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Graphics window

 Tools

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Graphics window

 Tools

Tools list

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Graphics window

 Tools

Tools list

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See Tool bar location.

 

Visibility of buttons on the Tool bar can be adjusted on the Toolbar tab of the Options box.

 

 

'Project' button group

 

Save project

 

Save working project to a file.

 

 

"Camera" button group

 

New camera

 

Create new camera with default parameters.

 

In the dialog box appeared you can change camera number, name, the icon by which it will be displayed. If necessary, you can enter additional information on the created camera (for example: purpose, a place and features of installation).

 

Later it is possible to change name, number, icon of the camera and the additional information in the Camera list box.

Cameras can be numerated sequentially with the help of the Numerate cameras tool.

Cameras are displayed by different icons only if the Display camera type box in the Options box is marked.

 

On the Line type panel it is possible to choose line type by which the icon of the camera and View area projection bounds will be drawn. When displaying pixel density is disabled, projection will be filled (hatched) by the color of assigned line type. Later it is possible to change line type using Change line type tool.

Hatch style is determined by style of a line type, assigned to the camera (solid, dash, dot, dash dot etc.).

 

After entering all necessary data click OK, to cancel the operation click Cancel.

 

If there is already a camera with chosen number in the current project, VideoCAD will ask to specify, whether you would like to rewrite it.

After camera creation specify by clicking a place for the new camera on the layout.

Just after camera creation the moving mode will be switched on. When placing will be completed, click Select/Edit button or press ESC.

 

It is convenient to create new cameras with already set parameters by copying and pasting existing ones.

 

At the moment of placing new camera or pasting copied camera, its base height is set to the base height of the active layer.

 

Save to project

 

All the specified and calculated parameters of the Active camera and layout are saved to the current project.

 

Saving is performed automatically at many operations.

 

Camera list

 

Clicking this button opens Camera list box, in which camera list of current project is displayed. Active camera is highlighted by red frame. Any camera can be activated, removed, renamed, found on layouts, it is possible to show 3D image from any camera. It is also possible to sort cameras in the list. For carrying out any manipulations with the camera first select its name in the list by single clicking.

 

See more: Camera list

 

Table of cameras

 

Show interactive Table of parameters of all cameras in the project. The table can be exported to *.txt, *.csv, *.htm, *.rtf, *.xls, *.xlsX, *.xml formats.

 

See more: Table of cameras

 

Active camera combo box

 

Using the combo box, you can fast activate any camera in the project. To activate a camera, just choose its name in the list.

To find the active camera on the layout, right click on the combo box then choose Find camera item.

 

  Find camera

 

Quick search the active camera on all layouts.

 

 

"View" button group

 

Camera color

 

Assign a color for the active  camera and its view area in the Graphics window and in the 3D World window.

 

The fill of the view area projections will be colored only if the pixel density visualization of this camera is disabled.

 

The color is assigned regardless of the line type of the camera.

 

White color means no color assigned. In the case of the assigned white color (no color assigned), if the line type of the camera equal the default  line type for camera icons specified in the Options box, the colors of elements for such a camera are taken from the Options box> Lines> System Lines. By default, cameras are assigned line type number 21.

If a different line type is assigned to the camera, the colors of elements for that camera are taken from the assigned line type.

 

Position of the button at the moment of saving the camera determines how the camera will be painted when it is not active.

 

If there are selected cameras on the layout, except for the active camera, then a magenta frame appears on the button and the button controls the color of all selected cameras simultaneously.

 

View area edges

 

Show the Active camera view area edges, calculated according to parameters in the Camera Geometry box.

 

Line type can be changed in the options box.

 

 

When View area projection bounds is disabled, but Shadows is enabled, the View area edges is shown simplified in the form of two rays if the angle of camera rotation around its axis is multiple of 90 degrees (Camera 2) or in the form of one ray if the angle of camera rotation around its axis is not multiple of 90 degrees  (Camera 3).

 

If the line type of camera coincides with default line type for camera icons, specified in the Options box, then for this camera the line type of View area edges is taken from the Options box>Lines>System line types>Bounds. This line type is assigned to new cameras by default (Camera 32 on the figure).

 

Default line type for cameras is Line 21.

 

If another line type was assigned to the camera, the View area edges of this camera is drawn by this line type assigned to the camera, as well as the View area projection bounds and camera icon.  (Camera 33...38).

 

Thus you can draw different cameras and their view areas by different colors, thickness and line style.

 

 

 

 

A button state at the moment of camera saving determines whether the view area edges of the given camera will be displayed when this camera is inactive.

 

If selected cameras exist on the current layout, except the active camera, this button changes view and operates the visibility of View area edges of all selected cameras simultaneously.

 

See also Camera color

 

View area projection bounds

 

Show the bounds of the Active camera view area projections or sections of the view area on two levels calculated according to parameters in the Camera Geometry box.

 

 

Submenu of the button:

 

 

1. Projection - show View area projection bounds of the active camera.

 

Projection is calculated according to a simple rule:

 

A point on the horizontal projection is considered visible if a vertical segment, formed by this point in the range of heights from the view area lower bound height to the view area upper bound height, is visible wholly.

 

 

2. 2 levels - simultaneously show 2 sections of the view area by 2 horizontal planes, located on the height of the lower and upper bounds of the view area.

 

The upper section is shown by thick lines.

If in the submenu of the Fill projections button Filling is chosen, the section of the lower plane is displayed as filling, and the section of the upper plane as hatching (Camera 35).

 

If in the submenu of the Fill projections button Hatching is chosen, the section of the lower plane is displayed as hatching, and section of the upper plane as filling (Camera 36).

 

 

When visualizing pixel density with two levels, the lower section is not at the view area lower bound but at the height of measuring pixel density, determined in the pixel density pattern assigned to the camera. Pixel density is rendered on this level.

 

If the height of measuring pixel density is set to AUTO, then:

if the view area projection bounds is set to 2 Levels, the height of measuring pixel density is set at the view area lower bound;

 

if the view area projection bounds is set to Projection, the height of measuring pixel density is set at the halfway between the lower and upper bounds of the view area ( as in  VideoCAD7 and earlier versions ) .

 

Difference between the View area projection bounds and Shadows buttons is that the View area projection bounds are built without obstacles on the scene but the Shadows are built  considering obstacles. Both buttons can be used simultaneously in various combinations.

 

3. Off. - don't show.

 

When View area projection bounds is disabled, but Shadows is enabled, the View area edges is shown simplified in the form of two rays if the angle of camera rotation around its axis is multiple of 90 degrees or in the form of one ray if the angle of camera rotation around its axis is not multiple of 90 degrees.

 

If the line type of camera coincides with default line type for camera icons, specified in the Options box, then for this camera the line type of View area projection bounds is taken from the Options box>Lines>System line types>Bounds. This line type is assigned to new cameras by default.

 

If another line type was assigned to the camera, the View area projection bounds of this camera is drawn by this line type assigned to the camera, as well as the View area edges and camera icon.

A button state at the moment of camera saving determines whether the bounds of the given camera view area projections will be displayed when this camera is inactive.

 

If selected cameras exist on the current layout, except the active camera, this button changes view and operates the visibility of View area projection bounds of all selected cameras simultaneously.

See also Camera color

 

Fill projections

 

Hatch or fill by blend color view area projections of active camera ( if these projections exist) calculated according to parameters in the Camera Geometry box.

 

If the line type of camera coincides with default line type for camera icons, specified in the Options box, then hatching (filling) projections of this camera is performed by grey color by default (Camera 30 on the figure).

 

If another line type was assigned to the camera, then hatching (filling) projections of this camera is performed by a color of this line type assigned to the camera. (Camera 41,42).

 

If the Pixel density is enabled, then colors of hatching (filling) projections is  determined by  pixel density parameters (Camera 43).

See also Camera color

 

Drop-down menu:

 

1. Hatching - hatch projections.

 

2. Filling - fill projections by blend semitransparent color.

If the Hatching item is chosen, but in the drop-down menu of the Pixel density button the Gradient item is chosen, then the projections will be hatched by a bold style of hatch without gradient.

 

Transparence of filling in the Graphics window can be adjusted in the Options box.  Transparence of filling in the  3D World window can be adjusted in the 3D World.

 

If in the submenu of the View area projection bounds button, 2 levels is chosen then:

If in the submenu Filling is chosen, the section of the lower plane is displayed as filling, and the section of the upper plane as hatching (Camera 35).

 

If in the submenu Hatching is chosen, the section of the lower plane is displayed as hatching, and section of the upper plane as filling (Camera 36).

 

3. Off - don't hatch and fill view area projections.

 

If Off is chosen in the Fill projections and Shadows, then filling view area faces in the 3D World is not shown.

 

If the line type of camera coincides with default line type for camera icons, specified in the Options box, then for this camera Filling is performed by Gray color and Hatching by DiagCross style. (Camera 32)

 

Default line type for cameras is Line 21.

 

If another line type was assigned to the camera, then for this camera filling is performed by a color determined by color of the line type and hatch style is determined by style of the line type (Camera 33...38).

 

Thus you can fill and hatch projections of different cameras by different colors and hatch styles.

 

 

A button state at the moment of camera saving determines whether the filling or hatching of the view area projections of the camera will be displayed when this camera is inactive.

 

If selected cameras exist on the layout, except the active camera, this button changes view and operates the visibility of filling (hatching) projections of all selected cameras simultaneously.

 

Pixel density

 

Fill in different colors regions on the view area projections of the active camera, depending on the pixel density on the far bounds of these regions.

Colors of the regions and the boundary values of the pixel density are determined by the pixel density pattern assigned to the camera.

In the Pixel density box you can edit the patterns and assign them to cameras.

 

 

Drop-down menu:

1. Discrete colors -  fill the regions in discrete colors in accordance with a pixel density at the far bounds of the regions.

 

2. Gradient - fill the view area projection in gradient color according to the pixel density at each point on the projection.

 

In case of gradient color is chosen, the colors at the far region bounds equal to the colors of the pixel density pattern, but between the bounds color changes smoothly, as well as real pixel density.

Gradient reflects the pixel density more accurately and looks impressive, but discrete colors are more intuitive and easy to use.

