Quite a different topic but have a look at the bit of code in this post:

http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=180&t=14299

As it walks through the groups and components, I guess you only need to add some code to count the faces and edges of each.

Outputting to a webdialog would be good so that you could use some javascript to list rogues as links so you can identify and fix them one by one*.

I would be interested to find out if this approach turns out to be useful.

Chris

• edit: or in batches of same problem

That sounds interesting. Do you know of any better reference material, the one you tagged is mainly just headings. Please let me know if you have a moment to spare.

Chris

A switch (if it does not exist) to activate a ruby on selection of an entity or entities to allow interaction with a webdialog.

See:
http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=180&t=14299

Thanks

Chris

Here is a summary of my posts under Index of Identity eaten by the server crash on 22nd November. I have also made it a new topic as it seems to me to be of universal potential over and above namesets.

Thanks to Jim, Fredo6, Didier and others I have finally cobbled together some code that works ...

def findIndex()
a = 0
entities = Sketchup.active_model.active_entities
selection = Sketchup.active_model.selection
entities.each do |entity|
if entity.class == Sketchup;;Group || entity.class == Sketchup;;ComponentInstance	
if selection[0] == entity
cmd = "coreSUDown('#{a}');"
p cmd
@dlg.execute_script (cmd)
end
a+=1
end
end
end

This interactive set-up provides the opportunity not only to access and analyse any attributes extracted from Sketchup (don't know how to extract them yet) but also any other input by others with different interests in the component or group selected. (These other disciplines can use standalone namesets if visualisation is not required.) In my view this is far better than exporting to Excel, because it is direct and accessible to any authorised person with a browser, locally and world wide.

Here is a video clip demonstrating what it does:

[flash=425,355:37e9rq6m]http://www.youtube.com/v/P7zUH0C47MA[/flash:37e9rq6m]

Working in the nameset UI the backup device can be used to highlight and manipulate components or groups in the Sketchup display, but interaction is not yet fully bilateral pending an attribute extraction solution.

Incidently, I am now working on a nameset device to animate entities to accurately model the process of construction from delivery to installation; this really has only been made practical with this ruby.

It would be good if there could be some kind of a switch that, when activated, can run this ruby directly on selection rather than from the context menu. Anyone know if this is possible?

Thanks

Chris

@cphillips said:

I think I understand a bit better. But probably no. The fact that everything is controlled by a black box physics engine means that precise timing isn't really possible.

Then I guess I, and possibly Livra, will have to go with javascript - shame really, SketchyPhysics seems much more exciting!

Thanks

Chris

@chrisglasier said:

@cphillips said:

Sorry, I don't understand the question.

Yes, I am beginning to doubt my own sanity. I'll try and find an answer, then, if successful, rephrase the question!

Sorry,

Chris

What I was getting myself confused about was how to deal reasonably

accurately with timeOut or setInterval methods and the interplay of

multiple movements of objects each with a different speed.

The answer I guess is to set the most important movement to a speed

that suits the display and intent, and then adjust the others by

factors calculated from real world speeds - travels/durations.

Sorry again!

Chris

@cphillips said:

Sorry, I don't understand the question.

Yes, I am beginning to doubt my own sanity. I'll try and find an answer, then, if successful, rephrase the question!

Sorry,

Chris

@livra_depp said:

I try Sketchup, but my prof wants the cars and people moving with certain speeds

Interesting question! I want to ask another, any answers to which may be helpful to both of us. It is this:

Given that models made in Sketchup use full size dimensions and animation can be effected with javascript timeOut functions in a webdialog, is it possible to reduce the speed on screen in line with the scaling used by SU to display all of the model? (The webdialog can be hidden or not)

This would be useful for me to emulate, say, tower crane lifting cycles.

Good luck with your project!

Chris

PS Have a look at the video here:
http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=180&t=10443#p69219

@unknownuser said:

Hi Chris,
Installation went fine. There was no problem. I didn't get a bugsplat so far
I am trying to figure out 'why and how' of the concept.
First thought - you will have to trace all manual changes made to the geometry.. it will require a lot of observers. No one have already used them intensively, so it is not clear how they will work.

