paracloud manual

Add Mesh

Add Mesh

Add an obj mesh file to the currently open GEM model.

Steps

1. From the Mesh Menu select the 'Add Mesh' option.

2. Select additional obj file from the windows dialog box.

Command Activation Methods

Interface (GUI)

Menu

Mesh > Add Mesh

Command Line

Keyboard

Copyright © <2008-2011>, <Dr. Eyal Nir>

Add Mesh http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/AddMesh.html

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Alternate Map

Create an Alternated Face Map using the first two colors (Red,Orange). This pattern reflects the face order of the

mesh (Odd faces are in Red, Even faces in Orange).

Steps

1. Display the Face Map and Clear All Faces

2. Select the function from the menu Components > Population Map > Alternate Map

Original Mesh Apply Horizontal Split Subdivision

Alternate Map


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Components > Population Map > Alternate Map

Command Line

AlterMap

Keyboard

Alternate Map http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/AlternateMap.html

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Alternate Map http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/AlternateMap.html

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Select All Faces

Select All Faces

Selects all mesh faces using the Ctrl+A.

Note : The undo command is not available for this operation. To clear face selection use the clear method. For

further information regarding population patterns of various components see Population Map chapter.

Steps

1. Press the Select Face button from the Face Selection Toolbar.

2. Press Ctrl+A.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Edit > Assign All Faces

Command Line

Keyboard

Ctrl + A


Assign All Faces http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/SelectAllFaces.html

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Assign All Naked Edges

Assign All Naked Edges

Selects all mesh faces that includes free edges.

Note : In an un-welded mesh all the faces contain free edges.

Steps

1. Select from the Menu: Edit > Assign All Naked Edges


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Edit > Assign All Naked Edges

Command Line

Keyboard

Assign All Naked Edges http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/AssignAllNakedE...

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Assign All Naked Edges http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/AssignAllNakedE...

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Assign by Perimeters

Assign by Perimeter

Selects all mesh faces with perimeter longer than the value specified.

Original Mesh Threshold Value set to 5

Note : when testing different values, use Clear All (Ctrl+D) to reset the face Map.

Steps

1. Create an initial face map and choose the color you wish to assign.

2. From the Edit Menu choose Assign by Perimeter.

3. Enter the threshold value.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Edit > Assign by Perimeter

Command Line

Keyboard

Assign by Perimeters http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/AssignbyPerimete...

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Assign by Perimeters http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/AssignbyPerimete...

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Select Face

Select Face

Select mesh faces using the Ctrl+click.

Note : The selection occurs according to the active color.

The undo command is not available for this operation. To clear face selection use the clear method. For further

information regarding population patterns of various components see Population Map chapter.

Steps

1. Press the Select Face button from the Face Selection Toolbar.

2. Select Mesh face using Ctrl+Click keys.

Options

Assign All Quads - Selects only quadrangular faces

Original Mesh Selected Quads

Assign All Triangles - Selects only triangular faces

Assign Face http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/SelectFace.html

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Original Mesh Selected Triangles

Assign All Naked Edges - Selects only faces with naked edges

Assign All Unassigned - Adds all unselected faces into selection, according to the active face map color

Before using the Unassigned option After using the Unassigned option


Interface (GUI)

Note : After pressing the Assign button, Ctrl+click to select mesh faces.

Right Click opens the options menu:


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Menu

Edit > Assign Face

Edit > Assign All Quads

Edit > Assign All triangles

Edit > Assign All Naked Edges

Edit > Assign All Unassigned

Command Line

Keyboard

Ctrl+=



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Bleed

Bleed

Setting bleeding values greater then '0' in the x, y, z text boxes affects the bleeding dimension of the component

according to its face layout.

For this operation use metric values. The values refer to the original dimension of the imported component.

Positive values reduce the original component dimensions inwards. Negative values bleed out of the sampling cube.

It is recommended to use the bleed option to create connectivity for 3D printing.

Steps

1. Load a component.

2. Select a flipping option from the Component Settings console.

Options

Bleed Values

Use the mouse wheel to change Bleed values in real time. Scrolling with the Mouse Wheel will change the value

(0.01 increment) when the mouse is over the text box. Hold the Shift and use the Mouse Wheel to change the

values faster (1.0 increment).

Bleed along X axis - Enlarges / Reduces component's dimensions along Y axis

Original component Bleed value in x axis = -0.1 Bleed value in X axis = 0.1

Bleed along Y axis - Enlarges / Reduces component's dimensions along Y axis

Original component Bleed value in Y axis = -0.1 Bleed value in Y axis = 0.1

Bleed along Z axis - Enlarges / Reduces component's dimensions along Z axis

Bleed http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Bleed.html

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Original component Bleed value in Z axis = -0.1 Bleed value in Z axis = 0.1


Interface (GUI)

Note: Insert Bleed values in the text box and press the Bleed Comp button. Positive values=Reduce component |

Negative values=Enlarge component.

Menu

Components > Bleed

Command Line

Keyboard


Bleed http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Bleed.html

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Offset By Focus

Normal Offset each vertex relative to the distance from the Focus point. The offset magnitude derives from the scalar

values set between Min / Max.

Original Focus point location Offset by Focus point

In this example values set to: Min=0.1 | Max=1 | x=0.03, Y=0.46, z=0.15

Steps

1. Press the Show button to view Focus point.

2. Modify Focus point location (optional).

3. Set Min / Max values.

4. Press the Offset button.

Options

Focus point Values - Use the mouse wheel to change Focus Point values in real time. Scrolling with the Mouse

Wheel will change the value (0.01 increment) when the mouse is over the text box. Hold the Shift and use the

Mouse Wheel to change the values faster (1.0 increment).


Interface (GUI)

(1) (2)

Note: Toggle the Invert option to offset mesh point in the opposite direction.

By Focus http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ByFocus.html

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Note : To view focus point press the show button.

Menu

Mesh > Offset > By Focus

Command Line

Offset, O

Keyboard


By Focus http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ByFocus.html

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Offset by Height

Create normal offset relative to the point height value.

Steps

1. Set min/max values.

2. Set invert (optional) and use Ratio Graph (optional).

3. Press the Offset button to apply reference mesh.

Note : Offset values are scalar values being calculated according to the file's Master unit. Offset intensity is

relative to the point's height.

Min offset Intensity relates to the lowest point. Max offset intensity relates to highest point.

In Invert mode - Min offset intensity relates to the highest point and Max offset intensity relates to the

lowest point.

Options

Min / Max Values

Use the mouse wheel to change the Min / Max values in real time. Scrolling with the Mouse Wheel will change the

value (0.01 increment) when the mouse is over the text box. Hold the Shift and use the Mouse Wheel to change

the values faster (1.0 increment).

Offset by Height - Min value relates to the Lowest point | Max value relates to the highest point

In this example values set to: Min=0.1 | Max=0.5

Offset by Height - Invert option - Min value relates to the highest point | Max value relates to the lowest point

In this example values set to: Min=0.1 | Max=0.5 | Invert option is toggled on

Using Ratio Graph - Offset intensity as a function of point's height according to a Ratio Graph. Use vertices to

By Height http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Rulebasedoffset.html

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edit graph manually.

In this example values set to: Min=0.1 | Max=0.5 | Use Ratio Graph option is toggled on

Using Ratio Graph - Invert option - Inverse Ratio

In this example values set to: Min=0.1 | Max=0.5 | Invert option and use Ratio Graph option are toggled on


Interface (GUI)

(1) (2)


Menu

Mesh > Offset > By Height

Command Line

Offset , O

Keyboard


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Offset by Targets

Create normal offset relative to target points location.

Steps

1. Press the Display Points icon from the Targets Toolbar.

2. Set Target points using Ctrl+click.

3. Set Min /Max values.

4. Set invert (optional) and use Ratio Graph (optional).

5. Press the Offset button to apply reference mesh.

Note : For further information regarding Target points see Select Targets and Import Targets.

Options

Min / Max Values

Use the mouse wheel to change the Min / Max Values in real time. Scrolling with the Mouse Wheel will change the



Offset by Targets

Target points Offset By Targets

In this example values set to: Min=0 | Max = 0.3

Offset by Targets - Invert

In this example values set to: Min=0 | Max = 0.3 | Invert option is toggled

Use Ratio Graph

By Targets http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ByTargets.html

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In this example values set to: Min=0 | Max = 0.3 | Use Graph option is toggled

Use Ratio Graph - Invert option

In this example values set to: Min=0 | Max = 0.3 | Invert option and Use Graph option are toggled


Interface (GUI)

(1) (2)


Menu

Mesh > Offset > By Targets

Command Line

Offset , O

Keyboard


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Checkerboard Map

Create a Checkerboard Face Map using the first two colors (Red,Orange). This functions requires a welded mesh

and can start with an initial pattern.

