I have put a new UPDF.xsd schema into the 0.85 directory.
This one has a proposal for user interface structures.
The element is called TBD_UserInterfaces and is assigned to PrintCapabilities.
I left out any attribute for a complexity level assuming that a driver can somehow resolve that itself.
I left out any attribute to handle locales.
So this is the minimal set of elements and attributes I think we'd need for a reasonable approach.
1. You can create as many user interfaces as you like.
It is recommended to create at least one, which then is not supposed to have a Platform attribute. If there is no structure at all, the driver might work with a treeview-like UI.
If you have more than one structure you may want to create one (generic) with the Platform attribute as a fallback and others, which then are expected to have specific Platform attributes.
2. The main purpose of the user interface structure is to group features and provide a chance to nest groups.
That allows a driver to read a very simple structure from top to bottom, identify easily to top entry level, etc.
3. A UIFeature refers to a technical feature (required).
4. A UIGroup can hold a UIFeature or another UIGroup. It may have a display string, but must have a Composition attribute.
4.1. The display string would work as the group title or even as a button text, if the group is realized as a subdialog.
4.2. Composition = juxtaposed means the driver is expected to show the new group within the current group. you may have three features plus two groups on the same level. The driver may check its space conditions and work accordingly.
Composition = superimposed means the new group is expected to be shown a level lower. That may result in a new tab, a new panel, a subdialog or whatever the driver decides is reasonable.
All other attributes of features may be determined by the driver platform dependent by checking other UPDF attributes or platform settings.
Let me know.
Norbert Schade
69 Prescott Drive
North Chelmsford, MA 01863
978-251-1017
norbertschade@attbi.com
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Apr 04 2003 - 12:34:46 EST