Battery Manager Release Notes
Changes in version Battery Manager 1.6.3 Build 138 (2015-05-06)
Changes in version Battery Manager 1.6.2 Build 89 (2014-06-20)
Changes in version Battery Manager 1.6.1 Build 82 (2014-05-26)
Battery Manager 1.6.3 Build 138 (2015-05-06)
Locale Specific Number Formatting
Floating point numbers like the battery voltage or price are now being displayed and may be edited specific for the current locale. For example it is possible for German customers to edit "9,6" as voltage value instead of the English default "9.6".
| Type: | Enhanced functionality |
| Categories: | GUI, Data editing, Database |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Database Connections Optimized
The database functionality of applications have been optimized from the ground. Whenever possible the programs use database connections from the pool instead of creating new ones. This saves costly authentication with database servers and reduces bandwidth consumption.
| Type: | Miscellaneous change |
| Categories: | Database, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Connect/Disconnect Menu Items Work Properly
The menu items in the Network menu to connect/disconnect a remote file system from within the
network files window did not work in previous version of the software. This was due to an internal
bug introduced unintendedly when the new (quite similar) database functionality was added.
This behaviour has been fixed so that network connections may be connected/disconnected properly.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Network, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Applied Patch For Bug In Commons VFS [VFS-228]
Previous versions of VFSLib were shipped with the original Commons VFS JAR library named
commons-vfs-2.0.jar. VFSLib is now packaged with a substitute file named vfs-2.0.jar
indicating that it's not the original Commons library but a self-compiled one.
The original Commons VFS library threw ClassNotFoundException's for DefaultLocalFileProvider
which could cause a program based on VFS to crash. For example this happened often if VFS was
used by Ant tasks which perform a specific class loading internally. In order to solve this
VFS bug a patch had to be applied. Then the patched library had to be compiled freshly.
All developers using VFSLib up to version 1.6.5 and planning to update to 1.6.6 or later
should also remove the old commons-vfs-2.0.jar and add the new vfs-2.0.jar library instead.
| Links: | Visit the Apache.org website for issue [VFS-228] |
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | Core, Compatibility, Applications, Libraries, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
Installers For Windows/Mac OS X Now Signed
As required since Mac OS X 10.8 the DMG installers now are signed with an official certificate
from COMODO. Also the Windows installer executables are now signed with this certificate so that
annoying messages do not appear any longer during installation.
The JAR/WAR resources e.g. used for the Web Start software versions are now signed, too.
Former security warnings generated by the Java platform may thus be avoided.
| Type: | Security issue solved |
| Categories: | GUI, Compatibility, Deployment |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Uninstall From Running Program
If the Battery Manager software has been installed using an installer (Windows, Mac OS X, Linux)
then it may be directly uninstalled from the running program. There is no need to use the operating
system specific function for deinstallations like the Windows Control Panel to do this.
Since the Web Start versions of the software already provided support for this feature you can
simply open the Setup -> Web Start -> Uninstall menu item for installed versions, too.
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | GUI, Deployment |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Support For Barcode Readers (USB)
Battery Manager now supports the widely used Honeywell Voyager 9520 USB laser barcode scanner.
Honeywell recommends to use its Voyager 9520 USB device in so-called "Serial Emulation Mode".
This means that the device must be configured for this mode by scanning a certain config barcode.
Then a special USB driver must be installed which emulates a regular COM port on the computer.
Battery Manager can then be configured the same way as the Honeywell Voyager 9520 RS232 device.
Both the configuration barcode and the serial USB driver may be downloaded from the Honeywell website.
| Links: | Voyager 95X0 Product Page |
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | GUI, Device, Docking windows, Data editing |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Separate Docking Windows Restored In Dock
If a docking window of an application has been closed using the window decoration function
(e.g. red X under Windows) it had been restored into the dock afterwards. This was not OK
since the user specified within the preferences that closing a separate window shall close
it completely. For the options to move closed separate windows into the dock this behaviour
would be OK.
This behaviour has been fixed so that closed separate docking windows are restore properly
as separate windows again if the preferences are configured to close separate windows completely.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Managing Database Sequences
In addition to the new function to manage the tables of a database another similar feature to
manage also the sequences has been introduced. Database applications like Battery Manager
provide a special submenu to launch the new function (e.g. "Database" -> "Manage Sequences").
The dialog shows the current connection data for the selected session tab on top. The list
in den center position displays the sequences found in the database. The "Current Value" column
shows the current sequence value used to create new datasets while the "Max. Value" column
denotes the maximum value used in the associated database table.
Main goal of the new management function is to detect errors that may arise due to unproper
sequences. Invalid sequences are highlighted with a special red background. Such sequences may
then be repaired by setting proper current sequence values. Invalid sequences may be generated
if backups are being restored from file. If a current sequence value is smaller than the maximum
value used in the associated database then no new datasets can be created.
