Improve ifc patch arguments User Experience (#1655)

* Add description field to Attribute Container

* Add helper function to extract IFCPatch arguments

* Add Operator to populate Attributes with IFCPatch arguments

* Support int, float, bool and improve UX/UI

* Move all reflection logic inside helper module

* Improve UI

* Correctly unpack arguments when Patching IFC

* Refactor Attribute class to provide agnostic value access

* Take advantage of Attribute agnosticity refactor

* Use regular json if no docstring when Patching

* centralize docstring extraction in UI module

* Revert "centralize docstring extraction in UI module"

This reverts commit e7a63d2a0b.

* Place Patch description in recipe enum field

* Minor fixes

* Minor fixes

* Remove description field from Attribute

* Auto-update IFC Patch args on recipe change

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/helper.py

@@ -11,22 +11,8 @@ from blenderbim.bim.ifc import IfcStore
 def draw_attributes(props, layout, copy_operator=None):
     for attribute in props:
         row = layout.row(align=True)
-        value = None
-        if attribute.data_type == "string":
-            row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            value = attribute.string_value
-        elif attribute.data_type == "boolean":
-            row.prop(attribute, "bool_value", text=attribute.name)
-            value = attribute.bool_value
-        elif attribute.data_type == "integer":
-            row.prop(attribute, "int_value", text=attribute.name)
-            value = attribute.int_value
-        elif attribute.data_type == "float":
-            row.prop(attribute, "float_value", text=attribute.name)
-            value = attribute.float_value
-        elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-            row.prop(attribute, "enum_value", text=attribute.name)
-            value = attribute.enum_value
+        draw_attribute(attribute, row)
+        value = attribute.get_value()
         if attribute.is_optional:
             row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
         if copy_operator:
@@ -34,6 +20,17 @@ def draw_attributes(props, layout, copy_operator=None):
             op.data = json.dumps({"name": attribute.name, "value": value, "is_null": attribute.is_null})
 
 
+def draw_attribute(attribute, layout):
+    if not attribute.get_value_attr():
+        layout.label(text=attribute.name)
+    else:
+        layout.prop(
+            attribute, 
+            attribute.get_value_attr(), 
+            text=attribute.name,
+        )
+
+
 def import_attributes(ifc_class, props, data, callback=None):
     for attribute in IfcStore.get_schema().declaration_by_name(ifc_class).all_attributes():
         data_type = ifcopenshell.util.attribute.get_primitive_type(attribute)
@@ -70,17 +67,5 @@ def export_attributes(props, callback=None):
         is_handled_by_callback = callback(attributes, prop) if callback else False
         if is_handled_by_callback:
             continue # Our job is done
-
-        if prop.is_null:
-            attributes[prop.name] = None
-        elif prop.data_type == "string":
-            attributes[prop.name] = prop.string_value
-        elif prop.data_type == "boolean":
-            attributes[prop.name] = prop.bool_value
-        elif prop.data_type == "integer":
-            attributes[prop.name] = prop.int_value
-        elif prop.data_type == "float":
-            attributes[prop.name] = prop.float_value
-        elif prop.data_type == "enum":
-            attributes[prop.name] = prop.enum_value
+        attributes[prop.name] = prop.get_value()
     return attributes

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/constraint/ui.py

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 from bpy.types import Panel, UIList
 from blenderbim.bim.ifc import IfcStore
+from blenderbim.bim.helper import draw_attributes
 from ifcopenshell.api.constraint.data import Data
 
 
@@ -44,14 +45,7 @@ class BIM_PT_constraints(Panel):
             self.draw_editable_ui(context)
 
     def draw_editable_ui(self, context):
-        for attribute in self.props.constraint_attributes:
-            row = self.layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                row.prop(attribute, "enum_value", text=attribute.name)
-            if attribute.is_optional:
-                row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+        draw_attributes(self.props.constraint_attributes, self.layout)
 
 
 class BIM_PT_object_constraints(Panel):

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/cost/ui.py

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import blenderbim.bim.module.cost.prop as CostProp
 from bpy.types import Panel, UIList
 from blenderbim.bim.ifc import IfcStore
+from blenderbim.bim.helper import draw_attributes
 from ifcopenshell.api.cost.data import Data
 
