OOTB Multiple Visibility States - SOLUTION!

[Libbya]

I have done a fair amount of thinking on how to create multiple visibility states without using the broken vis-add-eng LISP and have come up with a workaround solution!  Obviously, doing all the itterations for multiple visbility states is a bit cumbersome, but at least there IS a workaround.  See attached.

[Anonymous]

Great thread! Alot of useful information.  I almost have mine working as I want.  If I can get a little help that would be awesome!

I'm creating a fastener with 5 possible visibilities.  They are as follows

1" 

1" with threads

2"

2" with threads

Top View

I have a problem with displaying the Top View.   I have 2 Looksup defined, (1) for the size which includes top view and (1) for displaying threads.  This works great for chaning sizes and turning threads on and off.  But when I want the Top View I have to change both Lookup Values. I kind of want to just change the (1) Lookup Value without having to change the 2nd.  Is this possible?

[Anonymous]

Just solved my own problem.  I just added a 6th line in the Bridge Tigger Lookup for Top1.  So now I have Top View displays when Threads is on or off.

[Libbya]

You actually don't need another line.  You can have multiple values in a single cell on a lookup table.  You separate each with a coma.  You can also do ranges with brackets or parentheses.  Instead of the additional line, you can change the 'threads' value for 'top' to '0,1'.  As an aside, I would make the threads selection lookup invisible for the top state as it doesn't have any effect in that state.

[Anonymous]

bah, a little hiccup.  When I insert the Block the ON/OFF is set to ON by default but the screw does not show the threads.  I'd like the default to be OFF and I'd like the Properties to reflect that.  I'll keep working on it.

[Libbya]

In order to avoid your issue the default (as drawn) values of the various input parameters MUST match the lookup table row that matches the default visibility state.  The default visibility state is the one that is at the top of the list in the visibility dialog box.  I use point parameters rather than linear parameters.  That way you can use a single input parameter for (2) values by using the X value for 1 and the Y value for the other.  There is also no issue with placing the point so the X or Y (or both) equals 0.

This is also probably late to mention that you could do whatever length and angle you want using polar stretch and array rather than lookups and separate visibility states for each size.  

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I went trough all 7 pages. I see what you meant about point parameters.

I think if this forum allows editing an old post, you could edit your first post and just show and explain the point parameter.

Many new users come here reading first post, looking at the number of pages (7) and ignore reading the rest, go and try it with move action on linear parameter and post questions which shows they are using other parameters rather than point, or they use multiple point parameter and just using X instead of reducing the amount of parameters and use X and Y.

Maybe, you can summarize your lesson and post a new topic for multiple visibility. Just a thought.

Maybe the forum can change allowing us to edit our posts later on, deleting unwanted/unrelated posts by ourselves or others and so on.

Thanks for the lesson anyway. I will use this knowledge and I will post the next block I make using your method.

Cheers,

Behzad

[Libbya · Accepted solution]

The forum does not allow editing of older posts after a very short period of time (15 minutes?).  

I have posted more recent threads with specific screencasts showing the step-by-step process of adding multi-vis using this method. 

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/dynamic-blocks/lookup-multi-vis-how-to-screencast/m-p/5849853#M19084

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/dynamic-blocks/how-to-make-a-double-lookup/m-p/5785708/highlight/true#...

[Anonymous]

Cool, Ok I will look at them,

For now, can I suggest that you remove the tag of "solution" from post #2 in first page and tag "accept as solution" on post #4 of first page which contains your updated block?

I think that will help because it will stick to your first post. Just thinking 😉

Cheers

[Anonymous]

I did not know we can have more than one sulution for a topic. Well done for the change. I think It is more clear and straight now 🙂

Ragards,

[Anonymous]

Libyya your help in this topic is priceless, however I wanted to ask you if there is any way to hide default visibility attribute - so I don`t show sometimes hundreds of block variants?

[Libbya]

Please post the block in question with any pertinent details.  

[m_rogoff]

@Anonymous Here's an alternate way of doing it. Instead of using a point parameter for the Lookup Input, I used a linear stretch for the length/top view and a flip for the threads. The visibility state will change as you stretch the grip, and threads turn on/off when you use the flip. It's the same as using the pull down menus (but better functionality in my opinion) so you can suppress the Lookup grips if you desire.

For screws and such, I would suggest using an Alignment Parameter at 0,0 so it aligns to an object upon insertion (see attached pic). I use this in lieu of a rotation

See attached block; hope this helps

EDIT: I just read Libbya post about linear parameters vs point parameters, it was buried in the post and I skimmed over it

Using an array would allow you to create more options, such as changing the screw head type or diameter, since you wouldn't need visibility states for the length

[m_rogoff]

I have a block started using the double lookup parameters. See attached.

I have (3) different conditions with (3) options each: 1) size of yellow lines (3,4,5, defined by Position X). 2) type of yellow lines (1,2,3, defined by Position Y) 3) type of blue lines (1,2,3 defined by Linear "GB Type").

The issue I am having is there are (2) additional options (in the Visibility States, labeled as "None ..." and "Exist ..."). These conditions do not have the options for Position X (the yellow lines are OFF for these states). I'm having trouble figuring out how to enter these values in the Lookup table and how to make it so I don't have to toggle 2 pull down menus to get the desired results. In the top menu, I have to select "OFF" and in the 2nd pull down menu, I need to select "GB Only"; or "OFF" and "Exist GB". Please advise.

I hope I am making sense, please let me know if I need to clarify further. Thanks in advance for your help.

[Libbya]

I believe I understand your request.  It is easy to accomplish.  I deleted the OFF row from the rebar size lookup.  Then for the input table values for those visibility states, I added all of the position X values so that regardless of that parameter value, the visibility will switch when the other lookup value is changed.  I then also hid the rebar size lookup for those states as it does not have any effect until switched from the state with one of the other lookups.  See the screencast.  

[m_rogoff]

Perfect! As always, thank you Libbya

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have one problem to creat a dinamic block with two "Visibility" positions.

For example I have a dinamic block with Visibility function for "Curve 90°, Curve 60°, Curve 45°, Curve 30°" with a drive. How can I add an "ON - OFF"  function for the drive for all States?

I want to select each of the drawn curves and turn the drive ON (with drive) or OFF (no drive).

Thanks

[Libbya]

Did you read through the thread?  It already outlines exactly how to do what you are asking and includes step-by-step videos and links to other threads on the same subject.  What part is confusing to you?

[Anonymous]

I did not read through the whole thread, I saw your video with the "Ball, Butterfly, Diaphragm,..." and it is not completely cloudy to me. I do not understand the logic to bring it to my problem.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Libbya for this video. In short time I will check this out.

Until today I did not sign in to the chat.

I have one question for this function. What version of AutoCad allows me to make dinamic block with this function?

Thanks.