object made up of a series of several lines with a
connection linking the ending points.
Amapi ProT M
91
10.1.2
Surfaces / Volumes
A surface is made up of a set of facets. They can be drawn in two or three dimensions. Tubes
and grids are examples of surfaces. Volumes are closed surfaces. Spheres and cubes are
examples of volumes.
10.2
Object names
Amapi Pro gives a default name to each object created by the user. The user can then change
this name at any time.
10.2.1
Default name
The object default name is given by the tool it was built from followed by a creation order
number (See The different levels of completion on page 126).
See the following example:
Step #1:
Step #2:
Step #3:
Step #4:
Draw a circle to be used Now, draw a path.
The section is extruded Then, the object is
as the section.
following the path.
smoothed.
The objects default name The objects default name The objects default name The objects default name
is Polyline 1
is Polyline 2
is Sweeping 1
is Smoothing 1
10.2.2
The user can change the name at anytime during modeling. The name change is done in the
parameter palette when no tool is being used (See Editing the parameters on page 162).
92
Reference Manual
Step #1:
Step #2:
Step #3:
Step #4:
Draw a circle to be used Now, draw a path.
The section is extruded Then, the object is
as the section.
following the path.
smoothed.
The objects default name The objects default name The objects default name The objects default name
is Polyline 1.
is Polyline 2.
is Sweeping 1
is Smoothing 1
It is renamed Section It is renamed Profile by
by the user.
the user.
The user works on the renamed object with a one operand tool (except with dynamic
geometry). This is a tool works on only one object at a time (i.e: Smooth, Chamfer...):
The renamed object transfers its name to the generated object.
See the following example:
Step #1:
Step #2:
Step #3:
The user draws a circle to Now, he or she draws a The section is extruded
be used as the section. path.
following the path.
The objects default name The objects default name The objects default name
is Polyline 1
is Polyline 2
is Sweeping 1
It is renamed Vase by
the user.
Step #4:
Then, the object is
smoothed.
The objects keeps its
name Vase.
With Dynamic Geometry, the renamed objects will not transmit their name to the generated
object.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
Amapi ProT M
93
10.3
Open curve
Closed curve
Closed volume
10.4
Entity
object
facets
edges
points
94
Reference Manual
10.5
Amapi ProT M
95
10.6
Amapi Pro allows you to build curves, surfaces or volumes with either a polygonal or a
NURBS method.
It is important to understand the fundamental difference between these two kinds of models
in order to select the construction mode which best fits the project.
Polygonal modeling is fast and well adapted to modeling low resolution organic shapes used
for illustration, video games, architecture.
NURBS modeling allows you to create mathematically exact curves or surfaces independent
of resolution. Although NURBS surfaces are more difficult to manipulate than polyhedral
shapes, NURBS provide the accuracy necessary to the CAD or even CAM process.
Most of Amapi Pros tools work in both modes almost transparently.
The Polyhedral models (see details on page 97).
The NURBS models (see details on page 98).
Amapi Pro allows you to transform models NURBS to Polygons and inversely (see details
on page 105).
10.6.1
96
Reference Manual
10.6.2
10.6.2.1
A Polyhedral model is defined by a set of editable points, depicting the object topology.
A polygonal curve is defined by a set of points connected by edges.
A polyhedral surface is a set of adjacent planar polygonal facets. Each facet is delimited by
its edges. Each edge is defined by its two points.
An edge cannot belong to more than two facets. In such a case, the object is called
degenerated.
Each entity (point, edge or facet) can be edited directly. They can be moved, removed or
split (edges and facets).
Polygonal curve
10.6.2.2
Polygonal Surface
The user will select the polygonal mode when starting to draw curves or to build
surfaces or volumes (See Change the construction mode on page 96).
The tool will generate only one Dynamic Geometry level (See Dynamic Geometry (DG)
on page 109).
10.6.2.3
In edit mode, the user will work directly on the points, edges or facets describing the object.
Amapi ProT M
97
10.6.3
10.6.3.1
A NURBS (Non Uniform Rational B-Spline) model is a parametric curve or surface defined
by control points, a nodal sequence and a degree. The curve or surface is automatically
tesselated to give a smoothed shape. This shape is not editable. While moving the points of
the control shape, the smoothed curve or surface aspect will change. This kind of model is
very often used in CAD/CAM because it allows you to create exact surfaces.
The tesselation is an operation consisting in creating a polygonal or polyhedral
representation of the theoretical NURBS model. This operation is performed automatically
in two cases: during display (because graphic languages are not able to display NURBS) and
during export to file formats which do not support NURBS. A tesselation occurs also when a
NURBS model is converted to a polyhedral model by hand.
98
Reference Manual
10.6.3.2
NURBS Curve
A NURBS curve is defined by its control points, a degree and a nodal sequence.
Control points are a set of 3D points created
by the curve creation tool. They act like magnets on the curve, but the curve does not pass
though these points (except for the first and
last points and when the degree is 1). The
curves shape can be changed by moving the
control points.
The nodal sequence defines the influence of each control point on the curve. During the
curve creation, all points have the same influence except the first and last points. By adding
a nodal point to the sequence, the curve can be adjusted locally or breaks can be added. Adding nodal points can be done using the Polygonal or NURBS Models (see details on
page 96) tool..
Control points
Curve with 4 nodal knots
Deformed Curve with 4 nodal knots
Control points
Curve with 5 nodal knots
Deformed Curve with 5 nodal knots
Stretched
control
point
Stretched
control
point
Stretching the same NURBS curve with different nodal knots gives different result.
Amapi ProT M
99
The NURBS curve display mode depends on the global operating mode Polygonal or
NURBS Models (see details on page 96).
When the global operating mode is
NURBS, a NURBS curve is represented by a
smoothed line. As opposed to polygonal lines,
points are not displayed on NURBS curves. In
fact, the NURBS curve can be evaluated by
every point of its curve.
When the global operating mode is Polyhedral, points are displayed on NURBS curves.
Nodal points
These points can be used as construction
Intermediate points
points for other operations but cannot be
edited directly. The number of points displayed depends on the range parameter
defined during the curve creation. The range
is the number of edges displayed between two
nodes (see details on page 293). The
Smooth tool can be used to change the
range of the curve and thus to change the
number of points displayed.
(See Tesselation parameters of NURBS objects on page 104).
The range is used only for :
Transforming a NURBS curve into a polygonal curve.
Displaying the curve.
Exporting the curve to polygonal formats.
Collapsing dynamic geometry.
100
Reference Manual
10.6.3.3
NURBS Surface
A NURBS surface is defined similarly to a NURBS curve by its control points, a degree and
a nodal sequence.
A NURBS surface is always defined by a
rectangular control point grid. This grid is
deformed to fit the desired shape. Control
points act like magnets on the NURBS surface. By moving control points, the NURBS
surface can be deformed but the surface does
not pass through the control points (except for
extremities and when the degree is 1).
Obviously a grid cannot represent every type
of surface. Contours and holes are created by
projecting curves on the NURBS surface.
These curves are called trimming curves.
Amapi Pros cut tools are used to manually
create these trimming curves. Several tools
will automatically create the contours and
trimming curves on a surface.
NURBS Surface
Trimming hole
The NURBS surface display mode depends on the global operating mode Polygonal or
NURBS Models (see details on page 96).
When the global operating mode is
NURBS, a NURBS surface is represented by
a smoothed surface delimited by contour lines
and two central isoparametric curves, allowing you to best view the surface shape. Only
the contours can be edited. Isoparametric
curves cannot be edited. As opposed to polyhedral surfaces, tesselation points and edges
are not displayed on NURBS surfaces.
Isoparametric curves
When the global operating mode is Polyhedral, points and edges are displayed on
NURBS surface. These points and edges can
be used as construction entities for other operations but cannot be directly edited.
The number of points and edges displayed
depends on the range parameter defined during the curve creation. The range is the number of edges displayed between two nodes
(see details on page 293). The Smooth tool
can be used to change the range of the surface and thus to change the number of points displayed.
(See Tesselation parameters of NURBS objects on page 104).
102
Reference Manual
10.6.3.4
Example of BREP.
The BREP display is not crack free. Holes may appear near the intersection of NURBS
surfaces of a BREP. Representing a crack-free BREP requires adapting the tesselation to the
current view. This action is time consuming and will significantly impact overall display
performance.
BREPs with more than one face cannot be edited like simple NURBS surfaces. In fact,
editing the control points of the contained NURBS surfaces would require recomputing the
topological links. This process is very time consuming, so it cannot be made in real time. Editing
the control points of a BREP requires dissociating its faces first.
10.6.3.5
The user will select the NURBS mode when starting to draw curves or to build
surfaces or volumes (See Change the construction mode on page 96).
The tool will generate two Dynamic Geometry levels corresponding to the object and its
control shape (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
10.6.3.6
A NURBS is controlled by a control shape which is a polyline for a curve or a grid for a
volume.
This control shape level is just under the NURBS level in Dynamic Geometry hierarchy (see
details on page 109). This level will be used to edit a NURBS object.
The object deformation will follow the control shape modifications.
The difference with the polygonal editing is that in NURBS mode the user doesnt work on
the object itself, but on its control shape.
Stretch a point
on a polygonal object
Nodal knots can be inserted, degrees can be changed and breaks can be created using the
tesselation tool..
BREPs with more than one face cannot be edited like simple NURBS surfaces. Actually,
editing the control points of the contained NURBS surfaces would require recomputing the
topological links. This process is very time consuming, so it cannot be made in real time. Editing
the control points of a BREP requires dissociating its faces first.
10.6.3.7
NURBS objects have several tesselation parameters used for display, transformation to
polygonal objects and export to polygonal files formats. Two tesselation modes are available
for the surfaces:
Standard NURBS Tesselation (see details on page 370) with constant subdivisions
which creates regular polygons which are independent of the surface curvature. This
method is fast but does not keep the connection between adjacent surfaces. We say that it
is not crack-free. We set a range in U and V which corresponds to the number of created
points between two nodal values. This is the default mode.
Adaptive NURBS Tesselation (see details on page 371) (crack-free) which creates
more polygons with strong curvatures and respects criteria for precise tolerance. This
method is slower than the preceding one but of better quality and the resulting surfaces
are crack-free. You can set several parameters such as the maximum chord distance
104
Reference Manual
between the theoretical surface and generated surface in order to guarantee a good surface approximation. You will also be able to specify geometric conditions defining the
general shape of the polygons created in order to obtain the most regular meshes possible.
You can set the default tesselation and its parameters to create objects in Amapi Pro (See
Preferences editor on page 451). You will also be able to configure tesselation parameters
for independent export. This will allow you to adapt the precision of the tesselation to the
export type. The tesselation of each object can be individually set with the Tesselate (see
details on page 367) tool.
10.6.3.8
10.7
An object with a grid-structure (Quad mesh) has been built from a deformed grid. This grid
can be open or closed.
A Grid structure object may be closed or not in U and/or in V:
Grid structure
not closed
Grid structure
closed in U
(Cylinder)
Grid structure
closed in V
Grid structure
closed in U and in V
(Torus)
The tools which generate grid-structure objects create a first DG level labeled
Structure. (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
Grid
The Close tool allows you to edit the connections and closures of the grid-structure
objects (see details on page 401).
The editor tools, which modify the object topology, destroy its grid-structure (See Behavior
of the tools regarding the DG on page 128).
106
Reference Manual
10.8
The clones
In some tools (Duplicate and Symmetry...) Amapi Pro gives you the opportunity to
generate cloned objects.
Clones are strictly identical objects which refer to one and only one unique geometry.
Editing one of them automatically edits all of its clones.
The difference between cloned or non-cloned objects will be fundamental as you begin a
modeling operation.
Do not clone
Option
description
Clone
The tool generates objects which refer
to the same geometry.
Illustration
Non-cloned objects
Cloned objects
108
Reference Manual
11
Dynamic Geometry (DG)
11.1
The concept
Dynamic Geometry is a concept that increases the power and the flexibility of Amapi Pro.
Each step in the object's creation is saved. The user is able to edit any curve or surface it is
made up of. Amapi Pro will automatically reflect these changes up to the finished model.
These curves or surfaces can be viewed as control shapes.
Dynamic Geometry with a simple example:
Stretched
Point
Profile
Section
Step #1:
Step #2:
Draw two construction Extrude the section
curves.
along the profile.
Amapi Pro keeps the
construction curves.
Step #3:
Then smooth the
object.
Amapi Pro keeps the
extruded object.
Step #4:
If the result is not satisfying
enough, modify the shape of
the profile curve. This
modification automatically and
interactively updates the
extrusion and the smoothing.
A toggle-icon from the Control Panel allows you to choose to work with or without
Dynamic Geometry:
Work without Dynamic Geometry
Work with Dynamic Geometry
If the user chooses not to work with Dynamic Geometry, he or she will be able to edit a
curve or a construction surface only after having cancelled all the modeling steps he or she
has performed since the creation of construction curves. He or she will have to resume his
work of modeling starting from this step.
Same example as above but, this time, without working with Dynamic Geometry:
Profile
Section
Step #1:
Draw two construction
curves
Step #2:
Extrude the section
along the profile.
Step #3:
Then smooth the
object.
Step #4:
If the result is not
satisfying enough,
modify the shape of the
profile curve. Cancel
the action of the two
last steps (Undo twice)
to find the construction
curves.
Stretched
Point
Step #5:
Modify the shape of the profile
curve.
Step #6:
Extrude the section along the
profile
Step #7:
Then smooth the object.
This short example shows how much DG can help to save time and improve quality and
efficiency, when applied to much more complex models.
110
Reference Manual
11.2
The DG Tree
11.2.1
When working with DG, Amapi Pro will record the modeling steps.
Dynamic Geometry can be represented as a tree where each node corresponds to an action
and each branch is an intermediate state of the final object (see details on page 126).
Smooth
Level #3
Sweep
Level #2
Polyline
Level #1
The default name of a shape depends directly on the tools it has been built with. It
corresponds to the name of its intermediate state followed by a number sequence. (See The
different levels of completion on page 126). Obviously the user will be able to rename
every shape (See Renaming a shape on page 116).
Polyline 1
11.2.2
Polyline 2
the
the
Sweeping 1
Smoothing 1
The complexity of this tree representing the DG of an object will depend on the complexity
of the object. We will continue the example of the vase by adding a handle.
Step #1:
Draw a circle.
Step #2:
Add thickness.
Step #3:
Smooth the object.
Polyline 3
Thickness 1
Smoothing 2
Cut 1
112
Reference Manual
Step #4:
Use of the Cut tool to
make a Boolean
operation on the two
objects (vase and
handle).
Level #4
Cut 1
Cut 1
Level #3
Level #2
Level #1
Smoothing
2
Smoothing 1
Smoothing 2
Sweeping 1
Thickness 1
Thickness
1
Current
selection
Polyline 3
Polyline 1
Polyline 2
Polyline 3
Current path
Other paths
In order to simplify the DG palette, Amapi Pro displays only the path of the tree passing
through the current selection (See The concept of selection on page 147). It is called the
Current Path.
The shapes belonging to this path are called the Current Shapes.
In the above example, the current shape of level #2 is Thickness 1.
Label
Number sequence of
the level
4. Cut 1
3. Smoothing 2
2. Thickness 1
1. Polyline 3
4. Cut 1
3. Multi-Selection
2. Multi-Selection
1. Multi-Selection
The user can view the complete tree by opening the object information window by pressing on
the
icon from the control panel (See Dynamic Geometry tree on page 189).
114
Reference Manual
11.3
Manipulating DG
11.3.1
The DG palette
We saw that Dynamic Geometry is a tree where the root is the finished object and the leaves
are the control shapes (See The shapes hierarchy on page 111).
We also saw that in order to simplify the display, the DG palette represents only the path of
the tree passing through the current selection (See The notion of path and current shape on
page 112).
Label of
completion
Number sequence of
the level
Visible
Hidden
3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2
Interactive display of the result.
Delayed display of the result.
Current level
11.3.2
11.3.3
7. Smoothing
5. Cut
4. Twist
3. Sweeping
1. Polyline
The working level, highlighted by a red frame, corresponds to the level the user is working
on. Available actions are:
Editing a DG level (see details on page 123).
Collapsing the DG (see details on page 118).
Renaming a shape (see details on page 116).
Amapi Pro always sets a default working level. The user will be able to select another level
by clicking on the label corresponding to the selected level.
11.3.4
Renaming a shape
The shape default name depends on the tools it was built with. It corresponds to the
finishing state followed by a number sequence (See The different levels of completion on
page 126).
The user will be able to change the name of the object during any step of modeling.
Editing the name is done in the parameter palette (See The Parameters on page 161).
Notice that the parameter palette displays the name of the shape at the current working level.
116
Reference Manual
3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2
In this example the user can rename the
shape named by default Sweeping 1.
Name editing is done in the parameter
palette
Sweeping 1
11.3.5
Showing/Hiding a level
Amapi Pro displays by default, in the graphic workspace, the finished shape and the control
shape only (See Selecting the working level on page 116).
However, the user will be able to choose to hide or show intermediate shapes.
A toggle-icon allows you to switch on/off the visibility.
Visible level
Hidden level
If a real time display is selected, it should be noted that the fact of hiding one or more DG
levels can accelerate the display significantly.
If, for particularly complex objects, the user considers that the display time is still too long
he or she can change the display up to the tool validation stage (See Displaying the result in
interactive / delayed mode on page 125).
Once more, let us take the example of the vase as seen on page 111:
3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2
3.Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2
3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2
3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2
11.3.6
Collapsing the DG
The user will be able to choose to collapse the DG on a portion of the current path. The
purpose of this operation is to make one of the intermediate shapes editable.
It removes the DG levels under the selected shape. The shape corresponding to this level
will simultaneously lose its dynamic characteristics and will become an editable control
shape (See The first level of finishing (control shapes) on page 126).
The user will indicate the level to collapse by clicking on the
118
Reference Manual
11.3.6.1
once more, let us take the example of the vase as seen on page 111:
1) All
the
objects
corresponding to the
three levels of DG are
displayed.
Only the curves of
level #1 are editable
3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2
2) A DG collapse from
level #2 (Sweeping)
has been requested.
Level #1 (Polyline) is
removed.
The shape corresponding to Sweeping loses
its dynamic characteristics and becomes an
editable control shape
(Structure of a grid) of
level #1.
3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2
Clic
2. Smoothing 1
1. Sweeping 1
2. Smoothing 1
1. Grid structure
Clic
1. Smoothing 1
11.3.6.2
The shapes generated with NURBS tools have a particularity explained in the example
below.
We will use the example of a vase again. But this time, it will be made starting from a
section and a NURBS profile.
Note that, in this case, the control shapes of the NURBS curves are editable.
Sweeping 1
Level #3
Sweeping 1
(finished object)
NURBS
Curve 2
Level #2
NURBS curve 1
(intermediate shape)
NURBSNURBS curve 2
(intermediate shape)
Current
selection
Polyline 2
Level #1
Polyline 1
(control shape)
Current path
Other paths
120
Reference Manual
Polyline 2
(control shape)
Amapi Pro creates, for this type of object, a NURBS control polygon.
This NURBS control polygon does not appear in the DG tree.
The tree below represents the finished object (Sweeping 1) controlled by the control polygon
computed by Amapi Pro.
Sweeping 1
(finished object)
Grid Structure 1
Level #1
Grid Structure 1
(control shape)
The only way to control the object with the control polygon is to collapse the DG. The
icon shows this possibility.
1) All
the
objects
corresponding to the
three levels of DG are
displayed.
Only the curves of
level #1 are editable.
3. Sweeping 1
2. NURBS Curve 2
1. Polyline 2
2) A DG collapse from
level NURBS#3 has
been requested. Levels
#1 and #2 are removed
and replaced by a
NURBS surface. This
is the control shape of
the final object.
3. Sweeping 1
2. NURBS Curve 2
1. Polyline 2
Click
2. Sweeping 1
1. Grid-structure
3) Now, it is possible to
collapse the NURBS
surface by clicking on
the level corresponding
to NURBS surface
(level #2).
Amapi Pro
removes
level #1 and the
NURBS Surface is
transformed into a
polyhedral
Surface
(editable
finished
object).
This second collapsing
deletes the NURBS
properties of the object.
122
Reference Manual
2. Sweeping 1
1. Grid-structure
Click
1. Sweeping 1
11.3.7
Editing a DG level
It is very important to understand that only the lowest level of DG (level #1) is completely
editable by the editing tools. The higher levels carry out topological modifications. Their
effects will be reflected in all the higher levels and to the clones (See The clones on
page 107). The Stretch, Mold, Weld, Rotate, Scale and Delete tools are
examples of editing-tools. (See Behavior of the tools regarding the DG on page 128).
To edit another level, the user will have to collapse the DG. The shape corresponding to this
level will simultaneously lose its dynamic attributes and will become an editable control
shape (See Collapsing the DG on page 118).
2) A DG collapse from
level #4 (Cutting) has
been requested. The
level #1, #2 and #3 are
removed. The shape
corresponding
to
Smoothing loses its
dynamic attributes and
then
becomes
an
editable finished object
(polyhedral Volume).
4. Cut 1
3. Smoothing 2
2. Thickness 1
1. Polyline 3
4. Cut 1
3. Smoothing 2
2. Thickness 1
1. Polyline 3
Click
1. polyhedral Vol
The Snap/Align, Rotate, Scale and Move tools can edit a shape at any level of
DG.
Once more we will use the example of the vase. This time we will consider that the "current
selection" is the shape Polyline 1. The DG palette will thus display a different "current path"
(see below).
4. Cut 1
3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 1
Click
4. Cut 1
3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 1
124
Reference Manual
4. Cut 1
3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 1
Editing of level 2 of DG
with the Scale tool
11.3.8
3. Smoothing 1
3. Lissage 1
2. Sweeping 1
2. Tubage 1
1. Polyline 2
1. Polyligne 2
Clic
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2
11.3.9
When a shape is being edited by a tool such as the Stretch tool, Amapi Pro updates all
the levels of DG for any mouse event. For complex objects, this real time update may
become too slow. The following toggle-icon delays the updating until the first mouse release
event:
Interactive display of the result
Delayed display of the result
Interactive
display of the
Before
transformation
While
transforming
After validation
of the transformation
Delayed display
of the result
Before
transformation
While
transforming
After validation
of the transformation
11.3.10.1
Types of objects
Polyline
Rectangle / Square
Circle
Polyline
Helicoid
Extract Lines
Polyhedral Volume
Sphere
Cube
Tetrahedron
Octahedron
Icosahedron
Dodecahedron
126
Cone
Cylinder
Bump/Soften
Grid
Text
Text
Deformation box
The objects being deformed with the Bend, Twist or Taper options
proposed in the Deform tool replace the DG of the object by a
Dynamic Geometry level corresponding to The meshed control box
editing accessories (see details on page 376)
Parameter(s)
Editable parameters.
Reference Manual
11.3.10.2
Types of objects
NURBS curve
Interpolated curve
Interpolated curve
Composite curve
Arc
Arc
Sweeping
Double Sweep
Shapes obtained with the Double Sweep tool starting from a basic
section and two profiles.
Ruled Surfaces
Ruled Surface
Coons Surfaces
Coons Surface
Gordon Surfaces
Gordon surface
Manifold Volume
Object obtained with the Manifold tool, starting from NURBS surfaces
which delimits the future volume.
Deformation
Smoothing
Chamfer
Bending
Thickness
Cut
Height field
Group
Objects grouped with the Group tool located in the Control panel.
A group will always be at the highest level of DG.
NURBS Volume
Poly-NURBS
Multi-Selection
If there are two selections not belonging to the same path, Amapi Pro is
not able to choose a complete "current path". In such a case the DG
palette will display "Multi-Selection" labels.
The rare tools which collapse the DG (See Collapsing the DG on page 118).
Decimate and some functions proposed by the Information tool are DG collapsers.