 
@@ -66,14 +67,7 @@ class BIM_PT_cost_schedules(Panel):
         self.layout.template_list("BIM_UL_cost_columns", "", self.props, "columns", self.props, "active_column_index")
 
     def draw_editable_cost_schedule_ui(self):
-        for attribute in self.props.cost_schedule_attributes:
-            row = self.layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                row.prop(attribute, "enum_value", text=attribute.name)
-            if attribute.is_optional:
-                row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+        draw_attributes(self.props.cost_schedule_attributes, self.layout)
 
     def draw_editable_cost_item_ui(self, cost_schedule_id):
         row = self.layout.row(align=True)
@@ -119,18 +113,7 @@ class BIM_PT_cost_schedules(Panel):
                 self.draw_editable_cost_item_values_ui()
 
     def draw_editable_cost_item_attributes_ui(self):
-        for attribute in self.props.cost_item_attributes:
-            row = self.layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "boolean":
-                row.prop(attribute, "bool_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "integer":
-                row.prop(attribute, "int_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                row.prop(attribute, "enum_value", text=attribute.name)
-            if attribute.is_optional:
-                row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+        draw_attributes(self.props.cost_item_attributes, self.layout)
 
     def draw_editable_cost_item_quantities_ui(self):
         row = self.layout.row(align=True)
@@ -165,20 +148,7 @@ class BIM_PT_cost_schedules(Panel):
                 self.draw_editable_cost_item_quantity_ui(box)
 
     def draw_editable_cost_item_quantity_ui(self, layout):
-        for attribute in self.props.quantity_attributes:
-            row = layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "boolean":
-                row.prop(attribute, "bool_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "integer":
-                row.prop(attribute, "int_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "float":
-                row.prop(attribute, "float_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                row.prop(attribute, "enum_value", text=attribute.name)
-            if attribute.is_optional:
-                row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+        draw_attributes(self.props.quantity_attributes, self.layout)
 
     def draw_editable_cost_item_values_ui(self):
         row = self.layout.row(align=True)
@@ -253,21 +223,7 @@ class BIM_PT_cost_schedules(Panel):
             op.cost_value = cost_value_id
 
     def draw_editable_cost_value_ui(self, layout, cost_value):
-        for attribute in self.props.cost_value_attributes:
-            row = layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "boolean":
-                row.prop(attribute, "bool_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "integer":
-                row.prop(attribute, "int_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "float":
-                row.prop(attribute, "float_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                row.prop(attribute, "enum_value", text=attribute.name)
-            if attribute.is_optional:
-                row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
-
+        draw_attributes(self.props.cost_value_attributes, self.layout)
 
 class BIM_PT_cost_item_quantities(Panel):
     bl_label = "IFC Cost Item Quantities"

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/document/ui.py

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 from bpy.types import Panel, UIList
 from blenderbim.bim.ifc import IfcStore
+from blenderbim.bim.helper import draw_attributes
 from ifcopenshell.api.document.data import Data
 
 
@@ -48,14 +49,7 @@ class BIM_PT_documents(Panel):
             self.draw_editable_ui(context)
 
     def draw_editable_ui(self, context):
-        for attribute in self.props.document_attributes:
-            row = self.layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                row.prop(attribute, "enum_value", text=attribute.name)
-            if attribute.is_optional:
-                row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+        draw_attributes(self.props.document_attributes, self.layout)
 
 
 class BIM_PT_object_documents(Panel):

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/georeference/operator.py

@@ -102,16 +102,7 @@ class EditGeoreferencing(bpy.types.Operator):
             if data_type == "entity":
                 continue
             blender_attribute = props.projected_crs.get(attribute.name())
-            if blender_attribute.is_null:
-                projected_crs[attribute.name()] = None
-            elif blender_attribute.data_type == "string":
-                projected_crs[attribute.name()] = blender_attribute.string_value
-            elif blender_attribute.data_type == "float":
-                projected_crs[attribute.name()] = blender_attribute.float_value
-            elif blender_attribute.data_type == "integer":
-                projected_crs[attribute.name()] = blender_attribute.int_value
-            elif blender_attribute.data_type == "boolean":
-                projected_crs[attribute.name()] = blender_attribute.bool_value
+            projected_crs[attribute.name()] = blender_attribute.get_value()
 
         map_unit = ""
         if not props.is_map_unit_null:

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/georeference/ui.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import ifcopenshell.util.geolocation
 from bpy.types import Panel
 from ifcopenshell.api.georeference.data import Data
 from blenderbim.bim.ifc import IfcStore
+from blenderbim.bim.helper import draw_attributes, draw_attribute
 
 
 class BIM_PT_gis(Panel):
@@ -34,17 +35,7 @@ class BIM_PT_gis(Panel):
         row.operator("bim.edit_georeferencing", icon="CHECKMARK", text="")
         row.operator("bim.disable_editing_georeferencing", icon="X", text="")
 
