blur background sample (1 Viewer)

[arnelgp]

Just wanted to share this.

Wanted to enter this in Sample Database but the code
is slow yet. And have no background on graphic
manipulation.

There are modules here that you will find useful too.

 

[isladogs]

Hi arnelgp

Just tried it - as you say its slow but it worked for me.
For info using a dual monitor setup gives a weird overlap effect when you run it as the background windows were resized
Haven't yet looked at the code but will do so as I'm intrigued to see what you've done

Have a look at a different way of doing the same thing.
https://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=293255
In that post, I dim all the screen except the active form. Its very fast.

Although not intended for message boxes, it could be adapted to show messages on a specially designed form whilst the rest of the screen was dimmed

 

[ashleedawg]

Very cool but indeed it's awfully slow.

 

[arnelgp]

Don't forget to post back the modified version if you have done so, so we all can benefit.

 

[isladogs]

I haven't looked at your code yet
If I do modify it, I will OF COURSE post it ... as I always do

My example using a dimmed background is totally different code.

 

[arnelgp]

i already have similar functionality of your Dimmerform.
its LighBoxForm written by Rob Cooper, The Access Team Blog.

 

[isladogs]

I got the screen dimmer code over 10 years ago & couldn't remember the source.
I've just looked the source you mentioned here:
http://blog.nkadesign.com/2008/ms-access-modal-dialogs-with-transparent-backgrounds/
Its exactly the same effect as 'mine' but the code is totally different - Rob's is much more concise so I may adopt that (or the newer version)
I see you've used that code in your example

Anyway, I've just knocked up an alternative where the following things are hidden when the message box is displayed:
- entire Access application window (title bar/nav pane/ribbon)
- taskbar
- desktop icons
- minimises all other open application windows

The effect is for the message box to be 'floating' on the desktop

When the user clicks OK to close the message, everything returns to normal including the minimised application windows
Your thoughts?

I'll also have a look at your code later this evening if I have time
The obvious question is why is it necessary to involve the use of Excel?
If you could do it all in Access, it would be much quicker

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This is the rather odd effect I get with your example on a dual monitor setup:

As you can see, its merged both desktops into one image which is what happens whenever I capture the screen in Windows
Unfortunately its then distorted that showing part of both screens

Maybe you could adapt to capture just the primary monitor window ...
OR have a 'blurred image' stored in the same folder and load that behind the message box when it is displayed.
It would be far faster as you wouldn't need to copy the screen to clipboard etc ...

 

[isladogs]

Hi arne

In response to a question from another user, I'm making a demo to show many different ways of grabbing the user's attention.

As part of this, I've done a much simpler method of blurring the background using a pre-prepared blurred image. As a result the blur is instantaneous.

See attached