channels menu

get unv

Introduction
This converter allows GIG users to import I-DEAS universal file data (from SDRC: Structural Dynamic Research Corporation) directly into GIG. The converted data can be rendered in GIG using ELECTROGIG's proprietary raytracer and then output to transparency, print, or video for high quality presentations. The converted files can also be animated in GIG to produce high quality animations.

The universal file data is polygon based. See also the SDRC (I-DEAS) to GIG converter which is a plug-in converter program for SDRC's I-DEAS system. It converts Nurbs-to-Nurbs, avoiding the need to convert the model to polygons.

Some Basics
The get unv converter is based on the I-DEAS universal file format generated by I-DEAS level V or VI. This format was developed by SDRC to transfer I-DEAS data between different kinds of platforms. It is an ASCII file format, and contains several kinds of data sets. In order to be able to write an I-DEAS solid model to a GIG-readable .unv file, the model has to be triangulated in I-DEAS before storing. To triangulate an I-DEAS model, and write a file in the I-DEAS universal file format, see page 27-29 of the Solid Modeling User's Guide, I-DEAS Level V, VI. The I-DEAS universal file can be converted into GIG facets which can be saved, modeled and rendered like any other GIG model.
Models containing 300,000 facets have been rendered successfully on a Silicon Graphics workstation with 16 MB Internal memory and 55 MB swap space.

Preparation
Some knowledge of GIG, UNIX, and the configuration of your workstation is required before using the I-DEAS universal file converter.
The I-DEAS model must first be triangulated in I-DEAS level V or VI and then saved as a universal file. The file name must have the extension .unv (in lower case) and must be moved or copied to the 'intlib' directory of the project chosen by the GIG user.

Example (copying the I-DEAS universal file):

Assuming the user is currently in the directory where the universal file is stored, the universal file has the name test.unv and the user's project is named 'convert', then the following command has to be executed:

cp test.unv ~gig/projects/convert_prj/intlib

The intlib directory of the currently active project could also be accessed using the environment variable LD:

Example :

mv test.unv $LD

This command will move the file test.unv to the intlib directory of the currently active project.

Usage
Now a copy of the I-DEAS universal file has been placed in the correct directory, select the get unv button from the channels menu in the GIG interface. The selection submenu will then be displayed where you can make your selection.

The I-DEAS universal file will be converted to a GIG facetted model which can be saved and used as a normal GIG model.

Comments
See also the SDRC (I-DEAS) to GIG converter and the confile.