AMX G4 PANELBUILDER V1.1 User Manual
G4 PanelBuilder
v1.1
instruction manual
Software
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
G4 PanelBuilder Overview .......................................................................................1
Welcome to G4 PanelBuilder ............................................................................................ 1
System Requirements ....................................................................................................... 1
The G4 PanelBuilder Work Area ....................................................................................... 2
G4 PanelBuilder Application Interface ..................................................................................... 2
File Menu ................................................................................................................................. 3
Edit Menu ................................................................................................................................. 3
Project Menu ............................................................................................................................ 3
Toolbox Menu .......................................................................................................................... 3
Diagram Menu.......................................................................................................................... 4
View Menu ............................................................................................................................... 4
Help Menu................................................................................................................................ 4
Diagram Area ........................................................................................................................... 5
Toolbar ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Tasks Pane .............................................................................................................................. 6
Quick Links............................................................................................................................... 7
Toolbox .................................................................................................................................... 7
Color Schemes......................................................................................................................... 8
Status Bar ................................................................................................................................ 8
Viewing Panes ......................................................................................................................... 8
Changing Visual Style .............................................................................................................. 8
Basic Operations ......................................................................................................9
Getting Started .................................................................................................................. 9
Creating A New Project............................................................................................................ 9
Adding A Toolbox Element to The Diagram............................................................................. 9
Adding Elements via The Diagram Menu............................................................................... 11
Connecting Elements ............................................................................................................. 11
Editing Diagram Element Properties via The Diagram Menu................................................. 11
Generating A TPDesign4 Project ........................................................................................... 11
Saving A Project..................................................................................................................... 12
Closing A Project.................................................................................................................... 12
Templates........................................................................................................................ 13
Preview A Template via Template Manager .......................................................................... 13
Opening A Most Recently Used Template ............................................................................. 13
Install A Template via Template Manager.............................................................................. 13
Install Templates from AMX.com ........................................................................................... 13
Install A Template from File ................................................................................................... 14
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Remove A Template from G4 PanelBuilder ........................................................................... 14
Opening A Project ........................................................................................................... 14
Changing Color Schemes ............................................................................................... 15
Creating A New Project from File.................................................................................... 15
Editing Project Properties................................................................................................ 15
Alternate Screen Names ................................................................................................. 16
Using Unicode Text......................................................................................................... 16
Preview Diagram Element............................................................................................... 16
Preview A Toolbox Element ............................................................................................ 17
Globally Remove An Element Instance........................................................................... 17
Undo, Redo And Delete .................................................................................................. 17
Create Snapshots to Clipboard ....................................................................................... 18
Show and Hide Grid ........................................................................................................ 18
Snap To Grid................................................................................................................... 18
Zoom in And out of Diagram ........................................................................................... 18
Using Web Updates ........................................................................................................ 19
Exiting G4 PanelBuilder .................................................................................................. 19
Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder .............................................................21
Creating Templates with Alternate Screen Names ......................................................... 24
Creating Templates with Color Schemes........................................................................ 24
Define The Color Scheme...................................................................................................... 24
Create A Preview Image ........................................................................................................ 24
Template Requirements.................................................................................................. 25
Required Template Elements.......................................................................................... 25
Optional Template Elements........................................................................................... 27
Rules for Navigating A Template .................................................................................... 30
Template Wide Conventions ........................................................................................... 31
AMX Element Naming Conventions................................................................................ 31
Program Reference ................................................................................................33
Dialogs ............................................................................................................................ 33
AMX.com Template Library Dialog Window........................................................................... 33
Close Project Dialog Window................................................................................................. 34
Color Schemes Dialog Window.............................................................................................. 34
Diagram Preview Dialog Window ........................................................................................... 35
Diagram Properties Dialog Window ....................................................................................... 35
Errors And Warnings Report Dialog Window ......................................................................... 36
Generate TPDesign4 Project Dialog Window ........................................................................ 36
Install Templates from File Dialog Window ............................................................................ 37
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Table of Contents
New From File Dialog Window ............................................................................................... 37
New Project Dialog Window ................................................................................................... 38
Open Project Dialog Window ................................................................................................. 39
Project Properties Dialog Window.......................................................................................... 39
Replace Template Dialog Window ......................................................................................... 40
Save As Dialog Window......................................................................................................... 40
Template Manager Dialog Window ........................................................................................ 41
Template Sample Images Dialog Window ............................................................................. 42
Unicode Edit Window ............................................................................................................. 42
Context Menus ................................................................................................................ 43
Diagram Area Context Menu.................................................................................................. 43
Toolbox Context Menu ........................................................................................................... 43
View Context Menu ................................................................................................................ 44
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Table of Contents
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G4 PanelBuilder
G4 PanelBuilder Overview
Welcome to G4 PanelBuilder
With the advent of G4 PanelBuilder, AMX enables proficient G4 panel programmers to enjoy sleek
touch panel designs without the need for a graphic artist. Dealers now have the choice of using
AMX created panel templates or implementing their own TPDesign4 creations.
