Manual: TEXTUP

Overview of TEXTUP

THE TEXTUP CONCEPT:  CONTEXT MANAGEMENT

TEXTUP is a powerful set of software tools which can provide significant economies in NAPLPS database production and online update tasks.  TEXTUP allows anyone to create, edit, and update NAPLPS screens without specific knowledge of NAPLPS. 

Our unique "Template" approach and word processing features ensure user-friendly sessions in a goof-proof environment.  This suprisingly flexible utility can serve as a Volume Page Assembly Station, Volume Text Entry Station, Online Update Station, Copy Writer's Word Processing/Direct Entry Station, Functional E-Mail utility, and much, much more.

TEXTUP is based on the manipulation of discrete information "Fields" within a structured "Template".

• Fields can be used to merge graphic files (clip art) as well as preformatted text files into the Template
• A Field can be formatted to allow dynamic text entry and word processing. 
• Fields may be of any size or shape, may be superimposed on one another, and there is no limit as to how many Fields can be used in a given Template.

Content Integration through Context Management

The TEXTUP Template supports the separation of the Information CONTENT (text, titles, logos, illustrations, graph data, etc.) from the Display CONTEXT (layout, colors, decoder parameters, system prompts, graph and chart styles, etc.). Context Management provides a framework for the creation and maintenance of a dynamic, modular, highly integrated information service.

This technique provides the Editorial Director with a flexible system for Inventory Management on a single integrated workstation. 

Textup enables the Design Manager to make global changes in screen design by Template swapping. 

The Information Provider can adapt the database to the design constraints of different - and often incompatable System Operators and decoder devices - with ease.

If you would like to know more about achieving Content Integration through Context Management, please feel free to contact us.  Seminars and production training are available to TEXTUP licensees. 

TEXTUP IS POWERFUL  The Word Processing workspace provides a full range of functions:  Clear Field, Clear Line, Delete, Insert, Reformat, Auto Centering, Word Wrap, and Cursor Controls.  Pre- formatted ASCII text files and graphic "clip art" can be merged and edited with ease.

TEXTUP IS EASY TO USE  Step-by-step prompts guide the user through the Template input structure.  Users have the option to update Fields selectively and to re-enter information into a given Field after the fact.

TEXTUP IS SMART  The software will not allow the user to exceed preformatted Template design parameters or to corrupt the NAPLPS integrity of the Template.

TEXTUP IS MANAGEABLE  Templates allow a rational approach to the control of Editorial and Design parameters.  The RECODATA support routine provides an efficient method for tracking and maintaining Fields and Templates, even in very large applications.

TEXTUP IS HELPFUL  On-screen Status Information is constantly updated, telling you  1) Template name, 2) Field identification, 3) Field type, 4) Text entry parameters and 5) Current Bytecount.

HOW TEXTUP WORKS

THE TEXTUP TEMPLATE AND CLIP ART

A TEXTUP Template is a NAPLPS screen which contains graphic elements, such as colored boxes, backgrounds, and logos, and permanent text elements, such as titles and labels, which can be used over and over again as the basic layout for different text and graphical content.

We've provided you with an example template (EXAMPLE.TMP). We will refer to EXAMPLE.TMP many times as we take you through the TEXTUP process.  Refer to the "TEXTUP TUTORIAL" Manual for a quick introduction to the TEXTUP process.  This basic TEXTUP Template might be updated every day with a different Logo, Title, Text Story, or different Bar Chart values.  Any information which requires frequent or repeated updating can be easily designed touse the TEXTUP Template Technique.

 Similar to the Template is the use of "Clip Art" in the TEXTUP process.  Clip art is coherent, pre-formatted icon which has been "templated" so that it can be easily merged, positioned and otherwise manipulated within a TEXTUP Template by a relative novice.  The company logo icons (*.LGO) included with this diskette are a relatively straightforward use of the clip art concept.  The Bar Charts and Custom Font sets are a more sophisticated application of the same idea.

THE TEXTUP FIELD LABEL

A TEXTUP Template uses FIELD LABELS to break a complex Template into smaller, more manageable "fields" which can be recognized by the program.  At present, TEXTUP Fields can handle text, graphics, bar and scatter charts, and customized fonts.

A TEXTUP FIELD LABEL can be placed anywhere on the screen and at any point in the drawing order which suits your needs.  TEXTUP is capable of recognizing up to 9999 different Fields, and these Fields can be used in any combination and in any number to produce a huge variety of Templates.

THE RECODATA.UTL and RECODATA.EXE FILES

The TEXTUP Field Label refers to a specific data record in the RECODATA.UTL file.  The RECODATA.UTL data record contains the relevant information needed by the TEXTUP program in order to deal with the current Field.  TEXTUP reads a Template;  when it finds the Field Label it immediately goes to search the RECODATA.UTL Data Record of the same number.

The RECODATA.UTL file can hold Data Record information on a total of 9999 TEXTUP Fields.

 RECODATA.EXE is a utility for making and maintaining the RECODATA.UTL file.  It will allow you to:

*  View the Contents of any Field Data Record

*  Enter new Field data into RECODATA.UTL as you create new Templates

*  Modify existing Field Data Records

*  Create a new RECODATA file (or to clear the contents of
   an existing RECODATA file)

*  To view and print the contents of the RECODATA.UTL file

 

Copyright 1984 The Communication Studio Inc