128
Reference Manual
11.3.11.1
Generates a DG level
Labels and wording
Other behaviors
polyhedral volume
NURBS Cube
Poly-NURBS
polyhedral volume
NURBS Pole-Cube
NURBS Volume
Grid structure
Sphere
Polyhedral pole-sphere
polyhedral volume
NURBS pole-sphere
NURBS volume
polyhedral volume
not available
Cone
Polyhedral Cone
polyhedral volume
NURBS Cone
NURBS volume
Grid structure
Cylinder
Polyhedral Cylinder
polyhedral volume
NURBS Cylinder
NURBS volume
Grid structure
Tetrahedron
Polyhedral Tetrahedron
polyhedral volume
NURBS Tetrahedron
Poly-NURBS
polyhedral volume
Octahedron
Polyhedral Octahedron
polyhedral volume
NURBS Octahedron
Poly-NURBS
polyhedral volume
Icosahedron
Polyhedral Icosahedron
polyhedral volume
NURBS Icosahedron
Poly-NURBS
polyhedral volume
Dodecahedron
Polyhedral Dodecahedron
polyhedral volume
NURBS Dodecahedron
Poly-NURBS
polyhedral volume
Bump/Soften
Grid structure
Grid
Grid polyhedral
Grid structure
Grid NURBS
NURBS volume
Grid structure
Text
Text
Line drawing
Rectangle / Square
Polyhedral Rectangle / Square
Polyline
NURBS curve
Polyline
Circle
Polyhedral Circle
Polyline
NURBS Circle
NURBS curve
Polyline
Arc
Arc
Parameter(s)
Polyline
Polyline
Polyhedral Polyline
Polyline
NURBS Polyline
NURBS curve
Polyline (of control)
130
Reference Manual
Curve
NURBS curve
Polyline (of control)
Interpolated curve
Interpolated curve
Polyline (of control))
Helix
Polyline
Polyhedral Helix
Polyline
NURBS Helix
Connexion composite
Not available
Composite curve
Extract Lines
Polyhedral Extract Lines
NURBS Extract Lines
Polyligne
NURBS curve
Polyline (of control)
Extract Facets
Polyhedral Extract Facets
polyhedral volume
NURBS Volume
Grid structure
Sweep
Sweeping
Double-Sweep
Double sweeping
Ruled Surface
Ruled surfaces
Coons Surface
Coons surfaces
Gordon surface
Gordon surfaces
Manifold
Controlled volume
11.3.11.2
Generates a DG level
Labels and wording
Other behaviors
Deform
Stretch
Bend
Deformation
Twist
Deformation box
Taper
Spherize
Deformation
Smooth
Smoothing*
Chamfer
Chamfer*
Thickness/Offset
Give a thickness
Thickness*
Transmits the DG
Cut
Tesselate
Delete
Bump/Soften
Height field*
Bend
Bending
Mold
132
Reference Manual
11.3.11.3
Generates a DG level
Labels and wording
Other behaviors
Duplicate
Transmits the DG
Symmetry
Transmits the DG
Close
Weld
Weld objects
Lay on
Wrap
Projection
Unfold
Collapses the DG
Decimate
Collapses the DG
11.3.11.4
Generates a DG level
Labels and wording
Other behaviors
Move
Rotate
Scale
Stretch
11.3.11.5
Generates a DG level
Labels and wording
Group, Ungroup
Group
Poly-NURBS
Other behaviors
A group will always be at
the highest level of DG
11.3.13.1
134
Reference Manual
12
The Navigation
Amapi Pro allows you to work on a model from any viewpoint at any time. The user will
appreciate how easy it is to move around the scene: rotating around objects, zooming in and
out on specific details.
Amapi Pro offers several interfaces giving access to different navigational functions
The Navigation Palette (see details on page 136)
The keyboard navigation (see details on page 142) (keyboard only or keyboard+mouse
combination).
Some navigation functions are not available in both interfaces!
See the following table for details
The
Navigation
Palette
(see details on page 136)
The
keyboard
navigation
(see details on page 142)
Viewpoint
View All
View Detail
View Selection
Zoom In / Out
12.1
The Navigation Palette will allow you to see the scene from any viewpoint.
This palette allows you to:
Set a viewpoint (see details on page 138)
Record the current viewpoint (see details on page 138)
Recall a viewpoint (see details on page 139)
Delete a viewpoint (see details on page 139)
View All (see details on page 139)
View Detail (see details on page 140)
Zoom In / Out (see details on page 140)
Rotate around the scene (see details on page 141)
Pan the scene (see details on page 141)
With a little experience the user will probably prefer using the keyboards shortcuts to
navigate with (See The keyboard navigation on page 142). This will also let you
free up space in the graphic workspace (See Manage the optional palettes display on
page 168). This icon allows you to hide the navigation palette.
136
Reference Manual
12.1.1
Viewpoint
The Viewpoint is what the user can see. It is defined by the users eye position, the
target position and the orientation in 3D space.
The eye position is the point that the scene is viewed from.
The target point is the point the eye looks at. The Target Point is also the center of
rotation of the scene (when rotating the scene to change the viewpoint). It is also the
center point for zooming the scene in and out of the scene.
The Viewpoint tool allows you to set, record and recall a viewpoint.
View plane
observers
ileye
de
lobservateur
Object in scene
Out
of the field of view
Objet
composant
la
scne
Situ hors du champ
de vision
P i t
Viewpoint definition
12.1.1.1
Set a viewpoint
Setting the current viewpoint consists of positioning the eye and the target point. These
parameters can be set through the Eye and Target point options. Toggling from one to
the other option can be done through both the Alt and Space-Bar keys shortcut or by
simply clicking on the icon showing the desired option.
Target point
Eye
x
y
z
x
y
z
The setting of the viewpoint is a tool to position the eye and the target point. This is different
from navigating (see details on page 142) which moves them.
Keyboard shortcut: key 7.
12.1.1.2
If a viewpoint is often used, it is possible to record it and to recall it when needed. Proceed
as follows:
1) Set the current viewpoint as desired. To do this use either The Navigation Palette (see
details on page 136), or The keyboard navigation (see details on page 142), or use the
Viewpoint tool for more precision (See Set a viewpoint on page 138)
2) When ready, set the cursor on the Viewpoint icon in the control panel.
Click on the right mouse button.
3) Click on Save to record the current viewpoint. Amapi Pro saves the viewpoints with
the name view followed by a number.
Keyboard shortcut: validate with Ctrl Enter.
138
Reference Manual
12.1.1.3
Recall a viewpoint
To recall a saved viewpoint (See Record the current viewpoint on page 138):
2) Slide the cursor over the name of the viewpoint to be recalled and click. Amapi Pro will
automatically display the scene from this viewpoint.
Keyboard shortcut: keyboard shortcuts are automatically created to access each viewpoint:
Ctrl+0 to see the scene from the first viewpoint in the list.
Ctrl+1 to see the scene from the second viewpoint in the list.
and so on
12.1.1.4
Delete a viewpoint
1) The viewpoint to be deleted must be the current one (see details on page 139).
2) Set the cursor on the Viewpoint icon in the control panel.
Click on the right mouse button.
12.1.2
View All
This function recalculates the scene view, so that all objects are visible.
View all automatically sets the target point position (See Viewpoint on page 137) at the
geometrical center of the scene.
Keyboard shortcut: key 0.
12.1.3
View Detail
1) Click on the
2) A rectangle is drawn around the cursor. Position it in the center of the area of interest,
then click.
12.1.4
Zoom In / Out
This navigation icon zooms in on the scene. Click and hold down the left mouse
button on the icon. When moving the cursor upward, you will zoom in toward the
default target point located in the center of the scene, and if the cursor is moved downward,
you will zoom out of the scene from the target point. When the correct view is displayed,
release the mouse button.
Zoom In
Keyboard shortcut: keys 3 and . or mouse wheel.
140
Reference Manual
Zoom Out
12.1.5
This navigation icon pans the scene. Click and hold down the left mouse button on
the icon. Moving the cursor upward scrolls the scene upward, moving the cursor
downward scrolls the scene downward and moving sideways scrolls the scene sideways.
When the correct view is displayed, release the mouse button.
Sideway movement
toward the left...
...followed by
an upward movement
The Target point (See Viewpoint on page 137) is scrolled with the scene.
12.1.6
This navigation icon rotates around the scene. Click and hold down the left mouse
button on the icon. Move the cursor upward or downward, and the scene will rotate
step by step around the viewpoint of the scene. When the correct view is displayed, release
the mouse button.
12.2
12.2.1
.
3
2
4
5
6
8
9
Front View
Left View
Top View
Right View
Rear View
Bottom View
The
main
viewpoints
142
Reference Manual
12.2.2
12.2.2.1
1) Simultaneously press the Ctrl key and the left mouse button.
2) Move the cursor to move the observers eye around the scene. The rotation will be made
step by step around the viewpoint.
3) When the correct view is displayed, release the keyboard and mouse buttons.
To change the position of the target point, please refer to the Section 12.1.1.1 Set a viewpoint
on page 138.
12.2.2.2
Sideway movement
toward the left....
...followed by
an upward movement
1) Simultaneously press the Ctrl+Alt key and click on the left mouse button.
2) The scene scrolls around from side to side. Moving the cursor upward scrolls the scene
upward, moving the cursor downward scrolls the scene downward and moving sideways
scrolls the scene sideways
3) When the correct view is displayed, release the keyboard and the mouse buttons.
Using the mouse:
144
Reference Manual
12.2.2.3
Zoom In / Out
Zoom In
Zoom Out
146
Reference Manual
13
Selection
13.1
13.2
The cursor shape will show the selectable entity type and the current selection accessory.
The selection feedback color can be customized from the Preferences editor(Alt-P)>
Entities display> Color of the selected object (see details on page 467).
You will be able to personalize the display of the entities detected when you roll over them
with the cursor:
Preferences editor> Scene display> Entity highlight display (facet, edge or point) (see
details on page 469).
When a selection can be made?: a selection can be made before picking up a tool or from
inside the tool.
Selection applies only on visible elements. In other words, it works in a transparent or
wireframe display mode, the elements located on the back side of the object can be selected but
this will not be possible when using a solid display mode. (See Objects display on page 180).
148
Reference Manual
13.2.1
Selectable entities are: objects, facets, edges or points (See Entity on page 94).
Select an entity by clicking on one of the selection accessories.
The shape of the cursor will show the selectable entity.
Entities
Objects
Facets
Edges
Points
Selection
accessories
icons
Cursors
Selecting a group of objects behaves in the same way as selecting several objects (See
Group, Ungroup on page 186).
13.2.2
A selection accessory corresponds to a selection method. You will have the choice among
several selection accessories:
Single object
selection
The
Personalized
Lasso
Selection
The
Rectangular
Lasso
Selection
Select 1
over n
Extend/
Restrict the
selection
Select by
angle
Deselect all
(see details
on page 151)
(see details
on page 153)
(see details
on page 153)
(see details
on page 155)
(see details
on page 155)
(see details
on page 156)
(see details on
page 157)
In NURBS mode, (see details on page 98), the selection of points is only possible by using the
Single object selection method. Other selection methods do not apply.
In fact, all the points of a NURBS curve or surface are defined and a point of a NURBS object
can be evaluated anywhere. When the user wants to select a point on an object of this type,
this point will be computed at the time of selection (and not taken among the ones computed
for the display). It is not possible to search all the points of a curve or of a surface in a given
space (as made by the lasso or rectangular selection accessories) because they are at infinity.
For the same reason, search by proximity does not exists in NURBS mode.
In polyhedral mode, search by proximity allows you to click close to the point to be selected and
the tool will search and select the point of the object which is the nearest to the cursor. In this
way, the user is sure to select the point he wanted in one click.
In NURBS mode, the selected point will be exactly the one aimed at by the cursor.
The selection must be made precisely on the curve or on the surface to take effect. If this
condition is not respected, no point will be selected.
(See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96)
Reducing the selection palette:
Amapi Pro has numerous keyboard or mouse shortcuts which allow you to switch quickly from
one selection method to another (see the paragraph dedicated to a method for a shortcuts list).
Once familiar with the shortcuts, the user might choose to hide the icons showing the methods
accessories to free graphic workspace.
Reduce the palette
Open the palette
150
Reference Manual
When there are no selection accessory selected and no tool used, there are two selection
modes available (See Default selection mode on page 157).
13.2.2.1
With this method, Amapi Pro detects and highlights the element of the current
object that is closest to the cursor and matches the selectable entity (facets, edges or
points). The user can select or deny the detected element by using one of the following
methods:
The reverse selection:
Click
Click
Shift Click
Atl Click
.
Select by turns: when several elements fill up the screen, it may be difficult to precisely select
one of them. In this case, when no tools are in use, use the + and - keys from the numeric
keypad. Each key press will select one entity according to their order of creation. Stop when you
have selected the element you want.
Shortcuts to other selection methods:
Switch to The Personalized Lasso Selection: Click right mouse button.
(see details on page 153)
Switch to Extend/Restrict the selection: Keys Page-up and Page-down. (see details on
page 155)
Switch to Select 1 over n method: + or - keys.
(see details on page 155)
152
Reference Manual
13.2.2.2
Entry
Click
Click
Click
Click
Points selection
Edges selection
For lasso selection, validation only takes into account the points that are clicked; Amapi Pro
does not take into account the cursor position at the moment of validation.
Shortcuts to other selection methods:
Switch to Single object selection method: Click right mouse button.
(see details on page 151)
Switch to The Rectangular Lasso Selection method: Click and hold.
(see details on page 153).
Switch to Select 1 over n method: + or - keys.
(see details on page 155)
13.2.2.3
This selection accessory lets you define a rectangular selection zone to add or
substract elements (objects, facets, edges or points) from the current selection.
It is defined by two points representing two opposite corners of the rectangle. There are two
ways of defining these points:
Click-Click
Click and hold - Drag the cursor - Release mouse button
Click
Click
Shift
Click
Shift Click
Alt Click
Alt Click
Shift
Alt
Click
Shift
Alt
Click
154
Reference Manual
13.2.2.4
Select 1 over n
The selection accessory Select 1 over n easily selects one element (object, facet,
edge or point) over n selectable elements. n is the offset value of the selection. A
null offset will give no selection. The cursor
shows that the offset setting can be set
using the + or - keys of the numeric keypad, but a numeric value can be entered directly
in the parameters area.
If, for example, with this selection method the
setting is points selection and the parameter
value is set to 5, Amapi Pro will select
automatically one point over 5 on each of the
selected objects.
Shortcut for other selection methods:
For the Single object selection method: Click the right mouse button.
(see details on page 151)
The 1 over n selection deselects all the previous selections on the current object.
However, you may add new selections after a 1 over n has been used
There are several setting methods for the active parameter:
From the graphic workspace with the + or - keys on the numeric keypad.
By entering a value in the Parameter palette (see details on page 163)
13.2.2.5
This selection accessory allows you to extend or restrict the current selection to the
elements close to the current one (closed topology). The cursor
shows that the
offset setting can be set using the + or - keys of the numeric keypad, but a numeric value
can be entered directly in the parameters area.
There is no possible extension if the current selected items do not match the selectable
entity (See The selectable entities on page 149).
Shortcut for other selection methods:
For the Single object selection method: Click the right mouse button.
(see details on page 151)
13.2.2.6
Select by angle
Selects, within the current selected object, the edges (if the object is a surface) or the
points (if the object is a curve) corresponding to a selection by angle criterion. The
user would choose among two selection by angle options. You will toggle from the one to
the other by pressing both the Alt and Space-Bar keys.
The cursor
will point out that the offset setting will be made easily with the + or -
keys of the numeric keypad, but you can also enter a numeric value in the parameters area.
The selected object is a curve:
Option description
Illustration
Limit = 90
Editable parameter
Option description
Illustration
Limit = 90
Editable parameter
156
Reference Manual
13.2.2.7
Deselect all
This accessory allows you to deselect all the entity selections (facet, edge or point).
Then, continue the modeling.
13.2.3
When there is no selection accessory activated and when there is no tool open, the current
item for the selection is the object.
In this context you can select among several selection methods:
The replace selection (Click)
This selection mode (default) allows you to replace the current selection. Just click on the
object to select.
The add selection (Shift-Click)
In this mode you can add an object to the current selection by holding the shift key while
clicking on other objects to add them to the current selection.
The reverse selection (Alt-Shift-Click)
This mode allows you to :
add a new object to the current selection like in the add mode (Alt-Shift-Click on an
unselected object).
unselect an already selected object (Alt-Shift-Click on a selected object).
The substract selection (Alt-Click)
Use this mode to unselect an already selected object . Hold the Alt key while clicking on
the object to unselect it.
13.3
Memo-Select
158
Reference Manual
13.4
The selection mode corresponding to the current selection accessory (see details on
page 148).
Basic selection
Entity:
Object
Facet
Edge
Point
Object
Facet
Edge
Point
Selection:
Basic
Reverse
Add
Subtract
Substitute
Lasso selection
Entity:
Selection:
Reverse
Add
Subtract
Substitute
160
Reference Manual
14
The Parameters
14.1
the
values
of
the
current
Parameters panel
14.2
To modify the parameters displayed in the palette, you can use several methods:
14.2.1
14.2.1.1
This method is available from most of the modeling tools; you will appreciate it for its
versatility and its efficiency.
Most modeling actions will be performed using the mouse.
How it works:
1) The mouse movement changes the displayed value(s) in the parameter palette.
2) Left click on the mouse button to validate the parameterss values.
The cursor movement is done on the most perpendicular plane to the current point of
view.
When setting three dimensions, the mouse movement will modify only two values instead of
three.
You will have two possibilities to modify the third value:
To change the point of view (See The Navigation on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)
It is possible to apply moving or positioning constraints to the cursor (See The constraints
on page 191).
14.2.1.2
This mode of editing is available from select tools (Stretch, Scale, Move and
Rotate). It allows a precise interactive control of the data.
The current parameter value is changed as follows:
Ctrl Shift Left arrow
> Increases the horizontal value
Ctrl Shift Right arrow
> Decreases the horizontal value
Ctrl Shift Up arrow
> Increases the vertical value
Ctrl Shift Down arrow
> Decreases the vertical value.
162
Reference Manual
The increment is done step by step. The step value is tuned by pressing the + or -
keys.
For the Stretch, Scale, Move tools, the step value is the ruler. For the Rotate tool, it
is the circle.
The cursor movement is done on the most perpendicular plane to the current point of
view.
When setting three dimensions, the mouse movement will modify only two values instead of
three.
You will have two possibilities to modify the third value:
To change the point of view (See The Navigation on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)
14.2.1.3
With a 3D Digitizer
With Amapi Pro, you can digitize your models in three dimensions using the MicroScribe
3D digitizing system.
The Polyline, Curve, Interpolated curve, and Extract Facets drawing tools will
allow you to digitize 3D objects.
See chapter 3D Digitizing (see details on page 233) for more information.
14.2.2
14.2.2.1
Parameter values can be entered using the keyboard with one of the two following methods:
Tab key:
This key allows you to access the first field of the parameter palette. It switches to edit
mode; the entire data field is automatically selected.
Click:
On the parameter palette:
Directly in the data field to be edited: switches to edit mode.
Outside from a data field: the first field of the parameter palette is switched to edit mode.
In both cases, the entire data field is automatically selected.
14.2.2.2
Editing a parameter
Once a field of the parameter palette is in edit mode, there are several ways to modify the
value of this field:
Fine tunings
The tuning arrows
The tuning arrows, which are beside the field will allow you to fine-tune interactively the
parameter value:
A click on the up arrow _ > Increases the value
A click on the down arrow_ >Decreases the value
The slider:
When displayed, it works as follows:
14.2.2.3
Tab key
This key has the following functions:
1) Pre-validation of the entered value (the validation will be made when pressing the
Enter key (see details on page 165).
164
Reference Manual
2) Application of the new parameter to the current selection and visualization of the
models initial state.
3) The cursor is moved to the next data field of the parameter palette.
After the last field, the first field is selected.
1) Pre-validation of the entered value (the validation will be made when pressing the
Enter key (see details on page 165)).
2) The cursor is moved to the next or to the previous data field of the parameter palette.
On the last field, the first field is selected.
Unlike the Tab key, the arrow key delays the validation of the current value until Enter or
Tab keys are pressed. This is useful when the validation action may take a long time and when
several values must be edited Validating or Canceling data input (see details on page 165).
14.2.2.4
Validating
By pressing the Enter key you will get the following:
3) The tool switches to the next step (the graphic workspace takes the focus).
Canceling
By pressing the Cancel key you will get the following:
1) The original values (before the parameter palette was set in edit mode) will be restored.
2) The application of these former parameters to the current selection and the display of
the model like it was before the operation was cancelled.
3) The cursor is set on the graphic workspace without changing the step.
14.2.2.5
KEYS
ACTIONS
modified model.
3) Goes to the next step of the tool (the graphic workspace takes the
focus).
1) Resets the original values for each data field like they were before the
parameter palette was set in edit mode.
Cancel
2) Applies the old parameters to the current selection and displays the
model like it was before the cancelled operation.
Arrows
Left arrow
Right arrow
Ctrl Left arrow
Ctrl Right arrow
Shift Left arrow
Shift Right arrow
+ and -
>
>
>
>
>
>
In the graphic workspace, the Tab key gives the focus to the palette of
parameters; the first field is editable.
Once in the parameter palette, it does the following actions:
2) Applies the new parameter to the current selection and displays the
modified model.
166
Reference Manual
15
The Control panel
The Control panel is displayed at the bottom of the screen. It is divided into two parts.
The optional palettes display management icons (see details on page 168).
The modeling help functions which help you to make the most of Amapi Pros
possibilities.
Some of these functions are accessible as keyboard shortcuts.
The Control panel can be hidden to give more space in the graphic workspace. This option can
be set in the Preferences editor> User interface> Palettes display> Control panel display
(see details on page 455).
15.1
Several palettes in Amapi Pro are optional. To free up space in the graphic workspace it is
recommended to display only the most useful palettes.
The Control panel displays a set of icons that allows you to control the display of these
palettes.
Each icon shows or hides (toggles) the palette it controls.
Controls the display of the selection accessories palette (See Selection on
page 147).
Controls the display of the scene graph. It represents all the objects of the current
scene in the shape of a tree. You can carry out all the basic actions on each object
such as hiding, unhiding, locking or grouping,...
(See The Scene graph on page 202)
Controls the display of the Dynamic Geometry levels palette (See Dynamic
Geometry (DG) on page 109).
Controls the display of the navigation palette (See The Navigation Palette on
page 136). With some practice, the user might prefer the keyboard shortcuts (See
The keyboard navigation on page 142).
Toggle-icon controlling the display of the advanced constraints palette (See
Advanced constraints on page 194).
Toggle-icon controlling the display of the Layer palette (See The Layers on
page 198).
Controls the display of the Help palette (see details on page 207) and of the
assistant palette (see details on page 206). If this palette is not displayed, just slide
the cursor onto the icon to display a tooltip with a contextual help message.
The Information panel, onto which the optional palettes are displayed, can be hidden to
give a larger graphic workspace. This option can be set in the Preferences editor> User
interface> Palettes display> Optional palettes display support area (see details on page 455).
168
Reference Manual
15.2
The ground
For modeling needs, the user may have to change the default working plane for a new one.
He may want to work on the current view plane. The view plane will be reoriented
according to the movement of the viewpoint in the 3D space. In fact, the working plane will
always be on the same plane as the screen.
With these conditions, the cursor movement will modify its three coordinates.
The Control panel displays an icon corresponding to the current mode. Click on it to switch
from one mode to the other.
This tool is not the same as the Scene / orthonormal base toggling tool which allows you
to change the working plane by temporarily reorienting the orthonormal base or the scene (see
details on page 171).
x
z
z
Absolute orthonormal base
Relative orthonormal base
y
y
x
z
170
Reference Manual
15.3
The ground
For modeling needs, the user may have to reorient the orthonormal base to change the
working plane. Amapi Pro proposes several ways to proceed:
The Control panel displays the icon corresponding to the current orientation. Click on it to
display a list of possible reorientations. Then click to select and follow the instructions
below:
Amapi Pro restores automatically The user must click on the facet
the conventional orthonormal
of an object.
base
The orthonormal base will be
reoriented so the current working
plane that is on the same plane
as the selected facet
Selected facet
Selected facet
Before toggling
y
Before toggling
x
x
z
Absolute orthonormal base
Relative orthonormal base
After toggling
After toggling
This tool is not the same as the Working in the view plane which allows you to orientate
the working plane according to the current view plane (see details on page 169).
172
Reference Manual
15.4
When using some of the tools, the graduate orthonormal base axis are
displayed X (red), Y (green) and Z (blue). They allow you to find a landmark and
make precise alignments in the graphic workspace.
The default position of the orthonormal base origin is the center of the grid called the
ground. It can be moved at any moment during modeling. To do this, click on the icon
showing the Orthonormal base origin tool in the Control panel, then select the point of the
scene which will become the new orthonormal base origin or enter its coordinates in the
parameter palette (See Editing the parameters on page 162).
y
y
x
15.5
Snapping
This mode-tool allows you to specify if the cursor is to be snapped or not onto the virtual
grid defined by the orthonormal base gradations.
It is possible to customize the gradation step at each display of the gradated axis. To increase
or decrease the gradation step, click on the icons
shortcut: +/- keys.
174
Reference Manual
15.6
Alignment Guides
The Alignment Guides allow you to create temporary guides which will direct the
cursor movement while building 3D points. These guides are straight lines and make
a right angle (45 degrees, 90 degrees...) to the horizontal plane or to a predefined direction.
They can be accumulated to allow singular lines intersections. They can also be oriented
toward a specified axis. These guides are entirely controlled with the mouse. The guides disappear after each point is created. The Alignment guides are enabled by clicking on a toggle-icon in The Control panel.
Refer to the Alignment guides (see details on page 196) paragraph for more information.
15.7
Perspective
This mode-tool allows you to toggle from one of two display modes of the scene:
The Perspective view (default option).
The Orthographic view (to see the scene without perspective).
In some cases, this display mode can provide a clearer visualization of the scene or
facilitate certain manipulations.
