i project like this

[tommaso39]

I would like to start a much broader speech on my project whose conclusion led me to the topic already discussed "is not a tutorial".

in this first (let's call it) "Chapter 1" (although I don't know if there will be a second) allow me to make only some considerations, a short historical exhibition and also a short discussion of a software I started (in reality it would be better to talk about a software project, because incomplete).

I'm an engineer who's been working in construction since 1970.
I have always been very keen on computer science (especially programming) and I have done the programs for many operations (of course the most repetitive) that used in the exercise of my professional activity.

I have created software, at the amateur level, of all kinds; from structural calculation to metric computation to many other small applications.
these programs, made only for me, in fact they have been used so much
from me and my other friends.
I now retire and would like to leave my programs to those interested in computer science and programming more than to their full use; and that for the reasons I explain below.

When the computers arrived, I had one.
the first programmable computer I possessed was a p101 of the olive groves; a real closet and education were just a set of symbols. with it I began to perform, for weeks and weeks, using all my spare time, a calculation of pillars and beams urged to die-flection and bending with the intention to get ready tabulates to detect armor; This greatly reduced the calculation times of reinforced concrete structures and the work could also be done by other less prepared employees.
this was, then, the maximum of ambitions.

after very short time the olivetti put on the market a small computer
(I do not remember the name but was similar to a cash register) which could be programmed in basic (but only a few instructions) and had a magnetic support consisting of a flexible plastic disk of about 5 cm diameter.

I then bought a tandy just arrived from America (the first with 5") flexible monitors and discs and began programming in basic.

when the olive groves made the m24 and the pe24 with graphic cards (matrox with relative routine of use in the programming) I will get them;
programming language gwbasic.

at this point I began to put together all the small programmes made,
rinse them with the new language and, of course, broadening them.
I created a program for the calculation of the flat frames that gave me so much
satisfaction and I was very useful for all the following up to today.

Meanwhile, he took my old idea: to create a program that allowed me to design a building work in its entirety: to start from the graphical draft to the printing of all the accounting and graphics, including view 3d.
but I never came to a point of arrival because every improvement of technology called me to rewrite the programs and in any case I found a lot of difficulty with the graphics cards that would have allowed me to develop computer graphics. (and to consider that the free time available was not much).
programs were rewritten in qbasic and then still visual-basic, but at vb6 I stopped.
In the meantime I made a metric computation program while the one for the design had stopped; I decided to spare myself the hard work of graphics to rest with a solid modeler.
For many years I've been looking for a modeler who would do my job, but I couldn't find the right one to interface to my program.

Finally in recent years I found the rhino with which I managed to get what I wanted, but now it is too late to face the work of rewriting and completion (it is done to say) of the entire software.

from here the decision to give, to those who were interested, how much I have made here.

for complete exposure and for honesty I will tell you that:
1- I did not follow programming courses
2- for all I have done, every time I have reached the result I am
stopped there without looking for the best solution or the most elegant and efficient solution
under the aspect of programming; so all I have provided
should be rewritten in the best form by catching only a few ideas beyond
the general idea.
It's to keep in mind that computer science, for me, was just a hobby practiced in free time.
3- Obviously what I have is almost everything to consider incomplete
4- almost everything is based on proprietary media: vb, access, some ocx you'll have to get yourself.
5- the comparison with something on the market is from scratch so do not believe you have something usable in your hand; The material I could give you is just to be understood as a set of codes as an example.
to give friends some usable program with sufficient security, I gave them the compiled (exe), but to you I give the source code that to turn needs the environment vb6
6- I don't want money but I don't want reproaches too I'm open to all the discussions.

from what is said it is obvious that my codes can only affect those who work in the field of building engineering and architecture and have sufficient programming preparation in visual-basic.

I chose this forum, to treat this topic, because, as already said, the solid modeling and the printing of the tables happens with rhino.

