037 Forms From Random Numbers Exported to CAD as Components Attached to CSV Point Clouds

037 Forms From Random Numbers Exported to CAD

as Components Attached to CSV Point Clouds.

Purpose

Cellular Automata can produce results of Self Organization, Self Emergence, Optimal Design, Divergent Evolution, Convergent Evolution, Random Natural Selection and Selective Artificial Selection.

In relation to our current age of Energy, Resource and Environmental Depletion they provide a framework for the development of better design decision making and optimised; maximum variety; to ensure a sustainable use of the Earths potential.

Method

The following method is proposed to create forms from random numbers exported to CAD as Components attached to CSV Point Clouds.

1. Use a spread sheet program to create a base grid.

2. Set up each cell in the grid to be a random number between two values.

In the examples attached as images and animation to this article the random value was assigned using the formula RANDBETWEEN(0,1) and RANDBETWEEN(1,10)

The values of 0,1 allow the ‘z’ values to be attached to the surface of the grid.

The values of 1,10 allow the ‘z’ value to be raised above the surface of the grid.

3. Set up a secondary, numerical grid reference for all the cells on the base grid.

4. Set up an ‘x,y,z’ set of columns within the same spread sheet.

5. Link the ‘x’ column cells to each cell in the ‘x’ rows of the grid through formulas in the spread sheet program.

6. Link the ‘y’ column cells to each cell in the ‘y’ columns of the grid through formulas in the spread sheet program.

7. Link the ‘z’ column cells to each of the ‘x’ row cells and setup up a formula to add ‘1’ to each of the cells.

8. Set up a second ‘x,y,z’ set of columns within the same spread sheet.

Make the ‘x and ‘y’ column cells equal to each grid references on the grid.

Make the ‘z’ column cells equal to the ‘z’ column cells from the first ‘x,y,z’ set of columns.

9. Set up an output sheet in the spreadsheet. Link the second set of ‘x,y,z’ columns to this sheet.

This will be the sheet from which the CSV export files will be generated.

10. Link the cells in the grid to conditional formatting to allow the ‘z’ components on the grid to be identified.

As each square in the grid is in-filled the 'z' coordinate changes randomly in all of the columns and in the copy of the columns in the output sheet.

11. Once a random form is complete to the satisfaction of the user the resultant ‘x,y,z grid references and the modified 'z' references are displayed on the output sheet.

12. The output sheet can then be exported as a CSV file to a CAD program.

13. The CAD program needs to have plugins for importing and exporting CSV files as point clouds and attaching components to the point cloud nodes. See references below for the CAD program and plugins used.

14. The form created from the components attached to the point cloud can also be examined, varied and re-imported back into the spread sheet as a CSV file. This file can be imported into the spread sheet into ‘x,y,z’ columns.

Results

Imported forms using the 0,1 process are indicated in the attached images; with their spread sheet grids.

Imported forms using the 1,10 process are indicated in the attached animation.

References

Google Sketchup 8 2010 Original Google Product Free version.

Plugins for Sketchup 8 2010 Original Google Product Free version.as listed with relevant authors from http://www.crai.archi.fr/rld/plugins_list_az.php

‘Microsoft Excel’ and / or ‘Gnumeric’ Spreadsheets.

Ian K Whittaker

14/03/2016

Word Count 598 over 2 pages

RANDBETWEEN(0,1) Grid Setting Outputs

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RANDBETWEEN(1,10) Grid Setting Outputs

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RANDBETWEEN(1,10) Grid Setting Outputs

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