Steps


2. Create an initial pattern by assigning faces (Optional)

3. Select the function from the menu Components > Population Map > Checkerboard

Checkerboard Map

Checkerboard with initial Pattern


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Components > Population Map > Checkerboard

Command Line

Checkerboard Map http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/CheckerboardMap...

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CheckMap

Keyboard


Checkerboard Map http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/CheckerboardMap...

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Clear All

Clear All Faces

Deselect all the selected mesh faces.

All Mesh faces are selected All mesh faces are deselcted

Note : The undo command is not available for this operation. For further information regarding population patterns

of various components see Population Map chapter.

Steps

1. Press the Clear Face button from the Face Selection Toolbar.

2. Press the Ctrl+D keys to removes all mesh faces from selection.

Options

Clear All Quads - Removes all the selected quads from the face map selection.

After removing the quadrangular faces

Clear All Triangles - Removes all the selected triangles from the face map selection.

Clear All http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ClearAll.html

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After removing the triangular faces

Clear All Naked Edges - Removes all the selected Naked Edges from the face map selection.

After removing the Naked Edges faces

Clear Current Color - Removes the faces assigned with the current color as appears in the colors pallet.

In this example, the current color in the pallet is red. The right image displays the face map selection after removing the red faces.


Interface (GUI)

Note : Ctrl+D to deselect all selected mesh faces.

Menu

Edit > Clear All

Command Line

Keyboard


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Ctrl + D



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Clear Targets

Clear Targets

Remove selected targets using the D key.

Steps

1. Press the Display Points icon from the targets toolbar.

2. Press the D key to remove the last selected target point.

Options

Clear Last - Removes the last selected Target point.

Clear All - Removes all selected Target points.

Note : The undo command is not available for this operation.


Interface (GUI)

(1) (2)

Note: To deselect targets using the 'D' key, toggle the view points option on.

Menu

Targets > Clear All

Targets > Clear Last (D)

Command Line

Keyboard

Clear Targets http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ClearTargets.html

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D


Clear Targets http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ClearTargets.html

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clear

Clear Mesh Faces

Deselect mesh faces.

Note : The undo command is not available for this operation. For further information regarding population patterns

of various components see Population Map chapter.

Steps

1. Press the Clear Face button from the Face Selection Toolbar.

2. Select faces to be removed from selection using the Ctrl+Click keys.


Interface (GUI)

Note : After pressing the Clear Face button, Ctrl+ Click to deselect faces.

Right Click opens the option menu:

Menu

Edit > Clear

Command Line

Keyboard

Ctrl+-

Clear http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/clear.html

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Clear http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/clear.html

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Display Mode

Display Mode

Controls the shading mode of the GEM viewer. Changes view mode of the component and the populated mesh.

Steps

1. From the View menu select a Display Mode: WireFrame | Shaded | Render Both Sides.

Options

WireFrame - Displays mesh in wireframe shading mode

Shaded - Displays mesh in shaded shading mode

Render Both Sides - Renders both mesh sides. Use this option when the component face normals are flipped

and disappear in the viewer.

Display Mode http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/DisplayMode.html

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Interface (GUI)

Menu

View > Display Mode > WireFrame

View > Display Mode > Shaded

View > Display Mode > Render Both Sides

Command Line

Keyboard

W, S,B


Display Mode http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/DisplayMode.html

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Dual Mesh

Dual Mesh

Creates a mesh between the current main and reference meshes.

Steps

1. Create an Offset Mesh

2. From the Mesh Menu select the 'Dual Mesh' option.

Original Mesh Dual Mesh

The Mesh is created relative to the face direction arrow. The Edge marked with the arrow remains in place.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Mesh > Dual Mesh

Command Line

Keyboard


Dual Mesh http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/DualMesh.html

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Echo by Random

Echo by Random

Echo Mesh / Reference faces based on random values. Values are calculated in percentage, between the minimum

and maximum specified.

Values Greater than 1 = Generates Echo outwards and creates overlapping. Values Lower than 1= Generates Echo

inwards

(0 = no change, 0.9 = 10% decrease, 1.1 = 10% increase).

Steps

1. From the Face menu select the Echo by Random Option.

2. Set min and max values in the command line and press the ↵ button.

Note: The Echo method is incremental.

Options

Main - Echo Main Mesh faces

Original Mesh Values: Min 0.2, Max 0.9

Reference - Echo Reference faces

Both - Echo both Main Mesh and Reference Mesh faces

Echo by Random http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/EchobyRandom.html

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Interface (GUI)

Main Mesh Ref Mesh Both

Menu

Face > Echo by Random > Main

Face > Echo by Random > Reference

Face > Echo by Random > Both

Command Line

Set min and max values in Command Line: "Echo by Random (Min, Max):"

Keyboard


Echo by Random http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/EchobyRandom.html

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Echo by Targets

Echo by Targets

Echo Mesh / Reference faces based on proximity to the target points. Values are calculated in percentage.


inwards


Steps

1.Select target points.

2. From the Face menu select the Echo by Targets option or type 'Echovar' ↵ in the command line.



Options

Main - Echo Main Mesh faces according to the selected target points

Original Mesh Echovar Values: Min 0.3, Max 0.9

Original Mesh Swapped value: Min 0.9, Max 0.3

Reference - Echo Reference faces according to the selected target points

Echo by Targets http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/EchobyTargets.html

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Both - Echo both Main Mesh and Reference Mesh faces according to the selected target points


Interface (GUI)


Menu

Face > Echo by Targets > Main

Face > Echo by Targets > Reference

Face > Echo by Targets > Both

Command Line

Echovar

Set min and max values in Command Line: "Echo by Proxy (Min, Max):"


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Keyboard



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Echo to Edge by Random

Echo to Edge by Random

Echo Mesh / Reference faces towards the first edge of each face The first Edge is marked with the direction arrow

when displaying the Face Map. Values are calculated in percentage.


inwards


Steps

1. Generate an offset to the original mesh (Optional).

2. Select the target mesh from the Face > Echo to Edge by Targets menu.

3. Set Echo values in Command Line (min, max values).

4. Press Enter to execute.


Options





Echo to Edge by Random http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/EchotoEdgebyRa...

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Interface (GUI)


Menu

Face > Echo to Edge by Random > Main

Face > Echo to Edge by Random > Reference

Face > Echo to Edge by Random > Both

Command Line

Set min and max values in Command Line: "Echo to Edge by Random (Min, Max):"

Keyboard


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Echo to Edge by Proxy

Echo to Edge by Targets




inwards


Steps



3. Select the target mesh from the Face > Echo to Edge by Targets menu.

4. Set Echo values in Command Line (min, max values).



Options

Main - Echo Main Mesh faces according to the selected target points


Reference - Echo Reference faces according to the selected target points

Echo to Edge by Targets http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/EchotoEdgebyPro...

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Both - Echo both Main Mesh and Reference Mesh faces according to the selected target points


Interface (GUI)


Menu

Face > Echo to Edge by Targets > Main

Face > Echo to Edge by Targets > Reference

Face > Echo to Edge by Targets > Both

Command Line

Set min and max values in Command Line: "Echo to Edge by Proxy (Min, Max):"


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Keyboard



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Echo to Edge

Echo to Edge




inwards

(0 = no change, 0.9 = 10% decrease, 1.1 = 10% increase). The Echo method is incremental.

Steps


2. Select the target mesh from the Face > Echo to Edge menu.

3. Set Echo value in Command Line.


Options

Main - Echo Main Mesh faces: Value set to 0.3

Reference - Echo Reference faces: Value set to 0.3


Echo to Edge http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/EchotoEdge.html

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Interface (GUI)


Menu

Face > Echo to Edge > Main

Face > Echo to Edge > Reference

Face > Echo to Edge > Both

Command Line

Keyboard


Echo to Edge http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/EchotoEdge.html

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Elements

Elements

Elements refer to a new component systems introduced in GEM 5.0. The system use the same component bank and

allow populating the components while controlling the component orientation, position and size.

This way components can be placed over the mesh faces and maintain their original size, and parametrically scale the

component bounding box. Each population step can be saved as a part, allowing batch population of components.

The new system allows to save scenes based on bookmarks from your design session, and use different facemaps

for the components population.

Steps

1. From the component's menu select Elements'

Command Activation Methods and Options

Interface (GUI)

Options

Scale

Scale values controls the size factors for x,y,z of the component bounding box.

The

values

entered

reflects

a

multiplier

Elements http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Elements.html

1 de 5 28/03/2012 19:58

value,

and

if

the

component

bounding

box

size

is

1x1x1

units,

it

becomes

a

metric

size

for

the

bounding

box.

To

convert

a

component

bounding

box

to

1x1x1

simply

rotate

it

within

the

bounding

box

using

the

FLIP

XY

or

FLIP

YZ

buttons.

When two values are entered (with comma separator) the values will be used as minimum and maximum

relative to proximity to target points if exists.

Positioning

The population of elements is based on selecting an orientation method, a datum reference point on the

component bounding box and a target position on the mesh cell populated.

