Custom Drawing Properties

Trying to figure out what would be the best way to approach this problem...

Given:
Folder(s) containing dozens of 'standard details'

Option A- I am considering using some of the Custom Drawing Properties in
each drawing to add identity and descriptory information.
Option B- I could accomplish something similar via my own Dictionary.
Option C- I could accomplish something similar via the File Naming Scheme
alone - but it will be messier.

Once the above has been accomplished, what route does one need to take in
order to 'access that information remotely'? IOW, what I'd like to do is
call up a small 'filter' interface (probably a dialog). After the user
selects the criteria for the detail drawing, the routine would be able to
determine remotely (without opening the drawing files) and provide a list of
drawings that match the conditions desired - at which time the user could
select the file(s) to be used.

I think I can piece together the information matching code required for this
exercise - but where I need direction is in the gathering of information
'remotely' (unopened drawings in a folder) - what functions/tools provide
that sort of access, to allow for Options A or B above?

Using Option C, I could accomplish this via the file name alone (and I know
of functions that will work for this). It seems that either Option A or B
would be a more 'elegant' solution, however.

Any tips or suggestions? What Option mentioned above would/have you
use/used (or avoid/avoided) and why?

Best regards,
David Kozina

 

David,
Sounds like a 'fun' project. In our 'parts' catalog process, we make an Excel sheet with a Detail #, Item Type, Manufacturer, Part Number, Description, Path to block, Blockname. Then, when we 'select' a given part from the catalog, (IF) there is a 'blockname' there, we do an insert of the block, followed by an insert of a 'part' block with attributes containing all the data. Later, we extract the data, sort / quantize, and report in several forms - for Bill of Materials. The way the 'select a part' works, is via Dialogs. 1) List of 'Item types', pick one, 2) List of matching / sorted by Manufacturer, pick one, 3) List of matching Manufacturer AND part numbers, pick one. There are only 3 picks needed, and results in 'data' and block inserts. I'd be willing to work with you (minor charge), to setup your system.

Bob Shaw
www.bobscadshop.com

 

Terry,
Please see below...

Where do I find this at?
Do you have a link?
Will it also work in 2005?

Yeah, I know - but it's more my speed.

Thanks Terry -
The situation may require that I create this myself but it's nice to know
what options are available...

Best regards,
David Kozina

 

Muchas gracias, Terry.

 

Mas o menos... Yo lo considera como un secreto porque cuando hablo, los
latinos no entienden que estoy hablando español...


Atentamente,
David Kozina

 

Terry,

OK, after a bit of experimentation, looks like DwgSearch may provide the
file filtering and searching I need to do -- but is there an API to return
the results? I see I can copy the file name data to the Windows Clipboard.

Is there a VLisp Function that can pull in the clipboard contents?

Example - I find a file via DwgSearch, but ultimately I'll need the file
name returned as a string in order to 'do more stuff wid da drawing'.

Finding the file is one thing - but it's only part of the solution...
Oooh, waidaminut! waid-a-Minut! DosLib?...

(dos_clipboard...



Gentlemen, we can rebuild him.
We have the technology...

 

Basically what'll be happening is this...

Detail Sheet Switchboard:

User selects detail location on the sheet. Say A3.
User search filters for appropriate detail drawing. NOW I can do this.
Once drawing has been found, the file will be copied to the project
details directory,
and then renamed to *###-A3.
Then the existing xref location placeholder drawing will be xref-path
swapped with the newly found detail.

At least, that's how I envision it.
Just trying to make it easier to FIND and then PLUG-IN the standard details
we have created.

Thanks much for your assistance.

Best regards,
David Kozina