CASPER allows the batch mode creation of Target tool plots.  Basically, the user prepares a list of targets and times and then runs CASPER in a windowless version where it works through the list, producing Target plot files for each entry, as well as an accompanying text file of further details.  This can be used, for example, when a large number of plots of flyby geometry need to be generated, but without any observations.

    To create the batch file, you must use the Batch tool that is started by the Batch button on the main CASPER window.

    • Tour File: This is the name of the tour file currently loaded into CASPER that will be used in the Batch file. If you wish to change the tour file, you will need to use the Change Tour Kernel option in the SP Kernel Tools menu on the main CASPER widget.
    • UTC Time: Each plot you make requires a time and a target combination. Use this option to enter a UTC for the plot. The UTC time and target can also be setup by selecting an event from the Events tool if it is open.
    • Target Body: Select the target required for the plot
    • Batch Buffer List: The list of batch-mode plots that you have created. Each entry in the list will produce a plot during Batch mode.
    • Add: Add the current UTC time/target combination to the Batch Buffer list
    • Delete: Delete the currently selected item from the Batch Buffer list.
    • Grab Events: Will copy the currently displayed list of filtered events from the Events tool into the Batch Buffer list.
    • Load: Loads a previously saved batchmode file
    • Save: Saves the current tour name and batch buffer list to a user-selected file ready for a batchmode run.
    • Cancel: Closes the Batch File Creation tool.
    • Status: Displays informational messages.


     Running CASPER in Batch Mode

    To start CASPER in batch mode, simply use the following command at the shell prompt: 

    $ CASPERB
    You will be asked to supply a batchfile name (if you give the root name, the .bat prefix will be appended for you). This file should be available in the directory $CASPER_PERSONAL_BATCH and should be a file created using the Batch File Creation tool.

    A PostScript Target plot will be produced for each item in the batchfile, along with a text file containing more information about each plot. These will be placed in the directory $CASPER_PERSONAL_BATCHRUN.

    You will be asked if you want to PRINT these files. These automatically send the plots to the default printer (the first printer in the casper_printers.dat file) during the batch run.

    You are then asked to enter a root name for the files. Pressing RETURN will simply use "temp" as a root. The filenames are numbered and have prefixes added. As an example, if you have 2 items in your batch file and you choose rhea_flyby as your root name, you will create rhea_flyby_001.ps and rhea_flyby_002.ps containing the PostScript plots, and rhea_flyby_001.txt and rhea_flyby_002.txt containing the additional information for the plots.

    Here is a sample batch mode run:
    raptor.LPL.Arizona.EDU> CASPERB
    IDL. Version 4.0.1b (OSF alpha).
    Copyright 1989-1996, Research Systems, Inc.
    All rights reserved.  Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
    Installation number: 4152-1.
    Licensed for use by: LUNAR & PLANETARY LAB, CASSINI ISS

    Restoring the pre-compiled version of CASPER
    CASPER restored - starting Main Routine

    Enter the name of the batchfile to run: rhea_flyby_t1

    tour read in = /casper/casper_2//kernels//spk/tour/T1.bsp
    Running batch mode now...

    PRINT results? [Y (default) or N] :
     

    Enter root name for files [default = temp]:

    Processing Entry :        1
    Creating image file :  /casper/casper_save//batch/results/temp_001.ps
    Creating text file : /casper/casper_save//batch/results/temp_001.txt
    Printing Image File
    Result  = Job Number is: 710
    Printing Text File
    Result  = Job Number is: 711
    Processing Entry :        2
    Creating image file :  /casper/casper_save//batch/results/temp_002.ps
    Creating text file : /casper/casper_save//batch/results/temp_002.txt
    Printing Image File
    Result  = Job Number is: 712
    Batch Processing Completed