Orientation

Select the orientation method from the list:

Normal: The component is placed normal to face populated. The rotation of the component is

following the direction arrow of the face.


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Vertical: The component is placed vertical to face populated. The rotation of the component is

following the direction arrow of the face

Original: The component maintains its original direction and simply placed relative to the datum

selected and target position.

Axis: The component is stretched along the axis selected as the position points. the component

maintains its section based on the scale factors.

Wrap: The component fills the entire cell (similar to the simple component population).

Datum

The datum is the reference points on the component bounding box.

You can select:

Ref Center

Main Center

Side Center

Top Center

Box Center

0,0,0 of the original component space.

Position

The position point within the cell you populate. The datum point of the component is located on this position

and oriented according to the selected orientation.

For Normal,Vertical and Original

orientations, the first position point is

used for placement of the

component. If a value other than 0 is

set to the "At" parameter the

component will shift towards the

second position point specified,

based on the At value.

Choosing position points based on

this list:

Main Center

Cell Center

Ref Center

Side Center

M-1

M-2

M-3

M-4

R-1

R-2

R-3

R-4


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At / Ground

'At' value represent the shift of the component positioning point from the first position point towards

the second position point. The values are proportional or scalar (when the Metric toggle is selected).

When 'Ground' is selected as a target end point, the component is stretched as an Axis element from

the first position point to the Ground value entered.

Save Scene

Save the current facemap and generate a bookmark.

Parts List


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Editing

Press the right-click mouse button and choose Edit Cell to alter any of the part parameters.

Save / Load

Save the part data to a file. Loading previous parts from .cmp files allowing to use the saved data.

New List

Clear the Part List

Preview and Population to File

Preview Current

Preview the current selected part from the list

Preview All

Preview all parts from the list

Export

Export the entire part list to a file. Create DXF, OBJ, STL or DAE (Collada) files to use with your favorite

CAD tool.

Menu

Components > Elements

Command Line

Elements

Keyboard



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Equate

Equate

Equate the coordinate value of every face. The equate function can match the values of the first face point or the first

edge.

Steps

1. Rotate the face direction to match the point or edge to equate.

2. Select the Equate axis and mode (Point or Edge) from the Mesh > Equate menu.

Options

Edge X

Point Y


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Mesh > Equate > Edge X

Equate http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Equate.html

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Mesh > Equate > Edge Y

Mesh > Equate > Edge Z

Mesh > Equate > Point X

Mesh > Equate > Point Y

Mesh > Equate > Point Z

Command Line

EqX, EqY, EqZ, Eq1X, Eq1Y, Eq1Z

Keyboard


Equate http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Equate.html

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Face Echo

Face Echo

Echo Mesh / Reference faces. Values are calculated in percentage.


inwards

(0 = no change, 0.9 = 10% decrease, 1.1 = 10% increase). The Echo method is incremental.

Steps

1. Generate an offset to the original mesh.

2. Check the Main / Ref option.

3. Set Echo value in the text box.

4. Press the Echo button.

Options

Echo Values - Use the mouse wheel to change Echo value in real time. Scrolling with the Mouse Wheel will

change the value (0.01 increment) when the mouse is over the text box. Hold the Shift and use the Mouse Wheel

to change the values faster (1.0 increment).




Face Echo http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/FaceEcho2.html

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Interface (GUI)

(1) (2) (3)

or:


Menu

Mesh > Face Echo > Main

Mesh > Face Echo > Reference

Mesh > Face Echo > Both

Command Line

Echo

Keyboard


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First Ten

Assign the first ten faces with a colored sequence (1 = Red, 2 = Orange, 3 = Yellow , etc.). This pattern reflects the

face order of the mesh.

Steps


2. Select the function from the menu Components > Population Map > First Ten

Original Mesh First Ten Faces


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Components > Population Map > First Ten

First Ten http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/FirstTen.html

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Command Line

Keyboard


First Ten http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/FirstTen.html

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Fit View

Fit view

Fits the model view.

Steps

Press the Fit View button from the Navigation Toolbar.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

View > Reset View

Command Line

Keyboard

F


Fit View http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/FitView.html

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Flatten Quads

Flatten Quads

Flatten quad faces by moving the first point of the face to the plane of the other 3 points.

Steps

1. From the Mesh menu select Flatten Quads.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Mesh > Flatten Quads

Keyboard


Flatten Quads http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/FlattenQuads.html

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Flip Face Normals

Flip Face Normals

Flips the normal direction of the selected face.

Original face Orientation (CW) Flipped face (CCW) The highlighted face is flipped

Steps

1. Press the Select Face button from the Face Selection Toolbar to preview face direction.

2. In the Mesh Settings console toggle the Use face map option.

3. In the Command Line type 'Flip' and press enter button or select the 'Flip Face Normals' from the Edit menu.


Interface (GUI)

Note : Flip will be activated only when direction is drawn in the viewer and the the 'Use Face Map' is toggled on.

Menu

Edit > Flip Face Normals

Command Line

Flip

Keyboard


Flip Face Normals http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/FlipFaceNormals...

1 de 1 28/03/2012 19:45

Flip

Flip Component

Flips component's orientation.

Steps


2. Select a flipping option from the Component Settings console.

Options

Normals - Flip component's normal direction

Original component After flipping normal's direction

XY - Rotates component along z axis (XY plane)

Original component's orientation After flipping XY plane

YZ - Rotates component along X axis (YZ plane)

Flip http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Flip.html

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Original component's orientation After flipping YZ plane


Interface (GUI)

(1) (2) (3)

Menu

Components > Flip > Normals

Components > Flip > XY

Components > Flip > YZ

Command Line

Keyboard


Flip http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Flip.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:59

Frame by Targets

Frame by Targets

Creates framing of the mesh faces (Quads and Triangles) based on proximity to the target points. Framing distance

is calculated offset to the original mesh face boundaries.

Steps

1. Select target points.

2. From the Mesh menu select the Frame by Targets option or type 'Framevar' ↵ in the command line.


Note : The Frame command is incremental. Use the undo command (Ctrl+z) to cancel the last framing.

Options

Frame Values

Use the mouse wheel to change the frame value in real time. Scrolling with the Mouse Wheel will change the




Interface (GUI)

Frame by Targets http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/FramebyTargets.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:48

Menu

Mesh > Frame by Targets

Command Line

Framevar

Set min and max values in Command Line: "Frame by Proxy (Min, Max):"

Keyboard


Frame by Targets http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/FramebyTargets.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:48

Frame

Framing Mesh Face

Creates framing of mesh face (Quads and Triangles). Framing distance is calculated offset to the original mesh face

boundaries.

Original Mesh Faces After Framing

Original Mesh Faces After Framing

Steps

1. In the Mesh Tools console, set framing distance.

2. Select faces for the frame operation, and set the 'Use FaceMap' toggle (Optional)

3. Press the Frame button to operate framing.

4. Press the Reload button to move back to the original mesh and to reset camera.

Note : The Frame command is incremental. Use the undo command (Ctrl+z) to cancel the last framing.

Options

Frame Values

Use the mouse wheel to change the frame value in real time. Scrolling with the Mouse Wheel will change the




Interface (GUI)

Frame http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Frame.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:48

(1) (2)

Menu

Mesh > Frame

Command Line

Frame, F

Set value in Command Line: "Frame Width (%):"

Keyboard


Frame http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Frame.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:48

Height Field

Height Field

The Height Field plugin generated a grid based mesh using an image to define its height. The color depth (measured

on RGB values 0-255 of each pixel) is translated to a height range as specified in the plugin interface.

1. Load an image (Preview is generated automatically)

2. Define the output mesh dimensions

The number of points on the U direction

The number of Points on the V direction

Distance between points on U direction

Distance between points on U direction

3. Set the Image Threshold to ignore pixels with color depth below and above the range specified

Height Field http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/HeightField.html

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4. Create Mesh or Mesh+Offset


Height Field http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/HeightField.html

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Import Targets

Import Targets

Use the vertices of an external mesh file as Target points.

Steps

1. Load a Mesh

2. Edit Mesh

3. From the Offset console select offset by targets method and press the Load button to upload vertices from

external mesh as Targets.

4. From the Mesh Tools console press the Load button to upload vertices from external mesh as Targets.

Option

Load Target within Offset operation - Imported Target points affect the reference mesh

In this example, vertices of the highlighted mesh (created in Rhino) were uploaded as Targets within the offset by

Targets Method.

Offset values set to: Min = 0.1 | Max = 12 | Invert option was checked

Load Target within Attract / Repel operation - Imported Target points affect the original mesh

Import Targets http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ImportTargets.html

1 de 3 28/03/2012 20:05

In this example, vertices of the highlighted mesh (created in Rhino) were uploaded as Targets within the Attract

operation.

Values set to: Intensity = 3 | Sense Distance = 5 | Invert option was checked


Interface (GUI)

(1)

Note: (2) - Use Targets within the Rule based offset by Targets method.

