====== Export 3D Animation To Video ======

===== Overview =====

The **Export_3D_Animation_To_Video** command is used to create a video file (.avi) of the 3D animation displayed in Visual3D's viewer.
  * Unlike **Export_3D_Animation_To_Image**, which captures static snapshots, this command records a sequence of frames and compiles them into a playable animation.
  * Useful for exporting video clips for presentations or visual analysis.


===== Pipeline Command =====

The command below is as seen on the Visual3D application, it has many parameters as there are many options to manipulate this command.

<code>
Export_3D_Animation_To_Video
! /FILE_NAME=
! /VIDEO_FILE_NAME=
! /EVENT_SEQUENCE=
! /EXCLUDE_EVENTS=
! /OUTPUT_FRAME_RATE_DIVISOR=1
! /OUTPUT_WIDTH=320
! /OUTPUT_HEIGHT=240
! /AUTO_CLOSE_OUTPUT_DIALOGS=FALSE
</code>

===== Command Parameters =====

The following table shows the command parameters and descriptions:

|**Parameter**|**Description**|
|**! /FILE_NAME=**|Name of the motion file (e.g., 'Subject01.c3d'). Wildcards (e.g., '*.c3d*) can also be used.|
|**! /VIDEO_FILE_NAME=**|Full path and name of the '.avi' file to be created.|
|**! /EVENT_SEQUENCE=**|Specify an event range (e.g., LHS + LTO) to define the segment to export.|
|**! /EXCLUDE_EVENTS=**|Events that, if present, will cause sequences to be skipped.|
|**! /OUTPUT_FRAME_RATE_DIVISOR = 1**|A divisor applied to the original frame rate. For example, '2' means every second frame is kept.|
|**! /OUTPUT_WIDTH=320**|Width (in pixels) of the output video. Must match a supported resolution.|
|**! /OUTPUT_HEIGHT=240**|Height (in pixels) of the output video. Must match the supported resolution.|
|**! /AUTO_CLOSE_OUTPUT_DIALOGS=FALSE**|If 'TRUE', suppresses file dialog popups during batch processing.|

===== Dialog =====

The command can be inserted manually or adjusted using the Visual3D dialog editor. The dialog box allows users to configure settings such as output file, resolution, and playback frame rate.

{{:visual3d:documentation:pipeline:file_commands:animation_to_video_dlgbox.png?400|}}

  * **Motion File**: Path to the input motion file used for generating the video.
  * **Exported Video File**: Destination file path and name for the '.avi' video file.
  * **Frame Rate Divisor**: Adjusts playback speed. A value of '2' halves the frame rate.
  * **Output Size**: Choose video resolution (e.g., '320x240). Must match a standard aspect ratio.
  * **Defined Events/Event Sequence**: Restrict the export to a defined event range (e.g., 'LHS' to 'LTO'.)
  * **Exclude Sequences Containing These Events**: Optionally remove sequences containing listed events from the output.

===== Examples =====
The following example will go through the use of the Export_3D_Animation_To_Video Command in the Visual3D application.

==== Example 1: Simple Use Case ====

This example exports a video between 'LHS' and 'LTO' using the default resolution and no frame rate change. This is useful for exporting one complete stance phase of the left leg.

<code>
Export_3D_Animation_To_Video
/FILE_NAME=Subject01_Trial1.c3d
/VIDEO_FILE_NAME=Z:\Videos\LHS_to_LTO.avi
/EVENT_SEQUENCE=LHS+LTO
/EXCLUDE_EVENTS=
/OUTPUT_FRAME_RATE_DIVISOR=1
/OUTPUT_WIDTH=640
/OUTPUT_HEIGHT=480
/AUTO_CLOSE_OUTPUT_DIALOGS=TRUE
;
</code>

Frame rate divisor of 1 means the video plays in real-time speed. 'AUTO+CLOSE_OUTPUT_DIALOGS=TRUE' ensures this can run as part of a batch pipeline.

==== Example 2: Complex Use Case ====

This example exports reduced-speed videos for all trials in the workspace matching '*.c3d'. It halves the frame rate for slow-motion playback, increases the resolution, and excludes sequences that contain the 'LOFF' events.

<code>
Export_3D_Animation_To_Video
/FILE_NAME=*.c3d
/VIDEO_FILE_NAME=Z:\ExportedAnimations\SlowMo_
/EVENT_SEQUENCE=RHS+RTO
/EXCLUDE_EVENTS=LOFF
/OUTPUT_FRAME_RATE_DIVISOR=2
/OUTPUT_WIDTH=800
/OUTPUT_HEIGHT=600
/AUTO_CLOSE_OUTPUT_DIALOGS=TRUE
;
</code>

This approach allows comparison of propulsion phases from multiple participants with visual consistency. Output videos are smoother but play at half speed for better observation.


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