CompuServe Thread

#FLC: Transparent Bkgrnd

12 messages in this thread
#134379From: Bob WeberNov 8, 1994 1:51 PM
I'm very new at animations and have created several simple ones using Animator Pro. I am running the animation through VB using the VBPLAY.VBX control. The Challenge: To make desired portions of the animation background transparent so that the bitmap underneath can be see while the animation is running. Any pointers in the right direction would be appreciated. Thanks. Bob Weber
#134423From: Brian Rudolph [Adesk]Nov 8, 1994 4:21 PM
<<To make desired portions of the animation background transparent so that the bitmap underneath can be see while the animation is running.>> Sorry to dissapoint, but the .DLL and FLIC format do not support transapency. If this is absolutely required, you will have to convert your FLIC to another format that does support this. I believe AVI will, for example.
#134563From: Don LandisNov 9, 1994 3:39 AM
For Flic use using a VGA overlay card like the Magni Producer you can select the black 0,0,0 first color chip for transparency. Also, I believe you could use RGB in the Que alpha to make the background transparent. Haven't done this but I think it should work when VP rendering in 3DS.
#134645From: Brian Rudolph [Adesk]Nov 9, 1994 11:10 AM
<<For Flic use using a VGA overlay card like the Magni Producer you can select the black 0,0,0 first color chip for transparency.>> I don't believe he is talking about transarency like a video key during output, but transparency being programmed into an application. I don't think the Producer can do that. that would require software programming tools and libraries. <<Also, I believe you could use RGB in the Que alpha to make the background transparent. Haven't done this but I think it should work when VP rendering in 3DS.>> Same problem, wrong type of transparency. -Brian
#134592From: Bob WeberNov 9, 1994 8:41 AM
Brian. Thanks for the bad news. If you hear of anything, please drop me a note. Bob
#135127From: Randale SechrestNov 11, 1994 7:54 AM
Brian, I am a registered owner of the VB VBX toolkit for windows. I just started a project and realized I have lost my manual for using the VBX(that photocopied 30 or so page manual) I have the C+ manual but it doesn't have what I need. Is there any way to get another copy of the manual for VB?
#135274From: Brian Rudolph [Adesk]Nov 11, 1994 2:38 PM
Customer Service provides replacement manuals for the programs like AutoCAD and 3D Studio. They might be able to do something for you. Their number is 707-794-1450. Other than that, if you need me to look something specific up for you, I'd be happy to. -Brian
#135606From: Randale SechrestNov 13, 1994 8:52 AM
Brian, Thanks, but I've turned over the programming duties in Windows to my new programmer and he really needs a manual to refer to, since he is somewhat green at this sort of thing (being formerly a Mac accolyte). One specific question I do have, he is having trouble dealing with the z order of an animation control. We need to run an animation to the last frame, stop at the last frame, and then overlay text onto the area occupied by the animation control. Can this be done? With a VB label control? Randale Sechrest
#136094From: Brian Rudolph [Adesk]Nov 15, 1994 2:13 AM
<<We need to run an animation to the last frame, stop at the last frame, and then overlay text onto the area occupied by the animation control. Can this be done? With a VB label control?>> Well there is a .VBX here in the Library (VBXFIX.ZIP) which gives you everything in a custom control except the text overlay part. And that can be done with just regular VB commands. So it can be done, You need to get ahold of the Aniamtion Support Libraries Dev. Kit. Call 800-964-6432. It has a VB programmers reference manual. The whole kit costs about $25. -Brian
#136287From: Randale SechrestNov 15, 1994 6:49 PM
I already have the developers kit. I've just lost the VB manual. I was hoping I could get a replacement. Unfortunately, the VB custom control will not allow one to overlay text on an animation frame as far as I can tell. I was hoping you could tell me different.
#136310From: Brian Rudolph [Adesk]Nov 15, 1994 8:57 PM
<< Unfortunately, the VB custom control will not allow one to overlay text on an animation frame as far as I can tell. I was hoping you could tell me different.>> If you are laying down text as a type of control, I would think you would be able to lay it in the same location on your form, and then give it focus to bring it forward when you need it. I don't know for sure though, and I am at COMDEX, so I can't test it out for you. My advice is to experiment with it a little more, and if you haven't figured it out by the end of the week, drop me another line and I will play with it next week when I am back in the office.
#136546From: Randale SechrestNov 16, 1994 7:06 PM
Thanks, I have played with it from the aspect of trying to change the z order, but not the focus angle. I'll give it a try. Randale