RhinoScripted Tools

2011-02-20T23:12:00.004-05:00

Armadillo v1.3
Plugin based on parametric arrays along path curves. It can create wide range of solutions: from a simple array along one curve to complex ribs and paneling systems, with extensive set of transformation features and interactive preview.

FlatWorms v1.1
RhinoScripted plugin generating 2D outlines from curves. It creates width-preview meshes that can be driven by various parameters; mesh precision settings and preview mode are available along with tools for smart curve/polyline conversion.

ArrayCrvPLUS v2.0 (FREE)
Distributes items along path curves or path curves on surfaces ( polysurfaces, meshes ). It will array any number of items along any number of curve paths. Parameters can be adjusted with preview functionality.
In addition, while arraying curves or points, ArrayCrvPLUS can automatically create Loft/Sweep1 surfaces or InterpolatedCurves based on created array of profile items.

MultiViewCapture v1.12 (FREE)
Captures multiple Views, LayerStates and DisplayModes with customizable settings. Transparent Vport Background in PNG format option is available.

SmoothRestoreView v1.2 (FREE)_
Enables animated NamedViews transitions with ViewCapture and Rendering option.

Quick Model Snapshot v1.1 (FREE)
Allows to quickly process complex model and extract the geometry information in more condensed and simplified form. 3D geometry conversion is based on extracted and joined render meshes.

Image-Based Circle Packing v1.0 (FREE)
Circle Packing using image luminance data to control radius.

Find SubVolume v1.0 (FREE)
Calculates precise subvolume from solid objects ( unit conversion included )

Quick Model Snapshot

2011-02-20T23:11:00.003-05:00

( last update: 10 May 2011 v1.1)

Creates simplified version of the model.
QuickModelSnapshot allows to quickly process complex model and extract the geometry information in more condensed and simplified form. 3D geometry conversion is based on extracted and joined render meshes. The main uses include:

Simplify imported DWG files - eliminate blocks and use single layer while keeping the original object colors; objects can be named by the original layer names

Convert heavy 3D models that slow down the viewport navigation into their meshed/joined version that displays much faster - great for real-time presentations, camera angles setup and design/view evaluation

Create multiple versions of the model for evaluation that reside each on its own layer

QuickModelSnapshot - Overview

Note: for best display results, the Mesh settings in the Advanced Display Modes should be set to look similar to Surfaces display:

DOWNLOAD AND INSTALLATION:___
Rhino 4.0 SR8 or later is required.
Download, UnZip anywhere and drag-and-drop 'QuickModelSnapshot.rhp' and 'QuickModelSnapshot.tb' into any Rhino viewport. Once installed, new toolbar and commands become available: _QuickModelSnapshot and _SelNameQMS.

WORKFLOW:

1) Select geometry to process
2) Define Destination Layer name
(or Use Current, Select Existing or Keep Original Layers)
3) Customize output options
4) hit 'CREATE' to make QuickModelSnapshot

OPTIONS:

MaterialByLayer - forces object material to be inherited from its original layer material.
ObjColorBylayer - forces object color to be inherited from its original layer color.
Originals - determines what to do with original objects. Available actions:
Hide, Group and Hide, Delete, Delete and Purge, Keep Unaffected
SelHighlightColor - allows to define custom color that will be assigned to all objects that have Selection Highlight color.
LType - allows to assign Continuous linetype to all snapshot objects.
NameByLayer - while enabled, all snapshot objects will be named by their original layer's name.

Use _SelNameQMS command to select objects by name - name can be typed as in regular _SelName command ( including the *filter ); in addition, Source Objects can be selected which will allow to select all objects with corresponding names. This helps to manage and navigate QuickSnapshots with NameByLayer option enabled.

2010-06-06T22:35:00.009-04:00

Last Update: 06 November, 2010 / version 1.1

RhinoScripted plugin generating 2D outlines from curves. It creates width-preview meshes driven by various parameters; mesh precision settings and preview mode are available along with tools for smart curve/polyline conversion.

FlatWorms script was developed as a patterning exploration tool and a laser-cutter companion.

REQUIREMENTS, DOWNLOAD AND INSTALLATION:__
Rhino 4.0 SR8 is required to run FlatWorms. It is recommended to install RhPicture plug-in - otherwise the bitmap-driven width feature will not be available.
DOWNLOAD, UnZip anywhere and drag-and-drop 'FlatWorms.rhp' and 'FlatWorms.tb' into any Rhino viewport. Once installed, new command: '_FlatWorms' will become available. You will also need to import the 'BlackOnWhite.ini' display mode that is used in the width preview viewport: Menu Tools > Options > Appearance > Advanced Settings > (Import button)
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TRIAL version is limited to 10 Curves. Unlimited version license can be purchased for $99.

After making the payment, run Flatworms and while in command line options go to menu Settings>License Request to generate license request file and follow the instructions.
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WORKFLOW:
1) Select Curves
2) Type width value or define other width source and settings
3) While in Width Preview Viewport adjust settings or go back step 2.
4) Hit ‘CREATE’ to generate the outlines
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OPTIONS MAIN MENU:
Options mode is transparent - Rhino commands can run during FlatWorms runtime.

Type Width value or:

GetDistance - get 2 points to define Width.

Random – define Random Min-Max Width range or Set of Values to randomly get the Width from. Random is affected by 'Settings > Variable Width Mode'.

FromCurveLength – Min-Max width values will be assigned based on the curve length. It is possible to exclude some curves from length range calculation. Also, 'Inverse Attractor Values' from 'Settings' will affect this option (short curves will be the thickest when enabled).

