Naming and Definitions
A proper understanding of the terms used hereafter will allow the iC Tool user to adopt the described issues in a more proficient way.
Common Definitions
- iC Tool: the name of a computer program this documentation applies to;
- component: a single element of an application. The component is either a function block with a pre-defined task (algorithm), which requires specific parameters and logical connections with other components to work and exchange data properly, or a container (folder to segregate other components);
- link: a logical connection between components: such connection allows two components to send data between each other. The graphical representation of a link in the Wire Sheet view is a line connecting components;
slot: an element of the component which defines the parameter along with its name, value, unit, and range. Slots are not visible in all views in order to avoid overwhelming the user with too much information. The views dedicated to work with the slots are: the Property Sheet and Wire Sheet, and the Slot Sheet for Sedona based devices;
- selection: a user’s action of choosing any component or link by clicking it. The chosen object becomes highlighted graphically. In the Wire Sheet view, the component’s selection is illustrated by surrounding a component with an orange frame, and a link’s selection is illustrated by changing its color to orange. The selected element is an object to which the commands such as copying, deleting, or moving will relate;
- marking: a state relating to the component or link connected with the selected object. Marking means that a specific component or link is in correlation with a selected component/link. In the Wire Sheet view, a green color is used to mark a component or link, which allows the user to easily notice which components/links will be affected by the action taken on the selected object, e.g., after deleting a selected component/link the marked object will lose its correlation;
- Workspace Tree window: one of the basic windows provided by the iC Tool. The window shows the connected devices along with their components. Additionally, the devices may be assigned hierarchically to folders, and folders to projects;
- Main Screen window: a main workspace of the iC Tool, where the views of editable components are displayed on tabs;
- Object Properties window: a window showing information regarding a selected element allowing to preview and change some of the selected element’s parameters without closing the current view;
- Console: a window where the messages regarding the operation of the iC Tool program are displayed.
Component Views
A component shows its properties on views assigned to it. The list below shows two basic views, which present data about the same component in different ways, making the work with components easier. Some components have also individual views (apart from the standard ones), which are not included in the list below (see the Special Views or the Sedona Specific Views).
- Wire Sheet: a view showing programming relations between the components in a graphical way. The view shows logical relations between the linked components. This view makes building an application logic easier, because the connections between the components are easy to enter and analyze. It is the view most commonly used on the application programming stage;
- Property Sheet: a tabular form of showing parameters–component's slots. The user can see not only the slot value, but also its units and range. The view allows to change the slot value if it has the change value rights. The Property Sheet is often used at the start-up stage, when the settings of many parameters (slots) in components need to be appointed.
nano EDGE ENGINE Devices
- library: a set of components with similar functionalities or working in the same area, e.g., components handling device’s inputs and outputs. In the iC Tool, the libraries and their components are shown in a Device Libraries window;
- Reference link: a special compound link designed to connect Data Points with network points. The Reference link is created between special Reference slots and transfers values along with the component's status; Alternatively, it may transfer values between Data Points and network points at the same time returning status from network points to Data Points, or it may return values from network points to Data Points;
- Device Libraries window: one of the basic windows provided by the iC Tool. It is a palette of nano EDGE ENGINE libraries along with components assigned to them. The content of the Device Libraries is dynamically adjusted to the content installed in the device's SD card.
Sedona Devices
- kit: a set of components with similar functionalities or working in the same area, e.g., components handling controller’s inputs and outputs. In the iC Tool, the kits and their components are shown in a Device Kits window;
- Device Kits: one of the basic windows provided by the iC Tool. It is a palette of Sedona kits along with components assigned to them. The content of the Device Kits is dynamically adjusted to the type of connected device;
Slot Sheet: a component view showing all slots, including the hidden ones. In a tabular form, it allows to read the name, type, and parameters (Facets) of the slot.