 

If the Gradient item is chosen, but in the drop-down menu of the Fill projections button the Hatching item is chosen, then the projections will be hatched by a bold style of hatch without gradient.

 

Calculation of gradient demands a lot of resources and increases redraw time.

 

3. Off. - don't display pixel density

 

If in the submenu of Shadows button or View area projection bounds button (when Shadows is Off) the 2 levels is chosen, then lower section is not at the view area lower bound but at the height of measuring pixel density, determined in the pixel density pattern assigned to the camera. Pixel density is rendered on this level.

 

If the height of measuring pixel density is set to AUTO, then:

if the view area projection bounds is set to 2 Levels, the height of measuring pixel density is set at the view area lower bound;

 

if the view area projection bounds is set to Projection, the height of measuring pixel density is set at the halfway between the lower and upper bounds of the view area ( as in previous versions ) .

 

In the active camera editing mode, the regions of pixel density can be displayed in the vertical projection, with the height of pixel density measurement (horizontal red line).

 

 

In the Dome mode the Pixel density is calculated without taking into account pan and tilt angles of camera. It is assumed that the camera can pan and tilt freely, and pixel density is calculated at the center of the field of view.

 

The  Pixel density button controls displaying pixel density on 3D view area and the Coverage in the 3D World window .

 

A button state at the moment of camera saving determines whether the pixel density of the camera will be displayed when this camera is inactive.

 

If selected cameras exist on the layout, except the Active camera, this button changes view () and operates the visibility of pixel density of all selected cameras simultaneously.

 

See also: Pixel density box, Visualization of the camera control area projections and pixel density within them.

 

Shadow

 

Display horizontal projection of the view area of the active camera taking into account shading from constructions and 3D models.

Click to expand
Click to expand

 

Shadows - a powerful yet easy-to-use tool of VideoCAD. Shadows are calculated for all positions of cameras, shading objects can be located at any point of space. You should only enable calculation of shadows with the help of this button.

 

Shading takes into account the camera installation height and all 3 coordinate of constructions and 3D models (including heights).

 

Drop-down menu:

 

1. Within projection - display view area projection taking into account shadows.

Shading is calculated according to a rule:

 

A point on the horizontal projection is considered visible if a vertical segment, formed by this point in the range of heights from the view area lower bound height to the view area upper bound height, is visible wholly.

 

By the same rule the horizontal projections of view area are calculated. Changing the height of the lower and upper bounds of view area could change conditions of calculation of shading.

 

2. 2 levels -simultaneously show 2 sections of the view area by 2 horizontal planes, located on the height of   lower and upper bounds of the view area. From the sections subtract shadows from obstacles

 

Click to expand
Click to expand

 

If in the submenu of the Fill projections button Filling is chosen, the section of the lower plane is displayed as filling, and the section of the upper plane as hatching (Camera 35).

 

If in the submenu of the Fill projections button Hatching is chosen, the section of the lower plane is displayed as hatching, and section of the upper plane as filling (Camera 36).

 

If in the submenu of the Pixel density button Discrete colors or Gradient is chosen, then lower section is not at the view area lower bound but at the height of measuring pixel density, determined in the pixel density pattern assigned to the camera. Pixel density is rendered on this level.

 

If the height of measuring pixel density is set to AUTO, then:

if the view area projection bounds is set to 2 Levels, the height of measuring pixel density is set at the view area lower bound;

 

if the view area projection bounds is set to Projection, the height of measuring pixel density is set at the halfway between the lower and upper bounds of the view area ( as in VideoCAD7 and previous versions).

 

3. Dome - display projection of the territory controlled by the camera in 360 degrees, without view area borders, but only taking into account the shadowing.

 

The Dome mode is useful for choosing the best installation place for fixed and PTZ cameras to make required areas reachable for the cameras.

 

In the Dome mode all shaded areas from the specified camera position become visible.

 

In the Dome mode the Pixel density is calculated without taking into account pan and tilt angles of camera. It is assumed that the camera can pan and tilt freely, and pixel density is calculated at the center of the field of view

.

In the Graphics window calculation of shadows in the Dome mode is performed like in the Within projection mode, ie according to the rule:

A point on the horizontal projection is considered visible if a vertical segment, formed by this point in the range of heights from the view area lower bound height to the view area upper bound height, is visible wholly.

 

The maximum drawing distance of view area projections is determined by the Maximum distance of drawing view area.

 

In the 3D World in the Dome mode the territory controlled by the active camera is displayed as coverage on the environment. The coverage in the 3D World is displayed for the active camera only.

 

See also: PTZ or Fisheye, Modeling PTZ camera, Modeling a camera with Fisheye lens

 

4. Off - disable shadow calculation and displaying.

 

Difference between the Shadows and View area projection bounds buttons is that the View area projection bounds are built without obstacles on the scene but the Shadows are built  considering obstacles. Both buttons can be used simultaneously in various combinations.

The Shadow button works in conjunction with the Pixel density and the Fill projections buttons. Depending on the state of these buttons, shadows can be displayed in different ways: as filling, as shading, as a border lines, with mapping pixel density or not.

 

The calculation of shading - resource-intensive operation. During the shadow calculation on the Shadow button red frame flashes .

 

You can change the resolution of the shadow calculation and optimization of the shadow calculation. The lower the resolution, the faster the calculation.

 

Automatic shadow calculation is performed only for the active camera. To recalculate shading for a particular camera - activate this camera. To recalculate shading for all selected cameras, click Main Menu>View>Recalculate shadows.

To temporarily disable the automatic calculation of shading (keeping already calculated shadows visible) clear the item Main menu>View>Calculate shadows for active camera.

 

The calculation of shading from 3D models is disabled by default to save resources. To enable the calculation of shading from the 3D models, check the Options box> Miscellaneous> Shadow>Calculate shadows for 3D models.

Additionally, for each 3D model, which must be taken into account when calculating the shading:

double click on the model to switch it to editing state;
on the appeared Current construction parameter panel check Shadow checkbox.

 

To force to calculate shadows from a type of 3D model you can mark Shadows checkbox on the 3D Models window while editing the type of the 3D model.

 

Whether or not a specific construction takes into account in the calculation of shading determines by the Shadow checkbox of the line type used for the construction.

.

You can ignore constructions of specified layers while calculating shadows, using the Shadows row in the table of layers.

 

A button state at the moment of camera saving determines whether the shadows of the camera will be displayed when this camera is inactive.

 

If selected cameras exist on the layout, except the Active camera, this button changes view ( and operates the visibility of shadows of all selected cameras simultaneously.

 

When calculating 3D view areas and coverage of the active camera in the 3D World window, shadows are calculated independently from shadows in the Graphics window. Calculation of shadows in the 3D World is rougher, but much faster.

 

Accounting 3D models as obstacles in the 3D World window does not depend on the state of the Calculate shadows from 3D models checkbox in the Options box.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If Off is chosen in the Fill projections and Shadows, then filling view area faces in the 3D World is not shown.

 

 

See also:Shadows,Main menu>View>Calculate shadows for active camera, Main Menu>View>Recalculate shadows,Line type>Shadow, Options box>Miscellaneous>Shadow, Layers>Shadow, Options box>Calculate shadows from 3D models, Current construction parameter panel>3D model>Shadows, 3D Models window>Shadows, Choosing the best place for PTZ (dome) camera, Visualization of the camera control area projections and pixel density within them,Shadow resolution, Shadow optimization

 

3D view area

 

Show 3D transparent view area faces in the 3D World window.

 

See details: 3D World>View>View area

 

Button state at the moment of camera saving determines whether the 3D view area of the given camera will be displayed when this camera is inactive.

 

If selected cameras exist on the current layout, except the Active camera, this button changes view and operates the visibility of 3D view areas of all selected cameras simultaneously.

 

After enabling displaying 3D view areas of inactive cameras, it may be necessary to recalculate shadows of 3D view areas from all cameras in the 3D World window.

 

3D Coverage

 

Show the Coverage on surrounding objects from the active camera's view area in the 3D World window.

 

See more. 3D World>View>Coverage

 

 

 

Button state at the moment of camera saving determines whether the Coverage of the given camera will be displayed when this camera is inactive.

 

If selected cameras exist on the current layout, except the Active camera, this button changes view and operates the visibility of Coverage of all selected cameras simultaneously.

 

After enabling displaying Coverage of inactive cameras, it may be necessary to recalculate shadows of 3D view areas from all cameras in the 3D World window.

 

Person detection area

 

Show/hide the Active camera projections of person detection area, calculated according to parameters in the Camera Geometry box and the quality level criteria of the active camera.

 

If the projections are present, a lilac frame round the button appears.

 

The projections are displayed in lilac color. Line type can be changed in the options box.

 

A button state at the moment of camera saving determines whether the projections of person detection area of this camera will be displayed when this camera is inactive.

 

Clicking this button opens person detection area size box.

Clicking once again close the box and hide the area projection displaying on the layout. If it is necessary to close only the box, and area displaying on the layout should be left, close the box by clicking Close in upper right corner. Person detection area displaying will remain and the button will remain pressed.

This tool doesn't take into account camera rotation around its main optical axis, shadows and lens distortion.

 

See also: Person detection area size box, Criteria editing box of person detection area, Pixel density box

 

Person identification area

 

Show/hide the Active camera projections of person identification area, calculated according to parameters in the Camera Geometry box and the quality level criteria of the active camera.

 

If the projections are present, a orange frame round the button appears. The projections are displayed in orange color.

 

Line type can be changed in the options box.

 

A button state at the moment of camera saving determines whether the projections of person identification area of this camera will be displayed when this camera is inactive.

 

Clicking this button opens person identification area sizes box.

Clicking once again close the box and hide the area projection displaying on the layout. If it is necessary to close only the box, and area displaying on the layout should be left, close the box by clicking Close in upper right corner. Person identification area displaying will remain and the button will remain pressed.

This tool doesn't take into account camera rotation around its main optical axis, shadows and lens distortion.

 

See also: Person identification area size box, Criteria editing box of person identification area, Pixel density box

 

License plate reading area

 

Show/hide the Active camera projections of license plate reading area, calculated according to parameters in the Camera Geometry box and the quality level criteria of the active camera.

