Intergraph ViZfx Voyager User Manual
Intergraph ViZfx Voyager
July 1997
DSA082810
Warranties and Liabilities
The information and the software discussed in this document are subject to change without notice and
should not be considered commitments by Intergraph Corporation. Intergraph Corporation assumes no
responsibility for any errors in this document.
The software discussed in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of the license. No responsibility is assumed by Intergraph for the use or
reliability of software on equipment that is not supplied by Intergraph or its affiliated companies.
All warranties given by Intergraph Corporation about equipment or software are set forth in your purchase
contract, and nothing stated in, or implied by, this document or its contents shall be considered or deemed a
modification or amendment of such warranties.
Copyright
1997, Intergraph Corporation including this documentation, and any software and its file formats and
audio-visual displays described herein; all rights reserved; may only be used pursuant to the applicable
software license agreement; contains confidential and proprietary information of Intergraph and/or other
third parties which is protected by copyright, trade secret and trademark law and may not be provided or
otherwise made available without prior written authorization.
Restricted Rights Legend
Use, duplication, or disclosure by the United States Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in
subdivision (c)(1)(ii) of the rights in technical data and computer software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.
Unpublished rights reserved under the copyright laws of the United States.
Intergraph Corporation, Huntsville AL 35894-0001
Trademarks
Intergraph and the Intergraph logo are registered trademarks of Intergraph Corporation. ViZfx™ is a
trademark of Intergraph Corporation.
Microsoft®, Windows®, and Windows NT® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Coporation. Intel®
and Pentium® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Premiere® is a registered trademark of
Adobe Systems Incorporated. Speed Razor® and Speed Razor Mach 3® are registered trademarks of
in:sync corporation. Open GL® is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc. InstallShield® is a
registered trademark of InstallShield Corporation, a business unit of Stirling Technologies, Inc.
Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
Acknowledgments
Footage provided courtesy of Virginia Tech. Reproduction of this footage is strictly forbidden without prior
written consent from Virginia Tech University Relation/Visual Communications. Sample AVI files
included on the ViZfx CD-ROM provided courtesy of Video Tape Recording, Ltd.
Contents
Preface............................................................................................................................... v
About This Document........................................................................................................ v
Document Conventions...................................................................................................... v
Finding Additional Information on ViZfx......................................................................... vi
Finding Intergraph on the Internet..................................................................................... vi
Getting Support.................................................................................................................vi
Using the Intergraph Bulletin Board Service ................................................................... vii
Using the Intergraph FAXLink........................................................................................viii
1 Get Started..................................................................................................................... 1
Hardware and Software Requirements............................................................................... 1
Note to Premiere Users........................................................................................ 1
Notes to Speed Razor Users................................................................................. 1
Installing ViZfx.................................................................................................................. 2
Removing ViZfx................................................................................................................. 2
2 Learn the Interface ....................................................................................................... 3
The Effect Window............................................................................................................ 3
General Tab ......................................................................................................... 3
Parameters Tab .................................................................................................... 4
Curves Tab........................................................................................................... 4
Input/Output Tab.................................................................................................. 6
The Sequencer.................................................................................................................... 8
The Effects....................................................................................................................... 11
Common Parameters.......................................................................................... 11
OpenGL Capability and the Parameter Window................................................ 11
Geometry Transforms........................................................................................ 11
Color Transforms............................................................................................... 16
Masks................................................................................................................. 20
Composites......................................................................................................... 22
Shines................................................................................................................. 23
Particles.............................................................................................................. 26
Transitions ......................................................................................................... 29
Miscellaneous .................................................................................................... 30
iii
3 Applying Effects .......................................................................................................... 33
Before You Begin ............................................................................................................ 33
Get Started........................................................................................................................ 33
Import the Targa File ......................................................................................... 33
iv
4 Saving Key Frames......................................................................................................37
Before You Begin............................................................................................................. 37
Get Started........................................................................................................................ 37
Reopen the Chromator Effect.............................................................................37
5 Using the Curves Tab.................................................................................................. 39
Before You Begin............................................................................................................. 39
Get Started........................................................................................................................ 39
Reopen the Chromator Effect.............................................................................39
6 Using the Sequencer .................................................................................................... 41
Before You Begin............................................................................................................. 41
Get Started........................................................................................................................ 41
Set up Foreground and Background Images....................................................... 41
Apply the Bump Effect.......................................................................................44
Apply Another Composite Effect.......................................................................46
Continue the Voyage........................................................................................................47
7 Frequently Asked Questions.......................................................................................53
Index................................................................................................................................57
Preface
Whether you are creating special effects for film, video, or games, Intergraph’s ViZfx
provides resolution-independent, hardware-accelerated 2D and 3D effects—many of these
effects use OpenGL® technology so you can dynamically create dramatic effects, without
having to key in specific parameters. And, ViZfx contains a Sequencer that lets you string
together multiple images and effects to create your own clips. All of this is combined in a set
of plugins that allow you to quickly apply, view, and modify effects, either in Adobe
Premiere® or in:sync Speed Razor®.
