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New and Enhanced IDL Objects

This section describes the following:

Note
All the atomic graphical (IDLgr*) object classes are now subclasses of the new IDLitComponent object class.

New IDL Object Classes

The following table describes the new object classes in IDL 6.0 for Windows.

New Object Class
Description
IDLitCommand
The base functionality for the iTools command buffer system.
IDLitCommandSet
A container for IDLitCommand objects, which allows a group of commands to be managed as a single item.
IDLitComponent
A core or base component, from which all other components subclass.
Note - This class is now a superclass of all the atomic graphical (IDLgr*) object classes.
IDLitContainer
A specialization of the IDL_Container class that manages a collection of IDLitComponents and provides methods for working with the Identifier system of the iTools framework.
IDLitData
A generic data storage object that can hold any IDL data type available. It provides typing, metadata, and data change notification functionality. When coupled with IDLitDataContainer, it forms the element for the construction of composite data types.
IDLitDataContainer
A container for IDLitData and IDLitDataContainer objects. This container is used to form hierarchical data structures. Data and DataContainer objects can be added and removed to/from a DataContainer during program execution, allowing for dynamic creation of composite data types.
IDLitDataOperation
A subclass to IDLitOperation that automates data access and automatically records information for the undo-redo system.
IDLitIMessaging
An interface providing common methods to send or trigger messaging and error actions, which may occur during execution.
IDLitManipulator
The base functionality of the iTools manipulator system.
IDLitManipulatorContainer
A container for IDLitManipulator objects, which allows for the construction of manipulator hierarchies. This container implements the concept of a current manipulator for the items it contains.
IDLitManipulatorManager
A specialization of the manipulator container (IDLitManipulatorContainer), which acts as the root of the manipulator hierarchy.
IDLitManipulatorVisual
The basis of all visual elements associated with an interactive manipulator.
IDLitOperation
The basis for all iTool operations. It defines how an operation is executed and how information about the operation is recorded for the command transaction (undo-redo) system.
IDLitParameter
An interface providing parameter management methods to associate parameter names with IDLitData objects.
IDLitParameterSet
A specialized subclass of the IDLitDataContainer class. This class provides the ability to associate names with contained IDLitData objects.
IDLitReader
The definition of the interface and the process used to construct file readers for the iTools framework. When a new file reader is constructed for the iTools system, a new class is subclassed from this IDLitReader class.
IDLitTool
All the functionality provided by a particular instance of an IDL Intelligent Tool (iTool). This object provides the management systems for the underlying tool functionality.
IDLitUI
A link between the underlying functionality of an iTool and the IDL widget interface.
IDLitVisualization
The basis for all iTool visualizations. All visualization components subclass from this class.
IDLitWindow
The basis for all iTool visualization windows. All iTool visualization windows subclass from this class.
IDLitWriter
The definition of the interface and the process used to construct file writers for the iTools framework. When a new file writer is constructed for the iTools system, a new class is subclassed from this IDLitWriter class.
IDLjavaObject
An IDL object encapsulating a Java object. IDL provides data type and other translation services, allowing IDL programs to access the Java object's methods and properties using standard IDL syntax.

New IDL Object Properties

The following table describes new and updated properties to IDL objects.

IDLgrAxis

New Property
Description
DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth testing. A model may also enable or disable depth testing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer testing while drawing this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth testing for this object. Disabling depth testing allows an object to draw itself on top of other objects already on the screen, even if the object is located behind them.
DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always sets a depth test function of LESS. A model may also set a depth test function value. The graphics device compares the object's depth at a particular pixel location with the depth stored in the depth buffer at that same pixel location. If the comparison test passes, the object's pixel is drawn at that location on the screen and the depth buffer is updated (if depth writing is enabled).
Set this property to any of the following values to use the desired function while rendering this object.
  • 0 = INHERIT - use the test function set for the parent model or view.
  • 1 = NEVER - never passes.
  • 2 = LESS - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than the depth buffer's value.
  • 3 = EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 4 = LESS OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 5 = GREATER - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 6 = NOT EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is not equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 7 = GREATER OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 8 = ALWAYS - always passes
Note - Less means closer to the viewer.
DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth writing. A model may also enable or disable depth writing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer writing while rendering this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth writing for this object. Disabling depth writing allows an object to be overdrawn by other objects, even if the object is located in front of them.
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrAxis, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • COLOR (color)
  • DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DIRECTION (enumerated list)
  • EXACT (Boolean)
  • EXTEND (Boolean)
  • GRIDSTYLE (linestyle)
  • HIDE (Boolean)
  • LOG (Boolean)
  • MAJOR (integer)
  • MINOR (integer)
  • NOTEXT (Boolean)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • SUBTICKLEN (float)
  • TEXTPOS (user-defined)
  • THICK (thickness)
  • TICKDIR (enumerated list)
  • TICKINTERVAL (float)
  • TICKLAYOUT (enumerated list)
  • TICKLEN (float)
  • TICKUNITS (string)