 

If the projections are present, a bright green frame round the button appears. The projections are displayed in bright green color.

 

Line type can be changed in the options box.

 

A button state at the moment of camera saving determines whether the projections of license plate reading area of this camera will be displayed when this camera is inactive.

 

Clicking this button opens license plate reading area sizes box.

Clicking once again close the box and hide the area projection displaying on the layout. If it is necessary to close only the box, and area displaying on the layout should be left, close the box by clicking Close in upper right corner. License plate reading area displaying will remain and the button will remain pressed.

This tool doesn't take into account camera rotation around its main optical axis, shadows and lens distortion.

 

See also: License plate reading area size box, Criteria editing box of license plate reading area, Pixel density box

 

Test object

 

Show the test object of the Active camera with the sizes and location according to parameters in the test object box.

Clicking this button also opens this box.

Clicking this button once again close the test object box and hide test object on the layout. If it is necessary to close only the box, and test object on the layout should be left, close the box by clicking Close in upper right corner. Test object will remain and the button will remain pressed.

 

A test object can be displayed only in the graphical editing state of active camera.

 

See more: Test object box

 

Layers

 

Show the Layers panel. Cameras and constructions can be distributed by layers. On each Layout unlimited number of layers can be.  Control of layers is performed by the Layers panel.

 

See more: Layers panel

 

Camera groups

 

Show the Camera groups panel. Cameras on the same layout can be combined into groups. On each layout there can be an unlimited number of groups. Group management is carried out using the Camera groups panel.

 

For details, see the Camera groups panel.

 

Activate next camera in the group

 

Clicks on this button sequentially activate cameras from the group in which the active camera is located. You can also select the camera from the drop-down menu.

The button is useful if all cameras of a group are at the same point, which makes it difficult to activate an individual camera.

 

For details, see the Camera groups panel.

 

Model of active camera

 

Using this combo box, you can choose a model for the Active camera.

 

Under USED MODELS  header  there are camera models listed which are already used in the project . All parameters of these models can be seen on Used models tab in the Table of camera models.

 

To show models from the All models tab of the Table of Camera models, select the line SHOW ALL MODELS.

 

If filtering is enabled in the Table of Camera models, then only the models displayed on the All models tab are listed.

To display all models, you can also use the pop-up menu of the combo box.

 

You can filter in the list only camera models that meet the criteria set by the Camera Model Filter.

 

When the mouse cursor moves over the opened list of camera models, the Camera model card box appears, in which the photo and the main parameters are displayed of the camera model, over which the cursor is located.

 

To assign a model, just choose its name in the list.

 

As a result of model assignment to the active camera, model parameter values will be assigned to parameters of the active camera. After that changing some parameters will be locked.

 

There is MODEL NOT ASSIGNED string in the bottom of the list. Choose this string if it is necessary to remove model assignment from the active camera. As a result of removing model assignment all parameters of the active camera will be unlocked and can be changed.

 

As a result of right-clicking on the combo-box, a pop-up menu appears with which you can disconnect the model from the active camera, show or hide all models, show a card of the model, or edit the model.

 

You can change model of all selected cameras simultaneously. For this purpose:

Select necessary cameras on the layout
Right click on this combo box, then click on the Assign to selected cameras pop up item.

 

See more: Table of camera models

 

Camera model filter

 

Show the Camera Model Filter panel. Using the panel, you can filter camera models in the Model of active camera list and in the Table of camera models according to the selected criteria.

If the filter is enabled, the icon on the button turns red .

 

See more. Camera model filter

 

Table of camera models

 

Show Table of camera models. In this table it is possible to adjust parameters of camera models and assign any model to the Active camera. The table can be exported to *.txt, *.csv, *.htm, *.rtf, *.xls formats.

 

See more: Table of camera models

 

Camera model card

 

Open the Camera model card box. If the box is called by the button on the Graphic window toolbar, a photo and important parameters of model of the active camera is dynamically displayed in the box.

 

When the mouse cursor is over any camera in the Graphics area, in the Camera model card, the photo and the main parameters of the camera model under the cursor are displayed, if a model is assigned to this camera.

 

When the mouse cursor moves over the drop-down list Model of active camera, the Camera model card box appears, in which the photo and the main parameters of the camera model are displayed, over which the cursor is located.

 

For more detail see: Camera model card

 

Lens focal length combo box

 

The box duplicates a corresponding box in the Camera Geometry box to enhance the convenience when using the graphics window.

 

When moving the cursor to the box with a lens focal length the information on the lens view angles appears.

 

Using the List / Range of the lens focal length you can limit changes of the focal length by the list of the range.

 

Possible window colors:

 

No coloring is the norm.
Red is a focal length error.
Grey color - the focal length at the end of the range is selected or the list of focal lengths is set.
Aqua - the active camera with Fisheye lens.
Green - the active camera is PTZ.
Yellow - the active camera is Multisensor.
Green bold underlined font - lens distortion is simulated accurately.
Blue bold underlined font - lens distortion is simulated simplified.

 

 

Changing the lens focal length, and therefore the calculated values ​​of view angles of a camera with enabled modeling lens distortion will lead to detuning parameters of distortion and warping view area form. To correct the mismatch you should set new values ​​of the actual view angles, taking into account the changed values ​​of calculated view angles. To accurately simulate lens distortion with different focal lengths, the camera can be assigned a List / Range of lens focal length. In the list, you can specify real view angles for different combinations of Aspect ratio, crop factor, image sensor size and focal length.

 

You can change lens focal length of all selected cameras simultaneously. For this purpose:

Select necessary cameras on the layout
Right click on this combo box, then click on the Assign to selected cameras pop up item.

 

To simulate long-range cameras with a large focal length, it is required to expand the Space limits and the Maximum distance of drawing View area. The maximum simulation distance may be limited by the graphics card.

 

See more: Lens focal length, Sensor and Lens, List / Range

 

  Corridor mode

 

The button allows you to quickly switch the camera to corridor mode and back. In corridor mode, the camera rotates 90 degrees around the optical axis, the horizontal and vertical of the field-of-view are swapped.

 

When calculating pixel density, the influence of the corridor mode on the position of the vertical and horizontal in the frame is determined using the When rotating camera around its axis or in corridor mode, bind horizontal/ vertical combobox in the Options box.

 

The button is unavailable if the camera is assigned a model with no corridor mode. .

 

If a model is assigned to the active camera, for which the corridor mode can work at a resolution not exceeding a certain one, then if the camera's resolution exceeds the certain value, a warning is displayed.

 

The button is duplicated in the Camera geometry box and in the Main menu

 

Camera geometry

 

Clicking this button will open Camera Geometry box. This box includes geometric parameters of the active camera, lens and installation parameters and camera resolution in pixels.

 

See more: Camera geometry box

 

Sensor and Lens

 

As a result of clicking on this button, the Sensor and Lens panel will be shown.

 

On the panel you can set:

list of possible camera resolutions in pixels;
list of values or range of lens focal length.

 

In addition to specifying lists, the tools of the panel can improve accuracy of modeling shape of the view area, take into account dependence of the size of active area of the image sensor on the selected resolution, and also take into account effect of lens distortion.

 

For details, see Sensor and Lens, Specifying active area size of the image sensor

 

Sensitivity and Resolution

 

Show the Sensitivity and Resolution box in which there are parameters of sensitivity and resolution of the Active camera.

 

Sensitivity parameters take part in modeling only if 3D Video is opened and illumination modeling is switched on and enabled the image processing.

 

See more: Sensitivity and Resolution

 

Pixel density

 

Show or hide the Pixel density box. In this box it is possible to create and edit patterns of pixel density and field of view size visualization. In the box there are prepared pixel density patterns according to the following criteria: Home Office Scientific Development Branch, Home Office Guidelines for identification, P 78.36.008-99, Australian Standard AS4806: Closed Circuit Television, European Standard EN 50132-7, ISO/IEC 19794 Biometric data interchange formats,Johnson criteria for thermal cameras. Also in the box there are examples of images are automatically displayed for each region of pixel density.

 

See more. Pixel density box, Pixel density button.

 

Depth of field

 

Show or hide the Depth of field calculation box.

 

When the depth of field box is visible, next to all cameras in the horizontal projection the following lines are displayed:

These lines are calculated according to the depth of field parameters of each camera at the height of depth of field measurement.

 

If the focus plane or the plane at the hyperfocal distance not intersect the horizontal plane at the height of depth of field measurement within the view area projection, then the focus plane or the plane at the hyperfocal distance are not displayed.

 

If the near or the far bound of the sharpness area not intersect the horizontal plane at the height of depth of field measurement within the view area projection, then this bound is not displayed.

 

The absence of near and far bounds of the sharpness area indicates that the sharpness area completely covers projection of view area, thus the depth of field does not reduce the resolution of the camera.

This tool doesn't take into account camera rotation around its main optical axis, shadows and lens distortion.

 

See more: Depth of field calculation box, Control of Depth of Field in the horizontal projection.

 

PTZ or Fisheye

 

Show the PTZ or Fisheye panel. On the panel there are tools for modeling PTZ cameras and cameras with Fisheye lens.

 

For details see: PTZ or Fisheye.

 

Built-in illuminator

 

Show the Built-in illuminator panel. The panel contains tools for modeling the built-in illumination of cameras (infrared , visible light or mixed ).

 

See more: Built-in illuminator, Modeling Built-in IR illuminator

 

Positions of active camera / Multisensor

 

Positions are copies of cameras that can be copied from and into the active camera.

 

Positions can be displayed simultaneously with the parent camera in the Graphics window and the 3D World window.

Pictures from positions can be displayed simultaneously in the 3D Video window, loaded to monitors, included in the PDF report.

 

The button opens a window with tools for managing positions of the active camera. The window has a tab for modeling a multisensor camera based on positions.

 

For details see: Positions of active camera / Multisensor.

 

3D Video

 

Show or hide the 3D Video window. The 3D Video displays the image from the Active camera. During the image generation in the 3D Video window on the 3D Video button red frame flashes .

 

See more: 3D Video.

