RenderManArray2D

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<plugin>RenderManArray2D</plugin>

Notes

RenderManArray2D renders multiple copies of a source object that have been transformed along two dimensions. It can be more efficient than rendering using multiple MeshInstance nodes because it only stores one copy of the source object in the output RIB file. Multiple instances of the source object are then rendered using lightweight RiObject/RiInstance directives. The layout of the transformed instances is controlled with separate Layout nodes for flexibility.

Example

Using RenderManArray2D with TranslateArray2D
  • Start K-3D.
  • Use Create > Quadrics > Cone to create a Cone that will be rendered multiple times.
  • Choose Create > Array > RenderManArray2D to create the array node that will control the number and layout of cones to be rendered.
  • The new RenderManArray2D properties will appear in the Node Properties Panel.
  • For the Source property, choose the cone.
  • For the Layout property, choose "-- New TranslateArray2D".
  • The new TranslateArray2D properties will appear in the Node Properties Panel.
  • You will see a collection of overlapping cyan bounding-boxes in the viewport. Each bounding-box is the same size as the source cone, and the boxes show where the cones will be rendered. The boxes overlap because the default offset for each copy is less than the size of the source cone.
  • Set the Offset 1 property X value to "15.0" and the Offset 2 property Y value to "-15.0". You will see that the bounding-boxes no longer overlap.
  • Zoom out and recenter the display so you can see all of the bounding boxes.
  • Continue adjusting the offset properties and note the cumulative effect as the offset is applied to each copy of the original cone.
  • Note that the TranslateArray2D node also has a Layout property - you can use this to "chain together" different layout algorithms.
  • Select the RenderManArray2D node in the Node List Panel so its properties are visible in the Node Properties Panel.
  • Change the Count 1 and Count 2 properties and see that the number of cone instances changes.

See Also

RenderManArray1D, RenderManArray3D, TranslateArray2D, RotateArray2D, AlternateArray2D