Part 1
This is the original image of the embossed effects.
This is the transposed image with debossed effects.
This is the original image.
This is the workflow for the first part of Module 4. The left part is from Module 3. The right part contains steps for the new codes.
Step 1 – Apply Adaptive Panels to the Surface of My Shelter from Module 3
The shelter surface was subdivided into a UV grid. The sliders could vary the number of panels in the U and V directions. Rect Seamless Panel-4pt was used for the panel type this time. The panels were set to "unflipped” conditions.
Step 2 – Map the Colors from an Image File to the Adaptive Panels
The image was imported. More information on colors is in the next step. The colors would then override the panels.
Step 3 – Provide the Ability to Mirror or Flip the Image as Desired
The image could be transposed, which was the first option. In the second option, the image could be flipped vertically, horizontally, or both. The users could directly select different options. The colors would be presented differently and linked back to the second step.
Step 4 – Adjust the Thicknesses of the Adaptive Panels to Create an Embossed or Debossed Effect
The color brightness node was created with a range from 0 to 1. This value would be used to compute the thickness. The embossed effect used addition, and the debossed effect used subtraction. A magnification factor was used to enhance the effects.
Step 5 – Add Logic to Enable Your Users to Quickly Choose Between an Embossed or Debossed Effect
A node logic was created to choose between the embossed and debossed effects. This was then connected to change the height of the panels.
Part 2
A different dynamo file was used. The original geometry is still the shelter from Module 3.
This is the overall workflow for Part 2. The left part is the original shelter, and the right part contains the new code.
One thing to notice is that when I open this file, sometimes there might be errors. I would need to open a custom node file to solve this problem. I have uploaded all custom nodes I used as well.
Step 6 - Create a Duplicate of the Dynamo Graph for This Part
First, the surface was again prepared to be connected to the new codes. The number of panels in the U and V directions could be adjusted. The panel was changed to Rect_Panel with Resizable Opening: Open. This is because it has parameters like frame width and thickness to be adjusted.
Step 7 – Evaluate the Directness of the Surface Panels to the Sun
Custom Node: Panels.BySurface_U_V (This one simply puts surface, u, v, and family type together.)
Custom Node: Panels.ComputeSunDirectness
Custom Node: PanelNormals.AllPointUpward
Custom nodes were created to evaluate the directness of the surface panels to the sun and other things. The computed directness values were set to a range from 0 to 1. The details were presented in the above images. Another custom node included a check to flip surface normals.
Step 8 – Provide Visual Feedback Using Color to Indicate the Directness of the Sun
Custom Node: Map the Distance Value to a Color Range
A custom node was created to map the directness values to a color range of green to red. The color degree of green and red could be adjusted. It overrides the colors of the panels.
Step 9 – Adjust the Surface Panel Geometry Based on Directness of the Sun
The panel used was Rect_Panel with Resizable Opening. The frame widths A and B could be adjusted. The maximum value was 0.4 because larger values would result in errors. The larger the openings, the farther the panels are from the sun.
The panel thickness could also be adjusted. The value range was set to range from 1 to 10. The thinner the panels are, the farther they are from the sun.
The parameters that could be used to flex and dynamically change were sliders or a few custom code blocks that had selections. Most of them have already been discussed in the previous descriptions.
Part 1 (Old ones not included)
Number of U Panels
Number of V Panels
Original Image or Transposed
Original Image or Flip Vertically or Flip Horizontally or Flip Both
Magnification Number (Embossing)
Base Thickness (Embossing)
Magnification Number (Debossing)
Base Thickness (Debossing)
Embossing or Debossing
Part 2 (Old ones not included)
Number of U Panels
Number of V Panels
Green Degree
Red Degree
Min Panel Frame Width
Max Panel Frame Width
Min Panel Thickness
Max Panel Thickness