 

3D World

 

Show or hide the 3D World window. In the 3D World the project layout with cameras and view areas is shown in 3D.

 

See more: 3D World.

 

Monitor window

 

Show or hide Monitor window. In the Monitor window images from any quantity of cameras are displayed simultaneously. Monitor window allows modeling monitors of video surveillance system.

 

See more: Monitor window.

 

3D Test

 

3D Test allows you to quickly evaluate how any 3D model from VideoCAD library can look anywhere in space through the active camera.

 

After selecting this tool, click on the layout to specify a place for the test 3D model and watch how it will look in the 3D Test window that opens. You can select 3D models for the test from the VideoCAD library or by clicking on any 3D model on the layout.

See more. 3D Test and 3D Test on View area bounds

 

3D Test on View area bounds

 

3D Test on view area bounds allows you to quickly evaluate how any 3D model from VideoCAD library can look at near and far bounds of View area projection of the active camera through the active camera.

 

After selecting this tool, observe how the test 3D model will look on the opened double window.

 

The 3D Test on view area bounds tool is similar to and related to the 3D Test tool.

 

See more. 3D Test and 3D Test on View area bounds

 

Bandwidth and storage space calculator

 

Open the Bandwidth and Storage Space Calculator window. Using the calculator, you can calculate in detail the required network bandwidth and disk space for storing video archives.

 

See more: Bandwidth and storage space calculator.

 

 

"Edit" button group

 

Buttons of this group are used for the editing constructions, 3D objects, cables, texts and cameras. In this case the status bar in the bottom of the Graphics window displays hints.

When editing an object the projections should be taken into account. Different projections are different views, though connected ones. Moving objects correctly between projections has no sense and is impossible to perform.

To start the editing select the desired objects.

Choosing the items from the pop-up menu that appears when clicking the graphics area by the right mouse button performs the commands of this group as well.

 

 

Stop operation

 

Stop the current operation. Use also Esc.

 

Erase

 

Erase the selected objects. To select objects use the button Select/Edit.

If there are no selected objects this button is disabled.

Use also Del.

 

You can not erase the Active camera.

 

Select/Edit

 

With this button chosen the first corner of selection window appears when clicking any empty place of graphics area once. Clicking it again completes the designation of selection window.

All the objects, which hit in the selection window and reside on the projection coinciding with one being clicked for the first time, will be selected. However, the earlier selected objects not hitting in the selection window will revert to normal state.

 

If Ctrl is pressed at clicking, the objects within the selection window are inverted, on the contrary, state of those not hitting in the selection window remains the same.

 

If at the moment of the second click the Shift key is pressed, then not only objects that get into the selection window as a whole, but also partially getting objects will invert its selection state.

 

It is possible to select objects by one by clicking their image once, thus enabling the earlier selected objects to revert to normal state.

If Ctrl is pressed at clicking, the objects are inverted, and the state of the rest remains the same.

Using the Selection filter you can filter the selected objects by a variety of parameters and their combinations.

 

Using the Selection Editing Panel, you can change the same type of parameters at once of all selected objects.

You can make a 3D model insensitive to mouse click by Lock checkbox in the 3D Models window.

 

During construction 3D scenes it is often necessary to place some constructions one over another at a different height, made by means of different line types.

To select one or more construction, located one over another, made by means of different line types:

make the line type panel visible, for example by double clicking any construction;
choose on the panel the line type of construction you want to select;

select the construction by clicking.

 

Just repeat clicking at the same place without moving the cursor. Thus objects under the cursor will be selected sequentially.

 

Layers are very useful for multi-level constructions.

 

An object can be inaccessible for selection if it belongs to a not enabled layer. A camera may be not available for selection if it belongs to an inaccessible group of cameras or is on an inaccessible layer.

 

To move objects on the foreground or background use menu items: Bring to front, Send to back.

 

Selected objects can be moved. To move the selected objects, bring the cursor to the selected one, press the left mouse button and move the selected objects. After finishing the moving, release left mouse button. If you hold Ctrl while releasing the button, copying will take place instead of moving.

 

To cancel selection click this button again.

 

To select all objects on the current layout use Ctrl+A shortcut.

 

For switching to Select / Edit mode from any mode use also Esc button.

 

See also: Selected state

 

       Editing state of objects

 

If only one object is selected, then it itself turns into editing state.

 

An object in editing mode is affected by tools for selected objects.

To translate an object into editing state double-click its image. After that pink grips appear on the object base points.

When moving the cursor over this point its image changes.

 

To edit an object click beside a base point with a grip and move the cursor. After clicking for the second time, the changed object is set up.

If on one side of a construction a circle is displayed, the construction can be rotated around its axis by gripping the circle by mouse.

 

When editing a rectangle or a mask, then several points will move at a time, the rectangle or the mask remaining square.

If Ctrl is pressed when editing a rectangle or a mask, then one point will move only.

 

When editing a Double line or Wall, the whole Double line or Wall will be moved.

If Ctrl is pressed when editing the double line or wall, only one line will be moved.

 

When clicking the text twice the pop-up frame appears allowing to edit text in it. When clicking the right mouse button the pop-up menu of text editing appears in the frame.

 

In the editing state, 3D models are displayed with square grips and pink circle.

You can rotate the 3D model by the mouse using the circle, scale 3D model on X and Y axis using the square grips. You can move the 3D model by pressing the left mouse button on the 3D model, as well as in the selected state.

 

To switch illuminator to editing state click on its center.

To remove a point from the Polygon move that point to an adjacent point. To add a point to the Polygon move the adjacent point holding Ctrl.

 

Thereupon, the Light intensity distribution curve (LIDC) becomes visible. To edit the curve by moving grips on the layout press Ctrl.

 

 

It is possible to change object's parameters in editing state on the current construction parameters panel which automatically appears in the bottom of graphics window.

 

An object may be not available for selection if it belongs to an inaccessible layer.

 

See also: Editing state

 

 

       Activate cameras

 

When double-clicking the camera the following actions are performed:

 

the Active camera is saved.
the camera being double-clicked will become active.

 

A camera may be not available for activation if it belongs to an inaccessible group of cameras or is on an inaccessible layer.

 

It is convenient to pan and tilt the active camera by moving the grip in the middle of the view area upper bound.

In a similar way by moving grips on the ends of the view area upper bound it is possible to change lens focal length of the camera.

 

Changing the lens focal length, and therefore the calculated values ​​of view angles of a camera with enabled modeling lens distortion will lead to detuning parameters of distortion and warping view area form. To correct the mismatch you should set new values ​​of the actual view angles, taking into account the changed values ​​of calculated view angles. To accurately simulate distortion with different focal lengths, the camera can be assigned a List / Range of lens focal length. In the list, you can write real view angles for different combinations of Aspect ratio, crop factor, image sensor size and focal length

 

See also: Active camera

 

 

See also: "Edit" button group

 

Cut

 

Cut the selected objects into the VideoCAD internal clipboard.

 

It is possible to cut objects of different projections at a time, and to cut any quantity of constructions, 3D objects, cameras, illuminators, texts and cables.

 

When cutting the Active camera it is copied.

 

See also: Cut with base point.

 

Copy

 

Copy the selected objects into the VideoCAD internal clipboard.

 

It is possible to copy objects of different projections at a time, and to copy any quantity of constructions, 3D objects, illuminators, texts and cables.

If you hold Ctrl while moving, then copying will take place instead of moving.

 

       How to copy constructions and 3D models to another project

 

Select and copy the objects you need to copy.
From the same instance of VideoCAD, open the destination project or create a new project.
VideoCAD internal clipboard content will be maintained.
Once the destination project is opened, paste the copied contents.

 

See also: Copy with base point.

 

Paste

 

Paste the objects from the VideoCAD internal clipboard.

After clicking this button specify the base point of paste in the projection being clicked when cutting or copying.

 

It is possible to paste into different layouts, paste cables of one camera while another camera is active (in this case the pasted cables belong to a camera which is active during paste), and to paste any quantity of constructions, 3D objects, cameras, illuminators, texts and cables at a time.

 

 

Be careful when copying and pasting cables. You can copy only cables of Active camera, and when pasting, these cables will belong to the camera which is active during pasting.

 

If a camera is being pasted a new camera with parameters of the pasted camera is created automatically. This is an alternative way to create new cameras.

 

Shadows in the Graphics window and in the 3D World are calculated for the active camera, but pasted camera doesn't become active. Therefore the view area of the pasted camera is displayed without shadows. To calculate shadows - activate the camera after pasting.

 

Pasting is always performed to the active layer. At the moment of placing new camera or pasting copied camera, its base height is set to the base height of the active layer.

 

See also: How to copy constructions and 3D models to another project.

 

Move

 

Move the selected objects.

After clicking this button the first click in a graphics area designates the starting moving point, the second click - the final one. If you hold Ctrl at the moment of the second click, then copying will take place instead of moving.

 

When moving take into account the projection to which the objects are attached. A simultaneous moving objects in different projections vertically is locked as being incorrect.

 

Selected objects or cameras can be moved in Select / edit mode. In order to move place the cursor above the selected object, press left mouse button, move, after moving is finished release the left mouse button. If you hold Ctrl while releasing the button, copying will take place instead of moving.

 

Shadows in the Graphics window and in the 3D World are calculated for the active camera, but moved camera can be not active. If the camera is not active, the view area of the moved camera is displayed with old shadows. To recalculate shadows - activate the camera after moving.

 

Rotate

 

Rotate the selected objects.

After  clicking this button the first click in a graphics area designates the rotation center, the second click specifies the initial rotating point, and the third click specifies the final rotating point.

 

When rotating take into account the projection to which the objects are attached. The selected objects, attached to the projection with a rotation center designated, can rotate only.

 

The scalable fonts can rotate only. If a font is not scalable then its initial point rotates only, the text remaining horizontal.

 

The Active camera can be rotated in Select / edit mode by moving the grip in the middle of the view area upper bound.

 

Shadows in the Graphics window and in the 3D World are calculated for the active camera, but rotated camera can be not active. If the camera is not active, the view area of the rotated camera is displayed with old shadows. To recalculate shadows - activate the camera after rotating.

 

Scale

 

Change scale of selected constructions relative to the center of scaling.