About This Document
Intergraph ViZfx Voyager is organized as follows:
u
The Preface contains various information such as document conventions, how to get
technical support, and how to get in touch with Intergraph Corporation by telephone,
FAX, e-mail, or on the Internet.
v
u
Chapter 1, “Get Started,” describes how to install and configure the ViZfx plugins for
both Premiere and Speed Razor, and lists the minimum system requirements.
u
Chapter 2, “Venture Into ViZfx,” provides some sample workflows that are designed to
help you learn how to use the Sequencer, the Effect Window, and the effects themselves
within your application.
u
Chapter 3, “Learn The Interface,” contains information on the Effect Window, Curve
Editor, the Sequencer, and each of the effects.
u
Chapter 4, “Frequently Asked Questions,” addresses issues users have encountered.
Document Conventions
Bold
Italic Variable values that you supply, or cross-references.
Monospace
SMALL CAPS Key names on the keyboard, such as D, ALT or F3; names of files and
CTRL+D Press a key while simultaneously pressing another key; for example, press
Commands, words, or characters that you key in literally.
Output displayed on the screen.
directories. You can type filenames and directory names in the dialog boxes
or the command line in lowercase unless directed otherwise.
CTRL and D simultaneously.
vi
Finding Additional Information on ViZfx
For more information, consult the ViZfx Reference Guide, which is the on-line Help delivered
on the ViZfx CD. You can look up information on effects, commands, parameters, and options
using the Find button and key words, or simply browse the document—the document layout
follows the product interface. If you are unfamiliar with using on-line documents, press F1 to
activate Windows Help, which will instruct you on using and customizing Help.
Finding Intergraph on the Internet
You can find Intergraph on the Internet in the following ways:
u
If you have a World Wide Web browser, connect to Intergraph Online, the Intergraph
Web server, at http://www.intergraph.com.
u
Using a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) program or Gopher program, visit
ftp.intergraph.com or gopher.intergraph.com.
u
Get information from Intergraph’s email server at info@intergraph.com. Put help in the
body of the message (the subject line is ignored) to get information on such subjects as
Intergraph’s online services and where to get World Wide Web browsers.
Getting Support
When you register your copy of ViZfx, you are entitled to our complimentary support plan.
With this plan, you get life-time, toll-free telephone support as well as e-mail support. In
addition to support for ViZfx, you will receive late-breaking news, information on upgrades,
fixes, and new products, as well as any special offers Intergraph is running.
You can either return the Registration Card that came in the ViZfx package, or visit our World
Wide Web site (http://www.intergraph.com/vizfx) and register on-line.
If you experience problems with ViZfx, or have questions about the information in this
document, you can contact Intergraph for help.
u
Contact us through email at vizfx@ingr.com.
u
In the United States, call the ICS Solutions Center at 1-800-226-4891 between the hours
of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday (except holidays).
u
Outside the United States, contact the Intergraph subsidiary or distributor from which you
purchased ViZfx. A list of all of the Intergraph international locations is printed on the
International Registration Card, and is also available under the Technical Support topic in
the On-line Help.
