problem later) to fit more shapes that are otherwise won't fit in.
On the example below horizontal rectangle couldn't fit in but its rotated analog could and thus was placed in.
Later, when placed shapes are used to generate frames, because of this rotation, the position of the starting points changes and because of the approach I use to generate the frames some angle values are attached to the wrong corners, this brakes the frame shape and looks like this (on the left the frame of sick shape and on the right the frame of the healthy shape):
Again, this happens because the angle values are assigned to the specific corners (points) and previously rotated shapes get these all messed up:
Easy fix, don't rotate the shapes, problem is, I've already baked a good number of them for later use. I'd like to avoid regeneration because it takes a lot of time and without rotation I constrict the algorithm even more.
Better fix, use a different approach, this is where I'd like to hear suggestions and kicks in a right direction. Please take a look at my definition. It works but I have a feeling like giving an amputee a job of sweeping the floor.
…
ns. but first allow me to explain what i'm trying to do: i have a serial device i want to talk to, but i have to do it using some sort of handshaking. for instance, when i send a command/data, i need to wait for an appropriate response before sending another. i have used andy payne's general serial components from firefly, but i don't think they'll work for what i want to do, and in general, i want to know how to do this from scratch. i'm using the pyserial library to do the comm, and i can get it to work within one script. here's an example of a working (mostly) port open/close script (x=input param for baud, y=input param for port name, z=boolean input param for open/close):
import serialmyPort=serial.Serial()myPort.baudrate = xmyPort.port = yif z == True: try: myPort.open() except: print "Something went wrong. Cannot open port." if myPort.isOpen() == True: print myPort.name + " is open" if z != True: try: myPort.close() except: print "Something went wrong. Cannot close port." if myPort.isOpen != True: print myPort.name + " is closed"
this all works well and good. here are my questions:
1) I can open the port and then close it. however, if i try to re-open it, i get an access denied error. it seems rhino is holding the port open, as i have to re-start rhino to get it working again. i read through the discussions and didn't see any definitive answers to this problem. any advice?
2) I'd like to share this port with other components (or at least break up the functions of opening/closing the port and read/write, not unlike how the firefly components are organized), but i have no idea how to share an object instance between components. i did see that there is a sticky dict and tried to add myPort to it, but i kept getting errors in the other component when i try to use the object's methods. for instance:
Component 1 Script:
import serial
import scriptcontext
myPort=serial.Serial("COM4", 9600)
scriptcontext.sticky['myPort']=myPort
Component 2 Script:
import serial
import scriptcontext
myPort=scriptcontext.sticky['myPort']
print myPort.read()
but i get messages like:
Runtime error (MissingMemberException): 'Serial' object has no attribute '_port_handle'
any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!
best,
~BB~…
nter the programming world and tinker more complex, interactive solutions. We will also explore advanced programming paradigms. There is no class official programming language, as both C# and Vb.Net are possible on the participant’s side, and all examples will be provided in both C# and Vb.Net. Additionally, we will see how to get started writing full .Net plug-ins. Finally, we will have time to explore user’s own proposals on the third day.
Day 1 Morning: programming introduction in .Net
• The Grasshopper scripting components. Choosing a .Net language. Language developments
• Variables declaration, assignment and utilization. Operators. Methods [functions]. Calls
• Classes: declaration and instancing. Constructors. Importing a namespace. On3dPoints, OnLines
• Arrays declaration and usage. Lists. Adding to arrays and lists, advantages and opportunities.
Afternoon: patterns
• About OOP (object oriented programming) as opposed to procedural programming. Discussion
• Example of OOP good code reuse: sorting points by coordinates using the .Net SDK classes
• Lists as input parameters. Trees as input parameters. Usage and limitations
• Finding resources: on the net with website that can help getting started and troubleshoot. And books
Day 2 Morning: extending Grasshopper functionality with our definitions
• Store data between updates. The use of fields [globals, or static locals]
• Examples on how to use stored data between updates: a simple agents simulation
• Baking geometry with scripting directly into the Rhino document. Baking with names
• Passing custom types from a scripted component to another one. Our own code reusability
• Rendering an animation from Grasshopper. How to get started and final results
Afternoon: customizing our tools
• Our Rhino plug-in with Visual Studio C# [Vb.Net] Express Edition & wizard. Parametric mesher
• Writing a custom Grasshopper component: hacking an exporter for our data to Excel
Day 3 All day: personal project
• Rehearsal on any example from the first two days. A project that you want to start on your own, being it a Rhinoceros plug-in, a Grasshopper assembly or a script. Example might be to send data through network with UDP to Processing
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A good foundation of Grasshopper visual programming is mandatory. You will need a level which corresponds to the Grasshopper 101 course outline. Examples of things that will not be covered in this course are: sorting document spheres by diameter, paneling of a surface with grasshopper components. You are expected to already know these from the Grasshopper course.…
creating the structural frame, finding the endpoints, linking these endpoints with curves and afterwards lofting the surfaces between the curves.
The results were quite nice, however, the procedure is very time consuming and inefficient. There is just too much copy-pasting involved.
(see attached file: "Old Attempts.zip" )
Mesh relaxation:
I have later on used Daniel Piker's tutorials on Mesh Relaxation and realized that this might be the way to go.
The link to these online tutorials on wewanttolearn.net is:
https://wewanttolearn.wordpress.com/2011/10/22/mesh-relaxation-kangaroo-tutorial/
His tutorials, however, only deal with mesh boxes which are ideal cubes. He then joins them together in various directions, but it is under 90 degrees angle.
( see attached file: "Daniel Pikers Examples" )
What I would like to achieve:
I want my bridges to go in all directions and angles, not just under 90 degree angle.
Ideally I would like to make a square (polygon) follow a curve (which moves in all axis) at certain number of division points. I would then loft these squares into a mesh and use that shape as a mesh box. I would later use this mesh box and relax it the same way as Daniel Piker used the cubes in his tutorial. The anchor points are only the vertices of the squares which create the lofted mesh box.
( see attached file: "New Attempts" )
As you can see below this procedure works even if the curve is moving in all directions not only along xy axis. There are, however, many problems connected to it.
The problem:
Despite all the effort I cannot seem to come up with a design where I would be able to draw a random curve which would be the guideline for my mesh box and then apply this box to one definition in order to relax the mesh and create the shape that I want. Without this I am again forced into a lot of copy pasting as the final mesh box is made out of several sections.
Also is there any way I could make the final resulting mesh a bit smoother? Increasing the number of mesh faces is probably the only way, right?
Thank you guys so much for any potential help.
All best,
Luka
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ur setup. Can you say what sensor you are using? Are you using an Arduino to write this ascii information to the serial port? If so, there may be some formatting code for the string that you'll need to do to get the Read component to function properly. I see that you were able to open the port and Start reading... so my first thought is that the data is formatted correctly....
All of the read components look for a specific character (in this case two characters) to indicate when it has reached the end of the line being read and should spit out the data. In this case, Firefly uses the Carriage Return (\r) and Line Feed (\n) to know when it has reached the end of the line. In arduino, these are automatically added to any line if you use the Serial.println("blah, blah, blah"); command. Notice, this is different from the Serial.print("nothing to see here"); command. This doesn't mean that you can't still use the regular print command... it's just you need to use the println command to indicate when you've reached the end of the line. Let's take a look at a simple example.
void setup() { Serial.begin(9600);}void loop() { int sensorValue = analogRead(A0); Serial.print("The value of the sensor is: "); Serial.println(sensorValue);
delay(20); // important to wait some small time so you aren't sending just a ton of info over to GH which will cause it to crash :(
}
The first print statement prints a string to the serial port... and the next one adds the current sensor value... and THEN adds the carriage return and line feed to start a new line. The nice thing about using these together is that you can concatenate any type of data you want. If you were to upload this sketch, you should see a sentence being printed to the serial port that says "The value of the sensor is: 512". I made up the number, but you get the idea. Notice, I also had to include a delay function. You don't always need this (there are other ways to go about this) but the important thing to note is that the loop cycle on the Arduino can run really fast. I mean... really fast. So, you wont want to send so much data over to GH, because this could flood the string buffer in the Read component and cause it to crash (eventually). It's a good idea to add some small time interval just to slow it down a bit. I should say that I've optimized the refresh rate in the next release so it's significantly faster... so hopefully this wont be as big of a problem... but hopefully that helps some.