 

After clicking on this button, the first click on the graphics area specifies the center of scaling.

 

Then moving the cursor up increases sizes of selected constructions, moving the cursor down decreases sizes of selected constructions.

 

In the Status bar the current scale factor is displayed.

 

When required sizes will be achieved,  click for the second time to complete scaling operation. To cancel the scaling press ESC.

 

This tool does not scale 3D models. 3D models can be scaled in editing state with the help of the Current construction parameter panel.

 

Mirror

 

Mirror the selected constructions relative to the horizontal or vertical line passing through the specified point.

 

After clicking on this button, the first click on the graphics area specifies the point through which a mirror line must be passed.

 

Then moving the cursor changes position of the mirror line.

 

When required position of the mirroring objects will be achieved, click for the second time to complete mirroring operation. To cancel mirroring press ESC.

 

Move to active layer

 

Move to active layer all selected objects.

 

See more: Layers

 

Selection filter

 

The Selection filter allows you to quickly filter selected objects and cameras by many features and their combinations: type of construction or 3D models, camera models, lens focal lengths and camera resolutions, layers, line types, color in 2D and 3D, materials.

 

You can filter only objects that fit fully or partially within the specified range of heights. The range of heights can be measured from Zero ground (taking into account the heights of the layers on which the objects are located) or without taking into account the heights of the layers.

 

When this tool is selected, the Selection Filter panel appears. The panel contains drop-down windows in which lists of types of currently selected objects with marks appear.

To filter the selection, leave marks only on the objects that you want to keep selected and click Apply or double-click on any window.

 

If the Keep filter checkbox is checked, the configured filter will be stored between selection operations.

To work with the panel, you can also use the panel's pop-up menu.

 

The panel can be stretched with the mouse over the edge.

 

Together with the Selection Editing Panel, this tool provides great opportunities for group operations for quick and easy editing VideoCAD projects.

 

 

"Constructions" button group

 

Buttons of this group are used to perform measurements and constructions. The status bar in the bottom of the Graphics window and the Current construction parameter panel display the results of measurements. The constructions can be used for 3D modeling the video surveillance object, for specifying the required view areas, objects, obstacles, etc.

Each construction is attached to the projection containing its initial point. The constructions can be moved, deleted, rotated, edited, copied, mirrored , scaled, changed draw order, hidden using the buttons of Edit group.

 

Constructions made in the horizontal projection are also displayed in the 3D Video  and 3D World . At this, the line corresponds to a vertical rectangle, the point - to a vertical segment, the rectangle - to a parallelepiped, circle - to a cylinder, etc.

Constructions are stretched throughout the height and become 3D objects.

 

Minimal and maximal height of each object are determined by parameters of line type, by which the construction is made.  The heights can be set separately for each object, during constructing and editing by means of current construction parameters panel. Heights of constructions are calculated relative to base height of a layer to which the construction belongs.

 

Constructions are easiest to create vertical objects. To create oblique objects use the Inclined Rectangle tool. You can also turn vertical constructions into a 3D model. 3D models can be tilted and transformed. More complex objects can be modeled in SketchUP and imported in VideoCAD.

 

The colors of constructions are initially set by the line type of the construction. You can change the color before drawing the construction and when editing on the current construction parameters panel. In addition to the color or with the color, you can specify the material.

 

Constructions can be distributed by Layers. By changing parameters of a layer you can change some parameters of all constructions belong to the layer. At the moment of drawing, construction is placed on the active layer.

 

To enhance speed and convenience of drawing, VideoCAD uses global and local snaps.

 

The construction coordinates are displayed relatively to the chosen origin of coordinates. The coordinates of constructions belonging to one camera only (focal plane, optical axis, field-of-view size, test object,change view area upper bound) are always displayed relatively to the Active camera.

 

When choosing a button of this group a line type panelor a font type panel appear, allowing to change the line or font types.

When double-clicking the panels the options box appears.

 

Above these panels the current construction parameters panel appears, by means of which it is possible to create construction, by setting its parameters.

 

 

Point

 

When this button is pressed, clicking on the graphics area places a point.

The status bar displays the coordinates of this point relatively to the origin of coordinates.

In the 3D Video and 3D World the vertical segment will be displayed in the points place.

 

Default minimal and maximal heights of the segment are determined by the line type, which constructs the point. The heights can be set separately for each point by means of the current construction parameters panel, on which it is also possible to set coordinates of the point in numeric values.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Horizontal line

 

When this button is pressed, clicking on the graphics area specifies a point through which a horizontal line is passes.

 

The status bar displays the line height or its shift from the origin of coordinates according to the projection being clicked.

In the 3D Video and 3D World at the place of the horizontal line 2 horizontal lines will be displayed.

 

Default minimal and maximal heights of the lines are determined by the line type, which constructs the horizontal line. The heights can be set separately for each horizontal line by means of current construction parameters panel, on which it is also possible to set coordinates of the horizontal line in numeric values.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Vertical line

 

When this button is pressed, clicking on the graphics area specifies a point through which a vertical line is passes.

 

The status bar displays the distance from the origin of coordinates.

In the 3D Video and 3D World at the place of the vertical line 2 horizontal lines will be displayed.

 

Default minimal and maximal heights of the lines are determined by the line type, which constructs the vertical line. The heights can be set separately for each vertical line by means of the current construction parameters panel, on which it is also possible to set coordinates of the vertical line in numeric values.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Line segment

 

When this button is pressed, the first clicking on the graphics area specifies the start point of a line segment. Second clicking specifies the end point of the line segment.

 

The status bar displays the segments length and its projection to distance and height.

Both clicks are to be made in the same projection. If the projections are different the measured values are incorrect, therefore when constructing a segment with its ends in different projections the values are not displayed in the status bar. In this case when changing a drawing the segment is attached to the projection with its initial point in it.

 

In the 3D Video and 3D World a vertical rectangle will be displayed at the segment place.

 

Default minimal and maximal heights and the color of the rectangle are determined by the line type, which constructs the line segment. The heights can be set separately for each line segment by means of current construction parameters panel, on which it is also possible to set coordinates of the line segment in numeric values.

 

 

On the current construction parameters panel it is possible to set and fix parameters of the segment: coordinates of the first and second points, length, angle.

 

A segment can be also used to measure distances on layouts without clicking for the second time in this case.

 

Line segments can be used for modeling cables with subsequent cable length calculation. Use separate line types to draw each cable type. For length calculation use the Length calculation of line segments tool.

 

See also: Polygon, "Constructions" button group

 

Polyline

 

This tool allows to draw line segments continuously. The end of each segment is the start of the next one. To stop drawing lines, press ESC.

In other respects this tool equals to the Line segment (see. above).

 

See also: Polygon, "Constructions" button group"

 

Angle

 

When this button is pressed, the first clicking on the graphics area specifies the vertex of an angle. Second and third clicking specify its arms.

 

The status bar displays the angle value in degrees.

 

If the angle vertex and arms are constructed in different projections, when changing drawing the angle is attached to the projection with its vertex.

In the 3D Video and 3D World 2 vertical rectangles will be displayed at the angle place.

 

Default minimal and maximal heights and the color of the rectangles are determined by the line type, which constructs the Angle. The heights can be set separately for each Angle by means of current construction parameters panel, on which it is also possible to set coordinates of the line segment in numeric values.

 

On the current construction parameters panel it is possible to set and fix parameters of the angle: coordinates of the first, second, third points, length, angle value in degree.

 

The angle tool is also used to measure angles on layouts.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Rectangle

 

When this button is pressed, the first clicking on the graphics area specifies the first corner of a rectangle. Second clicking completes the rectangle construction.

 

The status bar displays the information on the rectangle sizes and location.

 

In the 3D Video and 3D World a parallelepiped will be displayed at the rectangle place.

 

Default minimal and maximal heights and the color of the parallelepiped are determined by the line type, which constructs the rectangle. The heights can be set separately for each rectangle by means of current construction parameters panel, on which it is also possible to set coordinates of the rectangle in numeric values.

 

On the current construction parameters panel it is possible to set and fix parameters of the rectangle: coordinates of the first points, height, width.

 

Rectangles are also used for creating rectangular horizontal planes in the 3D Video, for example a ceiling or floor.

 

See also: Polygon, "Constructions" button group

 

Inclined rectangle

 

When this button is pressed, clicking on the graphics area specifies first corner of an inclined rectangle.

 

Inclined rectangle is similar to a rectangle and differs from it that in 3D Video and 3D World it is displayed in the form of inclined rectangle. The minimal height of rectangle corresponds to the lower side of this rectangle, and the maximal height - to the upper one.

 

In the Graphics window the upper side of inclined rectangle is displayed by thick line.

 

For modeling complex objects it is possible to edit inclined rectangle by points, moving its vertexes.

When moving separate vertexes press Ctrl.

Inclined rectangle can be made transparent by 70 %. For this purpose it is necessary to mark the Transparence checkbox on the Current construction parameter panel.

 

Inclined rectangle is very universal tool. Using the inclined rectangles it is possible to model any 3D objects.

 

It can be useful to combine inclined rectangles in pairs thus to get triangles with independent vertexes in the 3D space. Meanwhile two vertices of each inclined rectangle must coincide. The rest two vertices of first inclined rectangle must coincide with the other two vertices of second inclined rectangle.

 

Using obtained triangles you can theoretically build any 3D surfaces, although it can be not simple in practice.

For example, all 3D models in VideoCAD consist of triangular mesh only.

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Double line

 

When this button is pressed, the first clicking on the graphics area specifies the start point of a double line. Second clicking specifies the end point of the double line.

 

The length and the width of the double line appear in the status bar.

 

In the Current construction parameters panel that appeared below graphics area there is a box in which it is possible to choose from the list or enter from keyboard the distance between lines of the double line.

 

Two buttons allow switching the orientation of the second line relatively to the first one .

You can also switch the orientation quickly by pressing the Space bar.

 

In the 3D Video and 3D World 2 vertical rectangles will be displayed at the double line place.

 

Default minimal and maximal heights and the color of the rectangles are determined by the line type, which constructs the double line. The heights can be set separately for each double line by means of current construction parameters panel, on which it is also possible to set coordinates of the double line in numeric values.

