New options for controlling visuals and other DirectX rendering improvements

Tekla Structures
2018
Tekla Structures

New options for controlling visuals and other DirectX rendering improvements

Since Tekla Structures 2016, you have been able to use a DirectX rendering engine alongside the default OpenGL-based rendering engine. In Tekla Structures 2018, the DirectX rendering has been improved. Tekla Structures 2018 now uses the DirectX 11 in the DirectX rendering engine.

You can switch the DirectX rendering on or off in File > Settings > Switches. The rendering setting is view specific, meaning that you can use the DirectX rendering or the OpenGL rendering in different views. If you switch between the rendering, you need to reopen the view to activate the rendering.

Compared to the OpenGL rendering, the DirectX rendering improves the rendering quality and adds a subtle shading effect to Tekla Structures objects, making the 3D visualizations clearer and more defined. If you are using graphics cards that are optimized for the DirectX, the overall performance is also improved when the DirectX rendering is in use. DirectX graphics performance is better on the recommended NVIDIA Geforce GTX graphics cards than with graphics cards that have a lower end or no graphics processing unit (GPU).

Use the following new advanced options to fine-tune the DirectX rendering:

  • XS_SHOW_SHADOW_FOR_PERSPECTIVE_IN_DX controls whether shadows are shown in DirectX views when the perspective mode is on. Shadows are more noticeable in the perspective mode than in the orthogonal mode.

    This advanced option is set to TRUE by default.

    If you change the value, you need to reopen the view to activate the new value.

  • XS_SHOW_SHADOW_FOR_ORTHO_IN_DX controls whether shadows are shown in DirectX views when the orthogonal mode is on.

    This advanced option is set to FALSE by default.

    If you change the value, you need to reopen the view to activate the new value.

  • XS_USE_ANTI_ALIASING_IN_DX controls whether antialiasing is used in DirectX views. Antialiasing makes the edge lines smoother, but with low resolution screens it can make the lines look thicker.

    This advanced option is set to TRUE by default.

  • XS_HATCH_OVERLAPPING_FACES_IN_DX controls whether hatching is shown in DirectX views for overlapping surfaces.

    This advanced option is set to TRUE by default.

    If you change the value, you need to reopen the view to activate the new value.

Note:

If you use Tekla Structures via remote connections, the DirectX rendering may not work as expected: parts that you have created may not show in the model, or the model is working slowly. If you experience such problems, switch the DirectX rendering off.

DirectX rendering examples

Visualization of distance

The visualization of the distances in DirectX uses subtle shadows and ambient occlusion. This gives a better understanding of the structure and distances.

DirectX OpenGL

Improved depth accuracy

The accuracy in depth buffer has been improved so that when the model is zoomed, parts are not shown through other parts' faces as often as previously.

DirectX OpenGL

Dynamic states

In dynamic states, such as in selection and in preselection highlight, the selection is clearer and the highlight is less intrusive.

DirectX OpenGL

Antialiasing for higher fidelity

Image quality is by default much better, with less flickering.

DirectX OpenGL

High fidelity edge line

There are no flickering zigzag lines but continuous, smooth edges.

DirectX OpenGL

Accurate reinforcing bars

Reinforcing bars have edge lines in the DirectX rendering. When you zoom in, the reinforcing bars are shown as round.

DirectX OpenGL

Automatic edge lines for intersecting material in transparent view

You can easily see where there are intersecting materials in the model.

DirectX OpenGL

Added accuracy and clarity on details

DirectX OpenGL

Automatic hatching for overlapping surfaces on same plane

You can easily detect duplicate objects or any overlapping parts without the need to run a clash check.

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