-        for attribute in props.projected_crs:
-            row = self.layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "integer":
-                row.prop(attribute, "int_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "float":
-                row.prop(attribute, "float_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "boolean":
-                row.prop(attribute, "bool_value", text=attribute.name)
-            row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+        draw_attributes(props.projected_crs, self.layout)
 
         row = self.layout.row(align=True)
         row.prop(props, "map_unit_type", text="MapUnit")
@@ -62,17 +53,7 @@ class BIM_PT_gis(Panel):
                 row = self.layout.row(align=True)
                 row.operator("bim.set_ifc_grid_north", text="Set IFC North")
                 row.operator("bim.set_blender_grid_north", text="Set Blender North")
-            row = self.layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "integer":
-                row.prop(attribute, "int_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "float":
-                row.prop(attribute, "float_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "boolean":
-                row.prop(attribute, "bool_value", text=attribute.name)
-            if attribute.is_optional:
-                row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+            draw_attribute(attribute, self.layout.row())
 
         row = self.layout.row()
         row.label(text="True North", icon="LIGHT_SUN")

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/material/operator.py

@@ -655,17 +655,7 @@ class EditMaterialSetItem(bpy.types.Operator):
         props = obj.BIMObjectMaterialProperties
         product_data = Data.products[obj.BIMObjectProperties.ifc_definition_id]
 
-        attributes = {}
-        for attribute in props.material_set_item_attributes:
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                value = attribute.string_value
-            elif attribute.data_type == "float":
-                value = attribute.float_value
-            elif attribute.data_type == "integer":
-                value = attribute.int_value
-            elif attribute.data_type == "boolean":
-                value = attribute.bool_value
-            attributes[attribute.name] = None if attribute.is_null else value
+        attributes = {attribute.name: attribute.get_value() for attribute in props.material_set_item_attributes}
 
         if product_data["type"] == "IfcMaterialConstituentSet":
             ifcopenshell.api.run(
@@ -690,19 +680,7 @@ class EditMaterialSetItem(bpy.types.Operator):
             )
             Data.load_layers()
         elif product_data["type"] == "IfcMaterialProfileSet" or product_data["type"] == "IfcMaterialProfileSetUsage":
-            profile_attributes = {}
-            for attribute in props.material_set_item_profile_attributes:
-                if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                    value = attribute.string_value
-                elif attribute.data_type == "float":
-                    value = attribute.float_value
-                elif attribute.data_type == "integer":
-                    value = attribute.int_value
-                elif attribute.data_type == "boolean":
-                    value = attribute.bool_value
-                elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                    value = attribute.enum_value
-                profile_attributes[attribute.name] = None if attribute.is_null else value
+            profile_attributes = {attr.name: attr.get_value() for attr in props.material_set_item_profile_attributes}
             ifcopenshell.api.run(
                 "material.edit_profile",
                 self.file,

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/material/ui.py

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ from bpy.types import Panel
 from ifcopenshell.api.material.data import Data
 from ifcopenshell.api.profile.data import Data as ProfileData
 from blenderbim.bim.ifc import IfcStore
+from blenderbim.bim.helper import draw_attributes
 
 
 class BIM_PT_material(Panel):
@@ -181,17 +182,7 @@ class BIM_PT_object_material(Panel):
         op.material_set_item = set_item_id
         row.operator("bim.disable_editing_material_set_item", icon="CANCEL", text="")
 
-        for attribute in self.props.material_set_item_attributes:
-            row = box.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "integer":
-                row.prop(attribute, "int_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "float":
-                row.prop(attribute, "float_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "boolean":
-                row.prop(attribute, "bool_value", text=attribute.name)
-            row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+        draw_attributes(self.props.material_set_item_attributes, self.layout)
 
         if self.set_item_name == "profile":
             self.draw_assign_profile_ui(box, item)
@@ -213,20 +204,7 @@ class BIM_PT_object_material(Panel):
             row.operator("bim.disable_editing_material_set_item", icon="CANCEL", text="")
 
     def draw_editable_profile_ui(self, layout, item):
-        for attribute in self.props.material_set_item_profile_attributes:
-            row = layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "integer":
-                row.prop(attribute, "int_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "float":
-                row.prop(attribute, "float_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "boolean":
-                row.prop(attribute, "bool_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                row.prop(attribute, "enum_value", text=attribute.name)
-            if attribute.is_optional:
-                row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+        draw_attributes(self.props.material_set_item_profile_attributes, self.layout)
 
     def draw_read_only_set_item_ui(self, set_item_id, index, is_first=False, is_last=False):
         if self.product_data["type"] == "IfcMaterialList":