 

 

On the current construction parameters panel it is possible to set and fix parameters of the double line: coordinates of the first, second points, length, angle.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Wall

 

The Wall tool is intended for drawing walls with specified thickness and height. In these walls you can make apertures of any shape,  for example for doors and windows..

 

When this button is pressed, the first clicking on the graphics area specifies the start point of a Wall. Second clicking specifies the end point of the Wall.

 

The length and the width of the wall appear in the status bar.

 

In the Current construction parameters panel that appeared below graphics area there is a box in which it is possible to choose from the list or enter from keyboard the thickness of the wall.

 

Two buttons allow switching the orientation of the second wall side relatively to the first one .

You can also switch the orientation quickly by pressing the Space bar.

In the 3D Video and 3D World a parallelepiped will be displayed at the wall place.

Default minimal and maximal heights and the color of the wall are determined by the line type, which constructs the wall. The heights can be set separately for each wall by means of the current construction parameters panel, on which it is also possible to set coordinates of the wall in numeric values.

 

Besides the color or together with the color, you can set the Material of the Wall. You can set different materials for different sides of the wall and swap the sides of the wall .

 

On the current construction parameters panel it is possible to set and fix parameters of the wall: coordinates of the first, second points, length, angle.

 

If the wall is touched by a 3D model with the option Aperture in wall, then an opening is created in the wall. Thus, you can embed windows and doors in one click, placing the 3D models over the wall. Also, you can create openings in walls with the help of the Aperture in Wall tool.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group, Apertures and Shadows,

 

Aperture in Wall

 

The Aperture in Wall tool designed to easily create apertures (openings) of various shapes in the walls, built by the Wall tool.

In order to an aperture will appear in the 3D space, it must intersect the horizontal projection of the wall.

 

 

The Aperture in Wall tool  is similar to the Inclined rectangle tool. But the Inclined rectangle creates a flat rectangle in 3D space, but the Aperture in Wall placed inside the Wall, cuts an aperture in the wall. This aperture equals to the projection of the same flat rectangle on the plane of the wall.

The minimal height of aperture corresponds to the lower side of this rectangle, and the maximal height - to the upper one.

 

In the Graphics window the upper side of aperture is displayed by thick line.

 

In the Current construction parameters panel that appeared below graphics area there is a box in which it is possible to choose from the list or enter from keyboard the thickness of the aperture.

 

The Thickness of the wall affects only the shape of aperture projection in the Graphics window. In the 3D Video the apertures always cut through a wall at its full thickness.

 

Two buttons allow switching the orientation of the second aperture side relatively to the first one .

You can also switch the orientation quickly by pressing the Space bar.

 

For modeling complex apertures it is possible to edit the Apertures by points, moving its vertexes.

When moving separate vertexes press Ctrl.

You can create complex apertures using several intersecting apertures.

 

You can also create apertures by 3D models. If the wall is touched by a 3D model with the option Aperture in wall, then an opening is created in the wall. Thus, you can embed windows and doors in one click, placing the 3D models over the wall.

 

See also: Wall, "Constructions" button group", Apertures and Shadows

 

Circle

 

When this button is pressed, the first clicking on the graphics area specifies the center of a circle. Second clicking completes the circle construction.

The status bar displays the information on the sizes and location of the circle.

 

In the 3D Video and 3D World a cylinder will be displayed in the circle place.

 

Default minimal and maximal heights and the color of the cylinder are determined by the line type, which constructs the circle. The heights can be set separately for each circle by means of current construction parameters panel, on which it is also possible to set coordinates of the circle in numeric values.

 

On the current construction parameters panel it is possible to set and fix parameters of the circle: coordinates of the center and second point, radius, angle.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Arc

 

When this button is pressed, the first clicking on the graphics area specifies the center of an arc. Second and third clicking specify its ends.

 

In the 3D Video and 3D World the arc stretches, creating a cylindrical surface.

 

Default minimal and maximal heights and the color of the cylindrical surface are determined by the line type, which constructs the arc. The heights can be set separately for each arc by means of current construction parameters panel, on which it is also possible to set coordinates of the arc in numeric values.

 

On the current construction parameters panel it is possible to set and fix parameters of the arc: coordinates of the center, first and second points, radius, angle.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Stairs

Stairs is similar to the Inclined rectangle and differs from it that in the 3D Video and 3D World windows it is shown in the form of stairs

 

On the current construction parameters panel the minimum height corresponds to the pedestal of the stairs, maximum height corresponds to the top of the stairs.

 

In the Graphics window the upper side of stairs is displayed by thick line.

 

The number of steps is calculated automatically from the height of one step equals to 15 cm.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Polygon

 

A versatile 2D and 3D drawing tool based on a polyline.

 

After selecting the Polygon tool, successive clicks in the horizontal projection will lead to the formation of a polygon line.

To stop drawing the polygon, click Stop operation or press Esc. To stop construction and put the polygon in the editing state, click on the Current construction parameters panel.

 

 

 

When constructing a polygon, on the Current construction parameters panel you can enter the coordinates of the first and all subsequent points in digital form. You can fix the angle or the length of the segments while drawing them.

 

As well as for other constructions, you can assign material to the side walls of the polygon, set the minimum and maximum heights and assign colors in 2D, 3D and printing.

The button selects the material for the top of the polygon if the polygon is closed. You can select a material from the menu, load a picture or copy a picture from the layout.

 

In the Status bar, you can see the total length of all polygon segments and the area of ​​the polygon. When calculating the area, the last point of the polygon is considered connected to the first point of the polygon, that is, the polygon is considered closed. The area value is meaningful only for polygons whose line segments do not intersect.

 

       Editing polygon

 

In editing mode, it is possible to move polygon points with the mouse. While moving the points of the polygon, you can enter the coordinates of the edited point in digital form on the Current construction parameters panel.

The Current construction parameters panel displays the total length of all polygon segments and the area of ​​the polygon. When calculating the area, the last point of the polygon is considered connected to the first point of the polygon, that is, the polygon is considered closed. The area value is meaningful only for polygons whose line segments do not intersect.

 

To add a point to the polygon, start moving the adjacent point while holding down Ctrl.

 

To remove a point from a polygon, move it to an adjacent point so that these points merge. In this case, Ctrl should not be pressed.

 

Press Esc or Stop operation to stop editing.

 

       Closed polygon in 2D and 3D

 

If you connect the end point of the polyline with the start point, the polyline forms a closed polygon, which has additional properties.

 

In the Graphics window, a closed polygon is filled. The fill color is determined by the assigned polygon color in 2D on the Current construction parameters panel. The fill can be made transparent or solid using the Transparency checkbox on the Current construction parameters panel.

Instead of filling, a closed polygon can be covered with hatching. The hatch style is determined by the line type style used to draw the polygon.

 

The hatch style for the tool Filling is assigned in the same way.

 

In the 3D Video and 3D World windows, a closed polygon is drawn with a closed top. The top of a closed polygon can be colored with a 3D polygon color or covered with a material regardless of the sidewall material . You can cover the top of a closed polygon with a copy of the image inside the polygon on the layout in the Graphics window. For example, it can be a fragment of the background, the roof of a building, etc.

You can select the colors and coverings of the side walls and the top of the closed polygon using the buttons on the Current construction parameters panel.

 

If you select a copy of the layout as a material, the image is copied to the top of the polygon directly from the screen. For the best picture quality, select a sufficient polygon scale on the screen at the moment of copying.

 

 

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Focal plane

 

When this button is pressed, clicking on the graphics area  in the vertical projection specifies a point through which a plane vertical projection passes. This plane is perpendicular to the main optical axis of the active camera lens (parallel to the lens focal plane).

 

The status bar displays the coordinates of the clicked point relatively to the active camera.

 

When changing camera location the position of the obtained plane changes correspondingly.

 

In the 3D Video  and 3D Worldthe Focal plane is not displayed.

 

 

Generally speaking, the obtained plane is not a focal one, being only parallel to it.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Optical axis

 

When this button is pressed, clicking on the graphics area specifies a point through which an optical axis of the active camera lens passes.

 

The status bar displays the coordinates of the clicked point relatively to the active camera.

 

When changing a camera location the position of the obtained axis changes correspondingly.

 

In the 3D Video  and 3D Worldthe Optical axis is not displayed.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Text

 

When this button is pressed, clicking on the graphics area specifies the place for a text string. At this point a pop-up frame with cursor will appear.

The necessary text is to be entered within a frame. To separate the lines use Enter.

 

The font type panel appears below in the graphics area allowing to change the font type. A pop-up menu is available within a frame, appearing at clicking the right mouse button.

The entered text is a text marker and can be quickly found using the Find text tool. This is a very convenient and quick means for navigation on big layouts.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group, Find text

 

Mask

 

When this button is pressed, the first clicking on the graphics area specifies  the first vertex of rectangular mask. Second clicking completes the mask construction.

 

The status bar displays the information on the mask sizes and location.

 

Using masks allows to cover any image parts. Constructions and texts can be drawn over masks.

To cover separate construction fragments you can also use line or Polygon of white color.

 

In the 3D Video and 3D World masks are not shown.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Filling

 

Filling is similar to a mask, but can be of any color, and also in the form of different hatch type. Color of filling is defined by the color of line type, by which the filling is made, and type of hatching or its absence - by style of this line type.

 

The hatch style for the tool Polygon is assigned in the same way.

 

Fillings, as well as other objects, could be edited by moving separate vertexes, and thus could be stretched on various objects.

 

In the 3D Video and 3D World fillings are not shown.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

3D model

 

The button opens submenu, in which there are 3D models which are present in the program library.

 

When any item in the submenu is chosen, clicking in the graphics area specifies the place for a 3D model.

 

3D models placement is possible in the horizontal and vertical projections, however only 3D models placed in the horizontal projection will be visible in the 3D Video and 3D World.

 

If during placement of a 3D model, hold Ctrl, then the 3D model will be placed rotated on 90 degrees. If you hold Shift, the 3D model will be rotated on 180 degrees. If you hold Ctrl + Shift, then the 3D model will be rotated on 270 degrees. You can also change the angle of rotation of the 3D model and its sizes on the Current construction parameters panel.