IDLgrBuffer

New Property
Description
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrBuffer, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • COLOR_MODEL (enumerated list)
  • N_COLORS (integer)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • QUALITY (enumerated list)
  • RESOLUTION (user-defined)

IDLgrClipboard

New Property
Description
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrClipboard, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • COLOR_MODEL (enumerated list)
  • N_COLORS (integer)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • QUALITY (enumerated list)
  • RESOLUTION (user-defined)

IDLgrContour

New Property
Description
DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth testing. A model may also enable or disable depth testing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer testing while drawing this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth testing for this object. Disabling depth testing allows an object to draw itself on top of other objects already on the screen, even if the object is located behind them.
DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always sets a depth test function of LESS. A model may also set a depth test function value. The graphics device compares the object's depth at a particular pixel location with the depth stored in the depth buffer at that same pixel location. If the comparison test passes, the object's pixel is drawn at that location on the screen and the depth buffer is updated (if depth writing is enabled).
Set this property to any of the following values to use the desired function while rendering this object.
  • 0 = INHERIT - use the test function set for the parent model or view.
  • 1 = NEVER - never passes.
  • 2 = LESS - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than the depth buffer's value.
  • 3 = EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 4 = LESS OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 5 = GREATER - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 6 = NOT EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is not equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 7 = GREATER OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 8 = ALWAYS - always passes
Note - Less means closer to the viewer.
DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth writing. A model may also enable or disable depth writing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer writing while rendering this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth writing for this object. Disabling depth writing allows an object to be overdrawn by other objects, even if the object is located in front of them.
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrContour, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • ANISOTROPY (user-defined)
  • C_COLOR (user-defined)
  • C_FILL_PATTERN (user-defined)
  • C_LINESTYLE (user-defined)
  • C_THICK (user-defined)
  • C_VALUE (user-defined)
  • COLOR (color)
  • DEPTH_OFFSET (integer)
  • DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DOWNHILL (enumerated list)
  • FILL (Boolean)
  • HIDE (Boolean)
  • MAX_VALUE (float)
  • MIN_VALUE (float)
  • N_LEVELS (integer)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • PLANAR (enumerated list)
  • SHADING (enumerated list)
  • TICKINTERVAL (float)
  • TICKLEN (float)

IDLgrImage

New Property
Description
DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth testing. A model may also enable or disable depth testing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer testing while drawing this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth testing for this object. Disabling depth testing allows an object to draw itself on top of other objects already on the screen, even if the object is located behind them.
DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always sets a depth test function of LESS. A model may also set a depth test function value. The graphics device compares the object's depth at a particular pixel location with the depth stored in the depth buffer at that same pixel location. If the comparison test passes, the object's pixel is drawn at that location on the screen and the depth buffer is updated (if depth writing is enabled).
Set this property to any of the following values to use the desired function while rendering this object.
  • 0 = INHERIT - use the test function set for the parent model or view.
  • 1 = NEVER - never passes.
  • 2 = LESS - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than the depth buffer's value.
  • 3 = EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 4 = LESS OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 5 = GREATER - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 6 = NOT EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is not equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 7 = GREATER OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 8 = ALWAYS - always passes
Note - Less means closer to the viewer.
DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth writing. A model may also enable or disable depth writing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer writing while rendering this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth writing for this object. Disabling depth writing allows an object to be overdrawn by other objects, even if the object is located in front of them.
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrImage, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • BLEND_FUNCTION (user-defined)
  • CHANNEL (integer)
  • COLOR (color)
  • DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DIMENSIONS (user-defined)
  • GREYSCALE (Boolean)
  • HIDE (Boolean)
  • INTERLEAVE (enumerated list)
  • INTERPOLATE (enumerated list)
  • LOCATION (user-defined)
  • ORDER (enumerated list)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • SUB_RECT (user-defined)