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/patch/__init__.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ classes = (
     operator.SelectIfcPatchInput,
     operator.SelectIfcPatchOutput,
     operator.ExecuteIfcPatch,
+    operator.UpdateIfcPatchArguments,
     prop.BIMPatchProperties,
     ui.BIM_PT_patch,
 )

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/patch/helper.py

@@ -0,0 +1,80 @@
+import typing
+import inspect
+import collections
+import importlib
+from types import ModuleType
+
+def extract_docs(
+    module: ModuleType,
+    submodule_name: str,
+    cls_name: str,
+    method_name: str,
+    boilerplate_args : typing.Iterable[str]=None):
+    """Extract class docstrings and method arguments
+    
+    :param module: Parent module from which to extract the submodule class
+    :param submodule_name: Submodule from which to extract the class
+    :param cls_name: Class from which to extract the docstring and method arguments
+    :param method_name: Class Method name from which to extract arguments
+    :param boilerplate_args: String iterable containing arguments that shall not be parsed
+    """
+    spec = importlib.util.spec_from_file_location(submodule_name, f"{module.__path__[0]}/recipes/{submodule_name}.py")
+    submodule = importlib.util.module_from_spec(spec)
+    try:
+        spec.loader.exec_module(submodule)
+        try:
+            return _extract_docs(getattr(submodule, cls_name), method_name, boilerplate_args)
+        except AttributeError as e:
+            print(e)
+    except ModuleNotFoundError as e:
+        print(f"Error : IFCPatch {str(submodule)} could not complete because : {str(e)}")
+
+def _extract_docs(cls, method_name, boilerplate_args):
+    inputs = collections.OrderedDict()
+    method = getattr(cls, method_name)
+    node_data = {"class": cls}
+
+    signature = inspect.signature(method)
+    for name, parameter in signature.parameters.items():
+        if name == "self":
+            continue
+        inputs[name] = {"name": name}
+        if isinstance(parameter.default, (str, float, int, bool)):
+            inputs[name]["default"] = parameter.default
+
+    type_hints = typing.get_type_hints(method)
+    for name, socket_data in inputs.items():
+        type_hint = type_hints.get(name, None)
+        if type_hint is None: # The argument is not type-hinted. (Or hinted to None ??)
+            continue
+        if isinstance(type_hint, typing._UnionGenericAlias):
+            inputs[name]["type"] = [t.__name__ for t in typing.get_args(type_hint)]
+        else:
+            inputs[name]["type"] = type_hint.__name__
+
+    description = ""
+    doc = method.__doc__
+    if doc is not None:
+        for i, line in enumerate(doc.split("\n")):
+            line = line.strip()
+            if i == 0:
+                node_data["name"] = line
+            elif line.startswith(":return:"):
+                node_data["output"] = {"name": line.split(":")[2].strip(), "description": line.split(":")[3].strip()}
+            elif line.startswith(":param"):
+                param_name = line.split(":")[1].strip().replace("param ", "")
+                if param_name in inputs:
+                    inputs[param_name]["description"] = line.split(":")[2].strip()
+            elif i == 2:
+                description += line
+            elif i > 2:
+                description += "\n" + line
+            
+        node_data["description"] = description.strip()
+    node_data["inputs"] = inputs
+
+    if boilerplate_args is not None:
+        for arg in boilerplate_args: # Remove boilerplate arguments
+            node_data["inputs"].pop(arg, None)
+    return node_data
+

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/patch/operator.py

@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 import os
 import bpy
 import json
+import ifcpatch
+from .helper import extract_docs
 
 
 class SelectIfcPatchInput(bpy.types.Operator):
@@ -39,6 +41,7 @@ class ExecuteIfcPatch(bpy.types.Operator):
     bl_idname = "bim.execute_ifc_patch"
     bl_label = "Execute IFCPatch"
     file_format: bpy.props.StringProperty()
+    use_json_for_args: bpy.props.BoolProperty()
 