UseAttractor - select an attractor from the list to drive the curve Widths: ( all Attractor-driven options are affected by 'Settings> Variable Width Mode' ) Distnace To Objects, Along Curve, World X, Y or Z, Surface U, Surface V, Reference Bitmap.

VWMode ON/OFF - toggle VariableWidth Mode. See 'Settings' section for more info.

Settings:
Adjust Tolerances - curve width mesh precision can be defined here. Any curve before adding width mesh is converted to polyline using angle tolerance and tolerance settings similar to these found in Rhino ‘_Convert’ command.
Rounded Ends – adds rounded ends to the preview mesh/outlines.
Offset Closed From Center (%) - define width percentage of outline offset ( currently works with closed curves only ). Negative values will result in offset inside.

Round Width Values – rounds the width output values to any given positive value. (example: for min-max values 1-2 and round=0.2 the resulting range will be: 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2 )
Attractor ReferencePtOnCrv – for attractor-driven widths and while not in Variable Width Mode, this defines attractor reference point for each curve.
Inverse Attractor Values – inverts attractor values and curve-length based width values.
Width % Variation Prompt – enable/disable random variation prompt after defining width source (except for the Random option). User will be asked to provide min-max percentage variation on top of the default width source value. (Example: for min-max range 1-2 and width variation min-max 75-125% the resulting widths will fall within 0.75-2.5 range ).
Smart Convert Prompt – enable/disable convert prompt at the end of the process.
Preview Vport Size – defines pixel dimensions of the preview floating viewport.
Variable Width Mode – enabling this mode will cause the width to vary along each curve driven by attractors, custom profiles or random factor. Curve width mesh will be sampled at the maximum given distance.
Adjust Sampling – while Variable Width Mode is enabled, the maximum sample point spacing can be changed here.

Stroke Profile Curves - VWMode must be enabled to make this option available.
Profile graph curves that drive the scale of outline profiles width can be defined here as well as the Min-Max scale range. In case more than 1 profile curve is defined, they will be assigned at random.
Notes: Profile curves must be in WorldXY plane; the profile curve scaling can be combined with other width driving factors.

License Request - to enable full version after purchasing FlatWorms, generate the License Request file from here and follow the instructions.
Help - link to this website.
About - Script info and contact information.

Tools:
Smart Convert Polylines to Curves – separate tool or prompt after polyline outlines are created ( if SmartConvert Prompt Setting is enabled ). Polylines are split only at segments meeting at an angle greater than threshold angle ( default=22.5 deg. ) and resulting segments are converted to degree-3 curves with control points spaced at max. given distance or smaller.Option to keep original polylines is available.

Convert to Segmented Polylines – converts any curves into polylines with points spaced at max. given distance or smaller. This method is used automatically in ‘Variable Width Mode’ to subdivide curves and available as a standalone tool from this menu.

PlanarSrf (Scripted) - This is equivalent of the _PlanarfSrf command. Currently the scripted version handles creating planar surfaces with lots of inner regions better than command version, therefore it is more handy to use with FlatWorms outputs.

Mesh Closed Planar Curves - creates meshes from selected closed planar curves.

Flow Along Curves - enhanced version of 'Flow' command. Define any number of Object Collections to flow along multiple curves. Standard 'Flow' command options are available + ability to scale the result based on target curve length. In case of more than 1 Object Collection is defined, they will be flown along curves at random order.

.................................................................................................................................................. PREVIEW WINDOW OPTIONS:
Back – close preview and back to the main options.
Adjust Global Width – adjust global width or width min-max range.
Edit Individual – select individual curves to manually set new width.
KeepMeshAndExit – exits the script but keeps the preview mesh objects.
Settings – access main options menu settings ( change will not occur until REGEN ).
REGEN – regenerates the solution.
CREATE – creates outlines from preview meshes.
All width adjustments will result in regenerating the solution; settings changes will require selecting ‘REGEN’ to regenerate.
.................................................................................................................................................. Known Limitations:
Creating outlines from preview meshes uses Rhino MeshOutline functionality. It is not limited to number of curves or mesh faces (the script was able to handle 50 000+ curves with over 1 million mesh faces) , so system resources are be the only limit.

The minimum allowed width is based on the unit tolerance set in the document options.
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SOME MORE EXAMPLES: ////////////////////

Find SubVolume

2010-04-06T19:00:00.002-04:00

( last update: 06 April 2010 v1.0)
Finds exact SubVolume in Solid Object - unit conversion included:
cubic meters, cubic decimeters, cubic centimeters, cubic millimeters, hectoliters, liters, centiliters, milliliters, cubic inches, cubic feet, cubic yards, us liquid gallons, us dry gallons, imp liquid gallons, barrels (oil), fluid ounces (UK), fluid ounces (US), pints (UK)

DOWNLOAD AND INSTALLATION:___
Download, UnZip anywhere and drag-and-drop 'SubVolume.rhp' into any Rhino viewport. Once installed, new command will become available: '_SubVolume '.

Image-Based Circle Packing

2010-01-13T12:07:00.007-05:00

Image-Based Circle Packing is an extension of the Circle Packing script written by Steven Janssen. It uses image luminance information to control circle radius. Few other improvements were implemented.

DOWNLOAD and INSTALLATION:
Rhino 4.0 SR7 or later and RhPicture plug-in are required to run this script.
DOWNLOAD, UnZip and drag-and-drop 'ImageBasedCirclePacking.rhp' into any Rhino viewport. Once installed, new command: 'ImageBasedCirclePacking' will become available.

