User talk:Davidhewitt - Revision history

JonCruz: /* Auto-Scroll whilst creating paths ... */

2009-03-31T16:50:20Z

Auto-Scroll whilst creating paths ...

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:50, 31 March 2009
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	It can be a little jarring for some people but you quickly get used to this...		It can be a little jarring for some people but you quickly get used to this...
	I would recommend that an additional option for this function would be a second margin should be able to be defined inside the active area that would be a warning margin..I.E that when you got say between 20-10 pixels from the edge of the screen a warning would happen by way of flashing the cursor once ETC.. and then when you got to with in say 10 pixels (the active area) the autoscroll (re-center) would be executed...		I would recommend that an additional option for this function would be a second margin should be able to be defined inside the active area that would be a warning margin..I.E that when you got say between 20-10 pixels from the edge of the screen a warning would happen by way of flashing the cursor once ETC.. and then when you got to with in say 10 pixels (the active area) the autoscroll (re-center) would be executed...

			=== Issues ===

			One main problem with this is that even though the canvas jumps to a new center, the pointer can not because the tablet will keep it at an absolute position. The best that can be done is a standard autoscroll where the motion vector is recorded as the cursor hits the edge/margin of the canvas and the canvas starts to move the opposite of that vector while the cursor stays motionless (or adds slightly to it). [[User:JonCruz\|JonCruz]]

	== New Inkscape input tool... ==		== New Inkscape input tool... ==

Davidhewitt: /* Parameters ... */

2009-02-23T02:32:36Z

Parameters ...

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:32, 23 February 2009
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	*1) trigger margin...(ie the width of the virtual boarder (in pixels) around the edge of the screen that triggers the auto-scroll function.)		*1) trigger margin...(ie the width of the virtual boarder (in pixels) around the edge of the screen that triggers the auto-scroll function.)
	*2) Pan Incrament... how far the screen moves in relation to the position of the mouse pointer...I.E pan to center on pointer, pan half way to pointer, or pan past the pointer etc....		*2) Pan Incrament... how far the screen moves in relation to the position of the mouse pointer...I.E pan to center on pointer, pan half way to pointer, or pan past the pointer etc....
	*3) weather to reposition the mouse pointer relative to the screen or to so maintain its position relative to the design....		*3) weather to reposition the mouse pointer relative to the screen (so as to maintain its position relative to the design....)

	(This option is to accommodate pen tablets that map the screen directly to the tablet itself)...		This option is to accommodate pen tablets that map the screen directly to the tablet itself...

	Anyway the effect of this autoscroll is that when the user gets to the edge of the screen, it is usually set to, automatically re-position the scren to center the area where you were when you hit the edge of the screen so you can continue your path....		Anyway the effect of this autoscroll is that when the user gets to the edge of the screen, it is usually set to, automatically re-position the scren to center the area where you were when you hit the edge of the screen so you can continue your path....

Davidhewitt: /* 5) '''Radial Limit''' */

2009-02-18T10:36:05Z

5) '''Radial Limit'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:36, 18 February 2009
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	Picture (3) in the diagram above shows how the '''"Auto Smooth Ends"''' function works.		Picture (3) in the diagram above shows how the '''"Auto Smooth Ends"''' function works.

	And picture (4)shows how an adjusted arc can be rotated to mask a different part of the shape		And picture (4)shows how an adjusted arc can be rotated to mask a different part of the shape.

			N.B ITs worth noting here that even though this tool does behave like it is masking out the object below... it would actually be as if the masked section was a trimmed!
			This is VERY VERY VERY important as the real power of this tool lies in is ability to combine with the other tools here...

			So that even though it would appear like masking the result would be like the trimmed section was an object in itself (outside of this tools editing mode).

			This would allow feathering or expansions to be applied to this segment.

	[[Image:Ex_7b.png]]		[[Image:Ex_7b.png]]

Davidhewitt: /* 6) '''Feather''' */

2009-02-18T10:01:33Z

6) '''Feather'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:01, 18 February 2009
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	=== 6) '''Feather''' ===		=== 6) '''Feather''' ===
			The feather tool would work in much the same way as all the other tools in this series do.
			Inside and outside extents of the feather zone are independently adjustable and the extent of the feather can even be expanded beyond the object outline to create a larger object whose UNFEATHERED "inner region is exactly the original outline with the expanded outline being the extent of the blurr.

			[[Image:Ex_8.png]]

Davidhewitt: /* New Inkscape "Contour FX" Icon & tool bar... */

2009-02-18T09:22:48Z

New Inkscape "Contour FX" Icon & tool bar...