Customized
viewpoint
Front view
Left view
Top view
Right view
Rear view
Perspective
view
Orthographic view
To toggle from one mode to the other, simply click on the icon showing the tool in the
Control panel.
176
Reference Manual
15.8
Simplified display
In the case of complex scenes or objects, a simplified display can be used in order
to give a faster and clearer display.
15.9
Simple-view / Multi-view
The navigation's versatility allows you to work with efficiency and comfort in the singleview mode. The interface is specially designed to be as close to the movements of a
sculptor as possible while he or she is moving around his creation.
Preferences editor> User interface> Miscellaneous> View Informations display (see details
on page 457).
178
Reference Manual
180
Reference Manual
The NURBS objects display is different depending on the operating mode Polygonal /
NURBS (see details on page 182):
In the NURBS operating mode, the points and edges of the NURBS objects are not
editable and will not be displayed.
A NURBS curve will be shown as a continuous line.
Isoparametric curves, outlines and cutting curves will be shown on the NURBS surfaces.
In the polygonal operating mode, points and edges are displayed. These can be used as
support for construction but are not directly editable.
(See The NURBS models on page 98)
or a point
The user can set the Selection transparency level (see details on page 466).
182
Reference Manual
15.14.1 Hide
There are two cases:
If several objects in the scene are selected, Amapi Pro hides them and automatically
releases the tool and modeling will immediately continue.
If only one object is selected in the scene, the objects to be hidden must be selected. The
objects will be hidden upon validating or releasing the tool.
When clicking on the Apply to all accessory, Amapi Pro makes the operation on all the
displayed entities before automatically releasing the tool.
Shortcut: A key.
To temporarily hide the unused objects, use the Isolate tool (see details on page 185).
15.14.2 Show
When opening this tool, Amapi Pro displays all the hidden objects and temporarily
hides the non-hidden objects. Select the object(s) to be shown, knowing that
Amapi Pro will then show them once the tool is validated or released. All the non-hidden
objects of the scene will automatically reappear.
When clicking on the Apply to all accessory, Amapi Pro makes the operation on all the
displayed entities before automatically releasing the tool.
Shortcut: A key.
184
Reference Manual
15.15 Isolate
The Isolate mode-tool allows you to work with the current selection without displaying
the other objects of the scene.
If the tool is activated, Amapi Pro automatically hides all the not selected objects
on the scene.
All the non-hidden objects (See Hide, Show on page 184) of the scene are
displayed when this mode is deactivated.
The Hide an Show tools are not available in Isolate mode.
Do not confuse the Isolate which temporarily hides objects without hiding them using Hide,
Show (see details on page 184)
15.16.1 Group
There are two cases:
If several objects are selected in the scene, Amapi Pro groups them, then automatically
releases the tool. The modeling will continue immediately.
If only one object is selected in the scene, the objects to be grouped must be selected. The
objects will be grouped upon validating or releasing the tool.
When clicking on the Apply to all accessory, Amapi Pro makes the operation on all the
displayed entities before automatically releasing the tool.
Shortcut: A key.
15.16.2 Ungroup
Use this tool to ungroup all the objects belonging to the same group. When opening
the tool, Amapi Pro highlights all the groups and sub-groups of the scene and hides
temporarily hides the objects not belonging to any group. Select the object(s) to be
ungrouped. All the objects of the scene then automatically reappear upon validating or
releasing the tool.
186
Reference Manual
15.17 Information
The Information tool displays all the information about the current object. This
information is displayed in a floating palette which can be edited at any time
during modeling.
This tool has several action-buttons which apply functions based mainly on model
optimization or on problem resolution if the file was imported.
The Dynamic Geometry hierarchy of the object is also displayed.
The information palette of any object can be displayed by double-clicking on this object.
15.17.1 Information
Label
Thumbnail
Name
Type of model
Nature of the object
Layer status
Number of points
Number of edges
Number of facets
Dimensions
188
Reference Manual
Editing
15.17.2 Functions
Label
Hidden faces
Function Description
Do not show hidden faces
Show hidden faces
Convert to NURBS
If the model is Polygonal, Amapi Pro gives you the possibility to convert it to
NURBS.
(See Transform a Polyhedral model into a NURBS model /a NURBS model
into a Polygonal model on page 105)
Triangulate non
planar faces
Amapi Pro proposes triangulating the non planar faces of the current object.
Click on this button to triangulate
(See Non planar facets on page 485)
Triangulate faces
with more than 4
points *
Amapi Pro proposes triangulating the faces with more than 4 points.
Click on this button to triangulate.
Remove equal
points *
Remove coplanar
faces *
Amapi Pro proposes optimizing the model by replacing the coplanar facets by
a unique facet.
Click on the button to launch the action.
(See Coplanar on page 483).
Destroy Dynamic
Geometry
Amapi Pro gives you the possibility to completely collapse the Dynamic
Geometry of the object.
Click on the button to launch the action.
(See Collapsing the DG on page 118)
reorienting the
normals
Amapi Pro gives you the possibility to modify the orientation of the normals to
the facets.
Click on this button to activate the tool.
(See Orient Normals on page 190)
* This function completely collapses the Dynamic Geometry (DG) (See Collapsing the DG
on page 118).
After this operation, the object will only keep one DG level.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)
Orient Normals
This tool has two main options:
Reverse normals (default option in polyhedral mode)
This option behaves like a tool qhere you can :
Visualize each facet normal : The path of each facet normal is indicated by a
grey arrow when the cursor is over the facet.
Toggle facet normal path : Depending on the type of object you can:
Surfacic objects ; Several selection methods are available :
Replace selection (Click) : click on a facet to toggle the normal path.
Add selection (Shift-Click or lasso) : Select a group of facet and hit Space
bar to toggle the normals all at once.
Substract selection (Alt-Click): Unselect a group of facet; toggle like in
previous mode.
Reverting normals implies to collapse the Dynamic Geometry. A message
window asking to perform this operation will appear when validating the tool.
For curves, hitting the space bar toggles the curve path.
Clicking on another curve will change the current selection.
This option has no effect in the following cases:
NURBS mode.
190
All the normals of the seleted objects are oriented in the same direction. We call
this a unified normals facets.
A yellow arrow indicates, for each group of adjacent facets, the unified orientation. This normal can be toggled by clicking on any facet of the group.
This property will remain active whatever transformation is made to the object.
Reference Manual
Cut 1
Smoothing 1
Smoothing 2
Sweep 1
Thickness 1
Current
selection
Polyline 1
Polyline 2
Polyline 3
192
Reference Manual
16
The constraints
By default, the cursor movement constraint is snapped on the ruler gradation grid. In some
cases, the cursor can be set free from any constraint or other kinds of constraints can be
applied to it.
Amapi Pro has several kinds of constraints:
Snapping (see details on page 192).
Axis toggling (see details on page 193).
Advanced constraints (see details on page 194).
Alignment guides (see details on page 196).
The gradated rulers of the orthonormal base shows that the user can use the cursor movement
and position constraints
16.1
Snapping
16.1.1
16.1.2
icons
Cursor
Cursor
Snap on point
192
Reference Manual
Cursor
16.2
Axis toggling
While editing, Amapi Pro allows you to set the movement constraints along one axis (See
The orthonormal base on page 88).
A constrained movement allows you to restrict the action of the current tool on one of the
two axis or set the action direction.
Amapi Pro has three kinds of constraints.
No constraint
Horizontal constraint
Vertical constraint
To toggle from one to the other, use the icons of the The assistant palette (see details on
page 206), or press the Space-Bar.
Cursor
No constraint
The cursor movement is free
Cursor
Horizontal constraint
constraint horizontal axis (red)
is displayed.
The cursor can move along this
axis only.
Cursor
Vertical constraint
constraint vertical axis (green)
is displayed.
The cursor can move along this
axis only.
16.3
Advanced constraints
Amapi Pro has a set of advanced constraints enclosed in a palette which may or may
not be displayed by clicking on this
icon of the Control panel (See The Control
panel on page 167).
The advanced constraints allow you to move or position the cursor following the constraint
lines desired by the user.
How to proceed:
Constraints
Illustrations
Cursor
194
Reference Manual
Cursor
S
Cursor
Cursor
S
Cursor
Cursor
S
.
The selection of a constraint is valid for only one positioning, the cursor movement is set free
after each positioning.
This palette is floating, it can be relocated, reoriented and locked/unlocked:
16.4
Alignment guides
The Alignment guides tool allows you to temporarily guide the movement of the
cursor when creating 3D points. These guides are lines forming a singular angle (45
degrees, 90 degrees...) with either a horizontal or a preset direction. These guides can be
accumulated to make it possible to materialize singular line intersections. They can also be
directed along a specified axis. The control of these guides is entirely carried out with the
mouse. The guides disappear after each created point. The activation of the alignment guides
is done by clicking on a toggle icon integrated in the The Control panel (see details on
page 167).
Alignment guides enabled
Alignment guides disabled
There are three types of alignment guides:
The last point created automatically becomes a guide until the next point is created. It is then
replaced by the new point. The guide point is framed by a small white square. By moving
the cursor, lines are displayed when the conditions of alignment are found. For example,
when the cursor is close to a horizontal line going through the guide point.
Points selected by Ctrl-Shift-click (left mouse button) on a point are added to the list of
the guide points. You can add as many as you like but two to three points are sufficient to
carry out the majority of alignments.
The guide edges indicated by Ctrl-Shift-click (left mouse button) on an edge define a
guide point in the center of the edge and the guide lines aligned on the edge. This makes it
possible to position guides with a particular direction.
The preset angles for which lines are displayed can be set by the Preferences editor in
Graphic environment>Alignment guides (see details on page 462). You can set up to
eight angle values simultaneously.
When several guide lines are intersected, the intersection is materialized. Then, just click on
the point to be sure it is at the intersection of the lines.
The guide lines can become fixed movement constraints by clicking on Ctrl-Shift-Click
(right mouse button) on a singular line. The line remains displayed and the displacement is
done along this line. Defining two lines intersecting themselves will block the movement of
the cursor at the point of intersection of the curves.
196
Reference Manual
17
Scene management
17.1
The Layers
This palette can be located anywhere in the graphic workspace and displayed horizontally
or vertically.
Palette relocation handle.
Vertical display of the palette.
Horizontal display of the palette.
The number of layers is not limited.
198
Reference Manual
17.1.1
The layer selected as the receiving layer is where the next created objects will be housed.
You will recognize it thanks to its particular markings (Different background color). To
select a layer as the receiving layer, just click on the thumbnail of the target layer.
A locked or hidden layer can not be selected as the receiving layer.
(See Lock / Unlock a layer on page 200)
(See Show / Hide a layer on page 200)
17.1.2
Add a layer
17.1.3
Click on the layer name and type a new name to rename it.
17.1.4
Select the layer to be deleted (See Select the receiving layer on page 199) and click on the
icon
of the layers palette.
Attention! This operation cannot be undone.
17.1.5
Merging two layers consists of moving the content of one layer into another layer.
To do this, use the "Drag and Drop" method:
17.1.6
When hiding a layer, all the objects included in this layer are hidden.
This method can be very useful to hide unwanted objects in order to work on other complex
objects. A toggle-icon allows you to switch from visible to not visible.
Visible layer
Invisible layer
This function is close to Hide, Show which allows you to select the objects to hide in the scene
without any layer concept. (See Hide, Show on page 184).
Hiding the receiving layer automatically selects the first visible not locked layer as the receiving
layer.
(See Select the receiving layer on page 199)
17.1.7
Locking a layer turns the objects on that layer into not editable objects. No action performed
on these objects will have any effect. These locked objects can be used for reference while
modeling one object belonging to another layer.
Unlocked layer
Locked layer
Locking the receiving layer automatically selects the first visible not locked layer as the receiving
layer.
(See Select the receiving layer on page 199)
It is possible to Lock/Unlock only one object of the scene without isolating it in a layer. This
operation will be made by using the scene graph.
(See The Scene graph on page 202)
17.1.8
To move an object, a selection or a group of objects from one layer to another, you can:
By moving the selection toward another layer:
The designation of the receiving layer will be done by a simple click on the icon
corresponding to the receiving layer.
200
Reference Manual
17.2
The scene graph is a hierarchical representation of the objects, the groups, the layers
or the materials. This presentation allows you to browse and to organize the
hierarchies and to modify the objects attributes: it is possible to create groups, layers, to
associate an object to a material, to rename objects, to hide them or to lock them...
17.2.1
202
Reference Manual
When opening the scene graph, all the objects are open. To close them, just click on the sign displayed at the intersection of the branches of the tree. Inversely, to open a closed
object, click on the sign +. You can also use the keys +/- or the keyboard arrows.
17.2.2
It is possible to select one or more objects in the scene graph in order to apply to them one of
the operations described in the following paragraph. For this use one of the following methods:
Simple selection: click on the name of the object in the scene graph with the left mouse button. The name of the object is highlighted.
Multiple selection, element by element: Keep the shift key pressed while successively
clicking on the elements to be selected in the scene graph. The elements are highlighted.
Multiple selection by list: Keep the shift key pressed and click on the first element of the
list in the scene graph, then click on the last element. These two elements and all the elements in between them are highlighted.
Selection by name: Type the first letters of the name of the required object with the keyboard. The selection is set on the first corresponding object starting from the current selection.
Do not confuse: Select in the scene graph with Select in the view.
The selection in the scene graph will be selected in the view only if the user chooses Select in
the pop-up menu (right mouse click).
(See The concept of selection on page 147)
17.2.3
A pop-up menu will appear when the cursor is positioned on the selection and the right
mouse button is clicked.
This menu will propose several operations depending on the number and the type of the
selected element (Scene, Group, Node, Material or Layer).
Move to a layer
(See The Layers on page 198)
Display the properties of the material by displaying its parameters in the rendering
room
(See Material editor on page 432)
Delete a material
(See Deleting a file from the catalog on page 429)
Rename a material
204
Reference Manual
Select the receiver layer (layer in which all the new objects will be created)
(See Select the receiving layer on page 199)
Display the properties of the layer by displaying its preview thumbnail in the layers
palette.
Move to a layer
(See The Layers on page 198)
17.2.4
It is possible to reorganize specific elements with the assistance of the scene graph.
To put one or more objects or groups in another group, select the objects to be moved, click
on this selection and move them while keeping the mouse button down. Release it as soon as
the cursor is over the group.
In the same way, to change the material of a selection of objects, deposit the selection onto
the new material. If the selection contains a group, all the objects of the group will undergo
the material change.
Finally, to change a group of objects from one layer to another, proceed in the same way by
releasing the mouse button over the desired layer. The destination layer can be a layer
represented in the scene graph or the thumbnail preview of a layer in the layers window. If
the selection is a layer, all the elements of this layer will be modified. The original layer will
be empty. If the selection is a group, all the objects of the group will undergo this layer
change.
206
Reference Manual
18
The Help
Amapi Pro has several kinds of help for using the program. They were created to meet the
different userss requirements depending on their habits, their working methods and on how
they use the program.
Three help methods are available:
18.1
The assistant palette is a functional help palette for beginners that appears in the center
above the graphic workspace; it aims at guiding the beginner by graphically highlighting the
fundamental actions he or she may perform.
The trained user might prefer to use the keyboard shortcuts and choose to free the space
taken by this palette to increase the graphic workspace (See Manage the optional palettes
display on page 168).
Increases the value of the current parameter.
Keyboard shortcut: + key.
Decreases the value of the current parameter.
Keyboard shortcut: - key
Constrains the cursor to move only on the horizontal axis.
(See Axis toggling on page 193)
Keyboard shortcut: press the Space-Bar once.
Constrains the cursor to move only on the vertical axis.
(See Axis toggling on page 193)
Keyboard shortcut: press the Space-Bar twice.
Frees the cursor from any movement constraint.
(See Axis toggling on page 193)
Cancels the last operation.
(see details on page 214).
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl Z.
Redoes the last cancelled operation.
(see details on page 214).
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl R.
Cancels all the operations performed within the current tool.
The tool is released; you may pick up another tool. Keyboard shortcut: Escape.
Validates the current operation.
Keyboard shortcut: Enter.
206
Reference Manual
18.2
The on-line help palette function is useful to guide the user by pointing out the operations he
or she can carry out during each modeling step.
The on-line help is available within two options:
When the cursor is slid over this icon in the control panel, a tooltip displays a contextual
help text. With this mode, the help text can be accessible when needed, while saving space
in the graphic workspace.
Amapi Pro displays the help tooltips by default, but this option can be disactivated.
This option is accessible in the Preferences> User interface> Palettes display> Tooltips
display (see details on page 456).
18.3
The tooltips
When sliding the cursor over an icon, Amapi Pro displays
information about the functions corresponding to the icon.
Tooltips can be hidden in the Preferences menu (See in chapter
Preferences editor section Tooltips display on page 456).
18.4
The cursor
208
Reference Manual
19
The Menus
The upper left hand part of the screen is dedicated to the menu bar.
Here you will find all the common classic functions included in most programs as well as
the functions specific to Amapi Pro.
As soon as you start manipulating, you might prefer accessing Amapi Pros functions by
using the Amapi Pro interface.
19.1
File
This paragraph shows the classic File menu manager accessible from the menu bar in the
upper left hand part of your screen.
Amapi Pro contains another File menu manager system, which is more visual, simpler and
faster: the Catalog (See The Catalog on page 443).
Most of these functions are also available using keyboard shortcuts.
19.1.1
Opening/ Closing
New (Ctrl+N)
This command of the File Menu creates a new Amapi Pro blank document.
The new document's default name is untitled followed by a numbered order.
By default, it is displayed at the top left hand side of the screen (See Display the file name
on page 457).
It is possible to rename the file when saving it (see details on page 211).
Note that you may have several documents opened at the same time and toggle from one to
the other by:
Using the Window (see details on page 227) menu.
Using the Ctrl -Tab keyboard shortcut.
Open (Ctrl+O)
This command of the File Menu displays an opening file window.
The Open dialog window allows you to specify the file to open.
You may select a format in the proposed list (See Import on page 229). If the current
document is not empty, the scene corresponding to the file open will be displayed in another
document.
Merge (Ctrl+M)
This command of the File Menu allows you to open a file and merge the objects contained in
this file into the current scene.
Close (Ctrl+W )
This command of the File Menu closes the current document.
If your document contains unsaved modifications, Amapi Pro will ask you: Would you like
to save the changes?.
If so, click:
Yes, if you want to save the latest changes.
210
Reference Manual
No, if you want to close the document without saving the changes.
Cancel, if you decide to not close the document.
If another document was open, it becomes the current document. If there is no document
open, the program remains ready to open another document or to create a new one.
19.1.2
Saving files
Save (Ctrl+S)
This function takes effect only if the scene has been saved at least once.
If this is the case, the scene is saved under the same name as the previous one (the former
file version is lost).
If it is not the case, it automatically opens the Save as (Ctrl+E) dialog box (see details
on page 211).
Amapi Pro does not perform automatic file saving while modeling. Many valuable working
hours can be lost because of a power cut or a false maneuver. It is very important to save an
object (possibly under an other name) before making a complex modification. Thus, if you are
not satisfied with the result, you can return to the preceding step. However, you will have to close
the document without saving it.
With each request for saving a scene in the Amapi Designer format, the program will update the
associated file with the .png suffix. This file corresponds to a small thumbnail of the scene,
used by the Amapi Pro catalog
(See The Catalog on page 443).
Save as (Ctrl+E)
This command of the File Menu opens a dialog box. You are then allowed to:
Name the document
Select an output format
Specify the folder to save the file in.
You may save a file from the Catalog
The Catalog on page 443).
With each request for saving a scene in the Amapi Pro format, the program will update the
associated file with the .png suffix. This file corresponds to a small thumbnail of the scene,
used by the Amapi Pro catalog
(See The Catalog on page 443).
19.1.3
Import-Export
Import
This function allows you to specify the kind and name of file you want to import.
You will find the complete list of formats in the Import paragraph (see details on
page 229).
You may save a file from the Catalog
The Catalog on page 443).
Export
This function allows you to export the current document to the format you want to select.
You will find the complete list of formats in the Export paragraph (see details on
page 231).
You may save a file from the Catalog
The Catalog on page 443).
Import/Export preferences
Open the Import / Export preferences window (see details on page 474).
19.1.4
Printing
Print: (Ctrl+P)
Launches the wireframe printing of the entire scene or a part of it.
If you are printing for the first time, Amapi Pro requires that you define the printing format
(page feed, page format, margins, printer).
A dialog window from the Preferences /Printing menu, allows you to set the printing
parameters. You may choose to print the measurements, in hidden line mode or to give a scaling
factor (Preferences> Printing preferences)
Printing preferences
Opens the printing preferences window (see details on page 474).
212
Reference Manual
19.1.5
19.1.6
Quit (Ctrl+Q)
This command in the File Menu closes and quits Amapi Pro. If one of the open documents
contains unsaved modifications, Amapi Pro will ask you if you want to save them.
19.2
Edit
This paragraph shows the functions present in the editing menu. However, Amapi Pro has
several palettes which will give you an easier, faster and a better visual access.
The assistant palette (see details on page 206)
19.2.1
Basic commands
Undo (Ctrl+Z)
Cancels the last operation.
It is accessible from the The assistant palette (see details on page 206).
When you are not using a tool, it cancels all the operations carried out by the more
recently used tool.
When you are using a tool, it cancels the last operation carried out with the tool in use.
Cancel no longer has any effect when all the operations have been cancelled with a
specific tool.
The number of possible successive cancellations is defined by the user in the preferences
menu. You can have access to this option in the Preferences editor (Alt-P)> User interface>
Maximum undo levels (see details on page 456).
Redo (Ctrl+R)
This command of the File Menu restores the last undone action.
Accessible from the The assistant palette (see details on page 206).
214
Reference Manual
19.2.2
Copy
Cut (Ctrl+X)
This command in the File Menu deletes the selected elements from the current scene and
copies them into the clipboard where they are stored until they are pasted.
Copy (Ctrl+C)
This command in the File Menu places a copy of the selected elements from the current
scene into the clipboard without deleting them from the original scene.
Amapi Pro has a Duplicate tool (see details on page 388) which might be more suitable for
the kind manipulations you will do with this program.
Paste (Ctrl+V)
This command of the File Menu will paste a copy of the current clipboard content in the
graphic workspace.
Amapi Pro, pastes an object in the exact position (from the point of origin of the working space)
where it was cut from, even if you have opened another document. If you paste the copy into the
original document, keep in mind that your copy will be superimposed onto the original object.
This kind of copy never generates a clone (See The clones on page 107).
You could use it to take an object out of a group of clones:
Cut the cloned object (Ctrl+X) (see details on page 215)
Paste the object (Ctrl+V)
Duplicate (Ctrl+D)
Duplication creates a clone of the selection and locates it in the same place (See The
clones on page 107).
19.2.3
Deletion
Delete (Delete)
This command in the File Menu deletes the current selection. The difference with the Cut
command is that nothing is saved in the clipboard.
19.2.4
Selection
19.2.5
216
Reference Manual
19.3
Scene
19.3.1
Graphic display
Objects display
While modeling, you will manipulate various entities: points, edges, facets or objects (See
Entity on page 94).
Amapi Pro has several display modes for the objects of the scene which will allow you to
best highlight the entities you want to work with.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information about this, see The display modes paragraph on page 180.
The Wireframe mode displays only the edges of the objects.
The Lit Wireframe mode adds a lit effect to the wireframe mode.
The Flat solid mode gives a more realistic aspect to the objects by displaying the
facets of the objects.
The Flat solid and edges display mode adds edges to the Flat solid mode.
The Smoothed solid mode correspond to the Flat solid mode on which an
operation of smoothing have been applied. This is the most realistic mode.
The Smoothed solid and edges display mode adds edges to the Smoothed
solid mode.
The edge display is different depending on the operating mode Change the
construction mode (see details on page 96):
In NURBS operating mode, edges are not editable and they will not be displayed.
Amapi Pro will display isoparametric curves, outlines and cutting curves instead of the
edges. (See The NURBS models on page 98).
Transparency
You can add a transparency effect to the solid display modes.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information about this, see Transparency of the selected object paragraph on
page 181.
218
Reference Manual
Simplified display
It is possible to display the objects in a simplified way. In the case of complex scenes or
objects, a simplified display can be used in order to give a faster and clearer display. You
will be able to choose between a simplified display of the entire scene and a simplified
display of one or more objects indicated in the scene.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information about this, see the Simplified display paragraph on
page 177.
19.3.2
The objects
Hide (Ctrl+H)
Hide the selected objects.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
For more information, refer to the Hide paragraph on page 184.
Group (Ctrl+G)
Groups selected objects.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel. For more information,
refer to the Group paragraph on page 186.
Ungroup (Ctrl+Shift+G)
Opens the function allowing you to indicate the groups to be ungrouped.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel. For more information,
refer to the Ungroupparagraph on page 186.
Layers
Opens the layer window. Classification by layer enables you to arrange your objects or
groups according to the criteria of your choice. You will be able to hide one or more layers.
