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        VDI Viewer for PDA >> VDIV Discussion >>  Viewer for NSBasic Application
        
(Message started by: Doogieman104 on Dec 18^th, 2003, 8:58pm)

Title: Viewer for NSBasic Application
Post by Doogieman104 on Dec 18^th, 2003, 8:58pm

First of all, let me say that I was impressed with the viewer resolution on my Palm TC.

I am currently developing a program in NSBasic for PalmOS, and I have a need to view photos with biographical data on the same form as the viewer. Additionally, I wish to be able to set up a maximum of six photos on one form with small captions beneath each one. NSB allows me to embed 16 bit images (bitmaps), but the colors are all washed out and splotchy. If I place HiRes images, they show a little better on the TC, but still have some graininess.

I have absolutely no knowledge of bitmap or graphics manipulation, and therefore, I decided to try for a viewer that could interface in some manner (hopefully in the above described manner) with my program. Are there any methods for accomplishing this by using the VDI viewer?

TIA for any and all assistance and guidance.

Title: Re: Viewer for NSBasic Application
Post by Denis Bakin on Dec 24^th, 2003, 5:39pm

NSBasic is a totally white spot to me. Besides that I do not know your requirements for the pictures, i.e. how big are they, where do you plan to store them, should the data be updated separately from the app or does it have to be one bunde etc.
With some work involved the viewer part of the VD can be separated from the menu, forms, database search routines etc. and used as pure view+scroll engine. You'll need to fill in image data or have the image data in the VD format in your database. The preview (small pictures several of which should fit on one form) can be prepared separately (a normal quality resizing is a computationaly expansive operation) and be a part of the data as well as the full size pictures.

Title: Re: Viewer for NSBasic Application
Post by Doogieman104 on Dec 24^th, 2003, 7:10pm

Denis,

Thanks for responding.

The program I am developing requires images in two sizes: 80x95 and 50x50 (pixwidth). The images are currently stored in a separate database in main Palm memory. I'm sure a memory card can work as well, although I have not worked with VFS. Image resizing is done outside the program, so that is not a concern. Also, I would not even have any need for the scroll mechanism, as the photos would be fully sized when viewed.

My question is whether the viewer can be somehow linked or integrated so that the photo can be viewed simultaneous with the bio info. Also, on units w/o 16 bit resolution capabilities, can the viewer display the images in less resolution, or must this be accomplished by loading the images already at the lower resolutions.

I apologize again for my ignorance as to graphics/image viewers.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Title: Re: Viewer for NSBasic Application
Post by Denis Bakin on Dec 24^th, 2003, 8:42pm

I don't think a separate viewer is going to help you. PalmOS already has all you need. Check the http://www.palmos.com/dev/support/docs/palmos/UserInterface.html#982297
and http://www.palmos.com/dev/support/docs/palmos/Bitmap.html#1089133
for instruction on how to show bitmaps. As for the mixing it with text you have to decide how to layout the screen. From the bits of the information I've got it looks like you just need to show a HTML page or a document containing graphics (i.e. pdf), so that is probably what you should look for.

Title: Re: Viewer for NSBasic Application
Post by Doogieman104 on Dec 24^th, 2003, 10:52pm

Denis,

Thanks. I'll pursue that avenue.

Once again, I wish you Happy Holidays.

Bruce