Taking a model to particular coordinates

TIG

It adds the imported object at the origin in the SKP [yes?] - this should be equivalent to the origin in the 3ds file.
The Vector3d moves the object by the given x and y values.
What values are you using for them ?
Try perhaps x=0 and y=100.m - that way if the object moves by 100m you'll know it works!
Are there any errors in the Ruby Console when you run this ??

borg.stef

no errors. its just imported in random coordinates and with the move icon pressed....

TIG

I don't understand you exactly.
If you make x=0 and y=0 it should then simply leave the object where it imported ??
What 'Move icon' ?
As I don't see your whole code can you check that my example code meshes with it as needed.
IF you make x=0 and y=100.m doe sit move the imported object 100m in the green axis ??

borg.stef

I copy and pasted the code that you gave me and I tried x = 0 y = 0 and even x= 0 y = 100.m but it's doing the same in both cases. Importing the model in a random location. I'm so confused.

TIG

So am I.
Can you attach your 3ds file to a post or a Private Message [PM] and I'll look at it...

borg.stef

it shows this message: The extension 3ds is not allowed.

borg.stef

it shows this message : The extension 3ds is not allowed.

TIG

Don't worry about the example 3ds [but you could 'zip' that type of file]... I've found the problem. 3ds files import but expect you to pick an insertion point - some file type imports don't... I'm thinking how to circumvent this...

borg.stef

Thanks for your time...you know I'm new to ruby I don't know these details...just built programs from what i found on the net..thanks!

borg.stef

i can't seem to make this thing work

TIG

No problem... "God loves a trier..."
Here's a version that does work !
I've never had to do this myself and I have written hundreds of scripts - so we all have things to learn
It now imports the 3ds file and places one instance at random, then adds one at the origin [0,0,0].
It deletes the original one instances[0] and leaves the next one and then moves it by x/y values you have set at the start...

    model = Sketchup.active_model
    x=0 ### set x and y as needed...
    y=10.m
    defs=model.definitions.to_a
    machine = "C;\\Temp\\trial.3ds"
    model.import(machine,true)
    defa=model.definitions.to_a - defs ### what you just added
    defn=defa[0]
    defn.instances[0].erase!
    tr=Geom;;Transformation.new(ORIGIN)
    obj=model.active_entities.add_instance(defn, tr)
    pt=Geom;;Vector3d.new(x, y, 0)
    tr=Geom;;Transformation.translation(pt)
    obj.transform!(tr)

We all learn!

borg.stef

wow this actually worked....only that z is high up not 0..

Rich O Brien

Is this a 3ds importer that doesn't need you to place the model after importing? Or what is it?

borg.stef

rich, it imports a model and instantly takes it to particular coordinates dictated by you!

TIG

The code as it stands adds a component-instance based on the 3ds file at the origin [0,0,0]... after all of the kerfuffle.
It then moves it by the defined x & y values, the z isn't changed at all.
IF the original object is not z=0, then it simply stays where it is in the 3ds file ???
There are ways to move all of the definitions geometry to z=0 BUT that's not the original request ?
Please check the 3ds's geometry and the SKP's for similarities if x=0 & y=0...

TIG

@unknownuser said:

Is this a 3ds importer that doesn't need you to place the model after importing? Or what is it?

This 3ds importer [built-in] DOES require you to place it BUT my cludged work-around does work... just about

Rich O Brien

Can it place the 3ds file by lowest point of bounding box centre at 0,0,0? I'm not at pc to check this out?

TIG

@unknownuser said:

Can it place the 3ds file by lowest point of bounding box centre at 0,0,0? I'm not at pc to check this out?

Yes it could... BUT currently it simply moves it in x/y...
If I'm asked the right questions I might give the right answers...

borg.stef

How can the model alwayx go to z = 0?

TIG

First off... do the code as before, but leave x=0 and y=0.
What is the z ?
If that's known then add the -z in Vector3d.new(x, y, -z)
It should fix it.
BUT IF it's not easily known then perhaps use z=obj.bounds.min.z
and then re-transform! the obj using a new vector of (0,0,-z)...........