[Plugin] Mesh Importer

Jim · 12 Dec 2015, 23:37

This topic is for questions about the Mesh importer extension.

This extension will let you import larger files and import them faster than the Ruby STL extension.

Mesh Importer is a Windows-only plugin for this release. Mac versions are possible but I need help compiling and testing for the platform.

Mesh Importer is a compiled converter which uses the assimp library and the SketchUp SDK to convert model files to .skp files. Once converted, the .skp file is imported as a Component at meter scale. Technically, any file type supported by assimp can be imported, but textures are not supported for any formats. At this stage in development it is most useful for .stl and .ply files.

For the initial release (15.1 - 1st release of 2015) I'm interested in basic feedback such as does it even work. So please give it a try and let me know. Thanks.

driven · 13 Dec 2015, 00:39

what's not working for mac?

john

Jim · 13 Dec 2015, 01:00

@driven said:

what's not working for mac?

john

I can't compile the executable because I don't have a Mac. The source is included.

cotty · 13 Dec 2015, 08:27

I've tried and got this error message:

After this, I've tried to start it from the console, but there's a dll missing:

(SU15-64, Win8.1-64)

Jim · 13 Dec 2015, 11:49

@cotty - I compiled the extension using Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Express. You would need to install this package from Microsoft to get the msvcp140.dll file.

There may be a way to use earlier versions of the dll which your computer may already have - I'll look into it.

Thanks for the feedback. I can only read English .

cotty · 13 Dec 2015, 12:26

I've installed the linked package successfully, but the error message is still the same (missing dll).

kaas · 13 Dec 2015, 12:27

Tried the plugin on several stl files. See a glimpse of a dos-cmd-window that auto closes immediately and then this error in the ruby console.

The dll was already present and installed on my system.
Win7 X64 , SU v16

driven · 13 Dec 2015, 17:14

Jim it works with the plugin I compiled, and Steve fixed...
I thought I sent it to you?
on El Capitan the open file panel goes blank and waits for the skp to be made...

this is a new behaviour I see in a couple of plugins...

john

Jim · 14 Dec 2015, 22:01

Here is the translation of the dialog for my own understanding.

@unknownuser said:

The program does not run correctly because of a problem. The program will be closed and you will be notified when a solution is available.

Not terribly helpful. I think I need to compile 2 versions for 32 bit and 64 bit.

Jim · 14 Dec 2015, 22:40

I updated to 15.2. I just added some debugging info. Please try again. Thanks.

kaas · 15 Dec 2015, 06:29

Still something crashing on my system

"C:\Users\Max\Desktop\volt_v3_base.stl.skp" was not created.
Error: #<Errno::ENOENT: No such file or directory - C:\Users\Max\Desktop\volt_v3_base.stl.log>
C:/Users/Max/AppData/Roaming/SketchUp/SketchUp 2016/SketchUp/Plugins/jf-mesh-importer/main.rb:49:in read' C:/Users/Max/AppData/Roaming/SketchUp/SketchUp 2016/SketchUp/Plugins/jf-mesh-importer/main.rb:49:in main'
C:/Users/Max/AppData/Roaming/SketchUp/SketchUp 2016/SketchUp/Plugins/jf-mesh-importer/main.rb:5:in block in <module:MeshImporter>' SketchUp:1:in call'

smicha · 15 Dec 2015, 16:02

Could you add obj import - this is one of the most important format.

cotty · 15 Dec 2015, 17:35

@jim said:

I updated to 15.2. I just added some debugging info. Please try again. Thanks.

Still the same error here (dll).

Jim · 16 Dec 2015, 09:13

I put up version 15.3. Open the Ruby Console before running to see the errors.

Sorry about experimenting on you guys - I am fairly new to creating executables that need to run on a variety of architectures.

Thank you for you help.

Jim · 16 Dec 2015, 11:08

Also, the converter is a console application so it might be helpful if people could attempt to convert a file on the command line. Even double-clicking the a2a.exe file might bring up helpful error dialogs. Thanks again.

Jim · 17 Dec 2015, 00:08

@smicha said:

Could you add obj import - this is one of the most important format.

If you select Any File Type in the File Selection dialog, you will be able to select .obj files and import them. Textures are not supported, though. Right now I am just trying to figure out how to make it work on different operating systems and versions.

smicha · 17 Dec 2015, 09:35

@jim said:

@smicha said:

Could you add obj import - this is one of the most important format.

If you select Any File Type in the File Selection dialog, you will be able to select .obj files and import them. Textures are not supported, though. Right now I am just trying to figure out how to make it work on different operating systems and versions.

When I choose - any file - and select obj nothing happens.

Jim · 17 Dec 2015, 10:02

@smicha said:

When I choose - any file - and select obj nothing happens.

Windows or Mac? What version? 32 or 64 bit?

smicha · 17 Dec 2015, 10:17

@jim said:

@smicha said:

When I choose - any file - and select obj nothing happens.

Windows or Mac? What version? 32 or 64 bit?

win 7 64bit.

Jim · 17 Dec 2015, 11:39

It would help if you could try to import the file while the Ruby Console window is open, and then post any errors here.