rtwizard is a tool that automates the use of several BRL-CAD graphical programs to produce complex images. There are two primary modes of operation - a graphical client to guide users through the process of creating images, and a command line mode to allow users who already know what options they wish to use to quickly and automatically produce images. Graphical mode is used when insufficient information is supplied to produce an image (unless an option specifically ruling out graphical mode is passed) and command line mode (used automatically when there is enough information to produce an image, unless GUI mode is specifically requested.) When in graphical mode, rtwizard is self explanatory. This manual documents the command line options available when not operating in graphical mode.
Images produced by rtwizard use three primary elements - standard full color raytracings produced by rt, "line drawing" style images produced by rtedge, and a faded greyscale version of color raytracings produced with a variety of image manipulation tools included with BRL-CAD.
The following options are recognized.
Input/Output Options
geometry_file.g
The first argument without an option flag (the leftmost argument is regarded as the first) that
identifies an existing file with a .g suffix will be used to specify the working geometry database,
unless overridden by the i
option.
-i
geometry_file
, --input
geometry_file
Specifying the geometry database containing the objects to be raytraced. The i
option
will override a non-flagged geometry file specification.
output_file.imgformat
The name and image format of the final output image generated by rtwizard. When specifying the
output file name without using a flag, a .pix or .png image format extension is necessary. The first
valid, unflagged output file name will be used unless overridden by the o
. If the
output filename uses a .png image format extension, the Portable Network Graphics image format
will be used when writing out the file. Otherwise, a standard BRL-CAD pix image will be generated.
-o
output_file[.imgformat]
, --output
output_file[.imgformat]
The name (and optionally the image format) of the final output image generated by rtwizard. If the output filename uses a .png file extension, the Portable Network Graphics image format will be used when writing out the file. Otherwise, a standard BRL-CAD pix image will be generated.
-d
framebuffer_device
, --fbserv-device
framebuffer_device
The type of framebuffer to use when running fbserv to establish a framebuffer. By default, "/dev/mem" is used for a non-graphical framebuffer - other options include /dev/X, /dev/ogl, and (Windows only) /dev/wgl. A /dev/mem framebuffer created by rtwizard will be closed after the image generation is complete.
-p
port_number
, --fbserv-port
port_number
The number of the framebuffer port to use when running fbserv to establish a framebuffer. An existing framebuffer may also be specified and used. In the case of a pre-existing non-graphical framebuffer, rtwizard will not close the framebuffer automatically after the raytracing process is complete.
--gui
Run rtwizard's graphical interface, even if the command line options specify enough information to produce an image.
--no-gui
Run rtwizard on the command line, even if the command line options do not specify enough information to produce an image. Overridden by --gui option if both are specified.
Model View Options - User Level
When it comes to preparing the view for an RtWizard image, there are two options. One is to use the "user level" controls, which reflect the view manipulations used by users on the command line. The other is to use the "low level" specifiers, which are more typically used when rtwizard is run by automated scripts. The two methods are mutually exclusive.
-a
angle (degrees)
, --azimuth
angle (degrees)
Set azimuth angle.
-e
angle (degrees)
, --elevation
angle (degrees)
Set elevation angle.
--twist
angle (degrees)
Set twist angle.
-P
angle (degrees)
, --perspective
angle (degrees)
Set the perspective angle.
-z
value
, --zoom
value
Set the zoom factor (smaller factor results in a smaller object in the view, and vice versa).
--center
X Y Z
Set the xyz coordinates of the center of the view.
Model View Options - Low Level
When specifying a low level view model is "all or nothing" - all options are required to correctly define the view.
--viewsize
view_size(mm)
Set the view size.
--orientation
element_1 element_2 element_3 element_4
Set view quaternion.
--eye_pt
X Y Z
Set twist angle.
Image Generation Options
-c
obj1
...
, --color-objects
obj1
...
Specify objects to render using full color.
-C
value
, --background-color
value
Set the background color to use when raytracing full color objects. May use R/G/B or hex style color specification.
-g
obj1
...
, --ghost-objects
obj1
...
Specify objects to be rendered using ghosting.
-G
value
, --ghosting-intensity
value
Control the degree of visibility to use when rendering ghost objects.
-l
obj1
...
, --line-objects
obj1
...
Specify objects to render lines with using rtedge.
--line-color
value
Specify color to use when rendering edge lines. In addition to R/G/B and hex color specifications, the keyword "region" is also supported - in the latter case, region colors will be used for lines.
--non-line-color
value
Specify color rtedge will use for non-line rendering.
-O
value
, --occlusion
value
Specify the occlusion mode rtedge will use for line rendering.
-t
image_type
, --type
image_type
Specify the type of image to be rendered. The images produces by rtwizard are categorized by picture type - there are six picture types built on full color raytracing, ghosting, and rtedge line renderings. If a type is specified and insufficient information is supplied to generate that particular image type, rtwizard will exit with an error.
Table 1. RtWizard Image Types
Type | Name | Description |
---|---|---|
A | Simple Full-Color Image | Standard rt image. |
B | Simple Line Drawing | Standard rtedge image. |
C | Highlighted Image | Full Color rt image enhanced with rtedge lines. |
D | Mixed Full Color and Edges | Like Type C, except objects may be selectively enhanced with rtedge lines. |
E | Ghost Image with Inserts | A combination of Full Color elements and faded greyscale raytracings for context. |
F | Ghost Image with Inserts and Edges | A Type E image further enhanced with rtedge lines. |
Introduction
Example 1. Basic Color Image
rtwizard m35.g component
Results in a default color image of the m35 truck, output to rtwizard.pix
Example 2. Line Drawing Image
rtwizard -d /dev/ogl m35.g -l component
Results in a line drawing of the m35 truck being display in an OpenGL framebuffer
Example 3. Complex Image
rtwizard -d /dev/ogl -i m35.g -c component/power.train -g component -l component
Results in a view of the m35 truck highlighting the engine (in color) with the truck being shown as a ghosted, edged background.
Example 4. Complex Image with Non-Default View
rtwizard -d /dev/ogl -i m35.g -c component/power.train -g component -l component -a -35 -e 15 -z 1.6
Same as the previous image, except viewing the truck from a different direction and zoomed in closer.
This software is Copyright (c) 2001-2013 United States Government as represented by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory. All rights reserved.