SIP Module

RhoElements 2.x API

Overview

The SIP Module is used to control attributes of the soft input panel (SIP), also known as the software keyboard. Settings apply to text boxes on the current page as well as the address bar. The SIP module is not supported on Android.

Syntax

sip (Module) <META> Syntax

<META HTTP-Equiv="SIP" content="[method / parameter]">

Sip JavaScript Object Syntax:
By default the JavaScript Object 'sip' will exist on the current page and can be used to interact directly with the sip.
To Invoke sip methods via JavaScript use the following syntax: sip.method();

e.g. sip.manual();

To Set sip parameters via JavaScript use the following syntax: sip.parameter = 'value'; remembering to enclose your value in quotes where appropriate.

e.g. sip.left = 'value';

To set multiple EMML parameters / events on a single line use the following syntax: sip.setEMML("[Your EMML Tags]");

e.g. sip.setEMML("left:valuemanual");

Methods

Items listed in this section indicate methods or, in some cases, indicate parameters which will be retrieved.

NameDescriptionDefault Value
manualThe SIP will show or hide only when the SIP button is pressed.manual
automaticShows and hides the SIP when editable fields have focus.manual

Parameters

Items listed in this section indicate parameters, or attributes which can be set.

NamePossible ValuesDescriptionDefault Value
left:[Value] Horizontal position, in pixelsSets the horizontal position of the SIP in pixels. Not compatible with Finger Scrolling on Windows devices.Center of the screen
top:[Value] Vertical position, in pixelsSets the vertical position of the SIP in pixels. Not compatible with Finger Scrolling on Windows devicesBottom of the screen

Multi Instance

When multiple RhoElememts applications are running the following considerations should be made: The SIP settings are application specific. Switching to another application which uses the SIP module will apply the focused application's settings to it, e.g. the SIP may move position.

Remarks

Disabling the SIP

If you want to completely disable to the use of the SIP, set it to appear off the visible area of the screen (see example above). You can use a default meta tag to avoid pasting the tag on every page.

Interaction with Hardware Keyboard

The SIP used is the standard keyboard input panel supplied with Windows. Certain incompatibilities exist when using the software keyboard on a device which also has a hardware keyboard though this will have no impact on the average user. For example moving the SIP will reset the alpha or function key (orange or blue key) lock and using the orange or blue keys may reset the position of the SIP on certain devices. Also note that if you press a hardware key the SIP will disappear if you are using the Internet Explorer engine and you will need to press the SIP button again or return focus to an editable field to get it to appear

Interaction with Screen Rotation

Depending on the underlying operating system the SIP position may change following screen rotation. The SIP left and top parameters can be applied in a ScreenOrientationEvent to bypass this feature if required.

Backward Compatibility

The SIP methods manual and automatic exhibit slightly different behavior when the <EngineInUse> Config.xml setting is set to "Internet Explorer." In manual mode, the SIP will be shown only after the SIP button is pressed, and from then on will show and hide whenever a text field has focus. In automatic, the SIP will appear automatically whenever a text field has focus and is otherwise hidden.

Applying automatic SIP control in an app will prevent the app from later invoking manual SIP control. Press any hardware key to return the device to manual SIP control. In backward compatibility mode, manual and automatic methods are supported on both Windows Mobile and Windows CE platforms.

Requirements

RhoElements Version1.0.0 or above
Supported DevicesWindows Only. No support for Android
Minimum RequirementsNone.
PersistencePersistent - Changes to this module will persist when navigating to a new page. Moving the SIP may also persist after RhoElements has been shut down, dependent on Operating System.

HTML/JavaScript Examples

The following example moves the SIP to sit at the bottom of a 1/4 VGA screen:

<META HTTP-Equiv="SIP" Content="Left:0;Top:240">

To completely disable the use of the SIP it can be positioned off the visible area of the screen.

<META HTTP-Equiv="SIP" Content="Left:640;Top:640">

The following example sets the SIP to manual:

<META HTTP-Equiv="SIP" Content="Manual">