Formats
As possible actual values, a level, depending on the format, may allow text entry, like e.g. ABC or 1st floor in the above example.
However, it is often necessary to use standardised or proprietary identification types. Thus a rule of thumb might be All rooms begin with a letter followed by a number.
To enable this form of regulated allocation of names, each level has its own format that determines the type of identification.
As a result:
•Each specific value of a level may contain between 0 and 15 characters of text. The minimum and maximum number of characters is defined by the user.
•Each format may consist of up to 10 individual formats that may not exceed the total maximum amount of characters.
The following formats can be used:
Format |
Description |
|---|---|
Letters |
All letters, e.g. ‘A', ‘x' |
Numic |
All numbers, e.g. ‘1', ‘7' |
Alphas Numeric |
Letters and numbers |
Any |
Each character is allowed, including special characters, e.g. ‘$', ‘-‘ |
Symbol |
Standardised text, e.g. DIN |
Additionally, a specific default value can be defined for each format.
This, together with a minimum and maximum length for each format, results in many possible options for the format specifications of a level, e.g.
|
Consistency of all location names
When the user enters location names at a later stage, the system checks for compliance with the specifications defined in the location system. All location names are hence consistent within the system.
Empty location
In the system, it is possible to define a location without input text for each level. In the location defaults, the user can set the characters with which these “empty locations” may be represented, e.g. with “-”.