IDLgrLight

New Property
Description
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrLight, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • ATTENUATION (user-defined)
  • COLOR (color)
  • CONEANGLE (integer)
  • DIRECTION (user-defined)
  • FOCUS (float)
  • HIDE (Boolean)
  • INTENSITY (float)
  • LOCATION (user-defined)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • TYPE (enumerated list)

IDLgrModel

New Property
Description
DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth testing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer testing while drawing all objects contained in this model. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth testing for all objects contained in this model. Disabling depth testing allows an object to draw itself on top of other objects already on the screen, even if the object is located behind them. This value may be overridden by individual models or objects contained in this model.
DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always sets a depth test function of LESS. The graphics device compares the object's depth at a particular pixel location with the depth stored in the depth buffer at that same pixel location. If the comparison test passes, the object's pixel is drawn at that location on the screen and the depth buffer is updated (if depth writing is enabled). This value may be overridden by individual models or objects contained in this model.
Set this property to any of the following values to use the desired function while drawing all objects contained in this model.
  • 0 = INHERIT - use the test function set for the parent model or view.
  • 1 = NEVER - never passes.
  • 2 = LESS - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than the depth buffer's value.
  • 3 = EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 4 = LESS OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 5 = GREATER - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 6 = NOT EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is not equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 7 = GREATER OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 8 = ALWAYS - always passes
Note - Less means closer to the viewer.
DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth writing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer writing while drawing the objects contained in this model. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth writing for the objects contained in this model. Disabling depth writing allows an object to be overdrawn by other objects, even if the object is located in front of them.This value may be overridden by individual models or objects contained in this model.
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrModel, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • CLIP_PLANES (user-defined)
  • DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • HIDE (Boolean)
  • LIGHTING (enumerated list)
  • SELECT_TARGET (Boolean)
  • TRANSFORM (user-defined)

IDLgrPlot

New Property
Description
DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth testing. A model may also enable or disable depth testing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer testing while drawing this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth testing for this object. Disabling depth testing allows an object to draw itself on top of other objects already on the screen, even if the object is located behind them.
DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always sets a depth test function of LESS. A model may also set a depth test function value. The graphics device compares the object's depth at a particular pixel location with the depth stored in the depth buffer at that same pixel location. If the comparison test passes, the object's pixel is drawn at that location on the screen and the depth buffer is updated (if depth writing is enabled).
Set this property to any of the following values to use the desired function while rendering this object.
  • 0 = INHERIT - use the test function set for the parent model or view.
  • 1 = NEVER - never passes.
  • 2 = LESS - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than the depth buffer's value.
  • 3 = EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 4 = LESS OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 5 = GREATER - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 6 = NOT EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is not equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 7 = GREATER OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 8 = ALWAYS - always passes
Note - Less means closer to the viewer.
DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth writing. A model may also enable or disable depth writing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer writing while rendering this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth writing for this object. Disabling depth writing allows an object to be overdrawn by other objects, even if the object is located in front of them.
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrPlot, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • COLOR (color)
  • DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • HIDE (Boolean)
  • HISTOGRAM (Boolean)
  • LINESTYLE (linestyle)
  • MAX_VALUE (float)
  • MIN_VALUE (float)
  • NSUM (integer)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • POLAR (Boolean)
  • THICK (thickness)
  • VERT_COLORS (user-defined)

IDLgrPolygon

New Property
Description
DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth testing. A model may also enable or disable depth testing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer testing while drawing this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth testing for this object. Disabling depth testing allows an object to draw itself on top of other objects already on the screen, even if the object is located behind them.
DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always sets a depth test function of LESS. A model may also set a depth test function value. The graphics device compares the object's depth at a particular pixel location with the depth stored in the depth buffer at that same pixel location. If the comparison test passes, the object's pixel is drawn at that location on the screen and the depth buffer is updated (if depth writing is enabled).
Set this property to any of the following values to use the desired function while rendering this object.
  • 0 = INHERIT - use the test function set for the parent model or view.
  • 1 = NEVER - never passes.
  • 2 = LESS - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than the depth buffer's value.
  • 3 = EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 4 = LESS OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 5 = GREATER - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 6 = NOT EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is not equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 7 = GREATER OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 8 = ALWAYS - always passes
Note - Less means closer to the viewer.
DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth writing. A model may also enable or disable depth writing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer writing while rendering this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth writing for this object. Disabling depth writing allows an object to be overdrawn by other objects, even if the object is located in front of them.
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrPolygon, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • BOTTOM (color)
  • COLOR (color)
  • DEPTH_OFFSET (integer)
  • DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • HIDDEN_LINE (Boolean)
  • HIDE (Boolean)
  • LINESTYLE (linestyle)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • REJECT (enumerated list)
  • SHADING (enumerated list)
  • STYLE (enumerated list)
  • TEXTURE_INTERP (enumerated list)
  • TEXTURE_MAP (user-defined)
  • THICK (thickness)
  • VERT_COLORS (user-defined)
  • ZERO_OPACITY_SKIP (Boolean)

