2.4 - Option Logic and Option Mapping
Option mapping: linking options to groups
In the previous section of this tutorial, we mentioned that the options in an option list should be linked to the Model Groups
coming from Revit so that your model becomes dynamically configurable. The drag' n' drop idea
from Innobrix is again used here.
We call the process of linking options to groups Option mapping
. It also happens regularly that multiple options are linked to 1 group. Think for example of a combination option such as a Sliding door
+
2400mm` where these are 2 separate options in the option list. The position of an option 'within' a group also matters.
Open your model in bagfield form ("Expanded"), via the - Display menu.
In this example on the left where a column is shown you can see how it works. The dark blue 'Default' group with (Innobrix) parameter [1, 0] (Column, Row) contains the basic back facade of the type. All groups further down within
this column [1,1 to 1,3] contain one or two options.
Once an option is turned on, and there is a group that meets the conditions within a column, the 'Default' group will be turned off in favor of the group that most meets the conditions.
A 'blue' (default) group is always on unless another group within that same column is selected.
To give an example, when the option 'Sliding Door' is selected, the group 'Sliding Door' [1,1] will be shown on the model and 'Basic Rear Facade' [1,0] will be disabled.
It is important to note that the group
'Sliding Door & Extension 1200mm' will not be shown in such a case. From the system of Innobrix this group 'only' meets 50% of the set conditions.
In the case that 2 options simultaneously within one column meet exactly 100%, the system will always show only one group, often this is the 'first' group in the column. Such a case could happen if in this
example 'Sliding Door & Extension 1200mm' were to think away, and the options 'Sliding Door' and 'Extension 1200mm' did not disable each other so that both were enabled. In that case both group 'Sliding door' and 'Extension 1200mm' would be 100% satisfactory.
would be 100% sufficient.
...Fortunately, there are ways to have options lock or disable each other. (☞゚ヮ゚)☞
From the option list, click and drag the option 'Expand rear facade 2400mm' to the groups:
00_VS_AG_UB2400
in column 1, row 100_VS_IND_UB2400+_luxury_kitchen
in column 3, row 1.01_VS_roof_UB2400
in column 7, row 1.01_VS_floor_UB2400
in column 15, row 1.
So you can clearly see here that one option can call multiple groups.
Option behavior: enabling and disabling, locking and unlocking
A classic example of 2 options that require behavior to ensure that they cannot be combined with each other are Expand rear facade 1200mm
and Expand rear facade 2400mm
. These 2 options can never be
Innobrix provides options to set these dependencies. A wide range of 'behavior' fields are available for this purpose that determine how options can interact with each other. For a complete overview of the possible fields, you should check out our Option behavior section (behavior fields).
Under the header Back facade', create a new option named
Frame in wall of extension 2400mm`.
There are several ways to ensure that the buyer does not make an impossible choice (the window frame in the extension, but without the extension). For example, we can make sure that both options are available to choose,
but that Expansion rear wall 2400mm
is always (automatically) switched on as soon as Window in wall extension 2400mm
is chosen.
rear wall 2400mmalso deactivates the option
Frame in wall extension 2400mm`, should this also be chosen.
Alternatively, locking the option Frame in wall extension 2400mm
until Expand rear facade 2400mm
is chosen. In the next step, we will choose this way.
- Select the option
Frame in wall extension 2400mm
in the option list and scroll down theProperties
panel until you seeOn/Off behavior
andLock behavior
. - From the option list, drag and drop the option
Expand rear wall extension 2400mm
into theUnlock when following options are active
field (at the very bottom). - Select the
Expand rear facade 2400mm
option from the option list and again scroll down so that you seeOn/Off behavior
andUnlock behavior
. - From the options list, drag the option
Frame in wall extension 2400mm
into theDisable options when deactivated
field.
You have just set your first option logic! 🎉
Of course, as you get busy with your own models, you may sometimes run into certain difficulties or "errors" in your model's behavior. Below you can see two helpful videos that give a better idea of how to keep an overview
the bag field of your model and thus avoid errors.
The detached house you use in this tutorial obviously contains more options than just these 2. The other options that you can find in the model are exactly the same as the model that wij in Innobrix als showcase gebruiken. We recommend giving it a try to reproduce the physical options in this showcase in this model. Options that relate to material choices (roof tiles, floor choices, facade brick, etc.) you can leave out here for now.
Can't figure it out? Then you can always refer to the (Frees standing house) model provided in the Innobrix Demo Library.