     @classmethod
     def poll(cls, context):
@@ -46,15 +49,47 @@ class ExecuteIfcPatch(bpy.types.Operator):
         return os.path.isfile(input_file) and "ifc" in os.path.splitext(input_file)[1]
 
     def execute(self, context):
-        import ifcpatch
+        props = context.scene.BIMPatchProperties
+        if self.use_json_for_args or not props.ifc_patch_args_attr:
+            arguments = json.loads(props.ifc_patch_args or "[]")
+        else:
+            arguments = [arg.get_value() for arg in props.ifc_patch_args_attr]
 
         ifcpatch.execute(
             {
-                "input": context.scene.BIMPatchProperties.ifc_patch_input,
-                "output": context.scene.BIMPatchProperties.ifc_patch_output,
-                "recipe": context.scene.BIMPatchProperties.ifc_patch_recipes,
-                "arguments": json.loads(context.scene.BIMPatchProperties.ifc_patch_args or "[]"),
+                "input": props.ifc_patch_input,
+                "output": props.ifc_patch_output,
+                "recipe": props.ifc_patch_recipes,
+                "arguments": arguments,
                 "log": os.path.join(context.scene.BIMProperties.data_dir, "process.log"),
             }
         )
         return {"FINISHED"}
+
+
+class UpdateIfcPatchArguments(bpy.types.Operator):
+    bl_idname = "bim.update_ifc_patch_arguments"
+    bl_label = "Update IFC Patch arguments"
+    recipe: bpy.props.StringProperty()
+
+    def execute(self, context):
+        if self.recipe == "":
+            print("No Recipe Selected. Impossible to load arguments")
+            return {"FINISHED"}
+        patch_args = context.scene.BIMPatchProperties.ifc_patch_args_attr
+        patch_args.clear()
+        docs = extract_docs(ifcpatch, self.recipe, "Patcher", "__init__",  ("src", "file", "logger", "args"))
+        if docs and "inputs" in docs:
+            inputs = docs["inputs"]
+            for arg_name in inputs:
+                arg_info = inputs[arg_name]
+                new_attr = patch_args.add()
+                new_attr.data_type = {
+                    "str": "string",
+                    "float": "float",
+                    "int": "integer",
+                    "bool": "boolean",
+                }[arg_info.get("type", "str")]
+                new_attr.name = arg_name
+                new_attr.set_value(arg_info.get("default", new_attr.get_value_default()))
+        return {"FINISHED"}

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/patch/prop.py

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import bpy
 import importlib
 from pathlib import Path
+import ifcpatch
 from blenderbim.bim.prop import StrProperty, Attribute
 from bpy.types import PropertyGroup
 from bpy.props import (
@@ -13,6 +14,8 @@ from bpy.props import (
     FloatVectorProperty,
     CollectionProperty,
 )
+from .helper import extract_docs
+from .operator import UpdateIfcPatchArguments
 
 
 ifcpatchrecipes_enum = []
@@ -32,12 +35,17 @@ def getIfcPatchRecipes(self, context):
             f = str(filename.stem)
             if f == "__init__":
                 continue
-            ifcpatchrecipes_enum.append((f, f, ""))
+            docs = extract_docs(ifcpatch, f, "Patcher", "__init__", ("src", "file", "logger", "args"))
+            ifcpatchrecipes_enum.append((f, f, docs.get("description","") if docs else ""))
     return ifcpatchrecipes_enum
 
+def update_ifc_patch_recipe(self, context):
+    bpy.ops.bim.update_ifc_patch_arguments(recipe = self.ifc_patch_recipes)
+
 
 class BIMPatchProperties(PropertyGroup):
-    ifc_patch_recipes: EnumProperty(items=getIfcPatchRecipes, name="Recipes")
+    ifc_patch_recipes: EnumProperty(items=getIfcPatchRecipes, name="Recipes", update=update_ifc_patch_recipe)
     ifc_patch_input: StringProperty(default="", name="IFC Patch Input IFC")
     ifc_patch_output: StringProperty(default="", name="IFC Patch Output IFC")
     ifc_patch_args: StringProperty(default="", name="Arguments")
+    ifc_patch_args_attr: CollectionProperty(type=Attribute, name="Arguments")

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/patch/ui.py

@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 import bpy
-from bpy.types import Panel
+from blenderbim.bim.helper import draw_attributes
 
