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HA0305T Rev H Jan 2017
Chapter 2
2.2.4
APT Server (ActiveX Controls)
ActiveX Controls are re -usable compiled software components that supp ly both a
graphical user interface and a pro grammable interface. Many such Co ntrols 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 intern et or simply pro vide user in terface
components such as buttons and list boxes.
With the APT system, ActiveX Controls are deployed to allow direct control over (and
also reflect the status of) the rang e of electronic controller units, including the MFF
series filter flipper. Software applications that use ActiveX Controls are often referred
to as 'client applications'. Based on ActiveX i nterfacing technology, an ActiveX
Control is a language independent software compo nent. Consequently ActiveX
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 ActiveX Control supplied for the filter flipper.
This Control provides a complete user graphical instrument panel to allow the stage
to be manually operated, as well as a complete set of software functions (often called
methods) to allow all parameters to be set and operations to be automated by a client
application. The instrument panel reflects the current operating state of the unit to
which it is associated (e.g. such as filter position). Updates to the panel take place
automatically when a user (client) application is making software calls into the same
Control.
