Tutorial: Fill LAB

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With "Fill LAB" it is possible to create depth-maps, layers, frames, stereo images, graphic works, visual effects, animation, etc.

If the laboratory is used as an aid to the "Box" or "By Points" you can simply colour an area bounded by different ways of filling.
If the laboratory is used as a graphical tool its potential is virtually unlimited and you can accomplish much in stereoscopic and traditional design.

The maximum power is available when using “By Points”
With “By Points” you can create multiple filled curves or polygons, save, or retrieve data, create Frame, Layers, Depth Maps, etc.

For a study on the topic of this tutorial you should also consult the following documents:

Direct Depth Map The laboratory to convert images and paintings into depth-maps

Direct Layers To extract Layers from images and paintings
Layers Assembly To create stereo images and animations using the Layers
Algorithms To Layers To apply algorithms deforming layers or a sequence of frames
AVI from Frames To create an AVI movie using sequences or frames or Layers
Graphic operation on the frames to apply various graphics functions to a series of frames
Frames Utility Resize, crop, insert logo/text, insert frames
Animated GIF The laboratory to create or edit animated GIF
Save/Resize Batch Batch resize a folder of images or frames using none, bilinear or high-quality bicubic interpolation and convert series of BMP images into frames that can be added to your Movie and invert the order of the frames when added to a normal-order of frames. This allows continuous cycling. Also encrypt/decrypt any type of file and to completely delete files with the function "TRUE Delete"
Box e By Points selection tools of 3D Gugle

To start the lab first enable the "Box" or "By Points" and then click the right mouse button on the image and then select in the context menu the function "Fill".

The left picture below shows the context menu of the Box and right shows the menu of “By Points".

The workshop will display and Fill with different methods when started with “Box” or “Points By”

The pictures below show the laboratory started with Box and By Points

"Fill" can also be started automatically by opening a data file with the extension "*. dpp."
To open a data file use the menu "Selection", "Load Fill Data",

or click the right mouse button on image and in the context menu select "Load Fill Data".

Once the laboratory has started with By Points mode you can, at any time, upload another file data and new data will replace existing data.

The option "LOADLevel Data" is generally used when you make mistakes and want to restore the original state, or it is used to compare the effect between the different versions.

Attention
If "Lock Shift" is locked you can not move a level with the mouse
For more information on the "Lock Shift" click here.
To unlock "Lock Shift" use the "D" key.

Sharing File "*.dpp"
Levels saved as files can be loaded and used even on a different image than the one used to create them.

When you upload a file you have the levels from their original locations, and if a level exceeds the size of the background, of course it will not be visible.
To bring the hidden layer into the centre of the image, select it using the arrow buttons and then click on the image.

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The colour selection
The box has 2 boxes to select colours.
The first box on the left is for the base colour and the other for blending and shading.

The boxes become visible depending on the fill mode selected.

To select a colour click on the coloured disc.
To increase or decrease the brightness of the colour click on the rectangle "Brightness"
Beware: if the red triangle is at the bottom of the rectangle you will not see any colour because the light is zero.
To select a pure colour, click on the little rectangle "Pure colours".
To change the "transparency" use the scroll-bar. The value 255 corresponds to "No transparency"
This feature is very important when creating effects.

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The methods of filling

To select the method of filling use the drop-down menu "Fill Method".

The methods "Gradient" and "Linear Gradient" draw a rendering mixing two colours.

When these methods are chosen a second colours selection Box become visible.
A scroll (“D = x") to change the colour mixing and a button "T" (Triangular) to modify the rendering apex, become available.

Gradient fills are used to give the design a solid form, while the "Linear Gradient" gradient-fills from one point to another, for example from left to right.

With "Linear Gradient" you can change the direction of the fill by adjusting the Scroll "Rot".

Using Scroll "D = " changes the curve of the rendering.
In the figures below you can see how it works.
On selecting "Gradient" four additional scroll bars become visible.
With "LX" and "LY" widen the base of the rendering in the corresponding direction of X and Y.

On selecting "Gradient" four additional scroll bars become visible.
With "LX" and "LY" widen the base of the rendering in the corresponding direction of X and Y.

In the example below, from left to right, normal rendering, expanded in X and Y, in X Extended, elongated, Y.

"PX" and "Py" changes the location of the focal point rendering.
In the example below, from left to right, normal rendering, moved in X and Y, Y, moved, moved to X.

The method "Solid" fills the shape using a single colour and no shades. This feature can also be used to delete parts of an image and to repair or modify the layer

Mode By Points

Features that will now be described are identical for both By Points "Curves" and for By Points "Polygon".

When you start the lab using “By Points” many additional features are available as shown in the blue box.

For more information about the selection methods used by 3D Gugle click here.

"Levels"

"Fill" allows you to create and manage a series of shapes with any form, created with any number of points.
Every single shape (or drawing) is called a "Level".
"Level" is also synonymous with the words "plane" or "figure" but "drawing" or "figure" are not adequate to explain the concepts as clearly as "Level".

Some popular software, using the term "Fill" have no real levels, and thus are not suitable for building images – stereoscopic, lenticular or animations.

On the first contact with "Fill" LAB, those accustomed to work with other software might consider that the levels of 3D Gugle are slow, but after doing some work it will be easy to appreciate the many advantages inherent in the Gugle 3D method.

The figure below shows the levels used for a simple lenticular application or animation.
Each level, to distinguish it from, and so allow easy execution of the design, is temporarily coloured differently.

If you want to do the practice tests download this file Ballerino.zip
The zip contains the following files:
    1) Sfondo.png
    2) Ballerino.dpp
    3) BallerinoColorato.dpp
    4) Ballerino.ggf
    5) Ballerino.gif

Procedures:
A) To view or modify the levels:
    Open 3D Gugle Sfondo.png
    Open Ballerino.dpp BallerinoColourato.dpp or using the menu "Selection" "Load Fill Data"
B) To view or edit the GIF
    Open in Animated GIF LAB the project file Ballerino.ggf

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"Giving shape to a Level"
When you start "By Points" (level zero) is automatically created with four points.
To change the shape use the mouse to drag the coloured squares (points).
To add a new point, press the space bar.
The new points are added after the selected point in a clockwise direction.
The selected point is coloured yellow.
To delete a point, select the point and then press the letter "C".

