Thanks David,

InkScape converted the image into a grey scale for me but the problem was that I could not do the rest of the process which was  Path to openscade.  When I went to the right drop down box the "Path to openscad" was not there to send the image to.

----- Original Message -----

From: David Eccles (gringer)mailto:bioinformatics@gringene.org

To: discuss@lists.openscad.orgmailto:discuss@lists.openscad.org

Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2016 2:51 AM

Subject: Re: [OpenSCAD] converting svg files from Inkscape to scad files tostl files

Another option is to save the files as a small png image, then use ImageJ
to convert the image to a text image (File->Save As->Text Image). This will
convert greyscale values into numbers, which can be read in by openscad as a
height map. Things are improved by converting to greyscale (8-bit colour)
first, then applying a gaussian blur, but the example image you've provided
doesn't really work in its current form as a height/bump map:

http://forum.openscad.org/file/n16095/4EE5_bumpmap.png

I've had more success in doing this from light-field microscope images,
although it still takes a bit of work to get things working properly:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:897505

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Neon,

Thank you again.  I will be printing in only one color because 3D printers do not yet do the "inkjet' thing.  So only one color is fine.  Besides if one is blind what is the point of color especially if one has a good friend and the actual painting to describe?

I will be working on your solutions.

Adam

----- Original Message -----

From: Neon22mailto:mschafer@wireframe.biz

To: discuss@lists.openscad.orgmailto:discuss@lists.openscad.org

Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2016 11:39 PM

Subject: Re: [OpenSCAD] converting svg files from Inkscape to scad filestostl files

ok thanks for the detail. A couple of things first.

1. Regrettably changing a raster file to a vector file cannot be done by
   just changing the file extension. That would be like changing a car to an
   airplane by swapping the gas caps over. While they are both forms of
   transport, they do different things. So there is no way it'll ever be that
   simple. Sorry.

2. Your image is going to need to be in several layers. One for each of the
   contour colors you can see in your image. Maybe 8 or more. Oh yes - as you
   can see (way below), the image needs a bit of editing and tidying at the
   borders before you begin to get a good result and no cruft at the edges.

So things to try:

1. You really should look at lithopanes. The author solved an interesting
   problem and its worth considering if you can use it for what you want.
   The live customiser online version cannot use really big files. But if you
   download the scad then you can use much bigger images.
   Try it:

   • http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:74322
   • http://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=lithopane&sa=

2. I'm sorry for your troubles with Inkscape.
   You need 0.91. You also need to download the extension (which what inkscape
   calls plugins) and put it in the right directory. If you're on windows
   that's %APPDATA% then go looking for the inkscape/extensions folder.

• you really should use the zip file from here:
  http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1065500/#files
• unpack it into that extensions folder
  • http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:25036
  • if you unpack it then it should appear on that specific menu - when
    you restart inkscape.

The instructable you reference is making a simple black and white one-layer
shape. Your image looks like its maybe > 8 layers.
When you split your image into 8 layers - using the Trace_Bitmap tool -
you'll need to have these settings:

• choose colors,
• 8 layers (or however many you need)
• stack scans off
• remove_background off (but you can play with this and the previous
  option)
• smooth on (optional)
  http://forum.openscad.org/file/n16093/bitmap_001315.png
  Then export using the extension (must be v8). force line output must be off.
  Then open in openscad and be disappointed to see a low cube....

But wait....
at the end of the file will be 8 (or whatever you chose) poly_path
statements.
You can toggle visibiility of these on and off using the // comment operator
to check each shape is there.

Anyway - if you translate each one away from the next one (by whatever
height you choose) then you'll end up with a stacked scan like this:
http://forum.openscad.org/file/n16093/profile_001316.png

• now they won't come in in the exact order you need. You'll have to swap
  them round until they are in correct height order.

The following numbers won't match yours at all but see what I'm doing with
the translates in Z... ?
// The shapes
poly_path4313(height, width);
translate([0,0,-height])
poly_path4319(height, width);
translate([0,0,-height2])
poly_path4311(height, width);
translate([0,0,-height3])
poly_path4315(height, width);
translate([0,0,-height4])
poly_path4321(height, width);
translate([0,0,-height5])
poly_path4317(height, width);
translate([0,0,-height6])
poly_path4309(height, width);
translate([0,0,-height7])
poly_path4307(height, width);

Try again
Cheers...

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Hey

If not done already, you should install the Inkscape python script plugin V6
at:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:25036/#files

jpmendes

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