Real time project data

Dennis_n

Hello, I'm looking for a plugin that can constantly display area of a specific surface whether it is currently selected or not. Also would be very useful to see real time update on statistics of a specific component (to see how many instances of this components are in the model without selecting it.
This will save a bunch of time on tailoring projects for certain project data.
I know all this data is available through "entity info", but digging into nested components to get to it takes time. If anyone knows a plugin that can do it, please write here.

Dennis_n

would be nice to right click on a surface and select "add area parameter to project data window".
or right click on a component and say "add number of instances in the model to the project data window". Then in the "project data window" I could write description to the added parameters. Delete option would be nice. If some basic mathematical functions could be added that will top my imagination.
the list of parameters doesnt need to be extencive:

-length of a specific edge
-area of a specific surface
-area by material
-component count

These are the most practical parameters that need to be displayed in real time. There is lots more parameters that SU can display but no need to include all.

inteloide

Hello Dennis

I may have part of your request, or on the way of your request

@unknownuser said:

to see how many instances of this components are in the model without selecting it

Maybe my plugin "Components manager" could answer some of your question
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=323%26amp;t=55672%26amp;p=506057#p506057

It's not real time updated (need to push a button even if the component is not selected), but I could add this function.

For paramters, my plugin is quite far, but I can maybe have a look...
Inteloide

Dennis_n

I tried the plugin. looks like a usefull code for managing ExRefs the AutoCAD style.
It even provides a component count. However, there are issues with counting nested components. Also, if a host component was deleted and has 0 instances, but not purged, the plugin still counts it. It also crashed several times within a few minutes i was testing it.
Another inconvenience is that i was not able to mark components to be tracked. I usually have hundreds of components in the model, but really need to track 5 or 6.
Perhaps, the plugin is very useful for some tasks. However, it is of limited use to me.

Dennis_n

I should outline my task: I'm working on a masterplan for a residential high-rise community. I have a limitation on the number of units, unit mix and total area.
When I delete or add a whole building, I need to see an update on the total unit count.

the way I solve the problem now is, I add a small "marker" component into a each unit type. (Each unit tipe is a component as well) This way I have my marker component in each unit over the whole masterplan.
So when I need to count the total number of units, I dig in into a building claster group, then into a building component, then into a unit, find my marker, select it and then the Entity info tells me how many there are in the whole model.
If I can see this parameter constantly floating in a window, that will save me lots of time for digging up my "marker" components. Even more importent it will allow for a smooth uninterrupted design flow. A good design idea is easier to catch when you dont have to wrestle the software.

So for my particular task, I need to track in real time the following parameters:

the total number of each unit type
total number of all units
Unit floor area
total floor area.

I think if such plugin existed (clean and simple), many designers will use it. As with every design there is a need to tailor project data, every project! - urban plan or bathroom renovation.
It could be a big hit.

TIG

If you have a floating webdialog it can display data that changes with the model's contents [perhaps using an Observer].
If each component 'building' is given some attributes - like 'floor_area' you can then display the component_name, instances_count, floor_area and total all floor_areas at the end...
This would be possible to do, but requires a not inconsiderable programming effort to make a component 'tagger/editor' and a 'reporter' floating dialog...
I don't think anything preexists that could be adapted.
If I were to do it it would have to be on a commercial basis - and I am very busy.
Perhaps one of the 'young-buck' authors might like to take it on as a project?

Can you complete your SCF User Profile.
Knowing your OS, SUp version etc would be useful, e.g. if you have Pro you could think about Dynamic-Components ?

Dennis_n

Do you think a real time display of area for a specific surface is theoretically possible?

TIG

Given enough effort, yes...