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DRUNNER.TXT
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1995-02-01
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Display::Runner (tm)
-----------------------
pcx images sequencer
for
store/show advertising/sales messages
(for DOS- or Windows-based systems)
a product of RCCO Research
Introduction
-------------
Display::Runner(tm) is a simple-to-use application that allows businesses or
other organizations to quickly create self-running slideshow applications
that display sequential messages for product or services advertising, sales
or other presentations. It takes a sequence of user-prepared .pcx image
files in 640x480x16 VGA format and displays that sequence to customers,
clients, or others. As a self-running continuous display, the sequence is
timed at approximately one second for each image.
Display::Runner is particularly effective for users preparing sales or
product message presentations, in that they can easily create or modify
image files in drawing programs such as Windows(tm) Paintbrush.
Display::Runner presentations will run under both DOS and Windows (full
DOS screen). The program's chief advantages, aside from the presentations
themselves, are both low cost and method of acquiring. The copy included
herewith is a fully-functional evaluation copy available easily and
universally through the user-supported software marketplace.
Capabilities
-------------
This version of Display::Runner will display up to and including twenty
(20) prepared .pcx images. (The registered copy allows up to forty (40)
images in sequence.) Individual images may be designated for layering or
superimposing one on top of the other (similar to the appearance in
Microsoft Windows(tm) ), or with a clearscreen designation so that an
image will be presented with totally "clean" viewport. Both capabilities
may be used and interchanged in any sequence/presentation.
A presentation will run continously until a keypress on the display computer,
at which time the program is exited.
DRUNNER.TXT Display::Runner Documentation Page 2
Running the program
--------------------
To display a pre-defined sequence of images, the user types at the DOS
prompt:
DRUNNER <enter>
In Windows(tm), the user need only double-click on the filename DRUNNER.EXE
in a File Manager window.
Included with this package is a sequence of sample pcx files intended for
demonstration purposes to show the method and possibilities of program usage.
To view the sample files sequence, ascertain the pcx image files are
available in the current directory and run the Display::Runner program as
indicated above.
The method of execution
------------------------
The Display::Runner executable, DRUNNER.EXE, is a self-running display. It
will take the sequence of images you make available with the below-described
naming conventions and operate continuously until interrupted by a keypress
(usually the <Esc> key). DRUNNER.EXE changes screens about every second,
until a key is pressed, at which point the program exits normally.
(Ordinarily, you may not wish to make available to viewers access to the
keyboard on the display computer; a viewer may instinctively press a key on
the keyboard if it is accessible, and interrupt your display presentation.)
Display::Runner is most efficient and effective when run on a system with
fast video and a disk cache large enough to hold your sequence of .pcx files.
It then runs quietly and smoothly, offering a most professional presentation
of your materials. Uses for the self-running sequence may include unattended
presentations at shows or for store displays; other users with imagination
will make significant proprietary use of the program's capabilities.
DRUNNER.TXT Display::Runner Documentation Page 3
Preparation of images
----------------------
Display::Runner is particularly effective for users preparing sales or
product message presentations, in that they can easily capture existing
screen shots with programs like Hijaak(tm) for Windows and modify them (or
create new ones) in editing programs such as Windows(tm) Paintbrush.
The only requirement is that images must be finally saved in 640x480 16-color
VGA .pcx file format. If you are doing image preparation in Windows, you
will have to load the 16-color video driver for 640x480 VGA in order to
prepare proper images. This format is used since it is the most universal
that will allow presentations to be viewed on as many DOS and/or Windows
VGA systems as possible. Do not build your images with 256 or more colors
as they will not display with Display::Runner. The user should then be able
to properly display using any VGA card and driver with 16 or more colors;
it is only during the preparation and saving of .pcx images that you must
be certain to use a 640x480x16 driver.
We have observed excellent, consistent results with using a program such as
Hijaak(tm) for Windows to capture entire DOS or Windows screens, or selected
areas of screens, or a particular window on a full Windows screen. The pre-
parer then does final editing, adding of explanatory text or drawing of
lines or other pointers or other demonstrative aids, in a drawing program.
(The sample images in this package were all created with Windows Paintbrush.)
Other graphics programs are likely to provide compatible material, but they
must be tried on a test basis with Display::Runner. The two programs
mentioned above work well for most users, are widely available, and do not
require great technical or professional ability. Scanned images will also
be effective in Display::Runner if they are saved in the proper format. If
one format you are using seems not workable, try saving that image in another
program, such as Windows Paintbrush; we have often found that certain images
work better when converted or simply saved in another program's format even
though they may use the same .pcx extension.
When attempting to use monochrome pcx files, resave them as 16-color
640x480 VGA pcx files. Even though the appearance will remain the same,
they will be saved in a format usable by Display::Runner.
Once you find the right combination of steps to produce pcx file formats
consistently usable by Display::Runner, you will save a great deal of time
and effort by always using that combination in future presentation
applications.
We caution against using crowded displays or small typefaces in your images;
the rapid sequence lends itself to drawing the observer's attention with
simple texts and artwork. Also note in the samples that successive images
that have the same color for backgrounds with text that appears in differing
parts of the screen lend a feeling of motion and smooth succession. The
timing and succession of sequence are intended to draw the viewer's
attention; too much information at one time, in the short time frame, will
simply overwhelm the viewer and the objective will be lost.
You may, if you wish, use with your registered copy of Display::Runner any of
the included sample image files in your own displays.
