Need Beta Testers for a PHP App [Archive] - Indigo Rose Software Forums

rhosk

09-04-2004, 07:50 AM

I'm predicting this to be a pretty long thread, if I get a few to play...

I've come across a powerful php script that allows uploading/downloading of files and I've been playing around with it for a couple of months now. If you'd like to learn or enhance your php skills, this is a perfect application to mess around with. ((No, I'm not an expert php'er))

I have it set up at a test site right now and I need about 5 Beta testers to put it to work for me. The basic premise of this test is to see if it's cross platform compatible, among other things. I've also made a basic "shell" application with AMS that logs you in automatically (definitely not perfected yet).

I've, so far, incorporated, not only, PHP, but Flash, xml, FlipAlbum software (a pretty neat xml encoded viewer) and a little JavaScript. A bit more detail...

1. Upload images (there's a lot more to this script, but this is what I'm using for now)
2. View your images in a FlipAlbum Viewer
3. Option to send the link via email to others

Currently, I'm making a few Flash Enhanced options to view these uploaded images. Still lots to do, but in the meantime, would like a few testers. I figure if anyone's interested, then we can swap ideas in this thread. IOW, you may want to try this script yourself and put it to work for your own use. The entire script is totally free!! No strings attached!

A demo of the script is here -
Transfer Manager (http://phpatm.kc-it.com/)

And my test site is here -
Beta Test Site (http://s92220213.onlinehome.us/create/login.php)

Simply register with the username that you use here (so I basically know who you are :)) and I'll send you an activation code. Also, for verification purposes, post a little note here so I know it's not an imposter merely using a/your username. Thanks everyone!

rhosk

09-04-2004, 12:13 PM

These will be some sample outputs I'm working on. Any one of these can be incorporated into a FlipAlbum. For the actual FlipAlbum links, you'll be asked to download a Viewer (@2.5MB). But, you only need to do this once. If you don't care for it, you can merely uninstall it.

This Album is dynamically created at runtime w/PHP. This is a "Fake User" test from the application site (actual uploads I used in the interface).
A Basic FlipAlbum (http://www.flipviewer.com/popup/?opf=http://s92220213.onlinehome.us/create/files/fakeuser5/opf.php?type=.opf&ver=gen)

This is a simple zoom feature built from an image array. Click and hold to zoom the image. Click again to zoom out. Turn the page in the upper portion of the page.
Zoom Image 1 (http://www.flipviewer.com/popup/?opf=http://s92220213.onlinehome.us/demo.opf&ver=Gen)

The following link, when this script runs the first time, actually reads a folder of images, retrieves all the file names, creates an array xml, builds the thumbnails automatically, then Flash reads the xml and renders. This is also the Fake User testing interface.
A Gallery (http://s92220213.onlinehome.us/create/files/fakeuser5/flash.html)

Press F11 for a full screen effect for this one. Broadband recommended as these are hi-rez images.
Zoom Image 2 (http://s92220213.onlinehome.us/zoom_opf_files/zoom1.htm)

And finally, the Help File that I will make at the site (the famous "Dynamic Pageflip Script" talked about earlier in General Discussion) can easily be used to create a PHP output as well.

Intrigued

09-04-2004, 05:35 PM

Looks interesting!

Ron, heads up on your download page.

Sample 1-4 are all 'broken link' status.

http://rphmedia.net/13101.html (scroll down)

Sincerely,

rhosk

09-04-2004, 05:45 PM

Intrigued,

What links are you speaking of? The Beta Test has nothing to do with my website. If the links above were broken, it may have been a transient server problem. Can you try again?

OK, I see now, the sample files at my download section. Thanks for that - wasn't aware. But, my website really has nothing to do with this new project. Did the links in the above post work OK? Appreciate the heads up!!

