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Hi all,

PCEnv currently supports multiple graphs by using splitters - the user
decides how much vertical space to assign to each graph by dragging the
splitter with the mouse. Splitters will 'collapse' if they are brought
close to a window boundary or another splitter. Collapsed splitters take
up very little screen space. Initially, all but one of the graphs are
collapsed.

This approach is good for comparing two graphs against each other,
because both graphs are on the screen at the same time. However, it has
several disadvantages:
1) There is a finite number of graphs available (currently 3). This
number is set in advance by the layout designer, and not the end user.
2) The approach is difficult to use if you want only one graph visible
on the screen, but want to switch between the graphs. In this case, you
need to spend quite a bit of time collapsing one graph and expanding
another to get the sizes you want.
3) Because the graphs are potentially displayed at the same time, they
are each represented by distinct objects in Mozilla's XUL. This means
that even hidden graphs impose a performance and memory overhead. This
is not a big problem with only 3 graphs, but as more are added, it will
become more serious.

It is worth keeping the splitter approach (although perhaps we could
limit it down to 2 graphs, as graphs get very squashed by the time you
have three on the screen at once. If you have an opinion on this issue,
I would like to hear from you), but also adding in a method to switch
the graph shown in each splitter pane.

There are two obvious ways of laying it out graphically:
1) Tabs
2) A 'combo-box', in which you select the graph to display, and can type
in titles.

I personally prefer option 2, because the combo-box then doubles as the
title of the graph.

Any opinions on which option to take (or suggestions of further
options), as well as opinions on the details of how it should work from
the user's perspective, would be welcome.

Best regards,
Andrew Miller

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• [cellml-discussion] Switching between graphs in PCEnv: Opinions sought, Andrew Miller, 02/20/2007
  • [cellml-discussion] Switching between graphs in PCEnv: Opinions sought, Peter Hunter, 02/25/2007
    • [cellml-discussion] Switching between graphs in PCEnv: Opinions sought, Andrew Miller, 02/28/2007
      • [cellml-discussion] Switching between graphs in PCEnv: Opinionssought, David Nickerson, 02/28/2007

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