Container calculation

[Paolo]

Is it possible to create a container calculation and set its formula to display an image ?

I think that a properly formatted string as the formula of a calculation container would result in displaying an image.

I think it is possible, I'm sure it is...

The only problem is that how to format the string is not documented!

Any comment?

[Clint]

I don't know about doing it as a calculation, but it was fairly easy as an applescript. And this way the pictures are easily changed. If you want to get creative, I'm sure a calculation could be used within the script to set the pictures.

In this example the container field is named "picture", the field "path" is text containing the path to the file for that record.

Just make a Script with one action of performing an Applescript, then enter the script below

tell application "FileMaker Pro"

activate

repeat with x from 1 to count of records

go to record x

set (cell "picture" of current record) to (file (cell "path" of current record))

set (cell "count" of current record) to x

end repeat

end tell

[Lee Smith]

Hi Paolo,

Yes you can. Look at the "Calculation Result Is" Pop Down menu below the calculation box.

HTH

Lee

[LaRetta]

Hi Paolo,

You will need two fields to accomplish what you ask. The first would be a container field. You can use either standard container (different for every record) or a global container. These containers can also be repeating fields.

For example, to conditionally display one of two button sets depending upon your calc condition you would:

Create a global container (gButton_gui) with two repetitions. Paste each button in the rep.

Create a calculation (container) with the following:

Case(Status( CurrentRecordNumber) = 1, GetRepetition( gButton_gui, 1), Status( CurrentRecordNumber) = Status( CurrentFoundCount), GetRepetition( gButton_gui, 2))

Place this calculation container on your form where you want the graphic to conditionally display, instead of placing your original container.

LaRetta

[Ugo DI LUCA]

Is it possible to create a container calculation and set its formula to display an image ?

Isn't this the unique purpose of a calculation (container result) ?

What exaclty is the problem you're having Paolo ?

[Paolo]

Yes, but I want to do something more.

Actually the only documented operations that produce a result on a container field are

Container="" (empty)

Container = anotherContainer

If you set the container to, for example

Container = "ABC"

it doesn't produce any result.

But I was wondering if a properly formatted string, in place of "ABC", would produce a graph, a sound or a formatted text inside the container.

BTW:

I've seen a demo that could make graphs and charts without plugings. Unfortunately I didn't have the password to see how that was accomplished.

[Lee Smith]

They still use a container field and the results of a calculation field produces the chart length.

There are a few open demos available at

www.fmfiles.com

Here is one I developed a long time ago in version 4, it should covert to 5 if you need to, without any problems.

HTH

Lee

Timelines.fp3.zip

[Fitch]

"... wondering if a properly formatted string, in place of "ABC", would produce a graph, a sound or a formatted text inside the container."

No, but that's a cool idea for a plugin!

[LaRetta]

Hi Paolo,

Actually, you can use a calculation to display your graph by placing the calculation in the body of a report. The calc could contain ||||| or anything you wish. A good example (Room Availability Overview) was created by Ray (CobaltSky) which displays a very nice graph showing rooms booked by date range. His file attachment is on page 2 of this post:

Room Reservations

Text can not normally be placed in containers; however, if you create a button, put your text on the button and format the button as transparent line and fill then paste into a container, your text will become a graphic and can be displayed. Or you can use a transparent rectangle grouped to your text.

LaRetta

[Ugo DI LUCA]

Ciao Paolo,

I must admit I'm still wondering what you would do with that ABC string...

You may also have a look at Russ Baker and Christian Jaeger Demos posted in the Sample section here.

One uses QuickTime, the other is FMBuilt.

Just in case, you might also visit http://www.fmfiles.com/tnt2.html and download a file called SetRep, which has sounds, repeating fields and a bunch of containers. At least for fun.

[Paolo]

Thank you, I'll take a look at the examples you pointed me to.

Just to be more clear, I was wondering if it is possible to generate a vector graph or a sound on the fly using just filemaker.

Btw. I don't like much graphs generated with |||| or ___ . These techinques were good in the 70's, not in the age of mac and filemaker!

[RussBaker]

Paolo,

The 2 samples of mine that Ugo referred to are at:

http://www.fmforums.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=43001&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=7&o=&fpart=1

for the "RussCalcs from Oz" file in "Handy Bits" which has an example under the Bar Graphs tab of how to use multiple "|" character graphs to produce a mean, +/- SD and Min/Max bar graph, and

http://www.fmforums.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=68888&page=3&view=collapsed&sb=7&o=&fpart=1

for an example of a highlited histogram. Download the file attached to the third post in this thread which starts off with "OK - Enough Already". This sample is where a particular record can be highlighted against the remainder of the histogram, with a text description on the graph of that record's characteristics.

I don't particularly like using the "|" either but why inflict a plug-in on a user if they don't need to buy it? Also - try duplicating the full range of features of the hilighted histogram in something like Excel and see how far you get.

[Paolo]

Thank you Russ!

[mse]

LaRetta said:

[Lee Smith]

[color:"blue"]> Tip: Use of the Haettenschweiler font provides a high-resolution (1 pt) graph

Never heard of this one, is it readily avaliable for free for both platforms?

Lee

[mse]

No idea, just having it on my Mac.

[LaRetta]

Hi Paolo,

Btw. I don't like much graphs generated with |||| or ___ . These techinques were good in the 70's, not in the age of mac and filemaker!

I just wanted to mention something about this, if I could ...

If you view the demo referenced above 'Reservatons' and see the graph (created with |||, I think you'll be quite surprised on how good it looks!

Also, it's not always feasible to have a special font installed on each system, particularly if you share your dbs. This technique would allow anyone to view the graph. Macs ... yes, I'm sure you are right. Macs are great at this sort of thing, I hear. However, not everyone has a Mac and many solutions need to be x-plat nowdays.

Just a thought!

Cheers,

LaRetta