Note
1) To use a keys it is required that the main window of 3D Gugle can be activated.
To activate 3D Gugle click on the main window.

2) To move the entire shape, drag with the mouse or use the arrow keys on your keyboard.

3) When working on animations (but also in many other cases) you should temporarily paint each level with a colour so as to distinguish between them. This will allow you to more easily assess the magnitude of the changes.
The final colour will then be performed for the complete work.

4) For the verification of an animation, without closing the lab, save the first the sequence of frame with the menu "File" and then start a new session of 3D Gugle and from the menu "Movie" select "AVI froma Frame". Alternatively you can use the LAB of "Animated GIF".

5) To know other characteristics of the selection” By Points”, see Appendix advice on "How to use By Points" on this page.

"Adding a new Level"
To add a new level there are two methods and two functions.
The two methods are:
a) clone the active layer,
b) create a new level consisting of four points.
The two functions are available using the button "arrow right" and "Add" button.

When you use the "Add" or the "Arrow" button the new level is inserted above the highest level active before the "Add".

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"Move and select Levels"
To select the previous or next level in the hierarchy use the two buttons with the arrow icon.
When you reach the last level, the text label that indicates the location turns red and the menu allows you to add, if necessary, a new level.

The two little buttons in yellow on the sides of the arrow buttons are to move rapidly to the first (left) or the last level.

To select any level, first click on the image to activate the keypad and then press "X".
If you press "X" in error press the "X" button again to cancel and return to normal working conditions,.
On pressing "X" on-screen Levels become visible.
To select a level click on it

After selecting the level, all the levels that precede it in the hierarchy will be shown and the program will automatically return to normal working conditions.

To hide the cells that constitute the points, press the key "Z". Press "Z" again to restore.

To activate the mode drawing stereo, press "S" and to return to normal working conditions press "S" again
When "Stereo" is active it is possible to move the selected point or the entire level only in the horizontal direction. This allows you to more easily create objects that constitute a stereo pair.
Otherwise to move in any direction use the "arrow" "Up", "Down", "Left", "Right."

To block the movement of the level so that you do not inadvertently move during the process press the key "D". To return to normal press "D" again.
Otherwise to move in any direction use the "arrow" "Up", "Down", "Left", "Right."

Note
To use the keys of the keyboard it is indispensable that the main window of 3D Gugle is activated.
To activate the window and therefore the keyboard, click on the main window of 3D Gugle.

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"Set the hierarchy"
The levels are drawn on the screen in sequential order from 0 (first level) to the selected level.
To change the drawing sequence it is necessary to change the hierarchy of the levels using the vertical arrow buttons.

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"Delete Levels"
To delete the selected level use the button "Del".
To delete all levels from the File Menu, select "Delete all Levels".

"Copy and Paste"
Allows you to copy partial or complete properties from one level to another level.

When you press the button to "Copy" the border of the button "Paste" becomes red.
The red border indicates that there is data available in memory.
Pressing the button "Paste" activates a menu with options.

Note
Copy and Paste functions remain active even if you load new data with the "Load Data Levels".
This feature is useful for copying a parameter or a layer to another project.

General steps:
1) Save the current project with "SAVE Data Levels"
2) Load the project from which to pick the level with "LOAD Data Levels"
3) Select the layer and then press the "Copy"
4) Re-open the previously project
5) If you want to add a new level to the existing, press the "Add" and select "Add New" but if you want to overwrite an existing layer, select it before pressing "Paste"
6) Press "Paste" and select from the menu the required mode.

Paste Colours
Paste colours only. This feature is particularly important when working to make depth-maps

Paste Colours to all Levels
Paste only the colours for all levels of the project

Paste Setting
Paste all the settings related to the inherent colour and mode used to render the drawing.
The image below shows how the data was copied from the crown to the shape "B".
Shape "A" is before pasting and "B" after pasting the data.

Note that the figure "A" was initially designed as "Polygon" and then, after having copied the data, has been designed as one of "Curves". This was because the crown from which the data was collected is designed as a "Curves".
In other words "Paste Settings" replaces the selected level in all settings but does not change the shape, the position and the number of points.

Paste Settings to all Levels
Paste the settings for all levels of the project.

Paste Level
Overwrites the selected level with the data previously copied.
When using this mode, the selected level receives all the information of the level of origin as well as the colour.
These settings also include data on the number of points and position.
If the level of origin exceeds the size of the background it will not be visible. Click on the image to bring the hidden level into the centre.

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"The menu File"
The menu contains all the options necessary to load or to save the data of the levels, to create frames or layers to use for stereoscopic, lenticular applications or animations and to save the screen image or layer.

Delete all Levels
This cancels all the Levels of the project and prepares for a new project. Delete does not cancel the memory of Copy and Paste which therefore can be used in the new project.

LOAD Data Levels
Load the parameters of the levels from a file with the extension “*.dpp”.
The current parameters will be cancelled with the exception of the data of Copy and Paste..
For other options of initialization and opening of files “*.dpp” see “ “Start" in this page.

Save Screen as Image and Save Screen as Layer
Saves an exact copy of the screen without closing Fill LAB.
"Save as Layer" save the screen as Layer.
"Save as image" save the screen as normal image. If you press the "OK" button, Fill LAB will close and you will obtain a copy of the image on the screen.
Note
1) To save all levels of the project, before save, select the last level

The images below show “Screen as Image” and underneath the “Screen as Layer”.

If you want to practise download this file Auto.zip
The zip contains the following files:
    1) AutoOriginale.jpg
    2) Auto.dpp
    3) AutoLayer.bmp (saved as Layer Levels)
    4) Auto.jpg (a copy of the screen)

Procedure:
To view or modify the levels:
    Open 3D Gugle AutoOriginale.jpg
    Open Auto.dpp using the menu "Selection" "Load Fill Data"

Save Levels as Frames
Converts the sequence of levels into 3D Gugle Frames.
Levels are drawn in an overlapping sequence. The design starts from the first level and continues to the level selected.
In the example below the GIF file is created using the frames saved in this manner

Save single Level as Frames
Converts a single level into 3D Gugle Frames.
Each frame contains only one level. The sequence begins by drawing the first level and continues to the selected level.
In the example below the GIF file is created using the frames saved in this manner.