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | GUI, Database, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Added Support For Charge Manager 2016
Battery Manager now supports the VOLTCRAFT Charge Manager 2016 device with USB interface. This charging device provides 6 charging bays for round cell and 9 Volt rechargable batteries. It comes with a USB port to read the current measurement data for the loaded batteries. Internally the USB connection is mapped by the driver as COM port (RS-232) operated at 19200 baud. The Charge Manager 2016 has no cooling ventilator and is therefore silent compared to other chargers.
| Links: | Howto: Charge Manager 2016 |
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | GUI, Device |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Network URL Address Parsing Not Functional
The network connections dialog provides the functionality to specify network connections
to reach servers via protocols like FTP/SFTP. Due to a bug in the standard Java API (URI class!)
the parsing of fully specified URLs like ftp://kernel.org:21/pub went wrong. The port (here: ":21")
was not recognized properly as separate part of the URL address but as part of the server name
(here: "kernel.org:21"). This caused the other methods like getPort() returning false values,
of course also components like the connection dialog then displayed these wrong values.
This behaviour has been fixed so that network URI addresses may be edited properly.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | Core, Applications, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
Waste Prevention By Recharging
The newly integrated Database submenu named "Reports & Statistics" contains a new item
"Calculate Waste Prevention". Like the function for the state of charge prediction also the
waste prevention functionality can be controlled with a special dialog.
When rechargeable batteries are being charged, a certain capacity amount is restored which
can be used by the deployed device again. If conventional primary batteries were used instead
of rechargeable batteries then these had to be replaced here. This means polluting the environment
with additional toxic waste.
If charging devices with programs like CHK (Check) or ALV (Alive) are used for recharging and
if the produced measurement data is recorded, then the amount of restored capacity may be
calculated. On the basis of average capacities and weights of primary batteries the software
calculates how many primary batteries with a certain total weight have been prevented. The
total weight can be set in relation to the overall weight of the rechargeables in the database.
The calculation results are displayed by a special button on the right side of the program's
tool bar.
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | GUI, Data editing, Database, Reports & Statistics |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Analyzing Measurements For Current State Of Charge (Prediction)
Two new functions have been added to Battery Manager. For each measurement type (manual or
series from device) a state of charge for the time right after the measurement can be calculated.
These percent values are displayed by a special column found on the Measurements tab.
In order to get reliable results one of the programs CHK (check), CYC (cycle), or ALV (alive)
must have been executed. Also the program must have terminated properly with a RDY (ready)
or TRI (trickle) status from the device. Also manually edited measurements are recognized
as long as the conditions mentioned above are being matched here, too.
The post-measurement states of charge can be easily used to get an overview your secondary
battery's capacity over time. If a battery loses more and more of its nominal capacity then
it should be replaced by a fresh new battery.
Based on the calculations of the post-measurement states of charge the Battery Manager may now
be configured to calculate the estimated current states of charge. This is useful for critical
battery-driven devices like smoke detectors. If such a battery is predicted to currently have
only let's say 20% of its nominal capacity left then it should be recharged or replaced.
The new state of charge functions can be configured for each database session with the new
Database -> Analyze States of Charge menu item. Here you can configure which batteries to use
(all or certain lifecycle phases only) as well as the automatisms provided by the software.
States of charge may be calculated automatically for the first database session opened or
automatically if measurements are changed.
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | GUI, Data editing, Database, Reports & Statistics |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Filter Window Follows Session State
The filter window shows the filters for the selected session tab. If the database connection
was disconnected then previous software versions kept the depending filters on the screen.
This behaviour has been fixed so that the filters are not shown if the connection of the
session window has been disconnected or interrupted. If the connection becomes reestablished
then also the filters become active again.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Database |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Support For Barcode Readers (RS-232)
While RFID tags have a limited usability for battery identification new devices have been added
to Battery Manager capable of reading barcodes. Barcodes can be printed easily directly from
within the Battery Manager software and can then be attached to the managed batteries.
Currently Battery Manager supports the widely used Honeywell Voyager 9520 RS232 laser and
Glancetron 2009 RS232 CCD barcode scanners. The Battery Manager software can be configured so that
you will simply have to scan the barcode on the next battery to be charged, then the name or its
unique database ID is recognized. If the battery is then inserted into a bay of a connected
charger like Charge Manager 2010 the measurement data is automatically logged into the database.
Life can be so easy.
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | GUI, Device, Docking windows, Data editing |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Exceptions After ComboBoxes Have Been Populated
In rare cases the program raised ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException's e.g. if a print preview
was created the second time. The reason could be found in the code responsible for loading
values into JComboBox components. This has to be done using the Java event dispatch thread.
Afterwards the program must wait before any action on the new items could be performed.
This behaviour has been fixed so that such exceptions will not be raised any longer.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Support For New Custom Devices
Besides the devices that are connected to serial computer ports (e.g. VOLTCRAFT chargers)
a new device type has been introduced: custom devices. Custom devices are arbitrary devices
typically connected over LAN or WLAN connections. Currently the Battery Manager provides
support for the Gembird EnerGenie EG-PM2-LAN, EnerGenie EG-PMS2-LAN, and EnerGenie EG-PMS2-WLAN
power management units. These devices may be used to turn on other devices like chargers
on program start and turn them off automatically if the program is exited. This helps
reducing unnecessary power consumption.
