Using a Macro to Import Clash Results Saved in XML Format

This task illustrates how to import clash results saved in XML files generated:
 

This is done by running a macro which opens a CATProduct and imports the clash results stored in an XML file.
 

Have an XML file containing clash results and generated from batch processing an existing CATProduct.

A sample macro, ImportClashResultsfromXML.CATScript, is supplied in spaug/samples

Opening and Editing a Macro

  1. To Open and edit the macro:
     

    • Select Tools > Macro > Macros in DMU Space Analysis menu bar

    • Identify the folder containing the macro, select the CATScript then click Edit...

    • Add the name and path of the CATProduct that will be opened and that will contain clash results.

    • Typically, this CATProduct document contains the products on which the interference analysis was run.

    • Add the name and path of the XML file containing the clash results you want to import.

    • Save the macro.

Looking at a Sample Macro

  1. The following macro extract will help you to

    Sub CATMain()

    ' 1 - Load the document
    sProductPath = CATIA.SystemService.Environ("E:    \tmp\ImportXMLTest")
    Dim documents1 As Documents
    Set documents1 = CATIA.Documents
    Set productDocument1 = documents1.Open("E:    \tmp\ImportXMLTest.CATProduct")
    CATIA.ActiveWindow.ActiveViewer.Viewpoint3D.ProjectionMode = 0

    ' 2 - Retrieve the Clashes collection
    Dim rClashes As ClashResults
    Set rClashes = CATIA.ActiveDocument.Product.GetTechnologicalObject("ClashResults")

    ' 3 - Read a clash stored on the disk, and import it in the active document
    Dim rClash As ClashResult
    Set rClash = rClashes.AddFromXML("E:    \tmp\XML_file_to_Import.xml", CatClashImportTypeClashOnly)

    End Sub

Running the Macro

  1. Click Run to run the macro. A CATProduct is opened in your current DMU session.

  2. Double-click the results to analyze them using the Clash command.

    Selecting the Compute all numeric and graphic results check box in the DMU Clash tab page (Tools > Options > Digital Mockup > DMU Space Analysis) means that all numeric and graphic results are computed and displayed directly when you import clash results via the macro.
     

    This is useful when presenting results in a meeting for example. Cleared, the detailed computation will only be run as you select conflicts in the Check Clash dialog box.

  3. (Optional) Add your macro to a toolbar if desired using the Tools > Customize... command.

    • Select the Commands tab, then

    • the Macros category: all macros will be detected and listed.

    • You can then drag and drop onto toolbars for convenient access.

Importing XML Clash Results & VPM

  1. You can also import clash results saved in XML files that concern products stored in VPM. For this:

     

    • Use the CATDMUBuilder batch process.
      This batch reads the XML file, queries VPM for the products impacted, then re-creates the corresponding CATProduct and clash results.

    For more information on CATDMUBuilder, read "Running the CATDMUBuilder
    Batch Process" in the DMU Navigator User's Guide