Menu

Targets > Import Targets

Command Line


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Keyboard



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Join Triangles

Join Faces

Join adjacent faces to form a quad face. The algorithms joins every two adjacent faces that share the first edge (the

arrow marker of the face direction).

Steps

1. Rotate Face Direction to the desired joining seems.

2. Form the Mesh Menu select Join Faces.

3. Flatten Quads (Optional - for flat panels)

1. Before Rotation 2.Rotation of Selected Faces (Alternate Map)

3. Joined Triangles Result 4. (Optional) Flatten Quads


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Mesh > Join Faces

Keyboard


Join Faces http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/JoinTriangles.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 19:52

Load Component

Load Component

Loads a Components file in obj format to the active component. The obj file should be in ASCII format.

ParaCloud GEM allows loading 10 components, identified by colors.

Steps

1. Select a blank cell from the components color pallet.

2. Generate a mesh component in any CAD software and save the file as an obj format.

3. Press the Load comp File from the component status.

4. Press the populate button to preview mesh population (optional).

Options

Loading components from GEM Library - Using Pre-defined GEM components.

Cube Frame X-brace Punched Cube

Load Component http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/LoadComponent.html

1 de 4 28/03/2012 19:58

X-mesh Sphere Diamond frame

Loading external components - Using external obj files as components. The component is being rescaled into a

1x1x1 sampling cube space.

Upon populating the mesh, the component fits to the mesh topology (Quads or Triangles).

In the following example the rounded holes of the original component becomes elliptic fitting the triangles and

quads faces of the spherical mesh.

Original component created in Rhino Populated Quadrangular face in GEM Populated Triangular face in GEM Populated

Spherical Mesh

Loading components without Rescaling - Toggles off the sampling cube option.

Components can be generated out of the sampling cube space layout to create repetitive patterns with

connectivity, as shown in the following image.

Generate a component in any CAD software supporting iobj files regarding a 1X1X1 sampling cube space.

Before loading the component, toggle off the sampling cube option. The component will keep its original

dimensions.


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Ring component within a 1X1X1 The component loaded into GEM Populated selected cells in GEM Populated Mesh

in GEM

sampling cube space created in Rhino without rescaling


Interface (GUI)

(1) (2) (3)

(1) - Select a blank colored cell. Each component should be loaded into a different colored cell.

(2) - Press the Load button to load a component into this cell

(3) - Toggle off the sampling cube option to load the component with its original dimensions without rescaling

Menu

File > Load component

Components > Load component

Components > components Library

Command Line


3 de 4 28/03/2012 19:58

Keyboard

Ctrl + C



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Load Mesh

Load Mesh

Loads a mesh file in obj and dxf formats. Obj files should be in ASCII format. Dxf files should be careted from entities

of polyface Mesh type only.

ParaCloud GEM accepts mesh files with Quads and Triangular faces only.

Steps

1. From the Mesh Menu select 'Load a Mesh' option.

2. Select an existing obj / dxf file type from the windows dialog box.

Note : The Original mesh can be reloaded using the Reload Mesh button from the Mesh Settings console or from

the Mesh Tools console.


Interface (GUI)

(1) (2)

Menu

Mesh > Load Mesh

Command Line

Keyboard

Ctrl + M


Load Mesh http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/LoadMesh.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 19:46

Load Ref Mesh

Load Ref Mesh

Loads a Reference mesh from an external file. The ref file must have the same mesh settings (same number of

vertices and face list).

Steps

1. From the Mesh Menu select the 'Load Ref Mesh' option.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Mesh > Load Ref Mesh

Command Line

Keyboard


Load Ref Mesh http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/LoadRefMesh.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 19:46

Map by Rule

Create Face Map based on proximity to targets, height or random pattern. The Face Map is created between the

predefined range from 1-10, indicated by color range of the components pallet.

Steps

1. Load different components into the blank colored cells (between 1-10) in the components pallet according to the

amount of component you wish to populate.

2. Select a Mapping option (by Targets, by Height, Random).

Note: For the Map by Targets method, first place target points along the mesh.

3. Type the components range according to the components you wish to populate. The numbers represents the

components colored cells (Red=1, Orange=2, Yellow=3 etc.)

4. Press the create map button.

Options

Mapping By Targets - Generates a population map that derives from the proximity to the target points. The red

color (cell no.1) is located closest to the target points.

In this example the color values set between 1 to 8

Revert the Population Pattern - To revert the colors distribution according to the target points swap between

the cells numbers, as shown in the following example.

In this example the color values set between 8 to 1

By Height- Creates population map referring to the mesh height. Red cells = Lower mesh area.

Map by Rule http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/MapbyRule.html

1 de 3 28/03/2012 19:59

Random - Create population map based on random layout


Interface (GUI)

(1) (2) (3) (4)

Note : Select the Map by Rule method from the drop sown menu.


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Menu

Components > Population Map > Assign by Rule

Command Line

Map

Keyboard



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Material Layers (DXF Output)

Output the populated mesh as dxf separating the components to layers in the output file. If the original component

includes separate layers it will be inherited in the output dxf file

Steps

1. Load a Mesh.


3. Set the Material Layers toggle in the File > Settings Menu.

4. Export to dxf. (Ctrl + P)

Example

We create a component with meshes in different layers, according to material separation for rendering.

This example uses Rhino 4. You can use any CAD software supporting OBJ.

We set the export option to save Layer names and Material Definitions (this will create a .mtl file attached to the

.obj).

File > Settings > Material Layers (DXF)

We load it into GEM and set the Population settings to use Material Layers.

Import a design mesh and populate the result to DXF.

The resulted DXF will maintain the material separation in the components and create a layer for each material. This

allows to assign material by layers in the rendering tool.

Material Layers (DXF) http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/MaterialLayersD...

1 de 3 28/03/2012 19:42


2 de 3 28/03/2012 19:42


Interface (GUI)

Menu

File > Settings > Material Layers (DXF)

Command Line

Keyboard



3 de 3 28/03/2012 19:42

Model Info

Model Info

Calculates the main mesh bounding box and displays the dimensions (H, W, D) in the model master unit.

Bounding box in Rhino Octahedron Mesh in GEM

Steps

1. Load a Mesh.

2. Type 'Info' in the command line and press enter. The


Interface (GUI)

Menu

View > Model Info

Command Line

Info

Keyboard


Model Info http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ModelInfo.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 20:04

New

New File

Creates a new GEM file and resets all values from previous session.

Steps

1. From the File menu select new.

2. Click 'Yes' to clear data from previous file.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

File > New

Command Line

Keyboard


New http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/New.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 19:41

Normal Offset

Offsets Mesh points Normal to the original Mesh. Use scalar values for this operation (the units are similar to the

master units of the imported mesh). Negative values changes offset direction. The distance between each Mesh point

and its reference point is equal.

Original Mesh Normal Offset

Note: For further information regarding Weld Mesh see Weld Mesh. For further information regarding UnWeld

Mesh see UnWeld Mesh.

Steps

1. Set the offset distance in the text box.

2. Press the Weld or Unweld buttons for controlling the result (optional)

3. Press the offset button to generate the reference mesh.

Options

Normal Offset Values

Use the mouse wheel to change the Focus point coordinated in real time. Scrolling with the Mouse Wheel will




Interface (GUI)

Menu

Mesh > Offset > Normal

Command Line

Offset , O

Normal Offset http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/NormalOffset2.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:50

Keyboard


Normal Offset http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/NormalOffset2.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:50

Offset by Colors

Offset by Color

Offsets the mesh faces according to values assigned to each color of the face map.

Original Mesh Offset by Color Unwelded Mesh Offset by Color

Note: For further information regarding Weld Mesh see Weld Mesh. For further information regarding UnWeld

Mesh see UnWeld Mesh.

Steps

1. Create a Face Map

2. Press the Weld or Unweld buttons for controlling the result (optional)

3. From Mesh Menu choose Offset by Color.

4. Set the values for each color (comma separated).

Options

Normal Offset Values

Negative values will reveres the offset direction


Interface (GUI)

Offset by Colors http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/OffsetbyColors.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:52

Menu

Mesh > Offset by Color

Command Line

Keyboard


Offset by Colors http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/OffsetbyColors.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:52

Offset Face Leveling

Offset Face Leveling

Equates the reference face vertices distance form the original face according to the lowest / Average / Highest vertex

in each face. The mesh is automatically unwelded.

Steps

1.Generate a reference mesh using the Offset command.

2.Select Offset Leveling Method: Lowest / Average / Highest.

3. Press the Equate button from the Mesh Offset console.

Options

Lowest - Equates the reference face vertices distance according to the Lowest vertex.

Original reference Mesh Lowest Offset Leveling Populated Mesh - Lowest Leveling

Average - Equates the reference face vertices distance according to the Average vertex.

Original reference Mesh Average Offset Leveling Populated Mesh - Average Leveling

Highest - Equates the reference face vertices distance according to the highest vertex.