Intrigued

09-04-2004, 05:56 PM

longedge

09-05-2004, 02:01 PM

Ron,

That all seems to work quite well but -

- have you used phpATM just as an uploader? or
- does it offer a file viewer as seen when you log in to your 'account' or did you have to build that yourself?
- did you have any problems installing the phpATM scripts. They aren't plain text files (had to load them into MSWord to make legible) so I wondered if this causes a problem?

and -
- have you used FlipAlbum to create the albums? If so which version if it's the $19.95 one, I'll get it. Presumably just a ready made flash app with facilities for adding content? Is it easy to use?
- did you have to host them on FlipViewer.com for online distribution? If so is there a charge?

rhosk

09-05-2004, 03:12 PM

- have you used phpATM just as an uploader? or
- does it offer a file viewer as seen when you log in to your 'account' or did you have to build that yourself?
The "File Viewer" scripts come with the package. I think I modified a couple of them and I'll probably modify them further to different formats (color, text, etc...). Just about any kind of file viewer is available, including zip, swf's and even html. They're working on a few more. Currently, images only are what I'm gearing towards although many formats can be uploaded and viewed/played in the viewer - even mp3's with the help of Flash. The original script allows upload, download, file move/delete, Create Directories, emailing, viewing and tracking. I've modified it a bit to prevent some of these tasks.

- did you have any problems installing the phpATM scripts. They aren't plain text files (had to load them into MSWord to make legible) so I wondered if this causes a problem?
The way I got around this was to open them in simple WordPad, do a quick save - now it's formatted to read easy in Notepad or editor of choice. Crimson Editor is nice free program. Gives you format coloring, making it easier to read/follow. I'll admit installing the script isn't hands-down easy, but I can figure out all the functions/formats needed.

and

- have you used FlipAlbum to create the albums? If so which version if it's the $19.95 one, I'll get it. Presumably just a ready made flash app with facilities for adding content? Is it easy to use?
The Particular FlipAlbum that's created at the site is all code, no Software needed (no corellation with Flash at all). It's basically xml generated (after a PHP parse) and the FlipViewer is downloaded "once" from their site and this software is totally free. Gives them free advertising so-to-speak for their other programs.
- did you have to host them on FlipViewer.com for online distribution? If so is there a charge?
No charge whatsoever as stated above. The images, uploads and the entire scripting is done at this test site.

rhosk

09-06-2004, 01:19 PM

Yet another output I'm working on. This is similar to the "Gallery" link above in that it reads the folder of images at script run and creates the xml structure auto; Flash then reads it and renders. ie, Change the images - The slide show changes as well on the fly.

longedge, if you want to see yours, let me know (I won't post it here unless you don't have a problem with it). I'll be adding the links as an option to the interface soon.

Flash SlideShow (http://s92220213.onlinehome.us/create/files/fakeuser5/slideshow3.htm)

There'll be more controls and features added to this as time goes on.

Intrigued

09-06-2004, 01:26 PM

That's pretty nice Ron!

I hope I get a few minutes today to check out your offerings. My wife has me running around again. (grin)

Thank you for sharing all of these links, ideas, etc.

Sincerely,

longedge

09-06-2004, 04:31 PM

(snip)longedge, if you want to see yours, let me know (I won't post it here unless you don't have a problem with it). I'll be adding the links as an option to the interface soon(snip)

Fine by me Ron - like I said, just not enough hours in the day at the moment :rolleyes

rhosk

09-06-2004, 04:49 PM

Here ya' go..... :D

longedges Beta Link SlideShow (http://s92220213.onlinehome.us/create/files/longedge/slideshow3.htm)

longedge

09-06-2004, 05:57 PM

Here ya' go..... :D

longedges Beta Link SlideShow (http://s92220213.onlinehome.us/create/files/longedge/slideshow3.htm)

That's workin' great Ron -- updating on the fly and showing extra pictures I've just added...
:yes George

( The forum email notification isn't working by the way ....)

rhosk

09-09-2004, 04:46 PM

Corey

09-09-2004, 05:24 PM

Very slick!! Works perfectly on my end. :yes

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software (http://www.indigorose.com)

Intrigued

09-09-2004, 05:28 PM

OK, little update here. This is the same Flash SlideShow from the earlier post, but this has a a bit more control. It's not perfected yet (3 days of coding! - basically combining 4 scripts). To the registrars (thanks), this will be an output/email option link soon. Corey may recognize the riff in the BG (if he reads this) - I think it goes quite well. I plan on adding captions (still "on the fly") and anything else you all may suggest. Any and ALL feedback is appreciated.

