User defined layers

[Rhoel]

I am currently working on a Production Management System and have discovered the need to have an embedded layer withing the .anme file. In this instance I have found a temporary work-around (misusing another data layer). But the PMS work has highlighted this need for 3rd party developers..

There are situations where script writers and other programmers need to encode scene specific data into a file. What is needed is a new layer type reserved for non-ASP functions.

The format would be the same as any other ASP layers

layer_type [new-number]
{
### user defined function
### data ident
variable_1 value
variable_2 value
}

Mike' code when encountering a layer_type user would simple skip the data block and continue. Similarly, the users code would ignore Mike's data until if found its own user block. By allocating a new layer number (eg 20), it doesn't restrict Mike's future development as his numbering convention simple skips from Type_19 to Type_21.

Indeed, individual developers could reserve a type number for their own work. (if the user types were all 1### numbers), then it would allow multiple programs to access the same data set; If Vern or Greykid wanted to have data needed for another program (a combustion script for example), then they would search for their layer_type 1024 and read that. if they were also using Bodgit Brothers content management system, then both Greykid's 1024 and Bodgit Brothers 1065 user layers could coexist in the datafile.

Hopefully, such an inclusion would be a minor change for Mike but one which has very significant advantages for all 3rd party developers.

If it gets into version 20, then it will be ideal.


Rhoel.

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edit:

For those who are not aware of the contents of the .anme file, its text based and carries only data: Its not a program or function enabled - it cannot do work by itself. The data in the scene file supports other programs which do the work.

This request is to add used defined information to a scene file, information which is not used by ASP5.6/6. mainly, this will be information generated by and for management systems.