New custom devices may be added using the device wizard or the new "Open Custom Device" menu.
Like serial devices also custom devices may be used by their type only or may be associated
with an existing concrete device from a connected database.
| Links: | Visit the Battery Manager devices site |
| Type: | Enhanced functionality |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Device |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Closing And Restoring Separate Docking Windows
If docking windows in separate windows were closed using the "Close windows completely"
setting and the windows were restored into the dock then an inconsistent configuration
has been generated. The windows could then not be closed from the dock again but had to
be set into separate window mode again to be closed properly.
This behaviour has been fixed so that closing and restoring separate docking window works.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Task Dialog While Deleting Files/Folders
Local files and directories may be deleted using the file system window, while network files and directories can be deleted using the network files window. If large files have been deleted then the application freezed for some seconds in earlier versions. This behaviour has now been fixed by utilizing the task dialog which shows the current operation and progress. Also, the deletion process may be cancelled from here.
| Type: | Enhanced functionality |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Network, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Directly Execute Energy Saving System Commands
The system commands to be executed if background tasks like copying files have been finished
may now be directly executed for test purposes. The software preferences provide support for
various system commands like log-off, standby, or system shutdown. If the appropriate button
to the right of the respective preference setting is clicked, then a dialog appears where the
selected action can be cancelled for a certain time period.
The new execute buttons should be used with care since the user is logged-off or the computer
is turned off!
| Type: | Enhanced functionality |
| Categories: | GUI, Preferences, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
New Option To Control Scrolling Behaviour Of Lists
Data lists like the files table found in the file system docking window can be refreshed.
Previous software versions set the scroll position of the knob on the right side automatically
to the top position. Especially for large lists with many entries it is useful that the list
be scrolled to the previous position again, so that renamed files can be identified quickly.
In order to support this requirement, a new preference setting for data lists has been added.
You can find the setting on the Miscellaneous main entry. In addition to the "Always scroll
to top of lists" mode the setting "Restore previous scroll position" can be deposited here.
Currently, the file system window, the network files window, and the database session tab
provide support for this new setting (additional lists may follow).
| Type: | Enhanced functionality |
| Categories: | GUI, Preferences, Docking windows, Network, Database, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Assembling Of Measurement Series
If a device-based measurement is interrupted e.g. due to a power failure, such series can only
be captured in multiple series. Such measurement series can now be put together again with the
Battery Manager software. This function is only possible for device generated measurements
which really belong together (same battery, same device/type, same bay and program etc.).
Associated measurement series can be selected using the Measurements session tab. The context
menu (right mouse button) provides the new menu "Assemble Series..." which opens a dialog where
the required data from the first and last datasets of the series are displayed by a list.
Here you can choose the appropriate series to be assembled finally. The latest series are
concatenated to the oldest series automatically.
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | GUI, Data editing, Database |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Setting Default Number Of List Items
The number of items shown by new database session lists can now be configured globally for
all sessions. The Preferences -> Session Window options unit provides the new setting "Default
number of list entries" which can be set to the same values as the navigations at the bottom left
corner of the database lists.
Still, each table stores its item count separately and can hence to configured individually.
If a new item count is configured manually using the table navigation the user is asked to
transfer the new setting to other lists. If this is accepted here then also the new global
option "Default number of list entries" is overridden here, too, so that new lists will display
the item count automatically.
| Type: | Enhanced functionality |
| Categories: | GUI, Preferences, Docking windows, Database, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
New Quick Start Document (PDF)
The user manual contained a section titled "Quick Start". This manual section has now been
extracted into a separate PDF document titled "Battery Manager Quick Start". This new document
can be downloaded from the Battery Manager web site, it is not available from within the software.
The user manual section has been removed to avoid unnecessary redundancies.
The new Quick Start guide allows for a quick setup of the Battery Manager software in 4 steps.
| Links: | Visit the Battery Manager documentation site |
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | Documentation |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Improved Support For Oracle DBMS Including Express Edition (XE)
In order to support the Oracle DBMS optimally some new connection settings have been added.
The Oracle connection now provides support for the "Connect As" feature where the specified
user (e.g. SYS) can login to the Oracle DBMS using a certain role such as SYSDBA or SYSOPER.
This is especially useful for the Express Edition (XE) if only the default user SYSTEM
has been configured with a password. One can connect easily with the logon user SYS and the
new feature "Connect As" = SYSDBA here. For Oracle 11 XE connections also the schema mapping
needs to be changed here to SYSTEM (e.g. for both BATTMANDATA and BATTMANSYS application schemas
used by the Battery Manager software).
If a concrete Oracle server uses a service instead of a SID then the new "Service" connection
setting can be used here. You can specify either a SID or a service identifier, but not both.
