graphic_results animate
Allows you to view a pseudo dynamic representation of the model motion simulated with Adams.
Format:
graphic_results animate |
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analysis_name = | an existing analysis |
view_name = | an existing view |
number_of_cycles = | integer |
increment_frame_by = | integer |
time_range = | time |
frame_range = | integer |
superimposed = | on_off |
base_marker = | an existing marker |
camera_ref_marker = | an existing marker |
point_trace_marker = | an existing marker |
icon_visibility = | on_off |
offset = | location |
colors = | an existing color |
fullscreen_animation = | on_off |
bitmap_animation = | bitmap_opts |
record_to_laser_disc = | on_off |
animate_page = | boolean |
Example:
graphic_results animate & |
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analysis_name = | last_run & |
number_of_cycles = | 100 & |
increment_frame_by = | 2 & |
base_marker = | psmar & |
fullscreen_animation = | on & |
icon_visibility = | on & |
colors = | plum & |
contour_plots = | off & |
superimposed = | on |
Description:
Parameter | Value Type | Description |
|---|
analysis_name | An Existing Analysis | This parameter specifies an analysis name. When Adams View reads a graphics file (.GRA), a request file (.REQ), or a results file (.RES) an analysis name is created. By default, the name of the analysis is the file name excluding the extension. |
view_name | An Existing View | Specifies the view for the display |
number_of_cycles | Integer | Parameter used to specify the number of complete cycles to animate. This means, based on this parameter, the animation will continuously run through all the specified frames, the specified number of times. |
increment_frame_by | Integer | Parameter used to specify the number of frames to skip between each animation step. This allows the user to speed up the viewing of motions that take many frames to develop (that move slowly). If a negative value is entered, the animation will play in reverse. |
time_range | Time | Parameter to specify the analysis output Adams simulation output time steps at which to start and stop the animation (in that respective order). |
frame_range | Integer | Parameter to specify the analysis frame number (output time step) at which to start and stop the animation (in that respective order). |
superimposed | On_Off | Parameter used with the animation command to specify whether or not to show each frame of the animation individually or superimposed on top of one another. |
base_marker | An Existing Marker | This parameter is used to specify a marker whose position will be frozen in the view as the model animates |
camera_ref_marker | An Existing Marker | This parameter is used to identify a marker which specifies the viewing direction as the model animates. |
point_trace_marker | An Existing Marker | This parameter is used to specify marker(s) whose position will be traced in the view as the model animates. |
icon_visibility | On_Off | Specifies whether or not to display icons during an animation. |
offset | Location | Specifies the offset of the axis line from the plot border. |
colors | An Existing Color | Modify the red, green, and blue components of existing colors. |
fullscreen_animation | On_Off | Specifies the animation should be done using the entire application window. |
bitmap_animation | Bitmap_Opts | Specifies options regarding generating and replaying a bitmap animation. |
record_to_laser_disc | On_Off | Causes a single video frame to be recorded on the laser disc. |
animate_page | Boolean |
Extended Definition:
1. Animation is created by requesting a series of "frames" (or a "time range" corresponding to a series of frames) to be displayed in rapid succession. These frames correspond to pictures of the model at each output time step in the Adams simulation. The speed of the animation depends on the hardware Adams View is running on, the complexity of the graphics being displayed, and the draw mode of the graphics being displayed (wireframe, solid filled, or shaded; wireframe being the fastest).
2. Adams View provides various options for specifying how the animation frames are to be displayed. These options include starting and ending frame number or time, the number of frames (simulation output time steps) to be skipped between displayed frames, the number of complete cycles the animation should go through, etc. If none of these options are specified, the system will animate in the active view, use all frames, and cycle through them once. Other advanced features are provided such as BASE_MARKER, SUPERIMPOSE, CAMERA_REF_MARKER, and POINT_TRACE_MARKER, which are not used unless specified. These options provide:
- BASE_MARKER - a way to freeze a model position in the view during the animation
- SUPERIMPOSE - overlaying the frames of the animation,
- CAMERA_REF_MARKER - a model mounted viewing position,
- POINT_TRACE_MARKER - tracing marker paths during the animation in respective order, and
- CAMERA_REF_MARKER + BASE_MARKER - a view direction from the camera marker to the base marker.
3. Adams View requires that Adams simulations have unique names and the default name of an analysis may be overridden when reading the file(s) using the file_nameparameter. When referring to an analysis name that already exists quotes are not necessary. When processing any command that requires an analysis name the system will default to the default analysis name. The default analysis name is set to the last analysis file read in (.GRA, .REQ, .RES, or all three). To change the default analysis name without reading in an analysis file use the "defaults analysis" command.
