Adding a Picture Folder to an iLogic Form

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Synergis Applications Consultant Dave Breiner
In my last article I showed you how to add pictures to your iLogic Forms. Now I would like to expand on that by showing how to add multiple pictures using the Picture Folder and a simple rule so you can change the picture to reflect a particular choice that you made in the form.
As you can see below, the picture reflects the changes made in the form effecting the Flange and Elbow visibility. I will use this assembly as my example.
To start this process your model should be complete with all relevant rules created. Create the necessary pictures that you will use in the form. In my case I will create 4 pictures depicting the 4 possible states that can exist in my form. I save the pictures with the following names: PIPE, PIPE_EL, PIPE_FLG, PIPE_FLG_EL
If you haven’t started the form, create it and start by adding your parameters and setting up the form to your needs. Add a Picture Folder. The Picture Folder by default will already contain two Picture icons, for this example I will need to add two more for a total of four. Select each Picture icon in turn and attach a picture from the file that you just saved, then change the Label names to match the picture file name that you used.
Our goal here is to have the pictures change dependent on the selections in our form. Each picture in this folder has two properties that can be modified.

• Label – Populate the label property with a possible value for the Text parameter that was used in the Picture Parameter Name property.  This is how you set the link between the property and which image to display. If the value of the Label property does not match a value in the Picture Parameter Name multi-value list, the image will display the text ‘No image data’.
• Image – This is where you specify the image file to use.  Click in the Image property and then on the ellipse button to browse to the image file.

We are finished with the Form for a moment. We need to create a parameter and a rule to drive which picture is used when.
For my model, I have created a User Parameter named PICTURE_PARAM of the Type Text.
I will write a Rule named “PICTURE PARAM” based on the Boolean values that control the suppression of the Flange and Elbow. You will see in the rule that I use the picture file name in quotes that was assigned to each picture file. One picture for each case.
‘Picture Param rule created by Dave Breiner 4/7/12
‘This rule controls the parameter value for the PICTURE-PARAM.
 
If FLANGE_VIS = “True” And ELBOW_VIS = “True” Then
PICTURE_PARAM = “PIPE_FLG_EL”
Else If FLANGE_VIS = “False” And ELBOW_VIS = “True” Then
PICTURE_PARAM = “PIPE_EL”
Else If FLANGE_VIS = “True” And ELBOW_VIS = “False” Then
PICTURE_PARAM = “PIPE_FLG”
Else If FLANGE_VIS = “False” And ELBOW_VIS = “False” Then
PICTURE_PARAM = “PIPE”
End If
I return to the Form Editor and add a Picture icon to the Form and place it above my parameter inputs. This is where my picture will display on the Form. Select the Picture 2 icon (the Picture # may vary in your case). In the Properties window select the Picture Parameter Name under Behavior and select the PICTURE_PARAM parameter that we just created.
Now that the Picture Parameter Name property has a parameter, it will override any image that may be selected in the Image property.
The way that this form is set up, after a change in the visibility settings, you must click Apply for the picture to update. Anytime the “OK – Cancel – Apply” buttons are selected for the Form, you must select Apply to initiate any changes. If you only place the “Done” button, the changes will update immediately. Choose which ever works best for your situation.
Regardless of the button selection, the basic process remains the same. It is a very powerful tool to help in the input of information to an iLogic Form.
 
 
Till next time,
Dave Breiner
Dave Breiner joined Synergis in 2013 as a Solutions Engineer on our Manufacturing team with an amazing amount of experience. Coming directly from being a CAD Manager with SPX/Ecolaire, Dave is well versed in implementing and using Autodesk software having transitioned the department from 2D to 3D modeling by developing a 3D modeling program, implementing modeling standards, and creating automated models using iLogic programming. Dave began his career with SPX as a preliminary designer of steam condensers before being promoted to Manager of Drafting. Prior to this, Dave was with Bethlehem Steel for over 20 years, performing many tasks including millwright, rigger and fitter. During this time he also completed his degree in Engineering Design.