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:22, 18 February 2009
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	=== 3) '''Selecting and Resizing Contour Exclusion objects''' ===		=== 3) '''Selecting and Resizing Contour Exclusion objects (Externally)''' ===

	These objects when clicked on with the normal select tool in inkscape (outside of its own edit mode) these objects have 2 seperate active regions...		These objects when clicked on with the normal select tool in inkscape (outside of its own edit mode) these objects have 2 seperate active regions...
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	2) The Inner-most outline.		2) The Inner-most outline.

	*Clicking on the object normally with the select tool and then resizing will resize it as normal		*Clicking on the object normally with the select tool and then resizing will resize it as normal.

	'''HOWEVER.'''		'''HOWEVER.'''

	*Clicking on the object in the middle will actually select the innermost outline...in the same way		*Clicking on the object in the middle will actually select the innermost outline...in the same way it would if this inner outline was a separate object.
			However this would not be the case....
			Then re-sizing the whole object from this inner set of object handles would still re-size the whole object but in such a way that maintained the "thickness" of the "donut".

			[[Image:Ex_5.png]]

			=== 4) '''Tool Specific Resizing of "Contour Exclusion object"''' ===
			This image shows how this these objects can be edited in its native environment.

	=== 4) '''Feather''' ===		I.E. When the "Contour Exclusion Tool" is active with this object selected...
			Again There are two sets of object handles but in this case these resize each
			outline independantly.

			[[Image:Ex_6.png]]


			=== 5) '''Radial Limit''' ===
			This tool designed to be used with "contour exclusion objects", allows the user to mask out any part of these objects radially.

			The user simply grabs the large "clock like" handle that appears when this tool is selected and drags this around to mask out an area of the "donut" shape produced whe a "contour excluded object" is created.

			This mask can be rotated around in a circle with-out effecting its "arc" thickness by using the little round handles midway down each "clock arm".

			Picture (3) in the diagram above shows how the '''"Auto Smooth Ends"''' function works.

			And picture (4)shows how an adjusted arc can be rotated to mask a different part of the shape
			[[Image:Ex_7b.png]]

			=== 6) '''Feather''' ===

Davidhewitt: /* New Inkscape "Contour FX" Icon & tool bar... */

2009-02-18T08:10:14Z

New Inkscape "Contour FX" Icon & tool bar...

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:10, 18 February 2009
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	developed.		developed.

	The top row of icons (colored) shows what functions would appear up on the top when this "Contour FX icon" was activated and the bottom row shows what additional tool options would appear along with each contour function (colored button)when it was selected.		The top row of icons (colored) shows what functions would appear (If this proposal was fully realized) up on the top tool bar when this "Contour FX icon" was activated and the bottom row shows what additional tool options that would appear along with each contour function (colored button) when it was selected.

	[[Image:Contour_fx2.png]]		[[Image:Contour_fx2.png]]
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	=== 1) '''Expand/Conract''' ===		=== 1) '''Expand/Conract''' ===
	This is an Expand or Contract function similar to what already exists in inkscape via the "[Ctrl] [(]" & "[Ctrl] [)]" Functions...		This is an Expand or Contract function similar (in capability) to what already exists in inkscape via the "[Ctrl] [(]" & "[Ctrl] [)]" Functions...

	N.B. However a certain "bug" in the way this existing functionality		N.B. However a certain "bug" in the way this existing functionality
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	article progresses and more elaborate functionality is shown...		article progresses and more elaborate functionality is shown...

			This Expand/Contact function would be simply achieved by clicking the appropriate button [Green 1] when an object was selected

			This would activate the "Special" object handles which would be used to drag in or out to expand or contract the shape as shown...
			(In the same way that the xara contour tool is operated.)
			Objects could be expanded or contracted in the same way by click dragging any of these special object handles outward or inward respectively.

			[[Image:Ex_1.png]]

			*'''This expand/contract function would have an "as copy" option...'''
			Checking this option (a tick box would be sufficient) would create a
			new copy of the source object (in the same position) with the transformation
			applied (when the mouse button was released).
			This copy would be placed on top of the source object for reduction...
			Or just underneath the source object for expansion actions.

			[[Image:Ex_2.png]]

			This image shows how an expansion action with the "as copy" option creates another copy of the source object placed underneath the source (based on the expansion of the source object itself).

			With this option the copy would be a "free agent" and would not be automatically grouped to the source object.


	=== 2) '''Contour Exclusion''' ===		=== 2) '''Contour Exclusion''' ===
	(~~An exciting~~ new function)		*'''This is an exciting new tool for Inkscape!...'''
			This tool operates exactly like a normal expansion or contraction except that
			the Expansion/Contraction action produces a "donut" effect.
			(In the same way as if a new object had been created with the Expansion/Contraction
			and this was then combined with the source object with Exclude function.

			[[Image:Ex_3.png]]

			This next image shows the same object with a reduction action applied with this tool.