Another interesting Oracle specific setting is the new "Encryption" connection setting.
Here, the supported encryption algorithms like SSL or AES256 can be specified.
The data transferred to the Oracle DBMS and back is then encrypted using this algorithm
so that eavesdropping by third parties is very unlikely to happen. Remember that only a few
algorithms can be used here out of the box (e.g. RC4_256) while others have to be setup
on the server side first (e.g. AES256).
| Type: | Enhanced functionality |
| Categories: | GUI, Compatibility, Database, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Expanding File System Directories With Handles
Due to to an internal issue during file resolving the file system window did not list subdirectories
in the overview tree on the left side properly. This behaviour could be seen if a directory in the tree
was expanded using the entry handle (plus symbol under Windows, arrow symbol under Mac OS etc.).
This behaviour has been fixed so that expanding directories works properly this way again.
For older application versions it is possible to circumvent this situation by navigating into
subdirectories with the double-click mechanism instead of clicking the handle.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
License Not Valid
Due to a timezone issue found in the license engine used by Leisenfels both license types
for evaluation and commercial have been rejected in certain situations. For example if a
U.S. customer obtained a license at 10 p.m. then the license was generated being valid
from the next day. The license could not be used immediately in these rare cases.
This behaviour has been fixed so that licenses are valid from one day before the license
is obtained.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | Deployment |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
License Not Valid
Due to a timezone issue found in the license engine used by Leisenfels both license types
for evaluation and commercial have been rejected in certain situations. For example if a
U.S. customer obtained a license at 10 p.m. then the license was generated being valid
from the next day. The license could not be used immediately in these rare cases.
This behaviour has been fixed so that licenses are valid from one day before the license
is obtained.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | Deployment, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
Battery Manager 1.6.2 Build 89 (2014-06-20)
Import Of Database Connections
Database connections can now be imported from local files so that a manual editing is not
necessary here. The database dialog has two new buttons to export the selected connection into
a local file and a second to import existing definitions from local files. This allows for an
easy transfer of connections between multiple Battery Manager installations.
The database wizard has been added a connection import function, too. It is now possible to
configure the database connection directly from a connection definition file. If you registered
for the commercially available Leisenfels database hosting then appropriate definition files
will be emailed to you so that you can easily add new connections.
| Type: | Enhanced functionality |
| Categories: | GUI, Data editing, Database |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Battery Manager Supports User Roles
Like other database applications also Battery Manager now provides support for user roles.
A role is a special user group with specific access permissions for the software functions.
Currently the database users can be assigned the following roles:
Administrator
User (read-write)
User (read-only)
With the new menu entry Database -> Manage Database -> Users & Roles an administrator
may add arbitrary users for the current database. The login depends on the user name each user
logs into the database. Each database user can be assigned to one single role as listed above.
If there are no roles defined by the database then each user is treated as an administrator
with full access to the database. If at least one user has been assigned a role then the
defined users and roles are automatically activated. While administrators have full access
to database functions, read-only users may only view datasets (no write access).
The new role concept is used for external databases like Oracle or MySQL only, not for the
embedded database since this has only one single user which is always an administrator.
Please take a look at the manual of the Battery Manager software for details on roles.
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | GUI, Data editing, Deployment, Database |
| Editions: | Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Added Support For Charge Manager 2015
Battery Manager now supports the VOLTCRAFT Charge Manager 2015 device (not sold any more). This charging device provides 6 charging bays for round cell and 9 Volt rechargable batteries. It comes with a RS-232 port to read the current measurement data for the loaded batteries.
| Links: | Howto: Charge Manager 2015 |
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | GUI, Device |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Change Password Also For External Databases
While previous versions of Battery Manager supported only changing the password for the embedded
database this is now possible also for external databases like MySQL or Oracle. Each user with
permissions to access a Battery Manager database may now use the new main menu function
"Set/Change Password" to alter her own password. It is required that the current/old password
is specified first, then the new password must be edited twice in order to avoid errors here.
Once the password has been changed successfully the current connection is reconnected automatically
based on the new settings.
If the password for an external database is "changeme" then the user is automatically asked
for a password change if a new session is created. This automatism allows for an easy first login
and ensures that simple user passwords are changed to more secure values.
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | GUI, Data editing, Database |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Added SSL Support For MySQL
Sensitive pieces of information like customer personal data should be transferred securely
in order to avoid evesdropping. For MySQL database connections it is now possible to enable
SSL encryption (Secure Sockets Layer) by setting a flag for the respective connection.
Keep in mind that the database server must provide support for this encryption. If this is not the
case then please deactivate this new setting. If the connection is secure then the tab for the
connection shows a special icon and tooltip.
| Type: | Enhanced functionality |
| Categories: | GUI, Preferences, Database, Security, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Import/Export Of Database Connections
In order to conveniently handle new database connections an import/export function has been
added to the database connection dialog (database applications like Battery Manager only).
One single database connection may be stored into a local XML file to be restored on the same
computer or another computer running the same application. This is useful e.g. to backup and
restore database connections including login and password.
