Sent by Big John on 29 September 2002 04:04
> I think it was Big John who wrote:
> > I figure if the nodes were placed absolutely using pixels,
> > then a "body' BG with skinny black lines could be made, to
> > 'connect' the nodes. A gif this simple would have low
> > bandwidth, even if huge.
Lea wrote:
> ... and wouldnt work at all with trees
> generated from a db... :(
>
> > Non-image methods might be possible,
> > but it would be VERY tricky.
>
> I cant think where to even *start*, without
> something like a table structure to lay it on...
Well, the body BG might be replaced by an imaginary
absolute 'grid', into which individual 'line' gifs
could be placed, being pulled from a 'line library'.
This 'grid' would use z-index numbers below say, 100,
and the nodes would be above 100.
I see two difficulties right off: First, each
succeding vertical level would have more nodes
than the previous one, so the nodes (and their
associated BG 'connector' gifs) would need to be
packed closer together. Second, it would be
essential that all nodes and gifs go into the
proper slots, or havoc results. (not to mention
hurt feelings, public outrage, you name it)
I could work up a static version of this, given time.
However, considering the highly irregular nature of most
family trees (from what I hear), the db logic to drive
such a system could be exponentially complex, depending
on tree size. Inevitably tho, big unsightly holes would
occur in the tree.
Codine all around, please.
Big John
PS--"You may be a redneck.. if your
family tree does not fork."
=====
"What the world needs is a good bug ring"--Big John
<http://users.rraz.net/mc_on_the_rocks/testpage/pie.html>
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