Triangulate between segments
This function allows you to automatically triangulate between selected segments. These segments may be open or closed segments.
To run this function: Choose Solids > Triangulate > Between segments, or...
This function is unable to stitch together two segments that do not overlap. If this is the case, use Manual or CL Profile.
Notes:
- The results produced by the Triangulate Automatic function depend on the particular value of the triangulate stitch algorithm you are using (this may be 0, 1, 2 or 3). If you do not obtain satisfactory results with the current stitch algorithm you can change it using the Toggle Stitch Algorithm function.
- This is the simplest method of triangulating between segments. However the results may only be geometrically valid when triangulating between segments of similar and simple geometry. It is often useful to try the Triangulate Automatic first and then visually check if the 3DM has been formed correctly. If the 3DM has not been formed correctly, the Control Strings or Manual Triangulation should be used.
Tip: While using the Triangulate Automatic function, if you have problems selecting points and/or segments near triangles that are drawn on the screen, it may be because the triangles are being selected in preference to the points themselves.
The symptoms of this problem are the function cancelling unexpectedly or an inability to select the correct point.
If this occurs you are advised to remove the triangles from the screen using the Edges Off and Faces Off functions then perform the function as normal (obviously you must have the strings drawn on the screen to be able to select them), then recall the triangles to the screen using the Faces On and Edges On functions.
With the triangles temporarily removed from the screen you will find that point selection becomes much easier.
Important: When triangulating between segments the starting point of each segment provides definition to the triangulation process. Therefore the starting points of the segments must be oriented in such a way that they represent points of geometric similarity on all segments.
It is a simple process to shift the position of the starting point of a segment. If the segment is open, choose SEGMENT Reverse from the EDIT menu to reverse the direction of the segment. This changes the starting point from one end of the segment to the other. If the segment is closed, the following three functions from the EDIT menu can be used to shift the position of the starting point of the closed segment.
- First of all you choose the SEGMENT Break function to break the closed segment at the point before the point that you wish to become your new starting point.
- You then use the SEGMENT Joinfunction to join the two open segments into one open segment.
- You then use the SEGMENT Close function to close the open segment. The starting point of the new closed segment will now have shifted around the segment.
Function
Display only. The name of the function being executed.
Layer name
Display only. The name of the active layer is displayed. The active layer is the only layer you are able to modify.
Object
Enter the object number of the 3DM to be created.
Trisolation
Enter the trisolation number of the 3DM to be created
Complete the DEFINE THE TRISOLATION TO BE CREATED form and choose Apply to display the prompt:
Select a point on the first segment to be triangulated
Position the pointer and select a point on the first segment to be triangulated.
Selecting a point on the first segment to be triangulated displays a second prompt:
Select a point on the next segment to be triangulated
Position the pointer and select a point on the second segment to be triangulated.
Note: The points which are selected on the segments have no bearing on the control of the formation of the 3DM.
Result
Triangles are automatically created between the first and second selected segments and the screen picture is updated accordingly. The following prompt is redisplayed:
Select a point on the next segment to be triangulated
To continue the automatic triangulation process to a third segment, simply select a point on the third segment you wish to triangulate to. Triangles will automatically be created between the second and third selected segments. The screen picture is updated accordingly and the following prompt is redisplayed:
Select a point on the next segment to be triangulated
The TRIANGULATE Automatic function will continue until it is cancelled when the following prompt is displayed:
Select a point on the next segment to be triangulated
Warning
The point selected is not in the working layer and cannot be edited
You may only create 3DMs from strings which are in the active layer. You have selected a segment which is not in the active layer.