[RIC] Converting Images to NXT Picture Files (.ric)

[muntoo]

This tutorial describes how to convert a coloured image file to an .ric file.

Start:

1. Download Paint.Net
2. Install it. (Duh.)
3. Open your image using Paint.Net (I'll call it PDN from now on)
4. Go to Adjustments->Black and White
5. Go to Image->Resize
   Change the Pixel size values. Make sure you check the "Maintain aspect ratio" box.

Now, choose either Method 1 (recommended), 2 (easy), or 3 (advanced).

Method 1 (My preferred method):

• Go to Adjustments->Posterize
  Set it to the lowest value (which is 2).
• Go to File->Save As
  Save is as a ".bmp" file (ONLY .bmp; this is important!)
• Open NXTRicEdit (V1 will do)
• Go to File->Import
  Import your file.
• Save the .ric file

Method 2 (Easy method):

• Go to File->Save As
  Save is as a ".bmp" file (ONLY .bmp; this is important!)
• Open NXTRicEdit (V1 will do)
• Go to File->Import
  Import your file. Adjust the contrast bar.
• Save the .ric file

Method 3 (Advanced method):

• Go to Adjustments->Curves
  Make sure it's set to Luminosity (not RGB).
  Place a point on the bottom.
  Place a point on the top.
  Bring those points together on the x-axis, but keep them touching the edge of the graph.
  When they're almost touching (only 1 away from each other) on the x-axis, the image should be black and white.
  Move the points around until it looks perfect. (Make sure you keep the points together, when you're done.)
• Go to File->Save As
  Save is as a ".bmp" file (ONLY .bmp; this is important!)
• Open NXTRicEdit (V1 will do)
• Go to File->Import
  Import your file.
• Save the .ric file

Congratulations! You now have converted your image to a NXT Picture File!

[linearactuator]

And if you are using NXT-G 2.0 click here

[nxtboyiii]

Or you could download Gimp from Gimp.org(Free), make or open the image, go to Mode-Image-Indexed, Click the "Use black and white(1-bit) palette", and click on the drop-down list and I recommend choosing "Floyd-Steinberg(normal)", and if there is any transparency, check the "Enable dithering of transparency" box. Then click Convert. Save the file and do the nxtricedit stuff, and your done!

[muntoo]

And if you are using NXT-G 2.0 click here

All I have to say is, the NXT-G 2.0 may be easier, but my method will probably produce better quality images. If you can call removing quality from the image and turning it monochrome "quality".

[linearactuator]

I added the link just for reference later on!

[h-g-t]

Looking for a bit of advice. I wanted some ric files using large type but the the NXT-G program only had one size of font so created a black and white file in Corel Paint and saved it in both png and bmp formats. The files were only 90x64 and 1 bit because I assumed that would fit into NXT-G with the minimum of modification.

However, when I imported them into NXT-G the screen remained blank. I tried using the zoom and slider but to no avail. Is there an undocumented restriction on the type of files NXT-G will accept or am I missing something obvious?

[timpattinson]

Try 90x63

[muntoo]

Try 90x63

Although I think that the clipping code works OK in the EF, you should try a smaller image (45x32) first, just in case.

[afanofosc]

You would be a lot better off using nxtRICedit v1 or nxtRICedit v2 to create RIC files than to use the tool that comes with the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT software. imho.

John Hansen

[h-g-t]

I have been trying to import pictures into riceditv2 to create a sprite but without success. I have tried different formats and colour modes but no pictures show up to be selected, just the directory tree. I had it working on my last computer but the new one is running Win 7 Home Premium 64 bit. Using the compatibility wizard and running it as administrator have not made any difference.

Is anyone else running it under Win 7?