Laboratory of Synapse Structure and Function
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Align series

Create contours:

• create appropriate number of points in contours since these are currently not generated automatically
• mind alignments and orientations
• include terminations (especially when long. sectioned)

Test 3D contour display with 3D->Lines if viewer available

For each object: 3D->Surface to generate object.wrl (VRML format)

Start 3D Studio and import each object's .wrl file
- take care not to move the objects unless they are grouped

Group objects for movement:

• Select objects with Edit - Select All
• under the main Group menu choose Group
• Rotate entire group to desired view in perspective window

Add materials to objects using the Material editor.
For the figures for the original filopodia study the following values were used:

• Dendrites use RGB color (232,225,212) with V=232 and shininess= 50, shin. strength=20
• Axons use RGB color (212,225,232) with V=232 and same shininess

Add lights (Note: this will kill default lighting)

• Create a front Target spot after determining desired object view
• Make sure object is fully inside cone of light
• Under main menu: Rendering - Environment set desired background color (gray) and increase light from spot using intensity value

Render Scene:

• Select a file for output in the Render dialog to save the result
• Do not remap or resample pixels when manipulating the rendered image as this will ruin the anti-aliasing of the edges

Last Updated: 12/21/99