If my topic is "ot" let me know or better yet please the moderator to delete this message.
thank you and resent us in a few days.

a hint of appreciation will encourage me to continue, as it is clear that
If there are no interested people, it is better to shut up and out of my way.

leaving this thread available for any consent, reproach or other, I will treat the following on other threads.

thanks to the attention
Tommaso

 

[mariuss.r]

I would like to start a much broader speech on my project whose conclusion led me to the topic already discussed "is not a tutorial".

cut...

a hint of appreciation will encourage me to continue, as it is clear that
If there are no interested people, it is better to shut up and out of my way.

leaving this thread available for any consent, reproach or other, I will treat the following on other threads.

thanks to the attention
Tommaso

Bye tommaso

I don't consider your post.

It's very appreciable that led you to share your knowledge with the community.

I personally hope there's someone in the field of building-engineering architecture who has your own characteristics (engineer-programmer) and can benefit from what you make available.

 

[tommaso39]

Thanks mariuss.
We wait here to know if there are interested people,
before we continue.

 

[tommaso39]

many visitors, but few interested in the topic?

and again, few planners or few interested in this commitment?


we try again with the "chapter 2"

 

[tommaso39]

to this message I gave the title chapter 2

Before starting the presentation of the design program, which also includes other programs such as the price list and metric computation, let's say something about the hardware and the working environment.

I work like this:

- win xp

- graphics card with 2 outputs and 2 19" monitors
Alternatively you could use a multiscreen monitor

- graphic resolution 1024/1280 x 768

- environment vb6

- microsoft office - data storage (since the program starts from afar) has been carried out with access 97;
this means that if you wanted to intervene on the database you should operate the necessary conversions since access 97 is not compatible with xp or have also a pc with win 98 iia with installed access 97

- ocx vsflexgrid of the componentone
this could be replaced with a microsoft flexgrid

- rhinoceros v.4.0 it.

if necessary add something, you will see later.











we now see my program to design architectural works.

Introduction
my way of designing a building or still a work of architecture
It is certainly not different from that of all others, but it is the way to use the computer that makes the difference.
I want to preserve the possibility of operating all the choices that personalize the project but at the same time I want to zero the time of organization of the project, of processing, of use of collaborators and what else can not be realized by me.
so was born this software and also others that to it lace and that
I've been carrying on over the years.
software of this type never achieves perfection, but this in particular is found only in the initial state and is clearly incomplete and imperfect. there is in it a plan idea, an idea on how to achieve some results.
on this idea you can work to improve the procedure and results.
for this reason I made available to all the source.
in any case it is completely working and achieves the goal.
who wants to have it to use it or to satisfy a simple interest
to inquire and to know him, he can freely download it.
once you have the source, each one is free to use it,
modify it, rewrite it, expand it and make any use of it.
However, I invite anyone who realizes the procedure used, since the responsibility and merit of everything is achieved is only and exclusively of those who use the program and not of those who have realized it.
this applies to the source downloaded now and for what will be downloaded later
comments can be inserted in the thread related to the discussion part.
if someone wants to deposit improvements or extensions or
the new versions rewritten, we will see later (or you will see yourself) how to organize a kind of open source.



design process.

the design process is very simple and we can indicate it for later steps; each step will refer to a component of the program that in this first phase can and must be independent from the rest of the program, but that in the end can be assembled in a single interface of use and connection.
leave aside, the menu module for the program startup and for those who will use the program in its globality.
it will be the final part, because it constitutes the assembly of all components, of design; the menu has been created by me in schematic way, for now I do not put it available as useless and obvious and there will certainly be someone who will realize it better than me,
according to the needs and at the appropriate time.

the various phases of design, in chronological order are:

1- selection of articles (materials) extracted from a general archive;
2- printing of the price list;
3- introduction of project data (during the input phase of project data it will be possible to follow the metric compute or view the solid model then to change the input or to continue the input;
4-processing of metric compute;
5- printing of metric compute;
6- processing of geometric data;
7- display and modification of the solid model; architectural prints.

both to stay on the topic with this forum and to stimulate the good intentions we will start from the end and we will proceed back.
so doing it will be easier to identify shortcomings and make opportunities
extensions and necessary changes.

in the next thread "Chapter 3" will be inserted the source code
while those who are interested can prepare the working environment;
the presence of the 2 monitors I think is the most important thing to follow
execution of the program and code at the same time; instead of the 2 monitors also a multiscreen monitor I think can be fine.

opinions and comments may be inserted in the relevant chapters.


to welcome general observations, I also leave this thread independent.