Offset Face Leveling http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/OffsetFaceLevelin...

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:52

Original reference Mesh Highest Offset Leveling Populated Mesh - highest Leveling


Interface (GUI)

Note : Select an offset Face Leveling method from the drop sown menu.

Menu

Mesh > Offset Face Leveling

Command Line

Level

Keyboard


Offset Face Leveling http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/OffsetFaceLevelin...

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:52

Open GEM file

Open GEM File

Opens existing GEM file. GEM file format includes the Mesh and Components Data.

Steps

1. From the File menu select 'Open GEM file'.

2. Select existing GEM file from the windows dialog box.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

File > Open GEM file

Command Line

Keyboard

Ctrl + O


Open GEM file http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/OpenGEMfile.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 19:41

Order Grid

Order Grid

Reorder the mesh faces according to the direction arrows.

Steps

1. Clear the Face Map.

2. Weld the mesh

3. Select the first face, where the direction arrow is on the inner edge.

4. Type Order in the command line.


Interface (GUI)

Order Grid http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/OrderGrid.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:53

Menu

Keyboard

Order


Order Grid http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/OrderGrid.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:53

Orientation Map

Assign the faces based on the angle between the face normal and a sun vector specified.

Steps


2. Set the Sun Vector Direction (Optional: type sun in the command line and enter the vector direction).

3. Select the function from the menu Components > Population Map > Orientation Map

4. Set the minimum and maximum color range to use for the face map.

Orientation Map (Min,Max values set to 7,1)


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Components > Population Map > Orientation Map

Command Line

Keyboard

Orientation Map http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/OrientationMap.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 20:01


Orientation Map http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/OrientationMap.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 20:01

Pan

Pan

Pans the active view Left/ Right / Up / Down.

steps

Press the Pan button from the Navigation Toolbar and use the Click+drag keys for continuous pan.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

View > Pan

Command Line

Keyboard

X


Pan http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Pan.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 20:03

Peel Face by Proxy

Peel by Targets

Peel the first point of each Main Mesh face based on proximity to the target points. Values are calculated in metric

units. the Peel direction is Normal to the face.

Negative values reverse the Peel direction.

Steps


2. From the Face menu select Peel by Targets.


Note: The Peel method is incremental.


Interface (GUI)

Peel Face by Proxy http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/PeelFacebyProxy.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:57

Main Mesh

Menu

Face > Peel by Targets

Keyboard


Peel Face by Proxy http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/PeelFacebyProxy.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:57

Peel Face by Random

Peel by Random

Peel the first point of each Main Mesh face using random values. Values are calculated in metric units. the Peel

direction is Normal to the face.


Steps

1. From the Face menu select Peel by Random.


Note: The Peel method is incremental.


Interface (GUI)

Peel Face by Random http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/PeelFacebyRando...

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:57

Main Mesh

Menu

Face > Peel by Random

Keyboard


Peel Face by Random http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/PeelFacebyRando...

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:57

Peel Face

Peel Face

Peel the first point of each Main Mesh faces. Values are calculated in metric units. The Peel direction is Normal to the

face.


Steps

1. From the Face menu select the Peel Normal.

2. Set Peel value in the command line and press the ↵ button.

Note: The Peel method is incremental, but the normal direction changes every time according to the face

orientation.


Interface (GUI)

Main Mesh

Menu

Face > Peel Normal

Peel Face http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/PeelFace.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:56

Keyboard


Peel Face http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/PeelFace.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:56

View Populate

Populate

Preview the components population within the Mesh. Using the Population map allows assigning different components

to selected mesh faces.

The generation process is indicated in the progress bar.

Load Mesh Load Component Populated Mesh

Steps

1. Load a Mesh.

2. Offset Mesh for printable results.


4. Select the Populate option from the View menu or press the Populate button from the Output toolbar.

Note : For further information about loading and populating different components see - Population Map.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

View > Populate

Command Line

Keyboard

Populate http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ViewPopulate.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 20:03


Populate http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ViewPopulate.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 20:03

Primitives

Primitives

Loads pre-defined mesh primitives.

Steps

1. From the Mesh Menu select select the 'Primitives' option.

Note : Each primitive geometry can be subdivided using the subdivide option from the Mesh Tools console.

Each primitive can be saved as obj file format and reloaded into the GEM as mesh component.

Options

Plane - dimensions 1X1

Cube - dimensions 1X1X1

Octahedron

Primitives http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Primitives.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:46

Cube Octahedron

Sphere

Torus


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Mesh > Primitives

Command Line

Keyboard


Primitives http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Primitives.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:46

Projection Offset

Project the original mesh point relative to the ratio distance between the focus point and the original mesh points.

Use percentage values for this operation ( 1.0 = no Change, 0.9 = 10% Decrease, 1.1 = 10% Increase).

Original Focus point location Edited Focus point location

Steps

1. Press the Show button to view Focus point.

2. Modify Focus point location (optional).

3. Set offset distance in the text box.


Options

Focus point

The initial Focus Point indicates the average point of the imported mesh. The Focus Point coordinates can be

changed manually within the x, y, z text boxes.

Set new coordinates values for the Focus Point and Press the Focus button again to update position. The Reset

button resets the Original position of the Focus Point.

Focus point Values

Use the mouse wheel to change the Focus point coordinated in real time. Scrolling with the Mouse Wheel will



Projection Offset http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ProjectionOffset2...

1 de 3 28/03/2012 19:50

Directional Muting Options

When using the Projection method, muting one of x, y, z axes affects the offset direction.

Muting X axis

Muting Y axis

Muting Z axis


Interface (GUI)


2 de 3 28/03/2012 19:50

Note : To view focus point press the show button. Use the Mouse Wheel, when the mouse is over the text box,

change to change focus point values (0.01 increment). Hold the Shift and use the Mouse Wheel to change the

values faster (1.0 increment).

Menu

Mesh > Offset > Project

Command Line

Offset, O

Keyboard



3 de 3 28/03/2012 19:50

Random Offset

Random Offset

Create normal offset using random values between minimum and maximum.

Steps

1. Activate the command from the menu Mesh > Random Offset

2. Set Min /Max values.

3. Level the result with Offset Leveling (Optional)

Options

Random Offset

In this example values set to: Min=0.1 | Max = 0.5

Reference Face Leveling

Random Offset http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/RandomOffset.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:52

Offset Face Leveling Applied Populated with Cube Components


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Mesh > Random Offset

Command Line

Keyboard


Random Offset http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/RandomOffset.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:52

Ratio Graph Controller

The Graph Controller defines the ratio function assigned to the associated rule. The Graph Y = f(X), where Y

recieves the Min. and Max. values, and X is the range of the rule in percentage (between 0-100).

Note : Control points appear when mouse is placed onto the graph zone.

Steps

1. Select a Rule based offset method.

2. Select a preset graph.

3. Edit the graph by dragging its control points.

4. Set Min / Max values.

5. Set 'use Ratio Graph' option.



Interface (GUI)

Ratio Graph controller http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Graphcontroller.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:51

Menu

Command Line

Keyboard


Ratio Graph controller http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Graphcontroller.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:51

revert to Saved

Reload Component

Reloads the active component selected in the pallet and resets component's orientation.

Steps

1. From the component's menu select the 'Reload Component' or press the Reload Comp button from the


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Components > Reload Component

Command Line

Keyboard


Reload Component http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/reverttoSaved2.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 19:58

Revert to Saved

Reload Mesh

Reloads the original mesh and resets any changes occurred during generating process.

Steps

1. From the Mesh Menu select the 'Reload Mesh' option.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Mesh > Reload Mesh

Command Line

Keyboard


Reload Mesh http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ReverttoSaved.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 19:46

Reset Camera

Reset Camera

Resets the camera to Front View.

Steps

Press the Reset View button from the Navigation Toolbar.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

View > Reset View

Command Line

Keyboard

R


Reset Camera http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ResetCamera.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 20:03

Ribs

Ribs

Create Ribs structures with notching along the mesh geometry. The ribs are created for U and V direction resulting in

a notching system to allow assembly. The ribs can be easily unfolded in software like Pepakura for creating

automated shop drawings (laser cutting etc.)

Steps


2. Choose the ribs set you want to use from the Components > Ribs menu.

3. Set the material thickness (defines the notching width).

Options

Thickness Values - Use Master Units values of your output file.

U Direction - Creates ribs along the direction arrow of the face.

V Direction - Creates ribs from the first to last point of each face.

Ribs http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Ribs.html

1 de 3 28/03/2012 20:01

U Diagonal - Creates a diagonal rib from the first face point to the third.

V Diagonal - Creates a diagonal rib from the second to the last point of each face.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Components > Ribs > U Direction

Components > Ribs > V Direction

Components > Ribs > U Diagonal

Components > Ribs > V Diagonal

Command Line

Keyboard


2 de 3 28/03/2012 20:01



3 de 3 28/03/2012 20:01

Rotate Face Order

Rotate Face Order

Rotate Mesh faces orientation. Rotation direction follows the arrow direction.