For the Leisenfels database applications like Battery Manager ready-to-use database accounts
are available for rent (database hosting). If customers obtain database hosting packages along
with the application then the users may easily import database connections created with this
new functionality. So there is no need for adding new connections manually, simply import
the prepared definition files and start working with the new account.
| Type: | Enhanced functionality |
| Categories: | GUI, Deployment, Preferences, Database, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Transfer Visible Item Count To Other Tabs
As a convenience function the Battery Manager software now supports transferring an item count
value from one database session tab to the other tabs. If the visible item count (e.g. 10, 25, all)
is changed by the user for one single tab a dialog appears where the new setting can be transferred
to the other tabs of the same database session.
You can set the "Do not show again" flag at the bottom of this dialog and you will be not asked again.
This dialog may be reactivated at any time from within the options (Disabled Dialogs section).
| Type: | Enhanced functionality |
| Categories: | GUI, Data editing, Docking windows |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Form Editor Opened Twice
The form editors for devices etc. after clicking one of the table hyperlinks were displayed
twice due to an internal misconfiguration.
This behaviour has been fixed so that the form dialogs are displayed only once as expected.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Data editing |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
MySQL Stores Current Date And Time By Mistake
Each database has its own specialties. The MySQL database for example automatically stores the current date and time for fields allowed to carry no values at all (NULL). Since other databases like Java DB or Oracle store NULL values here by default, the MySQL engine of the Battery Manager has been modified appropriately. Now also the MySQL database stores proper NULL dates and timestamps by default so that it can interoperate with other supported databases.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Data editing, Database |
| Editions: | Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Rarely Occurring GUI Hangs Avoided
If dialogs were displayed right after the application main window showed up on the screen
the program got stuck in rare cases. This was due to an internal calling scheme for dialogs.
The program had to be terminated by the Windows Task Manager to solve this situation.
This behaviour has been fixed so that such hangs should not take place any longer.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Connection Combo Properly Displayed
Sometimes the connection combo box in the toolbar has been displayed too small so that the item texts couls not be read properly. This behaviour has been corrected so that the items are readable.
| Type: | Miscellaneous change |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Setting Upload Content Length Only When Required
Some time ago a new method for setting the S3 upload content length has been introduced to VFSLib
(see release note #11 written 2014-02-03). As this works perfectly for the Amazon S3 provider
this settings MUST NOT be used for SFTP connections when large files are being transferred.
For example if a 2 GB video file is to be transferred via SFTP then a 2 GB array is allocated
internally by the SFTP driver. Normally this leads to OutOfMemoryErrors of the Java VM which
then has to be terminated by force (e.g. using the Windows Task Manager).
To avoid this unwanted side effect programmatically the method VFSUtils.isContentLengthRequired()
has been added to VFSLib. It checks if the VFSLibConstants.ATTR_CONTENT_LENGTH attribute is
required for a given VFS network file. Currently only the Amazon S3 provider requires this attribute.
Programmers should modify existing code using the FileObject.getContent().setAttribute() method
as follows:
if (VFSUtils.isContentLengthRequired(url)) {
url.getContent().setAttribute(VFSLibConstants.ATTR_CONTENT_LENGTH, len);
}
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | Compatibility, Provider Options, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
Stack Trace Due To Missing Scheme
The VFSConnection.getDefaultFileSystemOptions() method printed stack traces if a null scheme
has been passed as method parameter. Since VFSLib by design avoids printing unnecessary stack traces
this behaviour has been fixed (scheme is checked for null values).
The null scheme stack trace has been detected only on Linux systems so far.
| Type: | Miscellaneous change |
| Categories: | Compatibility, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
Battery Manager 1.6.1 Build 82 (2014-05-26)
Collapsible States Restored
The SerialPortWindow shows three areas with device options, figure, and live data. Previous versions
of Battery Manager did not properly restore the expanded/collapsed states of these areas so that
both the figure and the live data panel were automatically expanded by default.
This behaviour has been fixed so that the three areas are expanded/collapsed based on the state
the application was exited the last time.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Added Support For UniControl 4.36 Power Switch
Battery Manager now supports the UniControl 4.36 produced by CL SYSTEMS (Germany). This device
allows to toggle the state of 4 programmable power plugs (on/off). The connected devices may be
switched on or off directly from the running program. Like for the Charge Manager devices a figure
is displayed where the states of the 4 plugs can be set using buttons.
Power switches can be used for other device like chargers in order to turn these devices
automatically on when the Battery Manager software starts and off again if the program is exited.
This is another feature to reduce energy consumption and help to protect the environment.
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | GUI, Device |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Serial Settings For New RFID Readers
If a new RFID reader was configured with the previous version its serial settings could be modified only if the form has been closed and opened again. This behaviour has been fixed so that the serial settings of RFID devices can be modified right after the type was selected.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Data editing |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Subdirectories Not Listed
Due to unnecessarily raised internal exceptions during file resolving the file system window
did not show subdirectories in the overview tree on the left side under Linux. Changing into a
subdirectory was not possible with previous program versions.
