Slider Drawing Method
Available in all applications
Used by: Analog Output, Analog Control, Selector Switch
The Slider drawing method is used to create an output control. An operator can drag the slider in order to set a value which will be output by the associated tag.
Any bitmap may be used for the slider image, although images from the Arrows group of VTS images are recommended (this group includes slider toggles, as demonstrated in the center image of the example). The slider may be drawn vertically or horizontally and can be configured with the maximum value at either end of the range.
Feedback is provided to the operator while moving the slider, via a tooltip window. You also have the option of querying the operator for verification before any change is saved.
To make the slider intuitive to use, it is recommended that it be placed on or near an instrument image that clearly shows the available range of motion, and provides scale markers for reference.
The graphic editor for the Slider drawing method will appear as 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 Bitmap dialog, from which you can select an image to display for the completed Slider object. This is typically an arrow from the Arrows group.
Select this option if you want the completed Slider object to operate vertically. If you would prefer the Slider to operate horizontally, leave this box unchecked.
When selected, moving the slider up (or to the right if Draw Vertically is not selected) will result in an increase of the value to write. Otherwise, values will increase towards the bottom or left as the slider moves.
Setting Value Tooltip On Right
When selected, a tool tip displaying the value to which the slider is being set, appears on the right of a vertical slider or above a horizontal slider. When not selected, the tooltip appears to the left of the vertical slider, below the horizontal slider.
This checkbox will be labeled Setting Value Tooltip On Top if the Draw Vertically checkbox is not selected.
If selected, the operator to be prompted for confirmation of any new value being set.
The Scale Bitmap checkbox can be selected if you wish to optionally scale the selected slider image proportionally within its drawing area. If the Scale Bitmap checkbox is not selected, the selected Slider image will not be scaled proportionally within its drawing area (i.e. if you change the size of the Slider's drawing area, the image will be stretched disproportionately).