An image of the
diamond is displayed in the left part
of DiamCalc main window. Depending on
purpose, various types of the model image
can be used:
- Draft mode:
This mode shows
the diamond as a three-dimensional framework.
Visible and invisible edges are seen as
solid and dashed lines, respectively.
Facets are now drawn, color and illumination
is not taken into account. This option
is useful for the visual determination
of proportions. This mode is the default
one.
To select Draft
mode when another model type is currently
chosen, use Draft command from "Options"-"Model
type" menu.
- Draft modes
with reflection:
These modes are
similar to the previous option, but they
also show which edges and facets would
be seen through the diamond surface with
regard to edge refraction and reflection.
There are two modes in this category:
"Draft + reflection" and "Draft + double
reflection". The difference between them
is that they take into account one or
two reflections of the light, respectively.
To set one of draft
modes with reflection and refraction,
select "Draft + reflection"
or "Draft + double reflection"
commands from "Options"-"Model
type" menu.
- Photoreal
mode:
This mode simulates
the real diamond under certain lighting
conditions and considering the particular
properties of a diamond specimen. Sometimes,
a photoreal image is very similar to the
photograph of the real diamond. From this
image, one can judge about the appearance
of the polished diamond and select unknown
parameters by comparison of the real diamond
to the computer model.
To select Draft
mode, use Draft command from "Options"-"Model
type" menu.
- Stereo mode
(not shown here because it requires
special glasses).
Three-dimensional
image of a diamond can be seen by using
two color filters, red and blue. This
mode not only provides the stereo effect
but also makes visible reflections on
facets - fire of diamond, which is not
visible on photographs and ordinary computer
pictures.
Note. All
models except Draft require significant
calculating power, so images can be slow
to redraw on less powerful computer systems.
At least Pentium II, Celeron or comparable
processor is recommended. All types of
models can be seen on a slower system
as well, but you may experience a significant
delay when the image is redrawn. In these
cases, it is recommended to set Draft
model type, change all parameters you
want to modify, rotate the diamond to
the position that you want to inspect,
and set a view mode other than Draft only
then. With this method, only one slow
redrawing is required and you avoid delays
after each change of diamond parameters
and position.
Note. A
pair of stereo glasses (one with red and
blue filters) is required to view Stereo
model. Without such glasses, the image
in Stereo mode cannot be seen meaningfully.