Need Programmer TEXT to BITMAP

[Karl_T]

The new Camsoft version 17.0 has the abililty to put an unlimited number of bitmaps up on the user screen.

I can see it would be REAL KEWL to be able to convert a text message to a bitmap and display for all sorts of events.

Anyway I did some searching and found this article:
Generate Image from text using C# OR Convert Text in to Image using C# « Tech Treasure

I'm NOT a C programmer. What would it take to make a standalone .exe where you'd pass the text, font, color and the utility would create a bitmap?

Karl

[doorknob]

I have worked with C# (that's C-sharp) a little bit in the past, although I'm no expert.

It looks like it should be relatively straightforward to do what you are looking for, using the code in the linked article as a starting point. That code looks like it returns a bitmap in memory - you would need additional code to write the bitmap out as a file (you might be able to find sample code to do that part).

IIRC you can get a free version of Microsoft Visual Studio that you could use to do the programming. If you have some programming experience in another language, you could probably learn enough to build such a program in a day or two of studying.

For someone who has the skills already, it might take just a few hours to cobble together something that would work, and maybe a few more hours to clean it up a bit and make it more user-friendly.

[Karl_T]

Originally Posted by doorknob ...For someone who has the skills already, it might take just a few hours to cobble together something that would work, and maybe a few more hours to clean it up a bit and make it more user-friendly.

I found a way to do most of what I need with another <Camsoft> command.

Still, I see several REAL KEWL possiblities if i could find a programmer type. I have a well stocked machine shop with many years experience. Maybe somebody out there would like to trade parts for programs.

Karl

[doorknob]

Karl, I will send you a PM later this evening.

[doorknob]

I'm not sure whether or not this is the proper place to post this, but I'll give it a try here.

As a follow-up to the discussion above, I worked with Karl_T to produce for him a proof-of-concept prototype of a Visual Basic 6 application program that permits the user to enter or edit the values of various gcode statements displayed on a single screen, and then click a button to load that program into Camsoft and execute it. In addition, the program was able to read from and write to Camsoft variable locations specified by the programmer. The Visual Basic program made use of the ActiveX DLL that ships with Camsoft.

For example, the program would permit the user to set or modify the X, Y and Z coordinates for a G0 or G1 move, or change a feed rate, or optionally include or omit a line of gcode, or similar, save the resulting gcode to a file on the user's PC, and then load the gcode program into Camsoft.

While the program that I wrote was fully functional, it was really only a test of the concept rather than a finished work that could be generalized and used by others. The test was successful, and Karl_T intends to further customize the prototype for his own purposes (after learning some Visual Basic programming).

The basic functionality that I tested in the program could certainly be expanded upon to build full-screen conversational user interfaces or to build other custom tools that would enhance the native capabilities offered by Camsoft. The program that I wrote was designed to run on the same PC that is running the Camsoft software. It appears, though, that the Camsoft ActiveX DLL also has the capability of being executed on a remote computer that can communicate with Camsoft via an RS-232 or network connection (subject to whatever Camsoft license requirements may be applicable).

Based on the experience that I gained while making that prototype, I am confident that I could do custom Visual Basic 6 software development for other Camsoft licensees, either on an hourly rate basis or possibly on a fixed fee contractual basis.

So, if anyone reading this has a need for custom Visual Basic 6 - Camsoft interface programming that I might be able to handle for you, feel free to contact me via private message.

[Karl_T]

I'll follow up a bit more. ED WAS GREAT HELP!

He gave me the structure and an example to make a real neat conversational interface for Camsoft. The concept we went with was to have the VB front end write a short Gcode program, save the file, and load it into camsoft. The part can then be previewed in the graphics window. If changes are needed, just go back to the VB window, edit, reload, and view again in camsoft. When you're all set, put your tool in and press cycle start.

I plan on upgrading the existing Camsoft conversational LISTBOX to this. Should really simplify making most parts that don't need a full CAD/CAM program.

Karl

[machines2go]

This sounds good. I want something different and better than the rest. I don't understand quite yet the benefit. Are you saying I can make my own conversational interface with graphics myself with out being an advanced computer programmer? How far can I take this?

[Karl_T]

Originally Posted by machines2go This sounds good. I want something different and better than the rest. I don't understand quite yet the benefit. Are you saying I can make my own conversational interface with graphics myself with out being an advanced computer programmer? How far can I take this?

Visual basic is probably the simplest of object oriented programming languages. But certainly not for everybody.I have no problem with sharing doorknob's work if he wants to give you the code. I assume he'd want a token offer from you.

Visual basic is a very capable language. You could make as nice an interface as you desire.

Karl

[machines2go]

Thank you Karl.

You have given me some new ideas.

I will look into Camsofts abilities before I go further.