# Signal Importer Exporter

The Signal Importer Exporter is a tool that enables the import and export of signals in a standardized neutral format to facilitate seamless integration between different systems requiring signal interfaces. It stores the data in a JSON file, making it easy to exchange information between applications, controllers, and automation environments.

The Signal Importer Exporter can be attached to any GameObject that represents an interface in realvirtual.io. It automatically detects and imports/exports all signals located underneath that GameObject in the hierarchy.

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### **Properties**

#### **Signal Paths**

* **Signal Import List File Path**: Specifies the location of the import file.
* **Signal Export File Path**: Defines the folder where exported signals will be saved.
* **Signal Export Filename**: Name of the JSON file for exported signals (e.g., `SignalExport.json`).

#### **Action Buttons**

* **Import Signals**: Loads signals from the defined **import file**.
* **Export Signals**: Saves the current signals to the **specified export file**.
* **Select Signal Import File**: Allows the user to choose an import file.
* **Select Signal Export Folder**: Enables selection of an export folder.

### **Example Signal Export File**

Here’s a sample exported JSON structure showing how signals are organized:

```json
{
    "Signals": [
        {
            "Name": "IO.Input.Robot.bStatusLoading",
            "Symbolname": "",
            "Comment": "",
            "Type": "BOOL",
            "Direction": "INPUT",
            "Folder": "--- Robot Overall Status ----"
        },
        {
            "Name": "IO.Input.Robot.bStatusUnloading",
            "Symbolname": "",
            "Comment": "",
            "Type": "BOOL",
            "Direction": "INPUT",
            "Folder": "--- Robot Overall Status ----"
        },
        {
            "Name": "IO.Output.Robot.bStartLoading",
            "Symbolname": "",
            "Comment": "",
            "Type": "BOOL",
            "Direction": "OUTPUT",
            "Folder": "--- Start Robot Programms ---"
        },
```

#### **Key Properties in the JSON File**

| **Property**   | **Description**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| -------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Name**       | *(Optional - Name or Symbolname must be filled)* The readable name of the signal. If no `Symbolname` is provided, this value is also used as the **unique ID (symbol name)** of the signal. If a `Symbolname` is defined, this name is used only for display in **realvirtual.io**.                                                                                                                 |
| **Symbolname** | *(Optional - Name or Symbolname must be filled)* The actual **symbol name (ID)** of the signal. If left empty, the `Name` field is used as the symbol name.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| **Comment**    | *(Optional)* A description or note about the signal, useful for documentation. Can be empty.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| **Type**       | The **data type** of the signal. Possible values: `"INT"`, `"BOOL"`, `"FLOAT"`, `"TEXT"`.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
| **Direction**  | <p>The <strong>signal direction</strong>, indicating whether it is an <strong>input or output</strong>. Possible values: <code>"INPUT"</code> or <code>"OUTPUT"</code>.<br>- <strong>INPUT</strong>: The signal is <strong>received</strong> from an external source (e.g., a PLC or hardware system).<br>- <strong>OUTPUT</strong>: The signal is <strong>sent</strong> to an external system.</p> |
| **Folder**     | *(Optional)* Defines a **grouping folder** for organizing signals in **realvirtual.io**. This allows signals to be structured under **empty GameObjects** in Unity for better organization.                                                                                                                                                                                                         |