I have to test it better and will come back to you with more comments.

Tomasz

I hope you don't mind my putting your PM here. At least two members have expressed interest in NS development and they may have some useful comments.

To be clear, what we are talking about is sending name/value pairs related to each change to a javascript array within NS. Here are some thoughts.

There are two aspects: one is components which represent items needed to be purchased. At this stage I don't think NS should be involved with their geometry. So far I saved components as separate files, and because they are instanced from a js array, I can refer to entities[entityNo], for example, in order to show its bounding box. But if they are imported some other way, is there some nifty way to refer to them?

The other aspect is their positioning, which so far, I have done using NS devices. But it would be very good if this could also be done in SU UI and still maintain the NS records. I don't know much about observers. I guess they can "see" changes in xyz's, rotation and so on but can they also log logical relationships to other components. (design criteria type thing).

Thanks

Chris

SciTE (that's how they spell it). Its free of course.

Thanks for your interest, Tomasz.

@unknownuser said:

Why have you chosen SU? For easy graphic presentation of actions?

Yes, but also it is universally available and, so far, free. Manufacturers can make or have made models of their products and systems. Designers can use the models for design and presentation, clash detection and so on, and anyone else who has an interest in a project can use it as a viewer to support instructions, orders, time scheduling etc. and, following handover (project and nameset) day to day use (like guestroom bookings). The most important thing that sold me on SU was the web dialog. Most programmes for AEC seem to me to treat the Internet as a kind of mail service, whereas with the web dialogs you can use it to make machines. Corporations introduced machines to automate banking, supermarketing and so on. So if the diverse work of the rest of us is to benefit from some automation we need a new type of machine.

@unknownuser said:

Just from video it is hard to tell if it is really that simple.

Please see http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=180&t=13668&p=103205#p103205. I hope to post more detailed video clips and commentaries later today. I would interested to know if you then consider it "that simple" - I'm biased!

Cheers

Chris

Edit: Posted - see below

Andrew Dwight (aadBuild) suggested it is all very well having a good concept but it needs to be supported by showing what it will do in some detail. So here are some more video clips and commentaries.

THE INTRO (repeated for easy reference ... only one with sound)

[flash=425,355:25f3a3mw]http://www.youtube.com/v/Ejkxu67jtE4[/flash:25f3a3mw]

PLUG IN (normal size SU window; reduced in other clips for readability)

[flash=425,355:25f3a3mw]http://www.youtube.com/v/jEhlSDCDbs4[/flash:25f3a3mw]

The relationship between Namesets (NS) and Sketchup (SU) is quite different from plugins that are designed to work within SU. NS is a plug in that simply allows SU to accept instructions from NS via a single small ruby file of callbacks. NS is designed to encourage different disciplines to use SU components as part of their regular work. For example, a nameset, assembled to support design and construction of a building project, on completion is stripped of irrelevant data, and passed to support users, managers, authorities and other interested parties.

ANIMATION & NAVIGATION

[flash=425,355:25f3a3mw]http://www.youtube.com/v/aUNk1MU8ewo[/flash:25f3a3mw]

At the end of a session, a new shortcut is created for the start of the next. Other shortcuts can be created and existing ones selected. This clip is really to show how animation brings relevant information into focus within a small UI - a machine (unlike a spreadsheet - a metaphor for paperwork)

ASSEMBLY

[flash=425,355:25f3a3mw]http://www.youtube.com/v/_nP8Ewv5v9c[/flash:25f3a3mw]

This clip shows adding a new name, selecting a component file and positioning it. These three activities might be done by three separate people with their own set of devices, at different times and in different locations. (The component file could be on a manufacturer's hard disk.) Devices have been lumped together here for demonstration.

Simply adding names (representing just ideas without preconceptions of attributes or properties) quickly assembles a nameset. Many can use it as it grows to set or retrieve data relevant to names associated with their individual tasks. This process borrows much from other object-oriented entities, like HTML with its elements, attributes, properties and events.