This behaviour has been fixed so that listing and changing into subdirectories works properly.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Help System Callable From Window Tabs
Docking windows like the new database session window are capable of displaying multiple tabs.
Previous versions of the so-called tabbed windows were limited to display context sensitive help
only if a reference was deposited for each tab which was never the case.
This behaviour has been precised by implementing a failsafe structure now. If a help system
reference is set for the surrounding tabbed window then this is used instead. This works for
the many tabbed windows like output window, search result window, or database session window.
| Type: | Miscellaneous change |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Dummy URL Adresses Suppressed
Applications based on the Commons framework often use hyperlinks to navigate to certain program
features like a certain configuration. If the hyperlink target is not a real Internet address
often "dummy://test" is used as placeholder. This worked out with most operating systems on the
market.
Windows 8 opens a dialog to specify an app in such cases. It has been reported that also some
Linux/UNIX systems create unwanted dialogs here, too. This behaviour has now been fixed by a
code modification so that such placeholder URLs are not browsed by the operating system any longer.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Compatibility, Deployment, Network, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Adjusting Memory Size Under Windows 7
The memory size to consume can be adjusted comfortably from the running program. Under Windows 7
operating systems this could fail due to erroneous file names used by the program. If the
memory size has been changed with previous program versions under Windows 7 then a message
was displayed on the status line but the application has not been restarted. This behaviour
has been observed for the installer variants only.
Due to restrictive file permissions under Windows 7 the vmoptions file may not be editable
by the users. Please edit the file manually in these cases or ask your administrator.
This behaviour has been fixed so that the memory size can be adjusted properly under Windows 7.
Thanks to T. Mehring for his excellent bug report.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Compatibility, Deployment, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Docking Framework: Separate Windows Revised
Some unexpected behaviour of docking windows displayed by separate windows has now been fixed.
In rare cases separate windows could have been displayed twice due to incorrect code found in
the core components of the docking framework.
Users who have experienced unexpected behaviour of docking windows in separate windows
could do the following:
1. Install the most recent version of your software
2. Call the Window -> Reset Windows menu entry
The application will then reset all docking windows to their initial states.
Please remember that the settings used by the docking windows may be reset, too.
For example the Data Digester generate options including the managed templates will be lost.
If this might turn out to become a problem for you then do not reset the windows.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Hex Editor Exception With Nimbus Look & Feel
The hex editor component shipped with the Commons framework raised an exception in
combination with the Nimbus look & feel. This was due to a missing font reference
which is not available for Nimbus.
This behaviour has been fixed so that the hex editor component is properly initialized.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Libraries, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Preferences Dialog Did Not Show Up
Previous application versions had a problem showing the preferences dialog multiple times.
This was due to an internal problem which appeared when the preferences dialog has been
called twice or more times and the release timeout had been reached. In order to save
memory space many application dialogs are cached and released automatically after a certain
period of time that the dialog has not been used.
This behaviour has been fixed so that the preferences dialog may be called again properly.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Preferences, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Out Of Memory Due To Large Clipboard Data
Previous application versions based on the Leisenfels Commons Framework sometimes hung without
an obvious reason. This behaviour may have been caused by large data portions on the clipboard
of the operating system. For example if a full screen shot is taken the image data is large
especially for dual (or more) screen displays. Applications regularly access the clipboard data
to show an indicator icon whether the clipboard is filled or not.
This behaviour has been fixed so that large clipboard data is not a problem any longer.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Improved Database Connection Dialog
The dialog to configure database connections now checks edition specific requirements. Underlying
applications will show some indicator that unallowed connections cannot be used. In general
the dialog has been restructured so that any database connection for the available drivers
may be setup. If the application edition is switched then the previous connections are being kept.
Like invalid network connections also invalid database connections are shown with indicator now
instead of hiding them completely.
| Links: | Visit the VFSLib homepage |
| Type: | Enhanced functionality |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Database, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Added Support For MySQL Databases
The Battery Manager Professional (single-client) and Enterprise (multi-client) now
provide support for MySQL databases.
The setup is quite simple. Add a new database (default name: BATTMAN) and grant permissions
for the database user (CREATE,SELECT,INSERT,UPDATE,DELETE). Since MySQL does not know about
schemas you can simply map the BATTMANDATA and BATTMANSYS schemas to the database (e.g. BATTMAN).
By default MySQL allows for packet sizes of max. 1M to be transferred (e.g. battery photos).
You may want to increase this size by modifying the my.cnf file: max_allowed_packet = 16M
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | GUI, Compatibility, Database |
| Editions: | Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Install Updates For Java Web Start Applications
Applications like Data Digester provide a new menu item Setup -> Web Start -> "Check for Updates...".
This new function is only available if the application has been started using Web Start (JNLP).
If the new menu item is clicked a dialog checks for newer application version compared to the
running application. One or multiple update candidates can then be selected for update.