Original face direction First Rotation Second rotation Third Rotation

Note : The rotate face option can be useful to affect population patterns.

For further information regarding population patterns of various components see Population Map chapter.

Steps

1. Press the show button from the Mesh Settings console to view face direction.

2. Press the Rotate button from the Mesh Settings console to rotate all faces direction.

3. Toggle the Use face map option to rotate the sleeted faces only.

Options

Rotate Selected Mesh Face Direction Rotates Face Direction. Press the Rotate Faces button from the Mesh

Settings console.

Rotate Face Order http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/RotateFaceOrder.html

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Rotate Face - first stage Populate - Use Face Map toggled on

Rotate Face - second stage Populate - Use Face Map toggled on

Rotate Face - Third stage Populate - Use Face Map toggled on


Interface (GUI)

(1) (2)

Note : Rotate will be activated when direction is drawn in the viewer. To view face direction press the show


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button.

Toggle the Use Face Map option to rotated the selected faces only.

Menu

Edit > Rotate Face Order

Command Line

Keyboard



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Rotate

Rotate

Rotates the view around the Mesh.

Steps

Press the Rotate button from the Navigation Toolbar and use the Click + drag keys for continuous rotation.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

View > Zoom

Command Line

Keyboard

C


Rotate http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Rotate.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 20:03

Save Component As

Save Component As

Output the current component as external obj file.

Steps

1. From the File menu select 'Save Component As'.

2. Type a new file name in the windows dialog box.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

File > Save Component As

Command Line

Keyboard


Save Component As http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/SaveComponentAs...

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Save GEM file As

Save GEM File As

Saves current session as a new GEM file. GEM file includes the Mesh and Components Data.

Steps

1. From the File menu select 'Save GEM file As'.

2. Type a new file name in the windows dialog box.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

File > Save GEM file As

Command Line

Keyboard

Ctrl + Shift + S


Save GEM file As http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/SaveGEMfileAs.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 19:41

Save GEM file

Save GEM File

Saves changes in the current GEM session. GEM file includes the Mesh and Components Data.

Steps

1. From the File menu select 'Save GEM file'.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

File > Save GEM file

Command Line

Keyboard

Ctrl + S


Save GEM file http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/SaveGEMfile.html

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Save Mesh as

Save Mesh AS

Saves the main mesh or the reference mesh as external obj files.

Steps

1. From the File Menu select the 'Save Mesh As' option.

2. Type a file name in the windows dialog box.

3. Open the Resulted File (Optional)

Options

Main Mesh - Exports the Main mesh as obj file

Reference Mesh - Exports the Reference mesh as obj file

Selected Faces - Exports the Selected Faces only obj file.

Note: Upon saving the selected faces, all the original Mesh points are being saved and will be loaded with the

partial faces.

Original Mesh - Selected faces The selected faces loaded as Mesh Original Mesh Points

Selected Faces - Various Colors

When using few colors, each color will be saved as a different file. The files will be numbered according to the

number of the active color.

Save Mesh As http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/SaveMeshas.html

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(1) (2) (3) (4)

Red=1 Orange=2 Yellow=3 Green=4


Interface (GUI)


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Menu

File > Save Mesh As > Main Mesh

File > Save Mesh As > Reference Mesh

File > Save Mesh As > Selected Faces

Command Line

Keyboard



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Add Point

Select Targets

Select Mesh points as target points by pressing CTRL + Click.

Steps

1. Press the Display point icon from the Targets toolbar to display Mesh points.

2. Use the Ctrl + Click to select Mesh points into Target points.

3. Press the Display Targets icon from the Targets toolbar to show only Targets points.

Note : To To remove last Target point selection, press the D key.

Selection Modes

Green points - Represents Mesh Points and Reference Mesh Points

Black Points - Represents selected Target Points and Focus Point

Options

Mesh Point - Displays points along Mesh vertices

Select Targets http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/AddPoint.html

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Ref Points - Displays points along Reference Mesh vertices

Focus Point - Displays Focus point as Target point

Note : Press the Display Points icon again to toggle between Mesh points display and Reference points display.


Interface (GUI)

(1) (2)

(1) - Ctrl + Click to select Mesh points


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(2) - Ctrl + Click to select Reference points

Menu

Targets > Select Targets > Mesh Point

Targets > Select Targets > Ref Point

Targets > Select Targets > Focus Point

Command Line

Keyboard



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Sequence Map

Create a Face Map using a comma separated sequence (1 = Red, 2 = Orange, 3 = Yellow , etc.). This pattern

reflects the face order of the mesh.

Steps


2. Select the function from the menu Components > Population Map > Sequence Map

3. Enter the sequence layout (comma separated values between 0-10)

Original Mesh Sequence: 1,1,2,2,4,4,5,5


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Components > Population Map > Sequence Map

Command Line

Keyboard

Sequence Map http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/SequenceMap.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 20:00


Sequence Map http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/SequenceMap.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 20:00

Sequencer

Action Sequencer

The Action Sequencer plugin can record the modeling operations (Subdivisions and Face modifiers) and replay the

action sequence. The plugin interface allow to change the values applied for each command, disable a command and

provide an easy to use parametric modeling interface for GEM.

Every command is documented in a single row. A row contain 4 columns: On/Off, Action, Parameters and Switch.

The Parameters Column stores the values assigned to the modeling action. The switch stores the toggles status.

1. Recording a Sequence

- Load the initial Mesh Geometry

- Press the Record Button to start. Every Command will be documented into the Action Sequencer.

Sequencer http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Sequencer.html

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2. Press Stop to end the recording session

3. Editing the Actions Records

- Mute by clicking on the left column (an "X" mark will appear, click again to activate)

- Edit any values you want to change (in the parameters and Switch column)

Note: It is recommended to disable the Weld and Unweld records that were created by the Subdivision algorithms.

4. Playing the Sequence


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- Press the Rewind button to roll back to the model to its starting point:

- Press Play to Apply the Actions

5. Applying to a Different Geometry

- Load the new Mesh

- Apply Target Points (if required for proximity based actions).

- Press Play



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Shift Face by Proxy

Shift by Targets

Shift the Main Mesh faces based on proximity to the target points. Values are calculated in percentage. the Shift

direction is following the Direction Arrow between points 1 and 2 of Each Face.

Negative values reverse the shift direction.

Steps


2. From the Face menu select the Shift by Targets.


Note: The Shift method is incremental.


Interface (GUI)

Main Mesh

Menu

Shift Face by Proxy http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ShiftFacebyProxy...

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Face > Shift by Targets

Keyboard


Shift Face by Proxy http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ShiftFacebyProxy...

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:57

Shift Face by Random

Shift by Random

Shift the Main Mesh faces based on random values. Values are calculated in percentage. the Shift direction is

following the Direction Arrow between points 1 and 2 of Each Face.


Steps

1. From the Face menu select the Shift by Random.




Interface (GUI)

Main Mesh

Menu

Face > Shift by Random

Shift Face by Random http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ShiftFacebyRand...

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:57

Keyboard


Shift Face by Random http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ShiftFacebyRand...

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:57

Shift Face

Shift Face

Shift the Main Mesh faces. Values are calculated in percentage. the Shift direction is following the Direction Arrow

between points 1 and 2 of Each Face.


Steps

1. Set shift value in the command line and press the ↵ button.



Interface (GUI)

Main Mesh

Menu

Face > Shift Faces

Keyboard

Shift Face http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ShiftFace.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:57


Shift Face http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ShiftFace.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:57

smoothing

smoothing

Creates smooth mesh surface using a Catmull Clark style algorithm for mesh faces subdivision.

Original Mesh First Smoothing Second Smoothing Third Smoothing

Steps

1. In the Mesh Tools press the Smoothing button.

2. Press the Reload button to move back to the original mesh and to reset camera.

Note : The Smoothing command is accumulative. Use the undo command (Ctrl+z) to cancel the last framing.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Mesh > Smoothing

Command Line

Keyboard

smoothing http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/smoothing.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:48


smoothing http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/smoothing.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:48

Squeeze 1 Point by Proxy

Squeeze 1 Point by Proxy

Squeeze the first point of a face according to proximity from target points . Values are calculated in percentage.

Values Greater than 1 = Generates Stretch outwards and creates overlapping. Values Lower than 1= Generates

Squeeze inwards


Steps


2. Select the target mesh from the Face > Squeeze 1 Point by Proxy menu.

4. Set Squeeze values in Command Line (min, max values).



Options

Main - Squeeze Main Mesh faces according to the selected target points.

(the mesh was subdivided using the "+" method and pivoting about the face center)


Reference - Squeeze Reference faces according to the selected target points

Squeeze 1 Point by Proxy http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Squeeze1Pointby...