System Requirements
G4 PanelBuilder will supports the following platforms:
Windows 2000 (Service Pack 3 or greater)
If you are installing on a Windows 2000 machine, you must have Administrator rights
to install and run all required System files.
Windows XP Home and Professional (Service Pack 1 or greater)
Other PC requirements:
G4 PanelBuilder Overview
Pentium 233 MHZ processor (minimum requirement); 300 MHZ or faster recommended.
75 MB of free disk space (minimum requirement); 150 MB recommended.
128 MB of installed memory (RAM).
Minimum (VGA) screen resolution of 800x600
Windows-compatible CD-ROM drive.
Windows-compatible mouse (or other pointing device).
G4 PanelBuilder
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G4 PanelBuilder Overview
The G4 PanelBuilder Work Area
G4 PanelBuilder Application Interface
The G4 PanelBuilder Application Interface is the main view you work with when creating a new
panel file (*.PB4), as you can see it is visually driven.
Menu
Bar
Toolbar
Toolbox
Status
Bar
FIG. 1 G4 PanelBuilder Application Interface
Instance Counter
Diagram Area
Tasks
Pane
Quick
Links
G4 PanelBuilder Application Interface
Menu Bar The menu bar is the location of all functions for G4 PanelBuilder.
Toolbar The toolbar contains icons for the commonly used functions.
Toolbox All elements available within a selected template reside in the toolbox. The toolbox is only
available when a template is open.
Status Bar In addition to giving you the current status of G4 PanelBuilder, i.e., Ready. The status bar
also provides a brief description of toolbar and menu items via mouse over.
Instance Counter The instance counter tracks and displays the number of times an element is used within the
current project.
Diagram Area The Diagram area is the graphical representation of the flow your panel file will follow. After
pulling the elements from the Toolbox you can connect and develop the elements.
Tasks Pane The tasks pane is a collection of links to commonly used functions. In addition to opening
projects (both new and existing), tasks pane tracks recently opened projects and templates.
To access anything listed in the tasks pane, click on any of the items listed.
Quick Links Located within the Tasks Pane is a small sub-section quick links. These links allow you
quick access to adding and managing templates within G4 PanelBuilder.
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G4 PanelBuilder
G4 PanelBuilder Overview
File Menu
The File menu serves as a location for file management, project information and template
management.
File Menu
New Launches the New Project dialog window.
New From File Launches the New From File dialog window.
Open Launches the Open Project dialog window.
Close Closes the project currently open.
Save Saves the current project. If the project has not been previously saved it will
Save As Launches the Save As dialog window.
Generate TPDesign4 Project Launches the Generate TPDesign4 Project dialog window.
Install Templates From
AMX.com
Install Templates From File Launches the Install Templates from File dialog window.
Template Manager Launches the Template Manager dialog window.
Most Recently Used List A list of most recently opened project file names.
Exit Closes the G4 PanelBuilder application.
launch the Save As dialog window.
When an internet connection is present, connects to AMX.com and launches
the AMX.com Template Library dialog window.
Edit Menu
The Edit menu governs the actions within the Diagram area.
Edit Menu
Undo Undoes action taken in diagram area. Undo does not apply to text changes within elements.
Redo Reverses the undo action taken within the diagram area.
Delete Deletes the element currently selected in the Diagram area.
Project Menu
The Project menu is a set of features covering the project properties and related items.
Project Menu
Project Properties Launches the Project Properties dialog window.