You will need the following information when you call or write:
u
Workstation manufacturer
u
Workstation model and type of graphics adapter in your system
u
Amount of system memory (RAM)
u
Product serial number
u
The product with which you are using ViZfx (either Premiere or Speed Razor)
u
Any other plugins you may be using with your application
u
Your name, telephone number, and email address
u
A brief description of the problem
Using the Intergraph Bulletin Board Service
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Intergraph Bulletin Board Service (IBBS) is an
electronic forum for Intergraph customers to exchange information with Intergraph’s technical
and marketing staff, and with other Intergraph customers. You can use the IBBS to get
technical support information, documentation and training information, programs, and
software updates and fixes. The IBBS is also available for you to give suggestions, make
inquiries, and report problems.
vii
To connect to the IBBS:
1. Set your system’s communications protocol for eight (8) data bits, no parity, one (1) stop
bit, and any baud rate up to 14,400.
2. Using a modem, dial the IBBS number, 1-205-730-8786. You can dial 1-205-730-6504 if
you are using a 2,400 baud connection.
3. Mirror sites are maintained for locations outside the United States. Information on these
sites is available on Intergraph Online, Intergraph’s World Wide Web server.
4. When connected, respond to the login request by keying in your user ID. If you have not
connected before, key in new to create a user ID.
5. Follow the menus to find what you need. If you are new to computer bulletin boards, the
IBBS provides clear choices and plenty of online help. A text file that explains IBBS
commands and organization is available for you to download.
If you have trouble connecting to or using the IBBS, log a support request through the
Customer Response Center (product entry IBBS), send a fax to 1-205-730-1110, or leave a
message for the System Operator (Sysop) at 1-205-730-1413.
viii
Using the Intergraph FAXLink
Use the Intergraph FAXLink to get technical support information by fax 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. From a touch-tone phone or fax machine phone:
u
Call 1-800-240-4300 to get new user instructions, an index listing of available documents,
and an overview of the categories of available information.
u
Call 1-205-730-9000 to order the documents (up to five per call).
Follow the prompts provided to locate and deliver the information you need.
1 Get Started
Intergraph ViZfx is a collection of plugins for Adobe Premiere or in:sync Speed Razor.
Therefore, you should be comfortable in working with whichever product you use. Refer to
the documentation delivered with your application if you need to familiarize yourself with that
product, then start working with the ViZfx plugins.
Hardware and Software Requirements
Intergraph ViZfx is delivered on CD-ROM and must be loaded on your computer’s hard disk.
The minimum hardware and software configuration your system needs to run ViZfx is as
follows:
u
Windows NT® operating system version 4.0 or higher, or Windows 95® operating
system
u
An Intel® 486/66, Pentium®, or Pentium Pro processor
u
At least 16 megabytes of RAM; 64 megabytes of RAM recommended
1
u
True color (16.7 million colors) graphics adapter; a display resolution of 1024 x 768 or
better is recommended
u
23 megabytes of free disk space for installation
u
Microsoft® or Microsoft-compatible mouse; three-button mouse recommended
u
Adobe Premiere 4.2 or higher, or Speed Razor mach 3.5.1 or higher
Note to Premiere Users
If you install Premiere after installing ViZfx, you must copy the files in VIZFX\PREMIERE into
the Premiere product’s plugins directory. You can contact the makers of Premiere at the
Adobe Web site (http://www.adobe.com).
Notes to Speed Razor Users
Speed Razor mach 3.5.1 is required for the ViZfx plugins to function; the application will
crash if you use it with an earlier version of Speed Razor. You can get the latest version of
Speed Razor from the in:sync Web site (http://www.in-sync.com).
If you install Speed Razor after installing ViZfx, you can make ViZfx easier to find by
creating a separate directory under the
Copy all of the .
VFX files from the VIZFX\RAZOR35 subdirectory into this new directory.
RAZOR\EFFECTS directory to hold the ViZfx plugins.
2
Installing ViZfx
To install ViZfx on your system:
1. Insert the ViZfx CD into your system’s CD-ROM drive.
2. In Explorer or File Manager, double-click the
The ViZfx Setup Wizard is activated.
3. Follow the prompts to load ViZfx onto your system.
Removing ViZfx
To remove ViZfx from your system:
1. Double-click the unInstallShield icon (in the ViZfx program group or menu).
The unInstallShield Wizard is activated, and prompts you for confirmation before
removing ViZfx.
