[Plugin] Shape Bender Beta

pr0bka

Hey Chris,

Love your plugins again! I've been trying to play around with shape bender, but unfortunately haven't been able to get it to work. The problem is that it gets stuck after i choose the arc to bend it on and shortly afterwards it asks for me to press enter, however when i do, nothing happens, it just gets stuck at 1% (and i'm repeating the bending of a regular box example). I checked the console and this is what it printed out. Also, the visual bending simulation didn't show up as it did in your videos and every part of the plugin is in the right place - meaning clf_shape_bender_loader.rb is in the main plugins directory while clf_shape_bender has its own folder with the rest of the icons/ruby file. If you would like, i can also supply a screen shot.

C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671
Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method /' for nil:NilClass> C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671:in draw'
C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671
Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method /' for nil:NilClass> C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671:in draw'
C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671
Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method /' for nil:NilClass> C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671:in draw'
C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671
Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method /' for nil:NilClass> C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671:in draw'
C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671
Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method /' for nil:NilClass> C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671:in draw'
C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671
Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method /' for nil:NilClass> C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671:in draw'
C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671
Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method /' for nil:NilClass> C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671:in draw'
C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671

Chris Fullmer

It is not loading correctly for some reason. That looks errors that were given AFTER you had already activated the tool. Try this, open SketchUp. Open the ruby console. Then click on the shape bender tool. Then copy and paste those errors. I think they will be a little different than the ones you psoted here. Hopefully they will give some better insight in to what is going wrong.

Also, if there are any erros that pop up when you first open Sketchup, copy and paste those here as well. Thanks!

Chris

pr0bka

No problem, just tried to load it up again just like you said from the icon this time. i wasn't sure how far up i was supposed to go in the log, but i did notice that whenever i moved my mouse after i specified the arc's and lines new code started showing up in the dialogue, so i had to cancel it right after i pressed enter in order for it to load. maybe a screen shot might help too. Btw, i don't have any errors as soon as i open up Sketchup either. Is it possible i might need to reinstall Sketch up?

::log::

C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671
Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method all_connected' for #<Sketchup::Drawingelement:0xb56e300>> C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:304:in line_picker'
C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:236:in onLButtonUp' C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671 Error: #<ArgumentError: comparison of Float with nil failed> (eval):44:in >'
(eval):44:in update' C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:533:in exploder'
C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:526:in each' C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:526:in exploder'
C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:244:in onLButtonUp' C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:304 Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method /' for nil:NilClass>
C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671:in draw' C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:526 Error: #<ZeroDivisionError: divided by 0> (eval):27:in /'
(eval):27:in update' C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:875:in transform_it'
C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:288:in onReturn' C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671 Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method /' for nil:NilClass>
C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 7/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671:in `draw'
(eval):27

screenshot+debug right after hitting enter

pr0bka

i also tried doing it on a previous version of sketchup (6.0) and on a different computer.

Here are the specs for computer 1

Intel Core 2 duo, 3 gigs ram, 250 gigs hd, ATI radeon hd 2300

Computer 2

Amd dual core 2200, 1 gig of ram, nvidia geforce 9700 gts

Perhaps i am installing it incorrectly?

Chris Fullmer

It is possibly an installation issue. But it might also be something wrong withhow you are setting up the model. Could you upload a model, like the one in the screenshot?

And you can check the installation. This is from a previous post:

@unknownuser said:

There should a file called clf_shape_bender_loader.rb in the main plugins folder. Then there should be a folder caled "clf_shape_bender" and inside that folder should exist the files:

clf_shape_bender.png
clf_shape_bender.rb
clf_shape_bender_small.png
curve_pointer.png
default_pointer.png
line_pointer.png

I'm guessing you might have ended up with everything in the main plugins folder. So manually create the clf_shape_bender folder and move all those files above into it, leaving only clf_shape_bender_loader.rb in the main plugins folders.

See if that is by chance the problem and let me know, thanks!

Upload a model and I'll check it out. Then check the installation according to the info above. We'll get it working,

Chris

Justchill30

Im having trouble shape bending a thin surface with rounded edges. After the shape bend the surface has holes on the edges and for the life of me I don't know how to prevent this. Any advice would be helpful. I will attach a ex. of what I am dealing with.

shape bender test 3.skp

Chris Fullmer

I believe that is a scale issue. SketchUp has problem making faces that are very small. I see the missing ones on your model are all under 1/16", which is often too small for SU. So unfortunately, you will probably need to scale the shole thing by 10x and then scale it back down to regular size after you bend it. That is the only workaround unfortunately.

Chris

pr0bka

Hey Chris,

I have done just like you said, i even tried the other way, and i got an error saying that it couldn't find the clf_shape_bender.rb via the loader. The file is the same as the example you show in the video - the shape is grouped, under it a line and an arc that it is to bend to. Just in case i can upload the file itself. btw, in the bottom menu when it gets stuck it tells me that it is search for objects to explode (don't really know what that means, perhaps it can help?)

also, could it be possible that it might conflict with another plugin? Like profile builder for example?
Thanks in advance.

-Sam

example.skp

Chris Fullmer

ok, it worked just fine on my system, so you do have it set up right (thanks for uploading the model to verify).

It could be a script conflict. There have been problems with people who have an old version of component spray installed. So if you have that, try removing it. Also, there is a slim chance it might be sketchyphysics.