Project Template Sample Images Launches the Template Sample Images dialog window.
Color Schemes Launches the Color Schemes dialog window.
Toolbox Menu
The Toolbox menu is a set of features for interacting with the Toolbox area.
Toolbox Menu
Add Element To Diagram Adds the element currently selected within the Toolbox to the Diagram area.
Remove All Instances From
Diagram
Element Preview Launches the Templates Sample Images dialog window with the currently
Removes all instances of the currently selected element from the Diagram
area.
selected element shown.
G4 PanelBuilder
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G4 PanelBuilder Overview
Diagram Menu
The Diagram menu interacts directly with the Diagram area.
Diagram Menu
Add Element A complete list of available elements within your selected template. Select any
Properties Launches the Diagram Properties dialog window. This feature views the
Preview Launches the Diagram Preview dialog window.
Show Grid Shows the grid in the Diagram area.
Snap To Grid Locks all element placements to grid lines.
Zoom Out Decreases the magnification of the diagram area. Increments are 150%, 125%,
Zoom In Increases the magnification of the diagram area. Increments are 150%, 125%,
Zoom A list of available increments to zoom into or out of the diagram area. Click on
Copy Snapshot To Clipboard Copies only the diagram area to your computer's clipboard.
View Menu
element to have it placed within the Diagram area.
properties of the selected element within the Diagram area.
100%, 75% and 50% of work area.
100%, 75% and 50% of work area.
the desired magnification to implement.
The View menu allows you to toggle different aspects of the G4 PanelBuilder Application Interface
on and off. Additionally, you can change the appearance of the application itself. A check next to
the title indicates it is visible.
View Menu
Visual Style A list of visual appearances for the G4 PanelBuilder. Select one of the following:
• Default (Windows 2000®)
• Office XP®
• Office 2003®
Help Menu
The Help menu contains features for updating the application and connecting with AMX for a
demo on how to use G4 PanelBuilder.
Help Menu
Contents Launches the G4 PanelBuilder help, Contents section.
AMX Training Demo Connects to AMX.com for the online demo for using G4 PanelBuilder.
Web Update Launches the AMX Web Update utility. Internet connection is necessary.
About G4 PanelBuilder Displays the about G4 PanelBuilder dialog containing information pertaining to
version and copyright.
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G4 PanelBuilder
G4 PanelBuilder Overview
Diagram Area
The Diagram area is the graphical representation of the flow your panel file will follow. After
pulling the elements from the Toolbox you can connect and develop the elements. You can either
click and drag or nudge the elements within the Diagram area. Select an element and use your
arrow keys to nudge.
Exiting Node
Entering
Node
Connection Line
Element
FIG. 2 Diagram Area
Diagram Area
Entering Node This node receives the connection line from another element.
Exiting Node This node connects out to another element.
Element The building block of the panel files, i.e., Modes, Navigation, Devices, and etc.
Connection Line The graphical representation of the connection between two elements. The color of the
connection line is dictated by the element it is exiting.
Toolbar
The toolbar contains icons for the commonly used functions:
New
New From File
Open
Save
Generate TPDesign4 Project
Delete
Undo
Redo
Color Schemes
Zoom Out
Zoom In
Copy Snapshot To Clipboard
Template Manager
FIG. 3 Toolbar
G4 PanelBuilder
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G4 PanelBuilder Overview
Toolbar
New Launches the New Project dialog window.
New From File Launches the New From File dialog window.
Open Launches the Open Project dialog window.
Save Saves the current project. If the project has not been previously saved it will
Generate TPDesign4 Project Launches the Generate TPDesign4 Project dialog window.
Delete Deletes the element currently selected in the Diagram area.
Undo Undoes action taken in diagram area. Undo does not apply to text changes
Redo Reverses the undo action taken within the diagram area.
Color Schemes Launches the Color Schemes dialog window.
Zoom Out Decreases the magnification of the diagram area. Increments are 150%, 125%,
Zoom In Increases the magnification of the diagram area. Increments are 150%, 125%,
Copy Snapshot To Clipboard Copies only the diagram area to your computer's clipboard.
Template Manager Launches the Template Manager dialog window.
Tasks Pane
launch the Save As dialog window.
within elements.
100%, 75% and 50% of work area.
100%, 75% and 50% of work area.