2. Follow the prompts to remove ViZfx from your system.
The ViZfx plugins and related files are removed from your system.
SETUP.EXE file on the CD-ROM.
2 Learn the Interface
After you install ViZfx on your computer, you can begin working with the plugins. Depending
on whether you are using Premiere or Speed Razor, you will access the plugins differently.
For instance, in Premiere the plugins are contained under the list of Filters and Transitions; in
Speed Razor you need to install the effects into the library before you can use them. Consult
your product’s documentation for more information on where plugins are stored and how you
access them.
The Effect Window
Whether you are working in Premiere or Speed Razor, all of the effects have an Effect
Window. This is where you create the particular look you want in an effect. You can access
this from the Sequencer (which is discussed later) or directly from the list of effects.
The Effect Window has four tabs: General (which contains the Presets), Parameters, Curves
(for some effects), and Input/Output. Also, the Effect Window has an Input window, an
Output window, and in some cases, a Parameter window and two input windows.
3
NOTE If you access an effect from the list of filters (Premiere) or from the library (Razor), there is no
Input/Output tab. This tab is available only from within the Sequencer.
General Tab
You can define parameters and save
them as Presets using the General tab.
Then, when you want to re-create a
particular effect, you can select that
preset instead of having to redefine
all of the parameters. We have
created some presets for you and
delivered them with ViZfx.
To save a preset, set up the parameters for any particular effect. Then, click the General tab,
key in a name for the preset in the Select preset text entry field and click Save. Whenever you
go back into that effect, you can select the preset you saved from the pulldown menu.
Parameters Tab
This tab contains the controls for setting parameters and keys on the current effect. Each effect
has a Parameters tab with options specific to that particular effect. Look in ViZfx Help for
4
detailed information on each effect’s parameters, or see “The Effects” later in this chapter for
a brief description and an example of each effect.
Curves Tab
The Curves tab lets you control the transition between key frames using a graphic curve, and
you can add or remove key frames for more control. The horizontal axis represents the frame
number, and the vertical axis represents the value taken by that parameter over time. Press the
right mouse button to access a menu of commands; depending on the mode you are in, the
available commands are Add Point, Zoom In, Zoom Out, and Fit to Window, or access these
tools from the buttons at the top of the dialog box.
Curve Type
There are two types of curves in the Curve Editor, Bezier and Linear (click the appropriate
toggle to work in the mode you require). In Bezier mode, each curve point has three objects:
an anchor point and two handles. A smooth curve is drawn between key frames, and the
handles let you control the curvature at each key frame. After adding points (by pressing the
CTRL key and clicking the background), you can move their handles by holding the SHIFT key
and dragging the handle. Or, move the anchor point by holding the CTRL key and dragging the
point. In Linear mode, a straight line is drawn between each key frame.
Editing
Use the Editing mode to add, delete, and move points, or move the handles (in Bezier mode).
Scrolling
The Scrolling mode lets you move back and forth along the curve.
Zooming
5
Use the Zooming mode to zoom into and out of the view area. Press
view area to zoom out, or simply click in the view area to zoom in. Press
CTRL and click in the
CTRL + SHIFT and
click in the view area to fit the curve to the window.
Fit To Window
This option fits all of the points of the curve to the current dialog box size.
Undo Zoom
If you have zoomed into the view area, this option will take you back out, one zoom level at a
time. This command will also undo the Fit To Window and Scroll commands.
Full Size
Click this button to activate a bigger Curve Editor window. Except for the addition of OK,
Cancel, and Help buttons, this dialog box is the same as that displayed by the Curves tab.
Value
This field displays the value of a selected point and updates every time you select a point.
Parameter
The Parameter field displays a list of the available parameters for the current effect.
6
Input/Output Tab
The Input/Output property page is available
when you run effects from within the
Sequencer (as opposed to choosing an effect
from the list of Filters in Premiere or from
the library of effects in Speed Razor). This is
where you define the file (or files) you want
used as input, and where you specify the
location of the resulting file (output).
Many effects are double-input effects; that is,
you can have a primary and a secondary
image. In this case, there are fields for you to
specify both files.
