trying to view and annotate a variety of image files, that were stored on the database

[Former Member]

We were currently using an external tool to view our images, that had been uploaded to our database.

Our management wants us to look into alternatives to that.

I had seen a suggestion from Chris pollach to use loadpicture.

I haven't really used this before, so I have a few questions.

Can loadpicture be used for multiple types of images (tif, bmp, and PDF files)

if the image is multi-page... can I scroll thru the pages?

can you rotate, zoom-in, fit-to, etc?

would it be possible to do annotations?

would you have any examples of doing the above?

if I can't do some of the above operations... I would just need to know which aren't possible.

[Former Member]

Why are you looking at alternatives?  Image manipulation is extremely limited within PowerBuilder.

From the help regarding Ink control:

The following file types are supported: .bmp, .wmf, .jpeg, .png, and .gif. The .tif file type is also supported if it uses the LZW compression format.

IMHO: If management insists on an 'internal' solution you should consider creating your own .Net control with it's methods and properties exposed via COM and call that from within your PB application.  You can go to Open Source libraries to do the heavy lifting (have the license checked out by your legal department first) within the .Net control - there are many choices here.

[Former Member]

Hi Matt;

  Another great suggestion!

   However, this will not work in Appeon Web or Appeon Mobile applications. That is why I went with the ImageMagicK, InkEdit, InkPicture and DWO approach as it can enable this functionality in the MS-Windows, Opera, Safari, FireFox, Chrome, IE, Edge, iOS and Android deployed PB applications. 

  Note: In the case of my multi-environment application design - I used PB Classic built Web Services to broker the imaging functionality to ImageMagicK on the IIs / Appeon Server. That way, there was no ImageMagicK client deployment requirement.   

Regards ... Chris

[Former Member]

Hi Scot;

  We use either the SnowBound and ImageGear software here at my various government clients to process images. These software tools are very expensive and sometimes code intensive to use. 

   However in recent years, I have shown them how to do many imaging tasks with the new InkPicture and InkEdit controls. Plus, add image conversion, rotation, notation, redaction, etc using the open source ImageMagicK and GraphicsMagic software for a totally free & open source solution inside both PB and Appeon applications. 

Q1: Can loadpicture be used for multiple types of images (tif, bmp, and PDF files)

A1: Yes - except PDF, which is not an image.

      Note: ImageMagicK can convert PDF files to images and vise versa for viewing. 

Q2: if the image is multi-page... can I scroll thru the pages?

A2: Yes, via ImageMagicK - which can slice a multiple image TIFF for example into

       individual images for viewing in a standard PB control or DWO.

     ie:   convert multipage.tif single%d.tif

Q3: can you rotate, zoom-in, fit-to, etc?

A3: Yes, All but the Zoom in/out feature using ImageMagicK (although you can crop, re-scale, etc).

     Note; Use the DataWindow's InkEdit or InkPicture and then use the DW's ZOOM

              feature for easy zooming. 

Q4: would it be possible to do annotations?

A4: Yes, using the InkPicture or InkEdit controls and or similar DW features.

Q5: would you have any examples of doing the above?

A5: Yes ...

    - I have a presentation I gave at last years PB Conference on this that I can send you.

    - I have an example application as well.

TIP: The new Appeon software release being released today (April 4, 2016) now supports the InkEdit and InkPicture controls. 

HTH

Regards ... Chris

[Former Member]

wasn't sure how I could email you...

my email address is scot.styer@xerox.com

if you could send any examples you have... I'd appreciate it

thanks

[Former Member]

Hi Scot;

  You can email me directly at cpollach.at.travel-net.dot.com (just edit accordingly). 

Regards ... Chris