Adjust physical output size dynamically

[metazai]

I'm not even sure if this is possible, but if someone could point me in the right direction . . .

I have a fairly basic output script which grabs different items at different times of the day from a MySQL database. I am experimenting with a new design which is, unfortunately size critical as regards to the graphics. In other words, if I have an output such as this, where the dotted lines are graphic elements in a table:

-------------
Output1
Output2
Output3
Output4
Output5
Output6
-------------

Then when one of the outputs is more than one line (and some of them have to be) my graphic lines get broken, like this:

---------
Output1 ----
Output2 &
others
Output3
Output4 &
others
Output5
Output6 ----
---------

Is it possible to use PHP to measure a screen position by coordinates, so that if I exceed a certain position the script will dynamically eliminate Output 5 and 6, or whatever? Does this make sense?

Again, any thoughts, even a "are you crazy? you can't do that!" are appreciated.

[Admin]

it is not possible for PHP to see where elements are on a page.

perhaps if you post a link to what you are referring to we can help you out with a different solution?

[sde]

well i know you're crazy anyway .. but why can't you use a 1600x1px image for the dotted line and just make it a css or table cell background?

[Admin]

that is exactly why i suggested posting the site

[metazai]

Unfortunately, I can't, due to my employer's privacy rules. I've tried to create a graphic that would explain it better, and I've posted it on my own site, however:

http://www.metazai.com/screenshot.gif

Is it possible to tell MySQL to pull, say, only 3 or 4 elements when what is depicted here happens?

[redhead]

Originally posted by metazai
Is it possible to tell MySQL to pull, say, only 3 or 4 elements when what is depicted here happens?

look at LIMIT

[metazai]

Yes, I know that LIMIT would be very helpful in selecting only a certain number of items . . . what I need here, though, is help in determining the number to use for LIMIT based on how far down the list extends, which is variable throughout the day.

[idx]

Maybe get a count of your current rows then decide on the slice you need.

select count(*) as n_count from table
where foo = 'bar'

So depending on what n_count comes back as you determine where you want to limit the next query.

If you can, try caching the n_count var (session var / etc.) for as long as it seems sensible.

-r

[metazai]

A slightly modified version of this last advice is going to work, I think.

THanks.