 
-class BIM_PT_patch(Panel):
+class BIM_PT_patch(bpy.types.Panel):
     bl_label = "IFC Patch"
     bl_idname = "BIM_PT_patch"
     bl_options = {"DEFAULT_CLOSED"}
@@ -13,20 +13,25 @@ class BIM_PT_patch(Panel):
     def draw(self, context):
         layout = self.layout
         layout.use_property_split = True
+        layout.use_property_decorate = False
 
         scene = context.scene
         props = scene.BIMPatchProperties
-
         row = layout.row()
-        row.prop(props, "ifc_patch_recipes")
+        row.prop(props, "ifc_patch_recipes")      
+        
+
         row = layout.row(align=True)
         row.prop(props, "ifc_patch_input")
         row.operator("bim.select_ifc_patch_input", icon="FILE_FOLDER", text="")
+
         row = layout.row(align=True)
         row.prop(props, "ifc_patch_output")
         row.operator("bim.select_ifc_patch_output", icon="FILE_FOLDER", text="")
-        row = layout.row()
-        row.prop(props, "ifc_patch_args")
 
-        row = layout.row()
-        op = row.operator("bim.execute_ifc_patch")
+        if props.ifc_patch_args_attr:
+            draw_attributes(props.ifc_patch_args_attr, layout)
+        else:
+            layout.row().prop(props, "ifc_patch_args")
+        op = layout.operator("bim.execute_ifc_patch")
+        op.use_json_for_args = len(props.ifc_patch_args_attr) == 0

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/pset/operator.py

@@ -136,31 +136,11 @@ class EnablePsetEditing(bpy.types.Operator):
             prop = Data.properties[prop_id]
 
             value = prop["NominalValue"]
-            if isinstance(value, str):
-                data_type = "string"
-            elif isinstance(value, float):
-                data_type = "float"
-            elif isinstance(value, bool):
-                data_type = "boolean"
-            elif isinstance(value, int):
-                data_type = "integer"
-            else:
-                data_type = "string"
-                value = str(value)
-
             new = self.props.properties.add()
+            new.set_value(value)
             new.name = prop["Name"]
-            new.is_null = prop["NominalValue"] is None
-            new.data_type = data_type
-
-            if data_type == "string":
-                new.string_value = "" if new.is_null else value
-            elif data_type == "integer":
-                new.int_value = 0 if new.is_null else value
-            elif data_type == "float":
-                new.float_value = 0.0 if new.is_null else value
-            elif data_type == "boolean":
-                new.bool_value = False if new.is_null else value
+            new.is_null = value is None
+            new.set_value(new.get_value_default() if new.is_null else value)
 
 
 class DisablePsetEditing(bpy.types.Operator):
@@ -200,18 +180,7 @@ class EditPset(bpy.types.Operator):
         else:
             data = Data.psets if pset_id in Data.psets else Data.qtos
             for prop in props.properties:
-                if prop.is_null:
-                    properties[prop.name] = None
-                elif prop.data_type == "string":
-                    properties[prop.name] = prop.string_value
-                elif prop.data_type == "boolean":
-                    properties[prop.name] = prop.bool_value
-                elif prop.data_type == "integer":
-                    properties[prop.name] = prop.int_value
-                elif prop.data_type == "float":
-                    properties[prop.name] = prop.float_value
-                elif prop.data_type == "enum":
-                    properties[prop.name] = prop.enum_value
+                properties[prop.name] = prop.get_value()
 
         if pset_id in Data.psets:
             ifcopenshell.api.run(

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/pset/ui.py

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 from bpy.types import Panel
 from ifcopenshell.api.pset.data import Data
 from blenderbim.bim.ifc import IfcStore
+from blenderbim.bim.helper import draw_attribute
 
 
 def get_active_pset_obj_name(context, obj_type):
@@ -67,18 +68,8 @@ def draw_psetqto_ui(context, pset_id, pset, props, layout, obj_type):
 
 
 def draw_psetqto_editable_ui(box, props, prop):
-    row = box.row(align=True)
-    if prop.data_type == "string":
-        row.prop(prop, "string_value", text=prop.name)
-    elif prop.data_type == "integer":
-        row.prop(prop, "int_value", text=prop.name)
-    elif prop.data_type == "float":
-        row.prop(prop, "float_value", text=prop.name)
-    elif prop.data_type == "boolean":
-        row.prop(prop, "bool_value", text=prop.name)
-    elif prop.data_type == "enum":
-        row.prop(prop, "enum_value", text=prop.name)
-    row.prop(prop, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if prop.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+    row = box.row()
+    draw_attribute(prop, row)
     if (
         "length" in prop.name.lower()
         or "width" in prop.name.lower()