The tasks pane is a collection of links to commonly used functions. In addition to opening projects
(both new and existing), tasks pane tracks recently opened projects and templates. To access
anything listed in the tasks pane, click on any of the items listed.
Recently
Opened
Projects
Open Project
Recently Opened Templates
New File
New from File
FIG. 4 Tasks Pane
Tasks Pane
Recently Opened Projects A list of file names for recently opened existing projects.
Open Project Launches the Open Project dialog window.
Recently Opened Templates A list of file names for recently opened templates.
New File Launches the New Project dialog window.
New from File Launches the New From File dialog window.
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G4 PanelBuilder
G4 PanelBuilder Overview
Quick Links
Located within the Tasks Pane is a small sub-section quick of links. These links allow you quick
access to adding and managing templates within G4 PanelBuilder.
AMX.com Template Library
Install Template from File
Open Template Manager
FIG. 5 Quick Links
Quick Links
Install Templates From
AMX.com
Install Templates From File Launches the Install Templates From File dialog window.
Template Manager Launches the Template Manager dialog window.
If a internet connection is available, G4 PanelBuilder connects to AMX's
collection of online templates. The templates are found in AMX.com Template
Library dialog window.
Toolbox
All elements available within a selected template reside in the toolbox. The toolbox is only
available when a template is open.
Element
(i.e., Mode Element
with 3 items)
FIG. 6 Toolbox
Element Sections
As you can see, the toolbox is divided into elements with specific pages contained therein. Click on
the element you would like to add, i.e., Navigation, Device, etc. All available elements will be
shown. When available, a thumbnail representation of the page will appear within the toolbox;
otherwise a general image will be shown for the thumbnail. Mouseover the element to get a
description. Once you have found the element you would like to use, you can right-click on the
thumbnail to access the toolbox context menu or drag-and-drop the element into the diagram area.
G4 PanelBuilder
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G4 PanelBuilder Overview
Only contained within the template are represented within the toolbox. If the template does not
contain a particular element, you will not see it in the toolbox.
Color Schemes
Templates can contain multiple color palettes, allowing you to switch from one color scheme to
another within one template. The current scheme is reflected in the element preview but the
elements in the toolbox will remain the main color scheme.
Used either with Chameleon buttons or standalone, you can use a single template that can deliver
different predefined color schemes.
Status Bar
Located at the bottom of the G4 PanelBuilder Application Interface is the status bar. In addition to
giving you the current status of G4 PanelBuilder, i.e., Ready. The status bar also provides a brief
description of toolbar and menu items via mouse over.
Viewing Panes
The G4 PanelBuilder Application Interface is composed of panes, sections containing tools for
creating a panel project. To reveal or hide different panes:
Select View > (any of the panes listed; a check mark indicates the pane is in view)
Toolbar, Tasks Pane, Toolbox or Status Bar.
Changing Visual Style
So, you love everything G4 PanelBuilder does for you and just could not be more impressed. Well,
you would rather it fit in with the Windows 2000® theme you have. To change the appearance of
G4 PanelBuilder:
Select View > Visual Style and select from the following
Default
Office XP®
Office 2003®
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G4 PanelBuilder
Basic Operations
Getting Started
Creating A New Project
The first step towards designing a new *.TP4 file is creating a new project file (*.PB4).
1. Launch the G4 PanelBuilder application.
2. Select File > New. This launches the New Project dialog window.
3. Type the Job Name in the corresponding field.
4. Select the Panel Type and Resolution from the drop down menus.
5. Select your desired template family from the thumbnails listed.
If no templates are shown you will need to load them. You can either Install A
Template from File or Install Templates from AMX.com.
6. After you have clicked on your desired template, click OK.
Basic Operations
7. Your new project is now open to the G4 PanelBuilder Application Interface. A Start element is
in place within the Diagram area.
If a project is already open and you select open a new or existing project, you are
prompted by the Save As dialog window. The previous project will remain on screen
until you are done setting up the new project.
Adding A Toolbox Element to The Diagram
Once you have a project file open you can add elements to the panel file.
1. Select the element type within the Toolbox.
2. Find the desired element, click-and-drag the element to the Diagram area.
G4 PanelBuilder
FIG. 7 Drag a Navigation element to the Diagram area
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