Difference between revisions of "System Panel"

From Flowcode Help
Jump to navigationJump to search
 
(130 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
[[File:sys_panel.jpg|thumb|centre|300px|The System Panel]]
+
[[File:SystemPanel.png|thumb||The System Panel]]
−
The System Panel provides a real-world framework on which to load Flowcode components. It then shows how these components perform during simulation of the current program.
+
The System panel provides a real-world framework on which to load Flowcode components that compliments the [[Dashboard Panel]]. It is designed to show the physical representation of real world components during simulation.
−
It can be customised by adding different background layouts, grids, images etc.
 
  
 +
__TOC__
  
−
__TOC__
 
 
== Overview ==
 
== Overview ==
 +
The System Panel is opened by selecting it in the View menu. Unlike the [[Dashboard Panel]], the System Panel is designed to simulate a 3D environment. It is best suited to designing and positioning objects as all aspects of an object can be viewed. Once an object is designed, it is often used in projects via the [[Dashboard Panel]].
 +
 +
When it opens, you see a central coloured square, called the ''Table top'', set against a coloured background. The colours or images of both are set in the 'General Options'. [[File:GeneralOptionsIcon.png|border]]
  
−
[[File:gen_opt_icon.jpg|thumb|50px|right|General options]]
+
The System panel has a '''Controls''' toolbar running horizontally across the top, much like the [[Dashboard Panel]].
  
−
The System Panel is opened by selecting it in the View menu.  
+
[[Component|Components]] can be added to the System panel from the [[Tools and Views#3)Components Toolbar|Components Toolbar]]. Then, input devices like [[Component: ID 953a042a b2aa 4f2e 94e2 ee2979cfc92e|switches]] can be operated to control the progress of the simulation, while output devices, like [[Component: ID a7b05886 784c 48c8 a6f6 cc371c7728e1|LEDs]] show the result.
  
−
When it opens, you see a central coloured square, called the Table top, set against a coloured background. The colours of both are set in the General Options area
+
===Dashboard or System Panel?===
−
+
To find out more about the differences between the Dashboard and System panel and also recommendations on how to use the two panels for different types of projects please see the article [[Choosing your Simulation Panel|Choosing your Simulation Panel]]
−
This area also allows you to add shadow to the Table top and to objects to make them look more realistic, and to set the size of the Table top.
 
  
−
The Table top provides a 'surface' on which components are placed. It is a flat plane that objects can be placed on. When locked to the Table top, all objects sit on top of it and interact as solid objects. It is also useful as a surface for shadows, giving a sense of depth.
+
===Table top===
 +
The Table top provides a 'surface' on which components are placed. It is a flat plane that objects can be placed on. When locked to the Table top, all objects sit on top of it and interact as solid objects.
  
−
[[File:table_top.jpg|thumb|centre|300px|The Table Top]]
+
It is also useful as a surface for shadows, giving a sense of depth and orientation. The rotate mode of the camera treats the table top as the 'ground' and keeps the camera orientated with this in mind.
  
  
−
Electronic devices can be added to the System Panel from the Components Toolbar. Then, input devices like switches can be operated to control the progress of the simulation, while output devices, like LEDs show the result.
+
===Axis alignment===
 +
The coloured arrows in the top left corner of the panel show the orientation of the camera. You can click any of these arrows to reset the view to look in that axis.
  
 +
For example, clicking on the blue arrow gives a top-down view – looking down the ‘Z’ axis. Clicking on one of the other coloured arrows rotates the object about that axis.
  
−
The 'camera' (viewpoint) can be panned or rotated around different axes using the three icons shown.
 
−
These work in conjunction with the Ctrl key and the 'handles' that appear on an object when it is selected, and with the three coloured arrow heads that show the camera orientation.
 
−
<gallery widths=100px perrow=3 caption="Camera controls">
 
−
File:cam_pan_icon.jpg
 
−
File:cam_rot1_icon.jpg
 
−
File:cam_rot2_icon.jpg
 
−
</gallery>
 
  
−
For example, clicking on the blue arrow gives a top-down view – looking down the ‘Z’ axis. Clicking on one of the other coloured arrows rotates the object about that axis. Pressing the Ctrl key reveals a viewpoint icon (show icon.) Clicking the mouse on one of the 'handles', or on one of the arrow heads, now rotates the camera rather than the object.
+
''Hint:''
 +
:The coordinates of the cursor are shown in the status bar at the bottom of the screen. Using this information can help you to position objects.
  
−
There is also a zoom facility, operated by pressing the Ctrl key and moving the cursor over the viewpoint icon. Clicking the mouse button and dragging downwards causes the view to zoom out. Dragging upwards causes the view to zoom in.
+
:First of all, move the cursor to the desired position, to find its coordinates. Then enter these into the 'Position' [[Component Properties|properties]] of the object in the [[Properties Panel]].
  
