Bitmaps in Diagrams

[Terry Matthews]

Some of the specifications I produce require the need for detailed user interface mock-ups usually created in HTML or sometimes PowerPoint, Paint Shop Pro or hand scribbles.

Is there any possibility of extending EA to provide the ability to incorporate these interface mock-ups as bitmap objects within diagrams?

I would like to be able to set properties as with other diagram objects. Specifically for bitmaps, I would like to be able to re-size the object and have the image stretch/shrink to fit the new size.

Certainly for web applications, it is now common for the user interface to form a major part of the stakeholder's requirements.

Currently I am creating an RTF file and cutting and pasting the images into the appropriate slots. This can take ages. The ability to produce reports which incorporate the images would be a major productivity boost. We are always seeking to automate our artefact production.

Regards,

Terry

[gsparks]

Hi Terry

Although it was not intended for this purpose, I think you could already use the Stereotypes functionality in EA to accomplish this. It is a bit 'roundabout' but I have found the following will work:

1. Create a screen dump
2. Use a paint package with conversion facilities to save image in Enhanced Metafile Format (.EMF)
3. Create a new Stereotype that applies to type 'class' or whatever (eg: <<login screen>> ) - and import the screen dump in .emf format.
3. Apply this stereotype to any class you wish to depict as the imported image.

Be aware that this will significantly increase the size of your .EAP file.

Let me know how you get on --- make sure you trial this on a sample model first - I have done some preliminary tests on using  EA stereotypes in this manner and all seems well - but Ive not exhaustively tested it. If you have very many bitmaps, this may not be suitable, as EA caches all stereotype images in memory (assumes small footprint metafiles - not bulky bitmaps)

We are looking at adding more custom designed functionality for this soon - the .EAP model has been updated to accomodate other images and we hope to have something in place in the next month or so.

Geoff Sparks

[Terry Matthews]

Geoff,

Thanks for the prompt reply. Your suggestion provides exactly the kind of functionality I'd like to see.

Obviously it's a bit fiddly, dealing with emf conversions and then setting up stereotypes for every screen. In addition the technical concerns are a bit of a worry especially as I will be dealing with between 10 and 100 screens for each system I work on. Image sizes could be a real concern.

I'll look forward to the future implementation of this. If I can be of any help with requirements, testing, etc. for this issue, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

Terry

[James]

On the subject of using your own pictures for stereotypes (great idea, it's allowed me to create stereotype of Actor for the Stakeholders in a system), the process of creating the .emf file can be hit-and-miss since EA stretches the picture according to the type of icon that it's applied to.  Hence, when used for say a package it gets widened, and when applied to an actor it gets taller.  Can the aspect ratio of imported .emf files be locked and the blank space padded to fit the shape of the icon?

[gsparks]

James,

I will look into this when I get a chance - I remain pessimistic because .emf files can be quite annoying to deal with - but there may be an easy way.

In the meantime the elements will just pick up the default size for their element type - and then you have to manually resize to look right.


Geoff Sparks