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Both - Squeeze both Main Mesh and Reference Mesh faces according to the selected target points


Interface (GUI)


Menu

Face > Squeeze 1 Point by Targets > Main

Face > Squeeze 1 Point by Targets > Reference

Face > Squeeze 1 Point by Targets > Both

Command Line

Set min and max values in Command Line: "Squeeze by Proxy (Min, Max):"

Keyboard


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Squeeze Edge by Proxy

Squeeze Face by Proxy

Squeeze the diagonal of a face according to proximity from target points . Values are calculated in percentage.

Values Greater than 1 = Generates Stretch outwards and creates overlapping. Values Lower than 1= Generates

Squeeze inwards


Steps


2. Select the target mesh from the Face > Squeeze Face by Proxy menu.

4. Set Squeeze values in Command Line (min, max values).



Options

Main - Squeeze Main Mesh faces according to the selected target points.

(the mesh was subdivided using the "+" method and pivoting about the face center)


Reference - Squeeze Reference faces according to the selected target points

Both - Squeeze both Main Mesh and Reference Mesh faces according to the selected target points

Squeeze Face by Proxy http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/SqueezeEdgebyPr...

1 de 3 28/03/2012 19:56


Interface (GUI)


Menu

Face > Squeeze Face by Targets > Main

Face > Squeeze Face by Targets > Reference

Face > Squeeze Face by Targets > Both

Command Line

Set min and max values in Command Line: "Squeeze by Proxy (Min, Max):"

Keyboard


2 de 3 28/03/2012 19:56



3 de 3 28/03/2012 19:56

Subdivide

Subdivide Mesh

Subdivide the original mesh faces (Quads and Triangles).

Original Mesh Subdivided Mesh

Steps

1. In the Mesh Tools console select a subdivision method by pressing the button.

2. Repeat pressing the selected method button to add subdivisions.

3. Toggle the face map option for subdividing a specific faces (optional). see using Face map for subdividing.

Note : The subdivision command is accumulative. Use the undo command (Ctrl+z) to cancel the last subdivision.

Options: Subdivision Methods

" | " - Split face vertically

" - " - Split face horizontally

Subdivide http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Subdivide.html

1 de 8 28/03/2012 19:47

" X " - Split face from centroid to vertices. The resulted faces can pivot around the centroid point or follow the

same direction.

" + " - Split face from centroid to edge mid points. The resulted faces can pivot around the centroid point or

follow the same direction.

" \ " - Subdivide Quads to Triangles

" / " - Subdivide Quads to Triangles


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Note : Different subdivision methods can be integrated together.

"x " & "+" - Integration of "X" + "+" methods

"X" Subdivision Adding "+" Subdivision Adding "X" Subdivision Adding "+" Subdivision

Split Edge by Fixed Ratio - Results in a uniform splitting of the face edge according to a fixed ratio.

Set value in Command Line: "Subdivide Loop by Ratio:"


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In this example ratio values set to: 0.2

Using Face Map for subdivision - Split Edge method can be integrated with the Assign All Quads option, as

shown in the following images.

Steps

1. Select the 'Split Edge by Fix Ratio' subdivision from the Edit menu and set the value to 0.5

2. Select the 'Assign All Quads' option from the Edit menu.

3. Toggle the 'use face map option' from the Mesh Tools console.

4. Reselect the 'Split Edge by Fix Ratio' subdivision option to subdivide the selected quad only.


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Split Edge by Proxy - Splits the edges based on Min and Max values set in the command line. The distribution

derives from their face proximity to the target points.

Set values in Command Line: "Subdivide Loop by Proxy (Min, Max):"

In this example values set to: Min: 0.2, Max: 0.9

Split Face by Number - Splits the face to number of parts. Set values in Command Line: "Split Face to:"

Enter an integer number (bigger than 2) to set the number of parts the face will be split.

In this example values set to: 3

Split Face by Proxy - Splits the face to parts based on Min and Max values set in the command line. The value

is relative to the face distance from the target points.

Set values in Command Line: "Split Face by Proxy (Min, Max):"


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In this example values set to: Min: 2, Max: 6

Split Face by Map - Splits the faces based on the face map. The color scale represents values from 2-11 (Red -

2, Orange - 3, Yellow - 4, etc.).

Split Face by Random - Splits the faces randomly. The number of splits is set between the minimum and

maximum values.

Set values in Command Line: "Subdivide Face by Random (Min, Max):"


Split Face by Proportions - Splits the faces by proportions. The number of splits is set by the number of

proportion values. The values represents the proportions between the parts. The values should be bigger than 1.

Set values in Command Line: "Subdivide Face by Proportions:"

In this example values set to: 1,3,1

Ray by Number - Splits the faces with rays created from the face origin to the number of specified edge

subdivisions.

Set the number of rays to create in the Command Line: "Split Face to Rays:"


6 de 8 28/03/2012 19:47

In this example values set to: 2

Rays by Proxy - Splits the faces with rays according to proximity to targets. The number of splits is set between

the minimum and maximum values.

Set values in Command Line: "Split to Rays by Proximity (Min, Max):"



Interface (GUI)

(1) (2)

Menu

Mesh > Subdivide > / : Diagonal

Mesh > Subdivide > \ : Diagonal

Mesh > Subdivide > x : From Center

Mesh > Subdivide > | : Vertical Split

Mesh > Subdivide > -- : Horizontal Split

Mesh > Subdivide > + : Split Both

Mesh > Subdivide > Midpoints Loop


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Mesh > Subdivide > Split Edge by Fixed Ratio

Mesh > Subdivide > Split Edge by Proxy

Mesh > Subdivide > Split Face by Number

Mesh > Subdivide > Split Face by Map

Mesh > Subdivide > Split Face by Proxy

Mesh > Subdivide > Split Face by Random

Mesh > Subdivide > Rays by Number

Mesh > Subdivide > Rays by Proxy

Command Line

Keyboard



8 de 8 28/03/2012 19:47

Swap

Swap Mesh

Swaps between Main Mesh and Reference Mesh, or between mesh axes.

Steps

From the Mesh Menu select the 'Swap' option.

Options

Main < -- > Ref - Swaps between Main Mesh into Reference Mesh. Blue Mesh = Main Mesh. Red Mesh =

Reference Mesh.

Before swapping After Swapping

Y < -- > Z - Swaps between Y axis to Z axis

Before swapping (Original Orientation) After Swapping

X < -- > Z - Swaps between X axis to z axis

Before swapping (Original Orientation) After Swapping

Swap http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Swap.html

1 de 3 28/03/2012 19:47

X < -- > Y - Swaps between x axis to Y axis

Before swapping (Original Orientation After Swapping


Interface (GUI)

(1) (2) (3) (4)

Note : To swap Main to Ref, first create a reference mesh using the offset method.

Menu

Mesh > Swap > Main < -- > Ref

Mesh > Swap > Y < -- > Z

Mesh > Swap > X < -- > Z

Mesh > Swap > X < -- > Y

Command Line

Keyboard


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3 de 3 28/03/2012 19:47

Tag Menu

Tag Menu

Use the Right-Click on the viewer to open the Tag Menu that provides quick access to popular commands.

On Mac OSX, holt the Alt key and press the mouse click to access the Tag Menu.


Tag Menu http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/TagMenu.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 19:39

The GEM interface

The GEM interface

The GEM interface includes the following components :

A - Menus

B - Navigation Toolbar

C - Display Mode Toolbar

D - Targets Toolbar

E - Face Selection Toolbar

F - component Pallet

G - Command Line

H - Mesh Status

I - Component Status

J - Output Toolbar

K - Tools pallets

L - Tools Selector

The GEM Interface http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/TheGEMinterface...

1 de 2 28/03/2012 19:38

M - Viewer

N - Face Tools

O - Advanced Subdivisions

P - Mode Selector

Q - Swap Axis/Meshes

R - Animation Tab

The axis system is located at the center of the object. This is a 'Y axis up' system.


The GEM Interface http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/TheGEMinterface...

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:38

K3DSurf

Exporting obj Files From K3DSurf

Exporting IsoSurfaces objects

Predefined IsoSurfaces have more than 4 vertices (the highlighted face on the viewer has 6 vertices). From the option tab, toggle the 'All

Triangles' option to verify creation of triangular mesh and press the Edit OBJ button. Save the OBJ data to file and open in GEM.

Note: Only Quads and triangle mesh can be loaded into GEM.

Exporting Parametric objects as Quads

Parametric objects yields quadrangular meshes. To export parametric objects as quads press the Edit OBJ button from the Options tab.

Save the OBJ data to file and open in GEM.

Tips for K3DSurf http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/K3DSurf.html

1 de 3 28/03/2012 19:40

Exporting Parametric objects as Triangles

To export Parametric objects as triangular mesh toggle the 'Triangle Mesh' option from the options tab and press the Edit OBJ button.


2 de 3 28/03/2012 19:40



3 de 3 28/03/2012 19:40

Rhinoceros

Exporting obj Files From Rhinoceros

Preparing mesh entities:

Select the objects you wish to mesh and use one of the meshing options of Rhino. The new paneling tools developed

by McNeel Associates can produce controlled subdivisions over surfaces and grids.