Save Levels as Layers and Save single Level as Layers
Use the same method of "Save Levels as Frames" and "Save Single Level as Frames". The difference is that the levels are converted to Layers.
See also the example concerning saving the screen in this page.

The button showing the text "Polygon" lets you change the mode of drawing.
If pressed the button text changes to "Curves".
Pressing the same button again restores the previous mode.

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Pressing "Run analysis" starts a window for the analysis of quality levels.

In the same window you can also see a preview of conversion as anaglyph or stereo pair or pseudo-stereogram of a DepthMap and other preview.

The window contains a lot of features and display options which are explained in detail in the examples concerning:
creation of Depth Maps ,
Level verification
or in the special section "the window of analysis".

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Menu File

Load original Image
Load from a file a new image in the window.
On startup the window automatically loads the image used to work with levels.
Happens, however, when creating a depth-map or making a layer you use an image that even though it has with the same pixel size, it is different from the original.

The image used with the levels typically is different from the original.
The work image normally has had graphic treatment in order to maximize the visibility of its details. In fact, the greater the visibility, the more the work of fitting curves of the levels is facilitated.

Save Screen as Image
Saves an exact copy of the screen that is visible in the "Analysis" window.

This feature allows you to save a real Depth Map or a Layer Depth Map.

Random Dots
Generate a new image with dots in B/W arranged randomly. The size is the same of the previous image.
This feature is useful when creating a stereogram

Note
Since the points are randomly distributed, each image is different from the previous one. Click many times on the menu "Random Dots" to search for the best result.

The figure below is an example produced by "Random Dots". The hidden text is visible with red-cyan glasses.

In the picture that follows, the hidden text is visible using a Free-eye method or a stereoscope.

Jitter BW, Jitter Colours
Generates a new image consisting of random "B/W" or "Coloured" points but with a distribution resulting from the previous image’s luminance.
This feature is useful when you want to use ordinary images as texture or background to create stereograms.
The transformation is not reversible. To get back the original image use the "Load Original Image" or "Paste Original Image".

In the figure below are the original image and the B/W point distribution.
Look with red-cyan glasses.

In the figure below are the original image and the coloured point distribution.
Look with red-cyan glasses.

Menu Edit
Paste original Image
Load an image from the Windows clipboard. This is the same as "Load original Image".

Copy Screen
Copy the screen image into the Windows clipboard. This is the same as "Save Screen as image".
The function can be used to quickly transfer the performed work to another opened session of 3D Gugle or to other software

Menu View
Zoom....
Menus to resize the screen image.

Menu Options
Convert Depth Map to grayscale
If this menu is selected, the screen image is converted into grayscale before being converted into a Depth Map.
This feature is very important because it allows you to use a coloured image and/or coloured levels as the origin of a Depth Map.
Further information is described in "Procedur to create Depth Maps".

Depth Map Normal, Depth Map as Layer
These menus are important when using the "Fill" LAB to create multiple layers but are also very important in creating depth-maps because they allow a considerable saving of labor

If "Depth Map Normal" is active the whole image is used. In other words all that is visible on the screen will be converted into a Depth-Map.
If "Depth Map as Layer" is not selected, only the Levels and the image or a colour in the background will be converted into black in the Depth-Map. The pure Black colour (just a reminder) is the colour used as transparent by 3D Gugle.

The left image below shows the Depth Map produced by selecting "Normal" and on the right is the Depth Map with "Normal" deactivated.

Test all Levels, Test Level from 0 to selected
Normally the test relates to the group of levels starting from the first Level to the selected Level.
If you want to use all Level of your project you must select "Test all Levels".

In the image below the test used only the levels from zero to 25.

Shows DepthMap, Shows Anaglyph, Shows Stereo Pairs
These menus select the test method that you want to use.

"Shows DepthMap" shows the Depth Map or the layers.
"Shows Anaglyph" shows the conversion of the Depth Map into an anaglyph.
"Shows Stereo Pairs" shows the conversion of your Depth Map into stereo pairs.
When "Shows Stereo Pairs" is selected the menu "Swap" becomes visible. On clicking on Swap you exchange the left-right images to see in Cross-eye or Parallel-eye.

Note
The colours used in the anaglyph are the colours that are set in 3D Gugle "preference" see "Set Anaglyphs Colours".

Menu Depth (<< Depth = 0 >>)
This group of menus is visible when "Shows Anaglyph" or "Shows Stereo Pairs" is selected.
Changing the value of "Depth = x" using ">>" or "<<" you change the resultant 3D effect.
To move quickly the value of "Depth = x" click on the same menu

The recommended value is 0 (zero) for anaglyphs and parallel-eye and 10 for cross-eye.
To do a correct and definitive shift you can use the other LABs of 3D Gugle.

3D Gugle has another LAB to create Depth Maps called "Direct Depth Map", The conceptual difference between "Direct Depth Map" and the method of "Fill" is that: "Fill" is designed for stereoscopic applications; "Direct Depth Map" finds its major application for Numerical Control machines.(CNC).
The Depth Map for CNC can be precise because a difference in colours corresponds to a height. For example the gray 100 is 1 millimetre of vertical movement.
In the stereoscopic applications, especially in anaglyphs, the result is not only dependent on the number of the gray value but depends also on the image colours and others factors that will be explained below.
For example if you want to create the same 3D depth in two areas - one clear and one dark - it is indispensable that you use different values for each area, normally greater for the dark areas.
Unfortunately there is no rule that determines the numerical value depending on the colour and therefore it is absolutely necessary to test in a preview.

The project of "Fill" is conceived for stereoscopic applications and contains all tools required to work rapidly and to achieve quality results.
Although the result obtainable using "Fill" is inferior to the quality that you can obtain using the specialised LABs of "Direct Anaglyph" and "Direct Stereo Pairs", "Fill" has some useful or indispensable benefits, for example:
    1) Many popular devices such as monitor, screen, etc require a Depth Map to show 3D
    2) "Fill" can save the work performed for each level and this enables modifications or corrections.
    3) Using a Depth Map you can generate an anaglyph or a Stereo pair quickly without much additional work.

