(New) Number Field Type
Enhanced numeric input with decimal precision, min/max constraints, and scientific notation.
The new number field type is designed to replace the limited integer type, providing advanced configuration options for numeric data in LabIMotion templates.
Table of Contents
- Key Features
- Designer Configuration
- Support for Researchers
- Automatic Migration
- 🚀 How to Participate in the Preview
Key Features
Audience: Template Designers, Researchers
Interface: LabIMotion Hub / ELN Template Designer
- Decimal Precision: Configure the maximum number of decimal places for each field.
- Range Constraints: Set optional minimum and maximum values to ensure data integrity.
- Scientific Notation: Full support for scientific notation (e.g.,
1e10,1.2e-3) for handling extreme values. - Smart Validation: User input is automatically rounded and clamped based on the designer’s constraints.
- Visual Hints: Users see active constraints (precision, min, max) directly below the input field for better guidance.
- Flexible Separators: Accepts both
.and,as decimal separators for international compatibility.
Designer Configuration
The number field in the template designer now includes intelligent handling for configuration settings:
- Automatic Cleanup: If you enter invalid settings for decimal places (like negative numbers or fractions), the system automatically corrects them to the nearest valid integer and provides a helpful warning.
- Precision Alignment: If you set a minimum or maximum value that has more decimal places than the field allows, the system will automatically round those constraints to match the field’s precision.
- Seamless Reset: Clearing the decimal setting will silently reset it to
0, maintaining a stable configuration.
Support for Researchers
When researchers fill out an element, the number field provides real-time guidance and automatic correction:
- Intelligent Clamping: The system automatically adjusts input to stay within the designer’s defined boundaries. For example, if a field is set with 1 decimal and a maximum of 10.0, entering “10.1” will automatically be corrected to “10.0”.
- Visual Hints: A muted hint appears below the field showing the required precision and any active limits (e.g.,
(dec: 1, min: 1, max: 10)). - On-the-fly Validation: Input is validated as you move between fields, ensuring data remains accurate and consistent.
Automatic Migration
Existing integer fields are automatically migrated to the number type with decimals: 0 when the template is loaded in the designer, ensuring a seamless transition without data loss.
Note: This feature is currently in preview and may undergo further refinements based on user feedback.
🚀 How to Participate in the Preview
Follow these steps to explore the new features and share your insight:
🖥️ Visit the Staging Instance
Access the preview environment at: labimotion-stage.ibcs.kit.edu🔍 Explore and Test
Try out the enhancements — see how they fit your workflow.❤️ Your Feedback Matters
Share your comments or report any issues in our GitHub Discussion Thread.
We appreciate your help in testing these new features!