Hi.
Tommaso

 

[uluwatu_74]

Hello, tommaso. . .
in the forums it is not difficult to find altruist people. ..but you...that is... I'm free... that's all I can do.
:4425:
really "honourable" gestures!
Hi.

 

[tommaso39]

Hello uluwatu,
Thank you for what you said.
I'm going forward in hope that some interested party will come forward sooner or later, even if there's a void for the moment.
Hi.

 

[tommaso39]

to this message I gave the title Chapter 3

(as reported in this message could only be inserted in the annex
since you enter the particular program.
I brought it here only to allow you to connect with any comments or discussions. )

attached you can download the Rhino_grafica.rar compressed file that contains:

prggraficarhino.vbp
project file - to be started needs the environment
vb6 + vsflexgrid (a componentone ocx) traceable in network
(the latter was replaced).


prggraf.frm
file launch form of the program (at the end this form can be
deleted by transferring the code to a form or other form)


prggrafstampa.frm
form of printing operations management


house.mdb
file archive of data. The table <grafica> contains the data that this module reads and displays with rhino
(this file, in sw completed, should reside in a folder, home call, contained in the program folder).
this mdb has been realized with access 97 and therefore, wanting to open it to change it manually, you have to operate the due conversions (see that with winxp the access 97 is not good)


bathroom001.dwg
bathroom003.dwg
block files used in the example
(This file, which has been completed, should reside in a folder, called ?? ? ? ,
contained in the program folder).

a "icone" folder containing icons

the infomodelling.rtf file
called for help

there are also other files obtained from the execution of the vbp program that
will be replaced at each subsequent execution.




parts on which to intervene:
-change the link to the working database; now it is blocked on home.mdb and before the start you must check if in the adobc1 control the connection path
- also the file name work now is fixed “home”.


initially for the grid had been used an ocx
vsflexgrid from the componentone I found on the net.
it had the property to interact with the database.
was convenient in the study phase as it allowed to change
the grid values to make subsequent experiments.
It is clear that, in the case of different data or different structure,
It was then necessary to change the part of the program that prepares
the chart of the database; in order to obtain naturally how much,
instead, it had been imposed with the manual modification of the values in grid.

to streamline software transfer I replaced vsflexgrid with msdatagrid

if later reflections will lead to the belief that it is better
use other grid also the msdatagrid can be replaced.


Hi.
Tommaso</grafica>

 

[tommaso39]

Maybe I should convince myself that what I'm doing doesn't make any sense, but I still keep going.
I gave the title "Chapter 4" to this message because it represents the continuation of what is said in previous messages since "Chapter 1"
to be able to follow what is said invitation, who had not already done it, to read first the previous messages.

this part of the programme -graphic-
performs the following operations:
reads the data stored in the data input table of the database "casa.mdb";
processes and stores the results in the chart;
here the data are already ready to be transferred to the solid modeler with the -rhinografica- next program for execution but already available with the massage "chapter 3".

what are the operations carried out with this program:
identification of walls and resolution of any intersections between them.
identification of windows or doors and connection with the wall of belonging,
Detection of polygonal base surfaces.
predisposition of all other data (texts, quotas, blocks, sections) for reading during drawing

in these elaborations will always be neglected the data relating to the accounting and however all those that do not affect the design.

it is recommended to run this program in an independent folder from the rest of the program (at least for now) as each program works on the database by editing it; but we're working backwards and you know what that means.

to follow the execution of the program and the processing is carried out a file containing all operations.
processing is followed in view of a data display form.
then there are grids that show the values in the records of the two storage tables.

at the end of the program must be carried out by all the necessary accessories for the verifications and the same program must proceed with discretion and
without interruption.

the annexed package (data processing chapter 4.rar) includes:
- the "icon" folder with the icons used
- home.mdb work database "home"
- processing.vbp the visual basic project to start
- modmain.bas module for connection to the database
- elabgraf.bas form containing processing code
- the following class modules:
- processing.bas
- clsmuro.bas
- clsfinestra.bas
- clspavimenti.bas
- Clssolaio.bas
- clsspioventi.bas
- clsquote.bas
- clstesto.bas
- clssezioni.bas
- clsblocchi.bas
- form1.frm initial dialogue interface
- form2.frm displays the initial data grid
- form3.frm displays the processed data grid
- infoprocessing.rtf help file.

