Need help with multi-image database, and thier relationships.

[damion]

Hello All, I am a very new individual to FileMaker, and have been tasked with the responsibility of making a database for the graphics production flow in our company.

Here is a brief description of what I am trying to do. I have a database comprised of graphic panels. Each graphic panel is comprised of several elements, all of which are unique except for "images". There could be any number of images that comprise the content of any graphic panel.

I've alloted up to 12 container boxes per record for these thumbnails. My containers are "image1" "thru "image12". I am making another layout that is just a detail of that particular thumbnail.

It seems like I need to make 12 unique, though identical looking layouts for each detail view of my 12 container boxes, each one capable of storing specific data on that particular thumbnail.

The problem is, now I have 12 different layouts for the detail on each thumbnail. Can I link the 12 thumbnail details together somehow for searching?

See, if I search via the thumbnail number, it will only pull up the matching record IF i happen to be in that layout of the 12. How can I link the 12 layouts or the content in the layouts so that I can search on any of them and find the exact thumbnail?

OR since I am just in the beginning of this layout, is there an altogether better way to handle the data?

Thank you,

Damion

Edited February 22, 2008 by Guest
Make it more comprehensible...

[mr_vodka]

If I am understanding your situation correctly, it seems as though you should really have two tables. The first table will be the general info for the entire graphic. The second will be a related table of all the individual graphic panels (in your case 12)that make up the graphic. So each panel becomes its own record with each record having the iamge in the container field and fields for description. I dont see why you need 12 layouts.

[damion]

I am now working with a second table. Actually, I have a series of 3 tables at this point, but something is not jiving yet.

So my Table kind of looks like this:

Base Panel Table (general information)

!

!

!

!

!

Image 1 --

Image 2 ---

Image 3------- Content Table

Thru ---/

Image 12 --/

The content table lists all of the images used on a single graphic panel on one record by their unique Image ID number (and a container with matching image)

!

!

!

!

Details Table.

The third table (Details table) lists all of the details that comprise each of those 12 images that are put into that graphic individually (only one image and relating information per record).

Now, as for Keys from one database to another. Every single graphic panel has a unique ID number associated with it. Additionally, every single one of the 12 images used also has a unique ID number.

The PANEL ID number is the key from the Base Table to the Content Table. The IMAGE ID is the key from the Content Table to the Detail Table.

I am not sure how to show 12 different IMAGE ID's on one record, and link it properly to the Details table (and details record). Do I link all 12 of the Image ID's in the content to the 1 image ID in the detail?

Still stubbornly plugging along!

Thanks,

Damion

am understanding your situation correctly, it seems as though you should really have two tables. The first table will be the general info for the entire graphic. The second will be a related table of all the individual graphic panels (in your case 12)that make up the graphic. So each panel becomes its own record with each record having the iamge in the container field and fields for description. I dont see why you need 12 layouts.

Edited February 22, 2008 by Guest
to clarify before my mind melts.