The interactive GDL editor

Transcription

1 The interactive GDL editor Main features of GDL Toolbox TM Fully integrated into ArchiCAD. Interactive definition and editing of 3D geometrical shapes within the ArchiCAD working environment. ArchiCAD-like way of thinking. No GDL knowledge is needed. Free 3D space for creating, editing and transforming GDL Toolbox elements. Intelligent geometrical Object Tools. Editing possibilities for exisiting library parts created with GDL Tolbox. Easy and intuitive Library part definitions. Cooperation with the standard ArchiCAD elements. fully fits into ArchiCAD s familiar operation, in order to avoid any interruption in the architectural work carried out with ArchiCAD. GDL Toolbox is an ArchiCAD Add-On application, which enables ArchiCAD users to have access to the geometrical possibilties offered by GDL programming based exclusively on their knowledge of ArchiCAD and geometry. 1

2 The aim of GDL Toolbox provides a solution for two main requirements: 1. It supplements the Architectural tools of ArchiCAD with intelligent 2D/3D geometrical elements; 2 It allows the ArchiCAD Users smart and interactive generating and editing of most sophisticated GDL objects in the well-known editing environment of ArchiCAD. ArchiCAD alone does not support the interactive generating of simple and complex geometrical elements. Until now such user needs are to be satisfied by GDL programming. Although the knowledge of GDL allows the user to find solutions for most of the geometrical problems that occur in architecture, only a few percentage of ArchiCAD users know GDL at a satisfactory level. Another problem of GDL programming is that while scripting a geometrical element, the user leaves his original (architectural) track of thoughts and needs to start a new, completely different (software developmental) track in a completely new environment. GDL Toolbox hopes to offer an easy-to-apply, intuitive solution to these problems by extending the functionality of ArchiCAD. 2

3 Functions of In ArchiCAD architectural and supplementary geometrical functions have always been clearly distinguished. GDL Toolbox is therefore synthesizing these functions. Our primary goal during the development of the software was to prevent ArchiCAD users from leaving their architectural track of thoughts while designing supplementary simple or complex elements or shapes. With the help of GDL Toolbox elements can be placed into the ArchiCAD project in two ways: As a geometrical element In this case a single geometrical element will be placed which can be defined on the floor plan with one of the tools of the software. (Definition is similar to the one of any standard 3D element in ArchiCAD.) As an Object-type library part In this case GDL Toolbox elements can be saved from a selected set of geometric elements drawn with GDL Toolbox. The name of the new object needs to be defined. Objects saved this way can be edited later interactively with the help of the GDL Toolbox. 3

4 Relationship between ArchiCAD and GDL Toolbox TM GDL Toolbox is built into ArchiCAD 6.5, through the Graphisoft API (Application Programming Interface). The software operates only with ArchiCAD, using its workspace, user interface and interactions. Having the software installed, a new menu item appears through which operational commands of the program can be reached. The basic geometrical functions of the program can be reached through a Toolbox similarly to the one in ArchiCAD. Geometrical elements generated with the program can be used even if GDL Toolbox is not installed on the curent computer. In this case elements can be used, but cannot be modified. During the design and development process of GDL Toolbox we were striving to achieve that GDL Toolbox should fit well into the ArchiCAD environment - within the limits set by the API. Adapting ArchiCAD s Way of Thinking Definition of the single GDL Toolbox elements (geometrical elements) happens the same way as with ArchiCAD intelligent architectural elements: Non-geometrical parameters of the elements will be defined in a dialog box. Geometrical parameters will be defined on the floor plan. Modification of non-geometrical features of selected elements will be done in the dialog boxes. Geometrical features of selected elements may be modified on the floor plan. Geometrical information on existing elements can be used for generating new elements. Special geometrical and transformational operations can be carried out with the selected elements. Although elements generated with the GDL Toolbox are phisicaly standard Object-type library parts due to its own data structure GDL Toolbox treats them as independent intelligent elements. 4

5 In the next few illustrations we will present how easy it is to create, modify or transform GDL Toolbox elements: Creating elements You can create GDL Toolbox elements by clicking on the Toolbox, setting up the parameters in the dialog box and entering the definition points by clicking on the floor plan. 5

6 Both simple and complex elemenscan be defined this way. For example the polyline segment definition as illustrated bellow: You can use the input modifier to define segments with linear or curved geometry. As you can see the polyline really exists in the 3D space. Editing elements You can easily and interactively edit the existing GDL Toolbox elements. By selecting the element and clicking on it s nodes the required modifications can be carried out. The next illustrations show the interactive modofication of the polyline and the sphere elements. Linear segments to arcs Click on the node of a linear segment of the polyline Turn the linear segment into an arc using the input modifier. See the result. 6

7 Arc segments to linear ones Click at the midpoint of curved segment. Using the input modifier you can redefine the curved segment or you can set it to linear. See the result of the modified poliline in 3D. Editing the shape of a sphere Set the sphere to edit mode by clicking on it s nodes and selecting it. Redefine the opening angle graphically. The sphere is turned into a sector. The element can be a solid one or represented only by its surface. 7

8 Converting GDL Toolox TM elements You can easillly convert ArchiCAD elements or just GDL Toolbox elements into new geometrical objects. By selecting a polyline and applying the tube command... the new Tube object appears... Transforming GDL Toolox TM elements which is already a three dimensional shape. You can use standard coordinate transformation commands for repositioning GDL Toolbox elements. By specifying in 3D the rotation axis. Selecting the sphere and apply the rotate over a line command. The result is a rotated element. 8

9 Example tube-chair In the next examples we will show how complex object type library parts can be created and saved using GDL Toolbox. 1. Draw the shape using ArchiCAD lines and arcs. 2. Convert them into a tube. 3. The new object appears also in the 3D window. 1. Select the GDL Tolbox elemet. 2. You can transform it in the 3D space. Rotate, drag and mirror it to the desired location. 9

10 1. Select the element you want to transform in space. 2. The result appears immediately also in the 3D window. 1. Select an ArchiCAD arc for generating the leader sheat of the chair inbetween the steel bars. 2. Turn the arc into a polyline and elevate a copy of it in order to have two polylines at different height. 3. Between the polylines you can create a 3D surface by selecting and converting them using the appropriate command. 10

11 Example coat-rack 1. Select your ArchiCAD drawings 2. Convert them into GDL polylines with one click. 3. Turn these polylines into a tubular object using the Tube command of GDL Toolbox. 4. GDL Toolbox objects can be generated from pre-defined polylines or they can be drawn by their reference lines as well. 11

12 5. Using the simple elements and the transformation commands you can set up the complex GDL Toolbox object. 6. Using GDL Toolbox s saving function you can create a standard ArchiCAD object 7. Now you can use this library part just like any other object in ArchiCAD. 8. This object can be loaded into the program for further editing. Contact us Archi-data Ltd. We design communication Address: Taplocsányi utca 2. Budapest 1022 Hungary For more information about and other products and for the latest product availability and updates please visit our website or contact us. Internet: mail@archidata.hu Copyright: Archi-data Ltd All intellectual and other rights are reserved. GDL Toolbox TM is a registred trademark of Archi-data Ltd. 12