BACKUP DEVICES FOR LINKING DATA

[flash=425,355:25f3a3mw]http://www.youtube.com/v/skRc1vwPuec[/flash:25f3a3mw]

The name device set helps those authorised to manipulate the common nameset but devices for backup (like plug ins) are specific to the nature of different tasks - model selection, time scheduling, costing, buying, QAQC and so on. Backup is the UI to set or retrieve data such as the examples in the following clip.

[flash=425,355:25f3a3mw]http://www.youtube.com/v/Vl6otuK6Rx0[/flash:25f3a3mw]

RESULTS

Every entry has a unique id combining the record index with its position in the record array (e.g. record[12601][12]). This means that manipulation of data is totally unrestricted enabling devices to generate all types of display and output. The next clip shows some simple examples of output.

[flash=425,355:25f3a3mw]http://www.youtube.com/v/4T0uNS73Q8A[/flash:25f3a3mw]

Here is a repeat of an animation showing the manipulation of individual components along distribution paths on a timeline(supplementing GANNT and PERT charts with animations).

[flash=425,355:25f3a3mw]http://www.youtube.com/v/FmQEQr-_EoE[/flash:25f3a3mw]

DISPLAY OPTIONS

As currently coded control of the SU display is directed from the web dialog. I used Jim Foltz's Custom Toolbars to make an NS toolbar similar to the SU viewer. This is fine for non SU users as the records are saved not the skp file. But for SU users, actions in the UI need to be sent to the NS records for bilateral connectivity; this would require some ruby code beyond my capability.

Some display controls have been included within NS UI for convenience as well as remote controls in group sessions.

[flash=425,355:25f3a3mw]http://www.youtube.com/v/WX0l4YxLzxk[/flash:25f3a3mw]

The filter device means any component(s) can be simply excluded from the display.

OUTLINE STATUS

Javascript works; needs professional review and reworking. Comments act as performance specification. Total .js files = 173 KB

Sample devices for nameset, backup, output and display.

Name/value pairs for records.

Crude saving device using pop up window and copy and paste to text file.

Sample list of generic names. These are used as name cell id and, if product, component file name, otherwise name of list of associated names next in the hierarchy (natural links). The default is a wireframe cube with no search refinement. Generic names introduce refinement but are very wide; e.g. seat is used for any seat, from luxury sofas to stools.

Sample list of given names. Commonly used names related to generic names. Can also use input to amend or create new. Given names are displayed (default = generic name.)

Detailed concept for file sharing of components and records. The basic idea is that all participants store their own data, allowing others to link to it with pointers in their own records. Elaborative data is attached to the link. For example, a designer might link to a product and then position it, automatically attaching its coordinates to the link.

Sorry this post is so long; the concept of namesets includes unrestrained extendability, so I did't want to cut it too short. I hope this additional info will encourage more discussion to help bring namesets into use.

Thanks,

Chris

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(www.onuma.com)

I am not sure if this type of thing is new. It certainly marries with my idea to expand Sketchup use. It would be so much better if the data was exchanged by Namesets rather than Excel.

Chris

@unknownuser said:

This is a good point. On one hand, you could argue that WebDialogs are the answer to complex UI inside SU, but in practice I think it's hard to find developers who are experts at ruby AND html AND javascript, which is largely what's needed to create solid UI inside a webdialog.

If people have seen any UI APIs that are worth looking at as a potential model for how we could extend Ruby UI support, please let me know.

I don't know whether you have looked at this topic http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=80&t=12770. I am not expert at html and javascript, and the only ruby coding I have learnt from SFC experts like Jim and you (both web dialog video and blog). But I have learnt enough to design namesets to connect up quite different disciplines in a single endeavour ( e.g. the completion of a building project), with Sketchup components a key element.

One member, Andrew Dwight (aadBuild), advised me in a PM that however good the concept, people still needed to see the detail of what it can do; I have been working on more video clips and commentary for that and hope to add a new post to the nameset intro videos topic this weekend.

