Making a Pict Ring with a String output

[kehander]

I notice the Pict Ring control only seems capable of outputting numeric data at its terminal. Is it possible to create a Pict Ring that outputs string data instead, without having to resort to throwing in case selectors on the block diagram? (Perhaps there is some way to do this by customizing a Combo Box?)

[Darren]

How exactly would you define the strings that your pict ring would output?  If you simply want the ring numeric value as a string, then you could use the Decimal String to Number function to convert the ring value to a string.  Otherwise, I don't see how you would define the string values other than a case structure, or perhaps with an array of strings and the Index Array function (that's probably how I would do it).

-D

[kehander]

A combo box lets you define strings for different selections; that's why I was thinking that modding a combo box might be involved.

Perhaps I should go into greater detail. Presently I am using an ordinary text control for the item in question. The data that this control outputs is used all over the place in my VI, and I decided some time ago that it was probably better to use local variables with this control rather than have wires running everywhere.

If I use an ordinary pict ring for this and use it to index an array, I'll still have to wire the resulting string to an invisble control or indicator to keep things the way they are. Otherwise, I'll have to make some pretty major changes - either adding index arrays everywhere or getting rid of all my local variables.

[Darren]

If you're using LabVIEW 8.0, you can create an XControl that has the appearance of a Picture Ring but is actually a string datatype that will output the appropriate value based on the index value of the picture ring.

-D

[kehander]

Interesting... However, I'm sticking with LabView 7.1.1 for now. (I should have mentioned that earlier.) I gather it does not have similar functionality?

It occurs to me that if I get really desperate, I can always try to put together a custom font, with the pictures I want taking the place of ordinary characters, and then use a combo box. Of course, the pictures would have to be black and white then.

[Darren]

That's right, XControls are only in LabVIEW 8.0.  Another thing I thought of is that you can create a little "bullet" subVI that does the conversion for you, and just insert this subVI on any wire where you need to read the string value instead of the control value.  I have attached a sample VI (saved in LabVIEW 7.1) to this post to show you what I'm talking about.  Drop it on another VI's diagram and notice it takes up very little space.

Good luck,
-D

[unclebump]

You could use a Text and Pict Ring. Use a Strings[] property node to get the text array. Then use the terminal value to index the string array.

[unclebump]

If you don't want to see the text displayed,  you can customize the control and shrink the text and hide it behind the picture by moving it to the back.

[JeanPierre]

Yet simpler, read the RingText.Text property.

[kehander]

Indeed, I suppose that would do it! Thanks!