Add measurement tools similar to CAD software

[drtrigon]

Context
F3D can load CAD dataset however it does not have any measuring tool.
Adding a simple ruler widget that user would be able to manipulate with the mouse would go a long way.

First step would be to prototype this to see if it is feasible in the F3D framework.

Notes
Issue was initially:

I have several proposals, that I would like to discuss here. May be some of them could be included in a next release:

• enable to browse all files in same folder as the one dropped/opened by using keyboard (left/right keys) - may be add as a parameter
• add measurement and may be further inspection functions like in CAD software - have no idea how much effort or space this might cost
• add an appimage for linux - could make it even simpler to use

I would be willing to help testing.

[mwestphal]

1. is already supported, just drop a folder :)
2. Can you precise what you have in mind, maybe woth a screenshot from another software ?
3. I suppose we can take a look, but I believe this is something someone from the community could take care of ?

[Meakk]

For 2, I was thinking about an axes actor (see https://gitlab.kitware.com/f3d/f3d/-/issues/81)
I'm afraid more complex inspection tools like measure, clipping planes, are out of scope of f3d which is supposed to be a simple visualizer. But we may reconsider it if we find a way to integrate it without being too intrusive.

[drtrigon]

1. Would it be possible to add a key that allows to add all files from a folder after opening one file out of it? E.g. I drop a file from a folder, then - while looking at the file - consider to look at all. Also (it's a shame to say that, but) as I am forced to use win at work I got used to its picture viewer that by default allows to browse all files in the same folder.
2. I was thinking about something like https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Part_Measure_Menu and yes may be a cut plane - something that allows looking into models/parts. I not sure whether I understand the point of the actor but having axes with ticks would for sure be a good starting point.

[mwestphal]

1. That sounds like a good idea. We do not have a binding for the down key yet :)
2. Ok I see what you are looking for, I'm not enterely sure F3D should provide that, I would suggest opening a dedicated issue to see if there is other F3D users interested.

[drtrigon]

(to criticize myself: 2. I have to agree with @Meakk this is sort of against the "lightweight" viewer strategy - but as said if it could be done without blowing up code and binary it would be a great thing to have...)

[HakunMatat4]

3. Making its installation more user friendly is a good start: Bash script for example and it could be released in the next release

Some more content on this.
I use Linux Mint Cinnamon(Debian based like any .deb distro) and I couldn't quite find a clear installation procedure.
I didn't wanna bother having to compile things.
I used common sense and old school copy/paste:

- bin/ 			-> /usr/bin/
- lib/			-> /usr/lib/
- share/applications/	-> /usr/share/applications/
- share/icons/		-> /usr/share/icons/
- share/metainfo/	-> /usr/share/metainfo/
- share/mime/		-> /usr/share/mime/
- share/thumbnailers/	-> /usr/share/thumbnailers/
- config.json		-> YOUR_USER_HOME/.config/f3d/config.json

I was still unable to see the thumbnails which were solved with the command.
Safer than deleting the folder right away as suggested, you never know.

mv YOUR_USER_HOME/.cache/ YOUR_USER_HOME/bkp_cache/

No less important, since the bin file was copied over to the system, right-click in a STL file, "Open With" and F3D will be displayed as an option, and I can just call f3d via terminal, no need to navigate to a folder.

A bash script taking care of those 2 code blocks and no .appimage is needed.

[Meakk]

@whiiiskyy we do not recommend copying f3d files to the /usr directory from the archive we provide.
It's better to just copy the files somewhere in your home directory, and add the directory to your PATH variable.
We should document it for sure.
We can also provide a .deb package for Debian-based distro but we need help for testing, would you be interested to help @whiiiskyy?

I'll create a specific issue for it.

[HakunMatat4]

@Meakk ,

I did check the files and although it isn't recommended, I did what I did hoping to have everything working.
You have no idea how frustrating it has been not having a decent Linux solution for that, until now.

I'm more than happy to test the .deb package.
I can undo the binary, etc, and use the deb package instead.

Please, let me know how to proceed.

Cheers

[Meakk]

Continuing the discussion on #123

[mwestphal]

@drtrigon @whiiiskyy : I have separated this issue in smaller bites:

• Add an option to keep dynamic options when changing files:Add an option to keep dynamic options when changing files #130
• Add an hotkey for loading containing folder: Add a hotkey to load all file in current containing folder #129
• Add measurement tools: Lets keep this very issue for it
• Improve installations steps: Improve binary package installation documentation #128
• Provide a .deb package: Provide a standalone .deb package #123

[xyont]

may i add some notes and picture to clarify. in another software which the same as using VTK library, it's called Query Tool, then requires to select two nodes for showing distance info's

[drtrigon]

Nice picture that makes me ask; can we also add a ruler or axes, grid, ticks labels that use real units like mm, e.g.?

[mwestphal]

There is no such things as real units in VTK world. Nice visual input though.

[Meakk]

I'd like to implement that, but I think it's out of the scope of f3d right now.

[drtrigon]

There is no such things as real units in VTK world. Nice visual input though.

No possibility to display a rules by assuming the units are millimeters? Or allowing the user to enter a scaling? That would allow to easily disinguish between an model from architecture and one from microscopy. It would allow to get a rough understanding of the models dimensions. (E.g. the current windows .stl viewer does have something like that.)

If no possibilities exist to have something like this we can actually close the issue.

[mwestphal]

We could add a parameter to let user specify a scaling unit, but it is down to the user to specify it. VTK cannot guess it.

The issue can stay open though.

[mwestphal]

I think adding a simple ruler could go a long way for CAD users,

[mwestphal]

I will try to prototype that soon, we will see

[mwestphal]

Rewording the issue to add a ruler.