WORKFLOW:
1) Select planar surface as a base for the image data - surface UV parameters will be remapped to image XY pixel coordinates
2) Define minimum-maximum radius or set of predefined radius values
3) Select image file
4) Define number of circles to generate
5) Define circle offset value ( negative value=offset inside )
6) Pick center of solution / start point

When finished, the prompt for more circles to add to current solution will be displayed.

Rhino + Armadillo - model visualization awarded

2009-09-02T01:03:00.006-04:00

This high-rise conceptual project by HOK was developed with the Armadillo.
The image below ( modeled in Rhino, rendered in 3DMax+Vray+Photoshop ) received the Excellence Award in this year Expose 7 book from Ballistic Publishing
( architectural exterior category ).
http://www.ballisticpublishing.com/books/expose/expose_7/

There are 7 total architectural and interior renderings published where Rhino was our primary modeling tool, including the Master Award in architectural exterior category.
http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=4998

the rest of our works from Expose 7:

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2009-09-01T00:35:00.050-04:00

Last Update: 24 October, 2010 / version 1.3

Armadillo is a plugin based on parametric arrays along path curves. It can create wide range of solutions: from a simple array along one curve to complex ribs and paneling systems, with extensive set of transformation features and interactive preview.

REQUIREMENTS, DOWNLOAD AND INSTALLATION: _
Rhino 4.0 SR8 is required to run Armadillo. It is highly recommended to install RhPicture plug-in - otherwise the bitmap-driven features will not be available.
DOWNLOAD, UnZip anywhere and drag-and-drop 'Armadillo.rhp' and 'Armadillo.tb' into any Rhino viewport. Once installed, new commands: '_Armadillo' and '_ReplaceArmadilloPanels' are available.
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TRIAL version is fully functional but limited to 10 PathCurves and 10 Items per PathCurve. Unlimited version requires a license that can be purchased for $149.00 (Commercial, Lab Kit) or $79 (Student).

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WORKFLOW:
1) select an Item to array (Item = collection of objects) or press ENTER to use point object
2) pick Item's initial BasePoint (or skip to use BoundingBox center)
3) select PathCurve(s) (skip for FromIso mode: single, untrimmed surface's IsoCurves can be used as PathCurves)
4) enter the number of items per path, or:
- FromPoints > select points on path curves for item count/spacing/placement
- FromEditPoints > PathCurves' EditPoints will be used
5) select BaseSurface(s) - Select Surfaces, PolySurfaces or Meshes as a base geometry for Item orientation - skip for PathCurves only
6) have fun adjusting options with solution update preview, then hit CREATE to bake the final result.

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OPTIONS MAIN MENU:
1) Main menu can be accessed via command line or Right-Click PopUp menu.
2) Options mode is transparent - Rhino commands can run during Armadillo runtime.
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COUNT - number of items per path curve.
Note: Count is Disabled while in ‘FromPoints’ or ‘FromEditPoints’ mode.
UseCountFromCreated – option to get item counts from current solution.
While spacing between items makes them not fit on the path curve, some items from the given count are not created. UseCountFromCreated detects the number of currently created items and updates the defined counts to reflect the solution. Prompt to change spacing to “Fit” will be displayed after this option is selected.

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SPACING – Armadillo can handle spacing between Items in 2 ways: regular and Item-size based.While ‘Settings>Size Affects Spacing’ is ON (default), Items spacing is based on their size (World_X dimension). Spacing=0 means items will be placed next to each other "touching", while higher numbers will keep indicated spacing consistent between items (even if their scale varies). By default Spacing is set to 'FIT'- items are arrayed along entire PathCurve length.

Available per-Path spacing modes:
Regular – keeps equal dimension between Items.
Fit – equally spaced items – adjusted to fit into entire PathCurve length.
Random – random spacing – MinMax range or ValueSet to randomly choose from.
RandomFit – same as above, but the spacing will be proportionally scaled to fit.
Pattern – define spacing pattern
PatternFit - same as above, but the spacing will be proportionally scaled to fit.

Spacing Notes:
1) Item dimension can be overridden by accessing ‘Item > Size Override’ submenu.
2) Spacing can be scaled along with item scale if Settings > Scale Spacing is enabled.
3) Spacing value must be > 0 for items with World_X dimension=0.
4) Spacing is Disabled while in FromPoints or FromEditPoints mode.
5) Equidistant spacing can be enabled from Settings menu; it will not affect paths with Fit, RandomFit or PatternFit spacing modes.
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TRANSFORMS - can be applied from here. Note that all kinds of transformations (Regular, Random, Control-Curve or FromBitmap) will be combined in the final solution.
.................................................................................................................................................. SCALE - each Item's scale can be adjusted from here. Armadillo will use ScaleNodes and linear interpolate the values between them. Initially there is only 1 ScaleNode. Start node cannot be removed. ScaleNodes are indicated in red while interpolated ScaleFactors are cyan color. It is possible to pick any item and assign ScaleNode - it will be used to calculate the incremental item scale. It can also be removed anytime. Turning ON EnableNonUniform allows to enter separate values for X,Y and Z scale factors (disabled at start).
Note: You can switch ScaleNodes visibility with: 'Settings > Show ScaleNodes Only' (red nodes only will be shown if active).

.................................................................................................................................................. ROTATE - rotation of Item along the PathCurve. StartAngle and Angle can be adjusted here. EndAngle or Incremental modes are available for defined Angle value.

.................................................................................................................................................. OFFSET - offset of Items from PathCurve or BaseSurface along normal direction.
Note: Offsets can be scaled by item's scale if 'Settings > Scale Offsets' is ON.
.................................................................................................................................................. RANDOMIZE – random factors can be applied to transform properties (Scale, Scale X,Y,Z, Rotate X,Y,Z and Offset X,Y,Z). Min-Max values or ValueSets to randomly choose from can be defined. The MASS EDIT mode allows to edit all random properties together.

