Output an image to popup with AFL

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Eric Sooy
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Company Name: Black Swamp Percussion

Output an image to popup with AFL

Post by Eric Sooy »

With the latest control software...

Using the "Window On" and "Window Off" and the "Print" command with the AFL (advanced function language), how would one have an image "print" in the popup window?

Or, is there another way to do this? When starting a program, I want a picture of the fixture setup to appear on the screen before the program can continue.

Thanks
Daniel Odom
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Re: Output an image to popup with AFL

Post by Daniel Odom »

Not sure about AFL but you could prob. write a script w/ autohotkey that could do something like that.
Eric Sooy
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Company Name: Black Swamp Percussion

Re: Output an image to popup with AFL

Post by Eric Sooy »

So how would that work? What I want is for the image to be attached to the specific program. So when the operator hits the start button the image pops up on the screen, and then he will have to hit the start again to continue on with the program. Just sort of a double check on things.
Brad McIntosh
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Re: Output an image to popup with AFL

Post by Brad McIntosh »

Eric,

On the newer generation of THM controls you can try the following:

  • % Execute/launch "image" or "PDF" in the background and then proceed on...
    % >> Make sure that path and filename does not contain spaces and exists!
    [NEWPROC,"CALL", "BACK", "CMD.EXE /C START D:\DATA\Images\eCabs_through_the_Ages.jpg",""]

See my example attached. Just make sure the D:\DATA\IMAGES exists and that the sample JPG is copied into it. The operator will be responsible for closing down the application that displayed the image/PDF.

Of course there should be a program associated to the file type so that the appropriate application is started to display the image or PDF.

Hope this helps.
Attachments
POP-UP-AND-GO.zip
Example of the POP-UP-AND-GO concept.
(240.13 KiB) Downloaded 556 times
Brad McIntosh
CNC Automation

Home: http://www.cncautomation.com
Twitter: @bmcncautomation
Eric Sooy
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Posts: 21
Joined: Tue, Aug 25 2009, 7:22AM
Company Name: Black Swamp Percussion

Re: Output an image to popup with AFL

Post by Eric Sooy »

Hey thanks a ton!

Now to just get the rest of the $$$ for the upgrade for the Ye Ancient OS/2 Warp.
Brad McIntosh
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Joined: Wed, May 18 2005, 6:59PM
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Re: Output an image to popup with AFL

Post by Brad McIntosh »

Hmmmmm...

Sorry... for both the "New Generation COntrol Only" solution AND that you are limited to the old pre-2000 OS/2 based controller.

Although, if it still cuts and makes money! Can't complain about that.

NOTE: Even on the newer generation controls, the AFL Print Window is limited to ASCII text only. Won't even support the extended ASCII character set. :(


Cheers!
Brad McIntosh
CNC Automation

Home: http://www.cncautomation.com
Twitter: @bmcncautomation
Eric Sooy
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Posts: 21
Joined: Tue, Aug 25 2009, 7:22AM
Company Name: Black Swamp Percussion

Re: Output an image to popup with AFL

Post by Eric Sooy »

Ok, finally got my machine upgraded and that little line of code works great! Thanks so much!
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