The button "Update" can be used to install the selected version(s) while the current version
is kept on the system. The other button "Update & Remove" can be used if the current version
shall be replaced by the newer version. The configuration directory is not deleted by default.
This new feature allows for an easy update of Web Start based applications and replaces the
always problematic auto-update feature of Web Start.
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | GUI, Release management, Deployment, Download, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Session Tabs Optimized
The database queries for populating the session tabs (My Batteries, Measurements etc.) have been optimized for all supported databases (Oracle and Derby at the moment). While testing with larger sets of datasets in the underlying tables and views it came clear that especially for Derby the existing SQL queries were too slow. Like all IBM-based databases (e.g. DB2) also Derby lacks appropriate support for sub-query optimizations. Former sub-queries have been replaced by views or other optimization techniques so that the session tabs are now populated much faster.
| Type: | Miscellaneous change |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Database |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Table Selection For Nimbus Look & Feel Displayed Properly
If the Nimbus look & feel was active and a table row has been selected then the white background color was displayed instead of the green Nimbus selection color. This has been fixed so that selected rows are displayed properly now.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
GUI Hangs Avoided
In certain situations the window of an application may freeze due to resources being accessed by multiple programs simultaneously. This behaviour has been straighened out by implementing a more lax internal synchronization.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | GUI, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Open Amazon S3 Object Multiple Times
Due to a limitation in the Amazon S3 API a workaround has been implemented for the S3 provider so that a S3 FileObject may be opened multiple times. This is necessary for example if digests are calculated once for MD5 and for SHA-1 using multiple threads. The S3Object.getObjectContent() method returns a previous input stream if it has not been closed in the meantime. So if it is still in use the same reference is provided which produces application errors. The workaround clones the S3Object and lets the clone open the new input stream instead.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | Compatibility, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
Data Digester Now To Support VFSLib
The Data Digester software now is shipped with the current VFSLib component and therefore supports all file systems including Dropbox, Google Drive, and Amazon S3. Currently these features are only available for the Data Digester Enterprise Edition (EE) which comes with network support. Please download an installer appropriate for your computer. The software may be evaluated for 30 days. Please request an evaluation license which is possible also directly from the running application (Internet connection required).
| Links: | Visit the Data Digester homepage |
| Type: | Miscellaneous change |
| Categories: | Applications, Download, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
Added Content Length For Uploads
As required by the Amazon S3 API the content length for uploads can now be specified.
If a file is uploaded to Amazon, Dropbox, or Google this is done with web requests.
This kind of transfer technique requires that prior to the transfer the overall length
of the transmitted data is specified.
All current providers have been modified the way that it is now possible to set the content
length easily. Before an upload output stream is requested with getContent().getOutputStream()
the length should be set with getContent().setAttribute(VFSLibConstants.ATTR_CONTENT_LENGTH, length).
If this attribute is not set for the cloud providers then uploading small files may work
but uploading large files > 10 MB will certainly fail. Please check out the modified
example classes for details.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | Compatibility, Documentation, Provider Options, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
Improved Network Dialog
The dialog to configure network connections now checks protocol specific requirements. For Dropbox
and Google Drive the access token must be configured to operate properly. For Amazon S3 the access key ID,
the secret key, and the bucket name are required options now. If any of the required parameters are
missing, an appropriate message is being displayed by the dialog. Underlying applications
will show some indicator that such misconfigured connections cannot be used.
The Amazon protocol panel of the dialog provides a new option "Use bucket URI" to assemble
the overall URI address of the connection based on the bucket name instead of the host name.
See the VFSLib component for more details.
The German translation of this dialog has been completed.
| Links: | Visit the VFSLib homepage |
| Type: | Enhanced functionality |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Network, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Updated To Dropbox 1.7.6
The current VFSLib is now shipped with Dropbox for Java API version 1.7.6.
The access token is now only valid for the Java session it has been requested for. For the
ExampleDropbox.java and ExampleDropboxOptimized.java classes this means that the -token
parameter is not longer supported. The access token MUST be requested each time the script
is restarted, copied from the Dropbox website and inserted into the dialog input field.
This is a little less convenient but surely the token security benefits from this change.
As for the earlier Dropbox versions also the new one has some limitations e.g. when uploading
large files. Uploading files using the Java API is still slow compared to the Dropbox desktop
application. According to forum posts at Dropbox this is the programmed behaviour. For large
files users should use the Dropbox desktop client or switch to other cloud file system providers
without this kind of limitation.
| Links: | Visit the Dropbox homepage |
| Type: | Miscellaneous change |
| Categories: | Libraries, Compatibility, Deployment, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
New Option "Use bucket URI"
For the Amazon S3 provider a new protocol option has been added: "Use bucket URI".
By default the host name aws.amazon.com ist used to assemble the URI for Amazon S3
connections as for the traditional file systems like FTP/SFTP. Since bucket names
are globally unique IDs by design it is now possible to configure VFSLib so that
URIs like s3://This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. can be used internally.
