Multiple Visibility States using Lookup Tables

[e3do]

Hello All (and Libbya),

I'm trying to create a Dynamic Block with Multiple Visibility States, yet in a Drill-Down fashion. For example, the drawing attached has (2) D-Blocks with several AV Racks in it. Right now we have (4) Lookup tables with the Visibility States for each, which brings up (4) Lookup options when you select the block. Obviously, neither block has succeeded. We'd like to simplify this with only 1 lookup option showing at a time. Attached is an image of the approach we took yet not getting the results desired.

I'd like to:

A: select the block, then

B: choose the type of rack, then

C: choose the visibility states for that rack

I've looked at the other posts Libbya had with a similar approach and find it difficult to follow, as it is using other parameters to arrive at the end result. That is not to say it isn't the answer; it seems brilliant, just a little over my head. Isn't there a way to just have one Lookup (Rack Type) look up another Lookup (Visibility States for that Rack Type)?

Thank you all for your help. This forum is awesome.

Original posts: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/dynamic-blocks/ootb-multiple-visibility-states-solution/m-p/4961288/h...

and: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/dynamic-blocks/multiple-visibility-states-with-lookups-work-independe...

[MMcCall402 · Accepted solution]

A block table will operate in a drill down fashion for selecting a visibility states.

Make a user parameter for the model, set it up as a text value.

Make a block table, add the user parameter first, then add the visibility state.

Enter model numbers, repeat the entry for as many visibility states are needed for that model.  (note, these repeats will make the selection menu expand, drill down)

Fill in the visibility states.

[e3do]

Hello MMcCall442,

Your suggestion was entirely correct. We didn't need Lookup Tables and Visibilty States, only the Block Table Editor and Visibilty States.

Thanks again for your help!

[JCrowe77]

Hello Mr. Mark Mccall-

I ran across this post where you helped out e3do back in 2017.  This sounds like this can help me out a great deal. 

I am in civil 3d 2019.  I have a house block with multiple visibility states.  I would like this block so that the user could pick various options from this house block.  So if I were to buy this house which is called the Furman and wanted the optional 4 foot garage extension and the covered porch option, how could I make this block so it would show me different combination options based on visibility states.  I have never worked with lookup's, block properties, or parameter manager.  So I wasn't sure how to even do the first step in which you helped out Mr. e3do back in the day.  I could really use your help, but I totally understand if you are covered up with projects and deadlines.  Maybe if your are too busy you could point me in the correct location.  Thank you so much. Jeremy 

[MMcCall402]

I took a look at the block posted and saw that there were several options to the house model. Each option pushes the number of combinations 2x. This would create a LOT of visibility states trying to accomplish each combination.

In the attached block illustrates a slightly different approach by using the scale action along with a Lookup to control an option to the base model house. The lookup gives you the option to answer Yes or No and then supplies a value to the linear parameter for the scale action. If you answer Yes the option shows at its full scale. If you answer No the option scales to 0.0001 and becomes basically invisible. If an option is an either/or situation you can add two parameters into one lookup to scale one option up and another down at the same time.

I put the grips for the Lookups next to a block attribute with fields that will reflect the options chosen and for distinguishing which grip is for which option.  You could place this attribute on a non-plotting layer, or not even use it and place the grips for the options where the option appears.  Or, no grips at all and use the properties window to make the selections and name the lookups for which option it belongs to.

This approach should greatly reduce the number of visibility states and possibly replace them all together.

[JCrowe77]

Mark-

I want to thank you so much for taking the time to explain and get into the weeds with me. I appreciate your help more than you know.