IDLgrPolyline

New Property
Description
DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth testing. A model may also enable or disable depth testing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer testing while drawing this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth testing for this object. Disabling depth testing allows an object to draw itself on top of other objects already on the screen, even if the object is located behind them.
DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always sets a depth test function of LESS. A model may also set a depth test function value. The graphics device compares the object's depth at a particular pixel location with the depth stored in the depth buffer at that same pixel location. If the comparison test passes, the object's pixel is drawn at that location on the screen and the depth buffer is updated (if depth writing is enabled).
Set this property to any of the following values to use the desired function while rendering this object.
  • 0 = INHERIT - use the test function set for the parent model or view.
  • 1 = NEVER - never passes.
  • 2 = LESS - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than the depth buffer's value.
  • 3 = EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 4 = LESS OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 5 = GREATER - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 6 = NOT EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is not equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 7 = GREATER OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 8 = ALWAYS - always passes
Note - Less means closer to the viewer.
DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth writing. A model may also enable or disable depth writing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer writing while rendering this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth writing for this object. Disabling depth writing allows an object to be overdrawn by other objects, even if the object is located in front of them.
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrPolyline, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • COLOR (color)
  • DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • HIDE (Boolean)
  • LINESTYLE (linestyle)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • SHADING (enumerated list)
  • THICK (thickness)
  • VERT_COLORS (user-defined)

IDLgrPrinter

New Property
Description
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrPrinter, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • COLOR_MODEL (enumerated list)
  • N_COLORS (integer)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • QUALITY (enumerated list)
  • RESOLUTION (float)

IDLgrROI

New Property
Description
DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth testing. A model may also enable or disable depth testing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer testing while drawing this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth testing for this object. Disabling depth testing allows an object to draw itself on top of other objects already on the screen, even if the object is located behind them.
DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always sets a depth test function of LESS. A model may also set a depth test function value. The graphics device compares the object's depth at a particular pixel location with the depth stored in the depth buffer at that same pixel location. If the comparison test passes, the object's pixel is drawn at that location on the screen and the depth buffer is updated (if depth writing is enabled).
Set this property to any of the following values to use the desired function while rendering this object.
  • 0 = INHERIT - use the test function set for the parent model or view.
  • 1 = NEVER - never passes.
  • 2 = LESS - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than the depth buffer's value.
  • 3 = EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 4 = LESS OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 5 = GREATER - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 6 = NOT EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is not equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 7 = GREATER OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 8 = ALWAYS - always passes
Note - Less means closer to the viewer.
DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth writing. A model may also enable or disable depth writing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer writing while rendering this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth writing for this object. Disabling depth writing allows an object to be overdrawn by other objects, even if the object is located in front of them.
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrROI, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • COLOR (color)
  • DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • HIDE (Boolean)
  • LINESTYLE (linestyle)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • THICK (thickness)

IDLgrROIGroup

New Property
Description
DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth testing. A model may also enable or disable depth testing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer testing while drawing this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth testing for this object. Disabling depth testing allows an object to draw itself on top of other objects already on the screen, even if the object is located behind them.
DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always sets a depth test function of LESS. A model may also set a depth test function value. The graphics device compares the object's depth at a particular pixel location with the depth stored in the depth buffer at that same pixel location. If the comparison test passes, the object's pixel is drawn at that location on the screen and the depth buffer is updated (if depth writing is enabled).
Set this property to any of the following values to use the desired function while rendering this object.
  • 0 = INHERIT - use the test function set for the parent model or view.
  • 1 = NEVER - never passes.
  • 2 = LESS - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than the depth buffer's value.
  • 3 = EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 4 = LESS OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 5 = GREATER - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 6 = NOT EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is not equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 7 = GREATER OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 8 = ALWAYS - always passes
Note - Less means closer to the viewer.
DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth writing. A model may also enable or disable depth writing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer writing while rendering this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth writing for this object. Disabling depth writing allows an object to be overdrawn by other objects, even if the object is located in front of them.
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrROIGroup, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • COLOR (color)
  • DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • HIDE (Boolean)