Flash Slide Show (http://s92220213.onlinehome.us/create/files/fakeuser5/slideshow1.html)
Pretty neat!

I noticed when you click on the Manual Control button and use the PREV and NEXT buttons... that not always will the correct picture show.

Normal action?

Also, is 0/32 in the lower right suppose to continue on when you are manually controlling the images? As in, that is just a download meter of sorts?

But, that is pretty cool and Corey's tune seems to fit nicely in with the theme!

Sincerely,

Intrigued

09-09-2004, 05:34 PM

Ron, I just signed up (need authorization still) for your Test Site (http://s92220213.onlinehome.us/create/login.php).

Sincerely,

Corey

09-09-2004, 05:38 PM

The tune itself (drums, keys, bass) was done by somebody named "Klif" from "The Whole", and then posted online with an invitation for guitarists to jam/record over it. There were no restrictions placed upon it and of course I certainly don't restrict anything I record, so it's fair game. Glad to hear someone found it useful. Just wanted to make sure Klif gets credit for his song, all I did was add a few layers of guitar.

I'm not sure who Klif is, but he's got a decent ear. I stopped frequenting the line 6 forum because it's just crazy political. Lots of misdirected vitriol, etc. At the risk of misquoting Chuck Berry, "I don't know nothing about fuss and muss man, all I ever wanted to do is play this here guitar..." :)

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software (http://www.indigorose.com)

rhosk

09-09-2004, 05:56 PM

Pretty neat!

I noticed when you click on the Manual Control button and use the PREV and NEXT buttons... that not always will the correct picture show.

Normal action?

Also, is 0/32 in the lower right suppose to continue on when you are manually controlling the images? As in, that is just a download meter of sorts?

But, that is pretty cool and Corey's tune seems to fit nicely in with the theme!

Sincerely,
HI Intigued,

Like I said, still have a bit more "variable" action to take care of in the Flash file....good eye! Most would not see that. It's just a matter of the ++'s and minuses. Give me some time, and I will perfect it. I just wanted to put out what I had so far. Your activation is forthcoming....:)

Corey, I love the tune. I'm going to peruse your other threads of music posts that you've provided. I think many tie together nicely for picture viewing. More to come....

Intrigued

09-09-2004, 06:41 PM

Give me some time, and I will perfect it.
Not a doubt in my mind! ;)

Intrigued

09-09-2004, 09:00 PM

Ron, I took a couple minutes to test out your PHP Test Site (FlipAlbum).

I found that the Enhanced Web Gallery drew a blank (showed no pictures) when I used that to view them.

The next thing I noticed is that I was able to move the FlipAlbum off to (right side of screen for this example) right side of the screen to far and loose control of the (and view of) the album.

What I did... I took a hold of the Move (4-way arrow) icon on the top of the album and moved it so that is was as far right on the screen. Then I clicked through all the pages and that is when the menu of items at the top of the album shifted off the screen. It should probable stay on what ever top-side is viewable. Probable 1 out of 12,000 folks will accidentally do what I did on purpose. So, maybe it is not that big of a problem to be?

Also, I received two Emails. One explained, in an easy to understand format what to do to activate the service, account. The other Email (first one) did not have any 'body' data. Just Email header data and a couple bracketed links.

Ron, those small situations aside... I do REALLY LIKE this concept and showed my wife who thought it rocks too! (we just bought two 'old style' albums to fill up, ack!)

Sincerely,

longedge

09-10-2004, 01:13 AM

Ron -

Screen shot of your latest variation attached. I only see the pause button although the cursor is reacting to what I assume are 2 more buttons immediately to the left of it.

I don't think that this is actually a reliable indication of what everyone else will see 'cause my laptop (which I'm using at the moment) does some very strange things and I'm still searching for a behaviour pattern although the last two instances have been display related.

