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
commands is acceptable. However, if the drawing of a
standardized format it becomes repetitive, when more
individual drawing are desired, then the using of
AutoCAD commands are no longer profitable in terms of
time consuming. In this case, it is preferable to use a
programming algorithm.
To achieve AutoLISP program only a text editor (e.g.
Notepad running under Windows) and obviously
programming skills are needed. The program is saved
with the extension ".lsp" anywhere on the computer's
hard, then it is loaded into AutoCAD session from the
Significance the AutoLISP program lines for drawing
standardized format A4 (210x297)
Line Significance the AutoLISP program lines
1 It defines an AutoLISP function, specifying the
command to launch the keyboard (A4)
2 Line stop running program. Running continuously by
pressing the <Enter> key
3 Draw the outer contour of the format A4 (210,297)
4 View the entire drawing
5 Line stop running program. Running continuously by
pressing the <Enter> key
6 Draw the inner contour of the format A4 (210,297)
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
pressing the <Enter> key
9 Draw the contour of indicator
10 Editing thickness contour of indicator
11 Line stop running program. Running continuously by
pressing the <Enter> key
12 Draw vertical edge binder A4 format (210x297)
13 Fix the center line filing of A4 format (210x297)
14 End of AutoLISP program
Some comments are required:
 The pausing of AutoLISP program run is done by
calling the GETSTRING, pending the introduction of a
character from the keyboard. When the interpreter
detects entering a character from the keyboard, the
program continues execution;
 AutoCAD commands are recognized by the interpreter
by calling COMMAND function only if they are
enclosed in double quotes. AutoCAD command options
must be enclosed in double quotes;
 The coordinates x, y and z of points in AutoCAD
separated by commas and quotation marks fall;
 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
blank. Also, at the end of the control line there should
not be free space;
 Any change in the program AutoLISP interpreter is
recognized if the file is modified and saved in
AutoCAD recharged by the command "Load
Application".
3. DRAWING AUTOMATION
In civil engineering and interior fittings are required
sketches to position equipment that will equip space. In
the example of Figure 1 is represented, how minimal, top
view of a room Bathroom.
44 VOLU EM10 | SPECIAL ISSUE ICEGD | JUNE 2015
AutoLISP program syntax that performs 2D sketch bath
in top view is reflected in Table 3.
Table 3
The AutoLISP program syntax to achieve a bathroom 2D
sketch in top view
AutoLISP program
(DEFUN C:baie ()
; Drawing frame
(COMMAND "RECTANG" "0,0" "210,150")
(COMMAND "RECTANG" "10, 0" "200,140")
(COMMAND "ZOOM" "ALL")
; Building bathtub
(COMMAND "RECTANG" "200,140" "140,30")
(COMMAND "RECTANG" "195,135" "145,35")
(COMMAND "CIRCLE" "170,125" 5)
; Building WC
(COMMAND "RECTANG" "130,135" "85,125")
(COMMAND "ELLIPSE" "107.5,85" "107.5,120" "120,105")
; Building washbasin
………………………….
; Building entrance door
(PROGN
(SETQ Pt (LIST '75 '20))
(COMMAND "RECTANG" "10,15" "D" 65 5 Pt)
)
(COMMAND "ARC" "C" "10,20" "75,20" "10,85")
)
In the example above could be observed the PROGN
function that allows sequential processing of several
individual functions. Some functions written offset are
SETQ that assigns variable "Pt" value list (LIST)
containing x and y coordinates of the point 2D,
COMMAND respectively, which allows placing an order
AutoCAD.
Using AutoLISP programming language in the
AutoCAD drawing saves time and automates the drawing
routines.
Once done the program in AutoLISP, it could be
called at any time, adapted and modified according to
design requirements to be achieved.
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
 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

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 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
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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;

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Consideration on object-oriented programming environment AutoCAD drawings
 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;
 Longitudinal drawing in the longitudinal plane forms;
 Trimming curve drawing under the horizontal plane
forms.
At first sight, even for an experienced user, the
example in Figure 3 is a challenge. Curves plan forms
through dozens, even hundreds of points determined by
the design load, curves bending to ensure optimum drag
hull and material continuity, requires maximum
concentration and a long time for completion of an
appropriate plan forms.
Fig. 3 Ship’s plane forms
Since curves plan forms are built by a plurality of any
coordinated entered incorrectly assumes full redesign
curves through specific AutoCAD commands.
Using programming algorithm offered by AutoLISP,
the drawing plan forms of the ship becomes a formality,
and the result will always be the correct one.
The result AutoLISP program to draw a plan forms
parameterized of ship is shown in Figure 4.
Fig. 4 The result AutoLISP program to draw a plan forms
parameterized of ship
The program allows the introduction of interactive
data input, the user having the freedom to draw curves
depending on the specific design requirements (main
dimensions of the ship, the number and spacing
theoretical couplings, water line number etc).
In this example, the AutoLISP program is running in
conjunction with an external file in which are recorded
the values of the half the width of the ship.
46 VOLU EM10 | SPECIAL ISSUE ICEGD | JUNE 2015
In general, except for ships with atypical features of
6. CONCLUSIONS
The AutoLISP programming language is improved
with every version of AutoCAD until 1995, when
AutoDesk Company developed new trends Autodesk
Software (VBA, .NET, Active X). The last major
development AutoLISP programming language occurs in
1999, when AutoDesk AutoCAD incorporates an
improved version of the program, called Visual Lisp.
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
drawing as complex.
Moreover, AutoLISP is useful in the design of
mathematical algorithms in operating databases in
handling graphical objects and interfaces to achieve other
programming languages (C +, C ++ etc.).
Once designed code programming AutoLISP enables
automation and parameterization, providing versatility in
AutoCAD drawing process, the same program may be
achieved different solutions for different design load.
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.
Statica navei, Vol. 1, Editura Tehnică, Bucureşti, pp.
38-41
Authors:
Ph.D. Alexandru PINTILIE, Ovidius University,
Department of Naval, Port and Power Engineering,
Faculty of Mechanical, Industrial and Maritime
Engineering, Constanta, Romania
apintilie@univ-ovidius.ro
Ph.D. Elena - Rita AVRAM, Ovidius University,
 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. avramrita@yahoo.com

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