General Module Function
The sequential_subset is a powerful new module that incorporates some of the characteristics of plume_shell, yet allows for a large number of sequential (serial) subsetting operations.
This module creates a superior visualization of a plume that can be sent directly to the viewer for rendering. This is not a true volumetric subsetting module (as is plume_volume or contour) since it does not export a volumetric representation of the plume. It is used exclusively for plume visualization of 3D fields and for export as VRML. Sequential_subset outputs a specialized version of a sequentially subset plume that is suitable for VRML export for 3D printing to create full color physical models using Z Corp's technology.
For output to Z Corp. 3D printing, please jump to the Issues for Z Print topic.
Without sequential_subset it is very difficult if not impossible to create a VRML file suitable for printing, especially with complex models.
Module Input Ports
sequential_subset has one input port that accepts unstructured mesh data.
Module Status: Interruptible
This module's computational processes can be terminated (interrupted) using the "C Tech" icon in the Windows Notification Area (aka System Tray) in the lower right corner of your desktop. If you hover over the icon, it will tell you the status of the module and expected completion time. Double-Right-Clicking will terminate the process. Note that if you do stop any process, the output of the module is corrupted and any downstream module's results are not usable. You will need to re-run the module.
Module Output Ports
sequential_subset has two output ports. The first output port (closest to the left) outputs a new unstructured mesh which contains a merged field containing all of the exterior faces of the plume resulting from the sequential subsetting operations.
The second port outputs a rendered geometry directly to the Viewer.
Module Control Panel
The control panel for sequential_subset is shown in the figure above. sequential_subset's user interfaces changes automatically depending on the selected Number of Subsets to be performed. The Top Panel allows you to select the following parameters:
Map Component determines which model data component will be sent to the output ports. The map component selected will be used to color the output. For example, choosing iso component concentration and map component uncertainty will create a volumetric subset of concentration colored by uncertainty.
The Transparency slider changes the transparency of the entire plume.
The Include Surface with varying data toggle controls the visibility of the surface(s) having varying data (based on the map_component. The ability to control visibilty of portions of the output allows you to use multiple sequential subset modules and color or texture_map portions of each plume differently.
The Run toggle will keep the subsetting algorithms for running. If there is a large model being subset it is usually better to turn Run off and then make all of your changes. This keeps the module from running after every change and will speed the application construction process.
The Remove Normals Generation toggle is equivalent to setting Normals Generation (in Object.Modes) to None. This changes the rendering of surfaces and is sometimes preferable.
The Culling Mode Back(on) or Normal(off) toggle is equivalent to setting the object surface property to cull back facing surfaces. This is recommended whenever Opacity is less than 1.00
The remaining panels will be named Subset 1:, Subset 2: and so on. Each of these is identical in their options having the following parameters:
Iso Component refers to the model data component used to create the subset. When an iso component is selected, the min and max values of the variable are displayed in the right side of the panel.
The Include Constant Surface at Isolevel toggle controls the visibility of the surface(s) having a constant value (based on the iso_component. The ability to control visibilty of portions of the output allows you to use multiple sequential subset modules and color or texture_map portions of each plume differently.
The Data Above(on) or Below(off) Iso Level check box (Above Box) is used to display data above the iso level or below the iso level. For example, to display a volumetric subset of all concentrations greater than or equal to 1 ppm, set iso level to 1 (assuming concentration units are in ppm) and set the Above Box to on (check in the box). To see the sequential_subset of 1 ppm and below, simply turn the Above Box off (no check in box).
The Exponentiated Values toggle makes another type-in field visible which convert real units to logarithmic units for you automatically.
The Iso Level type-in is used to set the level for subsetting the input field. If a value is chosen larger than the max value, the max value is placed in the edit box. Similarly, if a value less then the minimum is input, the minimum value is placed in the box. The default iso level value is the arithmetic average of the minimum and maximum values in the iso component. If your input data has been kriged with log processing, the values here will be the Log of your input data.