But check the coponent spray first. If removing that fixes the problem, then there is a new version of component spray that is compatible. I'll find a link for you if that is the problem.

Chris

pr0bka

Chris! you were right afterall...removed sketchy physics and component spray and voilaaa!! it works!!!

I will try installing a new version of component spray (v.1.1?) and sketchy physics. Maybe theres a newer version? Thanks a lot for all your hard work and attention!

-Sam

Chris Fullmer

There is a greater chance that it is component spray than sketchy physics. So you might put Sketchy physics back first, then test if it still works. Then if it work, just reinstall component spray.

Chris

glider

Chris,

Thank you for the Shape Bender plugin. I was working on placing some text on an Old West saloon window, as seen in a 1880 image. The name of the saloon was slightly "bent" across the window. This worked great.....great job!

Dave

Chris Fullmer

Cool Dave, thanks for posting to let me know it worked for you.

I noticed this is your first post also, so welcome! You joined only a couple of weekS after I did in 2007. Do you visit regularly, just never post? Or is this your first time back in 2 years? I'm just curious is all.

Thanks,

Chris

loolytoo

i am a beginner and strugling a bit. if someone has some time and patience i would love some help.
Please help me install this script, i downloaded it and saved the rb file in plugins, and also the progress bar, but it dosnt work. can anyone guide me through the steps of installing properly? do i need to install another file from the zip file, there are lots more in another folder with png extentions what are they? do i need them?
Lucy

massimo

Hi Lucy. Unzip the downloaded folder and put the file and the folder contained inside (see the picture below) in your SU plugin folder.
That' all.

ScreenHunter_01 Nov. 10 10.01.jpg

nikkkko

Hi,

I'm also having a problem at the point where I need to hit 'enter'. I usually run SU under Wine, which has been working well for me over the last year, including various ruby scripts, but when I ran into this problem also tried it under XP with the same result. I have tried removing all other scripts but with no difference.

Here's the ruby console output :

Error: #<NameError: uninitialized constant Clf_shape_bender::ProgressBar>
C:/PROGRA~1/Google/GOOGLE~1/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:522:in exploder' C:/PROGRA~1/Google/GOOGLE~1/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:244:in onLButtonUp'
Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method /' for nil:NilClass> C:/PROGRA~1/Google/GOOGLE~1/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671:in draw'
C:/PROGRA~1/Google/GOOGLE~1/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:522
Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method /' for nil:NilClass> C:/PROGRA~1/Google/GOOGLE~1/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671:in draw'
C:/PROGRA~1/Google/GOOGLE~1/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671
Error: #<NameError: uninitialized constant Clf_shape_bender::ProgressBar>
C:/PROGRA~1/Google/GOOGLE~1/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:870:in transform_it' C:/PROGRA~1/Google/GOOGLE~1/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:288:in onReturn'
C:/PROGRA~1/Google/GOOGLE~1/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671
Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method /' for nil:NilClass> C:/PROGRA~1/Google/GOOGLE~1/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:671:in draw'
C:/PROGRA~1/Google/GOOGLE~1/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:870

nikkkko

Replying to my own post here...

I don't know anything about ruby, but seeing as the first line in the console output was an error concerning progressbar, I re-downloaded it and hey presto, everything works under linux/wine, (I haven't bothered tried it under windows).

Thanks for a great plugin by the way. About 80% of my work is building structures with arcs - steel frames for oval shaped cabins to be precise - and this is going to save me a ton of time.

Nick

carpediem0881

I just downloaded shape bender to add some text on a curve surface of a bowl and the button shows up in the top left corner of sketchup as well as the plugins tab.

I select my component and then try to sellect my line and curved line to follow but it will not allow me to select the lines like your videos shows.

I am wondering if I installed the plugin incorrectly or I am missing some instructions like holding down a button to allow me to select the lines.

if someone could point me in the right direction that would be great.

Jeff

Chris Fullmer

Hi Jeff, there are 2 things to remember when selecting the straight line.

1 the straight line must be drawn on the red axis.
2 the cursor "hotspot" is horrible. You often have to click to the side of the line. But it will highlight plue when you are correctly hovering over it.

The hotspot thing holds true for selecting arc also.

If that does not help, upload a test model here and I'll take a look at it. Hope that helps,

Chris

carpediem0881

@chris fullmer said:

Hi Jeff, there are 2 things to remember when selecting the straight line.

1 the straight line must be drawn on the red axis.
2 the cursor "hotspot" is horrible. You often have to click to the side of the line. But it will highlight plue when you are correctly hovering over it.

The hotspot thing holds true for selecting arc also.

If that does not help, upload a test model here and I'll take a look at it. Hope that helps,

Chris

So I tried uninstalling the plug-in and sketchup... reinstalled both and gave it another shot.
Made a line on the red axis, a arc on the red axis and a 3d rectangle to arc around the curve.
Made the 3d rectangle a group
selected the group, and activated the plugin. "please select line on red axis" appears in the bottom left corner
I then scroll over the straight line but still won;t let me select it, its doesnlt turn blue and i tried clicking on the line in numerous places. I watched your videos and did the set-up the same but nothing...

Do I need sketchup pro? or does it work with the standard program? any ideas?

Jeff