4. Each view created has a name associated with it. The view_name parameter is used to identify a view for a particular operation. In most cases, view_name=all is also a valid entry. The all option indicates "all displayed views". There are eight standard views available when the Adams View is started. These views are: front, top, right, iso, bottom, left, and back. The first four of these standard views are displayed by default when Adams View is started. The user may create new views using the 'VIEW MANAGEMENT CREATE' command, and save/restore their attributes. If the VIEW_NAME parameter is used, the desired view can be identified by picking in the window or entering the name from the keyboard. Typing the name is the only way to identify a stored view that is not displayed.
5. If entered, the NUMBER_OF_CYCLES parameter must be a positive integer. This value will be remembered and will be the default the next time an animation is performed. This parameter is optional and if not entered, will default initially to 1 (until updated by the user).
6. If entered, the INCREMENT_FRAMES_BY parameter must have an absolute value less than the maximum number of frames in the analysis. This parameter is optional and if not entered, will default to 1.
7. If entered, the time_range parameter must be two real numbers (separated by commas) where the second is greater than the first and the default values are initially 0.0,1000.0. If new values are entered, these values will be remembered and be the default next time the parameter is used. If a value greater than the simulation end in time is entered for the second value, the system will stop at the last frame. These time values will be rounded to the nearest simulation output time step value. This parameter is optional and mutually exclusive with the FRAME_RANGE parameter. If neither is entered, the previous values to TIME_RANGE will be used (0,0,1000.0, if they have not been changed by the user).
Note: | Even if only one view_name is provided, the time range will be applied to the specified view and any other views that contain the same model (the model indicated by analysis_name parameter). If only analysis_name is provided (view_name parameter is omitted), any views that contain the model indicated by analysis_name will be affected. |
8. If entered, the frame_range parameter must be two positive integers (separated by commas) where the second is greater than the first and the default values are initially 1,10000. If new values are entered, these values will be remembered and be the default next time the parameter is used. If a value greater than the last frame number is entered for the second value, the system will stop at the last frame. This parameter is optional and mutually exclusive with the TIME_RANGE parameter. If neither is entered, the previous values to FRAME_RANGE will be used (1,10000, if they have not been changed by the user).
Note: | Even if only one view_name is provided, the frame range will be applied to the specified view and any other views that contain the same model (the model indicated by analysis_name parameter). If only analysis_name is provided (view_name parameter is omitted), any views that contain the model indicated by analysis_name will be affected. |
9. The superimposed view is sometimes referred to as a fan diagram. Superimposing frames is useful to show the relationship of the models parts between frames but often obscures the view of the motion. This is an optional parameter and if not entered, then no superimposed frames will be drawn. The legal values of this parameter are ON and OFF. ON indicates that frames will be superimpose during the animation. OFF, the default, indicates that frames will not be superimposed during theanimation.
10. The base_marker parameter is used to specify a marker whose position will be frozen in the view as the model animates. This is particularly useful when a relatively small object undergoes both, small configuration changes as well as large overall gross motion. For example, the flight path of a jet is very large over time relative to the motion of the control surfaces on the jet. In this case, selecting the BASE_MARKER to be on the jet would be appropriate. This parameter can be used with the CAMERA_REF_MARKER to create a different effect on the viewing direction. When the CAMERA_REF_MARKER and the BASE_MARKER are specified together, the viewing direction is "from" the CAMERA_REF_MARKER position "to" the BASE_MARKER position. In addition, the "up" direction of the view is computed based on the direction of the CAMERA_REF_MARKER "y" axis (i.e. the y axis is projected into a direction perpendicular to the viewing direction defined by the two markers). This viewing direction is recomputed between each frame of the animation. This feature allows the effect of watching an object come from a distance, pass by, and proceed into the distance. You may identify a marker by typing its name or by picking it from the screen. If the marker is not visible on the screen, you must type the name. You may also find it convenient to type the name even if the marker is displayed. If you created the marker by reading an Adams data set or graphics file, the marker name is the letters MAR followed by the Adams data set marker ID number. For example, the name ofAdams MARKER/101 is MAR101. If you created the marker during preprocessing, you will have given it a name at that time. If a marker is available by default, you may identify it by entering only its name. If it is not, you must enter its full name. To identify a marker under a different part, for instance, you may need to enter the model and part names, as well. For example, you may specify marker 'pivot' from model 'links', part 'lower_arm' by entering ".links.lower_arm.pivot". If you type a "?", Adams View will list the markers available by default. You must separate multiple marker names by commas. If the marker is visible in one of your views, you may identify it by picking on it. You need not separate multiple marker picks by commas.
