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2.4 - Option Logic and Mapping

Option mapping: linking options to groups​

Chapter 2.4: Option mapping!
How does option mapping work?

In the previous section we mentioned that the options in an option list must be linked to the Model Groups coming from Revit so your model becomes dynamically configurable. Innobrix uses the same drag-and-drop approach here.

We call the process of linking options to groups Option mapping. It is common to link multiple options to a single group. Think of a combo such as Patio door + Extend rear facade 2400mm, which are two separate options in the option list. The position of an option inside a group does not matter.

STEP 6

Open your model in exploded/grid form via the view menu.

Example

In the example on the left, a column is shown to illustrate how it works. The dark-blue "Standard" group with the (Innobrix) parameter [1, 0] (Column, Row) contains the base rear facade of the type. All groups further down that column [1,1 through 1,3] each contain one or two options.

When an option is enabled and there is a group in that column that meets the conditions, the "Standard" group is disabled in favor of the group that best matches the conditions.

A "blue" (standard) group is always on unless another group in the same column is chosen.

For example: when the option "Patio door" is selected, the group Schuifpui [1,1] is shown on the model and "Basis Achtergevel" [1,0] is turned off.

Note that the group

Schuifpui & Uitbouw 1200mm is not shown in that case. From the Innobrix system this group only meets 50% of the required conditions.

If two options in the same column both meet 100% of the conditions at the same time, the system will always show just one group, usually the first group in the column. That could happen if you remove Schuifpui & Uitbouw 1200mm from the example and allow the options Schuifpui and Uitbouw 1200mm to be enabled together. In that case both Schuifpui and Uitbouw 1200mm would satisfy the conditions.

Fortunately there are ways to lock or disable options so that combinations stay valid.

STEP 6

Drag the option Uitbreiden achtergevel 2400mm from the option list to the groups:

  • 00_VS_AG_UB2400 in column 1, row 1

  • 00_VS_IND_UB2400+_luxe_keuken in column 3, row 1

  • 01_VS_dak_UB2400 in column 7, row 1

  • 01_VS_vloer_UB2400 in column 15, row 1

This clearly shows that one option can drive multiple groups.

Option behavior: enabling, disabling, locking, and unlocking​

A classic example of options that need behavior so they cannot be combined are Uitbouwen achtergevel 1200mm and Uitbouwen achtergevel 2400mm. These two options cannot be combined.

Innobrix lets you configure these dependencies. A wide range of behavior fields is available to define how options respond to each other. For a full overview of the available fields, check our Option behavior section.

Chapter 2.4: Option behavior
How do option behavior and logic work?
STEP 8

Create a new option under the header "Achtergevel" named Kozijn in wand van uitbouw 2400mm.

Example Options

You should now have the simple structure shown on the left. Based on the new option you can guess it depends on the extension option.

There are multiple ways to prevent the buyer from making an impossible choice (a window frame in the extension wall without the extension). One way is to keep both options available, but ensure that Uitbouwen achtergevel 2400mm is always (automatically) enabled when Kozijn in wand uitbouw 2400mm is selected.
That also means turning off Uitbouwen achtergevel 2400mm must switch off Kozijn in wand uitbouw 2400mm if it was selected.

An alternative is to lock the option Kozijn in wand uitbouw 2400mm until Uitbouwen achtergevel 2400mm has been chosen. We will use that approach in the next step.

STEP 9

  1. Select the option Kozijn in wand uitbouw 2400mm in the option list and scroll the properties panel until you see Enable/Disable behavior and Lock behavior.

  2. Drag the option Uitbouwen achtergevel 2400mm from the option list into the Unlock when the following options are active field (bottom of the panel).

  3. Select the option Uitbouwen achtergevel 2400mm in the option list and again scroll down to Enable/Disable behavior and Lock behavior.

  4. Drag the option Kozijn in wand uitbouw 2400mm into the Disable options when deactivated field.

You just configured your first piece of option logic!

When you work on your own models you may occasionally run into issues or errors in your model's behavior. The two videos below help you keep an overview of your grid and avoid mistakes.

Chapter 2.4: Detecting errors
Detecting errors in the grid
Chapter 2.4: Filters
What are filters in the grid?
Other options

The detached home used in this tutorial contains more options than just these two. The other options in the model are the exact same ones used in the Innobrix showcase model.

We recommend trying to reproduce the physical options from that showcase in this model. Options related to material choices (roof tiles, flooring, brickwork, etc.) can be ignored for now.

Stuck? You can always peek at the (detached) model that comes with the Innobrix Demo Library.