In this document will be described a procedure to create a Depth Map using the Levels of "Fill" LAB.
We suggest to download the zipped file (Hopper.zip) that contains a file "*.dpp" and the original image.
To download click here.

The method to create a Depth is the exact same method that is used in all conversion LABs of 3D Gugle,
In short, you start to work on the areas of the image that are more distant from the observer and you continue working on the closer areas.

In the case of the example that follows the standard procedure is partially in order to understand more easily the features that are specific to the LAB of "Fill".

Step 1)
Right click on the above image and in the context menu select "Copy".
Run 3D Gugle and from the menu "Edit" select "Paste"

Step 2)
Create a new folder for the project named "Hopper" and in this folder save the pasted image with the name that you prefer. We used "HopperMain.png".

Step 3)
From the menu "Selection" chose one of two possible By Points methods.
Right click on the image and in the context menu select "Fill" to run the LAB of "Fill".

Step 4)
Now the base of the Depth Map will be created.
Press the button "Polygon" to draw the required levels to cover the background of the image.
See the image below.
In this phase great precision is not required.

Step 5)
Now will create the internal levels just to obtain a Depth-Map similar to the image below.
Also in this step a great precision is not required

To create the internal Levels it is necessary to hide the existing levels so you can see the areas to work.
To hide the Levels you can use two possible methods.

Method 1 - Move hierarchy
Add a new Level using the button "Add".
Move the new Level up in the hierarchy so that you only see the area that you want to use.
You work the new Level and then, if necessary you repeat the same operation for each new Level.

Or:
Select a Level that gives you the maximum visibility then add a new Level.

Rememberer:
To select any Level first click on the image then press the key "X" and another click on the Level that you want to select.

Method 2 - Using transparent Levels
Select the last Level by pressing the right little yellow button.
Set to zero one or two Alpha scrolls in the colours selection box.
Press "Copy" then "Paste" selecting "Paste Colours to all Levels". This operation makes all Levels transparent.
Now use "Add" to add a new Level and set to 255 the Alpha scroll.

To continue, step 5
Shape the new Level then add Levels as is required to complete the selection of all graphics objects.

In the Gif below is the sequence we used.

To complete the first series of operations it is necessary to adjust the hierarchy and the transparency.

Normally in this phase you simply set the transparency to 255 then "Copy" and "Paste" selecting "Paste Colours to all Levels".

The final adjustment of the gray scale you can do when the work is completed and using the analysis window

Know more 1: Advanced techniques of "Selection"
When you enclose a graphic object for a Depth Map or for any application, it is essential to evaluate if the objects that follow in the hierarchy cover the object that is being worked.

If new levels will cover areas, it is not necessary to do a fine selection in those areas. Paying attention to this will save you a lot of work.

In the left image below you can see that, on that level, unnecessary work has been done. On the right image the red lines show this. On the new Level the blue lines cover one part of the previous Level (yellow).

Know more 2: Gradients
The use of gradients enable tasks that it is impossible to perform by hand.
In "Fill" you have two methods to draw the gradients: "Gradient" and "Linear Gradient".

In the next example only the method "Gradient" is used but the concepts are the same as for "Linear Gradient".
Using the Gradient you can fill any type of area with harmonic and gradual degree of shades.

For the creation of Depth Maps the Gradient represents a huge advantage in the resultant quality and in the execution speed.

The picture below shows the Levels immediately after their tracing.
The colour applied initially is random and has the sole purpose of easily distinguishing the levels during the process of selection.

Before applying the gradients it is essential to establish one point of reference.
The reference will be used to draw all the gradients that are connected to a given graphic object or to a scene.

Step 6)
In this step we will apply the gradients to all levels of the box that contain the scene.

The red rectangle visible in the above image will be used as the reference.

Select the method "Solid".

Click on the little black square in the coloured disc, then move the red triangle of the brightness just to have a dark gray.
The dark gray just selected will be the reference colour to fill all levels that are in logical connection.

Select now the next Level and in "Fill Method" select "Linear Gradient".

Of course in Depth Maps it is only possible to use the grayscale colours. For this reason you must select, in the two "Colour Disc", the colour "Black" or the colour "White" but then give the correct brightness.
To select a pure colour click on the little coloured square in the disc of colours.

Using the Scroll "Rot" you can change the rendering direction and by changing the brightness you determine the quantity of the 3D effect.

Now press the button "Copy" to save all parameters of the new gradient that you have just created.

Select the next Level and then paste using the mode "Paste setting".

Use now the scroll "Rot" to adapt the direction of the rendering and repeat the same operation for all connected levels.

Step 7)
Will continue colouring the other Levels.

Select the first Level to colouring and "Solid" in "Fill Method"
Select the black colour and brighten it a little more than the reference colour.

Place side by side the preview window and the window of 3D Gugle so you can see the two windows at once

Note
1) To do a test of verification the anaglyph glasses are required.
2) When "press the menu Test" is stated. it means the menu "Test" of the preview window and not the button "Test" of Levels dialogue.

From the "Options" menu of the preview window set ON these menus:
"Convert DepthMap to grayscale"
"DepthMap as Layer"
"Test all Levels"
"Show Anaglyph"

Select now in 3D Gugle the first Level of the content and press the menu "Test".

Adjust the brightness until the Level moves in a correct three-dimensional position.
Press "Test" to verify.
Select the next Level and continue......
Set the "Depth Level" at the value "2"
If you like you can save the Anaglyph using the menu "File/Save Screen as Image"

In the image below is a possible result after adjusting the red shift.
To adjust the red shift you can open the saved image in "Direct Anaglyph" LAB then using the menus "<<" or ">>".

Know more 3: Stereoscopic selection
The selection of the graphics objects executed using the methods of By Points for the common applications as art, animations, optical effect, etc. requires the drawing of a perfect perimetral contour.
For the Depth Map that is used in stereoscopic applications, the rule of selection and the required precision change and depend upon of the objects and the scene

You must always remember that, when you create a Depth-Map you do not really do a drawing but you create a data file that contains numerical information.
In the stereoscopic applications the data in the Depth-Map is used to move a specific pixel of colours horizontally.