You will also be able to lock one or more layers to allow modeling only on "active" layers.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel. For more information,
refer to The Layers paragraph on page 198.
19.3.3
220
Reference Manual
Perspective
This mode-tool allows you to toggle on one of two scene display modes:
The Conical Perspective is set by default.
The Orthographic Perspective allows you to observe the scene without perspective.
This display mode can, in some cases, allow a clearer visualization of your work and to
make easier some manipulations.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information about this, see the Perspective paragraph on page 176.
19.3.4
Constraints
By default, the cursor movement is free from any constraint. For some manipulations, cursor
movement constraints or cursor positioning constraints can be set. See The constraints on
page 191.
Advanced Constraints
The advanced constraint tool permits moving or positioning the cursor according to constraints defined by the user. They are located in a palette which can be toggled on and off.
This function is accessible through the control panel.
(See Advanced constraints on page 194)
Alignment Guides
The Alignment guides tool allows you to temporarily guide the cursor movement when
creating 3D points (See Alignment guides on page 462).
Alignment guides disabled
Alignment guides enabled
19.3.5
Construction mode
Amapi Pro has two creation modes for the elements used as a basis for modeling:
The Polyhedral models (see details on page 97)
The NURBS models (see details on page 98)
You will constantly be able to toggle from one construction mode to the other with the
(Ctrl+B) keyboard shortcut.
222
Reference Manual
19.4
Views
This menu gives access to the main navigational functions; however Amapi Pro has other
very effective interfaces:
The Navigation Palette (see details on page 136)
Zoom In (shortcut: 3)
(See Zoom In / Out on page 140)
Viewpoint
(See Record the current viewpoint on page 138)
(See Delete a viewpoint on page 139)
224
Reference Manual
19.5
Tools
We saw that the tools that are specific to each Room are arranged in palettes.
The Modeling room has many tools. For more clarity, Amapi Pro displays only the tools that
you will most likely need at each stage of your work.
That is why they were split in three palettes:
The Construction palette
The Modeling palette
The Assembly palette
Each one of these main palettes has a Basic toolkit composed of the fundamental tools
you always have at hand, at every modeling step.
The "Tool" menu gives access to each tool existing in the modeling palette. For more details
on the use of each one of them, refer to the corresponding paragraph in Modeling room on
page 237.
The construction
palette
This
palette is
always
visible. It contains
the Move,
Rotate, Scale
and Stretch tools.
This
palette
contains
basic line
and
surface
drawing
tools as
well as
advanced surface
creation tools.
19.5.1
The modeling
palette
This
palette
contains
modificati
on tools
that can
edit
existing
objects.
The assembly
palette
This
palette
contains
tools to
carry out
complex
assemblie
s and a
few
generic tools
Advanced tools
This menu contains some special tools which are not present in the four tools palettes. They
are accessible either from the Control panel or from the Information on the current object.
19.5.2
Peripherals
19.5.2.1
MicroScribe
Setting the digitalization of the 3D MicroScribe device (See 3D Digitizing on page 233).
Connect:
enables the MicroScribe device
Disconnect:
disables the MicroScribe device
Calibrate:
MicroScribe device working planes initialization sequence
226
Reference Manual
19.6
Window
Window
This function gives you the possibility of working in single-view or multi-view
window.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
For more information on this subject, consult Simple-view / Multi-view on page
178.
Documents
This part of the menu allows you to move from one open document to another. It lists the
open documents. A check mark precedes the name of the current document.
To move from the one to the other, click on the name of the document you wish to work on.
The combination of the Ctrl-Tab keys allows you to pass quickly from one document to
the other (in the order of appearance on the list).
19.7
Rooms
Amapi Pro does not limit you to use a specific procedure, but it does propose to lead you
through a choice of specific steps, depending on the result you wish to obtain.
A "Room" corresponds to each one of these steps.
The Tool menu gives access to the Rooms. To obtain more details on the use of each one
of them, refer to the paragraph which is devoted to it:
The Modeling Room allows you to build, model and assemble your model (See
Modeling room on page 237).
The Rendering Room is where you will develop textures and lighting (See Rendering
Room on page 421).
The Catalog Room in which you will insert objects or will save your creations (See The
Catalog on page 443).
You can also go from one Room to the other by clicking on the icon
corresponding to the desired Room (on the top right of the screen).
228
Reference Manual
20
Import / Export
20.1
Import
Suffixes
Comments
3D Studio
3ds
Amapi Pro
a3p
Amapi Designer
a3d
DWG
dwg
DXF
dxf
The most well known PC and Mac graphic file type. Used by all the 3D
programs.
IGES
igs
Illustrator 3.0
ai
Open Inventor
iv
CAD format file (was used as a base for the VRML format).
STL
stl
VRML 1/97
wrl
WaveFrontObj
obj
Archicad
Alias / Wavefront
Bryce
Carrara
Electric Image
Maya
Nendo
Poser
Softimage
Vue dEsprit
230
Reference Manual
20.2
Export
Suffixes
Types of supported
objects
Comments
3D Studio
3ds
Polyhedral
Amapi Pro
a3p
Polyhedral
NURBS
Amapi3D files
Amapi Designer
a3d
Polyhedral
NURBS
Carrara Studio
car
Polyhedral
DXF
dxf
Polyhedral
The most well known PC and Mac graphic file type. Used
by all the 3D programs.
DWG
dwg
Polyhedral
IGES
igs
Polyhedral
NURBS
Illustrator
ai
Open Inventor
iv
Polyhedral
NURBS
STL
stl
Polyhedral
VRML 1/97
wrl
Polyhedral
WaveFrontObj
obj
Polyhedral
NURBS
Archicad
Alias / Wavefront
Bryce
Carrara
Electric Image
Maya
Nendo
Poser
Softimage
Vue dEsprit
232
Reference Manual
21
3D Digitizing
Amapi Pro allows you to model using the digitizing devices to create a numeric model from
a physic model. For example, you may use a 3D digitizer to create a car from a model. The
digitizing process is used to create lines or facets and assemble them to realize a complete
model.
21.1
MicroScribe
21.2
Calibration
y
x
z
21.3
The Polyline, Curve, Interpolated curve, and Extract Facets drawing tools allow
you to digitize 3D objects.
Connect the 3D digitizer before using it with these tools and disconnect it to be able to use
the mouse again.
Use the Tools/Peripherals menu to connect, disconnect and calibrate it.
To digitize a line on a 3D object:
234
Reference Manual
7) End the drawing by pressing on the digitizers right pedal or by pressing the Enter key of
the keyboard.
21.4
The AutoPlot mode can be accessed from the preferences dialog Preferences editor on
page 447, allowing you to digitize in continuous mode by moving the digitizers head on the
surface. In this mode, a point is automatically created after the digitizers head covers a
distance defined by the AutoPlot Distance parameter.
A scale factor can be applied to the points generated by the digitizer to make them in a
space which will be consistent with the rest of the scene. Adjust the Scale parameter in the
preferences dialog.
You can have access to this option in the Preferences editor (Alt-P)>Graphic
environment> MicroScribe (see details on page 464).
236
Reference Manual
Modeling room
In the modeling room, Amapi Pro displays only the tools likely to be necessary for
each step of modeling.
That is why they are divided into three palettes:
Each room offers different functions called Tools.
The tools of the modeling room have been separated
into specialized groups of tools called Tools
palettes.
Amapi Pro will display only the tools needed for each
step of work. This is why they have been divided into
three different groups. Each group, called a Palette,
corresponds to a modeling step:
Construction
palette
Modeling
palette
Assembly
palette
240
Reference Manual
22
Basic toolkit
Above each main tools palette, a Toolkit is displayed. It contains tools which are always
available even while using a tool from the main palettes.
Icon
Tool name
Description
See
Move
page 242
Rotate
page 244
Scale
page 248
Stretch
page 252
22.1
Move
22.1.1
By moving the object by hand in the graphic workspace. There are two possible
interfaces:
A short click followed by a cursor motion moves the selection. A second click locks
its position.
A long click allows you to move the selection. It will follow the cursor motion. Just
release the mouse button to lock its position.
You are allowed to give positioning or moving constraints to the cursor with The
constraints (see details on page 191).
By entering new coordinates directly in the data window (see details on page 163).
By using the Remote Control (Ctrl+Shift+Arrow): this edit mode allows a fine
and interactive tuning of the numerical parameters (see details on page 162).
Now, you may move the selection again or leave the tool by putting it beside or by pressing
the Enter key.
242
Reference Manual
22.1.2
When no tool is selected, you can move any object in the scene, even if it is not the current
object (See The concept of selection on page 147).
A long click allows you to move any other object in the scene. That one will follow the
cursor motion. Just release the mouse button to lock its position.
This kind of moving does not allow editable parameters.
22.1.3
Additional information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool can be applied at any DG level. Its effects will
be reflected at the higher levels.
Dynamic Geometry (DG) (see details on page 109).
The cursor motion follows the working plane (see details on page 488)
The motion of the mouse will modify two out of three displayed values (x, y and z) only.
There are several possibilities to modify the third value:
Change the point of view (See The Navigation on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)
Automatic duplication:
If the Ctrl key is pressed while selecting the Move tool, Amapi Pro will automatically generate
a copy of the current object.
Change current object:
This tool allows you to change the current object by using the Change the current object
accessory.
This tool must be distinguished from the Stretch tool (see details on page 252) which
moves the current selection while the Move tool moves the selected object(s).
22.2
Rotate
22.2.1
Methods of rotation
The operation can be made using one of the two following methods. toggle from one to the
other by using both the Alt and Space-Bar keys or by clicking on the corresponding
icon.
22.2.1.1
244
Reference Manual
22.2.1.2
Rotate to align
This method allows you to rotate an object, on its rotation reference point, to align
one point of the object and one point selected in the scene using:
1- click
2- click
1- click
2- Shift+click
22.2.2
A rotation is always done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The two axis that parallels the current view plane the most define the working plane, where
the modeling will be done. The user will have to change the viewpoint to change the
working plane (See The Navigation on page 135).
It is also possible to Working in the view plane (see details on page 169) or to Scene /
orthonormal base toggling (see details on page 171).
22.2.3
22.2.4
Option
description
Local rotation
The complete selection rotates on a unique Each element of the selection rotates on its
rotation point ( ).
own rotation point ( ).
Illustration
22.2.5
The + or - keys will increase or decrease the number of gradations of the rotation
circle.
22.2.6
You can choose to magnetize or not to magnetize the cursor on the rotation circle gradation:
You will toggle from one mode to the other by clicking on the toggle-icon in the options
palette.
Rotation is continuous and follows the cursor movement.
The rotation undergoes an attraction to the gradations of the rotation circle, turning to
each angle of the gradation steps.
When launching the tool, this option is initialized with the current magnetic value of the
grid, controlled by the toggle-icon integrated into the Control panel (See Snapping on
page 174).
246
Reference Manual
22.2.7
Additional information
In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
This tool allows you to change the current object by using the Change the current object
accessory.
22.3
Scale
This tool is used to change the size of the current selection, keeping its original
proportions or distorting it vertically or horizontally (See The concept of
selection on page 147). A scaling percentage, a dimension, a surface or a volume can also
be set.
Original object
by hand, using the object bounding box (click to start the action, move cursor, then
release the mouse button to validate).
Using the Remote Control (Ctrl+Shift+Arrow): This edit mode allows a fine and
interactive tuning of the numerical parameters (see details on page 162).
Not proportional scaling: the manual scaling uses the constraints set by the user. A cursor
movement without any constraint makes a proportional scaling in the three dimensions. But a
cursor movement with constraint (see details on page 250) or values entered through the
keyboard allows a different scaling in the three dimensions.
248
Reference Manual
22.3.1
The reference point is the point the scaling will be made from. Amapi Pro gives the choice
between two points:
The geometric center of the object
The center of the base of its bounding box
Toggle from one to the other by using both the Alt and Space-Bar keys or by clicking on
the corresponding icon.
It is also possible to select a point on the object to define the reference point (See
Customizing the reference point on page 249).
22.3.2
The reference point is the point the scaling will be made from.
It is also possible to select a point on the object to define the reference point. To do this, use
the Change the scale center accessory, then select the point of the scene which will be the
new reference point.
22.3.3
The constraints
Amapi Pro proposes three types of constraints. Toggle from one to the other by using the
icons located in The assistant palette (see details on page 206); or by pressing the SpaceBar
Proportional
scaling
Horizontal
scaling
Vertical
scaling
Editable
parameters
in the graphic
workspace
Editable
parameters
in the parameter
palette
22.3.4
X (Width)
Y (Height)
Z (Depth)
X (Width)
Y (Height)
Z (Depth)
X (Width)
Y (Height)
Z (Depth)
Scale factor
Surface
Volume to reach
Scale factor x
Scale factor y
Scale factor z
Scale factor x
Scale factor y
Scale factor z
Global scaling
Option
description
Illustration
250
Reference Manual
Local scaling
Each element selected is scaled
from its own reference point.
22.3.5
Additional information
This tool allows you to change the current object by using the Change the current object
accessory.
The tool and the clones (See The clones on page 107):
If the current selection is a part of a cloned object, it will be deformed. All its clones will get the same
transformation.
If the current selection is a cloned object, it will not be deformed. None of its clones will be
transformed
22.4
Stretch
The Stretch tool allows you to move the current selection (facets, edges and/or
points). The selected objects will be distorted depending on the cursor movement
(See The concept of selection on page 147).
22.4.1
The selection
The elements have been selected (facets, edges and/or points) before picking up the
tool or the selection was changed inside the tool: a click in the graphic workspace will
start the stretch action.
The elements have not been selected (facets, edges and/or points) on the current
object(s): before starting the action, a click in the graphic workspace will start the
selection of the closest elements corresponding to the selectable entity (See The
selectable entities on page 149).
252
Reference Manual
22.4.2
Illustration:
Editable
parameters
Move x
Move y
Move z
Length
22.4.3
NURBS objects have a Dynamic Geometry level corresponding to their control polygon.
When working at that Dynamic Geometry level, the Stretch tool will work just like on
polygonal models but on the control polygon and not on the object itself.
(See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96)
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
Polygonal object
Stretch a point
on a polygonal object
Stretch a point
on a polygonal object
254
Reference Manual
NURBS object
and its control polygon
Stretch a point
on the control polygon
of a NURBS object
Stretch a point
on the control polygon
of a NURBS object
22.4.4
22.4.5
The Stretch tool allows you to control the depth of a cut made with thePunch tool.
22.4.6
The Stretch tool allows you to edit the tangents of the NURBS curves to modify
the shape of a curve after it is built. To do this,
Select the tangent control accessory.
Click on the curve at the place you wish to modify it.
A line depicting the tangent appears.
.
These tangents are temporary and will not be saved when leaving the tool.
22.4.7
Additional information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool is an editor-tool able to edit the first DG level by
carrying out topological modifications. Their effects will show at higher levels.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
Automatic duplication:
If the Ctrl key is pressed while picking up the tool, Amapi Pro will automatically duplicate the
entire objects selection. The tool action will then apply to this copy
The motion of the cursor follows the working plane (see details on page 488)
The motion of the mouse will modify two out of three displayed values (x, y and z) only.
There are several possibilities to modify the third value:
Change the point of view (See The Navigation on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)
While using this tool, the gradated axis of the orthonormal base (X is red, Y is green and Z is
blue) will be displayed. They will help to make accurate positioning and can work together with
the cursor movement and position constraints (See The constraints on page 191).
This tool must be distinguished from the Move tool (see details on page 242) which moves
the selected object(s) while the Stretch moves the current selection.
The tool and the clones (See The clones on page 107): If the current selection is a part of a
cloned object, it will be deformed. All its clones will undergo the same transformation.
256
Reference Manual
23
Construction Palette
This tools palette contains the tools used to draw the shapes that will be the modeling base.
Icon
Tool name
Description
See
Line drawing
page 258
page 277
Extract Lines
This tool creates curve(s) from points selected on the current object or
existing objects of the scene.
page 300
Extract Facets
page 304
Sweep
The basic use of this tool is to create sweeped shapes from curves.
however, it can also extrude facets, edges or points
page 307
Double-Sweep
page 321
Ruled Surface
This tool lets you create a skin tightened between two or more 2D or
3D curves.
page 324
Coons Surface
page 331
Gordon surface
page 334
Manifold
This tool creates a volume from NURBS surfaces which will define the
future volume
page 336
23.1
This tool displays a sub-tools palette which allows you to quickly build many 3D
shapes.
These shapes are called primitives as they will often be used as building blocks for the
construction of your models.
Sphere, cube, cone, cylinder are examples of primitives.
Click on the icon depicting the desired primitive then follow the specific instructions.
258
Reference Manual
For most surface and volume primitives, the creation can be done in polygonal
mode or in NURBS mode. It must be specified if an object will be polygonal or
NURBS while creating it (See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96). Amapi Pro
displays a toggle-icon in order to switch from one construction mode to the other. Check that
the button corresponding to the desired mode is selected. If not, click on it or use the
(Ctrl+B) shortcut.
This palette can be floating or fixed.
This option can be found in the Preferences editor> User interface> Palettes display> Subtools floating palette display (see details on page 455).
If the palette is floating, it can be relocated, reoriented and locked/unlocked:
23.1.1
Cube
Amapi Pro offers several methods to create a cube. It can be created by setting its
center or its base. You will be able to choose between two NURBS cube construction
modes. It is also easy to create a rectangular parallelepiped.
23.1.1.1
Creation Methods
Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.
Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace
Reference Manual
Vertical rectangle
parallelepiped
Radius X
260
Horizontal rectangle
parallelepiped
Radius Y
Cube
Radius X
Radius Y
Radius Z
Radius X
Radius Y
Radius Z
Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace
Editable
parameters
in the parameter
palette
23.1.1.2
Horizontal rectangle
parallelepiped
d
|d|
Dimension x
|d|
Dimension (d)
Dimension x
Dimension y
Dimension z
Vertical rectangle
parallelepiped
Dimension y
Cube
Dimension x
Dimension y
Dimension z
NURBS cubes
If you are working in the NURBS construction mode (see details on page 98) Amapi Pro
offers you two options for NURBS cube construction.
NURBS cube
(NURBS BREP with six faces)
NURBS pole-cube
(NURBS BREP with only one surface)
23.1.1.3
Additional information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool adds a DG level of which the label is
depending on the object type.
A polyhedral Cube will generate a first DG level labeled
A NURBS cube will generate a first DG level labeled
labeled
Polyhedral volume
polyhedral volume and a second level
Poly-NURBS
NURBS volume
The cursor movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)
262
Reference Manual
23.1.2
Sphere
Amapi Pro offers several methods to create a sphere. It can be created by setting its
center or its base. It is also possible to easily create an ellipsoid and set the number of
points of the generated mesh. Finally, geodesic spheres can be built.
23.1.2.1
Creation Methods
Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.
Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace
Horizontal ellipsoid
r
r
Radius X
Radius X
Radius Y
Radius Z
Vertical ellipsoid
Radius Y
Sphere
Radius X
Radius Y
Radius Z
Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace
Editable
parameters
in the parameter
palette
23.1.2.2
Horizontal ellipsoid
|d|
|d|
Diameter x
Diameter (d)
Diameter x
If d<0, the sphere will Diameter y
be drawn below the
Diameter z
base point
Vertical ellipsoid
Diameter y
Sphere
Diameter x
Diameter y
Diameter z
Geodesic spheres
Several options are available. toggle from one to the other by clicking on the corresponding
icon or by using both the Alt and Space-Bar keys.
pole-sphere
(default option)
264
Reference Manual
Geodesic sphere
based on a cube
Geodesic sphere
based on
an icosahedron
Geodesic sphere
based on
an octahedron
23.1.2.3
Once the sphere is drawn, Amapi Pro suggests setting the number of points that define the
sphere. The greater is the number of points, the smoother is the sphere. The tuning can be
made with the +/- keys.
No points=8
No points=7
23.1.2.4
No points=9
Additional information
Only the pole-sphere can be built in NURBS. The geodesic spheres are only polygonal
shapes.
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool generates a DG label depending on the type
of sphere:
The polygonal spheres are labeled
Polygonal volume.
The NURBS pole-sphere generates a NURBS volume, controlled by a polygonal volume. Thus, it
adds two DG levels labeled
Polygonal volume.
The cursor movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)
23.1.3
Cone
This tool allows you to quickly create a cone. First of all, the position and dimensions
of the base will be set, then the height and finally the section size. A cone can be
eventually truncated; to do this, give a non null value to the last section radius. The +/- keys
allow you to quickly tune the number of intermediate sections and the number of points
defining the sections. Then, Amapi Pro will suggest closing the openings before validating
the operation.
This tool builds grid structure objects (see details on page 106).
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):
The polygonal cone adds a first DG level labeled
Polyhedral volume.
The NURBS cone generates a NURBS volume, controlled by a grid Structure. Thus, it adds two DG
levels labeled
Grid Structure.
At the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
266
Reference Manual
23.1.4
Cylinder
Polyhedral volume.
A NURBS Cylinder generates a NURBS volume controlled by a Grid-structure; adds two DG levels
labeled
Grid-structure.
At the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
23.1.5
Tetrahedron
23.1.6
Octahedron
23.1.7
Icosahedron
268
Reference Manual
23.1.8
Dodecahedron
23.1.8.1
Creation Methods
Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.
Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace
Horizontal Dodecahedron
Vertical Dodecahedron
Radius y
Dodecahedron
r
r
Radius X
Radius X
Radius Y
Radius Z
Radius X
Radius Y
Radius Z
Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace
d
Diameter X
23.1.8.2
Horizontal Dodecahedron
Diameter X
Diameter Y
Diameter Z
Vertical Dodecahedron
Diameter y
Dodecahedron
Diameter X
Diameter Y
Diameter Z
Additional information
The tool and the Dynamic Geometry (DG) This tool generates a first DG level which is labeled
depending on the type of object generated :
A platonic Polygonal shape will generate a first DG level labeled
A platonic NURBS shape will generate a first DG level labeled
level labeled
Polygonal volume
Polygonal volume and a second
Poly-NURB.
270
Reference Manual
At the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
23.1.9
Height-Fields
This tool allows you to convert a 2D image into a 3D object, the different heights
and altitudes dependant on the colors of the image.
1) The tool requires you to draw the grid that will be transformed as a relief (See Grid on
page 273).
4) The tuning of the maximum altitude is made by using the + or - keys or by entering a
value in the parameter palette (See Editing the parameters on page 162).
This tool builds grid structure objects (see details on page 106) (See The objects with a gridstructure (Quad mesh) on page 106).
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):
This tool adds a DG level labeled
page 109).
272
Reference Manual
23.1.10 Grid
Height
of a cell
Use the Grid tool to create a flat mesh. Amapi Pro asks you to set the origin (a
corner), then to set the dimensions of one cell. Finally, you will enter the number of
cells needed in height (V) and in width (U).
Width of a cell
This tool builds grid structure objects (see details on page 106).
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):
A polygonal grid adds a first DG level labeled
Grid-structure.
A NURBS grid generates a NURBS volume controlled by a Grid-structure; adds two DG levels:
Level 2 :
NURBS volume
Level 1 :
Grid Structure
At the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
Only complete grids are generated. If a cell (or facet) size is 10 X 10, the entire grid size will be
a multiple of 10, such as 180 X 50, but never 182 X 47.
23.1.11 Text
The Text tool allows you to insert editable 3D text into a scene, and has several
parameters to customize its graphic appearance.
When using this tool, set the text positions first point (See Alignment on page 276), by
entering the coordinates in the parameter palette or by clicking on the graphic workspace.
Then select the parameters by filling or checking the boxes in the dialog box.
Text
Enter the text in the text box
Text: Hello
Font
Select a font from the list of choices
Font: Times new roman
Bold
Check this box to generate bold text
Font: Times new roman Bold
Italic
Check this box to generate italic text
Font: Times new roman Italic
Outline only
When checking this box, Amapi Pro
will only draw the text outline. This
option is the opposite of the filled text.
Specific case: A text without depth but
but only with an outline is a curve.
274
Reference Manual
NURBS
Check this box to generate NURBS
objects.
Polygonal text
NURBS text
Scale
This parameter allows you to tune the
size of the text
Text size before the scale downsizing
Depth
Enter the text depth in this area.
A text with a zero depth is a flat text.
Depth at zero
Bevel
Choose to bevel or not the text letters.
Beveled text
Smoothing
Set the smoothing range (default =2).
Smoothing range = 2
Smoothing range = 8
Alignment
Check the icon corresponding to the
choice of alignment (on left, centered
or on right). The alignment will be
made from where the text position's
first point was set when entering the
tool.
Left
alignment
Centered
Right
alignment
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool adds a DG level labeled as
Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
Text (See
276
Reference Manual
23.2
Line drawing
This tool displays a sub-tools palette with several kinds of 2D or 3D lines that can
be quickly and easily drawn. The curves created from these lines will be used as a
building base for the construction of your models (See Curves on page 91).
Click on the icon depicting the desired primitive then follow the instructions.
