How to Work with Screens

Overview

A screen is more than a set of objects. It contains the coded commands (processes) that carry out program functions, the variables that store application data and other objects. Screens provide the interface and interaction between the device operator and the application.

Detail of a Screen represented in the tree view

A – Screen “Menu” (within "Main Program")

B – Routine In (within screen “Menu”)

C – Menu Object “Menu_Button_1” (within screen “Menu”)

D – Event “On Validate” (within screen “Menu”)

E – Event “On Ready” (within screen “Menu”)

F – Event “On Timer” (within screen “Menu”)

G – Event “On Hotkey” (within screen “Menu”)

H – Event “On RFID Tag Read” (within screen “Menu”)

Typical Screen Components

Objects (C)

There are 3 types of objects that can be used within a screen: Display Objects, Input Objects and Menu/Selection Objects. See Adding Objects to a Screen.

Routine In (B)

Contains commands (calculations, file operations, database retrieval, etc.) that are executed before the screen is displayed. These commands can also call routines or local procedures within the program where the screen was created or a global procedure. See Working with Routine In.

Events (D, E, F, G, H)

Any one of these events (On Validate, On Ready, On Hotkey, On Timer, On RFID Tag Read) can be associated with the screen. For an event to trigger an action, the action must be defined with the use of processes. At screen level, the most common process is a Branch “Go to” process (see How to Work with Processes). This enables workflow redirection to a specific destination. For instance, to a routine or another screen within the same program. See Associating Events to a Screen or an Object.

Screen Properties

Contain the general settings that apply to a screen such as “Back Light”, “Beep” “Wall paper”, etc. See Setting Screen Properties.

Screens in the Tree View

The tree view displayed in the "Programs" module allows for the adding, editing, deleting and properties setting of the elements being displayed. Additionally, the tree view offers a visual aid, in terms of the project's architecture.

Therefore, at screen level, there are several options available, as presented below.

Available Right-click menus

Right-clicking the screen displayed in the tree view, provides access to a menu with the following options:

	Copy	Copies the selected screen. Use "Paste" to complete the operation (which is only activated after the "Copy" option is used).
	Paste	Pastes a previously copied screen. Only available after a "Copy" operation is performed.
	Duplicate Screen	Duplicates the selected screen with all its features, objects and processes.
	Add Program	Adds another program to the project.
	Add Local Procedure	Adds a local procedure to the program that contains the selected screen. See Local Procedures.
	Add Screen	Adds a new screen to the program that contains the selected screen. See Creating and Editing a Screen.
	Add Routine	Adds a routine to the program that contains the selected screen. See Working with Routines.
	Add Routine In	Adds a routine prior to any graphic information being displayed on the screen. This option is only available if the screen does not already have a Routine In. See Working With Routine In.
	Add Action	Adds an event such as “On Ready” or “On Validate" to the selected screen. See Associating Events to a Screen or an Object.
	Delete	Deletes the selected screen.
	Export Screen	Exports the selected screen to "Library". See To Export a Screen to Library.
	Import Screen	Imports a screen from "Library". See To Import a Screen from Library. If the target program is "locked" (not editable), this option is NOT applicable.
	Properties	Opens the screen properties window. See Setting Screen Properties.

Right-clicking the object displayed in the tree view, provides access to a menu with the following options:

	Duplicate Control	Duplicates the selected object with all its features.
	Add Program	Adds another program to the project.
	Add Local Procedure	Adds a local procedure. See Local Procedures.
	Add Screen	Adds a new screen to the program. See Creating and Editing a Screen.
	Add Routine	Adds a routine. See Working with Routines.
	Add Action	Adds an event for objects that allow adding an event. See Associating Events to a Screen or an Object.
	Delete	Deletes the selected object.
	Properties	Opens the object properties window. See Adding Objects to a Screen.

Right-clicking the event displayed in the tree view, provides access to a menu with the following options:

	Add Program	Adds another program to the project.
	Add Local Procedure	Adds a local procedure. See Local Procedures.
	Add Screen	Adds a new screen to the program. See Creating and Editing a Screen.
	Add Routine	Adds a routine. See Working with Routines.
	Delete	Deletes the selected object.
	Properties	Opens the object properties window. See Adding Objects to a Screen.

Right-clicking the "Routine In" displayed in the tree view, provides access to a menu with the following options:

	Add Program	Adds another program to the project.
	Add Local Procedure	Adds a local procedure. See Local Procedures.
	Add Screen	Adds a new screen to the program. See Creating and Editing a Screen.
	Add Routine	Adds a routine. See Working with Routines.
	Delete	Deletes the selected object.