After you click View Parameters in the Preferences dialog, you can select parameters for displaying graphics.
At the top of the dialog there are the following fields:
- OPEN GL graphic window - Selecting this option, the edit viewer applies the OPEN GL API® graphics presentation standard to the structure. The OpenGL API platform enables 2D and 3D graphic functions, such as modeling, transformations, color, light, and shading.
- Display acceleration - Selecting this option uses the functions offered by your graphic card to support a dynamic structure view. The view is redrawn faster and in a continuous manner. With some graphic cards problems might occur using the display acceleration in Robot. If this happens, clear the selection. If problems with the display continue, you should reduce the hardware acceleration in the system settings of your graphic card.
The Solid Modeler field lets you select edit operations based on Solid Modeler to perform Boolean operations in Robot.
- Your license includes this option.
- You have installed Solid Modeler.
The standard installation of Robot does not include the Solid Modeler module. You install it using the Robot installation CD.
If the Use Solid Modeler option is selected, then Boolean operations will be performed using the Solid Modeler modules.
If the Use display in OPEN GL technology option is selected, then objects defined by means of Solid Modeler are displayed using the OPEN GL mechanisms in Solid Modeler.
If the Define by default in a Solid Modeler format option is selected, generating volumetric objects in Robot will also generate an object in Solid Modeler. If this option is cleared, objects that are generated in the Robot format and use some of the edit operations (such as Cutting objects, Chamfer, Space Warping, and Object Twisting) might be transformed into Solid Modeler format objects.
If the Use Solid Modeler option is selected, it affects some of the options available in Robot:
- The Object Combinations dialog changes depending on which technology has been selected for performing Boolean operations
- If the Use Solid Modeler option is turned off, then the Solid Modeler edit options are not available in the menu. Only when the Use Solid Modeler option is turned on, will the options be available in the menu.
While using Solid Modeler, you should be aware of the following limitations:
- A Boolean operation that has already been performed cannot be modified. After you perform any operation, such as cutting out an opening in a solid, you cannot change or correct the operation. You can cancel the operation using UNDO or perform another Boolean operation to restore the initial state of the structure.
- Volumetric elements cannot be combined with shell elements. A shell cannot penetrate a solid and be adjacent to a solid.