Store Patterned Data

[pingpink]

I'm trying to store patterned data to recheck the design for later use of different coloured panels.

Process Steps :

1. Select a patterned model.

2. The patterns are convert into a group and in a layer "Patterns" and be invisible temporary.

3. Only the sub-dividing faces are shown , later I can open the patterned group.

The problem is the patterned group is copied and invisible , but the edges which are drawn in a layer " Patterns " cut and divide each face that is not a panel. I try to learn the code from Tig's example. Very good example , I wonder how can I clear the edges that cut faces ?

def group_hide_patterns

#EDGES-GROUP

model=Sketchup.active_model
edges=[]
ss=model.selection
ss.grep(Sketchup;;Face).each{|face| edges << face.edges}
ss.grep(Sketchup;;Edge).each{|edge| edges << edge}
edges.flatten!
edges.uniq!
edges.compact!

ents=model.active_entities
group=ents.add_group(edges)
group.name="patterns"

	edge_layer = model.layers.add("Patterns")
	if group.name="patterns"

	ss.each{|e|
	e.layer = edge_layer  if e.is_a? Sketchup;;Group

	}
	 
		edge_layer.visible = false
	end

end

---

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[TIG]

Groups/components will separate geometry, so keeping panel divisions in a separate group.entities will mean they won't cut faces that remain inside in another entities context.
It is much better to use layers to hide/show groups or component-instances and keep all of your raw geometry [edges and faces] on Layer0. Layers or using Hidden=true don't separate geometry.

BUT if you have an edge that is splitting a face [i.e. they must all be in the same context] - aka a coplanar edge - then there are several examples of code to delete such edges.
Here's one [pretty much unpublished] pick the meat off the bones...

### Delete Coplanar Edges
# TIG (c) 2008-2013
###
require 'sketchup.rb'
###
module TIG

def self.deleteCoplanarEdges_validate_selection()
	Sketchup.active_model.selection.each{|e|
		if e.is_a?(Sketchup;;Edge) && e.faces.length==2
			return true
			break
		end#if
	}
	return false
end

def self.deleteCoplanarEdges()
	model=Sketchup.active_model
	edges=model.selection.grep(Sketchup;;Edge).find_all{|e| e.faces.length==2 }
	togos=[]
	counter=0 
	model.start_operation("Delete Coplanar Edges")
	edges.each{|e|
		next unless e.valid?
		if e.faces[0].normal.dot(e.faces[1].normal) > 0.99999999 && e.faces[0].material == e.faces[1].material && e.faces[0].back_material == e.faces[1].back_material
			togos << e
			counter+=1
			Sketchup;;set_status_text(("Coplanar Edges Erased = #{counter}"),SB_PROMPT)
		end#if
	}
	model.active_entities.erase_entities(togos)
	model.commit_operation
end

###
unless file_loaded?(__FILE__)
	UI.add_context_menu_handler{|menu|
		if self.deleteCoplanarEdges_validate_selection()
			menu.add_item("Delete COPLANAR Edges"){self.deleteCoplanarEdges()}
		end#if
	}
end#unless
file_loaded(__FILE__)

end#module

[pingpink]

I rethink again , maybe I have to separate between panel faces and pattern group ?

---

[pingpink]

Thank You So much,Tig. It works !

This is the idea to revise a model from architect by storing data at the first time. And later use to recheck data for tagging panels , and take the panel out in order that the facade engineer can do the life size panels to do mapping back on sub-dividing panels.

The method I do :
The subdividing faces are in the "Layer0".
The patterns are in the Layer-"Patterns".
So , they are not mix together in the same layer.

For the shortage time to "delete coplanar edges or patterns" , I have to select edges by degrees and use your code to delete edges because the group edge and original edges are overlap that I have to delete original edges.So , it doesn't affect to bring tagging panels out , and I can recheck the patterned data to do retag panels.

For the store patterned data , maybe it comprise of 3 functions :

1.Make edge group
2.Select Coplanar edges by degrees
3.Delete Coplanar edges selection