IDLgrScene

New Property
Description
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrScene, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • COLOR (color)
  • HIDE (Boolean)
  • TRANSPARENT (Boolean)

IDLgrSurface

New Property
Description
DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth testing. A model may also enable or disable depth testing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer testing while drawing this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth testing for this object. Disabling depth testing allows an object to draw itself on top of other objects already on the screen, even if the object is located behind them.
DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always sets a depth test function of LESS. A model may also set a depth test function value. The graphics device compares the object's depth at a particular pixel location with the depth stored in the depth buffer at that same pixel location. If the comparison test passes, the object's pixel is drawn at that location on the screen and the depth buffer is updated (if depth writing is enabled).
Set this property to any of the following values to use the desired function while rendering this object.
  • 0 = INHERIT - use the test function set for the parent model or view.
  • 1 = NEVER - never passes.
  • 2 = LESS - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than the depth buffer's value.
  • 3 = EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 4 = LESS OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 5 = GREATER - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 6 = NOT EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is not equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 7 = GREATER OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 8 = ALWAYS - always passes
Note - Less means closer to the viewer.
DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth writing. A model may also enable or disable depth writing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer writing while rendering this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth writing for this object. Disabling depth writing allows an object to be overdrawn by other objects, even if the object is located in front of them.
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrSurface, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • BOTTOM (color)
  • COLOR (color)
  • DEPTH_OFFSET (integer)
  • DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • EXTENDED_LEGO (Boolean)
  • HIDDEN_LINES (Boolean)
  • HIDE (Boolean)
  • LINESTYLE (linestyle)
  • MAX_VALUE (float)
  • MIN_VALUE (float)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • SHADING (enumerated list)
  • SHOW_SKIRT (Boolean)
  • SKIRT (float)
  • STYLE (enumerated list)
  • TEXTURE_HIRES (Boolean)
  • TEXTURE_INTERP (enumerated list)
  • TEXTURE_MAP (user-defined)
  • THICK (thickness)
  • USE_TRIANGLES (enumerated list)
  • VERT_COLORS (user-defined)
  • ZERO_OPACITY_SKIP (Boolean)

