7
K-Cube Solenoid Controller
2.3.2 Kinesis Server
Kinesis controls are re-usable compiled software components that supply both a
graphical user interface and a programmable interface. Many such Controls are
available for Windows applications development, providing a large range of re-usable
functionality. For example, there are Controls available that can be used to
manipulate image files, connect to the internet or simply provide user interface
components such as buttons and list boxes.
With the Kinesis system, .Net Controls are deployed to allow direct control over (and
also reflect the status of) the range of electronic controller units, including the Stepper
Driver K-Cube. Software applications that use .Net Controls are often referred to as
'client applications'. A .Net Control is a language independent software component.
Consequently the controls can be incorporated into a wide range of software
development environments for use by client application developers. Development
environments supported include Visual Basic, Labview, Visual C++, C++ Builder,
HPVEE, Matlab, VB.NET, C#.NET and, via VBA, Microsoft Office applications such as
Excel and Word.
Consider the .Net Control supplied for the K-Cube solenoid driver unit.
This Control provides a complete user graphical instrument panel to allow the unit to
be manually operated, as well as a complete set of software functions that allow all
parameters to be set and solenoid operations to be automated by a client application.
The instrument panel reflects the current operating state of the controller unit to which
it is associated (e.g. such as solenoid state). Updates to the panel take place
automatically when a user (client) application is making software calls into the same
Control.