278
Reference Manual
23.2.1
Rectangle / Square
23.2.1.1
The constraints
Click on an icon to put a constraint on the cursors movement or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other:
Vertical constraint
Width
Width
Editable Width
parameters Height
in the parameter
palette
Opposite corner x
Opposite corner y
Opposite corner z
23.2.1.2
Horizontal constraint
Height
Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace
Height
No constraint
Width
Height
Width
Height
Opposite corner x
Opposite corner y
Opposite corner z
Opposite corner x
Opposite corner y
Opposite corner z
Draw a square
23.2.1.3
Additional information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool creates a DG where the labeling depends on
the type of desired object:
A Polyhedral Rectangle / Square will create a first DG level labeled
A NURBS Rectangle / Square will create a first DG level labeled
labeled
Polyline.
Polyline and a second level
Polyline
The cursor is movement is done on the orthogonal plane which orientation is the most
perpendicular to the eye - target point axis (See Viewpoint on page 137)
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)
In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
280
Reference Manual
23.2.2
Circle
Amapi Pro has two methods to create a circle. It can be created by setting its center
or by setting its base. Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction
option or press both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.
With this tool, it is also easy to create an ellipse and set the number of points for the object
definition.
23.2.2.1
Creation Methods
Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace
Horizontal movement
(Horizontal ellipse)
r
Radius
Vertical movement
(Vertical ellipse)
Radius Y
Free movement
(Circle)
Radius X
Radius X
Radius Y
Radius X
Radius Y
Editable
parameters
in the parameter
palette
23.2.2.2
Diameter
Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace
Horizontal movement
(Horizontal ellipse)
Diameter (d)
Diameter x
Diameter x
Diameter y
Vertical movement
(Vertical ellipse)
Diameter y
Free movement
(Circle)
Diameter x
Diameter y
Once the circle is drawn, Amapi Designer allows you to set the number of points defining it.
The greater the number of points, the smoother the circle. The tuning can be made with the
+/- keys.
Nb points=4
282
Reference Manual
Nb points=8
Nb points=16
23.2.2.3
Additional information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool generates a DG labeling which depends on
the kind of circle:
The polygonal circles are labeled
Polyline.
The NURBS circle generates a NURBS curve, controlled by a polyline. Thus, it adds two DG levels
labeled
Polyline.
In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
23.2.3
Arc
Amapi Pro has several methods to create arcs. Check the number of points defining
the arc before releasing the tool.
23.2.3.1
Creation Methods
Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.
1- Center
2- Start-Radius
3- Angle
1- Start
2- Center-Radius
3- Angle
1- Start
2- End
3- Middle
1- Start
2- End
3- Center-Radius
1- Start
2- End
3- Tangent
3
3
2
3
1
3
2
1
2
3
2
Possibility
to reverse the arc
The setting order is shown by the color code of the points in the icons:
1st point (or dimension) to be set: Red
2nd point (or dimension) to be set: Green
3rd point (or dimension) to be set: Blue
23.2.3.2
Amapi Pro provides three options to connect or not to connect the current
arc to the current selection. Click on the icon corresponding to the desired
option or press both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.
284
Reference Manual
23.2.3.3
Once the arc is drawn, Amapi Pro suggests that you set the number of points defining the
arc. The greater the number of points, the smoother the arc. The tuning can be made with the
+/- keys.
No points=3
23.2.3.4
No points=4
No points=6
Additional information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool generates two DG levels:
Level #2: Arc (labeled
Arc)
Parameter(s)).
If a composite connection has been made, the tool adds a third DG level labeled
connection.
Composite
In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
23.2.4
Polyline
23.2.4.1
Do not Connect
Connect
to the end of the curve
Connect
to the beginning of the
curve
Illustration
Latest drawn
curve
Beginning
New polyline
First point
of the new
polyline
Editable x,y,z
parameters (point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)
End
x,y,z
x,y,z
(point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)
(point coordinates)
drawing on page 287)
Accessories Close
Close
Close
(see details on page 287) (see details on page 287) (see details on page 287)
286
Reference Manual
23.2.4.2
Freehand drawing
23.2.4.3
23.2.4.4
Additional information
Polyline.
If a composite connection was made the tool adds a second DG level labeled
connection.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
Composite
The validation ignores the last displayed segment attached to the cursor.
In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
The cursor movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)
288
Reference Manual
23.2.5
Interpolated curve
23.2.5.1
Do not Connect
Editable x,y,z
parameters (point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)
Connect
to the end of the curve
x,y,z
(point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
Connect
to the beginning of the
curve
x,y,z
(point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)
Accessories Close
Close
Close
(see details on page 287) (see details on page 287) (see details on page 287)
23.2.5.2
Freehand drawing
Cursor path
Generated control polygon
Generated curve
23.2.5.3
At the end of the drawing, Amapi Pro suggests that you set a range. It corresponds to the
number of segments generated between two nodal points (See NURBS Curve on page 99).
The greater the number of points, the smoother the curve. The tuning can be made with the
Ctrl + or Ctrl - keys.
Points of the control polygon
(defined by the user)
Points generated between
two control points
23.2.5.4
23.2.5.5
290
Reference Manual
Open curve
Closed curve
23.2.5.6
Additional information
The validation ignores the last displayed segment attached to the cursor.
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool generates two DG levels:
Level #1: The control polyline (labeled
Level #2: The curve ((labeled
Polyline).
Interpolated curve)
If a composite connection was made the tool adds a second DG level labeled
Composite
connection.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
The cursor movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)
23.2.6
Curve
23.2.6.1
Do not Connect
Editable x,y,z
parameters (point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)
Connect
to the end of the curve
x,y,z
(point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
Connect
to the beginning of the
curve
x,y,z
(point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)
Accessories Close
Close
Close
(see details on page 287) (see details on page 287) (see details on page 287)
23.2.6.2
Freehand drawing
292
Reference Manual
Cursor path
Generated control polygon
Generated curve
23.2.6.3
At the end of the drawing, Amapi Pro suggests that you set a range. It corresponds to the
number of segments generated between two nodal points (see details on page 99). The
greater the number of points, the smoother the curve. The tuning can be made with the Ctrl
+ or Ctrl - keys.
Points of the control polygon
(defined by the user)
Nodal points of the NURBS curve
(set by the program)
Points generated between
two nodal points
23.2.6.4
23.2.6.5
23.2.6.6
Open curve
Closed curve
Additional information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool generates two DG levels:
Level #1: The control polyline (labeled
Level #2: The curve ((labeled
Polyline).
NURBS curve)
If a composite connection was made the tool adds a second DG level labeled
Composite
connection.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
The validation ignores the last displayed segment attached to the cursor.
In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
The cursor movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)
294
Reference Manual
23.2.7
Helix
23.2.7.1
Use
Beginning Radius
Ending Radius
Step #3:
Ending radius
Helix total height
Step #4:
Number of spirals
Number of edges (+/- keys)
Step #5:
Press the Enter key or release the tool to validate.
23.2.7.2
The constraints
Click on an icon to put a constraint on the cursors movement or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other:
Free movement
(Helix)
23.2.7.3
Horizontal movement
(Spiral)
Vertical movement
(Circular Helix)
To select the path of the helix, click on the icon corresponding to the desired option or press
both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.
Counter-clockwise path
296
Reference Manual
Clockwise path
23.2.7.4
Do not connect
Connect
to the end of the curve
Connect
to the beginning of the
curve
Illustration
Latest drawn
curve
Start
New polyline
First point
of the new
polyline
Editable x,y,z
parameters (point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)
End
x,y,z
x,y,z
(point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)
(point coordinates)
drawing on page 287)
Accessories Close
Close
Close
(see details on page 287) (see details on page 287) (see details on page 287)
23.2.8
Symmetry
The Symmetry accessory can be used to obtain the mirror image of a curve.
Amapi Pro automatically draws the mirrored curve, connected to the current curve,
onto the selected orthogonal plane. Note that the curve must be drawn in the right direction
to get the expected symmetry.
23.2.8.1
Click on an icon to put a constraint on the cursors movement or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other:
Vertical
Symmetry plan
Horizontal
Symmetry plan
Mirroring onto a
vertical plan
Curve to be mirrored
Mirroring onto an
horizontal plan
23.2.8.2
Connections options
298
Reference Manual
Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other:
Connect
to the end of the
curve
Editable
parameters
x,y,z
(plane position)
Connect
to the beginning
of the curve
Symmetry plan
Symmetry plan
Do not connect
x,y,z
(plane position)
x,y,z
x,y,z
(plane position)
(plane position)
The symmetry of a NURBS, a composite curve or an arc creates composite curve (the curve to
be mirrored and its mirrored image).
(See Composite (curve) on page 482).
23.2.9
End
Start
End
23.3
Extract Lines
The Extract Lines tool allows you to create one or several lines from points of any
objects in the scene.
Amapi Pro has several drawing methods as options. Click on the icon corresponding to the
desired construction option or press both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one
option to the other.
Depending on the desired option, Amapi Pro will create an object or a group of objects
(curve type):
Creating a curve from existing points in the scene
immediately creates an object (see details on page 300).
Automatic extraction of openings
immediately creates an object or a group of objects (see details on page 301).
Object edges extraction
immediately creates a group of objects (see details on page 301).
Extracting U and V curves from objects with a grid structure
immediately creates two groups of objects (see details on page 302).
Extract a part of a line
immediately creates an object (see details on page 302).
To leave the tool, release it or press the Enter key.
23.3.1
23.3.1.1
Creation methods
Creating a curve from existing points in the scene
300
Reference Manual
23.3.1.2
Click
Click
Object with its highlighted
opening curves
23.3.1.3
Lasso
23.3.1.4
Group of V curves
extracted from a cylinder
Group of U curves
extracted from a cylinder
For NURBS surfaces, this accessory allows you to extract any isoparametric curve in U or
in V.
V.
23.3.1.5
23.3.2
This tool is able to generate either NURBS or polygonal lines. The nature of the line
depends on both:
the nature of the current object (See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96)
the current construction mode (See What is a polyhedral model? on page 97)
302
Reference Manual
23.3.3
Additional information
The cursor movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)
23.4
Extract Facets
The Extract Facets tool allows you to create an object made up of one or several
facets which can be drawn according to the selected method. Click on the icon
corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt and Space-Bar
keys to toggle from one option to the other.
The facets of the object will be drawn, one at a time, following the corresponding
instructions of the selected option (See Creation methods on page 304). It is possible to
change the creation option while drawing. After the last facet has been drawn, release the
tool or press the Enter key to validate the action.
The creation of polygonal facets creates polyhedral objects.
The extraction of closures or facets on a NURBS surface creates NURBS facets.
23.4.1
23.4.1.1
Creation methods
Creating a facet from existing points in the scene
Click
23.4.1.2
Click
Click
Click
304
Click
Reference Manual
1- Click
2- Click
3- Shift-Click
23.4.1.3
Click
Click
Object with
its facet closures
Click
When the current object is a NURBS object, the
closure creates a NURBS facet.
23.4.1.4
Creating a facet
from a curve
Facets extraction
Lasso
facets.
The selection is made with the custom lasso accessory
(See The Personalized Lasso Selection on page 153).
In
"facet"
mode
(default),
selected
facets are extracted
directly.
The tool creates a set
of facets.
Selection
Generated facets
Selection
Generated facet
In
"edge"
mode,
selected edges are
used to build a single
facet.
23.4.2
23.4.3
The "Facet" tool allows you to create one or several facets with several methods defined by
the available options.
By default, the new facets will be automatically added to the current object.
For each click on the "Create a new object" accessory, Amapi Pro creates a new
object which will contain all the facets created afterwards.
306
Reference Manual
23.4.4
Additional information
The options Creating a facet from existing points in the scene and Draw in the 3D space have
shortcuts:
The right mouse click is a shortcut for the option Facets extraction (see details on page 305).
The Apply to all accessory automatically generates all the facet closures corresponding to the
openings (See Automatic creation of facet closures on page 305).
This accessory shortcut is the A key
The Extract Facets tool creates only one object per session.
It is possible to separate the facets afterwards by using the tool Cut (see details on page 354).
The generated facets create a new object. Use the tool Weld (see details on page 403) to
merge it with another object of the scene.
If used on NURBS objects, the Extract Facets tool will create only polygonal facets.
23.5
Sweep
The sweep tool is used to make tubular shapes, that is why we will call these objects
Tubes. This powerful tool will allow you to create, with options, more complex
objects which do not look anything like tubes.
You can choose between several intermediate section orientation options (see details
on page 317) and the possibility to increase or decrease progressively the size of the
sections using only one operation.
To finish, it is possible to close or not to close the openings (see details on page 318)
when working from a closed curve.
23.5.1
Amapi Pro has several tubing options that can be mixed together (See The options on
page 315). The use of the section and the profile will be different depending on the selected
option. This must be known before drawing the section and/or the profile.
An Extrusion
A Sweeping
Tubular shape
the sections are concentric
and parallel one another
Tubular shape
with a constant section
along a profile
Profile
Profile
base section
base section
308
Reference Manual
23.5.1.1
Their state
A base section can be one of the following entities (See The selectable entities on
page 149):
a closed or open line object (See Line drawing on page 277)
a point on a polyhedral surface (NURBS surfaces have no points)
an edge on a surface
a facet on a polyhedral surface (It is not possible to sweep a NURBS surface).
As opposed to the specialized selection accessories detailed in the selection palette,
the Select all entities accessory allows you to select either facets, edges or points
(See The selectable entities on page 149).
Their quantity
It is possible to Sweep several sections along a same profile at the same time.
The base section is selected when the tool is picked up (See Selection on page 147).
This option allows you to clone or not the profiles of a sweeping of multiple sections
(several sections are selected). (See The clones on page 107).
Examples
... a line
... points
on a surface
... edges
on a surface
... facets
on a surface
Extruded
sweep...
Profiled
sweep...
23.5.1.2
The section and the profile can be open or closed curves, but their shape and their orientation
are determining. What is more, their role is different depending on the desired option (See
The options on page 315). Think about this before drawing the section and/or the profile.
Profile
(open curve)
base section
(open curve)
Profile
(open curve)
base section
(closed curve)
Profile
(closed curve)
base section
(open curve)
Profile
(closed curve)
base section
(closed curve)
310
Reference Manual
An Extrusion
A Sweeping
23.5.2
23.5.2.1
Use
Before using the sweeping mode, an open or closed profile must be drawn with a Line
drawing sub-tool (see details on page 277).
The section(s) must be selected before entering the Sweep tool, then just click on the
profile curve. Amapi Pro has several sweeping options. Click on the icon corresponding to
the desired option or press both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to
the other.
Extruded tube
base section to
be swept along a
profile
Irregular sweep
Regular sweep
Sweep with
parallel sections
23.5.2.2
The notion of snapping exists only when sweeping along an existing profile.
The result obtained is directly depending of the snapping point.
Its action is different:
The case of an extruded tube (see details on page 312)
The case of a swept tube (see details on page 313)
Points de calages
superposs
Section de
base
Profile
Snap points
Section de
base
312
Reference Manual
Points de calage
section
Profile
Snap point
base section
Intermediate sections
positioned along the profile
The profile and the section share a common point (snapping point):
The snapping will be at the geometric center of the profile.
Profile
Snap point
base section
23.5.3
23.5.3.1
Freehand sweeping
Use
With this kind of construction, which is much more intuitive, no profile need previously be
drawn. Each tube segment is displayed as soon as a new profile segment is created. With this
method, it is possible to mix extruded segments and swept segments.
Freehand sweeping
The validation ignores the last displayed segment attached to the cursor.
314
Reference Manual
23.5.3.2
The options
Extruded tubing
Swept tubing
23.5.3.3
The constraints
Click on an icon to put a constraint on the cursor movement or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other:
Free movement
(Free tubing)
Horizontal constraint
(Radial tubing)
The height of the segment is
null (h=0).
The cursor movement controls
only the section size (l).
Vertical constraint
(Axial tubing)
The current profile segment is
oriented along the axis of the
previous profile segment ( =0).
The cursor movement controls
only the height of the segment
(h).
Free extrusion
l
h
Free sweeping
316
Reference Manual
23.5.3.4
When using the Swept tubing (See The options on page 315), Amapi Pro has an
additional step after the validation of the drawing. This is to select the option for the
orientation of the section. Click on the icon corresponding to the desired option or press both
the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other
Irregular sweep
Regular sweep
23.5.4
When using the Swept tubing (See The options on page 315) (See Sweeping with the
profile already drawn on page 311), Amapi Pro allows you to control the progressive
scaling of all the sections. The tuning can be done with the +/- keys. Then, validate by
pressing the Enter key or by releasing the tool.
23.5.5
If the base section is a closed curve, Amapi Pro proposes closing the openings (See Open /
closed objects on page 94).
To close them, click on the highlighted openings.
An icon allows you to automatically close all the openings of the sweeping.
23.5.6
Simplified display
When building a tube from several base sections, the display screen can be overloaded and it
might be better to simplify the display. That is why Amapi Pro has a Simplified display
accessory.
Full display
Simplified display
23.5.7
This option makes it possible to visualize the axis of the orthonormal local base
related to the sweeping in progress. These reference marks allow, as for traditional
layouts of lines, to carry out a snapping on the graduations and to better visualize direction
of displacement.
23.5.8
Sweep by Block
The sweep by block applies only to the sweeping of a selection of adjacent facets. When this
option is not activated, the sweeping makes as many tubes as of selected facets each one
being perpendicular to its facet.
318
Reference Manual
When it is activated, the adjacent facets are joined together in only one block which preserves the form of the group of facets. To use it, it is necessary to select several adjacent facets by an edge then to select the this option and finally to launch the sweeping (Enter key).
23.5.9
If the current selection is a NURBS surface or a BREP, you will be able to work starting
from the edge outlines or to trim by freehand as in the example below where the sweeping
uses the cutting edge as a base section
Original surface
cut by a circle
Sweeping edge
based on the edge
In this case, the edge section is divided by the two surfaces. Thus, if this curve is modified,
the two surfaces will be modified as in the example below:
In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) to set a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursor positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
320
Reference Manual
23.6
Double-Sweep
The Double-Sweep tool allows you to create complex shapes quickly from a base
section and two profiles. This way, you can create surfaced or volumetric tubes, that
can be asymmetrical or have different shapes at their ending sections.
Profiles
(open curves)
base section
(closed curve)
Profiles
(closed curves)
base section
(open curves)
base section
(closed curve)
Profiles
(closed curves)
Profiles
(closed curves)
base section
(closed curve)
23.6.1
Use
1) Create a base section and two profiles under the following conditions:
The section can be an open or a closed curve (See Open / closed objects on
page 94).
Both profiles must be either closed or open (See Open / closed objects on page 94).
Each profile must share a common point with the section.
The two profiles must not share the same common point with the section.
2) The base section must be the current object (See The selection accessories on
page 148).
3) Click on the icon showing the tool Double-Sweep in the construction palette.
4) Click on each profile, one after another.
5) If the object has openings (See Open / closed objects on page 94), Amapi Pro will
allow you to close them by clicking on those that you would like to close.
6) Release the tool by pressing the Enter key to validate the operation.
23.6.2
It is possible to choose the way in which a surface is generated compared to the section. If
the section is not located in a plane perpendicular to the profiles, the tool can either create a
surface by positioning the section perpendicular to the profiles or create a surface while conserving the original position of the profile.
Section perpendicular
to profiles
Construction curves
before Double-Sweep
322
Reference Manual
23.6.3
Additional information
For a better quality, the two profiles should have the same number of segments. If not,
Amapi Pro will add more segments to the profile with less segments to do the operation in the
best conditions.
What about the curves used for the construction?
There are two cases:
When working using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on page 109):
The curves used for the construction will be the first DG level. They will be editable by
the tools which modify the topology. The effects of the transformations will be automatically
transmitted to the finished object (See Editing a DG level on page 123).
When working without using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on
page 109): The curves used for the construction will be automatically hidden after
releasing the tool. They can be shown again using the Unhide tool (See Hide, Show on
page 184).
23.7
Ruled Surface
This tool is used to create a skin between curves or edges (in NURBS mode) frontires. A simple illustration of a ruled surface would be the wing of an airplane. The
structural members of the wing represent the curves, and the skin (wings surface) is the
mesh linking these curves together.
You also can make a Tangential connection of NURBS surfaces using the edges of these
surfaces. In this type of connection, a curve border belonging to two objects is shared by the
two surfaces in dynamic geometry. You can thus edit this curve and the modifications will
be applied to the two surfaces.
324
Reference Manual
23.7.1
1) Create a set of curves proceeding as follows before picking up the Ruled Surface tool.
4) If the borders are edges (in NURBS mode), you can make a Tangential connection (see
details on page 326).
23.7.2
Tangential connection
This type of connection makes it possible to connect the ruled surface tangentially to an edge
of a NURBS surface. You can also use a cut (trimming) or the external edges of a NURBS
surface.
The tangential connections options are available only if the NURBS mode has been activated
(See Change the construction mode on page 96).
326
Reference Manual
23.7.2.1
A handler will make it possible to indicate, for each border, the adjacent surface the
connection will need to be tangential to, as well as the direction of the connection.
The selection will be made by a simple click on the handler arrow which approaches the
orientation of the desired surface connection the most.
A red arrow identifies the tangential connection.
By clicking again on this arrow, the user will cancel the tangential characteristic of the
connection.
Border #2
Border #1
Border #2
Border #1
Connections
non tangential on the border #1
tangential on the left on the border #2
Border #2
Border #1
Connections
tangential on the left on the border #1
tangential on the left on the border #2
If the border is common to several faces, the user will have to click on the handler arrow
which approaches the orientation of the desired surface of the face to be connected
tangentially.
Border #2
Border #1
Border #2
Connections
tangential on the top on the border #1
non tangential on the border #2
Border #2
Border #
Border #1
Connections
tangential on the right on the border #1
non tangential on the border #2
328
Reference Manual
Connections
tangential on the top on the border #1
tangential on the bottom on the border #2
23.7.2.2
The connection handler will make it possible to graphically tune the tension of the tangential
connection. The length of the arrow is proportional to the tension. The setting will be done
as the follows:
23.7.2.3
When making a ruled surface between NURBS curves, Amapi Pro creates a NURBS surface
where U degree is given by the degree of the curves but where the V degree is undefined.
The degree per default depends on the number of borders as well as the nature of the
connection (tangential or not):
Minimum degree = number of borders + number of tangential connections -1.
23.7.3
It is sometimes necessary to close the ruled surface by using the first curve as the last
curve. For this, after having validated the second to last curve, click on this option
and the first curve will be added to the surface in order to close it.
23.7.4
Curve Inversion
The Ruled Surface tool takes into account the direction of the curve. The generated
surface might therefore appear twisted if all the curves are not in the same direction.
The Curve Inversion accessory enables you to obtain a better result as it will reverse the
direction of the last indicated curve. You will obtain the same effect by pressing on the
Space-Bar.
23.7.5
In NURBS mode, the user will be able to choose to align the first points of closed borders in
U or V. This option can solve the problems of twisted ruled surfaces.
Does not align the first border points.
Aligns the first border points.
23.7.6
Additional information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool adds a DG level labeled
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
Ruled_Surface
330
Reference Manual
23.8
Coons Surface
This tool generates a surface from connected curves, snapped by the end points with
the adjacent ones drawing a closed perimeter. These curves can be edges of NURBS
surfaces that makes it possible to create surfaces of connection between several adjacent surfaces by a point.
.
Amapi Pro allows you to pick up the tool only if there is at least one curve or an open volume in
the scene.
23.8.1
Surface creation
The tool can work in two different modes. Select the icon showing the desired mode:
Manual Coons mode
Automatic Coons mode
1) Create a set of curves under the following conditions before picking up the Coons
Surface tool.
The curves must be connected (See Connected curves: Connected curves are several
curves, where a curve has one end exactly superimposed with one end of another
curve. on page 91).
There are no limits for the number of curves.
332
Reference Manual
23.8.2
Tangential connection
This type of connection makes it possible to connect a Coons surface tangentially to a border
of a NURBS surface.
Connection options are offered only if the user has enabled the NURBS operating mode (See
Change the construction mode on page 96).
23.8.3
Additional information
23.9
Gordon surface
This tool is used to create a surface using a network of 3D curves. The surface is
generated along the longitudinal and latitudinal curves.
23.9.1
Surface creation
1) Create a set of curves under the following conditions before picking up the Gordon
surface tool.
All the longitudinal curves must have their ends connected to one point of the
latitudinal curves (and vice versa) to create a net.
It must not be a curve that will be longitudinal and latitudinal at the same time (See
Curves on page 91).
All curves going in the same direction (longitudinal or latitudinal) must either be
closed or opened (See Open / closed objects on page 94).
334
Reference Manual
23.9.2
Additional information
23.10 Manifold
This tool is used to create a closed volume from NURBS surfaces which will define
the future volume.
(See Surfaces / Volumes on page 92)
(See Open / closed objects on page 94)
(See The NURBS models on page 98)
The selection of the surface-limits will be made either before or while using the tool.