Hi.
Tommaso

 

[tommaso39]

I gave the title "Chapter 5" to this message because it represents the continuation of what is said in previous messages since "Chapter 1"
to be able to follow what is said, I invite, who had not already done so, to read before





----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
this part of the program - processingcontability- performs the following operations:

1-takes in data stored in the data input table
2-
3- archives the results in the table "accounted"

here the data are already ready to be printed or viewed
two different commands allow you to view the grid containing the values of the input table and the grid containing the values of the accounting table

the program is entirely contained in this “accounted processing” folder and consists of the following files:

folder icons
containing icons used by the program

house.mdb
data storage database in access 97 (see above)

accounted for.vbp
vb startup program

modmain.bas
connection module to the home database.mdb

clsinput.bas
class module for input table values

clscontabilita.bas
class module for accounting table values

elabcontab.bas
data processing module

form1.frm
form of initial dialogue

form2.frm
input data grid display form

form3.frm
metric compute grid display form

infoprocessingcomplete.rtf
these rtf files that you need for help and will always be updated on the progress status of this program

other indications are given within the program.
each sub has its own explanation.
for details you can run the program step by step with the f8 key

running the program writes the elabcontab.txt file on which all steps are reported.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


here we have seen how:
- read the data introduced during input and stored in the db's "data input" table
-a- extract geometric data, process them and store them in the chart table,
view them with the modeler (rhino) and from here proceed to:
- change some data
- add other data
- export dxf files
- switch to the final printing of the graphs
-b- extract the accounting data, process them and store the results in the table "accounted" and from here return to review when it should be modified

later we will see how to introduce all the data and how to print out the accounting

 

[Exatem]

Maybe I should convince myself that what I'm doing doesn't make any sense, but I still keep... (cut)
Hi.
Tommaso

The building is certainly not my matter but, if you can be of some comfort, I am following you with extreme interest and great admiration.
both for skills, and for having decided to share your labors.
in my little one (it's a historical account), writing on the forum "top and under the waves", many times I wondered if it was worth it (when you think you're talking on your own), but then you get some certificates that pay you back and ask you to continue "losing time".
so, my sincere congratulations and best wishes.
Bye.

 

[tommaso39]

First of all I say that I would be willing to send the part relating to the input of the project data, but perhaps, as far as it is clear, my source does not find interest.
If there is no one who asks, it means that I do not send it because it is useless
proceed.

I just want to add that as for the part already sent, where the ocx vsflexgrid needed, I could suggest a solution:
I send the ocx as it stands in my folder c:\windows\system32
I believe that you would just copy it to your own folder and then run regsvr32.

if someone needs something I am at your disposal.
greetings
Tommaso

 

[tommaso39]

for those who want to try......... I train the ocx here

I don't know if it works but still try you don't miss anything.

 

[tommaso39]

another system to transfer ocx is to compile a program with all accessories; ocx are also installed during installation.

I could compile you a metric compute programme and price list with prints, but it commits 21 mb and cannot be attached.

If anyone cares, I can send it directly to several separate parts.

I don't do it here so I don't need to commit space.

 

[tommaso39]

even if you are not interested I have given the title "Chapter 6" to this message because it represents the continuation of what is said in previous messages since "chapter 1"

Meanwhile, in order to be able to follow what is said, I invite, who had not already done so, to read before







data input:

a rather complex interface (but only apparently) puts in the condition of introducing all the necessary information to the project.
the explanation of the functionality of the program has been attached to the program itself that, running, allows reading as a help file.