−
The coordinates of the cursor are shown in the status bar at the bottom of the screen. Using this information can help you to position objects. First of all, move the cursor to the desired position, to find its coordinates. Then enter these into the 'Position' properties of the object in the Properties Panel.
 
  
 +
 +
==Manipulating objects==
 +
 +
===Selecting items===
 
Multiple items can be selected:
 
Multiple items can be selected:
−
*by holding down the shift key and then clicking on a number of items, one after the other;
+
* By holding down the '''Shift''' key and then clicking on a number of items, one after the other;
−
*by left-clicking the mouse button and dragging over the items.  
+
* By left-clicking the mouse button and dragging over the items.  
  
 
They can then be grouped:
 
They can then be grouped:
−
*by clicking on the ‘group’ icon (show icon)
+
* By clicking on the 'Group' icon. [[File:Gen_Panel_Object_Group_01.png|border]]
−
*by selecting the ‘Group’ option from the ‘Selection’ option which appears when you click the right-hand mouse button.  
+
* By selecting the 'Group' option from the ‘Selection’ menu which appears when you click the right-hand mouse button.  
  
−
In this way, complex structures can be assembled from a number of parts.
+
In this way, complex [[Component Tree|nested structures]] can be assembled from a number of parts.
 
To ungroup, select the object and then click on the same icon.
 
To ungroup, select the object and then click on the same icon.
  
−
=== The controls ===
 
−
 
−
The System Panel has a '''Shapes''' toolbar running vertically down the left-hand side, and a '''Controls''' toolbar running horizontally across the top.
 
−
 
−
===== Shapes toolbar =====
 
−
 
−
:At the top is a colour selector, which sets the colour of any shape added to the work area. By clicking on the down-arrow, one of a wide range of colours can be selected.
 
−
:Below it is the text icon,used to 'drag and drop' a single row of alphanumeric characters onto the work area. Afterwards, you can select it, by clicking on it, and configure it using the Properties Panel. In particular, when added, it is displayed as “Please change caption.” You can edit the text displayed using the bottom ‘Text’ control on the Properties Panel.
 
−
:The next fifteen icons allow you to add a variety of shapes - some two-dimensional, others three-dimensional, to the work area. Each takes the colour chosen in the colour selector at the top. Each one can be configured using the Properties Panel, to determine the position, size and rotation of the shape, for example.
 
−
:Mesh...
 
  
−
===== Controls toolbar =====
 
  
−
The first four controls operate on the size, position and rotation of the component.
 
−
:The left-hand end control (show icon) allows you to move the selected object around the work area.
 
−
:Moving to the right, the next control (show icon) allows you to re-position a single point on an item. When you select an object and click on this control, pink ‘handles’ appear on the object. Selecting one of these allows it to be moved to a new position on the work area. The effect is to change the appearance, size or rotation of the object.
 
−
:The next control (show icon) allows you to change the size of the object. After selecting an object and clicking on this control, a number of blue ‘handles’ appear on the object. Any of these can be ‘grabbed’ and moved to re-size that particular dimension of the object. (Handles at the corners affect size in two dimensions.)
 
−
:The fourth control (show icon) allows you to rotate an object. After selecting it and clicking on this control, a number of yellow ‘handles’ appear on the object. These allow the object to be rotated around different axes.
 
  
−
The next three controls determine the camera (viewpoint) behavior.
+
== Multiple views==
−
:The first allows the camera to pan left / right / up / down.
+
A powerful feature of Flowcode is the ability to view the components from several camera angles simultaneously, enabling orthographic design of the system. Up to four views can be shown.  
−
:The second allows the camera to rotate around a vertical axis.  
 
−
:The third allows the camera to rotate about a horizontal axis.  
 
  
−
The next control (show icon) determines what happens when two objects ‘collide‘. The options are that they move through, move around or move over each other.
+
The number of views can be changed by clicking the 'General Options' [[File:Gen Panel General Options 01.png|border]] icon and then clicking on the drop down menu [[File:Btn_Menu_Arrow.png]] next to the 'Number of views:' option and then selecting a value from 1-4 on the menu.
  
−
The next control(show icon)is used to align the camera with the selected object.
+
By clicking on the appropriate arrowheads, you can set up each view as shown below.
  
−
The next two controls are used to set properties for the whole panel.
+
Depending on the size and shape of the Systems Panel, the three views may be arranged vertically, instead of horizontally. Drag one edge of the Systems Panel sideways to see this effect.
−
The first (show icon) allows you to lock movement of objects:
+
[[File:gen_exerciseSystemPanelshapecontrol_threeview1_01.png|500px|center]]
−
*to the grid,
 
−
*to other objects,
 
−
*to the table-top.  
 
  
−
:The grid can be re-sized and made visible in a range of colors via this control.  
+
You can adjust the viewpoint individually for each view, by operating the 'camera position' controls.
  
−
The second, (show icon), is used to:
+
An example of doing so is given below - notice the positions of the red, green and blue arrows in each:
−
*set the number of views, allowing, for example, plan and elevation views of a component;
+
[[File:gen_exerciseSystemPanelshapecontrol_threeview2_01.png|500px|center]]
−
*set the resolution, ‘level of detail’, of the display.
 
