Alexandru PINTILIE, Elena-Rita AVRAM

CONSIDERATIONS ON OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING ENVIRONMENT

AUTOCAD DRAWINGS

Abstract: In recent years, Low Cost CAD systems are widespread in the technical world. Currently, the
highest-rated CAD system is AutoCAD due to the fact that in association with AutoLISP programming
language covered a broad range of production needs.
As a high-level programming language, AutoLISP provides an easy and efficient programming technique
that leads to automation and parameterization of AutoCAD commands and reduces the time spending for
designing the drawings.
This paper aims to highlight the advantages of using AutoLISP programming environment in the 2D drafting
and 3D modeling using AutoCAD tools.

Key words: AutoCAD, AutoLISP, function, programming, automation, parameterization.

1. INTRODUCTION menu bar by the succession of command "Tools> Load

Application ...> Load> name_file.lsp".
A CAD system has to provide to the user the In Table 1 is illustrated the AutoLISP program syntax
possibility to implement its own executable functions which draws standardized format A4 (210x297).
(routines) via a programmable interface.
Autodesk chose AutoLISP programming environment Table 1
due to the following advantages [1]: Syntax AutoLISP program for drawing standardized
 Storing and manipulating lists, and therefore the format A4 (210x297)
coordinates of points; Line AutoLISP program
 Possibility of adding new features; 1 (DEFUN C:A4()
2 (GETSTRING "Outer contour draw of the format A4
 Direct dialing of all AutoCAD functions without the
(210,297). <Enter>")
building of other functions. 3 (COMMAND "RECTANG" "0,0" "210,297")
Unlike other programming languages (FORTRAN, 4 (COMMAND "ZOOM" "ALL")
BASIC, PASCAL, etc.), AutoLISP is focused on 5 (GETSTRING "Inner contour draw of the format A4
manipulating objects. For this reason, programming in (210,297). <Enter>")
AutoLISP presents some features [1]: 6 (COMMAND "RECTANG" "20,10" "200,287")
 There is no difference between data and programs (this 7 (COMMAND "PEDIT" "L" "W" 0.5 "")
makes it possible for a program to create new programs 8 (GETSTRING "Contour draw of indicator.
<Enter>")
or modify existing programs);
9 (COMMAND "RECTANG" "200,10" "20,50")
 No data types, so they should not be declared 10 (COMMAND "PEDIT" "L" "W" 0.5 "")
explicitly; 11 (GETSTRING "Filing edge draw. <Enter>")
 Contains LISP functions and self-defined functions; 12 (COMMAND "LINE" "20,0" "20,297" "")
 LISP functions can be defined recursively; 13 (COMMAND "LINE" "0,148.5" "20,148.5" "")
 Data structures can be defined as high due to dynamic 14 )
memory management.
The significance the AutoLISP programming routine
2. DRAWING PROGRAMMING is explained in Table 2.

If the classification of a single standardized format Table 2

drawing board is desired, the using of AutoCAD Significance the AutoLISP program lines for drawing
commands is acceptable. However, if the drawing of a standardized format A4 (210x297)
standardized format it becomes repetitive, when more Line Significance the AutoLISP program lines
individual drawing are desired, then the using of 1 It defines an AutoLISP function, specifying the
AutoCAD commands are no longer profitable in terms of command to launch the keyboard (A4)
2 Line stop running program. Running continuously by
time consuming. In this case, it is preferable to use a
pressing the <Enter> key
programming algorithm. 3 Draw the outer contour of the format A4 (210,297)
To achieve AutoLISP program only a text editor (e.g. 4 View the entire drawing
Notepad running under Windows) and obviously 5 Line stop running program. Running continuously by
programming skills are needed. The program is saved pressing the <Enter> key
with the extension ".lsp" anywhere on the computer's 6 Draw the inner contour of the format A4 (210,297)
hard, then it is loaded into AutoCAD session from the 7 Editing thickness inner contour of the format A4
(210x297)

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Consideration on object-oriented programming environment AutoCAD drawings
8 Line stop running program. Running continuously by AutoLISP program syntax that performs 2D sketch bath
pressing the <Enter> key in top view is reflected in Table 3.
9 Draw the contour of indicator
10 Editing thickness contour of indicator Table 3
11 Line stop running program. Running continuously by The AutoLISP program syntax to achieve a bathroom 2D
pressing the <Enter> key sketch in top view
12 Draw vertical edge binder A4 format (210x297)
13 Fix the center line filing of A4 format (210x297)
AutoLISP program
14 End of AutoLISP program (DEFUN C:baie ()

