tools/blenvy/TODO.md

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ Auto export
      - blueprints/levels/blueprints path => relative to assets path
  - [ ] add error handling for de/serialization of project, so that in case of error, the previous saved serialized project is thrown away
 
+
 - move out some parameters from auto export to a higher level (as they are now used in multiple places)
     - [x] main/ library scene names
     - [x] paths
@@ -90,16 +91,9 @@ General issues:
 
 
  - [x] addon-prefs => settings
- - [x] generate_gltf_export_settings => should not use add-on prefs at all ? since we are not overriding gltf settings that way anymore ?
+ - [x] generate_gltf_export_preferences => should not use add-on prefs at all ? since we are not overriding gltf settings that way anymore ?
  - [x] remove hard coded path for standard gltf settings
  - [x] load settings on file load
     - [x] auto_export
     - [x] components
-    - [ ] add handling of errors when trying to load settings
-
-
-- [ ] force overwrite of settings files instead of partial updates ?
-- [ ] add tests for disabled components 
-- [x]  fix auto export workflow
-- [ ] should we write the previous _xxx data only AFTER a sucessfull export only ?
-- [ ] add hashing of modifiers/ geometry nodes in serialize scene
+    - [ ] add handling of errors when trying to load settings

tools/blenvy/__init__.py

@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ from .add_ons.bevy_components.settings import ComponentsSettings
 
 # auto export
 from .add_ons.auto_export import gltf_post_export_callback
-from .add_ons.auto_export.common.tracker import AutoExportTracker
+from .add_ons.auto_export.export.tracker import AutoExportTracker
 from .add_ons.auto_export.settings import AutoExportSettings
 
 # asset management

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/__init__.py

@@ -1,9 +1,7 @@
 import os
 import json
 import bpy
-from blenvy.settings import generate_complete_settings_dict
-from io_scene_gltf2 import ExportGLTF2_Base
-
+from .helpers.generate_complete_preferences_dict import generate_complete_preferences_dict_gltf
 
 def cleanup_file():
     gltf_filepath = bpy.context.window_manager.auto_export_tracker.dummy_file_path
@@ -38,8 +36,7 @@ def gltf_post_export_callback(data):
             # now write new settings
             gltf_export_settings.clear()
 
-            settings = dict(settings)
-            current_gltf_settings = generate_complete_settings_dict(settings, presets=ExportGLTF2_Base, ignore_list=["use_active_collection", "use_active_collection_with_nested", "use_active_scene", "use_selection", "will_save_settings", "gltf_export_id"], preset_defaults=False)
+            current_gltf_settings = generate_complete_preferences_dict_gltf(dict(settings))
             gltf_export_settings.write(json.dumps(current_gltf_settings))
         # now reset the original gltf_settings
         if gltf_settings_backup != "":

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/common/generate_temporary_scene_and_export.py

@@ -1,124 +0,0 @@
-import bpy
-from blenvy.core.helpers_collections import (set_active_collection)
-from blenvy.core.object_makers import (make_empty)
-from .duplicate_object import duplicate_object
-from .export_gltf import export_gltf
-
-""" 
-generates a temporary scene, fills it with data, cleans up after itself
-    * named using temp_scene_name 
-    * filled using the tempScene_filler
-    * written on disk to gltf_output_path, with the gltf export parameters in gltf_export_settings
-    * cleaned up using tempScene_cleaner
-
-"""
-def generate_temporary_scene_and_export(settings, gltf_export_settings, gltf_output_path, temp_scene_name="__temp_scene", tempScene_filler=None, tempScene_cleaner=None): 
-
-    temp_scene = bpy.data.scenes.new(name=temp_scene_name)
-    temp_root_collection = temp_scene.collection
-
-    # save active scene
-    original_scene = bpy.context.window.scene
-    # and selected collection
-    original_collection = bpy.context.view_layer.active_layer_collection
-    # and mode
-    original_mode = bpy.context.active_object.mode if bpy.context.active_object != None else None
-    # we change the mode to object mode, otherwise the gltf exporter is not happy
-    if original_mode != None and original_mode != 'OBJECT':
-        print("setting to object mode", original_mode)
-        bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='OBJECT')
-    # we set our active scene to be this one : this is needed otherwise the stand-in empties get generated in the wrong scene
-    bpy.context.window.scene = temp_scene
-
-    area = [area for area in bpy.context.screen.areas if area.type == "VIEW_3D"][0]
-    region = [region for region in area.regions if region.type == 'WINDOW'][0]
-    with bpy.context.temp_override(scene=temp_scene, area=area, region=region):
-        # detect scene mistmatch
-        scene_mismatch = bpy.context.scene.name != bpy.context.window.scene.name
-        if scene_mismatch:
-            raise Exception("Context scene mismatch, aborting", bpy.context.scene.name, bpy.context.window.scene.name)
-        
-        set_active_collection(bpy.context.scene, temp_root_collection.name)
-        # generate contents of temporary scene
-        scene_filler_data = tempScene_filler(temp_root_collection)
-        # export the temporary scene
-        try:
-            if settings.auto_export.dry_run == "DISABLED":
-                export_gltf(gltf_output_path, gltf_export_settings)
-        except Exception as error:
-            print("failed to export gltf !", error) 
-            raise error
-        # restore everything
-        tempScene_cleaner(temp_scene, scene_filler_data)
-
-    # reset active scene
-    bpy.context.window.scene = original_scene
-    # reset active collection
-    bpy.context.view_layer.active_layer_collection = original_collection
-    # reset mode
-    if original_mode != None:
-        bpy.ops.object.mode_set( mode = original_mode )
-
-
-
-# copies the contents of a collection into another one while replacing library instances with empties
-def copy_hollowed_collection_into(source_collection, destination_collection, parent_empty=None, filter=None, blueprints_data=None, settings={}):
-    collection_instances_combine_mode = getattr(settings.auto_export, "collection_instances_combine_mode")
-
-    for object in source_collection.objects:
-        if object.name.endswith("____bak"): # some objects could already have been handled, ignore them
-            continue       
-        if filter is not None and filter(object) is False:
-            continue
-        #check if a specific collection instance does not have an ovveride for combine_mode
-        combine_mode = object['_combine'] if '_combine' in object else collection_instances_combine_mode
-        parent = parent_empty
-        duplicate_object(object, parent, combine_mode, destination_collection, blueprints_data)
-        
-    # for every child-collection of the source, copy its content into a new sub-collection of the destination
-    for collection in source_collection.children:
-        original_name = collection.name
-        collection.name = original_name + "____bak"
-        collection_placeholder = make_empty(original_name, [0,0,0], [0,0,0], [1,1,1], destination_collection)
-
-        if parent_empty is not None:
-            collection_placeholder.parent = parent_empty
-        copy_hollowed_collection_into(
-            source_collection = collection, 
-            destination_collection = destination_collection, 
-            parent_empty = collection_placeholder, 
-            filter = filter,
-            blueprints_data = blueprints_data, 
-            settings=settings
-        )
-    return {}
-
-
-# clear & remove "hollow scene"
-def clear_hollow_scene(temp_scene, original_root_collection):
-    def restore_original_names(collection):
-        if collection.name.endswith("____bak"):
-            collection.name = collection.name.replace("____bak", "")
-        for object in collection.objects:
-            if object.instance_type == 'COLLECTION':
-                if object.name.endswith("____bak"):
-                    object.name = object.name.replace("____bak", "")
-            else: 
-                if object.name.endswith("____bak"):
-                    object.name = object.name.replace("____bak", "")
-        for child_collection in collection.children:
-            restore_original_names(child_collection)
-    
-
-    # remove any data we created
-    temp_root_collection = temp_scene.collection 
-    temp_scene_objects = [o for o in temp_root_collection.all_objects]
-    for object in temp_scene_objects:
-        #print("removing", object.name)
-        bpy.data.objects.remove(object, do_unlink=True)
-
-    # remove the temporary scene
-    bpy.data.scenes.remove(temp_scene, do_unlink=True)
-    
-    # reset original names
-    restore_original_names(original_root_collection)

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/common/settings_diff.py

@@ -1,57 +0,0 @@
-import bpy
-
-from blenvy.settings import are_settings_identical, load_settings, upsert_settings
-
-# which settings are specific to auto_export # TODO: can we infer this ?
-parameter_names_whitelist_common = [
-    # blenvy core
-    'project_root_path',
-    'assets_path',
-    'blueprints_path',
-    'levels_path',
-    'materials_path',
-    'main_scene_names',
-    'library_scene_names',
-]
-
-parameter_names_whitelist_auto_export = [
-    # auto export
-    'export_scene_settings',
-    'export_blueprints',
-    'export_separate_dynamic_and_static_objects',
-    'export_materials_library',
-    'collection_instances_combine_mode',
-    'export_marked_assets'
-]
-
-def get_setting_changes():
-    print("get setting changes")
-
-    previous_common_settings = load_settings(".blenvy_common_settings_previous")
-    current_common_settings = load_settings(".blenvy_common_settings")
-    common_settings_changed = not are_settings_identical(previous_common_settings, current_common_settings, white_list=parameter_names_whitelist_common)
-
-    previous_export_settings = load_settings(".blenvy_export_settings_previous")
-    current_export_settings = load_settings(".blenvy_export_settings")
-    export_settings_changed = not are_settings_identical(previous_export_settings, current_export_settings, white_list=parameter_names_whitelist_auto_export)
-
-    previous_gltf_settings = load_settings(".blenvy_gltf_settings_previous")
-    current_gltf_settings = load_settings(".blenvy_gltf_settings")
-    gltf_settings_changed = not are_settings_identical(previous_gltf_settings, current_gltf_settings)
-
-    # write the new settings to the old settings
-    upsert_settings(".blenvy_common_settings_previous", current_common_settings, overwrite=True)
-    upsert_settings(".blenvy_export_settings_previous", current_export_settings, overwrite=True)
-    upsert_settings(".blenvy_gltf_settings_previous", current_gltf_settings, overwrite=True)
-
-    print("common_settings_changed", common_settings_changed,"export_settings_changed", export_settings_changed, "gltf_settings_changed", gltf_settings_changed, )
-
-    # if there were no setting before, it is new, we need export # TODO: do we even need this ? I guess in the case where both the previous & the new one are both none ? very unlikely, but still
-    if previous_common_settings is None:
-         return True
-    if previous_export_settings is None:
-         return True
-    if previous_gltf_settings is None:
-         return True
-
-    return common_settings_changed or gltf_settings_changed or export_settings_changed

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/constants.py

@@ -1,4 +1 @@
 TEMPSCENE_PREFIX = "__temp_scene"
-
-#hard coded custom properties to ignore
-custom_properties_to_filter_out = ['_combine', 'template', 'components_meta']

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/export/auto_export.py

@@ -7,14 +7,14 @@ from blenvy.core.scene_helpers import get_main_and_library_scenes
 from blenvy.blueprints.blueprints_scan import blueprints_scan
 from blenvy.blueprints.blueprint_helpers import inject_export_path_into_internal_blueprints
 
-from ..blueprints.get_blueprints_to_export import get_blueprints_to_export
-from ..levels.get_levels_to_export import get_levels_to_export
+from .get_blueprints_to_export import get_blueprints_to_export
+from .get_levels_to_export import get_levels_to_export
 from .export_gltf import get_standard_exporter_settings
 
-from ..levels.export_main_scenes import export_main_scene
-from ..blueprints.export_blueprints import export_blueprints
+from .export_main_scenes import export_main_scene
+from .export_blueprints import export_blueprints
 from .export_materials import cleanup_materials, export_materials
-from ..levels.bevy_scene_components import remove_scene_components, upsert_scene_components
+from ..modules.bevy_scene_components import remove_scene_components, upsert_scene_components
 
 
 """this is the main 'central' function for all auto export """
@@ -41,9 +41,8 @@ def auto_export(changes_per_scene, changed_export_parameters, settings):
 
         [main_scene_names, level_scenes, library_scene_names, library_scenes] = get_main_and_library_scenes(settings)
 
-        blueprints_data = bpy.context.window_manager.blueprints_registry.refresh_blueprints()
-        #blueprints_data = bpy.context.window_manager.blueprints_registry.blueprints_data
-        #print("blueprints_data", blueprints_data)
+        bpy.context.window_manager.blueprints_registry.refresh_blueprints()
+        blueprints_data = bpy.context.window_manager.blueprints_registry.blueprints_data
         blueprints_per_scene = blueprints_data.blueprints_per_scenes
         internal_blueprints = [blueprint.name for blueprint in blueprints_data.internal_blueprints]
         external_blueprints = [blueprint.name for blueprint in blueprints_data.external_blueprints]

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/export/export_blueprints.py

@@ -1,12 +1,15 @@
 import os
 import bpy
-from ..constants import TEMPSCENE_PREFIX
-from ..common.generate_temporary_scene_and_export import generate_temporary_scene_and_export, copy_hollowed_collection_into, clear_hollow_scene
-from ..common.export_gltf import generate_gltf_export_settings
 
+from ..constants import TEMPSCENE_PREFIX
+from ..helpers.generate_and_export import generate_and_export
+from .export_gltf import (generate_gltf_export_preferences)
+from ..helpers.helpers_scenes import clear_hollow_scene, copy_hollowed_collection_into
+
+   
 def export_blueprints(blueprints, settings, blueprints_data):
     blueprints_path_full = getattr(settings, "blueprints_path_full")
-    gltf_export_settings = generate_gltf_export_settings(settings)
+    gltf_export_preferences = generate_gltf_export_preferences(settings)
     
     try:
         # save current active collection
@@ -16,7 +19,7 @@ def export_blueprints(blueprints, settings, blueprints_data):
         for blueprint in blueprints:
             print("exporting collection", blueprint.name)
             gltf_output_path = os.path.join(blueprints_path_full, blueprint.name)
-            gltf_export_settings = { **gltf_export_settings, 'use_active_scene': True, 'use_active_collection': True, 'use_active_collection_with_nested':True}
+            gltf_export_settings = { **gltf_export_preferences, 'use_active_scene': True, 'use_active_collection': True, 'use_active_collection_with_nested':True}
             
             # if we are using the material library option, do not export materials, use placeholder instead
             if export_materials_library:
@@ -24,7 +27,7 @@ def export_blueprints(blueprints, settings, blueprints_data):
 
             collection = bpy.data.collections[blueprint.name]
             # do the actual export
-            generate_temporary_scene_and_export(
+            generate_and_export(
                 settings, 
                 temp_scene_name=TEMPSCENE_PREFIX+collection.name,
                 gltf_export_settings=gltf_export_settings,

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/export/export_gltf.py

@@ -8,9 +8,9 @@ def get_standard_exporter_settings():
     standard_gltf_exporter_settings = load_settings(".blenvy_gltf_settings")
     return standard_gltf_exporter_settings if standard_gltf_exporter_settings is not None else {}
 
-def generate_gltf_export_settings(settings): 
+def generate_gltf_export_preferences(settings): 
     # default values
-    gltf_export_settings = dict(
+    gltf_export_preferences = dict(
         # export_format= 'GLB', #'GLB', 'GLTF_SEPARATE', 'GLTF_EMBEDDED'
         check_existing=False,
 
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ def generate_gltf_export_settings(settings):
     """for key in settings.__annotations__.keys():
         if str(key) not in AutoExportGltfPreferenceNames:
             #print("overriding setting", key, "value", getattr(settings,key))
-            pass#gltf_export_settings[key] = getattr(settings, key)"""
+            pass#gltf_export_preferences[key] = getattr(settings, key)"""
 
 
     standard_gltf_exporter_settings = get_standard_exporter_settings()
@@ -68,10 +68,8 @@ def generate_gltf_export_settings(settings):
     # a certain number of essential params should NEVER be overwritten , no matter the settings of the standard exporter
     for key in standard_gltf_exporter_settings.keys():
         if str(key) not in constant_keys:
-            gltf_export_settings[key] =  standard_gltf_exporter_settings.get(key)
-
-    print("GLTF EXPORT SETTINGS", gltf_export_settings)
-    return gltf_export_settings
+            gltf_export_preferences[key] =  standard_gltf_exporter_settings.get(key)
+    return gltf_export_preferences
 
 
 #https://docs.blender.org/api/current/bpy.ops.export_scene.html#bpy.ops.export_scene.gltf

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/export/export_main_scenes.py

@@ -1,19 +1,23 @@
 import os
+import bpy
+from pathlib import Path
 from blenvy.blueprints.blueprint_helpers import inject_blueprints_list_into_main_scene, remove_blueprints_list_from_main_scene
+
 from ..constants import TEMPSCENE_PREFIX
-from ..common.generate_temporary_scene_and_export import generate_temporary_scene_and_export, copy_hollowed_collection_into, clear_hollow_scene
-from ..common.export_gltf import (generate_gltf_export_settings, export_gltf)
-from .is_object_dynamic import is_object_dynamic, is_object_static
+from ..helpers.generate_and_export import generate_and_export
+from .export_gltf import (generate_gltf_export_preferences, export_gltf)
+from ..modules.bevy_dynamic import is_object_dynamic, is_object_static
+from ..helpers.helpers_scenes import clear_hollow_scene, copy_hollowed_collection_into
 
 def export_main_scene(scene, blend_file_path, settings, blueprints_data): 
-    gltf_export_settings = generate_gltf_export_settings(settings)
+    gltf_export_preferences = generate_gltf_export_preferences(settings)
     assets_path_full = getattr(settings,"assets_path_full")
     levels_path_full = getattr(settings,"levels_path_full")
 
     export_blueprints = getattr(settings.auto_export,"export_blueprints")
     export_separate_dynamic_and_static_objects = getattr(settings.auto_export, "export_separate_dynamic_and_static_objects")
 
-    gltf_export_settings = { **gltf_export_settings, 
+    gltf_export_settings = { **gltf_export_preferences, 
                        'use_active_scene': True, 
                        'use_active_collection':True, 
                        'use_active_collection_with_nested':True,  
@@ -29,7 +33,7 @@ def export_main_scene(scene, blend_file_path, settings, blueprints_data):
         if export_separate_dynamic_and_static_objects:
             #print("SPLIT STATIC AND DYNAMIC")
             # first export static objects
-            generate_temporary_scene_and_export(
+            generate_and_export(
                 settings, 
                 temp_scene_name=TEMPSCENE_PREFIX,
                 gltf_export_settings=gltf_export_settings,
@@ -40,7 +44,7 @@ def export_main_scene(scene, blend_file_path, settings, blueprints_data):
 
             # then export all dynamic objects
             gltf_output_path = os.path.join(levels_path_full, scene.name+ "_dynamic")
-            generate_temporary_scene_and_export(
+            generate_and_export(
                 settings, 
                 temp_scene_name=TEMPSCENE_PREFIX,
                 gltf_export_settings=gltf_export_settings,
@@ -51,7 +55,7 @@ def export_main_scene(scene, blend_file_path, settings, blueprints_data):
 
         else:
             #print("NO SPLIT")
-            generate_temporary_scene_and_export(
+            generate_and_export(
                 settings, 
                 temp_scene_name=TEMPSCENE_PREFIX,
                 gltf_export_settings=gltf_export_settings,

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/export/export_materials.py

@@ -5,8 +5,8 @@ from pathlib import Path
 from blenvy.core.helpers_collections import (traverse_tree)
 from blenvy.core.object_makers import make_cube
 from blenvy.materials.materials_helpers import get_all_materials
-from .generate_temporary_scene_and_export import generate_temporary_scene_and_export
-from .export_gltf import (generate_gltf_export_settings)
+from ..helpers.generate_and_export import generate_and_export
+from .export_gltf import (generate_gltf_export_preferences)
 
 def clear_material_info(collection_names, library_scenes):
     for scene in library_scenes:
@@ -60,13 +60,13 @@ def clear_materials_scene(temp_scene):
 # exports the materials used inside the current project:
 # the name of the output path is <materials_folder>/<name_of_your_blend_file>_materials_library.gltf/glb
 def export_materials(collections, library_scenes, settings):
-    gltf_export_settings = generate_gltf_export_settings(settings)
+    gltf_export_preferences = generate_gltf_export_preferences(settings)
     materials_path_full = getattr(settings,"materials_path_full")
 
     used_material_names = get_all_materials(collections, library_scenes)
     current_project_name = Path(bpy.context.blend_data.filepath).stem
 
-    gltf_export_settings = { **gltf_export_settings, 
+    gltf_export_settings = { **gltf_export_preferences, 
                     'use_active_scene': True, 
                     'use_active_collection':True, 
                     'use_active_collection_with_nested':True,  
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ def export_materials(collections, library_scenes, settings):
 
     print("       exporting Materials to", gltf_output_path, ".gltf/glb")
 
-    generate_temporary_scene_and_export(
+    generate_and_export(
         settings=settings, 
         gltf_export_settings=gltf_export_settings,
         temp_scene_name="__materials_scene",

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/export/prepare_and_export.py

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import bpy
 
-from .project_diff import get_changes_per_scene
+from .project_diff import get_changes_per_scene, project_diff, serialize_current
 from .auto_export import auto_export
 from .settings_diff import get_setting_changes
 
@@ -13,11 +13,11 @@ def prepare_and_export():
     if auto_export_settings.auto_export: # only do the actual exporting if auto export is actually enabled
 
         # determine changed objects
-        per_scene_changes = get_changes_per_scene(settings=blenvy)
+        per_scene_changes = get_changes_per_scene()
         # determine changed parameters 
-        setting_changes = get_setting_changes()
+        setting_changes = get_setting_changes(auto_export_settings)
         # do the actual export
-        # auto_export(per_scene_changes, setting_changes, blenvy)
+        auto_export(per_scene_changes, setting_changes, blenvy)
 
         # cleanup 
         # TODO: these are likely obsolete

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/export/project_diff.py

@@ -1,14 +1,29 @@
 import json
 import bpy
-from .serialize_scene import serialize_scene
-from blenvy.settings import load_settings, upsert_settings
+from ..helpers.serialize_scene import serialize_scene
 
 def bubble_up_changes(object, changes_per_scene):
     if object.parent:
         changes_per_scene[object.parent.name] = bpy.data.objects[object.parent.name]
         bubble_up_changes(object.parent, changes_per_scene)
 
-def serialize_current(settings):
+
+def foo():
+    current = json.loads(current)
+
+    previous_stored = bpy.data.texts[".TESTING"] if ".TESTING" in bpy.data.texts else None # bpy.data.texts.new(".TESTING")
+    if previous_stored == None:
+        previous_stored = bpy.data.texts.new(".TESTING")
+        previous_stored.write(current)
+        return {}
+    previous = json.loads(previous_stored.as_string())
+
+
+    previous_stored.clear()
+    previous_stored.write(json.dumps(current))
+
+    
+def serialize_current():
     # sigh... you need to save & reset the frame otherwise it saves the values AT THE CURRENT FRAME WHICH CAN DIFFER ACROSS SCENES
     current_frames = [scene.frame_current for scene in bpy.data.scenes]
     for scene in bpy.data.scenes:
@@ -19,7 +34,7 @@ def serialize_current(settings):
     #serialize scene at frame 0
     """with bpy.context.temp_override(scene=bpy.data.scenes[1]):
         bpy.context.scene.frame_set(0)"""
-    current = serialize_scene(settings)
+    current = serialize_scene()
     bpy.context.window.scene = current_scene
 
     # reset previous frames
@@ -28,26 +43,27 @@ def serialize_current(settings):
     
     return current
 
-def get_changes_per_scene(settings):
-    previous = load_settings(".blenvy.project_serialized_previous")
-    current = serialize_current(settings)
+def get_changes_per_scene():
+    current = serialize_current()
 
-    # determine changes
+    previous_stored = bpy.data.texts[".blenvy.project.serialized"] if ".blenvy.project.serialized" in bpy.data.texts else None
+    if previous_stored == None:
+        previous_stored = bpy.data.texts.new(".blenvy.project.serialized")
+        previous_stored.write(json.dumps(current))
+        return {}
+    
+    previous = json.loads(previous_stored.as_string())
+    
+    # determin changes
     changes_per_scene = project_diff(previous, current)
 
     # save the current project as previous
-    upsert_settings(".blenvy.project_serialized_previous", current, overwrite=True)
-
-    print("changes per scene", changes_per_scene)
+    previous_stored.clear()
+    previous_stored.write(json.dumps(current))
     return changes_per_scene
 
 
 def project_diff(previous, current):
-    """print("previous", previous)
-    print("current", current)"""
-    if previous is None or current is None:
-        return {}
-    print("HERE")
     
     changes_per_scene = {}
 
@@ -84,4 +100,5 @@ def project_diff(previous, current):
                     bubble_up_changes(bpy.data.objects[object_name], changes_per_scene[scene])
                     # now bubble up for instances & parents
         
+    print("changes per scene", changes_per_scene)
     return changes_per_scene

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/export/settings_diff.py

@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+import bpy
+
+from blenvy.settings import are_settings_identical, load_settings, upsert_settings
+
+# which settings are specific to auto_export # TODO: can we infer this ?
+auto_export_parameter_names = [
+    # blenvy core
+    'project_root_path',
+    'assets_path',
+    'blueprints_path',
+    'levels_path',
+    'materials_path',
+    #'main_scene_names',
+    #'library_scene_names',
+
+    # auto export
+    'export_scene_settings',
+    'export_blueprints',
+    'export_separate_dynamic_and_static_objects',
+    'export_materials_library',
+    'collection_instances_combine_mode',
+    'export_marked_assets'
+]
+
+def get_setting_changes(auto_export_settings):
+    print("get setting changes", dict(auto_export_settings))
+    previous_gltf_settings = load_settings(".blenvy_gltf_settings_previous")
+    current_gltf_settings = load_settings(".blenvy_gltf_settings")
+    gltf_settings_changed = not are_settings_identical(previous_gltf_settings, current_gltf_settings)
+
+    previous_export_settings = load_settings(".blenvy_export_settings_previous")
+    current_export_settings = dict(auto_export_settings) #load_settings(".blenvy_export_settings")
+    export_settings_changed = not are_settings_identical(previous_export_settings, current_export_settings)
+
+    # if there were no setting before, it is new, we need export
+    if previous_gltf_settings is None:
+         pass
+    if previous_export_settings is None:
+         pass
+    
+    # write the new settings to the old settings
+    upsert_settings(".blenvy_gltf_settings_previous", current_gltf_settings)
+    upsert_settings(".blenvy_export_settings_previous", current_export_settings)
+
+    return gltf_settings_changed or export_settings_changed
+
+def did_export_settings_change(self):
+        return True
+        # compare both the auto export settings & the gltf settings
+        previous_auto_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_settings_previous"] if ".gltf_auto_export_settings_previous" in bpy.data.texts else None
+        previous_gltf_settings = bpy.data.texts[".blenvy_gltf_settings_previous"] if ".blenvy_gltf_settings_previous" in bpy.data.texts else None
+
+        current_auto_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_settings"] if ".gltf_auto_export_settings" in bpy.data.texts else None
+        current_gltf_settings = bpy.data.texts[".blenvy_gltf_settings"] if ".blenvy_gltf_settings" in bpy.data.texts else None
+
+        #check if params have changed
+        
+        # if there were no setting before, it is new, we need export
+        changed = False
+        if previous_auto_settings == None:
+            #print("previous settings missing, exporting")
+            changed = True
+        elif previous_gltf_settings == None:
+            #print("previous gltf settings missing, exporting")
+            previous_gltf_settings = bpy.data.texts.new(".blenvy_gltf_settings_previous")
+            previous_gltf_settings.write(json.dumps({}))
+            if current_gltf_settings == None:
+                current_gltf_settings = bpy.data.texts.new(".blenvy_gltf_settings")
+                current_gltf_settings.write(json.dumps({}))
+
+            changed = True
+
+        else:
+            auto_settings_changed = sorted(json.loads(previous_auto_settings.as_string()).items()) != sorted(json.loads(current_auto_settings.as_string()).items()) if current_auto_settings != None else False
+            gltf_settings_changed = sorted(json.loads(previous_gltf_settings.as_string()).items()) != sorted(json.loads(current_gltf_settings.as_string()).items()) if current_gltf_settings != None else False
+            
+            """print("auto settings previous", sorted(json.loads(previous_auto_settings.as_string()).items()))
+            print("auto settings current", sorted(json.loads(current_auto_settings.as_string()).items()))
+            print("auto_settings_changed", auto_settings_changed)
+
+            print("gltf settings previous", sorted(json.loads(previous_gltf_settings.as_string()).items()))
+            print("gltf settings current", sorted(json.loads(current_gltf_settings.as_string()).items()))
+            print("gltf_settings_changed", gltf_settings_changed)"""
+
+            changed = auto_settings_changed or gltf_settings_changed
+        # now write the current settings to the "previous settings"
+        if current_auto_settings != None:
+            previous_auto_settings = bpy.data.texts[".gltf_auto_export_settings_previous"] if ".gltf_auto_export_settings_previous" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".gltf_auto_export_settings_previous")
+            previous_auto_settings.clear()
+            previous_auto_settings.write(current_auto_settings.as_string()) # TODO : check if this is always valid
+
+        if current_gltf_settings != None:
+            previous_gltf_settings = bpy.data.texts[".blenvy_gltf_settings_previous"] if ".blenvy_gltf_settings_previous" in bpy.data.texts else bpy.data.texts.new(".blenvy_gltf_settings_previous")
+            previous_gltf_settings.clear()
+            previous_gltf_settings.write(current_gltf_settings.as_string())
+
+        return changed

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/helpers/generate_and_export.py

@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+import bpy
+from blenvy.core.helpers_collections import (set_active_collection)
+from ..export.export_gltf import export_gltf
+
+""" 
+generates a temporary scene, fills it with data, cleans up after itself
+    * named using temp_scene_name 
+    * filled using the tempScene_filler
+    * written on disk to gltf_output_path, with the gltf export parameters in gltf_export_settings
+    * cleaned up using tempScene_cleaner
+
+"""
+def generate_and_export(settings, gltf_export_settings, gltf_output_path, temp_scene_name="__temp_scene", tempScene_filler=None, tempScene_cleaner=None): 
+
+    temp_scene = bpy.data.scenes.new(name=temp_scene_name)
+    temp_root_collection = temp_scene.collection
+
+    # save active scene
+    original_scene = bpy.context.window.scene
+    # and selected collection
+    original_collection = bpy.context.view_layer.active_layer_collection
+    # and mode
+    original_mode = bpy.context.active_object.mode if bpy.context.active_object != None else None
+    # we change the mode to object mode, otherwise the gltf exporter is not happy
+    if original_mode != None and original_mode != 'OBJECT':
+        print("setting to object mode", original_mode)
+        bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='OBJECT')
+    # we set our active scene to be this one : this is needed otherwise the stand-in empties get generated in the wrong scene
+    bpy.context.window.scene = temp_scene
+
+    area = [area for area in bpy.context.screen.areas if area.type == "VIEW_3D"][0]
+    region = [region for region in area.regions if region.type == 'WINDOW'][0]
+    with bpy.context.temp_override(scene=temp_scene, area=area, region=region):
+        # detect scene mistmatch
+        scene_mismatch = bpy.context.scene.name != bpy.context.window.scene.name
+        if scene_mismatch:
+            raise Exception("Context scene mismatch, aborting", bpy.context.scene.name, bpy.context.window.scene.name)
+        
+        set_active_collection(bpy.context.scene, temp_root_collection.name)
+        # generate contents of temporary scene
+        scene_filler_data = tempScene_filler(temp_root_collection)
+        # export the temporary scene
+        try:
+            if settings.auto_export.dry_run == "DISABLED":
+                export_gltf(gltf_output_path, gltf_export_settings)
+        except Exception as error:
+            print("failed to export gltf !", error)
+            raise error
+        # restore everything
+        tempScene_cleaner(temp_scene, scene_filler_data)
+
+    # reset active scene
+    bpy.context.window.scene = original_scene
+    # reset active collection
+    bpy.context.view_layer.active_layer_collection = original_collection
+    # reset mode
+    if original_mode != None:
+        bpy.ops.object.mode_set( mode = original_mode )
+

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/helpers/generate_complete_preferences_dict.py

@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+
+from io_scene_gltf2 import (ExportGLTF2_Base)
+
+# given the input (actual) gltf settings, filters out any invalid/useless params & params that are equal to defaults
+def generate_complete_preferences_dict_gltf(settings):
+    complete_preferences = {}    
+    defaults = {}
+    gltf_parameters_to_ignore = ["use_active_collection", "use_active_collection_with_nested", "use_active_scene", "use_selection", "will_save_settings", "gltf_export_id"]
+    def filter_out(pair):
+        key, value = pair
+        if key in gltf_parameters_to_ignore:
+            return False
+        return True
+    
+    for k in ExportGLTF2_Base.__annotations__: # we use parameters from the base class of the standard gltf exporter, that contains all relevant parameters
+        item = ExportGLTF2_Base.__annotations__[k]
+        #print("item", item)
+        default = item.keywords.get('default', None)
+        #complete_preferences[k] = default
+        defaults[k] = default
+
+    for key in list(settings.keys()):
+        if key in defaults and settings[key] != defaults[key]: # only write out values different from defaults
+            complete_preferences[key] = settings[key]
+
+    complete_preferences = dict(filter(filter_out, dict(complete_preferences).items()))
+    return complete_preferences
+

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/helpers/helpers_scenes.py

@@ -1,7 +1,10 @@
 import json
 import bpy
 from blenvy.core.object_makers import (make_empty)
-from ..constants import custom_properties_to_filter_out
+
+
+# these are mostly for when using this add-on together with the bevy_components add-on
+custom_properties_to_filter_out = ['_combine', 'template', 'components_meta']
 
 def is_component_valid_and_enabled(object, component_name):
     if "components_meta" in object or hasattr(object, "components_meta"):
@@ -86,6 +89,7 @@ def copy_animation_data(source, target):
             markers_formated += '}, '             
         markers_formated += '}' 
         target["AnimationMarkers"] = f'( {markers_formated} )'
+
         
 def duplicate_object(object, parent, combine_mode, destination_collection, blueprints_data, nester=""):
     copy = None
@@ -93,21 +97,19 @@ def duplicate_object(object, parent, combine_mode, destination_collection, bluep
     # print("COMBINE MODE", combine_mode)
     if object.instance_type == 'COLLECTION' and (combine_mode == 'Split' or (combine_mode == 'EmbedExternal' and (object.instance_collection.name in internal_blueprint_names)) ): 
         #print("creating empty for", object.name, object.instance_collection.name, internal_blueprint_names, combine_mode)
-        original_collection = object.instance_collection
+        collection_name = object.instance_collection.name
         original_name = object.name
-        blueprint_name = original_collection.name
-        blueprint_path = original_collection['export_path'] if 'export_path' in original_collection else f'./{blueprint_name}' # TODO: the default requires the currently used extension !!
-
 
         object.name = original_name + "____bak"
         empty_obj = make_empty(original_name, object.location, object.rotation_euler, object.scale, destination_collection)
         
         """we inject the collection/blueprint name, as a component called 'BlueprintName', but we only do this in the empty, not the original object"""
-        empty_obj['BlueprintName'] = f'("{blueprint_name}")'
-        empty_obj["BlueprintPath"] = f'("{blueprint_path}")'
+        empty_obj['BlueprintName'] = '("'+collection_name+'")'
+        empty_obj["BlueprintPath"] = ''
         empty_obj['SpawnHere'] = '()'
 
         # we also inject a list of all sub blueprints, so that the bevy side can preload them
+        blueprint_name = collection_name
         children_per_blueprint = {}
         blueprint = blueprints_data.blueprints_per_name.get(blueprint_name, None)
         if blueprint:
@@ -129,6 +131,10 @@ def duplicate_object(object, parent, combine_mode, destination_collection, bluep
 
         destination_collection.objects.link(copy)
 
+        """if object.parent == None:
+            if parent_empty is not None:
+                copy.parent = parent_empty
+           """
     # do this both for empty replacements & normal copies
     if parent is not None:
         copy.parent = parent
@@ -137,3 +143,64 @@ def duplicate_object(object, parent, combine_mode, destination_collection, bluep
 
     for child in object.children:
         duplicate_object(child, copy, combine_mode, destination_collection, blueprints_data, nester+"  ")
+
+# copies the contents of a collection into another one while replacing library instances with empties
+def copy_hollowed_collection_into(source_collection, destination_collection, parent_empty=None, filter=None, blueprints_data=None, settings={}):
+    collection_instances_combine_mode = getattr(settings.auto_export, "collection_instances_combine_mode")
+
+    for object in source_collection.objects:
+        if object.name.endswith("____bak"): # some objects could already have been handled, ignore them
+            continue       
+        if filter is not None and filter(object) is False:
+            continue
+        #check if a specific collection instance does not have an ovveride for combine_mode
+        combine_mode = object['_combine'] if '_combine' in object else collection_instances_combine_mode
+        parent = parent_empty
+        duplicate_object(object, parent, combine_mode, destination_collection, blueprints_data)
+        
+    # for every child-collection of the source, copy its content into a new sub-collection of the destination
+    for collection in source_collection.children:
+        original_name = collection.name
+        collection.name = original_name + "____bak"
+        collection_placeholder = make_empty(original_name, [0,0,0], [0,0,0], [1,1,1], destination_collection)
+
+        if parent_empty is not None:
+            collection_placeholder.parent = parent_empty
+        copy_hollowed_collection_into(
+            source_collection = collection, 
+            destination_collection = destination_collection, 
+            parent_empty = collection_placeholder, 
+            filter = filter,
+            blueprints_data = blueprints_data, 
+            settings=settings
+        )
+    return {}
+
+# clear & remove "hollow scene"
+def clear_hollow_scene(temp_scene, original_root_collection):
+    def restore_original_names(collection):
+        if collection.name.endswith("____bak"):
+            collection.name = collection.name.replace("____bak", "")
+        for object in collection.objects:
+            if object.instance_type == 'COLLECTION':
+                if object.name.endswith("____bak"):
+                    object.name = object.name.replace("____bak", "")
+            else: 
+                if object.name.endswith("____bak"):
+                    object.name = object.name.replace("____bak", "")
+        for child_collection in collection.children:
+            restore_original_names(child_collection)
+    
+
+    # remove any data we created
+    temp_root_collection = temp_scene.collection 
+    temp_scene_objects = [o for o in temp_root_collection.all_objects]
+    for object in temp_scene_objects:
+        #print("removing", object.name)
+        bpy.data.objects.remove(object, do_unlink=True)
+
+    # remove the temporary scene
+    bpy.data.scenes.remove(temp_scene, do_unlink=True)
+    
+    # reset original names
+    restore_original_names(original_root_collection)

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/helpers/serialize_scene.py

@@ -4,14 +4,11 @@ import numpy as np
 import bpy
 from ..constants import TEMPSCENE_PREFIX
 
-
-fields_to_ignore_generic = [
-    "tag", "type", "update_tag", "use_extra_user", "use_fake_user", "user_clear", "user_of_id", "user_remap", "users",
-    'animation_data_clear', 'animation_data_create', 'asset_clear', 'asset_data', 'asset_generate_preview', 'asset_mark', 'bl_rna', 'evaluated_get',
-    'library', 'library_weak_reference', 'make_local','name', 'name_full', 'original',
-    'override_create', 'override_hierarchy_create', 'override_library', 'preview', 'preview_ensure', 'rna_type',
-    'session_uid', 'copy', 'id_type', 'is_embedded_data', 'is_evaluated', 'is_library_indirect', 'is_missing', 'is_runtime_data'
-]
+fields_to_ignore_generic = ["tag", "type", "update_tag", "use_extra_user", "use_fake_user", "user_clear", "user_of_id", "user_remap", "users",
+                    'animation_data_clear', 'animation_data_create', 'asset_clear', 'asset_data', 'asset_generate_preview', 'asset_mark', 'bl_rna', 'evaluated_get',
+                    'library', 'library_weak_reference', 'make_local','name', 'name_full', 'original',
+                        'override_create', 'override_hierarchy_create', 'override_library', 'preview', 'preview_ensure', 'rna_type',
+                        'session_uid', 'copy', 'id_type', 'is_embedded_data', 'is_evaluated', 'is_library_indirect', 'is_missing', 'is_runtime_data']
 
 # possible alternatives https://blender.stackexchange.com/questions/286010/bpy-detect-modified-mesh-data-vertices-edges-loops-or-polygons-for-cachin
 def mesh_hash(obj):
@@ -121,13 +118,6 @@ def lineart(lineart_data):
     return str(fields)
 
 def node_tree(nodetree_data):
-    print("SCANNING NODE TREE", nodetree_data)
-    # output node:
-    output = nodetree_data.get_output_node("ALL")
-    print("output", output)
-
-
-
     fields_to_ignore = fields_to_ignore_generic+ ['contains_tree','get_output_node', 'interface_update', 'override_template_create']
     all_field_names = dir(nodetree_data)
     fields = [getattr(nodetree_data, prop, None) for prop in all_field_names if not prop.startswith("__") and not prop in fields_to_ignore and not prop.startswith("show_")]
@@ -151,6 +141,7 @@ def material_hash(material):
 
     type_of = [type(getattr(material, prop, None))  for prop in all_field_names if not prop.startswith("__") and not prop in fields_to_ignore and not prop.startswith("show_")]
     names = [prop for prop in all_field_names if not prop.startswith("__") and not prop in fields_to_ignore and not prop.startswith("show_")]
+
     tutu = [t == Color for t in type_of] # bpy.types.MaterialLineArt bpy.types.ShaderNodeTree
     #print("fields", type_of)
 
@@ -161,10 +152,11 @@ def material_hash(material):
             print("types", type(bla) == bpy.types.bpy_prop_collection, type(bla) == bpy.types.FloatColorAttributeValue)"""
             
     # print("oooooh", material, material.bl_rna.properties.items())
+
     return str(fields)#str(hash(str(fields)))
 
 # TODO: this is partially taken from export_materials utilities, perhaps we could avoid having to fetch things multiple times ?
-def materials_hash(obj, cache, settings):
+def materials_hash(obj, cache):
     # print("materials")
     materials = []
     for material_slot in obj.material_slots:
@@ -178,54 +170,20 @@ def materials_hash(obj, cache, settings):
             cache['materials'][material.name] = mat
             materials.append(mat)
             # print("NOT CACHHH", mat)
+
+    # materials = [material_hash(material_slot.material) if not material_slot.material.name in cache["materials"] else cache["materials"][material_slot.material.name]  for material_slot in obj.material_slots]
     return str(hash(str(materials)))
 
-# TODO : we should also check for custom props on scenes, meshes, materials
 def custom_properties_hash(obj):
     custom_properties = {}
     for property_name in obj.keys():
         if property_name not in '_RNA_UI' and property_name != 'components_meta':
             custom_properties[property_name] = obj[property_name]
+
     return str(hash(str(custom_properties)))
     
-def modifier_hash(modifier_data, settings):
-    fields_to_ignore = fields_to_ignore_generic
-    all_field_names = dir(modifier_data)
-    fields = [getattr(modifier_data, prop, None) for prop in all_field_names if not prop.startswith("__") and not prop in fields_to_ignore and not prop.startswith("show_")]
 
-    filtered_field_names = [prop for prop in all_field_names if not prop.startswith("__") and not prop in fields_to_ignore and not prop.startswith("show_")]
-    print("fields", fields, "field names", filtered_field_names)
-    node_group = getattr(modifier_data, "node_group", None)
-    if node_group is not None:
-        print("THIS IS A GEOMETRY NODE")
-        for node in node_group.nodes:
-            print("node", node)
-            print("node type", node.type)
-            try:
-                print("node value", node.values())
-            except:pass
-            for input in node.inputs:
-                print(" input", input, input.name, input.label)
-                if hasattr(input, "default_value"):
-                    print("YOHO", dict(input), input.default_value)
-
-            
-
-    return str(fields)
-
-def modifiers_hash(object, settings):
-    print("modifiers", object.modifiers)
-
-    modifiers = []
-    for modifier in object.modifiers:
-        print("modifier", modifier )# modifier.node_group)
-        try:
-            print("MODIFIER FIEEEEEEELD", modifier.ratio) # apparently this only works for non geometry nodes ??
-        except: pass
-        modifiers.append(modifier_hash(modifier, settings))
-    return str(hash(str(modifiers)))
-
-def serialize_scene(settings): 
+def serialize_scene(): 
     cache = {"materials":{}}
     print("serializing scene")
     data = {}
@@ -248,11 +206,9 @@ def serialize_scene(settings):
             armature = armature_hash(object) if object.type == 'ARMATURE' else None
             parent = object.parent.name if object.parent else None
             collections = [collection.name for collection in object.users_collection]
-            materials = materials_hash(object, cache, settings) if len(object.material_slots) > 0 else None
-            modifiers = modifiers_hash(object, settings) if len(object.modifiers) > 0 else None
+            materials = materials_hash(object, cache) if len(object.material_slots) > 0 else None
 
-
-            object_field_hashes = {
+            data[scene.name][object.name] = {
                 "name": object.name,
                 "transforms": transform,
                 "visibility": visibility,
@@ -264,12 +220,8 @@ def serialize_scene(settings):
                 "armature": armature,
                 "parent": parent,
                 "collections": collections,
-                "materials": materials,
-                "modifiers":modifiers
+                "materials": materials
             }
-            object_field_hashes_filtered = {key: object_field_hashes[key] for key in object_field_hashes.keys() if object_field_hashes[key] is not None}
-            objectHash = str(hash(str(object_field_hashes_filtered)))
-            data[scene.name][object.name] = objectHash
 
     """print("data", data)
     print("")

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/settings.py

@@ -1,16 +1,16 @@
 import bpy
 from bpy_types import (PropertyGroup)
 from bpy.props import (EnumProperty, PointerProperty, StringProperty, BoolProperty, CollectionProperty, IntProperty)
-from blenvy.settings import load_settings, upsert_settings, generate_complete_settings_dict
+from blenvy.settings import load_settings, upsert_settings, generate_complete_preferences_dict
 
 # list of settings we do NOT want to save
 settings_black_list = ['settings_save_enabled', 'dry_run']
 
 def save_settings(settings, context):  
     if settings.settings_save_enabled:
-        settings_dict =  generate_complete_settings_dict(settings, AutoExportSettings, [])
+        settings_dict =  generate_complete_preferences_dict(settings, AutoExportSettings, [])
         print("save settings", settings, context, settings_dict)
-        upsert_settings(settings.settings_save_path, {key: settings_dict[key] for key in settings_dict.keys() if key not in settings_black_list}, overwrite=True)
+        upsert_settings(settings.settings_save_path, {key: settings_dict[key] for key in settings_dict.keys() if key not in settings_black_list})
 
 class AutoExportSettings(PropertyGroup):
 
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ class AutoExportSettings(PropertyGroup):
         update=save_settings
     ) # type: ignore
 
-    #### change detection
+    #### general
     change_detection: BoolProperty(
         name='Change detection',
         description='Use change detection to determine what/if should be exported',
@@ -32,13 +32,6 @@ class AutoExportSettings(PropertyGroup):
         update=save_settings
     ) # type: ignore
 
-    materials_in_depth_scan : BoolProperty(
-        name='In depth scan of materials (could be slow)',
-        description='serializes more details of materials in order to detect changes (slower, but more accurate in detecting changes)',
-        default=False,
-        update=save_settings
-    ) # type: ignore
-
     # scenes 
 
     # scene components

tools/blenvy/add_ons/auto_export/ui.py

@@ -32,9 +32,6 @@ def draw_settings_ui(layout, auto_export_settings):
         section.enabled = controls_enabled
         section.prop(auto_export_settings, "change_detection", text="Use change detection")
 
-        section.prop(auto_export_settings, "materials_in_depth_scan", text="Detailed materials scan")
-        
-
     header, panel = layout.panel("Blueprints", default_closed=False)
     header.label(text="Blueprints")
     if panel:

tools/blenvy/add_ons/bevy_components/registry/operators.py

@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@ class OT_OpenSchemaFileBrowser(Operator, ImportHelper):
 
         blenvy = context.window_manager.blenvy
         blenvy.components.schema_path = relative_path
-        upsert_settings(blenvy.components.settings_save_path, {"schema_path": relative_path})
+        upsert_settings(blenvy.settings_save_path, {"components_schemaPath": relative_path})
         
         return {'FINISHED'}
     

tools/blenvy/add_ons/bevy_components/settings.py

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import os
 import bpy
 from bpy_types import (PropertyGroup)
 from bpy.props import (EnumProperty, PointerProperty, StringProperty, BoolProperty, CollectionProperty, IntProperty)
-from blenvy.settings import load_settings, upsert_settings, generate_complete_settings_dict
+from blenvy.settings import load_settings, upsert_settings, generate_complete_preferences_dict
 from .propGroups.prop_groups import generate_propertyGroups_for_components
 from .components.metadata import ensure_metadata_for_all_items
 
@@ -11,9 +11,9 @@ settings_black_list = ['settings_save_enabled', 'watcher_active']
 
 def save_settings(settings, context):
     if settings.settings_save_enabled:
-        settings_dict = generate_complete_settings_dict(settings, ComponentsSettings, [])
+        settings_dict = generate_complete_preferences_dict(settings, ComponentsSettings, [])
         print("save settings", settings, context,settings_dict)
-        upsert_settings(settings.settings_save_path, {key: settings_dict[key] for key in settings_dict.keys() if key not in settings_black_list}, overwrite=True)
+        upsert_settings(settings.settings_save_path, {key: settings_dict[key] for key in settings_dict.keys() if key not in settings_black_list})
 
 # helper function to deal with timer
 def toggle_watcher(self, context):

tools/blenvy/blueprints/blueprints_registry.py

@@ -17,13 +17,14 @@ def refresh_blueprints():
     try:
         blueprints_registry = bpy.context.window_manager.blueprints_registry
         blueprints_registry.refresh_blueprints()
+        #print('refresh blueprints')
     except:pass
 
     return 3
 
 # this is where we store the information for all available Blueprints
 class BlueprintsRegistry(PropertyGroup):
-    blueprints_data = None
+    blueprints_data = {}
     blueprints_list = []
 
     asset_name_selector: StringProperty(
@@ -65,13 +66,10 @@ class BlueprintsRegistry(PropertyGroup):
         self.blueprints_list.append(blueprint)
 
     def refresh_blueprints(self):
-        #print("titi", self)
         blenvy = bpy.context.window_manager.blenvy
         settings = blenvy
         [main_scene_names, level_scenes, library_scene_names, library_scenes] = get_main_and_library_scenes(settings)
         blueprints_data = blueprints_scan(level_scenes, library_scenes, settings)
         self.blueprints_data = blueprints_data
-        return blueprints_data
-        #print("bla", self.blueprints_data)
         """for blueprint in blueprints_data.blueprints:
             self.add_blueprint(blueprint)"""

tools/blenvy/core/blenvy_manager.py

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ import bpy
 from bpy_types import (PropertyGroup)
 from bpy.props import (BoolProperty, EnumProperty, PointerProperty, StringProperty, CollectionProperty, IntProperty)
 from .scene_helpers import SceneSelector
-from ..settings import upsert_settings, load_settings, generate_complete_settings_dict
+from ..settings import upsert_settings, load_settings, generate_complete_preferences_dict
 import blenvy.add_ons.auto_export.settings as auto_export_settings
 import blenvy.add_ons.bevy_components.settings as component_settings
 
@@ -15,15 +15,15 @@ settings_black_list = ['settings_save_enabled', 'main_scene_selector', 'main_sce
 
 def save_settings(settings, context):  
     if settings.settings_save_enabled:
-        settings_dict =  generate_complete_settings_dict(settings, BlenvyManager, [])
+        settings_dict =  generate_complete_preferences_dict(settings, BlenvyManager, [])
         print("save settings", settings, context, settings_dict)
         # upsert_settings(settings.settings_save_path, {key: settings_dict[key] for key in settings_dict.keys() if key not in settings_black_list})
 
 def update_scene_lists(blenvy, context):                
     blenvy.main_scene_names = [scene.name for scene in blenvy.main_scenes] # FIXME: unsure
     blenvy.library_scene_names = [scene.name for scene in blenvy.library_scenes] # FIXME: unsure
-    upsert_settings(blenvy.settings_save_path, {"main_scene_names": [scene.name for scene in blenvy.main_scenes]})
-    upsert_settings(blenvy.settings_save_path, {"library_scene_names": [scene.name for scene in blenvy.library_scenes]})
+    upsert_settings(blenvy.settings_save_path, {"common_main_scene_names": [scene.name for scene in blenvy.main_scenes]})
+    upsert_settings(blenvy.settings_save_path, {"common_library_scene_names": [scene.name for scene in blenvy.library_scenes]})
 
 def update_asset_folders(blenvy, context):
     asset_path_names = ['project_root_path', 'assets_path', 'blueprints_path', 'levels_path', 'materials_path']
@@ -145,12 +145,12 @@ class BlenvyManager(PropertyGroup):
         if settings is not None:
             if "mode" in settings:
                 self.mode = settings["mode"]
-            if "main_scene_names" in settings:
-                for main_scene_name in settings["main_scene_names"]:
+            if "common_main_scene_names" in settings:
+                for main_scene_name in settings["common_main_scene_names"]:
                     added = self.main_scenes.add()
                     added.name = main_scene_name
-            if "library_scene_names" in settings:
-                for main_scene_name in settings["library_scene_names"]:
+            if "common_library_scene_names" in settings:
+                for main_scene_name in settings["common_library_scene_names"]:
                     added = self.library_scenes.add()
                     added.name = main_scene_name
 

tools/blenvy/settings.py

@@ -1,20 +1,16 @@
 import json
 import bpy
 
-def upsert_settings(name, data, overwrite=False):
+def upsert_settings(name, data):
     stored_settings = bpy.data.texts[name] if name in bpy.data.texts else None
     if stored_settings is None:
         stored_settings = bpy.data.texts.new(name)
         stored_settings.write(json.dumps(data))
     else:
-        if overwrite:
-            stored_settings.clear()  
-            stored_settings.write(json.dumps(data))
-        else:
-            current_settings = json.loads(stored_settings.as_string())
-            stored_settings.clear()
-            current_settings = {**current_settings, **data}
-            stored_settings.write(json.dumps(current_settings))
+        current_settings = json.loads(stored_settings.as_string())
+        current_settings = {**current_settings, **data}
+        stored_settings.clear()
+        stored_settings.write(json.dumps(current_settings))
 
 def load_settings(name):
     stored_settings = bpy.data.texts[name] if name in bpy.data.texts else None
@@ -27,7 +23,7 @@ def load_settings(name):
 
 
 # given the input (actual) settings, filters out any invalid/useless params & params that are equal to defaults
-def generate_complete_settings_dict(settings, presets, ignore_list=[], preset_defaults=True):
+def generate_complete_preferences_dict(settings, presets, ignore_list=[], preset_defaults=True):
     complete_preferences = {}    
     defaults = {}
 
@@ -44,18 +40,12 @@ def generate_complete_settings_dict(settings, presets, ignore_list=[], preset_de
             defaults[k] = default
             if preset_defaults:
                 complete_preferences[k] = default
-    #print("defaults", defaults)
+    # print("defaults", defaults)
     
 
     for key in list(settings.keys()):
         if key in defaults and settings[key] != defaults[key]: # only write out values different from defaults
-            value = getattr(settings, key, None) # this is needed for most of our settings (PropertyGroups)
-            if value is None:
-                value = settings[key] # and this for ...gltf settings
-            complete_preferences[key] = value
-            #print("setting", key, value, settings[key], settings)
-
-    
+            complete_preferences[key] = getattr(settings, key, None)
     complete_preferences = dict(filter(filter_out, dict(complete_preferences).items()))
 
     return complete_preferences
@@ -70,19 +60,17 @@ def are_settings_identical(old, new, white_list=None):
     if old is not None and new is None:
         return False
     
-    #print("TUTU", old_items, new_items)
     old_items = sorted(old.items())
     new_items = sorted(new.items())
-
     if white_list is not None:
         old_items_override = {}
         new_items_override = {}
         for key in white_list:
-            if key in old:
-                old_items_override[key] = old[key]
-            if key in new:
-                new_items_override[key] = new[key]
-        old_items = sorted(old_items_override.items())
-        new_items = sorted(new_items_override.items())
-
-    return old_items == new_items
+            if key in old_items:
+                old_items_override[key] = old_items[key]
+            if key in new_items:
+                new_items_override[key] = new_items[key]
+        old_items = old_items_override
+        new_items = new_items_override
+            
+    return old_items != new_items if new is not None else False