			[[Image:Ex_4.png]]

	And a powerful option associated with this tool:		And a powerful option associated with this tool:
	'''"Radial Limit"'''		'''"Radial Limit"'''

	=== 3) '''Feather''' ===
			=== 3) '''Selecting and Resizing Contour Exclusion objects''' ===

			These objects when clicked on with the normal select tool in inkscape (outside of its own edit mode) these objects have 2 seperate active regions...

			1) The Outer-most outline. &

			2) The Inner-most outline.

			*Clicking on the object normally with the select tool and then resizing will resize it as normal

			'''HOWEVER.'''

			*Clicking on the object in the middle will actually select the innermost outline...in the same way



			=== 4) '''Feather''' ===

Davidhewitt: /* New Inkscape "Contour FX" Icon & tool bar... */

2009-02-18T05:54:28Z

New Inkscape "Contour FX" Icon & tool bar...

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:54, 18 February 2009
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	== New Inkscape "Contour FX" Icon & tool bar... ==		== New Inkscape "Contour FX" Icon & tool bar... ==
			=== General description/about this article... ===

	* A new Tool bar icon for inkscape that brings up tools for various contour effects on the top info bar...		* A new Tool bar icon for inkscape that brings up tools for various contour effects on the top info bar...

	This new icon would activate the active content bar and serve up all contour		This new icon would activate the active content bar and serve up all contour
	related functionality in one area.		related functionality in one area up on the top tool space.
	This would house some existing inkscape functions, introduce new ~~functionality~~		This would house some existing inkscape contour functions, introduce new
	and also be the future stage for future contour tools yet to be developed.		functionality and also be the future stage for future contour tools yet to be
			developed.

	* This article does not deal with the "~~standard~~" contour ~~and Blend tools as they exist in "Xara Extreme" and "Corel Draw" ETC... As a peek at either one of these apps could give you more and better ideas RE: these functions than i could..~~.		The top row of icons (colored) shows what functions would appear up on the top when this "Contour FX icon" was activated and the bottom row shows what additional tool options would appear along with each contour function (colored button)when it was selected.

	[[Image:~~Contour_fx~~.png]]		[[Image:Contour_fx2.png]]
			* This article '''does not''' deal with the "standard" contour and Blend tools '''(Shown in PINK)'''as they exist in "Xara Extreme" and "Corel Draw" ETC... As a peek at either one of these apps could give you more and better ideas RE: these functions than i could...(although space for these functions has been reserved: I.E. the two pink icons)


			''This article is related more specifically to:'' (the GREEN Buttons)
			And also specifically to what additional on screen UI functionality would be introduced to properly operate each function. (More detail later).

			These functions are:


			=== 1) '''Expand/Conract''' ===
			This is an Expand or Contract function similar to what already exists in inkscape via the "[Ctrl] [(]" & "[Ctrl] [)]" Functions...

			N.B. However a certain "bug" in the way this existing functionality
			currently works would have to be addressed (illustrated below):
			[[Image:ECon.png]]
			Notice how when a shape is reduced and then re-expanded that that
			calculations do not refer back to the original shape.
			The reason why this will need to be fixed will become apparent as this
			article progresses and more elaborate functionality is shown...



			=== 2) '''Contour Exclusion''' ===
			(An exciting new function)
			And a powerful option associated with this tool:
			'''"Radial Limit"'''

			=== 3) '''Feather''' ===

Davidhewitt: /* New Inkscape input tool... */

2009-02-18T04:57:50Z

New Inkscape input tool...

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:57, 18 February 2009
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	This would allow great flexibility to accommodate a wide range of input hardware and also personal preferences.		This would allow great flexibility to accommodate a wide range of input hardware and also personal preferences.


			== New Inkscape "Contour FX" Icon & tool bar... ==

			* A new Tool bar icon for inkscape that brings up tools for various contour effects on the top info bar...

			This new icon would activate the active content bar and serve up all contour
			related functionality in one area.
			This would house some existing inkscape functions, introduce new functionality
			and also be the future stage for future contour tools yet to be developed.

			* This article does not deal with the "standard" contour and Blend tools as they exist in "Xara Extreme" and "Corel Draw" ETC... As a peek at either one of these apps could give you more and better ideas RE: these functions than i could...

			[[Image:Contour_fx.png]]

Davidhewitt: /* Auto-Scroll that happens automatically... */

2009-02-17T12:07:02Z

Auto-Scroll that happens automatically...

