Simulation»Annotation

The Simulation»Annotation menu selections and corresponding VM Annotation toolbar buttons provide the capability to first (optionally) mark-up the simulation window and then take snapshots and/or videos of the simulation.

The following functions are available.

The Annotate, Color and Clear selections provide a rudimentary method of superimposing freehand drawings over the simulation window. When in annotation mode, the cursor will appear as a small pencil that will draw in the simulation window when the left-mouse button is held down. Drawing is equivalent to marking a glass pane that appears on top of the simulation window.

The Snapshot selection takes a PNG image of the simulation window, including annotation data if present. Picture files are stored in the folder identified by the vm_picture_dir DEF file symbol. If this symbol is not defined or is blank, then pictures are stored in the user’s “Pictures\ICAM\270” folder. Picture files are named “picnnn.png”, where nnn is a number automatically chosen to avoid overwriting an existing picture.

The Record selection enables or disables the recording of the contents of the simulation window, including annotation data if present. Video files are stored in the folder identified by the vm_video_dir DEF file symbol. If this symbol is not defined or is blank, then videos are stored in the user’s “Videos\ICAM\270” folder. Videos are named “videonnn.avi” where nnn is a number automatically chosen to avoid overwriting an existing video. Recording options can be set by selecting the Video button in the Simulation»Options dialog Misc tab.

The Open selection provides quick and easy access to the user’s pictures and videos folders.