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Gl_modeller(gl) LYMB Gl_modeller(gl)

NAME

gl_modeller - abstract class for geometric rendering primitive classes in GL

DESCRIPTION

The gl_modeller class is an abstract class for GL rendering primitive objects (gl_points, gl_lines, gl_polygon, etc.). It provides methods for primitive initialization and rendering such as initializing surface properties.

SUPERCLASS

object

INSTANCE VARIABLES

property The name of the property object defining the appearance of the geometry.

build_time The time the primitive last received new data (via an open!).

MESSAGES

property[=?] Set/get the name of the property object.

build_time[=?] Set/get the value of build_time.

update_build_time! Set the objects build_time variable to the present time.

open! Send new data to rendering primitive. Prints warning - should be implemented by subclass.

primitive! Sends initialize! to itself and then renders geometry (through gl callobj() function).

load: A convenience message to perform an open! followed by primitive!.

initialize! Set the surface properties described by the property instance variable into the rendering system (via gl libarary calls). Any geometry rendered after this message will inherit these properties. This is always sent by the primitive method before the geometry is rendered.