Buffer
Click this radio button and select or key in a
buffer name to import an image from that
buffer.
File
This option imports an image from a file.
You can either key in a filename or click the Browse button to locate the image.
Browse
This button activates the Select a Directory dialog box. Use this to move to the directory that
contains the file you want and click OK.
Swap
The Swap parameter changes the order of the background (primary) image and the foreground
(secondary) image. This option is available only for double-input effects.
Files of Type
This specifies the type of file to list in the display box. You can display one type of file, or all
available file types.
Name
The Name display field lists all of the available files of the type you specified.
The following items are available only when you select an .AVI file or a sequence of images:
Stats
7
This field displays information on the clips (.
AVI files), such as the starting and
ending frame, and the number of frames by which the clip increments.
Scrub Preview
Scrub Preview displays the clip you selected. By default, the first frame in the clip is
displayed.
Color Channel/Alpha Channel Toggles
Depending on the toggle you select, this displays either
the RGB color channel or the alpha channel in the
Scrub Preview window.
Scrub
This field specifies the current frame in the Scrub Preview window. You can key in a
new frame number or move the Scrub slider to change frames.
Begin/End Range
Here, you specify the first and last frames,
respectively, in the Scrub Preview display.
You can either move the slider or key in a
frame number, then click either the Begin Range button to define the beginning of the
range, or click the End Range button to define the last frame in the range.
Align
Click this button to move the effect current frame marker to the same frame as the
slider puck (which indicates the current frame displayed in the Scrub Preview).
Step Forward/Step Backward
These buttons advance the Scrub Preview or move it
back by the number of frames specified in the Step text
field.
Auto Size
Click this button to convert the length of the effect window timeline to match the
number of frames you have selected from the input file.
8
Output
In/Out
These buttons specify the beginning and ending frames, respectively, for your input
file. Key in a frame number and press
Step
Use this option to specify the increment by which the frames will advance or move
back when you click the Step Forward or Backward buttons.
Fill Method
You can specify what the Scrub Preview will display if it runs out of frames. The
options are Fill With Black, Repeat Last Frame, Pong, and Cycle.
Reverse
This option makes the Fill Method run in the opposite direction.
ENTER.
Use these fields to specify where the output is placed; you can display it on the screen, save it
to a default or named buffer, or save it to a file.
The Sequencer
This option is similar to the Construction Window in Premiere or the Composition Window in
Speed Razor, but it offers you additional flexibility by letting you place an unlimited number
of clips or effects, and gives you total freedom in placing and combining them.
When you first choose the Sequencer, there are no scheduled effects in it. You must either
select effects from the effects menu or create empty effects and edit them later. Once you
place an effect in a specific location on the Sequencer Time Line, it becomes a scheduled
effect. This simply means that the effect has a specific start frame, a specific end frame, and a
defined location in the order of the Sequencer.
All of the Sequencer commands are described in detail in ViZfx Help. Just click Contents
from the Help pulldown menu and then click the Display button to view the topic you need.
9
Main Toolbar
The Main Toolbar contains commands for opening new or existing files, inserting sequences
and empty effects, editing effects, as well as toggles for viewing frame numbers, timecodes
and effect properties, and locking keys. All of these commands are contained in the File, Edit,
and View pulldown menus. Select the View pulldown menu and then select Main to display
this toolbar.
Execution Toolbar
The commands on the Execution Toolbar let you control the execution of the effect, and are
also contained on the Execute pulldown menu. Use these commands to define the execution
range, move forward or backward through the sequence, refresh the display, execute the
sequence, or stop the execution. Also, this is where you specify whether the sequence moves
by effects or frames. Select the View pulldown menu and then select Execution to display this
toolbar.
Display Toolbar
The Display Toolbar contains commands for manipulating the view of the Display Pane.
Select the View pulldown menu and then select Display to display this toolbar.
10
Effect Area
This is a graphical description of the sequence. Each scheduled effect in the sequence is
shown as a highlighted section, or slot, in a row of the effect area. There is a handle on each
side of the Effect Area (this is true for each row in the sequence); click and drag these back
and forth to change the extent of the effect. The colored lines in the Effect Area represent the
buffers (defined in the Legend, which is discussed later).