In essence, a brief illustration of the operation of the programme attached here is as follows:

in a general archive, which is allocated in several tables of the database, there are all information collected (on materials and works) from a general preception that I used in my works but that can be replaced, expanded, correct at will
from this general archive, before starting a new job, only items that affect the new job are collected.
for the work "home" 27 were selected as an example; They should be many more, but certainly fewer than there are in the general archive.
The price list can be narrowed to those strictly necessary and used.

most input is carried out with the method of dragging with the mouse.

I think it is very practical and easy; If the explanations attached were not enough I could add more explanations.
seems almost a game, but after entering the first data you can verify the validity by displaying an immediate calculation of the metric computation or, with few steps, displaying the solid model.
It is obvious that, as well as I presented everything, to get the display of the data introduced, even during the input of the data, it is necessary to pass from one program to another; this until the assembling of the various programmes is carried out.

at the start of this program will be reported loading errors (adodc1); proceed equally; errors are due to the fact that in the form frnvp there is the printing of the metric compute that is previewed with the editor of report vsprint7.ocx.
Also this ocx is of the componentone and is located in the vsview7 package that you can find on the net also in trial form like the vsflexgrid.ocx.
the printing of the metric compute will be discussed later.

it is recommended to read the help file first.


now to complete the program (in its main lines) is missing only the price list.

 

[uluwatu_74]

1,200 visits don't seem to me to be a fact that makes you think that the topic is not interesting!!! :finger:
rather...I think it is very "complete" for many of the architectural sector maybe! surely it is for me!!!!!!!!! :smile:
cmq...as I have already expressed...I repeat the estimate for what you are doing!

 

[tommaso39]

>1.200 visits do not seem to me to be a fact that makes you think that the topic is not interesting! ! !
rather...I think it is very "complex" for many of the architectural sector perhaps! surely it is for me!!!!! !
cmq...as I have already expressed...I repeat the estimate for what you are doing!
>

That's true.
personally, this work has so much passion for me in these years that I thought it was likely that others could be attracted and made a useful and fun pastime.
but, as you say, perhaps in the architectural field there are no software developers who have the possibility and the will to try with this kind of commitment.

 

[tommaso39]

This program is the last missing part of the whole design program, but among all it is the first to use.

I called this part of the program chapter 7

attached you can download the compressed file that contains:

selectionarticoli.vbp
project file - to be started needs the environment
vb6.


choicearticoli.frm file form that contains all the code of this program

helparticoli.frm
file form for reading and updating the help file.


the folder <icone> contains the icons used by the program
the folder <casa> contains the working database used as an example

the info.rtf file is the text file used for help.


a list of the articles used in a work is made with this programme, extracting what is needed from the general archive which would be too extended to be included in all the works.
here is formed the list of articles that will then be used in the input phase of the building entities.


without this list the input program sent as <capitolo 6=""> cannot be used.


In the phase of assembly of the programs you will have to check and unify the working database that is used here in a separate and independent way.
It will also be necessary to verify that the source database from which copies are made for new works contains all indications of fields and tables as well as progressively used.

the help file contains many useful indications to understand the program.

in any case if someone is interested, you can ask me how unclear it is or what is missing in my exposure.</capitolo></casa></icone>

 

[tommaso39]

I have included, here in the annex, a program to add a musical background to the program already presented or to any other program in vb.
the program uses mediaplayer control.

 

[tommaso39]

during the realization of a program, I often needed to use colors.

in these circumstances arises the first need to identify the desired color or considered more appropriate.
to do this there are several programs but no one gave me the full range of colors.

then there is also the need to have the color definition in different formats because not always a single format is used.
Sometimes just indicate the color with the 3 whole rgb, sometimes it takes a long number and sometimes it takes the hexadecimal conversion.

From the beginning I used my own little program. in these days I happened under my hand and decided to pass it to you, it could be helpful because it is very convenient.

you can download it and use it freely.

Now I'm going to vacation, but when I get back, if I have something to make you available, I'll make myself feel.

thanks to the attention and good holidays to all.
Tommaso