IDLgrText

New Property
Description
ALPHA_CHANNEL
Set this property to a value in the range [0.0, 1.0] (1.0 is the default) to draw the text foreground and background with the specified blending factor. A value of 1.0 draws the text opaquely without blending the text with objects already drawn on the destination. Edges of the glyphs are always blended. A value of 0.0 draws no text at all. A value in the middle of the range draws the text semi-transparently, which provides a way of creating labels that are visible while allowing features blocked by the labels to still be seen. This property is used only when the RENDER_METHOD in effect is 0 (Texture).
DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth testing. A model may also enable or disable depth testing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer testing while drawing this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth testing for this object. Disabling depth testing allows an object to draw itself on top of other objects already on the screen, even if the object is located behind them.
DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always sets a depth test function of LESS. A model may also set a depth test function value. The graphics device compares the object's depth at a particular pixel location with the depth stored in the depth buffer at that same pixel location. If the comparison test passes, the object's pixel is drawn at that location on the screen and the depth buffer is updated (if depth writing is enabled).
Set this property to any of the following values to use the desired function while rendering this object.
  • 0 = INHERIT - use the test function set for the parent model or view.
  • 1 = NEVER - never passes.
  • 2 = LESS - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than the depth buffer's value.
  • 3 = EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 4 = LESS OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 5 = GREATER - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 6 = NOT EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is not equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 7 = GREATER OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 8 = ALWAYS - always passes
Note - Less means closer to the viewer.
DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth writing. A model may also enable or disable depth writing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer writing while rendering this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth writing for this object. Disabling depth writing allows an object to be overdrawn by other objects, even if the object is located in front of them.
FILL_BACKGROUND
Set this property to zero (the default) to render the text with a transparent bitmap background, allowing graphics behind the text to show through between the glyphs. Set this property to non-zero to draw the text bitmap background with the color specified by the FILL_COLOR property. This property can only be used when RENDER_METHOD is set to 0 (Texture).
FILL_COLOR
Set this property to an RGB color vector or color index value to specify that the text bitmap background should be drawn using the specified color. This property is used only when the FILL_BACKGROUND property has a non-zero value and the RENDER_METHOD in effect is 0 (Texture). Set this property to -1 (the default) to specify that the text background should be drawn using the current view background color.
KERNING
Set this property to a non-zero value (the default is zero) to enable kerning while rendering characters. Kerning reduces the amount of space between glyphs if the shape of each glyph allows it, according to the font information stored in the font's file. For example, the letters "A" and "V" placed together, "AV", contains space that can be reduced by kerning. Enabling kerning may not necessarily result in rendering glyphs more closely together because some fonts do not contain the required kerning information. This property is used only when RENDER_METHOD is 0 (Texture).
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrText, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • ALIGNMENT (float)
  • ALPHA_CHANNEL (float)
  • BASELINE (user-defined)
  • COLOR (color)
  • DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • FILL_BACKGROUND (Boolean)
  • FILL_COLOR (color)
  • HIDE (Boolean)
  • KERNING (Boolean)
  • LOCATIONS (user-defined)
  • ONGLASS (Boolean)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • RECOMPUTE_DIMENSIONS (enumerated list)
  • RENDER_METHOD (enumerated list)
  • STRINGS (user-defined)
  • UPDIR (user-defined)
  • VERTICAL_ALIGNMENT (float)
RENDER_METHOD
Set this property to one of the following values:
  • 0 (zero) TEXTURE - IDL renders the text by placing a bitmap representation of a glyph into a texture map and then rendering a polygon with the texture map. How the background portions of the texture map are drawn and how the entire texture map is blended into the scene are controlled by the ALPHA_CHANNEL, FILL_COLOR, and FILL_BACKGROUND properties. Leaving these three properties set to their default values produces a result that closely approximates the TRIANGLES rendering method. One important difference is that the glyph bitmaps are generated by the FreeType font rendering library, producing glyphs that are more accurately rendered and anti-aliased than those drawn with the TRIANGLES method. The TEXTURE method cannot be used on indexed color destinations. The text is rendered with the TRIANGLES method if the destination uses indexed color.
  • 1 (one) TRIANGLES - IDL renders the text by tessellating the glyph outline into a set of small triangles that are then drawn to produce the solid glyph. IDL also draws a blended line around the edge of the glyph to approximate anti-aliasing. This setting used to be the default behavior for IDL versions prior to IDL 6.0.
Note - If IDLgrClipboard or IDLgrPrinter is drawn in vector mode (VECTOR = 1), any IDLgrText objects in the display are drawn as if the RENDER_METHOD property was set to 1 (TRIANGLES).

IDLgrView

New Property
Description
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrView, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • COLOR (color)
  • DEPTH_CUE (user-defined)
  • DOUBLE (Boolean)
  • EYE (float)
  • HIDE (enumerated list)
  • LOCATION (user-defined)
  • PROJECTION (enumerated list)
  • TRANSPARENT (Boolean)
  • UNITS (enumerated list)
  • VIEWPLANE_RECT (user-defined)
  • ZCLIP (user-defined)

IDLgrViewgroup

New Property
Description
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrViewgroup, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • HIDE (Boolean)