 

If a wall is touched by a 3D model with the option Aperture in wall, then an opening is created in the wall. Thus, you can embed windows and doors in one click, placing the 3D models over the wall.

 

 

In the horizontal projection the 3D models are displayed in the top view, in the vertical projection - in the side view, and in the 3D Video and 3D World models are as 3D objects.

 

Horizontal and vertical projections for displaying in the Graphics window can be created in the 3D Models window.  

 

3D models can be moved, rotated, copied, changed draw order as other VideoCAD objects.

 

The default height of the 3D models above the ground is determined by the maximal height of the line type which was chosen when the 3D model was being placed. The height can be set separately for each 3D model using the current construction parameters panel.

 

To change 3D model height above the ground, select the 3D model, then change line type or switch the 3D model to editing state by double clicking on it and change value in the 3D H box on the Current construction parameters panel.

 

By default the 3D models are on the ground and constructed by the line type with the number, specified on the Lines tab of the Options box. This line type has the maximum height equal to 0.

Heights can also take on negative values, in this case 3D model plunges under ground.

For example, to place a 3D model on a surface: construct the surface by the rectangle tool using line type with the required maximum height, place the 3D model on it, and then change 3D model line type to the line type of the surface.

 

In multilevel 3D projects heights are calculated relative to the base height of a layer the which the 3D model belongs. By changing the base height a layer you can move up or down all 3D models and constructions on the layer

 

In the Editing state using the Current construction parameters panel you can resize 3D models separately on axes.

To do this, enter new values into X, Y, Z boxes during 3D model editing. If the box is marked, change of any size leads to proportional change of other sizes, thus model proportions are not broken. 3D model height above the ground is displayed and can be changed in 3D H box.

 

In the editing state, 3D models are displayed with square grips and pink circle.

You can rotate the 3D model by the mouse using the circle, scale 3D model on X and Y axis using the square grips. You can move the 3D model by pressing the left mouse button on the 3D model, as well as in the selected state.

 

 

 

You can see how any 3D model will look at any point in space through the active camera using the 3D Test and 3D Test on View area bounds tools.

 

       Moving 3D models

 

3D models can have velocity vectors. Model with specified nonzero speed will move with this speed along a specified direction when modeling exposure time, Rolling Shutter, interlace distortions and creation of animated images.

To set speed to 3D model you should enter a nonzero value in the Speed box in the Current construction parameter panel during the placement or editing 3D models.

 

If a 3D  model has non zero speed, then the velocity vector is displayed.

 

If 3D model is selected then length of the velocity vector equals to the distance in meters (feet) which the 3D model pass per second (crimson arrow).

If 3D model is in the normal state, the length of the velocity vector equals to the distance which the 3D model passes for the period between successive frames of the Active camera (black arrow).

 

* the length of the velocity vector of a 3D model in the normal state is inversely proportional to the frame rate of the active camera. Thus we can see how many times the moving 3D model gets into the frame of the active camera.

You can edit the velocity vector of 3D model in editing state by moving its terminus.

 

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You can hide the velocity vectors of all 3D models using the Velocity vectors menu item.

 

 

       License plate of cars

3D models can be cars with license plates. Default license plate, the same for all car models and it's size are displayed in the Options box on the 3D modeling tab. This opportunity allows using the same 3D models in different countries with different license plates.

To change the default license plate, click on the license plate image in the Options box.

Except the default license plate, you can set special license plates for the placed or edited 3D models on the Current Construction parameter panel.

You can add license plates, set their position on 3D models in the 3D Models window.

 

 

       3D models of terrain

 

You can use 3D model of terrain of video surveillance, for example: buildings, territory etc. Cameras, constructions, other 3D models can be placed inside the 3D model-territory. VideoCAD offers special tools for working with 3D models-territories

 

See more: 3D Models window, 3D World window, Work with 3D model-territory.

 

 

       Adding new 3D models, manage 3D models

 

Using the Import 3D models (* .dae, 3ds, obj ...) menu item, you can import 3D models from files: *.3ds, *.ase (3D Studio max), * .dae, * .xml (Collada), * obj and more than twenty 3D formats. You can import Collada 3D models from the free 3D Warehouse library, import 3ds models from designer's libraries for 3DS Max, game model libraries, create models in SketchUP, save them in *.dae and import to VideoCAD.

 

Using the 3D model from selection menu item, you can create 3D models from selected constructions and existing 3D models in any combinations.

 

You can add a 3D model from *.vcm or *.vbm files using the Add 3D model (* .vcm, vbm) menu item. *.vbm and *.vcm files can be obtained by saving in the 3D Models window. Files in *.vcm format can be obtained by exporting from SketchUP using the free plugin.

 

See more: Import of 3D models

 

You can add, delete, duplicate 3D models, distribute 3D models by directories in menu, change sizes and colors, get projections of 3D models for the Graphics window  using the 3D Models window.

 

 

See also: 3D Video, 3D World, 3D Models, Options box>Lines, Options box>3D modeling.

 

3D image

 

This tool is similar to Inclined rectangle. As well as the inclined rectangle it allows to place a rectangle in three-dimensional space at any angle.

 

But this rectangle can be "covered" by any raster image in *.bmp , *.jpg, *.gif, *.tiff, *.png formats. The image can be a photo or a figure.

In  *.bmp and *.jpg files, pixels of the image can be transparent if they have a color coincided with the color of the left bottom pixel. Thus the image border can take any form.

 

In *.png  files transparent pixels will be displayed transparent.

 

In many cases raster images can replace 3D models which are difficult to make. They can be used for modeling many objects from banknotes and plates up to a complex background.

 

After choosing this button the Loading 3D image dialog box appears. After choosing a file in *.bmp,*.jpg,*.jpeg,*.png,*.gif,*.tif  or *.tiff format place 3D image in the same way as Inclined rectangle.

On the Current construction parameter panel the minimal height corresponds to the bottom bound of this rectangle and the maximal height - to the top bound.

 

In the Graphics window the top of 3D images is displayed by thick line.

 

Later 3D image can be edited by moving its grips. It is possible to change 3D image sizes on the Current construction parameter panel, delete and change the image file using buttons and . on the Current construction parameter panel.

 

To make transparent pixels with color coincided with color of left bottom pixel (or transparent pixels of *.png file), check Transparence checkbox on the Current construction parameter panel.

 

To get the transparence of *.bmp or *.jpg file, the image file has to be specially prepared by means of any graphic editor, for example Paint. Pixels that should become transparent have to be filled by color that coincides with the color of left bottom pixel.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group, Materials

 

Rotakin, Norman

 

Rotakin - an animated rotating test target for visual estimation of pixel density and motion distortions on the 3D images.

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In the horizontal plane the Rotakin automatically turns  towards the Active camera.

 

In the vertical plane the Rotakin rotates with a specified speed about an axis passing through its center.

Rotakin rotates when modeling exposure time, Rolling Shutter, interlace distortions and creation of animated images.

 

 

Norman - a test target for visual estimation of pixel density, color rendition, human face and license plate recognition on the 3D images.

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In the horizontal plane Norman automatically turns towards the Active camera.

 

Unlike Rotakin, Norman does not rotate in vertical plane.

To place the Rotakin or Norman specify a place by clicking.

On the current construction parameters panel it is possible to set minimal and maximal heights of the Rotakin/Norman.

In the Options box  it is possible to change rotation speed of all Rotakin objects.

 

Rotating test target named Rotakin is used in field testing of video surveillance systems by the techniques developed by the Home Office Scientific Development Branch 'Performance Testing of CCTV Perimeter Surveillance Systems (Using the Rotakin Standard Test Target) ". The Rotakin model meets the requirements of the document.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Illuminator

 

The tool is designed to model illuminators with photometric accuracy.

 

As a result of clicking this button the Illuminator calculation box appears.

You can specify internal parameters of an illuminator in the box.

 

See more: Illuminator calculation.

 

You can open the Illuminator calculation box by the button on the Current construction parameter panel during placing or editing Illuminator.

 

On the Line type panel it is possible to choose the line type, by which the Illuminator's icon will be drawn. Later line type can be changed using Change line type tool.

 

On the Current construction parameter panel it is necessary to specify Illuminator height relative to the base height of a layer to which the illuminator belongs and Inclination angle (for projectors).

 

See more. Current construction parameter panel> Illuminator.

 

After assigning the parameters in the Illuminator calculation box and on the Current construction parameter panel, specify an Illuminator place by the first clicking in horizontal projection. Then specify a radiation axis direction by the second clicking (for projectors).

 

If graphic specifying angle of radiation and Light intensity distribution curve (LIDC) are not required, click for the third time on any point in the graphics area.

To specify angle of radiation and LIDC graphically after the second clicking clear Angle checkbox on the Current construction parameter panel. After that by the third clicking specify angle of radiation and light intensity concentration on an axis of radiation.

 

Light intensity distribution curve is displayed by orange line.

Light intensity distribution curve represents relative light intensity distribution. The curve does not depend on absolute values.

It is possible to specify parameters after the Illuminator placement. To set parameters click Edit button and set parameters on the Current construction parameter panel. To open Illuminator calculation box click the button.

In order to edit angle of radiation and concentration by moving pink grips, press and keep Ctrl pressed.

 

Created Illuminator will take part in 3D image modeling from some camera only if for this camera:

 

While modeling Illuminators VideoCAD considers only direct light. Reflected light can be considered only approximately by specifying a part of light from this Illuminator diffused on the scene. Shadows cannot be modeled in VideoCAD.

 

See also: Illuminator calculation, Current construction parameter panel, Built-in IR Illuminator

 

Field-of-view size at point

 

When this button is pressed, moving the cursor in the vertical projection of graphics area a field-of-view size value passing through the cursor point is indicated on the Status bar

 

The field-of-view size depends on height and distance, therefore measuring in the vertical projection is allowed only.

 

The button is available in the graphical editing state only.

 

If no other measurements made after the field-of-view size is marked at a point, with changing a camera position, the values in the status bar change correspondingly, thus representing the current field-of-view sizes at a point.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group

 

Test object location

 

When this button is pressed, clicking on the graphics area specifies the test object location. The parameters of test object location in the test object dialog box change correspondingly.

