Object Graphics Printing [message #32664] |
Wed, 23 October 2002 06:53  |
btupper
Messages: 55 Registered: January 2002
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Hello all,
I enjoy working with objects graphics when I can... until somebody
wants a printout. Then I hate the dang stuff. It *always* seems
like such a tinker-with-it-until-it-works experience. Hmph!
I have been daydreaming (again) about a generic tool much like
FSC_PSCONFIG, that is, an interactive tool for placing/sizing object
graphics on a printed page.
I gather from the object printing examples in 'What's New in IDL 5.5'
the only things that need to be modified are
(1) the LOCATION property of the VIEW(s) to be drawn
and
(2) the SCALE properites of any of the MODELS contained in the
VIEW(s).
It appears that one only needs to ascertain and save the initial
properties of the view(s) and the models contained in the view(s).
Then, relocate the views and rescale the models for the printer.
Next, invoke the printer's draw method. Finally, restore the original
properties of the view(s) and models. Piece of cake, maybe.
I find the example a bit hard to fathom because information about the
object graphics window is used to scale/locate the object graphics
onto the printer page. It makes it seem complicated and a bit
adhoc... precisely my own experience.
My questions are...
(1) is it possible to properly size/place object graphics on a printer
page given *only* the VIEW(s) and the PRINTER object?
(2) If it is possible to size/locate object graphics in a general way,
can the concept be 'enlarged' to encompass any destination device
(like the clipboard or buffer)?
Thanks!
Ben
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