Run Other functions in iLogic

iLogic provides several variations of a function that can be used to run other functions. Typically, you change a parameter in a rule to trigger the rule. This function is useful for rules without parameters, or rules flagged with the Don’t run automatically option.

To access these functions, expand the Run Other node under the System tab in the Snippets area.

RunRule

Runs another rule by specifying just the name of the rule. Use this function for rules such as report generators that do not affect the model, but can refer to many parameters. You can run any rule with this function.

Syntax

iLogicVb.RunRule(“ruleName”)

Example

iLogicVb.RunRule(“Rule0”)

RunRule in Component

Runs another rule stored in a component within an assembly.

Syntax

iLogicVb.RunRule(“componentName”, “ruleName”)

Example

iLogicVb.RunRule("PartA:1", "Rule0")

For other functions listed in the Run Other category of the Snippets area, see “Advanced API Functions” and “Advanced Rule Programming.”

RunExternalRule

Runs an external rule from a standard rule in an Autodesk Inventor document.

Syntax

iLogicVb.RunExternalRule("ruleFileName")

"ruleFileName"

Specifies the name of the rule file, with or without the file extension. You can also specify a file path here, although it can affect the portability of the file. iLogic looks for the rule file in the following folders, in the order listed:

• The folder in which the current Inventor document is located (allows models to be copied with associated rules)
• The current Inventor Project Workspace folder
• The list of folders set in iLogic Configuration (generally for work group or company rules)

Rule filenames can be relative path names, based in any of these folders.

External rules run from another rule do not have to display in the Rule Browser; however, to edit the rule, add it to the Rule Browser.

Example

iLogicVb.RunExternalRule("color_by_vendor")

RunMacro

Runs an Inventor Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macro. Macros can be stored in the document or in separate .ivb files. Use Alt + F11 to open the Microsoft VBA editor and view the available macros, and to load or edit macros. If the macro requires arguments, add them after the macro name.

You can call a VBA Function, but you cannot get a return value.

Note: Eventually, VSTA will replace VBA. While we do not recommend that you create new VBA macros, RunMacro is available if you have existing VBA macros.

Syntax

InventorVb.RunMacro(“projectName”, “moduleName”, “macroName”)

Examples

InventorVb.RunMacro ("DocumentProject", "Module1", "DrawCustomLines" )
InventorVb.RunMacro ("ThreadMacros", "Module1", "ThreadsInit" )
InventorVb.RunMacro ("ThreadMacros", "Module1", "AddThreads", "3/8-16 UNC")

AddReference

Required if you want to use external .NET code (see “Advanced Rule Programming”).

Syntax

AddReference “fileName.dll”