I hope you find this interesting.

Chris

New post done - please use link in original post.

My comments were about the Synchro/Sketchup combination. Watching the video again it is very clear that the model is static, with animation confined to hiding and colour changing (no moving).

@toxicvoxel said:

... things become a lot more complex than just moving and hiding elements when you start considering the complexities ...

I think then you agree this Synchro "solution" is half-hearted and I hope you agree that a fresh, modern, non-proprietary, commercial approach to overcome the complexity is worth pursuing.

That's the main point of my posting,

Chris

@toxicvoxel said:

And why is this interesting? The man in charge of Visco is Mark Sawyer, ex @Last CEO responsible for selling Sketchup to Google! This bloke is in the business of developing market share for new technologies and then selling it on to the big guns, - so watch this space.

Thanks, indeed very interesting ... see the 3.5 min video

[flash=425,355:29o0s08x]http://www.youtube.com/v/Ejkxu67jtE4[/flash:29o0s08x]

I don't want to make a big scene about the definition of animation, but it seems to me, to qualify you only need to put a Sketchup model and Primavera type scheduling tools into a single interface, and, onClick "animate" relevant parts to be hidden or "lit up."

My way is to take Sketchup models of components and actually assemble them using Javascript functionality. This means anyone can do it, attaching data to individual records for the aspect they are responsible for (see attached file). I think this is more authentic animation, more adventurous, of universal application and with greater potential; don't you think so?

Chris

Record codes.txt

It seems a bit half hearted to me. Given the amount of computing power available nowadays, the ability to generate Sketchup displays with Javascript via the web dialog and that component attributes and their start dates and durations are identified, the truly modern way for project scheduling would be an animation of the construction or assembly process (of course store locations and distribution and hoisting routes would need to be also identified). For example,you could simulate raising brickwork with an iteration of "brickwall1.pushpull height" type thing. But the main points include better awareness of the process and detection of clashes not only in design but in distribution, hoisting and installation.

Here's a rather strange video I posted before, just to show that animation of individual sketchup components or groups along movement paths can be quite straightforward.

[flash=425,355:2mt0qysr]http://www.youtube.com/v/FmQEQr-_EoE[/flash:2mt0qysr]

and of course this is not only applicable to construction but also to any kind of assembly or activity that involves movement.

Thanks for your support TBD. Here's a bit of welcome news...

@unknownuser said:

This is very interesting and I’d definitely like to know more. Please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Paul
PAUL SELETSKY
SR. MANAGER, DIGITAL DESIGN – SOM NY
SKIDMORE, OWINGS & MERRILL LLP

@aadbuild said:

I like the idea, of namesets chris. How do I go about getting a copy of the ruby so i can take it for a test drive?

There's much to be done before that, not just testing the machine and devices coding but also arrangements of names themselves, promotional activities and so forth. There is of course a Ruby file to make the connection between NS and SU, but otherwise NS is an application in its own right; its further development needs to be done carefully and needs to be properly funded. So right now I am trying to get as many people as possible to open the video as an indication of market interest.

@aadbuild said:

I was also wondering about the components, obviously the components in the youtube video are generic. How would I go about putting in say a special request component? I guess when specific components are added I could have a break down of them e.g. 6/820 doors timber doors with high lights, 35 lengths of 70*35 colonial architrave, and then also make a purchase order to send to the individual suppliers. Or could I use the URL link to request a quote? Do you invisage the suppliers that advertise on namesets to have prices & specifications to go with the components?

This is also part of the further development but my basic idea is that manufacturers need to register with a minimum required set of data: material, cost, delivery and so on. A nameset is of course a breakdown in itself, and because you can crosslink you can rearrange it with a single click to send out batched purchase orders. One interesting thing is that you have to use components; if they don't exist as a finished product, then a designer would need to make them from standard sheets of plywood components or whatever. Apart from timing, designing and building follow the same course. This should mean better understanding and higher standards.

Thanks Andrew. There is a new thread at
http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=80&t=12770 which has an introductory video.

Chris