Open Inventor

Chapter II: Open Inventor

Open Inventor modules

Introduction

In total, there are three types of modules:

• blue ML modules
• brown macro modules
• green Open Inventor modules

The names of Open Inventor modules start with the prefix So\* (for Scene Objects). Open Inventor modules process and render 3D scene objects and enable image interactions. Scene objects are transmitted using the semi-circle shaped input and output connectors. With the help of these modules, Open Inventor scenes can be implemented.

Example 1: Open Inventor Objects

Example 1: Open Inventor Objects

     This example is also available on YouTube.

Introduction

In this example we like to construct an Open Inventor scene in which we display three 3D objects of different color and shape.

Steps to do

Generating Open Inventor Objects

First, add the modules SoExaminerViewer and SoCone to the workspace and connect both modules as shown. The module SoCone creates a cone shaped object, which can be displayed in the Viewer SoExaminerViewer.

Example 2: Mouse interactions in Open Inventor

Example 2: Mouse interactions in Open Inventor

     This example is also available on YouTube.

Introduction

In this example, we implement some image or object interactions. We will create a 3D scene, in which we display a cube and change its size using the mouse. We also get to know another viewer, the module SoExaminerViewer. This viewer is important. It enables the rendering of Open Inventor scenes and allows interactions with the Open Inventor scenes.

Example 3: Camera Interactions in Open Inventor

Example 3: Camera Interactions in Open Inventor

     This example is also available on YouTube.

Introduction

In this example, we are learning the basic principles of camera interactions in Open Inventor. We will show the difference between a SoRenderArea and a SoExaminerViewer and use different modules of the SoCamera* group.

The SoRenderArea module

The module SoRenderArea is a simple renderer for Open Inventor scenes. It offers functionality to record movies and to create snapshots, but does not include an own camera or light.

Example 4: Post Effects in Open Inventor

Example 4: Post Effects in Open Inventor

Introduction

Up to this point, we practiced constructing Open Inventor scenes and placed three-dimensional Open Inventor objects of different colors and shapes within them. In this tutorial, we will go over the steps to add shadows to our 3D-objects, make them glow and vary their opacity to make them transparent. We will also incorporate WEMs from multi-frame DICOMs and render them as scene objects to see how different post effects can be used on them.

Example 4: Display 2D images in Open Inventor SoRenderArea

Example 4: Display images converted to Open Inventor scene objects

     This example is also available on YouTube.

Introduction

In the previous example you learned how to use the module SoView2DOverlay together with a View2D. MeVisLab provides a whole family of SoView2D* modules (SoView2DOverlay, SoView2DRectangle, SoView2DGrid, …). All these modules create or interact with scene objects and are based on the module SoView2D, which can convert a voxel-image into a scene object. In this example, you will get to know some members of the SoView2D-family.