Have you used layers in your html by any chance?

rhosk

09-10-2004, 05:06 AM

OK, we'll walk thru some of the processes :)

From Intrigued:
I found that the Enhanced Web Gallery drew a blank (showed no pictures) when I used that to view them.
Well, if you know Flash (I'm not assuming anything here), then you may know that currently, only jpg's, movies and mp3's can be loaded dynamically. I noticed that you uploaded png's and gif's (which is fine for the FlipAlbum btw). These Flash outputs are all being done dynamically, in that none of these images (jpgs) are really part of the flash file until script runtime. Also note that Flash cannot handle "progressive" jpgs either for some reason. I believe that longedge has one progressive jpg in his gallery. Flash can't see that one.

The next thing I noticed is that I was able to move the FlipAlbum off to (right side of screen for this example) right side of the screen to far and loose control of the (and view of) the album.
Did you have to move it, or were you just experimenting?

Also, I received two Emails. One explained, in an easy to understand format what to do to activate the service, account. The other Email (first one) did not have any 'body' data. Just Email header data and a couple bracketed links.
Yeah, thanks, this also is not perfected yet (content). Just wanted to ensure that the server sends the emails during these processes. So far, so good. I get emails when someone logs in and I also get a Daily Digest every morning of files uploaded, which is nice.

From longedge:
Screen shot of your latest variation attached. I only see the pause button although the cursor is reacting to what I assume are 2 more buttons immediately to the left of it.
Maybe I need to make this more user friendly :) If you select the upper bar on the controller (says "Manual Control"), you'll see the manual mode of the show. I guess I can "show" the manual controls and just disable them until needed? Or maybe a "click here" to emphasize Manual Mode.

A side note - once the latest Flash File is complete, I will provide the source code for anyone that wants it. There are free Flash "galleries" out there, but I don't think that too many have all these functions combined. It is php scripted, but to run it, say in a AMS application, all you need to do is change the php extension to xml and the end result is exactly the same. You merely have to edit the xml to your liking :yes

I really appreciate all the feedback! It helps tremendously in tweeking this and streamlining.

longedge

09-10-2004, 11:47 AM

[QUOTE=rhosk](snip)From longedge:
Maybe I need to make this more user friendly :) If you select the upper bar on the controller (says "Manual Control"), you'll see the manual mode of the show. I guess I can "show" the manual controls and just disable them until needed? Or maybe a "click here" to emphasize Manual Mode.(snip)
[QUOTE]

Ah I see now Ron. It was first thing this morning and I was just having a quick look before going to work. A couple of things threw me - I think of 'Pause' as a manual control and the forward and back buttons still trigger a pointer change even though they aren't showing. I'd say hide the 'Pause' as well and change 'Manual Control' to 'Click for Manual Control'. That'll help out the slow thinkers like me :lol .

Seriously - looks good and I'm now going to have a play with your slideshow :yes

Intrigued

09-10-2004, 10:45 PM

Well, if you know Flash (I'm not assuming anything here), then you may know that currently, only jpg's, movies and mp3's can be loaded dynamically. I noticed that you uploaded png's and gif's (which is fine for the FlipAlbum btw). These Flash outputs are all being done dynamically, in that none of these images (jpgs) are really part of the flash file until script runtime. Also note that Flash cannot handle "progressive" jpgs either for some reason. I believe that longedge has one progressive jpg in his gallery. Flash can't see that one.
Got me! I know very little about Flash... right now.

Did you have to move it, or were you just experimenting?
Got me again! I was experimenting.

Yeah, thanks, this also is not perfected yet (content). Just wanted to ensure that the server sends the emails during these processes. So far, so good. I get emails when someone logs in and I also get a Daily Digest every morning of files uploaded, which is nice.
Sounds good!

Thanks for the quick response, sorry mine was a tad slow (it did not show as a 'New Post' ;-(

Sincerely,

rhosk

09-14-2004, 09:15 AM

OK, I think I have this working pretty good now. It's a bit more "user-friendly" and the manual show is perfected (unless someone tells me otherwise).

Got another one of Corey's tunes in here (Brain :yes). The original was quite large, so I cut it down and looped it. Also added some minor effects - sounds excellent, but of course that's my opinion :) I'll be adding this option as a link to the test site shortly (without the music).

Flash SlideShow (http://s92220213.onlinehome.us/create/files/fakeuser5/slideshow1.html)

Intrigued

09-14-2004, 09:33 AM

Sorry, but once I got to image two (2) and then tried to 'go back' an image... nada.