To change the selection while using the tool is known as the inverse selection principle
(See Single object selection on page 151).
The volume will be created when the Enter key is pressed, thus validating the selection of
the surface-limits.
Surfaces-limits
Generated volume
An option allows you to generate or not the internal surfaces of the resulting volume.
336
Reference Manual
338
Reference Manual
24
Modeling palette
This tools palette contains the tools used to model the objects.
Icon
Tool name
Description
See
Smooth
This tool is used to control the number of facets defining a surface and the
number of points defining a curve and to give them a smoother aspect.
page 340
Chamfer
This tool allows you to create internal or external bevels, depending on the
orientation of the model edges
page 347
Thickness/Offset
page 351
Cut
Proposes several methods to cut one or several objects at the same time.
page 354
Delete
This tool allows you to delete one or several elements (facet, edge or point)
from the selected objects.
page 364
Tesselate
page 367
Deform
This tool lets you apply several kinds of deformations on the current
selection proposed as options.
page 374
Bend
page 379
Mold
This tool allows you to pull on the current selection so that the points
located in the influence area are moved with an inertia effect.
page 382
Bump/Soften
This tool allows you to work on the surface bump of the current selection.
page 385
24.1
Smooth
When working with Dynamic Geometry, the smoothing adds a DG level to the object,
allowing the smoothing to be editable.
That is to say, if the current object is already smoothed, the tool systematically offers to edit
the corresponding Dynamic Geometry level for the user.
Thus, he or she will be able either to change the smoothing method of the selected elements
or to modify the selection to be smoothed.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)
340
Reference Manual
24.1.1
Smoothing options
Amapi Pro has several different smoothing methods depending on the type of the current
selection. The smoothing methods are displayed as options.
You will select the option proposing the nearest solution to the required effect.
As there are many smoothing possibilities, you will have to test them to find the best adapted
to your shape.
There are several kinds of smoothing:
Smoothing polygonal surfaces (see details on page 341)
Smoothing polygonal curves (see details on page 342)
Smoothing NURBS objects (see details on page 343)
24.1.1.1
Catmull
smoothing
*
Doo
smoothing
*
Bzier
smoothing
**
Loop
smoothing
*
Butterfly
smoothing
**
Illustrations
Objects to be
smoothed
Editable
Parameter(s)
Range
Range
Range
Range
Range
(see details on (see details on (see details on (see details on (see details on
page 342)
page 342)
page 342)
page 342)
page 342)
Tension
Tension
Tension
(see details on (see details on (see details on
page 343)
page 343)
page 343)
The range
The smoothing range defines the number of facets. The higher the range value, the
finer the smoothing. The tuning can be made either with the +/- keys or by entering a
value in the parameter palette.
24.1.1.2
Bzier smoothing
range = 2
Bzier smoothing
range = 8
Bzier
smoothing
*
Interpolation
smoothing
Approximation
smoothing
*
Chakin
smoothing
Cubic
smoothing
*
Illustration
Curve to be
smoothed
Editable
Parameter(s)
Range
Range
Range
Range
Range
(see details on (see details on (see details on (see details on (see details on
page 343)
page 343)
page 343)
page 343)
page 343)
Tension
Degree
Level
Tension
Tension
(see details on (see details on (see details on (see details on (see details on
page 343)
page 342)
page 343)
page 343)
page 343)
Degree
(see details on
page 342)
Degree
A NURBS curve is defined by control points, a nodal sequence and a degree.
The degree of a NURBS curve corresponds to the number of control points which influence
the curve at any given point. A degree of 1 gives a broken line which goes through the
control points. A degree of 3 gives a smoother curve moving away from the control points
The greater the degree, the lower the influence of the control points, with the curve
smoothing out the more as it moves away from the control points.
(See NURBS Curve on page 99)
342
Reference Manual
The range
The smoothing range defines the number of segments. The higher the range value,
the finer the smoothing. The tuning can be made either with the +/- keys or by
entering a value in the parameter palette.
Bzier smoothing
range = 2
Bzier smoothing
range = 8
Approximation smoothing
range = 5 and level = 2
Approximation smoothing
range = 5 and level = 4
The level
24.1.1.3
The Polygonal objects smoothing methods are not applicable to the NURBS objects (See
Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96) and Amapi Pro will switch to the Tesselation
procedure described in Tesselate a NURBS object on page 370.
24.1.2
Tension control
Some smoothing methods allow you to control the tension of the smoothing, that is to
say that it controls how close the smoothing edges are (polygonal surfaces smoothing
only) or vertices (polygonal surfaces and curves) to the not smoothed object.
Tension setting is done on the entire object. To do so, enter a value in the parameter palette.
Tension = -0.80
Tension = 0
Tension = 0.80
Tension = 0
Tension = 0.80
Tension = -0.80
24.1.3
Break control
344
Reference Manual
A click in an empty space of the scene will delete all the breaks.
24.1.4
Smoothed object
Smoothed object
on which some edges are
selected breaks
Smoothed object
on which a point is a
selected break
Partial smoothing
By default, the smoothing is automatically applied on all the selected objects with
respect to the break instructions (See Tension control on page 343) (See Break
control on page 344).
Some smoothing methods provide a partial smoothing accessory. It allows you to select
facets (polygonal surfaces smoothing only) or segments (polygonal surfaces and curves) to
smooth. The facets or segments not selected will not be smoothed.
Use the appropriate selection accessory (see details on page 148) to select the facets or
segments to smooth.
A click in an empty space of the scene will delete all the selections.
24.1.5
This option gives a small variation of the smoothing effect for the objects made up of
concave facets.
A convex facet is any segment linking two points
anywhere on a surface and is fully enclosed in the
shape.
Convex facet
24.1.6
Additional information
For a better quality and efficiency, we recommend to create your models with a small number
of facets and to smooth them at the end of the modeling.
Mixing different smoothing methods on the same object:
If the current object is already smoothed, Amapi Pro will suggest to edit the corresponding DG
level.
To apply another smoothing method on a part or on the entire object, delete this DG level. (See
Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
346
Reference Manual
24.2
Chamfer
24.2.1
Chamfer a volume
If the current object is a surface or volume and polyhedral, Amapi Pro has three chamfer
options. If the current object is a NURBS surface or volume, only the Chamfer the edges
mode will be available. Toggle from one to the other by using both the Alt and SpaceBar keys or by clicking on the corresponding icon.
Option description
Illustrations:
Object to be chamfered
Editable parameters
Range (Polyhedral
Range (Polyhedral
page 349)
Radius (see details on
page 349)
page 349)
A suitcase corner is a corner on which all the adjacent edges have been edge
chamfered.
To create a suitcase corner quickly, just click on a vertex of the current object.
24.2.2
Chamfering a curve, consists of replacing a point of the curve with an arc on which the
radius (see details on page 349) and the range (see details on page 349) will be set.
been chamfered
24.2.3
The Radius parameter defines the radius value of the arcs associated with the chamfered
vertices.
The +/- keys allow you to set the radius quickly without entering a value in the parameter
palette.
348
Edge chamfer
Radius 1
Edge chamfer
Radius 3
Reference Manual
24.2.4
Amapi Pro allows you to locally modify the radius/range values of the arcs that are
associated with the chamfered vertices. This setting does not apply to NURBS
objects.
To do this, click on the Radius local setting on polyhedral objects accessory icon. The
selection method is described in The selection methods paragraph (see details on
page 150).
The +/- keys allow you to set the parameter quickly, which avoids entering a value in the
parameter palette.
Edge chamfers
with some modified radiuses
Edge chamfers
with an identical radius
24.2.5
The Range parameter corresponds to the number of intermediate points defining the arcs
associated with the chamfered vertices. This setting does not apply to NURBS objects. The
higher the range, the smoother the chamfer. To set the range, enter a value in the parameter
palette (See Editing the parameters on page 162).
Edge chamfer
Range 0
Edge chamfer
Range 1
Edge chamfer
Range 2
24.2.6
NURBS edges can be chamfered in various ways using one of the options below:
Linear Section: allows you to create beveled edges
Approximate Circular Section: Differs very slightly from the circular section
Interpolated Section: Uses the shape of the two surfaces to define an interpolation,
thus preserving the ideal contour.
24.2.7
Apply to all
This accessory allows you to chamfer all the current objects at the same time. It is
possible to apply some selection changes before validating.
The Apply to all accessory cancels all the chamfering operations already made on the
current object.
This accessory shortcut is the A key.
24.2.8
Additional Information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool adds a DG level labeled as
Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)
350
Reference Manual
Chamfer (See
24.3
Thickness/Offset
With the Thickness/Offset tool you will be able to Give a thickness to a curve
or a surface or Create an offset copy of the current object.
24.3.1
Thickness/Offset options
The Give a thickness option consists to give a thickness to the curve or to the selected
surface.
The Create an offset copy option creates an identical object offset from the original at
a given distance.
These two operations apply to polyhedral curves and surfaces and NURBS. In some cases, it
can apply to BREP volumes. Click on the icon corresponding to the desired option or press
both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.
Option description
Give a thickness
Gives a thickness
to a curve,
a surface or a volume
Illustration
On a 3D curve
On a surface object
Editable parameters
Thickness *
Number of points **
Thickness *
(Polyhedral only)
* The +/- keys allow you to quickly tune the thickness without using the parameter palette.
24.3.2
This option allows you to change the location of the action (Inside/Outside or Above/
Below). To toggle from one to the other, click on the icon showing the desired action.
Options
Object to be thickened
352
Reference Manual
Inside
Outside
24.3.3
Surface options
If the current object is surface or volume, Amapi Pro will give you the choice between
several options to get an Ideal, Angular or Exploded shape.
Options
Ideal
Option
description
Angular
Exploded
Surface to be
thickened
Available on
NURBS objects
only
24.3.4
Additional information
Thickness.
The Create an offset copy option creates a clone of the object and transmits its DG to it.
Using this tool, create a vase with variable thickness, modifying only the inside or the outside
surface (the original object and its offset).
24.4
Cut
The Cut tool works on the selected objects (See The concept of selection on
page 147). Several methods are available to cut one or more objects at the same time:
The cutting methods are proposed as options. toggle from one to the other by using both the
Alt and Space-Bar keys or by clicking on the corresponding icon.
354
Reference Manual
24.4.1
24.4.1.1
Cutting methods
Boolean
This Cut tool option computes the intersections between two operands such as
curves, surfaces or volumes. Then, it displays all the solutions resulting from this
operation. Select the one to be kept. The two objects can be indifferently Polyhedral or
NURBS (See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96). .
If the two original objects are NURBS objects, cutting will make a NURBS object whatever the
operating mode. If one of the two objects is polyhedral, cutting will make a polyhedral object.
Boolean operations on open NURBS surfaces can give erroneous results. Use these
operations only on closed volumes.
Tool usage
5) As the expected result is displayed, release the tool or press the Enter key to validate
the operation and leave the tool.
An operand should not have intersection with itself. Objects of a group should therefore not
be intersected between them.
Options
Boolean tool example:
The sphere is the operand #1 (the object selected
before picking up the tool). It will be named Vol.1 if
considered as a closed volume or Surf.1 if
considered as a surface.
The cube is the operand #2 (the object selected after
picking up the tool). It will be named Vol.2 if
considered as a closed volume or Surf.2 if
considered as a surface.
Vol.1
Surf.1
Vol.2
Surf.2
Vol.1 or Vol.2
Surf.2 or Surf.1*
The boolean computing time on complex models is longer than on simple models.
356
Reference Manual
24.4.1.2
Punch
Object to be cut
Cut object
If the two original objects are NURBS objects, cutting will make a NURBS object whatever the
operating mode. If one of the two objects is polyhedral, cutting will make a polyhedral object.
The curve used as a punch on a NURBS volume must be a closed curve. If not the result can be
erroneous.
Amapi Pro immediately displays the object created from this operation.
Then, choose from the following options:
Use both the Alt and Space-Bar keys (or use the + - keys) to toggle from one option
to the other to display all the possible solutions of the operation (See Cutting options
on page 358).
Release the tool or press the Enter to validate the operation and leave the tool.
Cutting options
Punching a volume or surface object
Amapi Pro computes all the possible intersections
between the current object and the profile curve
following its projection path.
Use both the Alt and Space-Bar keys (or use the
+ - keys) to toggle from one option to the other to
display all the possible solutions of the operation.
It is possible to control the cutting depth or the face
to be cut (see details on page 359).
Press the Enter key to validate the operation and
leave the tool.
358
Reference Manual
Profile
projection
path
Profile
curve
Object to
be cut
Interior volume
Exterior volume
Interior/exterior volumes
Interior Surface
Exterior surface
Interior/exterior surfaces
After having made the cut, you will release the Cut tool. You will then pick up the
Stretch tool. You will then see the curve appear used for the cutting and a green axis representing the cutting depth. Note that it slightly exceeds the cut out object. To reduce the cutting depth, simply take one of the ends of this axis and move it. The cutting is recomputed in
real time and you can thus visualize its exact depth. In the same way, you can orient the cutting axis or modify the curve.
Punch a curve
After validation, the number of objects is equal to the number of intersections between the
curve to be cut and the profile, plus one.
Curve to be cut
Cutting profile
Click
Curve to be cut
Cutting profile
360
Reference Manual
24.4.1.3
Extract
To extract facets without removing them from the current object (duplication), use the tool
Extract Facets (see details on page 304).
This Cut tool option can be used to separate different parts of an object after modeling in order
to apply different materials.
This type of extraction does not apply to NURBS objects.
24.4.1.4
Slices
This Cut tool option allows you to cut the selection into oriented slices. Select first
the start point, then the end point of the cuts. Set the slices interval with the + - keys
or by entering the value in the parameter palette.
Click
Click
In the steps where the Position or Dimension must be set, several methods are available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursor positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
Using the Remote Control (see details on page 162)
With the + or - keys.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
362
Reference Manual
24.4.2
Additional information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool adds a DG level labeled
Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
Cut (See
24.5
Delete
This tool allows you to delete one or several elements (facet, edge or point) from the
selected objects (See The concept of selection on page 147). This deletion can be
made with or without facet reconstruction.
1) You can pick up this tool by having or not a current selection (Facets, Edges or
Points) (See The concept of selection on page 147).
2) You will begin or update the selection within the tool with the selection accessories (See
The selection accessories on page 148).
The deletion will be interactive.
3) Validate the action (Enter key) or release the tool to end the tool action.
Two deletion options are available;
With reconstruction
Without reconstruction
Amapi Pro will suggest options for the type of the current object and the entity to be deleted
(See The current selection is a curve on page 365) (See The current selection is a
surface on page 366).
.
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool doesnt work on objects including several DG
levels. You must collapse the DG before deleting an element (See Collapsing the DG on
page 118).
In the case of NURBS objects, only the edge and facet modes will be accessible since the points
are not entities displayed on NURBS. The suppression of NURBS edges will allow you to remove
the trimming curves of the NURBS surfaces. A NURBS surface represents a single face and thus
the removal of NURBS faces will remove the complete face.
364
Reference Manual
24.5.1
Without reconstruction
Option description
Illustration
on open curve
With reconstruction
Creates a curve segment to close
the hole made by the deletion of
the element(s).
Point to be
deleted
Inactive
I
Edge to be
deleted
I
Inactive
Edges to be
deleted
Inactive
Illustration
on closed curve
Point to be deleted
Edge to be deleted
The removal of only one edge With
reconstruction has obviously no effect
on the curve.
Edges to be
deleted
Inactive
24.5.2
Without reconstruction
Option description
With reconstruction
Creates a facet to close the hole
made by the deletion of the
element(s).
Facets deletion
Edges deletion
Point deletion
24.5.3
Additional information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): this tool is an editor-tool which can edit the first DG
level. The editor-tools carry out topological modifications. Their effects will be reflected at higher
levels. (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
The Delete tool doesnt work on NURBS models. It is possible to transform a NURBS
model into a polygonal model. To do so, use the Information tool located in the Control panel
(See Information on page 188).
Attention! A polygonal model cannot be transformed into a NURBS model.
Use the most adapted selection accessory within the proposed ones (See The selection
methods on page 150)
366
Reference Manual
24.6
Tesselate
This tool subdivides the segments of a curve or the facets of a surface or a volume.
A distinction must be made between the Tesselation of polygonal objects and the
Tesselation of NURBS objects (See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96).
The tool and the Dynamic Geometry (DG)
The tesselation on polyhedral object is a DG editor. This option carries out modifications of a
topological nature on the 1st DG level, its effects are reflected at the higher levels.
The tesselation of NURBS objects changes the NURBS properties of the object.
24.6.1
24.6.1.1
Rectangular
Tesselation
Triangular Tesselation
Diamond
Tesselation
Illustration
When clicking on the Apply to all accessory, Amapi Pro will perform the operation
on all the facets. Hit the Enter key to validate and start a new tesselation. The
shortcut for this accessory is the A key.
24.6.1.2
Customized Tesselation allows the user to determine the segment of each facet to be
subdivided. Amapi Pro proposes two possible interfaces to draw the segments. In both cases,
validate the action by pressing the Enter key.
Option
description
Tesselation by segment
Continued Tesselation
by segment
Tesselation by slice
The user will have to only
click on an edge to
position the cutting
section.
Illustration
Click 1
Click 3
368
Reference Manual
Click 2
Click 1
Click 4
Click 2
Click 3
Click
24.6.2
Amapi Pro adds a point in the middle Click on segments to add new points.
Validate the tool action by pressing the
of each selected segment.
The selection can be done segment by Enter key.
segment (click on the segment) or with
the Lasso (See The Personalized
Lasso Selection on page 153) quickly
available by clicking on the right
mouse button.
Validate the tool action by pressing the
Enter key.
Clicks
Accessory
Customized Tesselation
Clicks
24.6.3
See The NURBS models paragraph on page 98 to learn more details about the NURBS
models
For NURBS objects, Amapi Pro proposes two Tesselation methods. Click on the icon
showing the desired option or use the both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from an
option to another.
Standard NURBS Tesselation (see details on page 370)
Adaptive NURBS Tesselation (see details on page 371)
In the both cases, some settings can be made : Adding nodes and breaks management (see
details on page 372)
24.6.3.1
For a NURBS curve, the tesselation range corresponds to the number of segments
generated between two nodal points.
For a NURBS surface or volume, the tesselation range corresponds to the number of
intervals made by the intermediate lines generated between two nodal lines.
When creating a NURBS curve, surface or volume, Amapi Pro sets the tesselation range to 5
by default.
Tune the range with the + or - keys or by entering a value in the parameter palette.
Range U = 5
Range V = 5
370
Reference Manual
Range U = 2
Range V = 3
Range U = 5
Range V = 5
Range U = 2
Range V = 10
Range U = 10
Range V = 2
Range U = 10
Range V = 10
24.6.3.2
This Tesselation method is slower than the standard method (see details on page 370)
but it has the advantage of generating an optimal number of subdivisions. It can only
be applied to surfaces. You will have the possibility to modify the following parameters:
Each one of these values can act in complement to the others. Setting a value to 0 will cancel
the effect of this parameter. Therefore, one of the first two parameters should not be set to 0
in order to generate a result.
Some values can create very
long computing times. It is
thus advised to test the values one by one and to apply
modifications by reducing to
the default values.
Constant
Tesselation
Adaptive
Tesselation
Rang
Rang
24.6.3.3
The degree of a NURBS can be modified by editing the Degree field for a curve or Degree U
and Degree V for a surface.
(See The NURBS models on page 98).
24.6.3.4
Add a nodal point by clicking at the exact location where this node is to be added.
To create a break, do a Shift-click on the node to be broken.
372
Reference Manual
Click
24.6.3.5
It will sometimes be necessary to change the orientation of a NURBS surface. That can be
done thanks to these accessories:
Inversion of U
Inversion of V
Inversion of U and V
24.7
Deform
This tool allows you to apply several kinds of deformations on the current selection
proposed as options (See The concept of selection on page 147).
They can be:
either due to the moving, the orientation or the scaling of the control face of the Set the
mesh of the control box (see details on page 376).
or depending on a parameter only.
Original object
Bent object
Twisted object
Tapered object
Spherized object
374
Reference Manual
24.7.1
The options
The Deform tool proposes several possible deformations options. toggle from one to the
other by using both the Alt and Space-Bar keys or by clicking on the corresponding
icon.
The tuner
shows that the setting can be made by using the + and - keys or entering a
value in the parameter palette
Available
options
Edit the
meshed
control box
Bend
Twist
Taper
Spherize
Option
description
Allows you to
stretch the
meshed control
box (see details
on page 377).
Works
according to a
similar principle
to the tool
Stretch
NURBS
objects (see
details on
page 254).
allows you to
bend the
desired Set the
mesh of the
control box
face around the
selection
geometric
center.
(See Set the
mesh of the
control box on
page 376)
(See Action
orientation
options on
page 377)
allows you to
rotate the
desired Set the
mesh of the
control box
face.
(see details on
page 376)
(See Action
orientation
options on
page 377)
allows you to
scale the
desired Set the
mesh of the
control box
face.
(see details on
page 376)
(See Action
orientation
options on
page 377)
allows you to
spherize the
selection.
Amapi Pro
displays a
support-sphere
on which the
selection will be
projected.
(see on
page 376)
Editable
parameter(s)
Move x
Move y
Move z
Angle
Angle
Ratio
Coefficient
Accessory
(See The
Set the mesh Set the mesh Set the mesh
meshed control of the control of the control of the control
box editing
box
box
box
accessories on (see details on (see details on (see details on
page 376)
page 376)
page 376)
page 376)
Illustration
between the
control face
size and the
original size
defines the
projection
extension
Radius
of the supportsphere
Original
object
Object
slightly spherized
Object
strongly spherized
Spherized
object
24.7.2
376
Reference Manual
The value of the range must be strictly higher than the value of the degree.
24.7.3
These options allows you to toggle the action direction (X,Y or Z). They
are available in the tools working on the meshed control box. Click on
the icon showing the desired option or press the Space-Bar to toggle from one option to
the other. In each case, Amapi Pro will highlight the two faces which can be the action
control face.
24.7.4
Additional information
Replaces the object Dynamic Geometry by a DG level corresponding to its Set the mesh of the
control box, labeled
Deformation.
The Spherize option creates a DG level corresponding to the deformed object, labeled
Deformation.
The Edit the meshed control box option belongs to the list of editor-tools able to edit the 1st
The rotations are made on the orthogonal plane which orientation is the most perpendicular to
the eye - target point axis (See Viewpoint on page 137).
To change the rotation plan, change the viewpoint (See The Navigation on page 135).
This
tool
uses
Dynamic
Geometry properties.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG)
on page 109)
Original object
made from a
circle extrusion
along a profile
378
Reference Manual
Obtained result
after deformation
(with the Bend
option) of the
object highest
geometry level.
24.8
Bend
Bending along a profile drawn with the tool (see details on page 379).
24.8.1
Draw a profile curve with a tool from the Line drawing palette (see details on page 277).
Select the element(s) to Bend before picking up the tool and then select the profile curve
with a simple click. Amapi Designer immediately displays the bent selection.
Bending profile
24.8.2
Object to be bent
Bent object
Select the element(s) to be bent before picking up the tool. The Line drawing (see details
on page 277) tools palette is displayed. Use these tools to draw the bending profile.
Amapi Pro immediately displays the bent selection as the drawing is validated.
24.8.3
Object to be bent
Bent object
The scene
after the tool validation
Additional information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): the tool adds a DG level labeled
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)
Bend.
380
Reference Manual
P= Bending
profile
Cylinder #1 to be
bent, made up of
several segments
Cylinder #1 bent
along the P profile
Cylinder #2 to be
bent, made up of
only one segment
Cylinder #2 bent
following the P profile
24.9
Mold
This tool allows you to pull the current selection (see details on page 382) so that the
points located in the influence area (see details on page 383) are moved with some
inertia (see details on page 384).
24.9.1
Selection to pull
The current selection, before picking up the tool, is a part of the object.
In this case the user will select a point within the selected points. All the selection will be
moved without any inertia: it will not be deformed (See Inertia on page 384).
Original object
382
Reference Manual
Mold object.
No points are selected
before picking up the tool.
The upper point of the
bottle was moved.
The button and the cork
got the mold effects.
Mold object.
The button was selected
before picking up the tool.
Only the cork got the
mold effects, but the
button was moved
without deformation.
24.9.2
Influence area
The influence area is the area inside which all the points receive mold effects. There are two
options to increase or to reduce the influence area:
Original object
24.9.3
Inertia
Mold tool creates inertia on all the points located in the influence area (See Influence
area on page 383). It is proportional to the distance from the selection to be pulled.
The points close to the main selected point receive a high inertia coefficient, the points far
from the main selected point receive a small inertia coefficient.
The selection to be pulled has no inertia and follows the exact cursor movement (See
Selection to pull on page 382).
The Alt Page up and Alt Page down keys will increase or decrease the inertia
coefficient.
