Assigning of Models to Fixture Types
| Field | Description | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ModelKey | Unique key of the model. This key is created with the first importing of the model and saved in the XML file (*.ImportSettings.xml). The key identifies exactly the model. If the model is imported again the same key will be used from the XML file. | |||
| DeviceManufacturer | Manufacturer of the fixture that is represented by the model. | |||
| DeviceName | Name of the fixture that is represented by the model. | |||
| DeviceClass | Type of the model if it represents a fixture. E.g. 'Headmover’ | |||
| ModelPriority | Priority for selecting this model. High numbers are more probable. The standard value '0’ should only be used if the meaning is clear, see description below. |
At best the fixture type of a device is left in the data base. If the very same type is found by MA 3D (ModelKey == Model.ModelKey) it will be used without any validation. In this case a fixture type always will be assigned to the same model.
If no model key is found the application searches for a more suitable model, like same 'DeviceManufacturer’ , 'DeviceName’ etc..
The fields 'DeviceManufacturer’ and 'DeviceName’ can be placeholders to find the right model for variant spellings. For example: 'Vari*Lite' is often spelled as ‚Vari-Lite', or a ‚VL1000 AS’ should use the same model as 'VL1000 AI’. In this case both fields should contain a ‚Vari?Lite’ and 'VL1000*’.
Possible placeholders:
| * | 0-n any characters | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| + | 1-n any characters | |||
| ? | 0-1 any characters | |||
| # | 1 arbitrary character |
Often there are several variants of fixture types in a model range. So the attachment of a '*’ is recommended - for example: 'VL1000*’. The spelling is not case sensitive.
If a special 3D object shall be used for a model even though a model with the notation exists the 'ModelPriority’ can be increased (in steps of 100). For example a 'VL1000AS’ with the priority of 100 would be preferred instead of 'VL1000*’ with a standard priority of 0.
MA 3D is delivered with standard models for every 'DeviceClass’ type. The standard model has the following setting: DeviceManufacturer = ’*’, DeviceName = '*’ and ModelPriority = -100000. These models have a low priority and are used only if no other model with higher priority is found.