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/sequence/ui.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import isodate
 import blenderbim.bim.helper
 from bpy.types import Panel, UIList
 from blenderbim.bim.ifc import IfcStore
+from blenderbim.bim.helper import draw_attributes
 from ifcopenshell.api.sequence.data import Data
 from ifcopenshell.api.resource.data import Data as ResourceData
 import blenderbim.bim.module.sequence.helper as helper
@@ -55,14 +56,7 @@ class BIM_PT_work_plans(Panel):
                 self.draw_work_schedule_ui()
 
     def draw_editable_ui(self):
-        for attribute in self.props.work_plan_attributes:
-            row = self.layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                row.prop(attribute, "enum_value", text=attribute.name)
-            if attribute.is_optional:
-                row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+        draw_attributes(self.props.work_plan_attributes, self.layout)
 
     def draw_work_schedule_ui(self):
         row = self.layout.row(align=True)
@@ -189,14 +183,7 @@ class BIM_PT_work_schedules(Panel):
             row.prop(self.props, "speed_multiplier", text="")
 
     def draw_editable_work_schedule_ui(self):
-        for attribute in self.props.work_schedule_attributes:
-            row = self.layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                row.prop(attribute, "enum_value", text=attribute.name)
-            if attribute.is_optional:
-                row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+        draw_attributes(self.props.work_schedule_attributes, self.layout)
 
     def draw_editable_task_ui(self, work_schedule_id):
         self.layout.template_list(
@@ -523,15 +510,7 @@ class BIM_PT_work_calendars(Panel):
             self.draw_editable_work_time_ui(work_time)
 
     def draw_editable_work_time_ui(self, work_time):
-        for attribute in self.props.work_time_attributes:
-            row = self.layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                row.prop(attribute, "enum_value", text=attribute.name)
-            if attribute.is_optional:
-                row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
-
+        draw_attributes(self.props.work_time_attributes, self.layout)
         if work_time["RecurrencePattern"]:
             self.draw_editable_recurrence_pattern_ui(Data.recurrence_patterns[work_time["RecurrencePattern"]])
         else:
@@ -599,11 +578,4 @@ class BIM_PT_work_calendars(Panel):
         row.prop(self.props, "occurrences")
 
     def draw_editable_ui(self):
-        for attribute in self.props.work_calendar_attributes:
-            row = self.layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                row.prop(attribute, "enum_value", text=attribute.name)
-            if attribute.is_optional:
-                row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+        draw_attributes(self.props.work_calendar_attributes, self.layout)

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/structural/operator.py

@@ -279,15 +279,7 @@ class EditStructuralAnalysisModel(bpy.types.Operator):
 
     def _execute(self, context):
         props = context.scene.BIMStructuralProperties
-        attributes = {}
-        for attribute in props.structural_analysis_model_attributes:
-            if attribute.is_null:
-                attributes[attribute.name] = None
-            else:
-                if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                    attributes[attribute.name] = attribute.string_value
-                elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                    attributes[attribute.name] = attribute.enum_value
+        attributes = {attribute.name: attribute.get_value() for attribute in props.structural_analysis_model_attributes}
         self.file = IfcStore.get_file()
         ifcopenshell.api.run(
             "structural.edit_structural_analysis_model",

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/module/structural/ui.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import bpy
 import blenderbim.bim.helper
 from bpy.types import Panel, UIList
 from blenderbim.bim.ifc import IfcStore
+from blenderbim.bim.helper import draw_attributes
 from ifcopenshell.api.structural.data import Data
 
 
@@ -293,14 +294,7 @@ class BIM_PT_structural_analysis_models(Panel):
             self.draw_editable_ui(context)
 
     def draw_editable_ui(self, context):
-        for attribute in self.props.structural_analysis_model_attributes:
-            row = self.layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                row.prop(attribute, "enum_value", text=attribute.name)
-            if attribute.is_optional:
-                row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+        draw_attributes(self.props.structural_analysis_model_attributes, self.layout)
 
 
 class BIM_UL_structural_analysis_models(UIList):
@@ -389,16 +383,7 @@ class BIM_PT_structural_load_cases(Panel):
                 self.draw_editable_load_case_group_ui(load_case)
 
     def draw_editable_load_case_ui(self):
-        for attribute in self.props.load_case_attributes:
-            row = self.layout.row(align=True)
-            if attribute.data_type == "string":
-                row.prop(attribute, "string_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "float":
-                row.prop(attribute, "float_value", text=attribute.name)
-            elif attribute.data_type == "enum":
-                row.prop(attribute, "enum_value", text=attribute.name)
-            if attribute.is_optional:
-                row.prop(attribute, "is_null", icon="RADIOBUT_OFF" if attribute.is_null else "RADIOBUT_ON", text="")
+        draw_attributes(self.props.load_case_attributes, self.layout)
 