.................................................................................................................................................. CONTROL CURVE - Armadillo implements the idea of "ControlCurve Graph". Curve objects can be used to control properties of Items in arrays (Scale, ScaleX,Y,Z, Rotate X,Y,Z and Offset X,Y,Z). For each PathCurve and each property the ControlCurve can be assigned and its Min-Max values defined.
Note: ControlCurve can be any Curve in WorldXY plane, that represents a valid function graph ( for each X value only 1 Y value is possible ) ; X represents PathCurve parameter range and Y is the property value.

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CONTROL BITMAP – bitmap images can be used to drive Armadillo solution parameters. Color values can be applied to Object Color and Material Color of Items and CP Panels; Luminescence values can drive Scale, Rotation, Offsets and Material Transparency properties. A bitmap can be assigned to each transform property with min-max values defined and basic image transforms applied (invert, flip X, Y and rotate 90 deg.).

In standard mode the order of path curves and items is translated to bitmap XY values: item#1 on path#1 relates to XY(0,0) pixel value on bitmap, last item on last path relates to opposite bitmap corner. All other values are interpolated between.

SurfUV-BmpXY mode – the reference surface must be defined first (entering this mode disables ‘Size Affects Spacing’ setting). In this mode all bitmap values relate to item position on surface, disregarding item or path order. Surface UV coordinates are mapped onto Bitmap XY pixel values.

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Round Transform Values - each transform type can be rounded to defined increment from here. For example, OffsetZ ranging from 0 to 10 with rounding=2 will result in limiting OffsetZ to the set of: 0,2,4,6,8,10 values.

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PROFILES - Armadillo can create new geometry from arrays of Items. This menu is available only if Curves or Points are part of Item's objects set. Loft/Sweep surfaces can be created from Curves and Interpolated Curves from Points.
Note: If more than 1 item is defined, the order of item's components picking matters for keeping proper Profiles continuity
Loft - Loft surface from Profile curves
Sweep1 - Sweep1 surface from Profile curves.
Note: use single profile (count=1) sweeping along polycurve path to keep the profile polysurface connected.
IterpCrv - Interpolated Curve from Profile points.
Loft Type - Normal, Loose, Straight, Tight and Developable loft types are available.
Curve Degree – Interpolated Curve degrees 1 or 3 are available.
Cap - while enabled, Loft/Sweep surfaces will be capped if possible.
Loft Pattern / Curve Pattern - defines the pattern of profile pairs to create profile geometry between. For example: T,T,F ( True, True, False ) will create loft from profiles 1-2-3, leave a gap between 3-4 and continue with loft between 4-5-6 and so on; RANDOM option is also available.

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ITEM - options to manage Item collection.
Base Point - change Item's base point.
Pick Item - define new Item (new set of objects for single Item can be selected).
Pick Multiple Items - define multiple Items. Note that the order of selecting objects in each Item determines profiles continuity/availability for curves (Lofts/Sweeps) and points (Interpolated Curves). While first set of objects is selected it is possible to distribute all selected objects as separate Items with automatic base point placement in predefined bounding box position.
Item Order - only available if multiple items are defined. Allows to redefine item distribution order or use Random order.
Order Mode - defines the way mutliple items are distributed along path curves.
Available modes: Local (default), Global, Per Path and FromControlBitmap.

FromControlBitmap order mode will use image luminescence information to determine item placement - brighter values=higher item order index.

Size Override - allows to redefine Item's World_X size (this dimension determines the Spacing calculations if 'Size Affects Spacing' setting is enabled). By default, Item Size is derived from its bounding box World X dimension. It can be adjusted here to enhance the item spacing or overlapping control.
Transform Exclusions - allows to keep some Items unaffected by Transforms. Exclusion pattern ( True-False ), mode ( Global, Local, PerPath ) and a list of individual transforms to exclude from are available.

Reference Plane Direction - defines the World Axis that will correspond with "along path curve" orientation direction. This setting will affect CP_Item orientation too.

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PATH - options to manage Path Curves collection.
Match Properties - pick source PathCurve and apply its selected properties to destination PathCurves.
Reverse - reverse selected PathCurves direction.
Adjust Ends - allows to adjust the start/end points of array per PathCurve.
Note: End Adjust is Disabled while in FromPoints or FromEditPoints mode.
Path Order - PathCurve order is important for Item OrderModes, CrossPath and Bitmap-driven operations. The default path order is based on curve selection order, but while window-selecting, curves may not be ordered the desired way. PathOrder provides options to manually or automatically order the PathCurves with color-gradient preview. Automatic order detection modes available are based on: World X,Y,Z position, distance from point, position along curve, position along surface U and V parameters. The order can be also shifted and reversed from there.
Redefine IsoCurves - available only in FromIso mode ( single, untrimmed base surface with IsoCurves as PathCurves ). From here the IsoCurve Path count and direction can be redefined.
Note: All per-path transforms will reset to default values. The CrossPath and Bitmap-driven transforms will remain unaffected.
Path Style Manager - Path Styles can be saved, loaded or deleted from here. Path Styles are saved into *.ini file (located in 'Application Data' folder) with all properties and loaded/applied in next Armadillo session or another Rhino session to selected PathCurves.
Bitmap Style Manager - Bitmap Styles can be saved, loaded or deleted from here. Bitmap Styles are saved into *.ini file (located in 'Application Data' folder) with all properties and loaded/applied in next Armadillo session or another Rhino session to current Armadillo solution.

