Creating a Graphical Interface

[TexasPwrEng]

Hello all,

This may be the wrong forum to post this question in. If so, I apologize.

I am a power engineer. I am interested in creating a basic program for power systems modelling and analysis. I have an intermediate level of programming experience (Matlab, Visual Basic, C++).

I have made several small programs before, where a user is able to input data of a certain device or system, and a mathematical model is created. I would like in addition to create a graphical interface as a front to the "behind the scenes" calculation. For example, if I were to model a transmission system, I would like to be able to place an image of a substation on a display screen. I would then attach an image representing a transformer to that substation image, perhaps. Following this, I would attach an image of a line, and so on. I would then like to be able to access a data input screen for each of these images, where I can put the appropriate information. My thought is that I'd like to simply double click on these images in order to bring up some sort of data entry form.

I don't believe I will have any trouble with the mathematical analysis, but I am clueless as to where to begin on the images and display screen. Can anyone point me to some literature that is appropriate to a beginner on this subject?

If I am unclear, don't hesitate to ask questions. I am jumping into something completely new to me, so I may not have the correct terminology. Also, if anyone believes this will require a knowledge of programming beyond an intermediate level, please say so.

Thank you for your comments.

 

[IRstuff]

Visual Basic usually starts out with a "form" on which you can place graphics and controls

TTFN

FAQ731-376
Chinese prisoner wins Nobel Peace Prize

 

[MacGyverS2000]

I have an intermediate level of programming experience (Matlab, Visual Basic, C++)

You have experience with one of the most well-known GUI creation IDEs known to man, VB... why aren't you using it?

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[IDS]

You have experience with one of the most well-known GUI creation IDEs known to man, VB... why aren't you using it?

Dare I suggest that if you are wanting to focus on the engineering, and produce an effective graphical interface with the minimum effort, VBA combined with a well known spreadsheet program is the most efficient way to do it.

Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services

http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/

 

[Japo]

Start with

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/system.windows.forms.picturebox.aspx

if you meant .NET. If you meant VB 6,

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa267232(VS.60).aspx

 

[ijl]

Use some "visual" tool, like VB, Delphi, Visual C++, etc, that have ready-made components for pictures, buttons, tables/grids, etc. Delphi is my favourite. See

http://pp.kpnet.fi/ijl

for what can be created with Delphi.

 

[xwb]

If you are using C# or VB.net, remember that before you can use your application on another machine, that machine needs .net framework (all 20Mb of it) installed. Also make sure that the same version of .net framework (there are 5 versions) is used.

 

[EmbeddedStuff]

You have exactly the same issues I have I am an engineer, no problems with the math, but wrapping it all up in a nice GUI or networking starts to get tedious!

I'm just in the process of evaluation this new FlowStone software, maybe we can share our experiences?

Check out this thread:

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=295833&page=1