The PREV button, at that time, did not fire.

longedge

09-14-2004, 09:37 AM

OK, I think I have this working pretty good now.

Yes - looking good.

It's a bit more "user-friendly"

I think so Ron. Much more intuitive for me.

the manual show is perfected (unless someone tells me otherwise).

When I first opened it, the previous button wouldn't work but after I'd switched back and forth from auto to manual a few times it all worked OK.

Not a lot of help I'm afraid Ron 'cause I couldn't spot any pattern, although I'd add that I was waiting for the 'load' to finish so it wasn't that.

rhosk

09-14-2004, 09:39 AM

Sorry, but once I got to image two (2) and then tried to 'go back' an image... nada.

The PREV button, at that time, did not fire.

Good catch, fixed :D Thanks!!

Late Edit: You two posted at the same time, appreciate the find. Had a misspelled variable :wow

longedge

09-14-2004, 09:45 AM

All worked perfectly on my link that you sent me Ron - sounds like I was seeing the same syndrome as Intrigued on the original tho' :)

ps - the highlighting adds a nice touch.

... aahhh msipelled variables - the bane of my life!

rhosk

09-14-2004, 09:47 AM

All worked perfectly on my link that you sent me Ron - sounds like I was seeing the same syndrome as Intrigued on the original tho' :)

ps - the highlighting adds a nice touch.

"Yours" is fixed as well ;)

Intrigued

09-14-2004, 09:51 AM

Ron, now it's 5 by 5, from what I can tell! :yes

One request... can you put a mute button or check box in for convenience sake?

Sincerely,

rhosk

09-14-2004, 11:01 AM

One request... can you put a mute button or check box in for convenience sake?

You ask and you shall receive.

Flash SlideShow (http://s92220213.onlinehome.us/create/files/fakeuser5/slideshow1.html)

Oh, and when you get time, put some non-progressive jpg's in your folder and I'll send you a link.

longedge

09-14-2004, 11:15 AM

That's broken it my end Ron. Once the sound is switched off it doesn't come back when you toggle the button (the button is showing mute/unmute OK)

Oh p.s.
You ask and you shall receive.
Nice shiny new PC please - cutting edge preferably.

rhosk

09-14-2004, 11:25 AM

That's broken it my end Ron. Once the sound is switched off it doesn't come back when you toggle the button (the button is showing mute/unmute OK)
Oh p.s.
Nice shiny new PC please - cutting edge preferably.-------------------------> :D

You guys are too quick to find faults :yes It wasn't that the mute/unmute wasn't working - I had it looping only once. This is what I get when I'm in a hurry. Should be GTG, thanks again!

Flash SlideShow (http://s92220213.onlinehome.us/create/files/fakeuser5/slideshow1.html)

Intrigued

09-14-2004, 11:43 AM

Ron, I'll give that a go when I get home, no problem.

Just confirming that the latest version seems to be working good with the mute option!

Sincerely,

longedge

09-16-2004, 01:13 PM

Don't know whether it's still of interest to you Ron, but FlipBook seems slightly unstable. Every now and again, it opens a browser window with the picture that should be on the page you are just opening displayed on it. You'll see a screen shot of what I mean in my pictures. There is also a little yellow button, for want of a better word, that says "Back Cover".

Not quite sure what causes it but clicking on the edge of the book may be it.

rhosk

09-16-2004, 01:48 PM

Hmm, I see. Well, this is an anomaly of the FlipAlbum Viewer, nothing really I can do about that. I've noticed that before (if you say, click on an image at the wrong time - ie, during a page turn maybe? - doesn't have time to decide whether to open in the album interface, or a new browser window - guessing), just not as prominent as you might think. The viewer itself is actually controlled by Internet Explorer ActiveX. Probably similar to the controls in AMS. Uses it to formulate it's construction. They have another Viewer option, maybe I 'll revert to it. BTW, the "back cover" is actually a Tool-Tip for the Viewer (shortcut per-se to the back of the album) that might have just got stuck in the video render. I see this all the time, even on my desktop.

And when did you login? Didn't get my email notification :D The Tri's and tribs of software....thanks.