The SL-GMSRun ActiveX Control provides the power of the SL-GMSRun-Time Library within the software component framework defined by Microsoft's COM and ActiveX technology. It is easy to use the SL-GMSRun ActiveX Control to display graphical models built with the SL-GMSDraw Dynamic Graphic Editor in any application that can function as an ActiveX container. Graphical models are selected for display and attached to data through properties and methods of the SL-GMSRun ActiveX Control.

SL-GMSRun ActiveX Control Displaying a Model in Visual Basic

The SL-GMS AX/Developer Package, featuring SL-GMSRun ActiveX Control and SL-GMSDraw, provides an ideal solution for Visual Basic and MFC/COM developers. Visual Basic developers instance the Control in forms to display complex dynamic diagrams. The GmsModelName property is set on the Control to specify the model that is displayed; this may be changed while the application is running. Multiple instances of the Control may be run at the same time. The user can easily obtain the names of variables referenced by a model's dynamic behaviors using methods in the Control and attach these variables to live data.

Dynamic Graphics Symbols

Another use of the SL-GMSRun ActiveX Control is in applications, such as MFC/COM applications, requiring dynamic symbology that will respond to changes in data and input events. SL-GMSDraw is used to build the symbols which are instanced as needed by the application, each symbol becomes an instance of the ActiveX control.

Examples of Dynamic Graphics Symbols

The SL-GMSRun-Time Library

At the heart of the SL-GMSRun ActiveX Control is the SL-GMSRun-Time Library. It provides a robust library of basic functionality for the management of dynamic graphics and control of user interaction. Objects in the graphical model are automatically changed to reflect the state of application specific data variables according to dynamic behaviors attached to objects when the model is built. The engine uses proven, tested, and efficient techniques for storage of model files, object extent processing, execution of dynamic properties, redraw operations, and much more.

The SL-GMSRun-Time Library supports over 50 dynamic behaviors that are controlled through application variables and events including:

real-time movement, rotation, scaling, and path traversal percent fill of irregular objects visible and detectable change

text label, formatting, and alignment change fill color and style change edge color, width, and style change

Dynamic behaviors that change object properties are triggered by data thresholds that are defined using constants or variables.

SL-GMSDraw

SL-GMSDraw is a sophisticated Dynamic Graphic Editor that facilitates the construction of graphical models. The editor provides tools that create graphic objects and set their properties. Tools are also provided that allow the user to specify an object's dynamic behavior and the variables that drive that behavior. Dynamic behaviors can be tested within the editor to ensure their proper operation before using them in an application.

SL-GMSDraw is an Windows/MFC based editor that provides advanced features, such as snap and point modes, alignment tools, object ordering tools, object reference point tools, and point editing. It also provides standard editing features, such as cut, copy, paste, undo, redo, toolbars, tool tips, and pop-up menus.

SL-GMSRun ActiveX Control Features

It is very easy to use the SL-GMSRun ActiveX Control in any application that supports ActiveX controls. Complex graphical models containing native GUI controls and SL-GMS custom input objects can be read from the local system, or from remote systems using the FTP and HTTP protocols. Once a model file is loaded, the control determines the variables used in the model's dynamic behaviors, and makes them available for connection to live data. The data driving the graphical model can be provided by other ActiveX controls, or the container application. The SL-GMSRun ActiveX Control is approximately 2 MB in size and multiple instances can be supported with a single OCX.

The SL-GMSRun ActiveX Control provides properties, methods, and events that allow for its full integration into component based applications -- selected instances of these are described below.

Properties GmsModelName - Specifies the name of a file containing a graphical model created in SL-GMSDraw. GmsPathList - Specifies a list of locations to search for the graphical model file. A location can be accessed using FILE, FTP or HTTP protocol. GmsUpdatePeriod - An optional time interval in milliseconds. At the end of each time interval, dynamic behaviors (triggered by data changes) are updated and their associated graphics are redrawn. Alternatively, the container application can provide event driven updates by executing the GmsUpdate method described below. GmsCropMode - Determines whether the view of the graphical model is cropped or scaled when the control is resized. Methods GmsSetVar - Sets the value of a variable employed in the graphical model. Dynamic behaviors that use the variable are marked for update. GmsGetVar - Used from within a GmsVarChanged event handler (described below) to obtain the current value of a variable in the graphical model. GmsUpdate - Updates all pending dynamic behaviors and redraws affected objects. GmsGetVarTable - Returns the complete list of variables in the SL-GMS variable table Events GmsFileLoaded - Sends the name and path of a file after it has been successfully loaded by SL-GMS. GmsVarChanged - Sends the name of a variable that has been changed by events or actions within the control. GmsObjectSelected - Sends information about an object in the model that was selected with the mouse. The SL-GMSRun ActiveX Control also supports SL-GMS mouse events as well as ActiveX stock events.