getFigurePixels(f, rotation, elevation, width, height)

function pixels = getFigurePixels(f, rotation, elevation, width, height)
    % switch to our figure
    figure(f);
    
    % keep the figure open, but not visible
    set(f,'Visible','off');
    
    % caller must specify zero or four arguments
    %  no arguments means do not modify the size or view angle
    if (nargin > 1)
        set(f,'Position',[0,200,width,height]);
        view([rotation,elevation]);
    end
    
    % Return the raw pixel data from the rendered figure window
    pixels = hardcopy(f,'-dOpenGL','-r0');
    %pixels = hardcopy(f,'-dpng','-r0');
end