Software Library For Embedded User Interfaces
The SEVENSTAX library was designed to ease the creation of Man-Machine-Interfaces especially for devices having only a few buttons. Both alphanumerical and graphical displays are supported. The MMI is created by using pre-defined elements. These elements enable the user to integrate function calls of the embedded system directly to access variables and parameters without much effort.
The MMI is described by a XML format and translated into 'C'-Source code by a special converter delivered with the library. The SEVENSTAX software supports the use of multiple languages. Display outputs are organized as formatted pages which can contain a variable number of elements. These elements themselves, for instance text- or editor-items, carry properties like left-aligned or bold. The pages can be linked in a flexible way. Navigation is additionally supported by a history to go back to previous pages.
The MMI can be operated with any input device for instance key pads, turning knobs or internally by system events. Text- or numerical input can be fixed by increment and/or range.
Characteristics
small memory footprint
for micro-controllers from 8...32 bit
no blocking states even without operating system
easy integration into existing systems
supports multiple languages
integrated, extensible font
little development effort to create the MMI by using a XML description. The Mmi can be developed and tested on PCs. Free Tools are available.
Basic Elements
header and footer
menu items
static and dynamic text
numerical editors with different formats
lists (for instance for weekdays)
ticker
container to group elements
Memory & System Requirements
The required RAM and ROM are depending on the number and kind of elements used as well as on the number of pages. The RAM usage is also influenced by the links between the pages. Typical values for an embedded systems are:
