topic Re: Dynamic input in ObjectARX Forum

Dynamic input

alex_b — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:20:07 GMT

Hi
How would I go to have my command-line prompts display on screen (according to the DYNMODE setting)?
Thanks
alex

Re: Dynamic input

alex_b — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:06:17 GMT

Anybody?
Is it exposed at all in the API?
Thanks
alex

Re: Dynamic input

cadMeUp — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:23:51 GMT

This will set a value for the 'DYNMODE' system variable:

struct resbuf rb;
rb.restype = RTSHORT;
rb.resval.rint = 3;
if (acedSetVar(_T("DYNMODE"), &rb) != RTNORM)
return;

The ARX Developer's guide shows how to use acedSetVar & acedGetVar in code. Look under the heading 'System Variables'.

Re: Dynamic input

alex_b — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:46:54 GMT

Thanks for answering.
I meant to have the prompts in my custom app show on-screen with each option on a separate line.
alex

Re: Dynamic input

cadMeUp — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:46:22 GMT

Sounds like something you could possibly set within the properties manager while your custom app/command is running?
If so, and maybe this could be another method of implementing what you are thinking, you could look into using COM and command interaction with the properties manager. I know the ARX Developer's guide shows how to implement it and I know there is at least one sample project in the ARX samples that shows how to do that: 'AsdkSquareWrapper_dg'. I'm sure there are other samples in there though, another sample that shows this is the 'polysamp' sample project.

Another possible way would be to create a modeless dialog/borderless window that is setup to appear when your app's command runs and reflects the interaction you want. To me, with dynamic input, it looks like AutoCAD is createing these modeless windows that are just text boxes to use for input. The windows move and adjust their values when the mouse moves, and allow you to enter values.

Anyway, I don't think there is anything that is provided by the API that provides direct support with dynamic input interaction other than property manager command interaction.

Re: Dynamic input

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:13:51 GMT

do you mean like when you run the pline command with dyn switched on, and it says 'specify next point or' and there's a down arrow which drops down the available keyword options, one per line?

that should work for you automatically provided you've set your keywords right, and you're using the right syntax in your acedGet... function.

can you post your code for the bit when you're waiting for input from the user?

Re: Dynamic input

alex_b — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:59:58 GMT

Yes, but without the down arrow - it shows the option list already open, as for the PEDIT command.
If cadmeup is right and there is no API, then either we cook our own, as he suggested, or we stay hungry.:)
>,,using yhe right syntax ...
Is there a syntax to cause the on-screen options list?
[code] acedInitGet(RSG_OTHER, _T("Create Default")); ss = acedEntSel(_T("\nSelect an Object/Create new/Default<D>: "), ename, pickpt); [/code]
As it is, the options list shows on-screen but in a single line, just as it would on the command line.
Thanks
alex

Re: Dynamic input

cadMeUp — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:45:42 GMT

Sorry alex, I think I see what you are saying. So you want that options list to appear without having to press the Down arrow key to get it to appear? Seems like there would be a system variable that you could set to make that happen. I don't see an option or anything for that in the api though. It might be possible to send this keypress message, within your command routine at the appropriate time, to the AutoCAD frame window as a keypress event/message. AutoCAD must catch and implement a keypress message that drops that list down anyway. Maybe check out the 'CWnd::SendMessage' method.

Re: Dynamic input

alex_b — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:20:51 GMT

Using the posted code, I don't get any down arrow to press, all the options list is in one big line, so before I worry about sending messages to acad, I have to solve the multi-line options.
Thanks
alex

Re: Dynamic input

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:43:38 GMT

OK if you go

acedInitGet(RSG_OTHER, _T("Create Default"));
ss = acedEntSel (_T("\nSelect an object or [Create/Default]: "), ename, pickpt);

I think that should at least make it behave like a generic AutoCAD command, with the down arrow etc. I'm no expert but I think it spots the [ and ] and works out the keywords, even though you already specify them in acedInitGet.

As for showing the keyword list without having to press the down arrow, I've never done that before, I think thats maybe something you would have to do yourself from scratch?

Re: Dynamic input

alex_b — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:50:36 GMT

Hi d4873,
I played with it for a while and I think I got it now.
To summarize, and for the benefit of others, the tooltip prompt behaviour inside OARX-defined commands is just like the native acad commands' (and of course according to the dyn settings in force at the time):
1. If one of the command options is to pick something (like in acedEntSel) you get the tooltip prompt for entering coordinates, with the other options hidden behind the down-arrow.
2. For other cases (like acedGetKword), you get the entire options list, fully open.
The syntax is like you posted: slash-separated options-list inside square brackets, with the default option following inside angle brackets.
The way to programmatically open the down-arrow, as mentioned in previous posts, has probably no importance now.
Thanks
alex