Difference between revisions of "Component"

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A component is a device which is controlled by a Flowcode program.
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A '''Component''' is a device which is controlled by a Flowcode program, and can extend the Flowcode interface.  
It can consist of two parts:
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[[File:robot_arm.jpg|frameless|right|A component]]
*a physical part;
 
*attached electronic devices.
 
[[File:robot_arm.jpg|frameless|center|A component]]
 
 
 
  
  
 
== Overview ==
 
== Overview ==
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A Component can be ''anything'' that is self-contained, for example:
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* An electronic device
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* A measuring instrument
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* A packaged simulation
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* An extension to the system
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* A library of useful macros
  
A component can sit on the System Panel or the Dashboard Panel.
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A component always has a physical presence on the [[System panel]] or the [[Dashboard panel]]. This is to allow the user to easily select and identify the components they are using, and also, where graphics are used, to provide a representation of the object the Component represents. The Component object can also be used to convey useful information to the user.
[[File:two_panels.jpg|thumb|400px|center|]]
 
The System Panel allows a three-dimensional view, whereas the Dashboard Panel is 'top-down' view, and is usually used to hold input devices such as switches, so that they are always accessible, even when the component is rotated in the System Panel.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electronic devices are located in the Components toolbox. It is divided into sections such as ‘Inputs’, ‘Outputs’, ‘St
 
 
 
 
 
To load a device:
 
*locate the device that you need;
 
*move the cursor over it - a down-arrow appears;
 
*this allows you to add the device to either the System Panel or the Dashboard Panel. Click on the one you want.
 
 
 
Next, you need to configure its properties, such as appearance, position and electrical connections, using the Properties Panel.
 
 
 
 
 
To load a physical element:
 
*‘click and drag’ with the mouse.
 
 
 
Once the element is added, its properties, such as size, position, colour, shadow etc. can be configured using the Properties Panel.
 
[[File:props_panel.jpg|thumb|center|200px|Property Panel]]
 
 
 
 
 
=== Exercises ===
 
<br / >
 
 
 
* [[Exercise 2.1 - Create a mounted LED component]]
 
 
 
 
 
* [[Exercise 2.2 - Create flowchart 1 to make the LED component flash on and off]]
 
 
 
  
* [[Exercise 2.3 - Simulate flowchart 1.]]
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Components also have access to other features of Flowcode suitable for displaying data, such as the [[Software scope]] or [[Console]], where a Component can create their own data feeds for reading and writing information.
  
  
* [[Exercise 2.4 - Create a traffic light component using the LED component ]]
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==Components structure==
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A Component comprises of a combination of primitive [[Panel shapes|shapes]], existing Components, flowchart macros, [[Component resources|resources]] and [[Component properties|properties]]. When the Component is exported this information is packaged into a self-contained unit, similar to an ''executable application'' which can then be no longer read or edited.
  
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Components are located in the Components toolbox. It is divided into sections such as ''Inputs'' and ''Outputs'' to help the user find what they want.
  
* [[Exercise 2.5 - Create flowchart 2 to control the traffic light]]
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Any component can be used as a building-block to create new components.

Revision as of 21:59, 15 May 2013

A Component is a device which is controlled by a Flowcode program, and can extend the Flowcode interface.

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Overview

A Component can be anything that is self-contained, for example:

  • An electronic device
  • A measuring instrument
  • A packaged simulation
  • An extension to the system
  • A library of useful macros

A component always has a physical presence on the System panel or the Dashboard panel. This is to allow the user to easily select and identify the components they are using, and also, where graphics are used, to provide a representation of the object the Component represents. The Component object can also be used to convey useful information to the user.

Components also have access to other features of Flowcode suitable for displaying data, such as the Software scope or Console, where a Component can create their own data feeds for reading and writing information.


Components structure

A Component comprises of a combination of primitive shapes, existing Components, flowchart macros, resources and properties. When the Component is exported this information is packaged into a self-contained unit, similar to an executable application which can then be no longer read or edited.

Components are located in the Components toolbox. It is divided into sections such as Inputs and Outputs to help the user find what they want.

Any component can be used as a building-block to create new components.