MATLAB Function Reference

camlight

Create or move a light object in camera coordinates

Syntax

• camlight headlight 
  camlight right     
  camlight left      
  camlight           
  camlight(az,el)   
  camlight(...`style')
  camlight(light_handle,...)   
  light_handle = camlight(...)
  

Description

camlight('headlight') creates a light at the camera position.

camlight('right') creates a light right and up from camera.

camlight('left') creates a light left and up from camera.

camlight with no arguments is the same as camlight('right').

camlight(az,el) creates a light at the specified azimuth (az) and elevation (el) with respect to the camera position. The camera target is the center of rotation and az and el are in degrees.

camlight(...,'style') The style argument can take on the two values:

• local (default) - the light is a point source that radiates from the location in all directions.
• infinite - the light shines in parallel rays.

camlight(light_handle,...) uses the light specified in light_handle.

light_handle = camlight(...) returns the light's handle.

Remarks

camlight sets the light object Position and Style properties. A light created with camlight will not track the camera. In order for the light to stay in a constant position relative to the camera, you must call camlight whenever you move the camera.

Examples

This example creates a light positioned to the left of the camera and then repositions the light each time the camera is moved:

• surf(peaks)
  axis vis3d
  h = camlight('left');
  for i = 1:20;
      camorbit(10,0)
      camlight(h,'left')
      drawnow;
  end
  

See Also

light, lightangle

Lighting for related functions

Lighting as a Visualization Tool for more information on using lights

camdolly

camlookat