11. The camera_ref_marker parameter connects the viewing camera to the "z" axis of a marker. The animation is then viewed from the moving location of that marker in the "z" direction. This is particularly useful when a "drivers eye" or "pilots eye" viewing perspective is desired. This parameter can be used with the BASE_MARKER to create a different effect on the viewing direction. When the CAMERA_REF_MARKER and the BASE_MARKER are specified together, the viewing direction is "from" theCAMERA_REF_MARKER position "to" the BASE_MARKER position. In addition the "up" direction of the view is computed based on the direction of the CAMERA_REF_MARKER "y" axis (i.e. the y axis is projected into a direction perpendicular to the viewing direction defined by the two markers). This viewing direction is recomputed between each frame of the animation. This feature allows the effect of watching an object come from a distance, pass by, and proceed into the distance.
12. The point_trace_marker parameter is used to specify marker(s) whose position will be traced in the view as the model animates. This is particularly useful when a marker undergoes complicated motion, or has motion that is easily obscured by other model graphics. For example, the path of a chain link being whipped, or a car wheel center's 3D motion. In this case, selecting the BASE_MARKER to be on the wheel center would be appropriate. Note that the model graphics need not be displayed to trace the path of a marker in a view. Up to 10 markers can be traced simultaneously.
13. Entering 'ON' for the icon_visibility parameter will cause Adams View to display the icons during animation. This will cause slower animation times. For this reason, 'OFF' is the default value.
14. The fullscreen_animation parameter specifies the animation should be done using the entire application window. This includes the areas for all the displayed views, the menu/panel area, fixed menu area , and the command/message areas. The application window will return to the configuration in effect prior to theanimation command when the animation is complete.
15. Bitmap animation is a platform dependent feature that may be used to obtain faster animations. The value for this parameter may be one of the following:
- OFF - perform no bitmap animation operations.
- RECORD - record frames for the bitmap animation using the current window size.
- RECORD_SHRINK - record frames for the bitmap animation, but first shrink the Adams View window so that it is approximately 20% of the total screen size. This is to obtain a faster animation by using a smaller amount of screen space.
- PLAY - play back the last recorded bitmap animation.
- FREE_MEM - free any memory resources that were allocated for bitmap animations. Each time you record a new bitmap animation, any previous bitmap animation will be deleted. When you exit Adams View, any bitmap animations will be deleted. It issuggested that after you have finished with a bitmap animation to use the FREE_MEM option so that you can make available the memory resources used by theanimation. It should be noted that there is a direct correlation between the size of the Adams View window and the memory requirements for recording and the speed upon playback. A large Adams View window on a color machine may require a significant amount of memory to perform bitmap animation. In addition, playback speeds are going to be slower for a large window as opposed to a smaller window because more pixels per frame need to be drawn. Currently, this feature is only available on Sun workstations, running the SunView windowing system.
16. Single frame recording allows you to render complex graphics images using the highest quality rendering modes and record the images sequentially on the laser disc. Upon playback, the recorded frames are displayed at the standard video rate of 30 frames/sec, allowing for smooth, high-quality animation of modeling or analysis graphics. In addition, laser disc devices allow you to vary the playback rate (unlike video tape systems) to speed up or slow down the resulting animation sequence.
Tips:
Here are some tips to improve animation performance in Adams View.
1. Animate only a single view. If you animate multiple views simultaneously, animation will be slower. You can use the Delete command box on the View Control Panel or the 'VIEW MANAGEMENT DELETE' command to delete views that are not needed. You may also erase a view with the 'VIEW ERASE' command. Erasing a view leaves the view window in the display, but erases the contents, so they will not be animated.
2. Animate in wireframe mode rather than in solid fill or shaded mode. Animate a subset of the available frames by using the INCREMENT_FRAME_BY parameter on the 'GRAPHIC_RESULTS ANIMATE' command. Remove unnecessary geometry with the 'DISPLAY_ATTRIBUTES VISIBILITY GEOMETRY VISIBILITY=OFF' command. You can remove entire parts with the 'DISPLAY_ATTRIBUTES VISIBILITY PART VISIBILITY=OFF' command.
Avoid excessive detail in your geometry. For example, avoid creating a cylinder with 60 sides if it looks acceptable with 20 sides.
3. Remove or replace "rubber-band" geometry. In general, geometry that "rubberbands" (i.e. changes size or shape with each time step) takes longer to display than similar geometry that does not. Spring-dampers, force vectors, and outlines that go between parts are examples of "rubber-banding" geometry. Turn off the view name and triad with the command 'VIEW MANAGEMENT MODIFY NAME_VISIBILITY=OFF TRIAD_VISIBILITY=OFF'.