 

The button is available in the graphical editing state only.

 

Test object can be seen in the 3D Video in the graphical editing state.

 

See also: Test object box, 3D Test

 

Signal cable

 

When this button pressed, you can draw the signal cable of the Active camera by successive clicks in the graphics area. The end of each segment is the start of the next one. To stop drawing cable, press ESC.

 

The status bar displays the segment length and its projection to distance and height.

 

Both clicks are to be made in the same projection. If the projections are different the measured values are incorrect, therefore when constructing a segment with its ends in different projections the values are not displayed in the status bar. In this case when changing the drawing the segment is attached to the projection with its initial point.

 

A cable consists of segments, allowing to draw it in different projections and layouts, representing an actual scheme of laying accurately. The number of cable segments cannot exceed 250 for each camera.

 

When copying the cable segments between cameras and layouts a process of cable drawing is accelerated considerably even in complex CCTV systems.

 

When drawing a cable the menu item Cable laying might be used. When choosing it a float panel of the same name appears enabling to choose a shift of segment ends for a level parallel cable drawing along the walls, columns etc.

 

The type and parameters of line designating the Signal cable can be changed in the options box.

 

VideoCAD summarizes the lengths of all the segments, considers the reserves and calculates the total length of cable. To change the default parameters and obtain the calculation results double-click the image of any cable segment or click Signal cable again.

A dialog box of the same name appears after that.

 

The results of the cables' calculation on each individual camera and on the project as a whole are included into the text file obtained by Text report, Table of cameras and Cable report.

 

In multi-layer drawings, cables belong to the same layer as a camera to which the cables belong.

 

It is possible to use Line segments for cable modeling with subsequent cable length calculation. Use separate line types for drawing a cable of each type. For length calculation use the Length calculation of line segments tool and the Cable report.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group, View>Active camera cables, View>All camera cables, Cable laying, Length calculation of line segments, Cable report.

 

Power cable

 

When this button pressed, you can draw the power cable of the Active camera by successive clicks in the graphics area. The end of each segment is the start of the next one. To stop drawing cable, press ESC.

 

The status bar displays the segment length and its projection to distance and height.

 

Both clicks are to be made in the same projection. If the projections are different the measured values are incorrect, therefore when constructing a segment with its ends in different projections the values are not displayed in the status bar. In this case when changing a drawing the segment is attached to the projection with its initial point.

 

A cable consists of segments, allowing to draw it in different projections and layouts, representing an actual scheme of laying accurately. The number of cable segments cannot exceed 250 for each camera.

 

When copying the cable segments between cameras and layouts a process of cable drawing is accelerated considerably even in complex CCTV systems.

 

When drawing a cable the menu item Cable laying might be used. When choosing it a float panel of the same name appears enabling to choose a shift of segment ends for a level parallel cable drawing along the walls, columns etc.

 

The type and parameters of line designating the power cable can be changed in the options box.

 

VideoCAD summarizes the lengths of all the segments, considers the reserves and calculates the total length of cable. To change the default parameters and obtain the calculation results double-click the image of any cable segment or click Power cable again.

 

A dialog box of the same name appears after that enabling to choose a cross-section area of power cable to fit the requirements of camera voltage supply. It is assumed that the conductor material is copper and the conductor temperature is + 50° C

 

The results of the cables' calculation on each individual camera, each individual section area and on the project as a whole are included into the text file obtained by Text report, Table of cameras and Cable report.

 

In multi-layer drawings, cables belong to the same layer as a camera to which the cables belong.

It is possible to use Line segments for cable modeling with subsequent cable length calculation. Use separate line types for drawing a cable of each type. For length calculation use the Length calculation of line segments tool, Cable report.

 

See also: "Constructions" button group, View>Active camera cables, View>All camera cables, Cable laying, Length calculation of line segments, Cable report.

 

Global snaps

 

This button is used to promptly switch global snaps on/off.

Snaps enhance the convenience in drawing. As a result of the snaps' functioning the cursor "sticks" to the certain points, lines or directions.

 

Points - the cursor sticks to base object points.
Lines - the cursor sticks to objects lines.
Angular snap functions at construction of line segments, angles, cables, and at moving and rotating as well. After that the subsequent construction points are leveled from the previous points horizontally and vertically.
Extension - the cursor sticks to the virtual horizontal and vertical lines passing through base objects points.

The snap Extension is disabled for hidden objects and in the Select/Edit mode.

At grid - the cursor sticks to grid nodes.

 

In the pop-up menu you can choose permanent opened snap panel, with the help of which it is convenient fast switch the snaps during drawings.

 

In the Options box you can change snap sensitivity.

 

You can disable snaps for any layer using parameter of layers - Snap.

 

 

"Active camera" control element group

 

Change installation height

 

When this button is pressed, clicking in a vertical projection specifies a new height of the Active camera installation.

The value of camera installation height in the Camera Geometry box changes according to the clicked point height.

 

Change view area upper bound

 

When this button is pressed clicking in a vertical projection specifies a new height of the view area upper bound and new distance up to the view area upper bound.

Clicking in the horizontal projection specifies a distance up to the view area upper bound only. The values of correspondent parameters in the Camera Geometry box change to clicked point coordinates.

 

You can change view area upper bound in the Select / Edit mode, by moving the grip in the middle of the view area upper bound.

 

Change view area lower bound

 

When this button is pressed clicking in a vertical projection specifies a new height of the view area lower bound. The values of view area lower bound height in the Camera Geometry box change according to a clicked point height.

 

Move active camera

 

When this button is pressed, clicking on the graphics area specifies a new location of the Active camera relative to the view area upper bound, test object, constructions and other cameras. All the parameters' values are recalculated.

 

Show active camera

 

Clicking this button make visible the active camera with it's view area in the graphics area. The scale is chosen automatically. If the active camera is disposed in another layout, the correct layout is activated.

 

In this mode the scale changing and drawing dragging are not available.

It is convenient to use this tool at both projections switched on, and also together with the Edit active camera tool.

For switching off this mode, click the same button once again.

 

Edit active camera

 

Clicking this button switches the Active camera into the graphical editing state.

 

A drawing in the graphics area rotates so that the direction of the main optical axis of camera lens becomes parallel to the display plane, and view area edges of the active camera are displayed in lines of double thickness. The view area upper and lower bounds are displayed in horizontal green lines.

 

If the Pixel density is displayed, the horizontal red line indicates the height of measurement of the pixel density.

 

This state enables the detailed analysis of view area using the test object. In the vertical projection calculation of the depth of field, the calculating the field-of-view sizes at any point of view area and displaying Pixel density. Test object can be seen in the 3D Video in the graphical editing state.

 

In the graphical editing state of the active camera, selection and rotation of the active camera is blocked to prevent displacement of the background, constructions and cameras relative to each other on other layouts.

 

See more: Graphical editing state.

 

 

 

"Scale" button group

 

Move drawing

 

When this button is pressed you can move a drawing within the graphics area using the mouse.

To do that press and hold down the left mouse button at any spot of drawing and then move the mouse holding the button down. To stop moving the drawing release the mouse button.

 

If your mouse is an Intellimouse or other Wheel mouse you can move the drawing at any time by pressing and holding the middle button down.

 

When Alt is pressed, it is possible to move drawing in the Graphics window using arrow keys and change scale using plus and minus keys irrespective of the input focus.

 

When the Show active camera button is pressed, moving the drawing is not allowed and this button is unavailable.

 

  Zoom IN/Zoom OUT

 

Clicking these buttons increases or reduces a drawing scale correspondingly.

 

Using the Intellimouse or other Wheel mouse you can change the drawing scale with the simultaneous zooming in the drawing sections pointed by the cursor.

 

If Ctrl is not pressed at changing the scale, then the scale changes roughly which is convenient at navigation. If Ctrl is pressed, the scale changes with the less step which is convenient for the precise drawing positioning before printing, saving or exporting.

 

If input focus is on the graphics area, scale can be changed by + and -  buttons on the keyboard.

 

When Alt is pressed, it is possible to move drawing in the Graphics window using arrow keys and change scale using plus and minus keys irrespective of the input focus.

When the Show active camera button is pressed, moving the drawing is not allowed and this button is unavailable.

 

Hide vertical projection

 

If this button is pressed, the horizontal projection is only present in the graphics area.

To display a vertical projection click this button again.

 

To move the horizontal projection relative to the vertical projection - move the mouse while holding the middle button (wheel) with Ctrl pressed.

 

Hide horizontal projection

 

If this button is pressed, the vertical projection is only present in the graphics area. To display a horizontal projection click this button again.

 

To move the horizontal projection relative to the vertical projection - move the mouse while holding the middle button (wheel) with Ctrl pressed.

 

 

"Grid" control element group

 

The graphics area includes 2 grids with the coinciding horizontal coordinates: a grid in the vertical projection and a grid in the horizontal projection. The grid origin coincides with the chosen origin of coordinates.

 

 

Grid selected step box

 

To change a grid step click the box and choose the required step from the pop-up list.

If the automatic step selection mode is active when changing the step value in the box this mode is deactivated.

 

You can adjust the automatic selection of the grid step to a coarser or smaller step.

 

See also: "Grid" control element group

 

ON/OFF the automatic grid step selection mode

 

Switch on/off the mode of automatic grid step selection according to a drawing scale.

 

You can adjust the automatic selection of the grid step to a coarser or smaller step.

 

See also: "Grid" control element group

 

ON/OFF displaying grid

 

Switch on/off displaying grid.

Choosing NO in the grid step selection box can also deactivate grid displaying.

 

See also: "Grid" control element group

 

 

"Undo" button group

 

UNDO

 

Undo the last operation.

 

VideoCAD stores several last operations including Undo operation. When clicking this button successively VideoCAD retraces to the last states and a state before the button Undo was clicked for the first time.

The quantity of the stored operations can be adjusted in the Options box>Miscellaneous>UNDO depth.

 

REDO

 

Redo the last operation undone by the UNDO tool.

 

 

Options

 

Click on this button opens a dialog box of the program options.

 

See more: Options box