Gradient Color Change Drawing Method
Available in all applications
Used by: All drivers, All Analog and Digital tags, Alarm, Calculation, Counter, Deadband Control, Function, Modem, Network Status, Pump Status, Script, Selector Switch, Serial Port, Totalizer, SQL Logger
The Gradient Color drawing method is used to overlay any graphic object with a wash of color so that when the associated tag's value changes from 0 to 1 (or any value greater than 0.5 in the case of analogs), the selected Gradient Color object's color range superimposes itself over the object.
If the object over which the Gradient Color object is layered is a solid color, the Gradient Color object washes the object with a solid color. If the underlying object is a pipe or other object with a color range, the Gradient Color object will produce a multi-shaded color change.
The initial color range of the gradient color must match the object it is placed above in order for the final color to be displayed. In the case of a pipe, any of the pipe’s shades will work for the gradient color’s initial range. (Note: although rare, this can present an odd situation in the case where one of the pipe shades matches the background of the page. The result is that the gradient color cannot distinguish between the pipe and the page and so will be displayed in its entirety.)
The graphic editor dialog for the Gradient Color drawing method is shown:
(Click title to expand text)
The Tag field displays the name and description of the tag that is currently associated with this drawing method. You can use this to select a different tag or parameter to use as the data source for this drawing method.
The Tag field is only present when editing a completed drawing method object
Opens the Select Color Dialog, from which you can choose a color matching the object that the Gradient Color will overlay. In the case of a pipe, which has a range of color, you may select any of the shades in that range.
If the Initial Color does not match the overlaid object, the final color will not be shown.
Opens the Select Color Range Dialog, from which you can choose the color that the overlaid object will turn when the tag associated with this drawing method has a value of 1.
If the overlaid object is a solid color, gradient color will also be a single color. In this case, the lightest color from the range will be used.