This is only a display feature which does not influence the internal behaviour of
the Amazon S3 provider that comes with VFSLib. It may be changed at runtime.
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | Provider Options, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
Save Token/Secret Key Feature Fixed
Like for the traditional VFSLib file systems also for the new cloud file systems
Dropbox, Google Drive, and Amazon S3 it's now possible to save secret options like
the access token or secret key. Applications like Data Digester provide a check box flag
to configure the program behaviour for the configured network connections.
The previous version of VFSLib always stored the secret options, the flag did not work.
This has now been fixed so that VFSLib applications may now "forget" about secret options.
Remember that the secret options are still remembered while the application is running
but not if it is restarted and the save flag has been disabled before.
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | Provider Options, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
File System Options Validation
The file system options to be configured with the various FileSystemConfigBuilder classes
are now checked for proper required values. For Dropbox and Google Drive the access token
must be configured to operate properly. For Amazon S3 the access key ID, the secret key, and
the bucket name are required options now.
Applications like Data Digester will show some indicator if one of these options are missing
for the configured network connections.
| Links: | Visit the Data Digester homepage |
| Type: | Enhanced functionality |
| Categories: | Provider Options, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
Show Files/Folders In File System Window
In many situations an application may want to display the location of a file using the
file system window. For example this is a nice feature for the application log file if
it shall be sent via e-mail and its exact location in the file system is not by hand.
The output docking window provides a special button to display the log file location
as do many of the other docking windows and dialogs.
Please remember that the file system window is only automatically shown on the screen here
if the automatic mode is enabled (see the context menu by clicking the docking window button
with the right mouse button).
The same functionality is implemented for the network file system.
| Type: | Miscellaneous change |
| Categories: | GUI, Docking windows, Commons Framework |
| Editions: |
Obfuscation Issue
If VFSLib is used as part of an obfuscated (scrambled) application then the providers for
Dropbox, Google Drive, and Amazon S3 could not be activated. This happens although a proper
commercial or evaluation license has been installed before.
The log file shows entries like "VFSLIB-0015: Dropbox functions require a Dropbox Edition or Enterprise Edition".
If you use ProGuard for obfuscation then add something like the following to your scripts:
| Type: | Miscellaneous change |
| Categories: | Compatibility, Deployment, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
Started Development
Started development of the new Battery Manager (BattMan for short).
| Type: | Miscellaneous change |
| Categories: | GUI |
| Editions: | Personal Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition |
Enterprise Edition Available
While all VFSLib providers can be obtained separately the Enterprise Edition has now been released. The Enterprise Edition includes all providers currently available (Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon S3). Please check out the attractive license pricing and volume discount offers.
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | Release management, Download, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
VFSLib Now to Support Amazon S3 (Amazon S3 Edition)
As third cloud file system provider the Amazon S3 Edition has been added to VFSLib.
Please register a valid Amazon Web Services (AWS) account first. All necessary parameters
for the Amazon S3 provider including the keys are provided by the Amazon S3 system.
Like the Dropbox provider also the Amazon S3 provider supports all standard VFS operation
as there are creating files and folders, renaming, deleting, downloading, uploading etc.
Remember that versioning is not supported by the original Commons VFS and so VFSLib doesn't.
| Links: | Visit the Amazon S3 homepage |
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | Release management, Download, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
Added Google Drive To VFSLib (Google Drive Edition)
As second file system provider Google Drive has been added to VFSLib.
Developers need a Google Drive account and their application setup on the Google website. Once an
application token has been generated (you must allow your application to access your Google Drive
files first) then the VFSLib Google Drive provider can be configured with a few steps.
Like the Dropbox provider also the Google Drive provider supports all standard VFS operation
as there are creating files and folders, renaming, deleting, downloading, uploading etc.
Remember that versioning is not supported by the original Commons VFS and so VFSLib doesn't.
| Links: | Visit the Google Drive homepage |
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | Release management, Download, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
Bugs in Java Examples Fixed
Some minor bugs found in the VFSLib Java examples have been fixed for the current release:
* ExampleDropbox: for loop uses iterated variable instead of fileobj (List a Dropbox folder)
| Type: | Fixed bug |
| Categories: | Documentation, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |
First Official VFSLib (Dropbox Edition)
The release of the first official VFSLib for Dropbox (Dropbox Edition, aka DBE) is now likely
to be published in the next few weeks. This initial version comes with a VFS provider implementing
the functionality to access the Dropbox network file system.
Developers need a Dropbox account and their application setup on the Dropbox website. Once an
application token has been generated (you must allow your application to access your Dropbox
files first) then the VFSLib Dropbox provider can be configured with a few steps.
The first available VFSLib edition will be the Dropbox Edition (DBE), additional VFS providers
e.g. to access Amazon S3 will be released in Q4/2013. Finally an Enterprise Edition will be
published which contains all available VFSLib providers for an attractive price.
| Links: | Visit the Dropbox homepage |
| Type: | New feature |
| Categories: | Release management, Download, VFSLib Library |
| Editions: |