; Drawing frame
Some comments are required: (COMMAND "RECTANG" "0,0" "210,150")
 The pausing of AutoLISP program run is done by (COMMAND "RECTANG" "10, 0" "200,140")
(COMMAND "ZOOM" "ALL")
calling the GETSTRING, pending the introduction of a ; Building bathtub
character from the keyboard. When the interpreter (COMMAND "RECTANG" "200,140" "140,30")
detects entering a character from the keyboard, the (COMMAND "RECTANG" "195,135" "145,35")
(COMMAND "CIRCLE" "170,125" 5)
program continues execution;
; Building WC
(COMMAND "RECTANG" "130,135" "85,125")
 AutoCAD commands are recognized by the interpreter (COMMAND "ELLIPSE" "107.5,85" "107.5,120" "120,105")
by calling COMMAND function only if they are ; Building washbasin
………………………….
enclosed in double quotes. AutoCAD command options ; Building entrance door
must be enclosed in double quotes; (PROGN
 The coordinates x, y and z of points in AutoCAD (SETQ Pt (LIST '75 '20))
(COMMAND "RECTANG" "10,15" "D" 65 5 Pt)
)
separated by commas and quotation marks fall; (COMMAND "ARC" "C" "10,20" "75,20" "10,85")
 The individual numerical values shall not be placed in )
quotation marks;
 The meaning of <Enter> key pressed, typical for

AutoCAD interpreter commands, is recognized by

placing two quotes;

 Between AutoLISP command line arguments must be a
"blank" and the brackets and arguments must not be left In the example above could be observed the PROGN
blank. Also, at the end of the control line there should function that allows sequential processing of several
not be free space; individual functions. Some functions written offset are
 Any change in the program AutoLISP interpreter is SETQ that assigns variable "Pt" value list (LIST)

recognized if the file is modified and saved in containing x and y coordinates of the point 2D,
AutoCAD recharged by the command "Load COMMAND respectively, which allows placing an order

Application". AutoCAD.
Using AutoLISP programming language in the
3. DRAWING AUTOMATION AutoCAD drawing saves time and automates the drawing
routines.
In civil engineering and interior fittings are required Once done the program in AutoLISP, it could be
sketches to position equipment that will equip space. In called at any time, adapted and modified according to
the example of Figure 1 is represented, how minimal, top design requirements to be achieved.
view of a room Bathroom. Building interactive programming lines, which are
requiring the input date from the keyboard, the user can
use the same programming algorithm for other similar
drawings.

4. DRAWING PARAMETERIZATION

AutoCAD drawing environment facilities enables

interactive data input required to achieve a design using
programming techniques.
Dialog boxes, for example, allow the user to
implement custom graphical
layout and facilities of its
44 VOLU EM10 | SPECIAL ISSUE ICEGD | JUNE 2015
 toCAD. interfaces with the same
own graphical interface
A dialog box is defined as an ASCII file, written in
own programming language (DCL - Dialog Control

Language) [2]. For a dialog box to become functional,

DCL file must have an associated AutoLISP file.
In Table 4 is shown an AutoLISP routine that

programming dialog boxes to draw 3D parametric

primitives in AutoCAD.
Fig. 1 2D sketch of a bath, in a top view

JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND ENGINEERING GRAPHICS 45

 Consideration
Consideration on object-oriented programming on object-oriented
environment programming environment AutoCAD drawings
AutoCAD drawings
Table 4 The start line ": dialog" defines the dialog box, which

The AutoLISP program syntax to draw 3D parametric will be called "box". When is called, the associated
primitives AutoLISP routine is calling DCL file with this name.
AutoLISP program The dialog box is defined by all the elements between
(defun C:case() braces {}.
(setq a (load_dialog "D:/box.dcl")) The name of dialog box is given by "label ="
(if (not (new_dialog "box" a)) (Parameterization).
(exit))
(action_tile "selecteaza" "(setq b (atoi
$value))") (setq b (atoi (get_tile "selecteaza"))) The separator ";" must appear after each title
(setq lista (list "CONE" "CYLINDER" identifier.
"BOX")) (setq c (nth b lista))
(start_dialog) After the defining of the name of the dialog box,
(unload_dialog a) comes the section of 3D primitive type selection (CONE,
(if (= b 1) (con)) CYLINDER, BOX).
(if (= b 2) (cilindru)) Depending on the option chosen, the AutoLISP
(if (= b 3) (prisma)) program opens the edit box associated to 3D primitive
) type selected, where there are the fields for input of data
(defun con()
…………………………
necessary for construction (Fig. 2, b).
) The ASCII file "box1.dcl" syntax associated to edit
(defun cilindru() box for building 3D primitive is found in Table 6.
…………………………
) Table 6
(defun prisma() The syntax of the file associated with the edit box
…………………………
) Line ASCII file
1 box1 : dialog {
2 label = "Parameters";
3 : edit_box {
CASE function, user-defined begin by loading the file 4 label = "Center :";
"box.dcl" which allows you to select 3D primitive to be 5 key = "d";
built (Fig. 2, a). 6 value = 000;
7 }
8 : edit_box {
9 label = "Radius :";
10 key = "e";
11 value = 000;
12 }
13 : edit_box {
14 label = "Height :";
15 key = "f";
16 value = 000;
17 }
18 ok_only;
19 }
a b
Fig. 2 Dialog boxes for draw 3D parametric primitives By parameterization techniques, the drawing process
ASCII file "box.dcl"
becomes much easier, and enables automation saves
Syntax checkbox associated to the primitive 3D, is time. Moreover, the user can design their own graphical

user interface in AutoCAD or work can schedule

shown in the Table 5.
customized drawing tools.

