Output Tab

The Output tab is used to output patch data for use in other systems. Patches can be output in one of three formats, using the Radio buttons.

If File is selected, data points for a Hullsurf "Create" type patch are output to individual ASCII files for each patch selected.

If Iges is selected it will output patches in IGES 128 format. The patches must have been previously fitted and will all be output to one file.

If VRML is selected, patch data is written to a Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) file (format version 2.0) for displaying in a suitable viewer.

Output patches

1. Select the required patches from the list or the All check box and then click on the Output button.

   For all but the File option a Save As dialog will be displayed.

2. Use the default name or type in a file name and click the Save button.

The patch list shows three columns, Patch, Fitted and Curves.

The Patch column shows the patch name and an icon to indicate the patch type and data form:

Table 1: 12. Patch List images and their meaning.

The patch data form is an indication of whether the patch data is flat or not before any continuity is set.

The Fitted column indicates whether a patch is fitted or not.

The Curves column indicates which curves were used to create the patch data for fitting (S=Sections, W=Waterlines, B=Buttocks).

By clicking the Right Mouse button over a list, a convenience menu is displayed. This provides facilities for displaying the currently selected patches (either fitted, unfitted or limits) or for interactively selecting patches from a graphics window.