[Plugin][WIP][OpenSource] Bezier Surface

[pbacot]

So are there instructions or tutorials for this?

[jeff hammond]

@thomthom said:

@jeff hammond said:

.

here's a simple introductory example.. maybe something a lot of people can use..
seamless background for rendering

Wow, tutorials already! I'm really baffled that people find it usable in any sense - considering it's so much that's missing.

heh.. i was just thinking it was a way to show the scale/rotate/move options available via the gizmo.. also a way to point out that using a radius isn't the best way to build a psyche wall..

tangent blends aren't the smoothest since they abruptly change from one direction to another and you will see a more defined line in light/reflections.. you want something that eases into the transition.. bezier surface provides this type of blend (a little more control/ snapping of control points is necessary but as is, it still gets the job done.)

here's a tangent fillet vs one with G3 continuity for example:

[pilou]

@unknownuser said:

Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method `parent' for nil:NilClass>
C:/Users/Pilou/AppData/Roaming/SketchUp/SketchUp 2014/SketchUp/Plugins/ChrisP_PutsCompOnFace.rb:21:in `definition'

Looks like this extension has injected itself into the system somewhere. Maybe it modified .definition. What happens if you remove that extension?
(Also, where did you get that extension?)

Removed and all works fine
This extension is from a French developper Cplassais
Look his other plug at PluginStore ColorEdge
he made also Explode View (with me
And numerous other ones it site

[thomthom]

@pbacot said:

So are there instructions or tutorials for this?

Not much. I basically released this because I haven't been keeping up development lately. So I had thought it was more of a preview and perhaps invite some developers to perhaps contribute in an open source project. However it appear to have drawn a bit more attention than I expected.
There are a couple of videos, though I'm not sure if they are visible in the PluginStore - at least I could not find where they ended up. Though they should be linked in this thread, and on the EW description page. You'll also find them from my YouTube channel.

But they really are just teasers and not how to.

I'm also about to go on vacation for a week so I'll be slow to respond and won't be able to produce anything soon. (I'm in short of time in general.) Meanwhile I'd encourage people to share their experiences on the forum.

[thomthom]

@pilou said:

Look his other plug at PluginStore ColorEdge
he made also Explode View (with me
And numerous other ones it site

But the one that cause problems, that not publicly available? I was hoping to be able to inspect it and then see if I could reach out to the author and ask that he can release a new version that doesn't conflict.

[thomthom]

@jeff hammond said:

tangent blends aren't the smoothest since they abruptly change from one direction to another and you will see a more defined line in light/reflections.. you want something that eases into the transition.. bezier surface provides this type of blend (a little more control/ snapping of control points is necessary but as is, it still gets the job done.)

Got a wireframe of that mesh? I'm curious to what makes out the difference. (I'm wondering if my SUbD tool might address that.)

[pilou]

@unknownuser said:

But the one that cause problems, that not publicly available? I was hoping to be able to inspect it and then see if I could reach out to the author and ask that he can release a new version that doesn't conflict.

Components on face by CPlassais

[jeff hammond]

@thomthom said:

Got a wireframe of that mesh? I'm curious to what makes out the difference. (I'm wondering if my SUbD tool might address that.)

the render mesh looks like this:

the tangent one has all facets at equal angles/sizes whereas the g3 blend starts off mellower then gradually tightens..

at the highest end, this stuff only really matters if you're designing surfaces for cars etc but at the midTOlow end, some of it can & should trickle down into sketchup/architecture/furniture/etc.

[thomthom]

@pilou said:

Components on face by CPlassais

That is using the exact code that smartdrop.rb uses - which is bugged and breaks the Ruby API.

class Sketchup;;Group
        def definition
                return(entities[0].parent)
        end
end

I'm about to take a weeks vacation so I'll be off the grid. Pilou, since you worked with him, care to follow up with him on the issue? Request that he updates his extension to not modify the Ruby API?

[pilou]

No problem I will send him this advice!

[JQL]

Hi Thomthom and guys, can anyone move a point with a fixed measurement?

Each time I try to move say 2m to the side, the measurement box assumes I want 2 subdivisions and the SU bugsplats. Is it only me and maybe a plugin clash or does it happen to more users?

I think subdivision is really important to be able to input quickly, but distance is even more. What would you feel about introducing subdivisions as "2s" while "2" would be used for units?

(Thomthom - I submited the bugsplats.)

What a wonderful plugin this is! Such an intuitive way of modeling surfaces!

Thanks,

João

[Box]

Yes for me using the Gizmo defaults to subdivisions and will bug splat if you try 2.
However, the Move tool works properly with measurements, including 2m.

[Box]

I think this will become the skinning plugin of choice for bodywork and such very quickly.
For example: You know how fiddly it can be to set up the sections to make a nice curviloft helicopter, or a smooth hood for you car etc etc
This Huey skin took no time at all, it's all done by eye, a little more effort or a framework to work to and you would have lovely clean skins.

---

[pep75]

Another brilliant plugin ThomThom!!! Great!!!

[Box]

Another situation where surface is brilliant.
The ten minute custom shaped bathtub.
The bath itself and it's edge are a solid skin, theoretically printable.

[JQL]

@box said:

Yes for me using the Gizmo defaults to subdivisions and will bug splat if you try 2.
However, the Move tool works properly with measurements, including 2m.

Yes I noticed that move works...

Shame also that we can't scale to 0.

Those are the only things that make this imperfect, otherwise the tool is GORGEOUS to work with!

[pbacot]

@box said:

Another situation where surface is brilliant.
The ten minute custom shaped bathtub.
The bath itself and it's edge are a solid skin, theoretically printable.

I could do that in say, 20 min. I can just send it to Box and open the file when it comes back done

[Krisidious]

looking good.

[cotty]

@thomthom said:

I'm about to take a weeks vacation so I'll be off the grid.

I wish you a pleasant and relaxing holiday!

[pilou]

What a tub!