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:07, 17 February 2009
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	== Auto-Scroll ~~that happens automatically~~... ==		== Auto-Scroll whilst creating paths ... ==
	~~Its curious that inkscape already has functionality called autoscroll, but nothing that causes scrolling to happen automatically...~~		* New type of auto scroll useful whilst creating paths/objects.
			* Triggered when the mouse pointer gets with-in a set margin from the edge of the screen. (X pixels).
	~~Whist not for everyone what i call "proper autoscroll" I.E scrolling that happens automatically when you get to the edge~~ of ~~the screen (~~whilst creating ~~a path)~~.
	~~(Different from the kind of scrolling that happens~~ when ~~you drag an object off~~ the ~~edge of the screen.)~~

	~~This type of auto scroll aids users when they are creating objects and they hit~~ the edge of the screen~~... this does exist in some other applications and is loved by many...~~.(~~hated by others~~)...

	[[Image:autoscroll.png]]		[[Image:autoscroll.png]]
			(Image is a dialogue from a program with a similar fuction)

	~~Here is a dialogue from an application that does have a genuine autoscroll function.~~		=== Parameters ... ===
			*1) trigger margin...(ie the width of the virtual boarder (in pixels) around the edge of the screen that triggers the auto-scroll function.)
	A similar autoscroll function that kicks in automatically when the cursor gets close to the edge of the screen whilst creating a path(centering the cursor and scrolling the screen automatically) would be a welcome addition to the fine scrolling options already present in inkscape....		*2) Pan Incrament... how far the screen moves in relation to the position of the mouse pointer...I.E pan to center on pointer, pan half way to pointer, or pan past the pointer etc....
			*3) weather to reposition the mouse pointer relative to the screen or to so maintain its position relative to the design....
	~~Generally this autoscroll would have parameters in settings to control various things~~

	1) trigger margin...(ie the width of the virtual boarder (in pixels) around the edge of the screen that triggers the auto-scroll function.)

	2) ~~adjustment~~... ~~where to move~~ the screen to in relation to the position of the ~~cursor~~...I.E center ~~new screen position~~ on the ~~position of the cursor when the auto scroll was triggered ETC..~~.~~half way between center ETC~~...

	3) weather to ~~move~~ the mouse pointer so ~~that it remains over the top of the same~~ position relative to the design....

	~~or to leave it in the same position relative to the screen itself~~ (~~this second~~ option is ~~for~~ pen tablets that map the screen directly to the tablet itself)...		(This option is to accommodate pen tablets that map the screen directly to the tablet itself)...

	Anyway the effect of this ~~function~~ is that when the user gets to the edge of the screen it automatically re-~~positions~~ to center the area where you ~~are...~~when you hit the edge of the screen ~~and~~ you can continue ~~working~~....		Anyway the effect of this autoscroll is that when the user gets to the edge of the screen, it is usually set to, automatically re-position the scren to center the area where you were when you hit the edge of the screen so you can continue your path....

	It can be a little jarring for some people but you quickly get used to this...		It can be a little jarring for some people but you quickly get used to this...

Davidhewitt: /* Customization */

2009-02-17T11:44:48Z

Customization

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:44, 17 February 2009
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	For example:		For example:

	1) Curve node ----> [left mouse].		1) Curve node ------> [left mouse].
	2) corner node --~~--> [Combination]~~---> [Hold Shift]-[Left Mouse]		2) corner node -----> [Hold Shift]+[Left Mouse]
	3) Sketch Segment ----> [middle Mouse]-[Click & Drag to sketch]		3) Sketch Segment --> [middle Mouse]-(Click & Drag to sketch)
	4) bezier segment ----> [alt] - [active whilst held]		4) bezier segment --> [alt] - (active whilst held)
	5) finalize -----> Right mouse or Enter~~.....~~		5) finalize --------> [Right mouse] or [Enter]
	6) node reduce --~~-) [Combination]~~---> [Hold Shift]-[mouse wheel]		6) node reduce -----> [Hold Shift]-[mouse wheel]

	OR you could configure any way you wanted I.E another example		OR you could configure any way you wanted I.E another example

	1) Curve node ----> [right mouse].		1) Curve node ------> [right mouse]
	2) corner node ----> [Left Mouse]		2) corner node -----> [Left Mouse]
	3) Sketch Segment ----> [Left Mouse-[Hold shift]-[Click & Drag to sketch]		3) Sketch Segment --> [Left Mouse]-[Hold shift]-(Click & Drag to sketch)
	4) bezier segment ----> [alt] - [active whilst held]		4) bezier segment --> [alt] - (active whilst held)
	5) finalize -----> [Middle mouse]~~.....~~		5) finalize --------> [Middle mouse]
	6) node reduce ---) [Middle mouse and hold down]-[move mouse to control]		6) node reduce -----> [Middle mouse and hold down]-(move mouse to control)
	ETC...		ETC...

	This would allow great flexibility to accommodate a wide range of input hardware and also personal preferences.		This would allow great flexibility to accommodate a wide range of input hardware and also personal preferences.