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CROSSPATH – creates geometry based on the grid defined by primary, ordered set of PathCurves and the secondary set of CrossPathCurves created by connecting Items’ insertion points across.The CrossPath solution (Items and Panels) will inherit all transforms defined for primary PathCurves nodes.
Note: Available only if more than 1 PathCurve is defined.

CrossPaths ACTIVE - activate CrossPath solution
ClosestPoint Lines ACTIVE - activate ClosestPoint Lines

CP Settings:
Closed – CrossPath curves will be closed
Loft – create Loft surface from the CPItem profile curves when available
Loft Type – Normal if checked, otherwise Straight
InterpCurve – create InterpCurve from CPItem points when available
Curve Degree – Degree=3 if checked, otherwise Degree=1
Panelize – activate/deactivate CP Panels
Mesh Panels – create Mesh object from CP Grid along with panels
Paneling Tools Grid – create grid of points compatible with Paneling Tools
Disconnect Panels – connect/disconnect CP Panels
Pull Curves and Points – Curves and Points from the CP Panels and CP_Lines will be pulled to the Base Surface. Not available while Flow is ON or if multiple or no Base Surfaces are defined.
Flow Panels - in this mode, instead of using 8 panel corners and morphing panel bounding box into them, panels will be 'flown' into the surface created by 4 edge curves of each CrossPath cell. This is EXPERIMENTAL feature and may not work as expected in some cases. It will be faster and improved in future releases.

.................................................................................................................................................. CP Item – define item to array along CrossPath curves. Currently only 1 Item is allowed. CP Item orientation is inherited from the primary PathCurve, so 90° Z-rotation may be desired to orient it along CrossPath curve. The BasePoint can be redefined from here as well as disabling the CP Item.
.................................................................................................................................................. CP Panel – options for generating panels in CrossPath Grid cells.
GetPanels – define panel(s). Panel is a collection of objects – its default or user-defined bounding box will be used as a reference to morph panel objects into CrossPath Grid cell. Any number of panels (object sets) can be defined. By pressing ENTER while prompted for Panel #1, multiple panels can be defined at once from individual objects selected.
BboxEdit - transform, define new or reset panel reference bounding box.
Offset – panel normal offset from the grid.
Order - define order of panels in the grid. Available only when more than 1 panel is defined. Random order is also available.
OrderMode – defines how the Panel Order will affect the solution; available modes: Global, ByRow, ByColumn.

OrderFromBmp – uses bitmap luminescence values to define panel placement. Lighter values translate to higher panel order index.
Discard – discards all defined panels.

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SETTINGS:
Command Mode - Armadillo main Options mode is transparent - most of the Rhino commands can run during the script runtime. However some commands may collide with menu items names and will not work. Command mode takes care of this limitation. Inside command mode SelectionMode and Update Array (per PathCurve or All) are available.
Note: It is possible to add,delete or modify geometry while still in Armadillo command. Modifying or deleting some objects that are part of the solution can result in Errors.
Show ScaleNodes Only - while ON, only the Red ScaleNodes will be visible for editing Scale.
Scale Offsets - while ON, offset value will be scaled based on Item scale.
Scale Spacing - while ON, spacing value will be scaled based on Item scale.
Size Affects Spacing - while enabled, Item's World X dimension will be taken into account while calculating the spacing along PathCurve. Disabling this option will force all items World X dimension to be = 0.
Equidistant Spacing - direct spacing between objects will be used instead of the curve-arc length spacing. Fit, PatternFit or RandomFit modes are not supported.

Progress Preview - enables viewport redraw after generating array on each PathCurve. While disabled, redraw is turned off until entire solution is generated (faster).
Name Items - enables Item's object naming. Name format: [ ABCDEF_pN_iN_nN ] where ABCDEF is unique ID randomly generated per each script runtime, pN - path#, iN - item#, nN - object in item index. This naming format enables easy object selection with Rhino SelName * filters for further processing.
Define Name - define the name that replaces the randomly generated name prefix
World_Z Always Up - World_Z (Up) Item orientation will be unaffected.
Cplane_Z Always Up - Cplane_Z (Up) Item orientation will be unaffected.

Orient to Next Item - the next Item's insertion point will be used to determine the direction of current Item. While disabled, PathCurve tangent vector is used.

Color Settings - customization of Path, CrossPath and CP_Lines curves color
REGENERATE - regenerates the Armadillo solution.
Help ( website ) - link to this website
Licensing - to enable full version after purchasing Armadillo, generate the License Request file from here and follow the instructions.
About - Script info and contact information.
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CREATE - "bakes" the final result. Created objects will be grouped by category.
If Profile-based geometry was created the option to delete profile curves/points will be available.

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_ReplaceArmadilloPanels command:
This command lets user replace panels created previously with Armadillo command.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Currently the replaced panels will be recreated in their original location ignoring all post-command tranformations. Replacing copies of originaly created panels may also not work as expected.

OPTIONS:
REPLACE - prompts to pick replacement panels for selected indices and replaces selected panels
SubSelect - panel set subselection modes: All, ByIndex, ByRow, ByColumn, Manual, Add/Remove and Invert Selection
Offset - replacement panels offset
Pull - (Yes/No) - while enabled, pulling surface must be defined and all new panel's curves and points will be pulled to the selected surface
NewIndex - sets new panel index number for selected panels
DONE - finish panel replacements

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SOME MORE VIDEO EXAMPLES: /////////////////

SmoothRestoreView

2009-02-15T10:00:00.007-05:00

Requires Rhino 4.0 SR7 or later.