Original object
24.9.4
Additional information
The Mold tool works on NURBS models as on polygonal models. But on a NURBS model the
operation is carried out on the points of the control polygon and not on the points of the object
itself. The object will be deformed depending on the points of the control polygon movement.
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool is an editor-tool which can edit the first DG
level. The editor-tools carry out topological modifications. Their effects will be reflected at the
higher levels. (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
384
Reference Manual
24.10 Bump/Soften
This tool allows you to work on the surface bump of the current selection (See The
concept of selection on page 147).
This tool can either:
Bump the selection by moving the points of a surface randomly.
Soften or Stress the perturbations of a surface.
Use the +/- keys to tune the amplitude of the action before validating.
Bump
Soften-Stress Relax
method
Illustration
Original
object
Soften Stress
Option
description
Editable
parameters
Maximum amplitude
Minimum amplitude
New iteration
Amapi Pro will
launch a new
computing operation each
time this icon is selected.
The surface appearance will
be modified each time.
Original surface
Original surface
and
Bumped surface
Original surface
and
Bumped surface
Original surface
and
Bumped surface
Maximum amplitude =0
Minimum amplitude =-10
Bumping a surface
Original surface
Stressed surface
Coefficient = -0.10
Softened surface
Coefficient = 0.20
Stressing/Softening a surface
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): the tool adds a DG level labeled
Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
This tool works on a selection of only one object. If the current selection is on several objects,
Amapi Pro will not give access to the tool.
In the steps where the Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are available:
From the graphic workspace with the + or - keys for setting a number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
386
Reference Manual
25
Assembly palette
This tools palette contains the tools used to place and orient the objects:
Icon
Tool name
Description
See
Duplicate
Allows you to create one or several copies of the current selection. Amapi Pro
offers several methods of duplication.
page 388
Symmetry
page 398
Close
Lets you close the current selection, such as a curve or an opened surface.
page 400
Weld
This tool offers several options to weld objects or points. If these options
generate overlapping points, Amapi Pro keeps only one of them (other points
are deleted).
page 403
Snap/Align
This tool is used to apply a translation to the current selection along a vector,
the ends of which are defined by the user.
page 406
Lay on
This tool is used to lay a facet of the selected object onto a facet of another
object (center on center).
page 408
Unfold
page 409
Wrap
page 413
Measurements
This tool displays the dimensions of an object. Amapi Pro allows you to
display three types of dimensions: length, angle and volume/surface/
circumference.
page 415
Decimate
page 420
25.1
Duplicate
The Duplicate tool allows you to create one or several copies of the current
selection (See The concept of selection on page 147). Amapi Pro has several
methods of duplication:
25.1.1
The methods
toggle from one to the other by using both the Alt and Space-Bar keys or by clicking on
the corresponding icon.
Single copy: Makes one copy of the
selection (see details on page 389).
388
Reference Manual
25.1.1.1
Single copy
25.1.1.2
Multiple copy
Use
This Duplicate tool option allows you to make several copies of the selection with
a copy shift, rotation and/or a scaling ratio. This option works with parameters
settings along several steps:
No of copies = 5
No of copies = 5
No of copies = 5
Offset step in x = 4
Offset step in y = 4
Offset step in z = 0
Offset step in x = 0
Offset step in y = 4
Offset step in z = 0
Offset step in x = 0
Offset step in y = 4
Offset step in z = 0
Rotation step in x = 0
Rotation step in y = 0
Rotation step in z = 0
Rotation step in x = 0
Rotation step in y = 20
Rotation step in z = 0
Rotation step in x = 0
Rotation step in y = 0
Rotation step in z = 0
Scaling ratio in x = 90
Scaling ratio in y = 90
Scaling ratio in z = 90
If n copies are set in the Multiple copy option, n copies will be added to the selection.
390
Reference Manual
Reference point
This is this point from which the
offset and the rotation of each copy
will be computed.
The default reference point is the center of
the selected objects bounding box. To
change it, use the Reference point
accessory and then select the point of the
scene which will be the new reference point.
Reference point
No of copies = 4
Offset step in x = 0
Offset step in y = 4
Offset step in z = 0
Rotation step in x = 0
Rotation step in y = 20
Rotation step in z = 0
Scaling ratio in x = 100
Scaling ratio in y = 100
Scaling ratio in z = 100
25.1.1.3
Copy on support
Use this tool to duplicate the selection along a path or on the facets of a surface or a
volume the copies will lie on.
Use
1) The duplication support can be either a curve, a surface or a volume.
A curve support (or path) can be drawn with the Line drawing tool before selecting
the Duplicate tool or while using the Duplicate tool.
A surface or a volume used as duplication support must be built before selecting the
Duplicate tool.
If the support is a curve: the copies are created on the path so that their reference
points (see details on page 393) are located on each point defining the curve.
If the support is a surface: the copies are placed on the support so that their reference
points (see details on page 394) are located on the center of each facet of the support.
8) Eventually control:
9) Release the tool or press the Enter key to validate the operation and leave the tool.
The number of copies will be equal to the number of points of the path or to the number of
facets defining the support (surface or volume).
392
Reference Manual
It is possible to draw a duplication support path with the tool by using the accessory Draw
a path with the tool (see details on page 396)
Support
Keeps the
orientation of the
original.
on page 395)
Rotation (see
details on page 395)
on page 395)
Rotation (see
details on page 395)
on page 395)
Rotation (see
details on page 395)
on page 395)
Rotation (see
details on page 395)
Rotation (see
on page 395)
details on page 395)
Selection
to copy
Support
394
Reference Manual
Reference point
The reference point, displayed with the ( ) sign, defines the position of the copies
onto the support. The default reference point is the center of the selected objects
bounding box.
If the support is a curve: the copies will be positioned on the path so that their reference
points will be located on each point defining the curve.
If the support is a surface: the copies will be positioned on the support so that their
reference points are located on the center of each facet of the support.
To change it, use the Reference point accessory and then select the point of the scene
which will be the new reference point.
396
Reference Manual
25.1.2
Additional information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool keeps the DG properties of the current object
and transmits them to the generated objects (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)
The copies are automatically grouped. They can be ungrouped with the tool Ungroup in the
control panel (see details on page 186).
The orientation of the object on a support facet depends on the orientation of the normal of
this support facet (See Information tool, section Functions (see details on page 189)).
In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursor positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
25.2
Symmetry
Use the Symmetry tool to create a mirror image of the current selection (See The
concept of selection on page 147).
Do the operation following one of the proposed options. toggle from one to the other by
using both the Alt and Space-Bar keys or by clicking on the corresponding icon.
25.2.1
25.2.2
This option creates a mirror image from an orthogonal plane passing by a point to be
selected by the user.
Press the Space-Bar to toggle between Horizontal / Vertical plane.
Validate the operation by pressing the Enter key or by releasing the tool.
398
Reference Manual
25.2.3
The Symmetry tool can clone the objects it generates. (See The clones on
page 107).
25.2.4
Additional information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool keeps the DG properties of the current object
and transmits them to the generated objects (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)
The copies are automatically grouped. They can be ungrouped with the tool Ungroup (see
details on page 186) in the control panel.
The cursor is movement is done on the orthogonal plane which orientation is the most
perpendicular to the eye - target point axis (See Viewpoint on page 137)
When setting a point in the three dimensions, the mouse movement modifies only 2 out of 3
displayed values (x, y and z).
There are two possibilities to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (See The Navigation on page 135))
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)
In the steps where the Position must be set, several methods are available:
From the graphic workspace: Using the mouse (see details on page 162)
In this case, set the cursor positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)
25.3
Close
The Close tool allows you to close the current selection such as a curve or an
opened surface (See Open / closed objects on page 94).
Edit the joint and opening of a grid-structure object (see details on page 401)
25.3.1
Click
Polygonal object
before closing
Polygonal object
after closing
25.3.2
400
Reference Manual
25.3.3
Amapi Pro can edit the joints and the openings of a Grid structure (see details on
page 484) object.
A Grid structure object may or may not be closed in U and/or in V:
Grid structure
not closed
Grid structure
closed in U
(Cylinder)
Grid structure
closed in V
Grid structure
closed in U and in V
(Torus)
It is possible to close the upper and/or lower openings of a grid structured object joined
in U only.
It is possible to close the left and/or right side(s) openings of a grid structured object
joined in V only.
Grid structure
joined in U
and closed
Grid structure
joined in V
and closed
Switch from one state to the other (open/close) by clicking on it then release the tool or press
the Enter key.
This kind of closure is editable.
25.3.4
Additional information
It is possible to click on the Apply to all accessory, to generate automatically all the
facet closures corresponding to the highlighted openings. This accessory shortcut is the
A key.
This tool is different from the tool Extract Facets with the option Automatic creation of
facet closures (see details on page 304).
The Extract Facets tool creates a new object closure.
The Close tool closes the current object.
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool is an editor-tool which can edit the first DG
level. The editor-tools carry out topological modifications. Their effects will be reflected at higher
levels. (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
402
Reference Manual
25.4
Weld
The Weld tool has several options to weld objects or points. If these options
generate overlapping points, Amapi Pro keeps only one of them (other points are
deleted). Refer to the description below to understand how to use these options.
25.4.1
The options
Proposed
options
Option
description
Weld objects
Illustration
Lasso
Editable
parameter
Before welding
Before welding
After welding
After welding
Distance:
distance at which
two points are
considered to be
close.
25.4.2
Special case: successively using the Weld points onto an object and Weld points close to
each other options.
25.4.3
It will be sometimes necessary to weld several groups of points between each other in the
same operation without leaving the tool. To do this in the weld points mode, it is necessary
to quickly change the reference point.
The reference point is the point displayed in red after the first operation of selection or welding. All the clicked points are then welded to the reference point. To disable this, just click
on it. It is then possible to select any other point which will then become the reference point.
25.4.4
Welding two NURBS surfaces creates a different object depending on the type of surface
and their relative position.
If two surfaces have edges which are close or adjacent, they are welded onto only one surface by connecting their closest edges.
In all the other cases, Amapi Pro creates a dynamic geometry containing a BREP linking the
faces to be welded.
404
Reference Manual
25.4.5
Additional information
The Weld tool with Weld objects option must be distinguished from the Group tool
(see details on page 186).
A group of objects:
can have a hierarchy (sub-group notion)
keeps all the points of each object.
can be ungrouped at anytime with the Ungroup tool
is recognized thanks to its entire bounding box.
An object made from welded objects:
doesnt have overlapped points just after welding.
cannot be ungrouped (but with Crtl-Z).
is recognized thanks to its partial bounding box.
The Weld tool with Weld points close to each other option must be distinguished from
the Decimate tool (see details on page 420) which reduces the complexity of a surface
selection with respect to the general shape of the original object.
It is possible to click on the Apply to all accessory. This carries out the operation on all
the displayed entities, then automatically quits the tool.
This accessory shortcut is the A key.
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool has a different behavior depending on the
desired option.
The Weld points onto an object and Weld points close to each other options are able to edit the
first DG level. They carry out topological modifications. Their effects will be reflected at higher
levels.
The Weld objects option add or insert a DG level labeled
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
Weld Objects
25.5
Snap/Align
The Snap/Align tool is used to apply a translation to the current selection along a
vector, the ends of which are to be defined by the user (See The concept of
selection on page 147).
25.5.1
Use
A movement constraint can be applied to the translation (See Align on page 406).
After each translation, Amapi Pro will suggest a new translation. To validate the operation,
press the Enter key or release the tool.
25.5.2
Align
The Horizontal / Vertical constraints options allows you to proceed to precise alignments.
Press on the Space-Bar to toggle between Horizontal / Vertical.
Translation
without constraint
Legend:
406
Current
selection
Reference Manual
Translation
vector
Moved
selection
25.5.3
Current
selection
Translation
vector
Moved
selection
Current
selection
Translation
vector
Moved
selection
Current
selection
Translation
vector
Moved
selection
Current
selection
Translation
vector
Moved
selection
25.5.4
Additional information
25.6
Lay on
This tool is used to lay a facet of a selected object (See The concept of selection on
page 147) onto a facet of another object (center on center).
First select the facet to be laid onto (from the current object), then select a facet of another
object of the scene.
Amapi Pro proposes by default to lay the lower face of the bounding box onto the current
object. The user will be able to indicate another facet to be laid onto before indicating the
receiving facet belonging to another object of the scene.
Click
Click
1- The deep dish is the current
object. Click on the external side
of the bottom face of the deep
dish.
Two options allow you to toggle the direction of the action (normal direction / normal
reverse direction). Click on the icon showing the desired option or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other.
Normal direction
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): this tool can work at any DG level. The effects will be
reflected at higher levels
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
408
Reference Manual
25.7
Unfold
3D model
with its cutting edges
2D flat unfolded
model
25.7.1
25.7.1.1
The user has the possibility to select the individual edges along which the object will
be cut. The selection can be made one by one or with the lasso (See The
selection methods on page 150). To toggle from one selection mode to the other, click on
the right mouse button.
If there are not enough edges selected to unfold the shape correctly, Amapi Pro will
automatically select additional edges.
410
Reference Manual
25.7.1.2
Deselecting edges
By clicking on this icon, all the edges selected as cutting edges will be deselected.
25.7.2
25.7.3
Unfold
Before starting the unfolding operation, the cutting edges (see details on page 410) or
the starting facet (see details on page 411) might have been selected.
If not, Amapi Pro will select the cutting edges and the starting facet on its own.
The unfolding operation starts when the user clicks on the
icon. The current object
remains intact, the unfolded version is displayed on the horizontal plane.
25.7.4
Additional Information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool generates a new object with only one DG level
labeled as
412
Reference Manual
25.8
Wrap
The Wrap tool allows you to deform an object by mapping it onto a surface (grid,
cylinder or sphere). It is possible to control the dimensions of the shape and other
parameters such as the altitude, the width and the threshold.
25.8.1
Options
Click on the desired option or press on both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from
one to the other.
On a grid
On a Cylinder
On a Sphere
Illustration
Editable
parameters
Accessories
Width (shape)
Height (shape)
Altitude (maxi)*
Height (shape)
Diameter (shape)
Altitude (maxi)*
Diameter (shape)
Altitude (maxi)*
Threshold
Threshold
Threshold
u0
u1
v0
v1
v1
Threshold
Threshold
Threshold
*The altitude is the distance between a point of the object and the mapped shape. The points located
onto the shape are considered to be at an altitude of zero and the most distant points are at a maximum
altitude. One can say that the maximum altitude corresponds to the thickness of the object.
25.8.2
Spread management
By default, Amapi Pro maps the object on the entire surface of the shape (maximum
spreading). To tune the spreading, press the + or - key or enter the projection
coordinates - (u0,u1) and (v0,v1) - in the parameter palette.
25.8.3
Once the projection is made, the altitude (facet-shape distance) can be set with the
threshold tool to define a distance under which the facets will be deleted. This
threshold is defined as a percentage of the maximum altitude. To tune the threshold, press
the + or - keys or enter a value in the parameter palette.
25.8.4
Additional information
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool adds a DG level labeled as
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
Projection
At all the steps where values, such as set size or set number, must be set. Two methods
can be set:
From the graphic workspace with the + or - keys for the Spread parameters.
By entering a value in the Parameter palette (see details on page 163) for the other parameters
414
Reference Manual
25.9
Measurements
16 cm
12.20 cm
87.5
21.70 cm
25.9.1
There are several measurement tools which can be selected by clicking on their
corresponding icon, or use both the Alt and Space-Bar keys keyboard shortcut.
Distance (see details on page 416)
Angle (see details on page 417)
Circumference/ Volume / Surface (see details on page 418)
25.9.1.1
Distance
The Distance tool measures the distance between two points. They can be selected
by a simple click.
Amapi Pro proposes three distance measurement modes between two points:
the absolute distance measurement between these two points,
the distance measurement between the points projection on the horizontal axis,
the distance measurement between the points projection on the vertical axis.
A shortcut can be used to toggle from one mode to another, either by using the switching
axis icons located in the The assistant palette (see details on page 206), or by pressing the
Space-Bar.
Absolute Distance
(default mode)
Horizontal Projection
Vertical Projection
Once the measurement is made, move the cursor to position the dimension and click on the
mouse button.
It is possible to move a dimension by using the repositioning the dimension (see details on
page 418) accessory.
It is possible to delete a dimension by using the Deleting a dimension (see details on
page 418) accessory.
416
Reference Manual
25.9.1.2
Angle
Use the Angle tool to measure the angle made by two adjacent edges by selecting
their extremities. They are selected by simple clicks:
1s t click: on the end of a segment of the angle
2n d click: on the vertex of the angle
3r d click: on the end of the other segment of the angle
The Amapi Pro default display is the inner angle, but the outer angle can also be selected. A
shortcut can be used to toggle from one mode to another, either by using the switching axis
icons located in the The assistant palette (see details on page 206); or by pressing the
Space-Bar.
Outer Angle
1s t click
135
2n d click
225
3r d click
Once the measurement is made, move the cursor to position the dimension and click the
mouse button.
It is possible to move a dimension by using the repositioning the dimension (see details on
page 418) accessory.
It is possible to delete a dimension by using the Deleting a dimension (see details on
page 418) accessory.
25.9.1.3
To display this information, just click on the object. The kind of information
displayed depends on the selected object (See The Types of objects on page 91):
If the object is
A closed volume
A volume
An area
An area
A circumference (the perimeter)
A circumference (a length).
Once the measurement is made, move the cursor to position the dimension and click on the
mouse button.
It is possible to move a dimension by using the repositioning the dimension (see details on
page 418) accessory.
It is possible to delete a dimension by using the Deleting a dimension (see details on
page 418) accessory.
25.9.2
25.9.2.1
25.9.2.2
Deleting a dimension
One or several dimensions can be deleted by clicking on this icon. Then, just click on
the dimension to be deleted.
25.9.2.3
418
Reference Manual
25.9.3
Additional information
25.10 Decimate
This tool allows you to reduce the complexity of an object (See The concept of
selection on page 147). It uses a polygon simplifier which operates on polygonal
objects only.
Amapi Pro computes and displays the surface as a mesh made up of triangular facets.
The Decimate range parameter represents the percentage of remaining polygons from the
initial model. A range of 0.3 means that the simplified model will contain 30% of the
original number of polygons.
Percentage = 90%
Percentage = 50%
Percentage = 20%
About Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool collapses the DG of the object (See Dynamic
Geometry (DG) on page 109).
There are two methods to tune the parameters:
From the graphic workspace, with the + or - keys.
By entering a value in the Parameter palette (see details on page 163).
Because it uses a polygon simplifier, this tool works on polygonal surfaces only (See Polygonal
or NURBS Models on page 96).
420
Reference Manual
Rendering Room
The Rendering room is divided into specialized zones, that will allow you to work on:
Materials: allows you to set and apply materials on objects (see details on page 453).
Lighting: allows you to locate and set light sources (see details on page 461).
Rendering parameters: allows you to set the parameters for rendering (see details on
page 465).
In rendering mode, the central graphic workspace will show the interactive preview of the
scene. You will appreciate the effect of a lighting or the way a material interacts on its
environment while setting it up.
A series of icons allows you to launch a preview or a rendering before saving an image. (See
Previewing and rendering on page 451).
422
Reference Manual
424
Reference Manual
26
Previewing and rendering
The material applied to each object (See Material editor on page 432).
Amapi Pro applies a default material to the objects, if not specified.
26.1
When clicking on the Render the scene icon, the final rendering computation is
launched, including all parameters.
This button allows you to Save the image in a file. Select the output format (PICT,
BMP, PNG, JPEG, GIF or TIFF), the file name and the destination folder.
At any time, a new preview display can be launched by clicking on this icon.
26.2
Additional functions
The user can navigate in the scene to view it from any viewpoint, by using the keyboard
shortcuts (See The keyboard navigation on page 142).
An Edge smoothing slider allows you to specify the break angle between two adjacent
facets.
A null value generates flat rendering, a 180 angle value smooths all edges.
This icon allows you to toggle between Perspective and Orthographic display (see
details on page 176).
Amapi Pro allows you to work in simple-view or in multi-view mode (see details on
page 178)
The Control panel displays the icon corresponding to the current display mode.
Click on it to display the list of the possible configurations. Then, click on the icon
showing the desired display mode.(See The display modes on page 180).
The Move tool (see details on page 242) allows you to move the objects or the
light sources (see details on page 438).
The Rotate tool (see details on page 244) allows you to rotate the objects or the
light sources (see details on page 438).
Use the Hide tool to make some objects of the scene invisible and the Show tool
to make them visible again (see details on page 184).
The Isolate tool allows you to work with the current selection without having the
surrounding objects displayed (see details on page 185).
426
Reference Manual
27
Materials
The Material editor allows you to make the scene more realistic by giving a "material"
appearance to the surface of objects.
A material defines the appearance of the surface with a simulated material.
A large graphic workspace is used for the interactive preview of the scene in rendering
mode. This allows you to appreciate the effect of lighting or the way a material interacts on
its environment while setting it up (See Previewing and rendering on page 425).
The editor is divided into two zones:
27.1
Material catalog
Current file
thumbnail.
Page
scrolling
Favorites directory
Trash
Current directory
Open a directory
428
Reference Manual
27.1.1
Open a directory
Click on the icon Open a directory (of the catalog) to open a dialog box in which
you can select the directory you need. Amapi Pro displays the contents of the
directory in the catalog. It becomes the current directory, and its path is displayed near the
icon.
Each material-file is displayed by a thumbnail showing the material and its name.
You can also open a favorites directory (See Managing the favorites directory on page 431).
27.1.2
Browsing
3) Use the page scrolling buttons: click on the right arrow to increment the page number.
Click on the left arrow to decrement.
27.1.3
Deleting
Use the Trash icon to delete files from the catalog. Use the "Drag and Drop"
method to delete:
27.1.4
Applying a material
You probably found the material you need while browsing through the catalog. Drag the
thumbnail corresponding to the desired material onto the current object.
27.1.5
You can save a material you have just set in the current directory, to use later.
Proceed as follows:
1) The current object must have the material on it to be saved applied on itself (See The
concept of selection on page 147).
2) Scroll around the catalogs pages to find an empty cell (See Browsing the pages of
the catalog on page 429).
27.1.6
The file organization in the catalog is saved regardless of the way it is organized in the
system directory. A custom organization will be automatically saved in the directory as a list
named catalog.lst. To do this, use the "Drag and Drop" method:
430
Reference Manual
27.1.7
Adding a favorite
It is possible to record the current directory as a favorite.
Open the directory to save it as favorite (See Open a directory on page 429) then click on
one of the free icons ( ). It will then be displayed as a filled space ( ).
Opening a favorite
A tooltip will indicate the corresponding favorites directory when sliding the cursor over the
icon. Open the directory with a simple click on the corresponding icon. Amapi Pro will
display the directory content in the catalog.
Deleting a favorite
To delete a favorite from the list, you will use the "Drag and Drop" method:
27.2
Material editor
27.2.1
27.2.1.1
27.2.1.2
27.2.1.3
Delete a material
The Delete button deletes the current material. Amapi Pro will assign a default material to
the current object. This new material becomes the editable material.
432
Reference Manual
27.2.2
27.2.2.1
Editing
Ambient color
The ambient color is the color of the object in the darkness (in complete darkness, only the
ambient light is used. If the ambient parameter is set to none, the object is not visible). The
setting can be made either by clicking in the sampling circle, or using the slider or in the
editable area (See Preferences on page 451).
27.2.2.2
Diffuse color
The diffuse color is the color that the object reflects when lit by direct light (daylight or
artificial light). This color is mixed with the ambient color. The setting can be made either
by clicking on the sampling circle, or by using the slider in the dialog box (See
Preferences on page 451).
27.2.2.3
Shininess
The shininess is the capacity of an object to reflect the light. The shininess is defined by the
color, the intensity and the size of the halo of the reflected light.
For instance, a polished surface has a small and intense reflection, even though a matte
surface has a large and weak reflection.
The Filter
The filter controls the influence of the color of the lighting on the color of the reflection
(tuned by the specular). If the filter is set to the minimum, the reflective color is the same as
the light color. Conversely, if the filter is set to the maximum the lighting has no influence
(the reflection has the color defined by the specular).
The setting can be made by using the slider or in the editable area.
27.2.2.4
Reflection
The surfaces can reflect surrounding colors. The reflection defines the ratio between the
reflected lighting and the incident lighting (when lighting a surface). The setting can be
made by using the slider or in the editable area (See Preferences on page 451).
It is time-consuming to compute reflections because ray-tracing is used in the
computation.
27.2.2.5
Transparency
Transparency is the ability of a material to let light shine through it. The more transparent a
surface is, the more the light that shines through it. A black color indicates that a material is
not transparent, while a white color indicates that a material is completely transparent.
The setting can be made by using the slider or in the editable area (See Preferences on
page 451).
27.2.2.6
Refraction
27.2.2.7
Density
This parameter sets the number and the size of the patterns of a textured material.
For instance: as you increase the size parameter of a tiling texture applied to the floor of a
room, you will see the size of the tiles decrease and their number increase. The setting can
be made by using the slider or in the editable area.