To understand the process of conversion see the image below executed with "Direct Stereo Pairs" LAB and then retouched with "Paint" LAB.

On the left is the original image and on the right the conversion. To see in 3D it is necessary to Cross-eye view or use a stereoscope.

However in the image below you can see the result after moving the pixel using the data contained in a Depth-Map.
In black colour is the space that is free after the pixel displacement.

In the next image (left) you can see the real work executed by a Depth-Map:
The pixel of a point is recopied to another point and the distance of the horizontally displacement is determined by the numeric value contained in the Depth-Map

The main problem of a Depth-Map is the impossibility to do a complete conversion.
In other words after the pixels’ displacement an important work of reconstruction and retouch is required.
In the image below (Right) you can see the result after the graphics adjustment.

Conceptually it can be said and without contradiction that the Depth-Map cannot be used in stereoscopy, but in practice, using some warnings in the execution, you can still create nice pictures even if the result is limited in three-dimensional depth and quality.

One of the warnings is to use a special method of selection.
The method consists of enlarging in the left direction, the area of the selection just to inscribe a little part of the adjacent area.
The reason for that work is to clone directly a number of pixels to avoid the formation of a double image.

In the above image you have an example of the result after a precise selection over the contour.
In the image below is the result after having enlarged the selection in the left direction.

If you like you can download the file that contains the example just described to do a test and verification.

Download Volto.zip

1) Original image (Volto.png)
2) The Levels data of a normal selection (VoltoNorm.dpp)
3) The level data using a special selection (VoltoLarge.dpp)
Instructions:
    Open in 3D Gugle Volto.png
    Open VoltoNorm.dpp from the menu "Selection" "Load Fill Data"
To see the preview in a stereo pairs
    Press the button "Run analysis"
    From the menu "Options" of the preview window set ON:
        "Convert DepthMap to grayscale"
        "DepthMap as Layer"
        "Test all Levels"
        "Shows Stereo Pairs"
    Move the value of the menu "Depth" to "+ 10"

Now load "VoltoLarge.dpp" from the menu "File" "LOAD data Levels" in the dialogue of Fill LAB to see the differences.
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Know more 4: transparencies
In many cases the transparency can help to obtain a good conversion in a speedy way.

When a transparency is used as in the image below it is considered as a shadow of a Depth-Map and this can contribute to the creation of 3D.
The transparency is used especially when the image contains many little details that require much selection work.

In the example below the anaglyph is generated using only a transparency and one Level of selection,

When the transparency is used it is necessary that the selection is precise and doesn’t pass the perimeter of the graphic objects.
The result of the transparency you can only evaluate using the analysis window.

Step 9)
This final step will improve the result by adjusting the design of the Levels and modifying the brightness so as to get the correct and the maximum coherence in the 3D depth.

To do this operation it is necessary to start the analysis window. To open the window use the button "Run analysis".

The design of the Levels will be improved for two purposes: the first, if necessary, is to enlarge in the left direction, information here, the second is to adjust the precision of the selection.

To know the principle and the method to enlarge the Levels please click here.

To improve the precision of the selection and to adjust the brightness read this procedure

Procedure
To download the data Levels and the original image click here.

Download Hopper.zip

To do a test of verification:
    Open in 3D Gugle Hopper.png
    Load Hopper.dpp from the menu "Selection" "Load Fill Data"

    Press the button "Run analysis"
    From the menu "Options" in the preview window set On these menus:
        "Convert DepthMap to grayscale"
        "DepthMap normal"
        "Test Levels from 0 to selected"
        "Shows Depth Map"

To select a Level to modify press the key "X".

The Levels that have errors of selection you can easily see by looking at the contours. If you see a free space this is an error that requires a correction.
The following image shows before and after the corrections.

This example is not described but you have a file to do a modification or test.

To download DepthMap.zip

The zip contains:
    1) DepthImag.jpg (Original image)
    2) DepthMap.dpp (The file with the data of the Levels)
    3) DepthMap.jpg (The Depth Map)
    4) DeptMapResultANA.jpg (The anaglyph)
    5) DeptMapResultStereo.jpg (The stereo pairs cross-eye)

Procedures:

To modify the Levels:
    Open in 3D Gugle DepthImag.jpg
    Load DepthMap.dpp using the menu "Selection" "Load Fill Data"

To see the anaglyph in preview and to save as image.
    Press the button "Run analysis"
    In the menu "Options" of the window preview set ON these menus
        "Convert DepthMap to grayscale"
        "DepthMap as Layer"
        "Test all Levels"
        "Shows Anaglyph"

    To save the anaglyph from the menu "File" of the preview window select "Save Screen as Image"

To see or save the Depth-Map
     In the menu "Options" of the preview window set ON these menus
        "Convert DepthMap to grayscale"
        "DepthMap as Layer"
        "Test all Levels"
        "Shows Depth Map"
    To save the Depth-Map from the menu "File" of the preview window select "Save Screen as Image" and use the format "*.gna" or "*.bmp".
    To use a Depth Map in 3D Gugle start "Direct Anaglyph" LAB.

To see or save the stereo pairs in Side-By-Side.
     In the menu "Options" of the preview window set ON these menus
        "Convert DepthMap to grayscale"
        "DepthMap as Layer"
        "Test all Levels"
        "Shows Stereo Pairs"

To change between cross-eye and parallel-eye click on the menu "Swap"

To save the stereo pairs from the menu "File" of the preview window select "Save Screen as Image".

This example was not described but you have a file to do a modification or test.
To download: Lippi.Zip

The zip contain this files:
    1) Lippi.jpg (Original image)
    2) Lippi.dpp (Data Levels)
    3) LippiDeptMap.jpg (Depth Map)
    4) LippiAna.jpg (Anaglyph)
    5) LippStereo.jpg (Stereo pairs cross-eye)

Procedures:

To see or to modify the Levels:
    Open in 3D Gugle Lippi.jpg
    Load Lippi.dpp from the menu "Selection" "Load Fill Data"

To see or to save the anaglyph.
    Press the button "Run analysis"
    In the menu "Options" of the window preview set ON these menus

        "Convert DepthMap to grayscale"
        "DepthMap as Layer"
        "Test all Levels"
        "Shows Anaglyph"

    To save the anaglyph from the menu "File" of the window preview select "Save Screen as Image"

To see or to save the Depth Map
In the menu "Options" of the window preview set ON these menus

        "Convert DepthMap to grayscale"
        "DepthMap as Layer"
        "Test all Levels"
        "Shows Depth Map"

    To save the Depth-Map from the menu "File" of the window preview select "Save Screen as Image" and use the format "*.gna" or "*.bmp".
    To use a Depth Map in 3D Gugle start "Direct Anaglyph" LAB.

