XenoDream Tutorials

Zoom and Camera

First of all, there are several controls found within XenoDream that seem to be similar in function. But in actuality, they are quite different and serve specific purposes. But before we get into these controls in detail, let us go over a few words and phrases so as to better understand the terminology.

Magnification is the process of enlarging the size of something, as an optical image. Something that has been magnified is nothing more than an enlarged representation, image, or model. It is the ratio of the size of an image to the size of an object.

Size is the physical dimensions, proportions, or extent of an object. Any of a series of graduated categories of dimension whereby articles, items, or objects are classified.

Coordinates are any of a set of two or more numbers used to determine the position, place, or location. In mathematics, these numbers are used for showing a point, line, curve, or plane in a space of a given dimension with respect to a system of lines or other fixed reference.

Zoom has a few meanings, but we are only interested in the process whereby a camera lens is moved rapidly toward or away from a subject. Or, to simulate such a movement, as by means of a zoom lens. (To move about rapidly; swoop.)

Now we may proceed to the controls found within XenoDream. And each of these are found in different areas of the program's user interface, as described below:

Q. What is the difference between the camera zoom (which magnifies the object without changing perspective according to the docs) and object size (which adjusts the overall size of the object and affects how large it appears in respect to the camera)?

A. Actually, all of these seemingly similar options are different and serve specific functions. They are, and do, pretty much what they say:

1. The "Camera Zoom" control is like using a different powered lens on a camera or telescope. The object appears to grow larger or smaller as the various adjustments are made, but in reality it is only the appearance (or what is being viewed) that is changing. The object and holon do not change at all, nor does the camera position in relation to the object, (hence the control name of "Camera Zoom").

2. The "Object Size" control is actually altering the physical size of the object. This may be tested by adjusting the value to two very different settings so as to make a big difference on what you see, and then saving both as .PGM (and hopefully soon a .OBJ) files. When these are imported into a 3-D rendering program, you will see two different sized objects (hence the control name of "Object Size").

3. The camera "Position" controls (X, Y, and Z) alter the coordinates of where the camera is positioned in relation to the object. This will affect both the 'holon window' and the object 'preview window'. It is like walking around the landscape and pointing the camera's view at different areas.

4. The "Zoom" control alters the closeness of the holon/s within the 'holon window', and this has no effect on the object or the camera. It merely for being able to see all of the holons that may not be within the 'holon window'.

Q. Like - what's the difference between magnification and object size? Is it that changing object size changes perspective? And although the docs say that the camera zoom does not change perspective, it also says that moving the camera very close (adjusting z-pos) and then zooming will change the perspective.

A. Anytime yourself, a camera, or any viewing apparatus is moved in relation to the object or scene being viewed, then the perspective will change (whether it appears to do so or not). Perspective is nothing more than the technique of representing three-dimensional objects and depth relationships on a two-dimensional surface. It is the appearance of objects in depth as perceived by normal binocular vision.

Q. I get very confused because I can't seem to translate what's happening into 'brain pictures'. Why is this?

A. I believe the term is known as "space relations", something that is tested for in standardized aptitude tests, usually represented by developmental views of an object.

This page is still being refined off site. Please return later as updates are made available to this XenoDream Tutorial.

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