Table 5
The syntax of the file associated with the checkbox 5. CASE STUDY. THE DRAWING OF THE SHIP
Line ASCII file FORMS USING PROGRAMMING ALGORITHMS
1 box : dialog {
2 label = "Parameterization"; A ship form means longitudinal, traverse and
3 : list_box { horizontal sections drawing at the theoretical surface of
4 label = "TYPE OF PRIMITIVE"; the hull.
5 multiple_select = false; The steps for drawing the plane of forms using the
6 key = "selecteaza"; cross-section of ship or reference model are the
7 list = "\n... \n CONE \n CYLINDER \n
following [3]:
BOX";
8
46 VOLU EM10 | SPECIALallow_accept
ISSUE= true;
ICEGD | JUNE 2015
9 fixed_height = 0.5;
10 fixed_width = 0.5;
11 }
12 ok_only;
13 }
  Determining the main dimensions of the ship;
 Selection the representation scale;
 Grid drawing;
 Theoretical couples drawing to line of full load water
line (CWL);
 Deck line drawing in board;
 Stem and stem lines drawing;

JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND ENGINEERING GRAPHICS 47

Consideration on object-oriented programming environment AutoCAD drawings
In general, except for ships with atypical features of
 Theoretical couplings drawing in a line deck board and hull construction, the program can be used to plane forms
projection of this line to the transverse plane forms; drawing for any ship intended for the carriage of goods.
 Deck line drawing in a diametrically plan of ship (PD);
 Water line drawing and the projection line deck board
to the horizontal plane forms; 6. CONCLUSIONS
 Longitudinal drawing in the longitudinal plane forms;
 Trimming curve drawing under the horizontal plane The AutoLISP programming language is improved
forms. with every version of AutoCAD until 1995, when
At first sight, even for an experienced user, the AutoDesk Company developed new trends Autodesk
example in Figure 3 is a challenge. Curves plan forms Software (VBA, .NET, Active X). The last major
through dozens, even hundreds of points determined by development AutoLISP programming language occurs in
the design load, curves bending to ensure optimum drag

hull and material continuity, requires maximum 1999, when AutoDesk AutoCAD incorporates an
concentration and a long time for completion of an improved version of the program, called Visual Lisp.
appropriate plan forms. The Visual Lisp is an advanced version of AutoLISP
and includes an editor, a debugger, compiler and new
features.
Although Autodesk has developed the application
quit, AutoLISP remains by far the easiest and popular
programming language in AutoCAD.
The major advantage of using AutoLISP

programming routines in AutoCAD environment is the

economy of time needed for execution of 2D or 3D
Fig. 3 Ship’s plane forms drawing as complex.

Moreover, AutoLISP is useful in the design of

Since curves plan forms are built by a plurality of any mathematical algorithms in operating databases in

coordinated entered incorrectly assumes full redesign handling graphical objects and interfaces to achieve other
curves through specific AutoCAD commands. programming languages (C +, C ++ etc.).
Using programming algorithm offered by AutoLISP, Once designed code programming AutoLISP enables
the drawing plan forms of the ship becomes a formality, automation and parameterization, providing versatility in
and the result will always be the correct one. AutoCAD drawing process, the same program may be
The result AutoLISP program to draw a plan forms achieved different solutions for different design load.
parameterized of ship is shown in Figure 4. Relatively simple syntax of the language, is making

the programming AutoLISP a useful solution for

AutoCAD users, optimizing computer assisted drawing
process and significantly reducing working time.

REFERENCES

[1] MANOLEA, D., (1996). Programare în AutoLisp sub

AutoCad, Editura Albastră, Cluj-Napoca, pp. 9-10
[2] ***, AutoCAD Tutorial, Autodesk Inc., USA
[3] MAIER, V., (1985). Mecanica şi construcţia navei.
Fig. 4 The result AutoLISP program to draw a plan forms Statica navei, Vol. 1, Editura Tehnică, Bucureşti, pp.
parameterized of ship 38-41

The program allows the introduction of interactive

data input, the user having the freedom to draw curves Authors:
depending on the specific design requirements (main Ph.D. Alexandru PINTILIE, Ovidius University,

dimensions of the ship, the number and spacing Department of Naval, Port and Power Engineering,

theoretical couplings, water line number etc). Faculty of Mechanical, Industrial and Maritime
In this example, the AutoLISP program is running in Engineering, Constanta, Romania
conjunction with an external file in which are recorded [email protected]

the values of the half the width of the ship. Ph.D. Elena - Rita AVRAM, Ovidius University,
46 VOLU EM10 | SPECIAL ISSUE ICEGD | JUNE 2015
 Once built AutoLISP programming algorithm, the Department of Naval, Port and Power Engineering,

user only needs to update the external file containing half Faculty of Mechanical, Industrial and Maritime
the width values of the ship, which provides universal Engineering, Constanta, Romania
method. [email protected]

Running takes seconds and achieving results, the

most time consuming to complementing file containing

half the width of the ship.

JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND ENGINEERING GRAPHICS 47