To see or to save the stereo pairs Side-By-Side
In the menu "Options" of the window preview set ON these menus

        "Convert DepthMap to grayscale"
        "DepthMap as Layer"
        "Test all Levels"
        "Shows Stereo Pairs"

To change between cross-eye and parallel-eye click on the menu "Swap"

To save the stereo pairs from the menu "File" of the window preview select "Save Screen as Image".

Lippi Stereo Pairs Cross-Eye.
The used Depth value is 6 (menu << Depth = 6 >>)
The frame is added by "Frame Shop" LAB in mode "Stereo".

How to draw directly in stereo

"Fill" is not specifically designed to draw directly into stereo, but due to the flexibility of this laboratory, it is possible in many cases to create simple drawings.

Before describing the procedure, remember, to view in 3D from a stereo pair, it is necessary to use a Free-Eye method or a stereoscope.

With "Fill" you can use three methods to create a 3D
    1) move the objects in the horizontal direction
    2) deforming objects (Mode "I")
    3) rendering by gradients

The image below, visible in Cross-Eye, shows the three ways to create 3D using "Fill".
Top shows the "horizontal displacement", the middle "deformation", the bottom "gradients".

Procedure
To draw a stereo image, there are three main steps to be performed.
   1) Create the background
   2) Draw the scene
   3) Create the stereo pair.

The "Background" is the bedrock on which we operate. It usually consists of two blocks separated by a border (frame).
The background helps us to draw because it is a reference size, but it also serves to give more comfortable stereoscopic viewing during the work.
This step is mandatory but temporary because when the job is completed, the background will be replaced by another image or a frame or cropped out according to convenience

The "Draw of the scene" is a work of standard art-drawing that is the base that will be transformed into a stereoscopic image.

The "Stereo pair" is the same art-drawing that first has been cloned and then manipulated to obtain a 3D effect.

Step 1)
In this step the "background" with a dimension of 800 x 600 pixels and coloured in black will be created.

Create a folder to save the files. In our example the name is "Maradona".

From the menu File of 3D Gugle select "New Canvas", insert the size and the colour then press "OK".
Click on the image with the right button and select "Selection BOX".
Draw the Box with this position and size (X=40, Y=25, LX=328, LY=550).
The information about the Box is visible on the main bar of 3D Gugle.

Right click on the image and select in the context menu "Fill".
In the "Fill" dialogue from the disc of the colours select a clear blue tint then press "Apply".
Click first on the image and move the Box using the key "right arrow" into this position (X=425, Y=25, LX=328, LY=550).
In the "Fill" dialogue press "Apply" then "Exit".

The basic rule to observe in the creation of the Stereo frame is simple: the size of "B" is the double of "A"; the rest is free.

Before continuing, save the background in the Folder "Maradona" in the format"*.bmp" or "*.gna".

Step 2
Now draw your artistic image. Draw in the left Box if you prefer the "Cross-eye" or in the right Box to see in "Parallel-eye".

In the image below is our drawing.

To draw, open the "background" in 3D Gugle, then from the menu "Selection" select one of the "By Points" methods.
Click on the image with the right mouse button then select "Fill" to run the LAB.

Draw your image using the required Levels and when completed save your work using "File/SAVE Data Levels".

Step 3)
In this step you create the second image to obtain a stereo pair.

Note
"Fill" has two functions that can be useful to work speedily and precisely.

1) The key "Z" ((capital Z) hides/reveals the little squares of each point. This is to see the stereo in comfortable mode.

2) The key "S" blocks the vertical movement and this prevents errors during the translation or during the deformation of the Levels

Open in 3D Gugle the image of "background", then from the menu "Selection\Load Fill data" load the file of the Levels data.

Select the first Level using the little yellow button to the left of the "Arrows buttons".
Press the button "Add" to clone the selected Level.
Press the key "S" to block the vertical movements.

Drag with the mouse and move the cloned Level into the right Box of the "background".
Modify the position of the Points just to obtain the desired 3D effect.
Press the key "Z" to easily visualize in stereo, then "Z" again to get back the Points.

The image below shows our performed job on the first Level.

Now select the next Level and clone it using the button "Add", drag and move into the right Box then add the preferred 3D, .... continue and repeat the same operations to work all Levels.

Note
It can be a good idea to use the button "Copy".
After the horizontal displacement of the cloned Level, if you press "Copy", in case of error you can get back the original Level simply by using the button "Paste/Level".

Step 4)
To complete the work in Fill LAB save the stereo pairs using the menu "File\Save Screen as Image", if possible with the format "*.gna" or "*.bmp" and save also the Levels with "File\SAVE Data Levels".

Now press the button "OK" to close the "Fill" dialogue.

From the menu "File" of 3D Gugle select "Open Stereo Pairs", then load the screen as "Side-By-Side" and press "Go Stereo Pairs" to adjust the stereo window and to cut out the areas that are not necessary.

If you like you can add a Stereo frame "Frame Shop" LAB.

Here is our result.

To download the zip file that contains the Levels and the image click here: Download Maradona.zip

To do a test:
    Load in 3D Gugle "Fill_MaradonaBase.png"
    Load Maradona.dpp from the menu "Selection\Load Fill Data"

To select a Level to modify, we suggest using the key "X".

An alternative method
If the image is big or height precision is required we suggest using the synchronized window.
The synchronized window allows the use of many functions of visualisation and enables precise work.

Procedure
The settings below are for a Cross-eye visualisation. To change simply reverse the position of the two windows.

Step 1)
Execute the steps 1 and 2 as already described in the previous procedure.

Step 2)
Open in 3D Gugle the background image.

From the menu "View" select "Synchro Window".
From the menu "File" of the "Synchro Window" load the art image.

