Select the Mask option in the Mode frame to operate in the
mask-patterning mode (see the
topic Cellider User Interface to
familiarize your self with Cellider’s interface elements). Masks are
created for the component selected in the Magsimus array components
frame
A
mask is any graphic of a pattern containing white-colored and non-white
colored areas. Cellider applies a mask to an array map by superposing
the mask image over the map and altering the states of the cells
overlapping the white areas of the mask.
Patterning
To pattern do the following (see the topic User
Interface to familiarize yourself with Cellider controls):
- Open
a mask file by pressing the Open mask file button in the Mode
frame. This opens a file-open dialog box from which a mask file can
be selected (this dialog box includes a preview box for mask files).
The loaded mask is displayed in the Mask box to the right of
the Mode frame.
- In
the Mask actions frame, select the manner of applying the
mask. Selecting the Current layer option means that the mask
will be applied to a single layer in the map area; Selecting All
layers means that the mask will be applied to all layers of the
array component.
- Press
the toggle button above the map area (labeled Click to Zoom
or Click to Pattern) once or twice, until the annotation to
the left reads “Patterning.”
- Sweep
out an area to apply a shape by using a sweeping mouse action
similar to the zooming action described below.
- Press
the Apply mask button of the Mask actions frame to
create a pattern of the loaded mask in the map area. A cell is said
to be in the off state if
its position has been deleted, otherwise it is in the on
state. When a cell is turned off, its outline is drawn in pink.
Whenever a patterning action is applied to any portion of the array
map, the on cells are turned off and the off cells are turned on.
You gain access to different regions of the array component using
the map-view controls to the right of the map area.
- Press
the Apply to Magsimus button to transfer all defined patterns
to Magsimus.
Hints. Since patterning a map region inverts the states of the
cells of the region, a newly created pattern can be reversed by
re-applying the pattern in the region. A quick way of creating an empty
shape within an object is to first select Fill in the Reset
Pattern frame and then press the All button. This turns on
all cells of the array component. Now press the Apply shape (or Apply
Mask) button to create an evacuated pattern. Conversely, to create a
solid pattern, select the Clear in the Reset Pattern frame and press the
All button; then apply the shape as before.
Zooming
You can zoom in and out of various regions of the
map in order to take a closer look and/or apply patterning. Zooming is
carried out as follows:
- Press
the toggle button above the map area (labeled Click to Zoom
or Click to Pattern) once or twice, until the annotation to
the left reads “Zooming.”
- Click
and hold down the left mouse button over one corner of the intended
zoom region. Without releasing the mouse button drag the mouse to
the intended corner opposite the first and release the mouse button.
A "rubber band" rectangle of the zoom is swept out while
dragging the mouse and this region is displayed to fill up the
extents map area upon releasing the mouse.
- To
revert back to the un-zoomed state, double-click the mouse inside
the map area box.