Now... Why are you writing data to a sensor? Sensors by default are considered inputs... so I'm quite confused as to why you would want to send data back (if you are... then you need some way to handle the string data being sent from GH... this is the whole reason we built the Firefly firmata... it sets up the two-way protocol so you don't have to deal with all of that mess... If you're going to read and write, you're better off just uploading the firmata and using the Uno Read and Write components). Also, I'm not very familiar with the Hyperterm or Advanced Serial Port Terminal... but I will say that could get COM conflicts if you're trying to open the port with different tools. Anyway, I hope some of this helps you get up and running.
Cheers,
Andy
…
DP ($$$ aside), GC, and Grasshopper. Arthur’s original question is very important
and the exact question (and hopefully answer) I was hoping to find on a
forum.
“How to take intelligent 3D parametric generative design models (scripting, etc.) into 2D documents?" Or, deliver the 3D design for evaluation, bid, construction, etc.
I am intrigued by Jon’s comments in the same thread and would like to know how I can learn more about the process (and
pitfalls) of turning over a 3D digital generative models to a contractor/fabricator.
Are there any industry guidelines established I could use as a reference to guide our firm through this type of uncharted territory?
Arthur’s question is very reminiscent of 10 years ago when I was frustrated with the amount of time spent on the development of a 3D model design (physical and/or virtual) only to have to wipe the table clean and start the process all over again in 2D in order to document the project for delivery. From this I jumped head first into BIM and Revit, vowing never to go back to unintelligent 2D line work. I am now working on Bentley software (v8i: Microstation and Bentley Architecture) with the access and desire to venture into Generative Components. I am very intrigued by Rhino/Grasshopper primarily with the apparent ease of use and available resources assisting in the learning process – something not really available with Bentley.
In hindsight, as I am doing my software research I think the current use of Revit and BA (Bentley Architecture) are more of a “bridge”
between the past (decades of digital 2D work, i.e. AutoCAD) and where hopefully
we all will be someday in the near future (100% 3D modeling, i.e. Digital
Project??). Without having the experience
it would appear that DP/CATIA (PLM software) are closer to this than any other
type of software. As complicated as the
industry standards are for the automobile and airline industry, I feel we
(architectural industry and others) are heading in a similar direction with
total understanding (PLM/ Evidence Based Design) of a design (a whole other topic). If anything I think the market will begin to
demand it sooner or later.
Gehry (DP) article NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/business/11gehry.html
I know these type of broad discussions (software vs. software) can be blown out of proportion on forums, but I am would like to read
the pulse of those who are already in the trenches (using Grasshopper, CATIA, Digital Project, Generative Components, others??) and hear your thoughts. Just as valuable would be other threads,
industry articles/reviews of 3D parametric generative design software.
Thanks,
Boyd…
uired information, a poor representation of data evolve misreading messages and by turn ambiguous responses especially with complex data. Inforgraphics are graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge intended to present complex information quickly and clearly. In the nowadays flow of complex information, Infographics is the key for optimized visual communication. The use of infographics is an important step towards developing a pedagogical approach that draws on visuals where 90% of Information is transmitted to the brain so it is crucial to tickle the optic nerves to get people excited about data. The workshop investigates how computational tools can aid in designing and controlling complex information to be easily understood in addition to improve cognition by utilizing graphics to enhance the human visual system’s ability to see patterns and trends and much more likely to be remembered in today’s fast – paced environment. This workshop investigates multiple computational tools and techniques of developing coefficient visualization of data types including; network, statistical and hierarchal data. The workshop objective is to reconsider visual representation a promising design tool for architects, artists and designers. /// Application To apply, please follow this link to fill the application form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HOv6c1_LzhHNJU5n_FLvuhC-Yg75HDfbEcq6TN6mulI/viewform /// Fees 1200 EGP for students / 1500 EGP for graduates and young professionals more info on the workshop webpage: http://www.encodestudio.net/#!infographics/cqvl
POSTS
…
ike using something like the Z vector, but technically you can use any vector you want. This vector will actually determine the static rotatation of all the planes, so you can control that here if you like. One important thing that I've noticed is that the closer the vector is to the plane of the curve or if its too similar to one of the tangent vectors, the more likely you'll have "flipping"
2) Take the cross product between the tangent and the static vector. This will be your first perpendicular vector, which you can use for the X component of the plane.