434
Reference Manual
28
Lighting
28.1
28.1.1
Sun
The sun produces a light diffused uniformly onto the entire scene.
You can define its color and have it produce a solid drop shadow if you wish (See Set a
light source on page 437).
28.1.2
Bulb
The bulb is a directional light. You can specify its orientation, the area where you want a
dim light or the color of the diffused light.
You can have the light produce a solid drop shadow if you wish (See Set a light source on
page 437).
28.1.3
Spot
The spot is a specific source of lighting which sends a direct light beam. You can specify the
beam direction, light cut-off and fall-off, the area where you want a dim light, and its color.
You can have the light produce a solid drop shadow if you wish (See Set a light source on
page 437).
28.2
1) Click on the button corresponding to the desired type of light (Sun, Bulb or Spot).
2) The light source follows the cursor movement. Move it toward the graphic workspace.
3) Set the light position in the desired place in the scene. Amapi Pro gives it a name. It
becomes the current light.
Now, you can set the different settings (See Set a light source on page 437).
436
Reference Manual
28.3
28.4
Depending on the light source you choose, you can perform several settings:
Sun
Bulb
Spot
Diffuse color
Shadow
beam radius
attenuation
Repositioning
orientation
The light source to be set must be the current light source (See Select a light source on
page 437).
28.4.1
Diffuse color
The setting can be made either by clicking in the sampling circle, or using the slider and/or
an editable area (See Preferences on page 451).
28.4.2
Shadow
You can determine whether or not the light produces a solid drop shadow on the lit objects.
28.4.3
Cut-off
28.4.4
Attenuation (dimming)
The attenuation defines the light reduction of propagation area for a Bulb or a Spot.
This distance can be set by using the slider and/or an editable area.
28.4.5
Repositioning
The Move tool, located at the bottom of the graphic workspace, allows you to
reposition the light source.
28.4.6
Orientation
The Stretch tool, located at the bottom of the graphic workspace, allows you to
change the Sun, Bulb or Spot orientation.
28.5
1) Select the light source to be deleted (See Select a light source on page 437).
2) Click on the Delete button.
438
Reference Manual
29
Rendering parameters
The user can set some parameters for the final rendering:
29.1
Anti-aliasing
29.2
Shadows
Check this box to compute and the display the shadows (See
Shadow on page 437).
29.3
Background
Background color
The background color setting can be made either by clicking in the sampling circle, or by
using the slider and/or an editable area (See their using mode on page 451).
Background image
Check the Background image box if you want to display a background image in the
rendered image. Clicking on the Browse button will open the dialog box where you can
select the desired background image.
Invisible in the modeling room, this image is displayed together with the final rendering.
29.4
Environment
Check this box if you want to add an environment image to be reflected on an object in the
scene.
Clicking on the Browse button will open the dialog box where you can select the desired
background image.
Invisible in the modeling room, this image is displayed with the final rendering.
29.5
Fog
A slider allows you to set a coefficient which will define the density of the fog.
29.6
Image format
440
Reference Manual
Catalog room
30
The Catalog
Current
file
thumbnail
Trash
Open a
directory
Pages
scrolling
Rebuild the
catalog
Current file
information
in the
directory
Import
Export
favorites directory
30.1
Current directory
Open a directory
Select a directory to use it as the current directory. Amapi Pro will display the
desired directory content in the catalog. The path is displayed near the icon.
A preview of each Amapi Pro file is displayed in the Thumbnails.
A directory can also be opened from the favorites directory (See Managing the favorites
directory on page 447).
30.2
444
Reference Manual
2) Enter a page number: a counter shows the current page number. Click on it to enter the
page number to be displayed. Press Enter to validate and see this page.
3) Use the page scrolling buttons: Click on the right arrow to increment the page number.
Click on the left arrow to decrement.
30.3
Each thumbnail image is associated with the files name. If you click on one of them, the
associated file becomes the current file. Then Amapi Pro displays its name, its size, its
creation date and an associated comment in an editable palette (See Editing the parameters
on page 162).
The modification of one of these parameters causes the automatic saving of the file.
30.4
30.5
icon.
By deleting the scene, all the objects of the scene will be deleted, even hidden objects.
(See Hide, Show on page 184)
30.6
To import a file into the current scene, use the "Drag and Drop" method:
30.7
Saving the current scene in the catalog consists of saving it in the current directory in the
Amapi Pro format. Do the following:
1) Scroll the catalogs pages to find an empty cell. (See Browsing the pages of the
catalog on page 444).
30.8
The file organization in the catalog is saved independently of the way it is organized in the
system directory. A personal organization will be automatically saved in the directory as a
list named catalog.lst. To do this, use the "Drag and Drop" method:
446
Reference Manual
If by mistake the catalog.lst file have been deleted; it will be automatically rebuilt, but the
personalized filing will be lost.
The former versions of Amapi Pro, saved this list in a file named CAT.LIST; if it exists, it will not
be deleted but not updated. Only catalog.lstwill be updated.
30.9
Adding a favorite
It is possible to record the current directory as a favorite.
Open the directory to save it as favorite (See Open a directory on page 444) then click on
one of the free icons ( ). It will be displayed as a filled location ( ).
Opening a favorite
A tooltip will indicate the corresponding favorites directory when putting the cursor over the
icon. Open the directory with a simple click on the corresponding icon. Amapi Pro will
display the directory content in the catalog.
Deleting a favorite
To delete a favorite from the list, you will use the "Drag and Drop" method;
30.11 Import
An Import icon is available when the catalog is open. It is similar to the File Import
menu. (See Import on page 229).
30.12 Export
An Export icon is available when the catalog is open. It is similar to the File Export
menu (See Export on page 231).
448
Reference Manual
Preferences
31
Preferences
31.1
Preferences editor
The preferences editor allows you to customize the interface, the display modes, or some
application behaviors, depending on your needs or preferences.
The Alt-P shortcut opens the editor.
The preferences can be displayed as follows:
Check boxes:
Enabled option
Disabled option
Sliders:
The setting can be made by moving the sliders cursor or by entering a value in the data
window on the right-hand side of the slider.
31.1.1
User interface
Generic
Interface themes
Amapi Pro offers several interface themes corresponding to various users profiles. The user
will test them and select one which will work best for him.
Pro (default)
Default
Gradient
Immersive
Classic with tools palettes
Each theme has its own preference presets which will replace the current values. After
changing theme, it will always be possible to manually set all the preferences through the
preferences editor.
452
Reference Manual
See the Ergonomics (see details on page 13) paragraph to learn more about each of these
interfaces.
Full screen
Full screen display (default): Amapi Pro is displayed on the full screen. The system bar
menus are hidden.
Window display
Language
Amapi Pro is able to communicate in several languages. During its first use, it asks the user
to set the language he or she prefers using. However, it will be possible to change it, by
using the preference editor.
The following languages are available:
English (default)
French
German
Views / Multi-views
The Control panel displays the icon corresponding to the current option. Click on it to
display the list of the possible configurations. Then, click on the icon showing the
desired configuration.
Gradient background
Gradient enabled: the background colors in the interface windows are gradient.
Gradient disabled (default): the background colors in the interface windows are flat.
Palettes display
Buttons to represent the palettes
Enabled: Amapi Pro displays buttons showing the palettes.
Disabled: Amapi Pro does not display buttons representing the palettes.
The Tools palette (see details on page 456) interface is especially adapted to 3D modeling
since it simulates the natural movement of the designer in front of his table or the model
maker in front of his workbench.
Amapi Pro will display only one tools palette at a time, placing at your disposal only that
group of tools which are useful. The basic toolkit is be permanently displayed.
You have two methods to switch from one tools palette to the other:
by simply sweeping the cursor from the right hand side of the screen out of the graphic
window and then by bringing it back towards the center of the screen.
by clicking on one of the number sequences of the tools palette (if you chose to display
buttons representing the tools palettes).
Construction Palette
Modeling palette
Assembly palette
454
Reference Manual
Toolbox
The tools proposed in the modeling room have been split into
three tools palettes (see details on page 237) :
The Construction palette
The Modeling palette
The Assembly palette
With each one of these principal tools palettes, a Basic
ToolKit is added and is always available.
Amapi Pro proposes several possible interfaces with regards
to accessing the modeling tools:
Toolbox Interface (default).
Tools palette Interface.
Tools
palette
Interface
Tooltips display
Toolbox
Interface
Miscellaneous
Right-handed palettes display
Amapi Pro displays the tools palettes (See The Tools palettes on page 78) at the right-hand
side of the screen. Some people, such as the left-handed persons, might choose to display the
tools palettes on the left-hand side of the screen.
Displays the tools palettes on the right-hand side of the screen (default).
Displays the tools palettes on the left-hand side of the screen.
456
Reference Manual
Display time
Display time (default).
Do not display time.
Magnetism effect
Magnetized dialog boxes (default).
Not magnetized dialog boxes.
Colors
The majority of the user interface colors can be modified. Click on the sample of color circle
to display the colors palette. The default colors depend on the selected theme.
Editors colors
You will be able to personalize the colors of the editor's windows such as the preferences
editor, the shortcuts editor...
458
Reference Manual
31.1.2
Graphic environment
The user will work in the orthonormal base visualized as three gradated axis.
The working plane, on which the modeling will be done, is defined by the two axis most
parallel to the current view plane.
To create points in 3D the user will be allowed to use a 2D mouse (or equivalent) only. He or
she will have to change the viewpoint to change the working plane (See The Navigation
on page 135).
The orthogonal planes visualization will help for the orientation in the 3D graphic
workspace.
(See The graphic environment on page 87).
Orthogonal planes
Some preferences allow you to customize the display.
Checker plane
Enabled the plane is checkered (default).
Disabled.
Grid size
The dimensions of the plane(s) can be customized. The setting can be made by moving the
sliders cursor or by entering a value in the data window on the right-hand side of the slider.
Image on XY plane
Select the image to display.
Image on XZ plane
Select the image to display.
Image on YZ plane
Select the image to display.
Grid color
Click on the color sampling circle to display the color setting palette.
460
Reference Manual
Rulers
Quarter axis (half-axis)
Amapi Pro suggests two possible representations of the rulers.
Half-axis enabled: only the half portion of the axis that is in use is displayed.
Half-axis disabled: the entire axis is displayed (default).
Local gradation
Amapi Pro propose two types of gradation for the rulers.
Gradation activated locally.
Gradation disactivated locally (default)
Coordinates display
Amapi Pro asks if you would like to display the cursor coordinates along the rulers.
Display the cursor coordinates.
Do not display the cursor coordinates (default).
Display the trihedron in the center of the graphic workspace (0,0,0) (default).
Do not display the trihedron.
Alignment guides
The Alignment guides tool allows you to temporarily constrain the cursor movement during the construction of 3D points (See Alignment guides on page 196).
Alignment guides
Alignment guides Disabled
Alignment guides Enabled
Alignment angles
Allows you to assign particular values to the angles the alignments guides will be displayed
at. Attention, when modified, this modifies the values of the eight following angles.
Angles 1 to 8
Values of the angles that the alignment guides will be displayed at. These values can be set
manually. Attention, the use of the "Alignment Angles" field redefines these angles automatically.
462
Reference Manual
Cursor
Snapping
This option allows you to specify whether the cursor should be snapped on the virtual grid
defined by the orthonormal base gradations.
A cursor that is not magnetized moves freely in the scene.
A magnetized cursor is snapped to the intersection points of the grid.
See Snapping (see details on page 174) for more information.
Cursor-parameter display
If enabled, the parameters follow the cursor movement and are very easy to view. But,
unlike the parameter palette, the cursor-parameter doesnt allow editing (See To check the
parameters on page 161).
Enables the cursor-parameter display (default).
Disables the cursor-parameter display.
Navigation Animation
(See The Navigation on page 135)
MicroScribe
AutoPlot
Allows you to continuously digitize by moving the point of the digitizer on the surface. In
this mode, when the stylus has covered the distance defined by the Distance AutoPlot
parameter, a point is automatically created.
Autoplot Distance
Defines the distance between two points created in AutoPlot mode.
Scale
Scale factor applied to all the points drawn by the Microscribe.
464
Reference Manual
31.1.3
Scene display
Amapi Pro has many options to help display the scene in a manner best suited to the users
requirements and/or facilitating operation. The user can personalize the display of each
element of the scene as well as the selection in progress. However, some types of display
need a fairly long display time. That is why Amapi Pro offers several display optimization
functions.
Entities display
Different entities are handled while modeling: points, edges, facets or objects (See Entity
on page 94).
Amapi Pro offers several display options that allow you to highlight one or another kind of
entity.
Depending on the manipulation to be made, select the display mode that best highlights the
entities you're working on. It can be changed at any time during the modeling. Most of them
are accessible through the Control panel (see details on page 167).
Default color
This preference will enable you to personalize the color of the objects. It will be taken into
account if you chose not to give a different color to each object (see above).
The Flat Solid mode gives a more realistic appearance to the objects by
displaying their facets.
The Flat Solid and edges mode adds the edges display to the Flat Solid mode.
The Smoothed Solid mode corresponds to the Flat Solid mode on which a
smoothing has been applied. This is the most realistic mode.
The Smoothed Solid and edges mode adds the edges display to the Smoothed
Solid mode.
These options can also be accessible through the Control panel (See The display modes on
page 180).
Simplified display
This option allows you to limit the display simplification of the objects.
Do not simplify the scene display.
Simplify the display of the objects not selected.
Simplify the display of the selected objects.
Simplify the display of all the objects of the scene.
(See Simplified display on page 177).
Perspective
This option allows you to toggle on one of the two display modes of the scene:
466
Reference Manual
Edges color
This preference allows you to set the color of the edges.
Points color
This preference allows you to set the color of the points.
Point sizes
This preference allows you to set the size of a point.
Edge
editable edges
isoparametric curves
Center display
The user can choose to display or not the geometrical center of a selected object.
Enable the display of the center
Disable the display of the center (default)
468
Reference Manual
Point sizes
The user can personalize the size of the representation of the points of selected objects.
Display editing
Color of the Deformation box and of the NURBS Control box
This option allows you to customize the color of:
Set the mesh of the control box (see details on page 376)
The NURBS Control box (See The NURBS models on page 98).
Transparency effect
This preference lets you decide whether or not to give a transparency effect to the selected
objects.
If this option is activated, it will be effective in the following situations:
470
Reference Manual
Fast transparency
Fast transparency: enabled.
Buffer region
Buffer region:
Amapi Pro uses the previous objects display computation to speed up the display in realtime.
Do not use the previous display (default)
Clipping objects
Fast edges
Line display method which improves display times (depending on the type of graphics card)
Active.
Disable (default).
Refresh method
Refresh method extended to all views (default).
Refresh method limited to the current view.
Amapi Pro uses this option when the Muti-view mode is selected (See Simple-view /
Multi-view on page 178).
Hidden lines
Hidden lines enabled (default): uses a special filling mode based on a stipple pattern. It
can simulate the transparency on some graphic boards.
Hidden lines disabled.
472
Reference Manual
Background image
Enabled.
Disabled (default).
Anti-aliasing
Anti-aliasing enabled (default).
Anti-aliasing disabled.
(See Anti-aliasing on page 481)
Lighting
The lighting corresponds to the propagation of luminous rays. It is directly related to the
effect obtained when rendering. By selecting the actual lighting, several parameters can be
customized.
Actual lighting
Actual lighting enabled (default)
If so, the following parameters can be customized.
Actual lighting disabled.
Global light
The default values of the two global lights can be configured by adjusting their associated
colors.
31.1.4
Printing preferences
Drawing options
Scale
This parameter is a scale factor, it allows you to control the printing size.
The values must be within: ]0,1000].
Print measures
Print measures
Do not print measures
31.1.5
Import / Export
The preferences editor allows you to customize the import/export files. See paragraph
Import / Export (see details on page 229) to find the list of the imported or exported
formats.
31.1.6
Units
Relative coordinates
By default, Amapi Pro works in relative mode (see details on page 486). The modeling
requirements can force the user to work in absolute mode (see details on page 481). To
toggle from one to the other, you can check the Relative coordinates option.
Relative coordinates (default)
Absolute coordinates
474
Reference Manual
Length units
Amapi Pro allows you to change the length unit at any time of the modeling. To do so, select
the unit from the following list:
None
mm
cm (default)
m
inch
numeric inch
Angle unit
Amapi Pro allows you to change the angle unit at any time of the modeling. To do so, select
the unit from the following list:
Degree
Radian
Precision
Amapi Pro allows you to control the units precision. To do so, specify the number of digits
after the decimal point to be displayed.
The setting can be made by moving the sliders cursor or by entering a value in the data
window on the right-hand side of the slider. The default precision is 2.
Working scale
This preferences editor allows you to set a working scale. The setting can be made by
moving the sliders cursor or by entering a value in the data window on the right-hand side
of the slider.
31.1.7
NURBS preferences
The default tesselation can be configured for object creation and export. This makes it possible to easily set a mode of very precise tesselation adapted to the constraints of the recipient
of the exported file while conserving a rapid display with a less precise tesselation.
Tesselation
Default range of the curves
Default tesselation range used by all the tools for NURBS curves.
476
Reference Manual
31.2
Shortcuts Editor
The shortcuts editor allows you to customize the keyboard shortcuts to use the Amapi Pro
functions.
1) The editor left hand side lists the different tools palettes of Amapi Pro.
Click on the name of the one which contains the desired tool, to edit the corresponding
shortcut.
2) The editor displays the icons corresponding to the tools of the selected palette. Each of
them is followed by an editable text area.
Click in the text area corresponding to the shortcut to implement or to change.
3) Press the key (or combination of keys) that will be the new shortcut.
4) Click on the Validation button to validate the modifications and close the editor.
478
Reference Manual
Appendix
480
Reference Manual
32
Glossary
Absolute (mode)
Aliasing
Ambient (Color)
Anti-aliasing
Bitmap
BREP
Bounding box
Boolean
Brightness
Camera
Catalog
Clone
Composite (curve)
Connected (curves)
Control shape
482
Reference Manual
Control panel
Coons (surfaces)
Coplanar
Current selection
Deformation box
Dialog Box
Diffuse (Color)
Entity
Facet
Field of view
The region of space that the eye can perceive when looking
at a target point.
Filter
Format
Dynamic Geometry
Falloff
Grid
Grid structure
(Quad mesh)
Hidden facets
Hidden lines
Incident light
Interface
Interpolation
Layer
484
Reference Manual
Lighting
Luminance
Mapping (image)
Material
Navigation
NURBS
Eye
Palette
Polygonal (model...)
Pulldown menu
Radiance
Reflection
Relative (mode)
Rendering
Room
Scene
486
Reference Manual
Selection accessories
Smoothing
Spread
Specular color
Target point
Tool
Tools accessories
Tool options
Transparency
View plane
Viewpoint
Working plan
488
Reference Manual
33
B
Basic toolkit 241
Move 242
Rotate 244
Scale 248
Stretch 252
Index
Bend 379
Booleans 354, 355
Break (Nodal) 188
BREP 103
Dissociate the faces of a... 188
Numerics
2D Drawing 277
Bump/Soften 385
A
Cancel 215
Align 406
Alignment 196
Alignment guides 196
Ambient color 433
Angle 417
Arc 284
Assembly 241
AutoPlot 235
Axis toggling 193
Chamfer 347
Cursor-parameters 161
Circle 281
Curve
Composite 91
Simple 91, 92
Circumference 418
Clones 107
Close 210, 400
A grid structure object 401
A polygonal surface 400
Edit the polylines closures 400
Color 433
Editor 458
Interface 458
Palettes 458
Cone 266
Curves 292
Connected 91
Cut 215, 354
Booleans 354, 355
Extract 354
Punch 354
Slices 354
Cutting NURBS (Trimming) 357
Cylinder 267
Decimate 420
Deform 382
Degree (NURBS) 101, 290, 293, 342
Delete 216, 364, 445
Diffuse color 433
Directory 444
Display modes 180
Dissociate the faces of a BREP 188
Distance 416
Dodecahedron 269
Copy 215
Double-Sweep 321
Cube 260
Current selection 147, 483
Cursor 208
490
Reference Manual
Dynamic Geometry
Behavior of the tools regarding the DG
128
Browsing the palette 116
Collapsing the DG 118
Displaying mode 125
Editing the DG level 123
Manipulating DG 115
Renaming a shape 116
Selecting the working level 116
Showing/Hiding a level 117
The concept 109
The different levels of completion 126
The intermediate levels finishing 127
The palette 115
The shapes hierarchy 111
The tree 111, 189
Entity
Edge 94
Facet 94
Object 94
Point 94
Ergonomics 13
Export 212, 231, 448
Extract (Cut) 354
Extract Facets 304
Extract Lines 300
Extraction of openings 301
From existing points 300
Object edges 301
U and V curves of a grid structure 302
Eye 137
E
Eccentricity 433
Edit
3D Digitizer 163
File information 445
Joint and opening of a grid structure
object 401
Parameters 162
Polylines closures 400
Editing 214
Cancel 215
Copy 215
Cut 215
Delete 216
Paste 215
Redo 214
Select All 216
Undo 214
Validate 214
Editor
Material 427
Shortcuts 478
F
Face
Back 179, 219
Front 179, 219
Facets
Concave 345
Convex surfaces 345
Falloff 433
Favorites Directory 444
File
Close 210
Export 212
Import 212
Merge 210
Open 210
Printing 212
Quit 213
Save as 211
PC 7
Filter 434
Interface theme
Classic 14
Classic with tools palettes 16
Immersive 15
Pro 14
Gradations 88
Graphic environment 87
Graphic workspace 18
Grid (primitive) 273
Keyboard 17
Helix 295
Lasso
Personalized 153
Rectangular 153
Help 205
Cursor 208
Tooltips 208
Lay on 408
I
Icosahedron 268
Import 212, 229, 448
Information 187
Installation 7
Macintosh 9
492
Reference Manual
Arc 284
Circle 281
Curve 292
Helix 295
Interpolated curve 289
Polyline 286
Rectangle / Square 279
Reverse curve points 299
Symmetry 298
N
Navigation 136
Have a panoramic view 144
Keyboard 142
Zoom 145
Make a direct viewpoint change 142
Pan the scene 141
Rotate around the scene 141, 143
View All 139
View Detail 140
View selection 142
Viewpoint 137
Zoom 140
Lines 277
lst 446
lst (calatog.lst) 430
M
Macintosh 9
Mapping on plane 90
Material 427
Applying a ... 430
Catalog 428
Editor 432
The room 427
Measurements 415
Memo-Select 158
Merge 210
MicroScribe 163, 233
Move an object 242
Out of any tool 243
The tool 242
Multi-view 178
Objects 91
Clones 107
Curves 91
Display 95
Entity 94
Grid structure (Quad Mesh) 106
NURBS 96
Open / Closed 94
Polygonal 96
Polygonal or NURBS models 96
Surfaces 92
Types of objects 91
Volumes 92
Objects display 180
Paste 215
Objects name 92
PC 7
Octahedron 268
Perspective 176
Offset 351
Polygonal 96, 97
Polyline 286
Printing 212
Orthogonal planes 90
Orthonormal basis
Graphic environment 88
Origin 173
Q
Quad Mesh 106
Quick Tour 13
Quit 213
Palette
Construction 257, 339, 387
Navigation 136
Tool palettes 78
494
Reference Manual
Shininess 433
Shortcuts editor 478
Rotate 244
By a given angle 244
To align 245
Simple-view 178
Simplified display 177
Slice 354
Slider 164
S
Save 211
Save as 211
Scale 248
Scene management
Scene graph 201
Smooth 340
Break control 344
Convex surfaces 345
Partial smoothing 345
Polygonal surfaces 341
Tension control 343
Snap 406, 419
Snapping 174, 192
On particular points 192
On ruler graduation 192
Soften/Bump 385
Specular 433
Screen 18
Spot 436
Spread 433
Square 279
Stretch 252
An object with a deformer control box
255
Following the normal 253
NURBS objects 254
With attraction 382
Sun 436
Surfaces 336, 418
Coons 331
Gordon 334
Ruled 324
Surfaces and volumes primitives 258
Cone 266
Cube 260
Cylinder 267
Dodecahedron 269
Icosahedron 268
Octahedron 268
Sphere 263
Tetrahedron 268
Text 274
U
Undo 214
Unfold 400, 409
Ungroup 186
Sweep 307
Extrude 307
Sweep 307
T
Target point 137
View
All 139
Detail 140
selection 142
View plane 137, 169
Tesselate 367
A NURBS object 370
A polygonal curve 369
A polygonal volume or a surface 367
Viewpoint 137
Delete 139
Eye 137
Target point 137
View plane 137
Tetrahedron 268
Views 178
Text 274
Volume 418
496
Reference Manual
W
Weld 403
Weld objects 403
Weld points close from each other 403
Weld points close to each other 403
Weld points on an object 403
Working plane 89
Wrap 413
Z
Zoom 140
498
Reference Manual
500
Reference Manual