It's possible to define an Item Type and attach an instance to a cell model in a cell library.
When that cell is placed as a cell instance in a DGN model, the Item Type instance should be converted to an instance attached to the cell header after placement. That is, the target of the Item instance becomes the cell header element not the original cell model in the cell library.
This behaviour would make Item Types analogous to tags when placing a cell.
It should be noted that (in the case of parametric cells, at least) if an item type is attached to the parametric cell (source model), it cannot be reported on in the target model after placement. To be reportable, the item type must have been attached to the model's variables. This is disappointing as I actually use two item types -- one to support picklists in the variables, and another to carry various attributes that I want to report on. Since I can only attach one item type to the model's variables, I am limited in the reporting I want to perform. Also, note that it would APPEAR that both item types are reportable as they BOTH appear when building the report's definition. I submitted this as a service request (SR 7001545343)
Hi Dominic, point 2 should be possbile by using the Activate Reference workflow - bar elements in nested cells - while we could investigate point 1 in the future following a similar approach.
Hi Mangesh,
Further to recent discussions:
Attach Item tool should be able to attach Items to nested Cells (and other geometric elements) after they are inserted in the Active Model. The Item Type should be attached to the nested Cell and not the parent Cell's header only.
Attach Item tool should be able to attach Items to Cells and nested Cells (and other geometric elements) in Ref attachements.
Hi Jon,
If you attach item to "Model", it will be carried over as an Item to Cell header when you place cell.
For e.g. Say, I have created a cell with two elements. I have renamed my model to "Graphic Cell". I have attached item "Door" to both child elements. And, I have attached item "Escalator" to model. Please check "item.jpg" attached herewith.
Graphic Cells
I have set "Cell Type = Graphic Cell" in model properties in my cel file. Once I place it as cell in new Dgn. I see "Escalator" is carried to cell header. Also, I see "Door" items on an individual child element. Graphic cell creates a new copy of all child elements. Therefore, I can edit items attached to each child element. Please check "PlacedGraphicCell.JPG" attached herewith.
Shared Cell
When I place my graphic cell as "Shared", I see "Escalator" is carried over on cell header. It's editable. However I dont see "Door" attached to each child element.
Please find "PlacedSharedCell.JPG" attached herewith.
Parametric Cell
I have set "Cell Type = Parametric " in model properties in my cel file. Once I place it as a cell in the new Dgn, I see "Escalator" is carried to cell header. Also, I see read-only "Door" items on an individual child element. Parametric cells are shared cells. It doesn't create a new copy of child elements. Therefore, the properties of the child element and items attached to it are read-only. However, if you use ItemTypes as variables, you can edit them. Please find "PlacedParametricCell.JPG" attached herewith.
Is this something you are looking for? Or, am I deviating from your requierment?
Please help me to understand.
Thanks,
Mangesh.
There are probably users who want it the way it is.
In Order to implement this the item probably needs to be attached somehow to the model and not to an element.
When the placed cell is dropped, the item information is lost.
Yes, nothing is more frustrating as when trying to edit a field, and finding you need to delve deep within the CELL to find the ITEM TYPE.