( last update: 31 May 2010 v1.2)
Enables animated NamedViews transitions and Rendering.

DOWNLOAD AND INSTALLATION:___
Download, UnZip anywhere and drag-and-drop 'SmoothRestoreView.rhp' and 'SmoothRestoreView.tb' into any Rhino viewport. Once installed, new command will become available: _SmoothRestoreView

OPTIONS:

Steps - Number of transition steps. Use 0 to disable animation.
List - PopUp menu with list of named views to choose from
Capture - ViewCaptures image sequence based on # of steps, current Render Resolution and destination view
Render - Renders and saves image sequence based on # of steps, current Render Settings and destination view
NOTE: while using Vray, check the batchrender in Vray options

Previous - Restore previous NamedView ( in alphabetical order )
Next - Restore next NamedView ( in alphabetical order )

SmoothRestoreView - Overview

MultiViewCapture

2009-01-25T11:24:00.012-05:00

Last Update: 9 January, 2012 / version 1.12

Captures multiple Views, LayerStates and DisplayModes with customizable settings and option for transparent background.

Requires Rhino 4.0 SR8 or higher.
It is recommended to install RhPicture plug-in - otherwise the transparent background option will not be available.

DOWNLOAD AND INSTALLATION:
Download, UnZip anywhere and drag-and-drop 'MultiViewCapture.rhp' and 'MutliViewCapture.tb' into any Rhino viewport. Once installed, 2 new commands will become available:_MultiViewCapture
_ViewCaptureToClipboard_Ex
You will also need to import the 'MVC_Alpha.ini' display mode that is used to capture alpha channel: Menu Tools > Options > Appearance > Advanced Settings > (Import button)

OPTIONS:
View - Current, Multiple or AllNamed
Res_ - Resolution: VPort, Preset or Custom; possible saving presets
LayerState - Current, Multiple or AllLayerStates
DispMode - Current or Multiple
BkgColor - Vport, Black, White or Custom
FileName - add Prefix or/and Suffix
Folder - destination folder

SETTINGS:
Transparent Background - Viewport background will be transparent and captured files will be saved as PNG format.

Note: separate Advanced Display Mode (MVC_Alpha) is used to capture transparency channel. You may need to edit the display mode settings for best results (to match your primary display mode edge width and curves settings).
By default, 'MVC_Alpha' mode has surface edges width=2, curves are not displayed and the material is set to single for all object with diffuse color=Black; the scene has no light so all objects read black. It is possible to use scene materials instead keeping the 'no light' setting - this way the material transparency will show in the alpha channel - the downside is the environment texture maps can affect the alpha channel and produce strange results.

AALevel - AntiAliasing Level (disabled in Rhino 5 - global settings will be used)
File Type - JPG, BMP, PCX, PNG, TIF are available
Hide Isocurves - All visible objects' IsoCurves will be hidden while capturing
Use ViewMatching LayerStates - LayerStates matching the ViewNames will be used for captured views.(i.e. view named 'V1' will switch to layer state called 'V1' if it exists. For views that don't have matching LayerState names the default layerstate will be used)
Show Grid, Show WorldAxes, Show CPlaneAxes - set vport elements visibility
Compact Mode - LayerStates and DispModes are not available in this mode (default)

ArrayCrvPLUS v2.0

2008-12-07T22:46:00.055-05:00

Requires Rhino 4.0 SR4 ( 07 August 2008 ) or higher.

ArrayCrvPLUS enables new ways to distribute items along path curves or path curves on surfaces ( polysurfaces, meshes ). It will array any number of items along any number of curve paths. Parameters can be adjusted with preview functionality.

In addition, while arraying curves or points, ArrayCrvPLUS can automatically create Loft/Sweep1 surfaces or InterpolatedCurves based on created array of profile items.

v2.0 is significant upgrade from v1.0 ( see the old version here ).

ArrayCrvPLUS Basics Overview ( more videos at the end of this post )

DOWNLOAD AND INSTALLATION:
( if you have older version of ArrayCrvPLUS installed, remove it first )
Download, UnZip anywhere and drag-and-drop 'ArrayCrvPLUS.rhp' and 'ArrayCrvPLUS.tb' into any Rhino viewport. Once installed, new command: ArrayCrvPLUS will become available.

WORKFLOW
1) select Item to array ( Item is a collection of objects )
2) pick BasePoint ( skip to use BoundingBox center )
3) select PathCurve(s)
4) select number of items per path or:
- FromPoints > select points on path curves for item count/spacing/placement.
- FromEditPoints - PathCurves' EditPoints will be used for item count/spacing/placement.
Note: in both cases the points will be automaticaly sorted and assigned to apropriate PathCurves
5) select BaseSurface(s) - Select Surfaces, PolySurfaces or Meshes as a base geometry for Item orientation - skip to use curves only

OPTIONS MENU:
Notes:
1) All submenus can be accessed via Right-Click PopUp menu as well as regular command line.
2) ArrayCrvPLUS Options mode is transparent - most of the Rhino commands can be activated during the ArrayCrvPLUS script runtime.

COUNT - adjusts item count per path curve.
Count is Disabled while in FromPoints or FromEditPoints mode.

SCALING - here the ScaleFactor of each individual item in the array can be adjusted. ArrayCrvPLUS will use ScaleNodes and linear interpolate the numbers between them. Initially there is only 1 ScaleNode. Start node can not be removed. ScaleNodes are indicated in red while ScaleFactors are cyan color. You can pick any item and assign ScaleNode - it will be used to calculate the incremental item scale. It can also be removed anytime. While EnableNonUniform is selected, you will be able to enter separate values for X,Y and Z scale factors ( disabled at start ).
Note: You can switch ScaleNodes visibility with: Utils > ShowNodesOnly ( red nodes only will be shown if active ) .

