Always face center-line/ Magnetic tool

[driven]

updated working version...

class JcB_MoveToolObserver < Sketchup;;ToolsObserver
    def onToolStateChanged(tools, tool_name, tool_id, tool_state)
      attractor = Sketchup.active_model.selection[0].definition.name == 'attractor'
      moved = tool_state.to_s == '0' && tool_name.to_s == 'MoveTool'
      @count = 0 unless @count == 1
      
      update = attractor && moved
        if update
          selection = Sketchup.active_model.selection[0].parent.instances[0]
          @count = @count + 1
          puts(" first click of " + tool_name.to_s ) if @count == 1
          if @count == 2
            puts(" second click of " + tool_name.to_s )
            $dc_observers.get_latest_class.redraw_with_undo(selection)
            @count = 0
          end
        end
    end
 end

 Sketchup.active_model.tools.add_observer(JcB_MoveToolObserver.new) if not defined? JcB_MoveToolObserver
 

[driven]

here's a fun bit of code...
now it does what the OP asked...

 look below...

john
EDIT: changed back to original as my counter was failing

BETTER CODE BELOW...

[Jim]

@unknownuser said:

the other thing I was wondering if arrow keys can be used to move the dc's 'attractor'

You need a Tool to get the key-presses, then read-update-write the position values depending on which key was pressed, then redraw the DC.

---

This file was made specifically for Jeff's DC Magnet Beer model.

[driven]

cheers Jim,
that works and is much cleaner than i was attempting...

what other thing can we do with ruby to manipulate DC's?

I'll see if I can turn this into a pick point version...

john

[sdmitch]

Hey, I want in on the fun too.

[driven]

@sam yours looks cooler than my effort...

click anywhere to move 'magnet'...

john

[sdmitch]

@driven said:

@sam yours looks cooler than my effort...

[attachment=1:3ueqjjsy]<!-- ia1 -->driven-dc-tool_v2.rb<!-- ia1 -->[/attachment:3ueqjjsy]
[attachment=0:3ueqjjsy]<!-- ia0 -->driven-dc-tool_v2_2.gif<!-- ia0 -->[/attachment:3ueqjjsy]
john

[driven]

with cursor...@Jeff's DC, @Jim's code..." title="modified @Jeff's DC, @Jim's code..." class=" img-fluid img-markdown" />

[gilles]

Next step is multi- attractors

[jeff hammond]

@gilles said:

Next step is multi- attractors

heh.. yeah.. i thought about it but it would be really weird to do in DC..
that kind of math is probably possible in DC but once things start getting complex, it's either hard to keep track of or you end up with really long/weird formulas that are equally hard to keep track of

i guess first you'd have to apply a 'strength' to a single magnet (so far, these aren't really magnets.. the objects just all point at the 'magnet' but the attractor isn't actually pulling on them)

then make two of those magnets and let the strengths fight each other

[Flippie123]

@jeff hammond said:

@gilles said:

Next step is multi- attractors
make two of those magnets and let the strengths fight each other

Yep like this image

---

[Flippie123]

@jolran said:

Interesting!

I'm working on a parametric modeler that could hopefully(one day ) do this sort of things.

I was able to make this urban plan combining Jeff's Beer tool and this new Modelur Pre Beta, urban design plugin which in combination with a 'height-' 'and a build-up-area'-map really awesomefies Jeff's beer tool.

Click on the image for a larger one!

---

[jeff hammond]

nice Philip