Relationship Viewer

Sample Workflow

Open controller_Equalizer.rfa

Note:  For best results, open the family file directly rather than opening it from a project.

Select the parameter dimension "e1" (as shown) and launch Relationship Viewer:

The diagram is generated based on the current selection, and the nodes of the selected elements are colored orange and given a shiny style.  Each of the nodes are colored based on the element types of the elements they represent, and each node has some basic information on the nodes, such as the name, element type, and some basic parameters for specific element types. Hovering over a node or connector reveals more information on what that represents.

Use the Depth Filter to show more of the parents of the element:

Revealing more parents also reveals more types, filter the diagram to exclude reference points:

Select the include radio button to show only the checked element types. Selected elements are always shown:

An important note about type filters:
When elements are filtered out of the diagram, Relationship Viewer attempts to determine the best relationship to display between the displayed elements. In this example, there are several paths which could be taken to connect each element. Since the total relationship is a stronger relationship, Relationship Viewer ignores the others and displays the total relationship.

To learn more about the model line named "reference lines", click on it and change to the Info tab:

The Info tab displays more information about this model line, such as its length, and its parents and children. Highlight the connectors by clicking on them in the Info tab: 

Click on the connectors themselves to populate the Info tab:

Change the layout to Circle using the Layout option on the Filters tab.

To select the reference line in Vasari, double click on it's node and it will be added to the selection, which is seen in the view and the Relationship Viewer: 

If multiple elements are selected,  the selected element paths radio button will show only the connectors between the selected elements.

Features

Node Based Diagram Generation: Relationship viewer creates a series of rectangles called nodes representing each element in the document. Hovering over each of these nodes displays more information about the elements they represent, including their name, type, and parameters. These nodes are connected by lines and arrows that show the various relationships between the diagram elements. Many parametric modeling programs contain what are often called "parent/ child" relationships to describe how elements are related.  The relationships in Vasari are represented as follows:

Red = Total Parent Relationship. If the parent element is deleted, so is the child.  For example, model lines are hosted on levels. When a Level (parent) is deleted, any model lines (children) drawn on it are also deleted.

Green = Partial Parent Realtionship.  Related to the element, but deleting one will not delete the other. For example, if either a Parameter (partial parent) or the Reference Line it is defining (child) are deleted, the related element will not be deleted. 

Gold = Formulaic Relationship. Related by a formula, deleting one will not delete the other. .  For example if either the “e” family parameter or the “e1” family parameter that uses “e” in its formula are deleted, the other will not be deleted.

Diagram Customization: Through the use of several different filters, the user can toggle the parents and children of the selected node, as well as what element types should be displayed. The layout of the diagram can also be manipulated into several different layouts.

Dynamic Data Updating: Relationship Viewer responds and reacts to the user’s changes in Vasari, as each node and each connector updates to show changes. The diagram responds to not only changes in selection, but also document changes, parameter changes, and removal of elements. The filter lists updates to reflect changes, changing the elements that can be filtered as well as how deep the depth filter goes.

Diagram Interaction: The diagrams generated in relationship viewer are interactive. By clicking on an element, the information tab fills with data related to the selected node: A list of all parents, children, and parameters that the node contains. Double clicking on a node selects the node in Vasari and also redraws the diagram with the newly selected node as a generation point.  Previously selected elements can be deselect by double clicking on them.

User Interface

1. Main Menu
2. Layout -  Allows you to change the layout of the diagram
3. Type Filter - A list of all element types in the diagram. Selecting the check box next to the element type adds it to the filter list which either includes or excludes the element type for display based on the radio buttons at the top of the panel. By default, several types are hidden to keep the diagram uncluttered.
4. Depth Filter - Using the sliders, the user can adjust how many many generations of parents and children are displayed using the selected node as the root.
5. Display Menu - Change what elements are being displayed, such as showing only the selected elements, all the paths between the selected elements, or all elements
6. Information Tab - Shows a list of all parents and children of the most recently clicked element. The tab also displays the same information as the ToolTip text in a text box at the bottom of the panel
7. ToolTip - Displays the name, Element Type, and Parameters of the element that you hover over. Hovering over a connector displays the two elements that they are connecting.
8. Status Bar - Displays how far along Relationship Viewer is in computing and drawing the diagram on the canvas