Ruby automatic proces

Developers Ruby API
1

Hello,

I want to create a tool that can draw a simple construction with columns and beams. This have to be components. I want an option that you can give in height, width, length and how many fields. So you have an automatic proces. I can do some simple ruby things but I don’t know if my idea is possible? Or can this better been done with dynamic components?

Thanks for the help

2

It can be done with dynamic components or Ruby, just as you like to do it.

Anssi

3

Oké thanks

I only don’t know how to call a component with ruby and how a length or height can be dynamic?

Can’t find some good tutorial on YouTube.

4

Let’s assume you have a simple SKP component made manually - let’s say it’s named ‘box.skp’.
It’s a 1x1x1" cube, with its base centered on the ORIGIN.

You can make it within the model using Ruby BUT I think this approach is simpler…

Now in Ruby code you need to add it into the model’s definitions.

model = Sketchup.active_model defn = model.definitions.load( full_path_to_box.skp )

Now you need to add the ‘defn’ as an instance [for now we’ll put it at the ORIGIN, then transform it].

inst = model.active_entities.add_instance( defn, ORIGIN )

Now let’s transform it…

  • first its location

inst.transform!( Geom::Transformation.new( some_new_location_point ) )

and assuming it’s a column… let’s scale its height etc [remember it’s 1" in all axes at the moment], leaving its insertion-point where we just specified it…

inst.transform!( Geom::Transformation.scaling( inst.transformation.origin, x_size, y_size, z_size ) )

The sizes should be in inches as it starts off as 1x1x1", so it it is to be 12" x 6" x 96" use:
inst.transform!( Geom::Transformation.scaling( inst.transformation.origin, 12.0, 6.0, 96.0) )

Read up on the API:
http://www.sketchup.com/intl/en/developer/docs/ourdoc/definitionlist
http://www.sketchup.com/intl/en/developer/docs/ourdoc/entities
http://www.sketchup.com/intl/en/developer/docs/ourdoc/transformation

2 Likes
5

Thank you Tig.

Going to try this with ruby to see if I can build a simple floor and also to see if I can make a message box that can appear to input sizes