SPACING - ArrayCrvPLUS handles spacing in different way than Rhino Array commands. Item spacing is based on its size ( World_X dimension ). Spacing=0 means items will be palced next to each other "touching", while higher numbers will keep indicated spacing consistent between items ( even if their scale varies ). By default Spacing is set to 'FIT'- items arrayed along entire PathCurve length.
Notes:
1) Item dimension can be overriden by accessing Item > Custom Size submenu.
2) Spacing can be scaled along with item scale if Utils > Scale Spacing is enabled.
3) Spacing value must be > 0 for items with "0" World_X dimension.
4) Spacing is Disabled while in FromPoints or FromEditPoints mode.

ROTATION - controls rotation of Item about the PathCurve. StartAngle and Angle can be adjusted here. EndAngle or Incremental modes are available.

OFFSETS - controls offset of Item from PathCurve or BaseSurface along normal direction.
Note: Offsets can be scaled along with item scale if Utils > Scale Offsets is enabled.

PROFILES menu - ArrayCrvPLUS can create new geometry from arrays of Items. This menu is available only if Curves or Points are part of Item's objects set. Loft/Sweep surfaces can be created from Curves and InterpolatedCurves from Points.
Note: If more that 1 item is defined, the order of item's objects picking matters for the proper Profiles continuity; closed and open curves can not be mixed.

Loft - creates Loft surface from Profile curves
Sweep1 - created Sweep1 surface from Profile curves.
Note: use single profile ( count=1 ) sweeping along segmented path to keep the profile polysurface connected.
InterpCrv - creates InterpolatedCurve from Profile points.
Loft Type - Normal, Loose, Straight, Tight and Developable loft types are available.
Curve Degree - InterpCrv degree 1 or 3 are available.
Cap - while enabled, Loft/Sweep surfaces will be capped if possible.
LoftPattern/CurvePattern - defines the pattern of profile pairs to create profile geometry between. For example: T,T,F ( True, True, False ) will create loft from profiles 1-2-3, leave a gap between 3-4 and continue with loft between 4-5-6 and so on.

ITEM menu:

BasePoint - prompts for Item's basepoint.
Pick Item - redefines Item ( new set of objects for Item can be selected ).
Pick Multiple Items - multiple objects sets can be selected as Items. While first set of object is selected it is possible to distribute all selected objects as separate Items. The order of objects picking determines profiles continuity/availability for curves and points.
Item Order - only available if multiple items are defined. Allows to redefine item distribution order or set it to Random.
Custom Size - allows to redefine Item's World_X size ( this dimension determines the Spacing calculations ). By default, Item Size is derived from its bounding box World X dimension. It can be adjusted here to enchance the item spacing or overlaping control.
Layer Inheritance - Item's layer can be set to 'by Item', 'by Path' or 'Current'.
Color Settings - 2-Color gradient can be assigned to Items in arrays. Gradient colors can be adjusted and applied to ObjectColor, MaterialDiffuse Color, Both or disabled ( default ).

PATH menu:

Match Properties - prompts to pick source PathCurve and applies its selected properties to destination PathCurves.
Note: For faster workflow with set of path curves, one curve array can be tweaked and the final effect can be applied to all other paths via Match Properties.
Reverse - flips selected PathCurves.
Ends Adjust - allows to readjust the start and end points of array within the PathCurve.
End Adjust is Disabled while in FromPoints or FromEditPoints mode.
Randomize - random factors can be applied to transform properties ( Scale, ScaleX,Y,Z, Rotate X,Y,Z and Offset X,Y,Z ). Min-Max values or ValueSets to randomly choose from can be defined. Random factors are applied on top of main transforms and can be removed anytime.
Control Curve - ArrayCrvPLUS implements the idea of "ControlCurve Graph". Curve objects can be used to control properties of Items in arrays ( Scale, ScaleX,Y,Z, Rotate X,Y,Z and Offset X,Y,Z ). For each PathCurve and each property the ControlCurve can be assigned and its Min-Max values defined. Transformations applied via ControlCurves will be applied on top of main transforms and can be removed anytime.
Note: ControlCurve object can be any Curve in WorldXY plane that represents proper function graph ( for each X value only 1 Y value is possible )X represents PathCurve parameter range and Y is the property value.
Style Manager - from here the ArrayStyles can be saved, loaded or deleted. Array style can be saved into .ini file with all properties and loaded/applied in next ArrayCrvPLUS session or another Rhino session to selected PathCurves.

UTILS menu:

Show Nodes Only - while ON, only the Red ScaleNodes will be visible for editing Scale.
Command Mode - ArrayCrvPLUS main Options mode is transparent - most of the Rhino commands can be run during the ArrayCrvPLUS script runtime. However some commands like Scale, Rotate and Offset will collide with menu items and will not work. Command mode takes care of this limitation.
Inside command mode SelectionMode and Update Array ( per PathCurve or All ) are available.
Note: It is possible to add,delete or modify geometry while in ArrayCrvPLUS command. Modifying or deleting some objects that are part of the solution can result in Errors.
Scale Offsets - while ON, offset value will be scaled based on Item scale.
Scale Spacing - while ON, spacing value will be scaled based on Item scale.
Progress Preview - enables viewport redraw after generating array on each PathCurve. While disabled, redraw is turned off until entire solution is generated ( faster ).
Name Items - enables Item's object naming. Name format: [ ABCDEF_pN_iN_nN ] where ABCDEF is unique ID randomly generated per each script run.pN - path#, i# - item#, nN - object in item#. This naming format enables easy object selection with Rhino SelName * filters for further processing.
Roadlike World - enables Item roadlike orientation. World_Z (Up) orientation will be unaffected.
Roadlike CPlane - enables Item roadlike orientation. CPlane_Z (Up) orientation will be unaffected

CREATE - "bakes" the array(s). If Profiles geometry was created the option to delete profile curves/points will be available.