3) Take the cross product between the tangent and the result of the previous cross product. Use this result as the Y component of the plane. All three components (X, Y, and Z (which is the tangent vector)) are all perpendicular to each other now.
After you've done that you should have planes that decrease twisting. If your curve is not planar, then there will always be some twisting in the frames, but it will be minimal enough to use them effectively.
There also may be "flipping" within the frames, which means one (or both) of two things. First, you could have planes that have reversed their vectors, so the X vector is properly oriented, but pointing down when it should be pointing up. Second, the X and Y vectors could have potentially swapped, so that Y "should" be X and X "should" be Y. In order to check these things, you'll need to do a few tests. The first one is find out whether the vector (X or Y) of the plane your testing is pointing in the opposite direction of previous vector. The second test is to find out whether the vector (X or Y) of the plane your testing is perpendicular to the previous vector. In both cases, an angle test between the two vectors will be able to tell you what you need to know, but you will likely NEVER get exactly 180 for an opposite test or 90 for a perpendicular test. That means that you have to choose a range with which to determine that a given vector is opposite or perpendicular.
You should start testing the X vector to see if anything is wrong. If you find that the X vector is fine, then just move on because Rhino will only allow you to create right handed planes, and the Z vector (the tangent) will always be the same.
I don't believe that there's a native function within the old dotNET SDK for calculating angles, so use the example at the link below. It basically takes the arcCosine of the Dot Product of the two vectors your testing to return the angle in Radians. I'm not sure if this function is included in RhinoCommon or not....
http://wiki.mcneel.com/developer/sdksamples/anglebetweenvectors…
ed when membrane cones are invited to the party (then mesh (via Starling is the best way) the brep and send data to Kangaroo : the easiest thing to do). But patch doesn't trim the inner Loops and ... well initially I thought to find this in SDK and do the job:
Well... I confess that I can't get the gist of the Brep.Trim (as explained in SDK).
Thus go to plan B: having already the closed breps (the "cones") as cutters ... attempt a Boolean difference
but this does that (this looks to me a bit paranoid, but some reason must exist):
What I want is this:
the code that mess things is (open the script inside definition attached):
BTW: where in SDK is that DeBrep thing?
BTW: Delaunay GH syntax is still cryptic to me (but this is not an issue anymore)
I would greatly appreciate any help on that final step (to greatness).
The full working definition soon (v5: with 90% of components replaced by C# stuff).
best, Peter
…
bout angle since the exact same wires can suddenly start working fine later! Just adding new items to Rhino and then using undo to get back to your failing geometry will fix it sometimes?! Flipping the pair of curves' directions, either one or both, fixes it. It's just black box broken. It happens for really boring angles near 90 degrees.
Rotating the entire pair in space has no effect.
Rescaling the lines from their joint point has no effect.
Simply cutting and pasting the lines out of Rhino back in *sometimes* fixes it, so it's angle and something else that makes certain lines "toxic."
Duplicating the pair of failed lines via alt-dragging the Rhino gumball fails to fix it.
Running the "line-like curves" through a Line component to give "lines" doesn't fix it.
Re-creating the lines by extracting endpoints fails to fix it.
Each line, if separated from each other works fine.
Grafting makes each line into its own little cylinder minus a hub.
The error is the boilerplate "Object reference not set to an instance of an object."
Once the pair spontaneously starts working I cannot reproduce the error with that pair again, though sometimes Rhino undo will get me back to failing.
CAN ANYBODY REPRODUCE THIS WITH MY FILE? If so I can submit a bug report.
Exoskeleton is here: http://www.grasshopper3d.com/group/exoskeleton
Source code is here but it's for compiling, not something I can just test in a C# component out of the box:
https://github.com/davestasiuk/Exoskeleton2/commit/f63c4aa691a7f26b...
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