Hi Derry & Harpo

Apologies are due. After drooling over some of the features available in the competition in SVG, I have belatedly come to the realization that I already possess them -- or something better -- in Web Engine: videlicet, the Shading Editor "coordinate box."

By first creating a contiguous set of several geometrical objects; and then adjusting the Cartesian coordinates of the box origin to places other than the centre; and then adjusting the polar coordinates of the radial arm; and then shading each object with one of the several options --- murphy, the world is your play place. The only limit is your imagination.

HOWEVER: When it comes to blending contiguous objects, you can go absolutely nuts trying to fiddle with that little "arm" and the "origin."

You have a real jewel in your hands. But in order to realize its full potential, you need to be able to numerically specify both the cartesian co-ordinates of the origin and the polar co-ordinates of the radial arm -- this for precision in blending.

This is not academic. The following, in some variation (asymmetry removed, colour adjustments, etc.), will go into production mode today. It was created with three rectangles with linear tapers, offset origins, and shortened, rotated radial arms. BUT, it literally took hours to (almost) match the pseudo-cylinders -- cloning didn't work.

embedded SVG
http://members.shaw.ca/rrsknox/hderharp.html

This is but a simple sample of tremendous possibilties --- with precision available.

Best viewed in Opera full screen 800x600.
Cheers,

Muzz

Let's get succinct here. What I am asking for is 4 digital "counters" of the same ilk used in the table editor, geometry editor etc. to:

a) specify the (x,y) co-ordinates of the origin relative to the work page, and

b) specify the (magnitude, angle) of the radial arm relative to the origin in units relevant to the work page.

...this being in reference to the left hand side "box" in the shading editor.

It would be one heck of a feature.

(Why doesn't RC show up on the right hand side of the features columns?)

I hope that you will give this very, very serious consideration.

Cheers.

Muzz

Hi Muzz,

Consider it noted.


- Derry

Hi Derry,

Thanks.

I do have to wonder, though, if I am missing something.

The above link is in its final disposition but stripped bare of all external trappings and references. As I look at it, I say this in closing: that came out of three rectangles, linear shading, and one colour patch --- that and endless hours of fiddling with coordinate adjustments. The possibilities are limitless, but at the latter price it is now a closed book.

And that is not sour grapes; just a reality check. Time is gold.

Cheers,

Muzz

Hi Derry,

You have a line of text shifted to the right one position in your product information on Web Engine -- the word "interactive."

Besides being a good neighbour, I also noted claims for pixel precision positioning. True, for geometry --- I am just asking for it in colour.

I also viewed the SVG animation, and that I will send you an e-mail about.

Cheers,

Muzz

Hi Muzz,

Interactive is out of position - on what page?


- Derry

Hi Derry,

Long sleep. IMS Web Engine "Product Information" --- Paragraph starting "Enhanced Page Layout...."

Funny how a little detail like that influences impression.

Cheers,

Muzz

Hi Muzz,

You are absolutely right, little details can make a very big impression. Still not sure which page you are referring to, can you let me know the link please.


- Derry

Hi Derry,

http://www.virtualmechanics.com/products/engine/info.html

as viewed in Opera. Paragraph as described above.

Hope this works. It may be the Opera factor as IE and Opera do not render identically.

Cheers,

Muzz