2. Definitions
 

2.1. Objects
 

Object is a basic drawing element that can be created in AVSnap. AVSnap supports the following  types of objects and has a Toolbar in Project Mode    and in Library Mode for creating these objects.
 

Table 2.1.1
 

Every object has its own set of properties: color, line weight, line type, fill color, size and others. Cable object is the most versatile and allows drawing of any odd shapes.

2.2. Active Objects
 

Active Object is a basic control element that is used to create graphical user interface (GUI). AVSnap supports the following  types of active objects and has a Toolbar    for placing these active objects GUI project page.
 

Tool Name	Description	Toolbar Icon
Button
Slider
Progress Bar
Images
COM
TCP
Application
Clock
Video	Video Window

Table 2.2.1
 

Every active object has its own set of control properties. Every standard object can be manipulated by active objects. To set active objects properties use "=" shortcut .

2.3. Symbols
 

Symbol is a library set of objects. Symbols are used for storing information about some products or components, for example, you can create "Monitor" symbol that will store additional information about model, manufacturer, price, etc. Symbols can be hand drawn using drawing objects or can be inserted as bit map BMP or jpg file. Snap points can be added to symbols to help cable routing and reporting during project design.

Figure 2.3.1

2.4. Project files
 

A project is a file with ".amt" extension that contains one or more pages with objects and symbols. Only one project can be opened at once (however you can open several copies of AVSnap). Project files can be password protected for security or can be assigned expiration date. After the expiration date, file can not be opened without a previously assigned password.
 

Figure 2.4.1

The name of project's file is displayed in the title bar of the main window.

Figure 2.4.2

2.5. Library files
 

Library is a file with ".alb" extension that contains collection of symbols.

Figure 2.5.1

In AVSnap user can Add Library, Edit library or create a New Library. "Add libraries" command displays library in the Library pane and makes all symbols in that library be available for current and future projects. Once library is added it appears on the right hand side of the window in the Library Pane and allows user to select symbols and place them on a Project page.

Figure 2.4.2

You can open library (or create new one) in edit mode. In this mode you can edit, create and remove any symbols from a library.  The name of library's file is displayed in the title bar of main window.

Figure 2.4.3

2.6. AVSnap modes of operation

AVSnap has eight modes of operation. Each mode is designed to simplify AV design process. AVSnap combines many functions together under one integrated design package.

2.6.1 Project mode

Project Mode is a default mode when AVSnap starts. In this mode project is started and initial drawings are created. The page size is always defaults to the last page size used. The title bar of the program always displays the mode of operation.
 

2.6.2 Library mode

In Library mode user can modify or create a new library symbols. This mode is similar to Project mode but provides additional tools for snap point creation. Library mode is entered by selecting Edit Library or New Library menu.
 

2.6.3 Read Only mode

Read only mode is used when a project is Password protected. In this mode user can review the project but is not able to modify it. In Read Only mode, pages marked as hidden during design are not shown. Also if the project is marked to expire on certain date, user will not be able to open it after that date. Pages can be marked not to be protected in Read Only mode. This allows users to modify unprotected pages and keep the rest of the pages protected.
 

2.6.4 Presentation mode

This mode allows to create PowerPoint type presentation. The mode is entered using "F5" shortcut and is exited using "Esc" key. During the presentation, the image can be zoomed in or out using scroll wheel and can be panned using right mouse button. To advance between slides several shortcuts are available.

2.6.5 Control mode

This mode is entered when page format is set to pixels. In this mode user interface can be designed and executed. Additional tools become available to create buttons, slides, progress bar, COM ports, TCP/IP ports and others. All tools are also available to enhance user interface. All Active symbols can be built using these tools. Programming logic can be associated with each active symbol to send and receive commands through RS-232 port or TCP/IP ports.
 

2.6.6 Control Run mode

This mode is entered by pressing "F9" or selecting option on Page Setup to start automatically when file is opened. In this mode only Control pages are available and all user interface is fully operational. This mode allows to run application in 1:1 pixel resolution or as a movable window.

2.6.7 Communication  mode

This mode allows user to communicate with equipment using standard terminal interface. In addition a notepad is provided to write programs that later can be transmitted to the controlling device. The display can be presented in ASCII or hex format. This mode also interfaces with the Library symbols and displays information from library symbols in a separate window. This information may contain programming commands and additional help text.
 

2.6.8 Flow Chart  mode

This mode allows user to create process Flow Charts. This mode is entered by selecting Rectangle or Ellipse object and pressing shortcut "S". The blue adjustemnt handles on these objects indicate that you are in the Flow chart mode.