Effect Properties
The Effect Properties options provides information on the effect such as the effect name,
starting and ending frame, and effect length.
Image Subpane
This subpane displays image data resulting from executed effects.
Text Subpane
The Text Subpane displays the parameters you defined for the sequence as that sequence is
run.
Sequencer Timeline
This scale shows the entire sequence extent. Tick marks and intervals indicate the frame
number, and the current frame is indicated by a red vertical line. Click and drag the handles
(displayed as arrows) on either side of the slider under the Timeline to zoom in and out of the
sequence view.
Legend
The Sequencer Legend provides you with a key to the colored lines displayed in the Effect
Area. For example, if an Effect Area contains two yellow lines on the top, and a blue line on
the bottom, it means that there are two input files (the yellow lines) and the default buffer is
the output (indicated by the blue line).
Status Bar
The Status Bar displays messages that help you use ViZfx, as well as the Current Frame
number, position, RGB and Alpha channel information.
The Effects
The ViZfx effects are divided into eight categories: Geometry Transforms, Color Transforms,
Masks, Composites, Shines, Particles, Transitions, and Miscellaneous. Each effect has its own
Parameters page where you create and define the effect. See ViZfx Help on the ViZfx CD-
ROM for a description of each effect’s parameters.
Common Parameters
The double-input effects have Secondary Input Offset parameters where you define the
amount by which the primary image is horizontally and vertically offset from the secondary
image. Also, these effects have a Wraparound option. Select this to copy the portions of the
secondary image that are cut off by an offset to the opposite side of the image.
Another option that is available for many of the effects is Antialiasing. Use this option to
control the quality of the output image; a higher antialiasing value produces better quality but
computes slower. Likewise, a lower antialiasing value produces a lower quality image, but
computes faster.
11
OpenGL Capability and the Parameter Window
The Parameter Window is an additional preview window that is provided for the effects that
have OpenGL capability (if you do not have an OpenGL card, you will see a wireframe
representing the image). This window allows you to manipulate the effect directly using the
mouse instead of having to edit individual parameters. When you manipulate the image in the
Parameter Window, the appropriate parameters are dynamically updated in the Parameter
Page.
Geometry Transforms
These effects change the shapes of images without changing the image colors.
Bump
12
The Bump effect distorts one image based on the luminance of a second image. This second
image acts like an irregular pane of glass through which you view the first image. You define
the Bump Intensity and Smoothness.
Crop
Use the Crop effect to select a rectangular portion of an image and store it as a new image.
This is useful if you need to define a view around an image; or, select a rectangular region to
pan across the image. This effect uses the OpenGL capability. You define the Width, Height,
Extents, and Offset values of the resulting image.
Deform
This effect distorts images over time. You can distort an image by moving any or all of the
input image corners to different positions. The output image will always be the same size as
the input image, therefore any part of the distorted image that falls outside the area of the input
image is clipped. If you modify the image so that it is smaller than the input image, the
remaining area is filled with black. This effect uses the OpenGL capability.
Displacement
Displacement makes 3D transformations by displacing the input image’s pixels in the Z direction.
The displacement amount is determined by the luminance values of a secondary input image. You
13
specify the type of displacement, the softening and loft intensities, as well as offsets and whether or
not to apply antialiasing. This effect uses the OpenGL capability.
Emboss
The Emboss effect gives an image the appearance of depth and of being lit by up to three light
sources. You can place these light sources at various angles in order to enhance the 3D effect. The
third dimension (the depth) is produced based on criteria you choose.
Flip
This effect flips images horizontally or vertically, or both horizontally and vertically. You can
also rotate images by multiples of 90 degrees either with a flip or without one. This effect flips
your input along an axis; if you want to rotate the input incrementally over time, use the Rotate
effect.
Raindrops
You can make an image appear as though raindrops are falling on it using this effect. You can
either have the raindrops fall in a random pattern (determined by the Random parameter and a
Random Seed that you define), or you can specify exact positions for the raindrops. Also, you can
have the raindrops fall on the image, or outside of the image frame. You can either view the input
image through the disturbed water, or save the water surface as a grayscale image that you can use
in 3D effects such as Displacement or Bump.
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