  
 +
Alternatively, you can make changes to the objects themselves, in which case all three views are affected at once.
  
−
=== Exercises ===
+
In the next image, the instrument panel has been rotated:
−
* [[Exercise 4.1 - Setting up the System Panel]]
+
[[File:gen_exerciseSystemPanelshapecontrol_threeview3_01.png|500px|center]]
−
* [[Exercise 4.2 - Adding electronic devices]]
 
−
* [[Exercise 4.3 - Adding shapes]]
 
−
* [[Exercise 4.4 - Grouping components]]
 
−
* [[Exercise 4.5 - Moving a component]]
 
−
*# Lateral movement
 
−
*# Rotation
 
−
* [[Exercise 4.6 - Adding labels]]
 
−
* [[Exercise 4.7 - Controlling collisions]]
 
−
* [[Exercise 4.8 - 2D or 3D?]]
 
−
* [[Exercise 4.9 - Adjusting the camera]]
 
−
*# Zooming in and out
 
−
*# Panning the camera
 
−
*# Rotating the camera
 
−
* [[Exercise 4.10 - Configuring the System Panel]]
 

Latest revision as of 08:46, 2 July 2019

Error creating thumbnail: sh: /usr/bin/convert: No such file or directory Error code: 127
The System Panel

The System panel provides a real-world framework on which to load Flowcode components that compliments the Dashboard Panel. It is designed to show the physical representation of real world components during simulation.

Overview

The System Panel is opened by selecting it in the View menu. Unlike the Dashboard Panel, the System Panel is designed to simulate a 3D environment. It is best suited to designing and positioning objects as all aspects of an object can be viewed. Once an object is designed, it is often used in projects via the Dashboard Panel.

When it opens, you see a central coloured square, called the Table top, set against a coloured background. The colours or images of both are set in the 'General Options'. GeneralOptionsIcon.png

The System panel has a Controls toolbar running horizontally across the top, much like the Dashboard Panel.

Components can be added to the System panel from the Components Toolbar. Then, input devices like switches can be operated to control the progress of the simulation, while output devices, like LEDs show the result.

Dashboard or System Panel?

To find out more about the differences between the Dashboard and System panel and also recommendations on how to use the two panels for different types of projects please see the article Choosing your Simulation Panel

Table top

The Table top provides a 'surface' on which components are placed. It is a flat plane that objects can be placed on. When locked to the Table top, all objects sit on top of it and interact as solid objects.

It is also useful as a surface for shadows, giving a sense of depth and orientation. The rotate mode of the camera treats the table top as the 'ground' and keeps the camera orientated with this in mind.


Axis alignment

The coloured arrows in the top left corner of the panel show the orientation of the camera. You can click any of these arrows to reset the view to look in that axis.

For example, clicking on the blue arrow gives a top-down view – looking down the ‘Z’ axis. Clicking on one of the other coloured arrows rotates the object about that axis.


Hint:

The coordinates of the cursor are shown in the status bar at the bottom of the screen. Using this information can help you to position objects.
First of all, move the cursor to the desired position, to find its coordinates. Then enter these into the 'Position' properties of the object in the Properties Panel.


Manipulating objects

Selecting items

Multiple items can be selected:

  • By holding down the Shift key and then clicking on a number of items, one after the other;
  • By left-clicking the mouse button and dragging over the items.

They can then be grouped:

  • By clicking on the 'Group' icon. Gen Panel Object Group.png
  • By selecting the 'Group' option from the ‘Selection’ menu which appears when you click the right-hand mouse button.

In this way, complex nested structures can be assembled from a number of parts. To ungroup, select the object and then click on the same icon.



Multiple views

A powerful feature of Flowcode is the ability to view the components from several camera angles simultaneously, enabling orthographic design of the system. Up to four views can be shown.

The number of views can be changed by clicking the 'General Options' Gen Panel General Options 01.png icon and then clicking on the drop down menu Btn Menu Arrow.png next to the 'Number of views:' option and then selecting a value from 1-4 on the menu.

By clicking on the appropriate arrowheads, you can set up each view as shown below.

Depending on the size and shape of the Systems Panel, the three views may be arranged vertically, instead of horizontally. Drag one edge of the Systems Panel sideways to see this effect.

Gen exerciseSystemPanelshapecontrol threeview1 01.png

You can adjust the viewpoint individually for each view, by operating the 'camera position' controls.

An example of doing so is given below - notice the positions of the red, green and blue arrows in each:

Gen exerciseSystemPanelshapecontrol threeview2 01.png

Alternatively, you can make changes to the objects themselves, in which case all three views are affected at once.

In the next image, the instrument panel has been rotated:

Gen exerciseSystemPanelshapecontrol threeview3 01.png
Retrieved from "https://www.matrixtsl.com/wiki/index.php?title=System_Panel&oldid=23645"