From the menu "Selection\Load Fill data" to load the Levels and to automatically run the LAB of "Fill".
Align the two windows using the menu "Window" of the same "Synchro Window".

Continue with the steps 3 and 4 as already described in the previous procedure.

Creating Stereograms

The term "Stereogram" is loosely used to identify a class of stereoscopic images that contain hidden text or figure.
The term "Stereogram" originally simply meant "Stereo pairs" but considering the evolution of this word, in our text, albeit reluctantly, we will use it.

With 3D Gugle it is possible to create any type of stereogram but in the next example we will describe one new and unusual stereogram: The "Anaglyph-gram".

Other information about the special stereograms is in "Multi-cross" which uses a method invented by the same author of 3D Gugle.

Procedure:
1) Creating a text to hide in the Stereogram.
    a) From the menu File select New Canvas and set this size in pixels "500 x 600" then press "OK".
    b) From the menu "Image\Special Functions" select Write then set your text and style then press "OK".
        You may want to use a light gray rather than white.
        To get the gray colour click in the side of the colour disc.

c) Save the image in "*.bmp" or "*.gna" format.

2) Run "Fill" LAB from the menu "Selection" and select one of "By Points" methods.
3) If required adds new shapes created by the Levels.
4) Run the window of analysis by pressing the button "Run analysis".
In the menu Options of the window analysis select "DepthMap normal".
5) To save the anaglyph from the menu "File" of the window analysis, select "Save Screen as Image".

In the image below is the result.

Note
When the random points is used and also other methods to hide texts or images, it is a good idea to use the details of the image with a correct size.
In other word if the hidden image is too small, your image will not appear clear and with the required details.

TOP

Creating a stereo frame

With "Fill" it is extremely easy to create an ordinary Frame, or a Stereo Frame - traditional or deformed.

In the next example a method to create a deformed Stereo frame will be described.

Procedure:
1) Load in 3D Gugle a stereo pairs in Side-by-Side.
2) Run "Fill" LAB from the menu "Selection", selecting one By Points.
3) Draw the frame on one of the two sides of your stereo pair.
4) Clone the Level with the button "Add".
5) Block the vertical movement by activating the mode Stereo (key "S").
6) Drag the cloned Level and move it to the other side of your stereo pair.
7) Watching in Free-Eye or with a stereoscope move the single point just to create the desired 3D.
If the image is big you can resize using the menu "Zoom" in the same dialogue of "Fill" or you can use a "Synchro Window". See "Alternative method".
To improve the visualisation you can hide the squares of the points using the key "Z".

The image below is an example of a stereo frame deformed.

Estract multiple Layer

"Fill" is an alternative method of "Direct Layer" LAB.
"Direct Layer" prevents unnecessary work and for this it is ideal for working with complex shapes or when many shapes intersect each other.
"Fill" has the advantage of immediate correction and verification without the procedures imposed by “Direct Layer” and is therefore suitable for medium complexity projects or those requiring maximum execution speed. In the next example will be described a method to convert an image into 3D stereo pairs and at the same time you have also a description of a method to extract multiple Layers from a single image.

To see the example you can download a zip file that contains the image and the Layers. To download click here.

In summary the example is divisible into two separate operations that are:

First part
    1) Prepare graphically the image for extracting the Layers and to do the Black normalisation
    2) Circumscribe by the Levels created in "Fill" the Layers to extract.
    3) Save from "Fill" the Layers as Frames sequence.
Second part
    4) Load in "Layers Assembly" the Layers-Frames saved by "Fill" and arrange in the correct position.
    5) Whit "Paint" LAB retouch and clone the areas as is necessary.
    6) Now with "Direct Stereo" LAB, convert into 3D each Layer.
    7) Complete your work by cleaning and if you like by adding a stereo frame. See adding a frame.

Here is the original image

Complete procedure:

Step 1
1) Create a folder to save Layers and image
2) Open in 3D Gugle the image to extract the Layers (GoyaImg.jpg)
3) Normalise the image to prepare for the Layers extractions.
    To normalise from the menu "2D to 3D" select "Image Layers Preparation".
    Save the normalised image in "*.bmp" or "*.gna" format.
4) Run "Fill" LAB to extract the Levels.
    To run "Fill" LAB use the menu "Selection" and select one of the "By Points" methods or load the file "GoyaLevels.dpp" with "Load Fill Data".
    The sequence of extraction begins with the most distant objects in the image and continues until finished with the nearest objects.
    The method of extraction is the same used in all LABs of conversion of 3D Gugle. See also "Direct Layer" LAB
    Remember that, if new levels will cover areas, it is not necessary to select in those areas.
    Paying attention to this will save you a lot of work, see also here.
    When working on Layers extractions it is vital not to use the colours of fill. To exclude the colours of fill set to zero the scroll Alpha in the disc of colours.
    Before starting the work of extraction, we suggest reading "How to best use the By Points"

Step 2
1) Save the Layers using the menu File of "Fill" "Save single Level as Layers" and close "Fill" LAB.
2) Open in 3D Gugle the original image but normalised (probably GoyaImg.gna)
3) From the menu "2D to 3D" click on "Layers Assembly" to run the LAB to manage the Layers.
4) From the File menu of "Layers Assembly" load the Layers-Frames saved in "Fill" LAB.

Step 3
In this step the Layers will be organized to create a stereoscopic effect.

1) From the menu "Window" of "Layer Assembly" open the "Synchro Window".
2) Align the windows using the menu that is in the Synchronised Window "Window/Tiled Main Right" for a preview Cross-eye or "Tiled Main Left" for a Parallel-eye.
3) Click in the list of Layers on the first Layer "Frame0000000" to select it.
4) Move the scroll-bar "X" to place the selected Layer in a correct position.

5) Select now the second Layer and with the scroll-bar move it in the correct stereo position and then repeat the same operations to the Layer "Frame0000018".
The Layer "Frame0000018" requires two operations: one is the horizontal displacement and the second is the stereo deformation.
To run the section to deform the Layer press the yellow button "Transform".
For other information on the stereo deformation click here.

The image below shows the result after the deformation of the Layer "Frame0000018" (cross-eye)

6) Continue with the placement of the next Layers and repeat the same operations to complete all Layers.
Save in "*.bmp" o "*.gna" format from the menu "File\Save visible frame".