IDLgrVolume

New Property
Description
DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth testing. A model may also enable or disable depth testing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer testing while drawing this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth testing for this object. Disabling depth testing allows an object to draw itself on top of other objects already on the screen, even if the object is located behind them.
DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always sets a depth test function of LESS. A model may also set a depth test function value. The graphics device compares the object's depth at a particular pixel location with the depth stored in the depth buffer at that same pixel location. If the comparison test passes, the object's pixel is drawn at that location on the screen and the depth buffer is updated (if depth writing is enabled).
Set this property to any of the following values to use the desired function while rendering this object.
  • 0 = INHERIT - use the test function set for the parent model or view.
  • 1 = NEVER - never passes.
  • 2 = LESS - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than the depth buffer's value.
  • 3 = EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 4 = LESS OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is less than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 5 = GREATER - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 6 = NOT EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is not equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 7 = GREATER OR EQUAL - passes if the depth of the object's pixel is greater than or equal to the depth buffer's value.
  • 8 = ALWAYS - always passes
Note - Less means closer to the viewer.
DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE
Set this property to 0 (the default) to inherit the value set by the parent model or view. The parent view always enables depth writing. A model may also enable or disable depth writing. Set this property to 1 to explicitly disable depth buffer writing while rendering this object. Set this property to 2 to explicitly enable depth writing for this object. Disabling depth writing allows an object to be overdrawn by other objects, even if the object is located in front of them.
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrVolume, the available properties (and their iTool data types) are:
  • AMBIENT (color)
  • BOUNDS (user-defined)
  • COMPOSITE_FUNCTION (enumerated list)
  • CUTTING_PLANES (user-defined)
  • DEPTH_CUE (user-defined)
  • DEPTH_TEST_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_TEST_FUNCTION (enumerated list)
  • DEPTH_WRITE_DISABLE (enumerated list)
  • HIDE (enumerated list)
  • HINTS (enumerated list)
  • INTERPOLATE (enumerated list)
  • LIGHTING_MODEL (Boolean)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • RENDER_STEP (user-defined)
  • TWO_SIDED (enumerated list)
  • ZBUFFER (Boolean)
  • ZERO_OPACITY_SKIP (Boolean)

IDLgrVRML

New Property
Description
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrVRML, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • COLOR_MODEL (enumerated list)
  • N_COLORS (integer)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • QUALITY (enumerated list)
  • RESOLUTION (user-defined)

IDLgrWindow

New Property
Description
REGISTER_PROPERTIES
Set this property to automatically register the following properties of the object for display in a property sheet. This property is useful mainly when creating iTools. By default, no properties are registered.
For IDLgrWindow, the available properties and their iTool data types are:
  • COLOR_MODEL (enumerated list)
  • CURRENT_ZOOM (float)
  • DIMENSIONS (user-defined)
  • DISPLAY_NAME (string)
  • LOCATION (user-defined)
  • N_COLORS (integer)
  • PALETTE (user-defined)
  • QUALITY (enumerated list)
  • RENDERER (enumerated list)
  • RESOLUTION (float)
  • RETAIN (enumerated list)
  • TITLE (string)
  • UNITS (enumerated list)
  • VIRTUAL_DIMENSIONS (user-defined)
  • VISIBLE_LOCATION (user-defined)
VIRTUAL_DIMENSIONS
Set this property to a two-element vector, [width, height], specifying the dimensions of the virtual canvas for this window. The default is [0, 0], indicating that the virtual canvas dimensions should match the visible dimensions (as specified via the DIMENSIONS keyword).
VISIBLE_LOCATION
Set this property to a two-element vector, [x, y], specifying the lower left location of the visible portion of the canvas (relative to the virtual canvas).

IDL Object Property Enhancements

The following table describes updated properties to IDL object classes.

Note
The following table contains an update to the documentation for the RECOMPUTE_DIMENSIONS property of the IDLgrText object class. This property in IDL 6.0 has not functionally changed from previous versions of IDL.

IDLgrText

Item
Description
RECOMPUTE_DIMENSIONS
Set this property to one of the following values:
  • 0 = The physical size of the text is affected by model and view transforms. The size of the text in terms of data units is obtained from CHAR_DIMENSIONS. Since the character dimensions are specified in data units, the text will maintain the data space size specified by CHAR_DIMENSIONS as the transforms change. In other words, the physical text size changes along with other primitives. If the value of this property is [0, 0], the text font's point size is used to compute the physical size of the text in terms of data units using the transforms in effect for the first draw. This setting is the default value for this property.
  • 1 = The physical size of the text is only affected by model transforms. The CHAR_DIMENSIONS property is ignored. The size of the text is computed from the font's point size the first time it is drawn, and IDL does not try to keep the size of the text constant with respect to changes in the model transforms.
  • 2 = The physical size of the text is held constant, even as the model and view change. The CHAR_DIMENSIONS property is ignored and the text is always drawn with a physical size equal to the text font's point size. IDL adjusts its internal text transforms to maintain the physical size of the text.

IDL Object Method Enhancements

The following table describes new and updated keywords and arguments to IDL object methods.

IDLanROI::ComputeMask

Item
Description
PIXEL_CENTER
Set this keyword to a 2-element vector, [x, y], to indicate where the lower-left mask pixel is centered relative to a Cartesian grid. The default value is [0.0, 0.0], indicating that the lower-left pixel is centered at [0.0, 0.0].

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