Introducing 3D

3D differentiates between simulation objects, animatable objects, graphic groups, state groups, state graphics, and graphics of the selected object.

Just like the simulation object Frame each animatable object can in turn contain other animatable objects.

Simulation objects have a counterpart in 2D, i.e. they are connected with a 2D simulation object via their name if you activated the check box in the dialog that clicking 3D Properties > Create In 3D on the Home ribbon tab opens. Connected 2D and 3D Simulation objects have the same location in the model hierarchy and may share some common data like the position. The dialog Show 3D Graphic Structure shows the graphics in a tree structure which visualize the 3D simulation object but not the content of this simulation object. To view other simulation objects that a simulation object of type Frame contains, you have to open the dialog Show Structure for the Frame.

Animatable objects do not have a counterpart in 2D. Just like the simulation objects they have a number of attributes that describe them and can be controlled via SimTalk commands. They only serve for visualization purposes in 3D, for example to control a robot. Just like the simulation object Frame each animatable object can in turn contain other animatable objects.

Graphic groups define the possible visual representations of a 3D object and have a name that is unique for this object. This is similar to the 2D icons of the simulation objects. You can define a graphic group to either be external or internal. External graphic groups represent the 3D object towards the outside, while internal graphic groups are only visible inside of the 3D object (unless you select the check box Show content).

A graphic group can be permanently shown or hidden to enable switching between alternative graphic groups. Each simulation object or animatable object contains at least one external graphic group named default and optionally any number of alternative or additional graphic groups, which you can show or hide independent of each other. The visibility of the graphic groups is a 3D object property which can be inherited as well as the entire graphic structure. You can create, delete, or replace graphic groups on the Tab Graphics in the dialog Edit 3D Properties.

State groups are generated groups of state graphics that visualize all the states that are predefined for a simulation object. You can create, delete, or replace the state group and the underlying state graphics on the Tab Graphics in the dialog Edit 3D Properties.

State graphics correspond to the LEDs in Plant Simulation 2D. Every state graphic is a child of the state group that visualizes the object state it names and has the same color as the corresponding LED in 2D. Plant Simulation shows them whenever it displays the corresponding LED in 2D. Note that several state graphics can be displayed at the same time.

Graphics are all visual/geometric elements and groups of geometric elements in a graphic group, a state group or state graphic, which describe the entire shape of this group.

Plant Simulation uses 3D to visualize and to modify the simulation model in three dimensions. You can access data in different ways:

• You will enter and select settings pertaining to 3D into the dialogs which 3D provides.

• At times you might want to create graphics in 3D.

• Sometimes you might simply prefer to work with the program, namely Plant Simulation, you are used to to enter and select simulation relevant settings.

Related Topics