Note
The zip file contains also the data of Layers position "GoyaLayersData.frd".
To load this data from the File menu select "Load frames data".
The data does not contain information about the deformation of the Layers. For this you must adjust manually the Layer "Frame0000018".
In the following animation you can see the sequence of Layers extraction executed in "Fill" LAB.

Step 4
In this Step the image will be rebuilt in the areas as is required.

1) Run the "Paint" LAB, menu "Image/Special Functions".
2) From the menu "View" of 3D Gugle open the "Synchro Window":
    From the menu File of the "Synchro Window" load the original image.
    Align the windows by the menu View of the "Synchro Window".
    The "Synchro Window" enables immediate verification of the quality of the retouch-reconstruction executed.
3) Erase, retouch, rebuilt is easy and speedy in "Paint" LAB.
    To work in "Paint" we suggest to zoom 200% the image, and set the "Intensity" to the value 7.
    To correct, click on the area and keeping the left mouse button pressed, drag in the required point.
    Remember that with the left mouse button you work, with the right button, you restore at original image.
4) Save the completed image in "*.bmp" or "*.gna" format.
Here is the image after retouching in "Paint" LAB.

Step 5
In this step you put into 3D the single details of the assembled Layers.

1) From the menu 2d To 3D of 3D Gugle select "Direct Stereo".
2) From the menu "View" of 3D Gugle open a "Synchro Window".
From the menu File of the "Synchro Window" load the original image and from the menu View align the windows.
3) Set in 3D each detail.
To know the standard method to convert in 3D please read the tutorial of "Direct Stereo" LAB.
4) On completion of the conversion you can use "Open Stereo Pair" to do a final adjustment of the Stereo window or to create a stereo pair or an anaglyph.
To add a frame you can use "Frame Shop" or one of the methods of 3D Gugle.

Here is the completed stereo image in Cross-eye.

Mode BOX

When you use the BOX in "Fill" LAB only the functions to move and resize are active. In principle the BOX when used in "Fill" is only a device to fill an area with different colours and rendering.

Information to run the BOX in "Fill" click here.
Information about the functions of the standard "BOX" click here.

In the image below you can see the aspect of the "Fill" LAB dialogue when it is running using the BOX.

Move and resize the BOX

When the "Fill" LAB is activated you can move or modify the size of the BOX with the mouse or with the keys.

With the Mouse
Move
When the cursor is inside to the rectangle the cursor changes to a crossed arrow. To move drag the rectangle to a new position.
Resize
When the cursor is on one of the rectangle sides, the cursor changes to a double headed arrow.
To resize drag the side of the rectangle.

With the keys
Move
The Arrow keys move the rectangle in the respective direction.
Resize
SHIFT + Arrow keys resize the rectangle for the side Right and the Lower side.
CONTROL + Arrow keys resize the rectangle for the Left side and the Upper side.

The BOX position and size is shown in the main Bar of 3D Gugle.

Normal use
On pressing "OK" the final colouring is applied in to the image and the "Fill" LAB is closed.

Use with extended functions
By pressing "Apply" it is possible to colour in many areas without finalizing and closing the dialogue.
"Apply" also enables the use of different colours and rendering for each coloured block.
After pressing "Apply" for the first time the button "OK" becomes invisible and by moving or resizing the BOX you can colour many different areas simply pressing "Apply".
For each time you press "Apply" the BOX will be cloned on the image.

To close the "Fill" LAB press "Exit" and then "Yes" if you want to maintain the result or "No" to restore the image before the run of "Fill".
Here an example with different blocks of colour applied in different areas using "Apply".

Examples

Creating a frame

Procedure:
1) Load in 3D Gugle the image to which to apply the frame.
2) From the File menu select "Resize Canvas" to increase the size of the image.
On pressing "OK" in the dialogue, the image will be automatically centered in the new canvas.
Press the key "Enter" or "OK" from the context menu of the mouse to apply and deselect the BOX.

3) From the menu "Selection" select "BOX".
Draw the BOX.
4) Click on the image with the right button then select "Fill" to run "Fill" LAB.
5) In the dialogue of "Fill" select "Method\Gradient".
6) Resize the BOX using the mouse or the keys to cover the complete image.

7) Make transparent the selected colour by using the scroll-bar Alpha in the disc of colours.

8) Use the scrolls "LX" and "LY" to enlarge the base of the rendering.

9) Now select the preferred colour.

10) Press "OK" to accept and close the LAB of "Fill" or to add another border or frame, press the button "Apply".
Resize the BOX.
Change colour and if required use the scrolls "LX" or "LY" and "PX" or "PY" to adjust the rendering.

11) Press "Apply" to save and continue or "Exit" then "Yes" to draw the final frame.
"ESC" to deselect the "BOX"

TOP

Adding a light beam

Procedure:
1) Load in 3D Gugle the image to which to apply the light effect.
2) From the menu "Selection" select "BOX".
Draw the BOX.
3) Click with the right button on the image then select "Fill" to run "Fill" LAB.
4) Select in the menu "Method" "Gradient".
5) Select in the disc of colour the little rectangle coloured in pure white.
6) Set to zero the scroll "Alpha" in the left disc of colours to make this colour transparent.

7) With the scrolls "PX" e "PX" move the center of the rendering into the preferred position.
8) Modify the transparency and adapt the size of the BOX to obtain the correct direction of the rays.
10) Press "Apply" to save and continue or "Exit" then "Yes" to draw the final frame.
"ESC" to deselect the "BOX"

"How to use By Points"

With the selection type "By Points" you can extract Layers from photographic images, sketches or paintings for converting 2D to 3D stereo pairs or you can extract parts of images for every type of graphic, animation and lenticular use.

The method used is unique to 3D Gugle and allows you to work with greater precision and faster than any known method.

We will now proceed with a detailed description of how to select.
With 3D Gugle the selection operation is fast and easy.

Attention: the method that will be described is not the recommended way to make high-quality selections. It is just a simple description of the main steps so that you can understand the procedure.
Graphic artists experienced in the art of 3D conversion or graphics assembly have their own methods or improvements derived from experience.