Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
(the first one is an exception), their attribute functions and formulas are identi-
cal except for two numbers in the “Hidden” and “Copies” attribute value fields.
I showed a practical combination of Dynamic Component and traditional
SketchUp workflow with the “Sloppy DynaComp Parking.” Properly built
Dynamic Components can also be integrated with many of the available
SketchUp Ruby scripts for even more functionality. “Drop.rb,” available from
http://www.smustard.com, is one of them. Because the “Z” attribute for
each “character” child component is not set, it is a flexible value that will be
inherent in any manual or Ruby-script-related move. Double-clicking on the
“DynaComp Crowd Control” component to edit it and applying the “Drop.rb”
script will result in the individual people components dropping to whatever
surface below them.
There is usually a question that both the Dynamic Component user and the
Dynamic Component author ask: “Is there a Dynamic Component that does
[fill in the blank]?” A user will try to find it; an author will try to create it. If you
are like me, you will do both. I believe having a solid understanding of the
potential of Dynamic Components - along with the right inquisitive questions -
will result in Dynamic Components that are both creative and useful. It is easy
to create your first one, and once that is complete, you will quickly find there
is no shortage of ideas waiting to be made dynamic.