When creating a mesh from untrimmed surfaces, rebuild the surface to order 1 for both U and V directions and use

the 'Mesh from NURBS Control Polygon' option in the mesh menu to create a mesh that matches the surface

isocurves.

Tips for Rhinoceros http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Rhinoceros.html

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Select mesh entities in Rhino and use the export command. Set the following options:

Note: For detailed information regarding the Rhino mesh option refer to Rhino Help.


Tips for Rhinoceros http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Rhinoceros.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 19:39

SketchUp

Exporting obj Files From Google SketchUp Pro

Exporting Model as Quads

When exporting models as quads, faces with more than 4 vertices should be subdivided using the Line Tool in

SketchUp to reduce number of vertices.

In the following example the original face included 6 vertices and was subdivided into 3 different quads.

The original face includes 6 vertices subdivision of the face into 3 quads final subdivided

model

Select the faces you wish to export. From the File menu choose Export > 3D Model.

Set the output type to Obj and click on the options button to set Export Options.

Tips for SketchUp Pro http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/SketchUp.html

1 de 3 28/03/2012 19:40

Obj export options in SketchUp Quadrangular Mesh Loaded in GEM

Exporting Model as Triangles

When exporting the model as triangles, select the faces you whish to export and toggle the 'Triangle all faces'

option from the OBJ Export Options.


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Obj export options in SketchUp Triangular Mesh Loaded in GEM



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TopMod

Exporting obj Files From TopMod

subdivide your mesh using an algorithm that creates triangles or quads only.

Choose one of the following algorithms from the Remeshing menu > 3-conversion or Remeshing > 4-Conversion.

To Export an obj mesh from TopMod select the Save as option from the File menu (The Export option doesn't create

obj properly).

Note: Only Quads and triangle mesh can be loaded into GEM.

Original Mesh - Dodecahedron 3-conversion Triangulate 3-conversion Double Stellate

Miscellaneous - Fractal Miscellaneous - Double Stellate 4-conversion Catmull Clark


Tips for TopMod http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/TopMod.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 19:40

Tools Pallet

Tools Pallets

Press a button from the Tools selector toolbar to select one of the following consoles. The different Offset methods

can be selected from the drop-down list switching between Mesh Offset to Rule Based Offset.

Tools Pallets http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ToolsPallet.html

1 de 3 28/03/2012 19:39

Navigation View Mode Targets Map Tools Color Selector

Swap

Mode Selector

Subdivisions

Face Tools


2 de 3 28/03/2012 19:39



3 de 3 28/03/2012 19:39

Typical workflow

Typical Workflow

The following workflow describes the logic behind a typical design process using ParaCloud GEM.


Typical workflow http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Typicalworkflow.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 19:38

Unfolded Layout

Unfold Layout

Create an unfolded layout of the 3D components by aligning each face on the Top Plane.

Steps


2. Weld the Mesh

3. Set the spacing for the unfolded parts (bigger than the face edge length).

4. Export the result to DXF (Populate to file)

5. The output is saved in 2 files: the model file and a file with the assembly annotations (with a _Markers added to the

model file name).


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Components > Unfold Layout

Command Line

Unfolded Layout http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/UnfoldedLayout.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 20:01

Keyboard


Unfolded Layout http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/UnfoldedLayout.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 20:01

UnWeld

Unweld Mesh

Disconnect all faces as independent shapes.

Original Mesh UnWelded Mesh after offset operation

Steps

1. Press the Weld button from the Mesh Offset console.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Mesh > UnWeld

Command Line

UnWeld, U

Keyboard


Unweld http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/UnWeld.html

1 de 1 28/03/2012 19:49

Valency Map

Assign the faces based on the number and direction of neighboring faces. This map allows using topological

components to handle edge conditions, corners etc.

Steps


2. Select the function from the menu Components > Population Map > Valency Map

Valency Map Conditions Valency Map of subdivided Mesh


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Components > Population Map > Valency Map

Command Line

Keyboard

Valency Map http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ValencyMap.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 20:00


Valency Map http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ValencyMap.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 20:00

View Component

View Component

Display the active component and reset the camera orientation to Front view.

Steps


2. Select a preview mode from the View menu or using the Quad / Triangle / Preview in place buttons from the

Display Mode toolbar.

Options

in Quads - Displays a preview of the component's placement within a Quadrangular face.

in Triangles - Displays a preview of the component placement within a Triangular face.

Note : The blue rectangle / triangle represents the Main Mesh. The red rectangle / triangle represents the

Reference Mesh.

For further information about rotating components see Flip component.

on Face - displays the component's placement on a selected face. Ctrl+Click to select a specific face.

View Component http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ViewComponent.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 20:02


Interface (GUI)

(1) (2) (3)

(1) - Quad preview

(2) - Triangle preview

(3) - Preview in place

Menu

View > Component > in Quad

View > Component > in Triangle

View > Component > On Face

Command Line

Keyboard


View Component http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ViewComponent.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 20:02

View Mesh

View Mesh

Display the mesh model as wireframe. The mesh view options includes the face map and face direction display.

Steps

1.From the View menu select a Mesh viewing option: Wire Mesh | FaceMap | Face direction.

Options

Wire Mesh - Reloads the mesh and display as wire.

Face Map - Displays the current face map.

Face direction - Displays face direction.


View Mesh http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ViewMesh.html

1 de 2 28/03/2012 20:02

Interface (GUI)

(1) (2)

(1) - Display Mesh

(2) - Select Face

Menu

View > Mesh > Wire Mesh

View > Mesh > FaceMap

View > Mesh > Face direction

Command Line

Keyboard


View Mesh http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ViewMesh.html

2 de 2 28/03/2012 20:02

View Points

View Points

Displays Main Mesh or Reference Mesh vertices.

Steps

Select the view points method from the View menu or press the Display points icon from the display mode toolbar to

toggle between Main mesh to Ref Mesh.

Note : Converting Mesh points into Targets see - Select targets.

Options

Main Mesh - Displays the Mesh points

Ref Mesh - Displays the Reference Mesh points


Interface (GUI)

(1) (2)

(1) - Display Mesh points

View Points http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ViewPoints.html

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(2) - Display Ref points

Note: Toggling the button swaps between Mesh points preview and Ref points preview.

Menu

View > Points > Main Mesh

View > Points > Ref Mesh

Command Line

Keyboard


View Points http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ViewPoints.html

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View Targets

View Targets

Displays selected Target points.

Steps

Select the Targets option from the View menu or press the Display Targets icon from the display mode toolbar.

Note : For Converting Mesh points into Targets see - Select targets. For importing Targets see - Import Targets.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

View > Targets

Command Line

Keyboard


View Targets http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/ViewTargets.html

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Navigation

Viewer Navigation

Use the following Buttons or Shortcuts from the Navigation Bar to Navigate the viewer camera :

View Settings

Buttons keyboard

Shortcuts

Action

Viewer Navigation http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Navigation.html

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Z Activating the Zoom Mode. Left-Click + Drag

mouse button to zoom in / out

X Activating the Pan mode. Left-Click + Drag

mouse to change the location of the view

camera

C Activating the Orbit Mode. Left-Click + Drag

mouse to rotate the view camera around the

model

F Fit View

R Reset Camera

↓ Rotates the view camera downwards

↑ Rotates the view camera upwards

→Rotates the view camera to the right

← Rotates the view camera to the left

F Fits the view

R Reset Camera View

1 Tilt Left

2 Tilt Right

3 Rolls forward

4 Rolls Backwards

W Wireframe Mode

S Shade Mode

B Render Back Faces


Viewer Navigation http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Navigation.html

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Weld by Proximity

Weld by Proximity

Join vertices within the proximity range defined as a sense distance (in metric units).

Original Mesh

Weld Mesh

Steps

1. Select Weld by Proximity from the Mesh Menu.

2. Enter the threshold range and press Enter


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Mesh > Weld by Proximity

Command Line

Weld by Proximity http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/WeldbyProximity.html

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ProxyWeld

Keyboard


Weld by Proximity http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/WeldbyProximity.html

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Weld

Weld

Join incident vertices to create a welded mesh. When loading a new mesh it's status is Unknown.

Applying transformations to the mesh may require welding for offset operations.

Original Mesh Weld Mesh after offset operation

Steps

1. Press the Weld button from the Mesh Offset console.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

Mesh > Weld

Command Line

Weld, W

Keyboard


Weld http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Weld.html

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Populate

Zoom

Zoom the active view in / out.

Steps

Press the Zoom button from the Navigation Toolbar and use the Click + drag keys for continuous zoom.


Interface (GUI)

Menu

View > Zoom

Command Line

Keyboard

Z


Zoom http://www.paraclouding.com/GEM/Help/2010/files/Populate.html

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paracloud manual

Documents

mesh http

mesh face u

alternated face map

initial face map

faces http

mesh menu

clear face selection

face button