ArrayCrvPLUS - Multiple Items and Custom ItemSize example

ArrayCrvPLUS - Control Curves example

ArrayCrvPLUS - Loft Pattern example

ArrayCrvPLUS - Multiple Surfaces in FromPoints Mode example

ArrayCrvPLUS - Randomizers example

ArrayCrvPLUS - Style Manager example

2008-09-19T16:33:00.012-04:00

Armadillo v1.3 - Commercial: $149.00
Unlimited full version.

Armadillo v1.3 - Educational Lab Kit: $149.00
Unlimited full version. A license to use Armadillo on as many computers as are in a single classroom or lab or a 30-user floating license for a department. Rhino Educational Lab Kit version install is required along with the school credentials.

Armadillo v1.3 - Student Educational: $79.00
Unlimited full version at a special price.
Users eligible for Educational version are requited to have Rhino Educational version installed. To order a single-user student educational license please provide dated student ID card along with your order.

INSTRUCTIONS:

After making the payment, please install and run Armadillo in TRIAL mode, start any array and while in command line options go to menu: Settings>'Request Lincense' to generate license request file and follow the instructions to enable full version functionality.

Please allow up to 24 hours to receive your license.

The license will be tied to your copy of Rhino. For each new or changed Rhino copy new license purchase is required.

ArrayCrvPLUS v1.0

2008-06-06T22:18:00.134-04:00

There is a new version available HERE.

This script adds new ways of arraying items along path curves or path curves on surface. It will array any number of items along any number of curve paths. Many transform parameters can be readjusted with preview functionality.

In addition, while arraying curves or points, ArrayCrvPLUS can automatically create Loft/Sweep1 surfaces or InterpolatedCurves based on created array of items.

DOWNLOAD AND INSTALLATION
Download, UnZip anywhere and drag-and-drop 'ArrayCurvesPLUS_080623.rhp' into any Rhino viewport. There is also the 'ArrCrvPLUS.tb' toolbar that has LMB/RMB assigned to the new ArrayCrvPLUS commands.

Note: You need Rhino 4.0 with SR3 installed to run this script.

Once installed, 3 new commands will become available:

_ArrayCrvPLUS - for single path input ( less clicking, but only one path curve allowed ).

_ArrayCrvsPLUS - for multiple path curves input.

_ArrayCrvsPLUS_Settings - set global settings ( LoftType, LayerInheritance etc. )

WORKFLOW:

1) Select the item(s) that you want to array. Any type of Rhino object can be selected. If curves or points are within the item selection Loft/Sweep functionality will be enabled.
2) Pick the base point. If omitted, the center of all items' bounding box will be assigned ( you can change the base point later on ). Note that World X,Y,Z aligned axes will be used as an array orientation plane with the base point as an origin.
3) Select path curve(s).
4) Select base surface. If omitted, items will be arrayed on curve only. If polysurface is selected you will be asked to pick a single face.
5) Number of items: enter initial items array count ( you can change that later ).

OPTIONS:

Count - item count in array

BasePt - select new base point

Scale - here you can adjust the ScaleFactor of each individual item in the array. ArrayCrvPLUS will use ScaleNodes and linear interpolate the numbers between them. Initially there are only 2 ScaleNodes for open path curves and one ScaleNode for closed path curves. These can't be removed. ScaleNodes are indicated in red while ScaleFactors are cyan color. You can pick any item and assign ScaleNode - it will be used to calculate the incremental item scale. It can also be removed anytime. While EnableNonUniform is selected, you will be able to enter separate values for X,Y and Z scale factors. EnableNonUniform is disabled at start.
Note: You can ScaleNodes visibility with: Factors_Nodes options switch.

Spacing - ArrayCrvPLUS handles spacing in different way than Rhino Array commands.
Items spacing is based on their dimension ( bounding box X dimension ). So spacing=0 means items will be arrayed next to each other "touching", while higher numbers will keep indicated spacing consistent between items ( even if their size varies ).
By default Spacing is set to Fit - items will be arrayed along whole path curve length.
Note: in single path script version you can switch the spacing mode to PositionOnCrvBased so the spacing ignores item dimensions like regular Rhino ArrayCrv command.

Rotate - Specify the rotation angle. You can rotate items along path curve in 3 ways:
- Individual - each item will be incrementally rotated starting from 0 at 1st item.
- Overall - last item is rotated by set angle and the rest will interpolate from 0.
- Equal - all items are rotated equally.

Offset - Specify the offset distance. All items will be offset from curve/surface based on the normal direction

Ends_ Normal/Fit
Applies to open path curves only and items with non-zero X dimension.
It affects item placement at the path curve start/end.

Factors_ Nodes/All
ScaleFactor display switch. Determines node visibility while editing.

Loft/Sweep
Only available for curve or point items.
Creates new geometry based on items as input profiles.

Hint: use single profile ( count=1 ) to sweep along segmented path curves keeping the profile connected.

CREATE - creates the array. If Loft/Sweep was enabled you will have an option to delete profile curves/points.

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RESULTS / EXAMPLES: