Hi Balaji,
I had a similar request from a customer for this type of functionality. In that case, there were 6 items that needed
to be controlled. For that project, I used an array of values for all of the indicators/controls. It worked, but it
was clumsy to code and the user interface wasn't ideal (as the FP was resized, it would jump to the next size in the
array - not terrible - but not smooth).
When I saw your request it was a good excuse to look at this again and see if there was a better solution.
The first thing you need to understand is how the Resize Event works:
The Panel Resize event always runs at least twice.
First with old and new Panel Bnds being different and then (when dragging stops) with old and new Panel Bnds being
equal.
So given that functionailty, you can start to define the tasks that need doing and where to put them.
- Soapbox mode on -
Experimentation is a key factor in learning/using LabVIEW. Put in probes, use highlight execution, really try to
understand how the code is running. Build incrementally and verify that each part works as expected. Ask questions
and try to do what people suggest. Embrace these things and you will be able to answer most LabVIEW questions. [This
is more productive than "waiting" :)]
- Soapbox mode off -
After following my own advice and doing some experiments, I came up with the attached example.
In the example program, the indicator and font are resized when you drag the FP edge. When resizing is complete, the
FP bounds are adjusted to match the indicator. This gives a smooth response while dragging and provides visual
feedback of the font size you will have when you stop dragging.
Program Notes:
o No error handling - this should be added
o The "magic numbers" for calculating Width and Height will need adjustment for your application
o Be sure to test that the maximum number of characters to be displayed will fit in the indicator
o Select a specific font for the indicator so the app will look right on different OS versions
(Don't forget that "Application Font" is not the same on WinXP and Win7)
---
The "good" and the "not so good" about using an LED font:
The "good" - it's easy to set up - just install an LED font, restart LabVIEW and use the new font.
The "not so good" - you have to install the LED font on each taget machine where the program is used. If for some
reason the font is not installed, the result may not be usable (for example - numbers too large for indicator). Of
course you could read the actual font with property nodes and adjust things accordingly, but that is a complication.
---
steve
www.AshfordSolutions.com
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Founding (and only) member of AUITA - the Anti UI Thread Association.
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