     def draw_editable_load_case_group_ui(self, load_case):
         box = self.layout.box()

src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/prop.py

@@ -126,43 +126,66 @@ class StrProperty(PropertyGroup):
     pass
 
 
-def updateAttributeStringValue(self, context):
-    updateAttributeValue(self, self.string_value)
-
-
-def updateAttributeBoolValue(self, context):
-    updateAttributeValue(self, self.bool_value)
-
-
-def updateAttributeIntValue(self, context):
-    updateAttributeValue(self, self.int_value)
-
-
-def updateAttributeFloatValue(self, context):
-    updateAttributeValue(self, self.float_value)
-
-
-def updateAttributeEnumValue(self, context):
-    updateAttributeValue(self, self.enum_value)
-
-
-def updateAttributeValue(self, value):
-    if value:
+def updateAttributeValue(self, context):
+    if getattr(self, str(self.get_value_attr()), None):  # Do not use get_value since it returns None if is_null is True
         self.is_null = False
 
 
 class Attribute(PropertyGroup):
     name: StringProperty(name="Name")
     data_type: StringProperty(name="Data Type")
-    string_value: StringProperty(name="Value", update=updateAttributeStringValue)
-    bool_value: BoolProperty(name="Value", update=updateAttributeBoolValue)
-    int_value: IntProperty(name="Value", update=updateAttributeIntValue)
-    float_value: FloatProperty(name="Value", update=updateAttributeFloatValue)
+    string_value: StringProperty(name="Value", update=updateAttributeValue)
+    bool_value: BoolProperty(name="Value", update=updateAttributeValue)
+    int_value: IntProperty(name="Value", update=updateAttributeValue)
+    float_value: FloatProperty(name="Value", update=updateAttributeValue)
     is_null: BoolProperty(name="Is Null")
     is_optional: BoolProperty(name="Is Optional")
     enum_items: StringProperty(name="Value")
-    enum_value: EnumProperty(items=getAttributeEnumValues, name="Value", update=updateAttributeEnumValue)
+    enum_value: EnumProperty(items=getAttributeEnumValues, name="Value", update=updateAttributeValue)
 
+    def get_value(self):
+        if self.is_null:
+            return None
+        return getattr(self, str(self.get_value_attr()), None)
+    
+    def get_value_default(self):
+        if self.data_type == "string":
+            return ""
+        elif self.data_type == "integer":
+            return 0
+        elif self.data_type == "float":
+            return 0.0
+        elif self.data_type == "boolean":
+            return False
+        elif self.data_type == "enum":
+            return "0"
+    
+    def get_value_attr(self):        
+        if self.data_type == "string":
+            return "string_value"
+        elif self.data_type == "boolean":
+            return "bool_value"
+        elif self.data_type == "integer":
+            return "int_value"
+        elif self.data_type == "float":
+            return "float_value"
+        elif self.data_type == "enum":
+            return "enum_value"
+    
+    def set_value(self, value):
+        if isinstance(value, str):
+            self.data_type = "string"
+        elif isinstance(value, float):
+            self.data_type = "float"
+        elif isinstance(value, bool): # Make sure this is evaluated BEFORE integer
+            self.data_type = "boolean"
+        elif isinstance(value, int):
+            self.data_type = "integer"
+        else:
+            self.data_type = "string"
+            value = str(value)
+        setattr(self, self.get_value_attr(), value)
+    
 
 class BIMProperties(PropertyGroup):
     schema_dir: StringProperty(

src/ifcpatch/ifcpatch/__init__.py

@@ -32,7 +32,11 @@ def execute(args, is_library=None):
     print("# Loading patch recipe ...")
     recipes = getattr(__import__("ifcpatch.recipes.{}".format(args["recipe"])), "recipes")
     recipe = getattr(recipes, args["recipe"])
-    patcher = recipe.Patcher(args["input"], ifc_file, logger, args["arguments"])
+    try:
+        # We unpack the arguments if the Patcher has been type-hinted and docstringed
+        patcher = recipe.Patcher(args["input"], ifc_file, logger, *args["arguments"])
+    except TypeError:
+        patcher = recipe.Patcher(args["input"], ifc_file, logger, args["arguments"])
     print("# Patching ...")
     patcher.patch()
     ifc_file = getattr(patcher, "file_patched", patcher.file)