1.) New implementation of graphics classes

In version 0.7 all previous graphics classes from the TagTool.GraphicTypes namespace are completely discarded and substituted by the updated classes of the TagTool.Graphics namespace.

The object design for graphics changed significantly to provide better flexibility when constructing, compositing and modifying shapes.

Now the construction of lines is done via an abstract Pen class, whose implementations create a specific visual style for the lines.

It is possible to create a pipe of animations to apply a sequence of transformations or morphings on a shape.

LinearTransformation now uses quaternions to express orientations.

Pens:
The “ExactPen” creates linestrokes with rounded caps.
The “KochPen” creates lines constructed of Koch curves.
With “StandardPen” the old style linestroke is available.
“SingleLine” is simply a strip of one pixel wide lines.

Line Strokes are now built using Vertex Buffer Objects.

2.) Core changes

A general performance gain has been achieved by simplifying the handling of value-update events.

3.) Device nodes

Most device nodes got an additional input for selecting a specific device of that type.

The Joystick node is now able to make use of the digital “cross” buttons of a gamepad.

4.) Graphics nodes

Color- and Vertex generator nodes have moved to the new “Graphics” category.

The ScreenShot node now calculates the correct picture aspect ratio.

The screenshots are automatically saved out to the last attached removable device (typically a USB stick).

The following new nodes are available in this category:

• BounceEffect - Creates a parameterizeable bounce effect for a given shape.
• LayeringSelector - A node to select one of a CompositeShape´s members. Capability to change the order of the given CompositeShape.
• LinearMovement - Applies a LinearMovement (translation, rotation, etc.) on a given shape.
• LinearTransformation - sets position, rotation etc of a given shape.
• LineStripBuilder - Used to create linestrokes using a specific pen algorithm.
• MorphingSelector - A selector which applies a morphing effect on a given shape.
• MoveBox - A node to calculate a movement box (shapes jump to the adjacent side of the box if passing a border - so the shapes are moving on a torus-shaped world) depending on a given screen resolution.
• PenSelect - A node to create different pen styles.
• Polygon - This node creates a regular n-sided polygon with a radius of one.
• Star - Creates an n- sided star.
• Pivot: Sets the rotation center of a given shape.
• ResolutionAdaptor: Calculates correction factors for different device / screen aspect ratios.
• ShapeCompositor: Manages a CompositeShape (adds each incoming shape to the composite); makes it possible to create hierarchical constructions.
• SineMorph: Applies a morphing- effect to a given shape.
• Transformer: Applies an arbitrary animaton on a shape.

5.) Math nodes

The Shangri La FormulaExplorer project has been added to Nodekit which enables it to make use of a general math node which takes mathematical expressions in FormulaExplorer syntax.
The library is e.g. able to derive mathematical formulas and calculate local maxima and minima of curves.

6.) Misc nodes

The Counter node got a third working mode which enables it to loop over the given range immediatly passing each intermediate value to the output. This can be used to emulate a for-loop e.g. to create curves in one step.

The following new nodes are available in the “Misc”- category:

• Multiplexer: Every value which comes from one of the four inputs is sent to the only output.
• ShiftRegister: Implements a shift register with eight registers.
• InputSelect: Exposes four inputs with arbitrary inputs and another input to select one of the inputs as output.
• Disposer: Frees incoming objects explicitly by calling their Dispose method.

7.) GUI

Since version 0.6 the Nodekit´s visual appearence has been enhanced.

The connection lines of nodes are Bezier curves which can be selected by clicking.

Multiple selection of nodes is possible and the selection can be moved over the working area.

A selection can be deleted by pressing the “Delete” key.

Marquee select is possible.