Both 16- and 32-bit drivers, dynamic link libraries and other external code can be handled in the same application using TestPoint 3.0, a software tool for creating test and measurement applications. One version handles all Windows platforms: Windows 3.1x, Windows 95 and Windows NT. There are no bus wires to connect or code lines to type, and you don’t have to be a Windows programmer. Version 3 maintains 100% code compatibility with existing applications while improving their speed and adding new features.
TestPoint 3.0 supports OLE2. OLE2 allows seamless integration with other programs and data such as Excel Word for Windows, sound files, video files and other OLE functions.
One new feature is OCX controls, the successors of VBXs, which provide more features and a wider range of compatible plug-ins from third-party vendors. OCXs were created because while OLE originally had properties and methods, it lacked the event model of VBXs (which noted the occurrence of some external event like a button click). OCXs use standard OLE interfaces and add the VBX event. OLE establishes a standard software bus that provides benefits similar to a common PC bus. OLE objects can now be printed in TestPoint reports.
Advanced A/D functions speed and simplify data acquisition. Sensor-conversion tables are built in to the A/D object. This means that pressure, temperature and other physical measurements can be converted from volts to their actual units without additional math. A simple checklist is provided for several common types of data conversion in the settings panel of the A/D object.
Disk data logging also is built in to the A/D object. The process has been reduced from two Action Lines to one by including disk data logging as a setting in the A/D object. Continuous data logging to disk is now greater than 140 kS/s.
Disk data logging choices include the ability to automatically increment file names for successive data acquisition runs, append data to a single file and conduct other file operations with only one Action Line.
Other features include:
Full multitasking/multithreading of all applications and objects under Windows 95 and NT.
Math Wizard, which eliminates typing and provides references with cut-and-paste access to all math functions.
Full network access to databases, data files and other test files.
Object grouping and hierarchy. This feature in object-oriented programming allows hundreds of objects to be used as easily as one.
Advanced task handling, exits and “clean-up” to handle complex test sequencing.
Advanced user-defined objects. You can create your own objects for custom high-level functions.
Programmatic object positioning and resizing, enabling you to create your own user interface.
Report generation, including graphs, tables, numbers and text with headers, page numbers, date and time.
Access to binary files and file handles for dynamic link libraries.
Access to Windows API functions as well as existing DOS and Windows programs.
Advanced debug and demo modes, single step, multistep, breakpoints, data view and demo data inputs. Capital Equipment, (508) 663-2002.
Copyright 1996 Nelson Publishing Inc.
August 1996
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