DRUNNER.TXT Display::Runner Documentation Page 4
Required naming convention for .pcx files
------------------------------------------
After you have prepared and collected the desired .pcx files, simply name
copies of them in the sequence you wish them displayed; ie,
Name the first to display: DISP1.PCX
and then the second: DISP2.PCX
the third: DISP3.PCX
and so on, up to ...
and including: DISP20.PCX
The above filenaming convention provides layering of images one on top of
the previous. If the images are full screen images, as they are in the
included sample files, each succeeding image will fully cover the preceding
one.
The preparer may specify a clearscreen before an image by appending an
underscore (_) to the prefix part of the file name. To have a clearscreen
before the images are displayed, name them:
DISP2_.PCX
DISP3_.PCX
...
DISP20_.PCX
Please note that a full screen image usually does not need a clearscreen
command before its display.
You may intermix as you wish images that are designated for layering or
clearscreen; for example,
DISP1.PCX
DISP2_.PCX
DISP3_.PCX
DISP4.PCX
DISP5_.PCX
Simply maintain a consecutive numerical sequence in each presentation. If
you skip a number (i.e., DISP6.PCX followed immediately by DISP8_.PCX), the
program will cycle back to the beginning without displaying the image
numbered outside of consecutive sequence.
We suggest that you create your various presentations each in a different
directory on your hard disk. In that manner, the display files may have
similar names but are differentiated and preserved for various usages within
their own directories. By having DRUNNER.EXE in a directory in your path,
you may then run a sequence from any needed presentation directory.
DRUNNER.TXT Display::Runner Documentation Page 5
Prepare for your audience
--------------------------
The basic requirement is that the image files and the Display::Runner
executable be placed in the same directory on a hard drive (or ram drive).
Alternatively, the file DRUNNER.EXE may be in the path, and the .pcx files may
be local in any directory from which you wish the images to display. You
should not attempt to run your presentations from a floppy diskette, due to
the slowness of building the on-screen image from reading from a diskette.
Your presentation machine will certainly need VGA graphics capabilities to
run your presentation. If a you attempt execution on a non-VGA-capable
system, a simple screen will display the message
Image displays require VGA graphics.
(640x480x16)
and return to DOS or Windows.
Troubleshooting
----------------
The only caveat we might offer with this program is that if you find that
your images do not display, or do not display properly, it is probably
because they have been created or saved in a format that may only be
slightly incompatible with that which Display::Runner requires. Before you
decide that the Display::Runner program is not usable in such instances,
try the suggestion given before for re-saving your .pcx files in another
graphics program. Most image-editing programs will read files in several
formats, and often allow conversions, or perhaps will save them in a later
.pcx format that will work with applications such as Display::Runner.
Also, make certain that images are saved in 640x480 by 16-color format by
using the proper software and/or video drivers to handle the format.
Program Requirements
---------------------
The requirements for running Display::Runner include a DOS-compatible PC
with 512k memory, VGA graphics capability, and a hard drive. DOS 3.1 (or
later) or Windows 3.x (or later), is needed.
DRUNNER.TXT Display::Runner Documentation Page 6
The Unregistered Evaluation Copy
---------------------------------
The unregistered version of this program is intended for use in evaluation
situations only. It may be used for ninety (90) days within your own
organization by persons that have knowledge and understanding of the fact
that it is an unregistered evaluation copy.
The payment of the $39.95 purchase price for a registered copy of this
program will allow license for a single display-computer on which to make
use of this program for purposes traditionally accepted for software programs
of this type. Additional site license fees of $15.00 per display-computer
may be paid at the time of registration, or any time in the future after
initial registration at the then current license fee in effect.
The license and authorized registration shall not be construed as being
in effect until direct payment has been received by RCCO Research and an
authorized, registered copy has been sent in the registered user's/users'
name(s).
The Registered Version of Display::Runner
------------------------------------------
The registered copy allows up to forty (40) images in sequence, in contrast
to the limit of twenty in the evaluation copy. The registered copy does
not include the unregistered copy delay at the outset.
Currently, documentation for the registered version is an on-disk text
file, similar to the present format.
Licensing Information
----------------------
This program is licensed and supplied as is, without any warranty. To the
extent permitted under applicable law, RCCO Research Associates disclaims
all warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to this software
program, its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any
particular purpose.
In particular, this software program is not guaranteed to prevent or detect
damage to your data or programs. In no event shall RCCO Research Associates
be liable for any claims for lost profits or any damage, including, but not
limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damage (including,
without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interrup-
tion, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of
the use of or inability to use this RCCO Research Associates product, even
if RCCO Research Associates has been advised of the possibility of such
damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply
to you. In no case shall RCCO Research Associates's liability exceed the
license fees paid for the right to use the licensed version of the software.
DRUNNER.TXT Display::Runner Documentation Page 7
The license agreement and warranty shall be construed, interpreted and
governed by the laws of the state of Tennessee.
This software program is protected under the Copyright Laws of the United
States of America and all applicable International Copyright Conventions.
Makers and/or users of illegal or unauthorized copies of the registered
version are subject to prosecution under these laws.
The name Display::Runner(tm) is a trademark of RCCO Research Associates.
Windows(tm) is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other trade names
referenced herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
Registration Notes
-------------------
Registration will obtain a copy of the most recent authorized version and
provide legal authorization for continued use of the program after a
ninety-day (90-day) evaluation period.
You are granted a restricted-use (see above section entitled "The Unregis-
tered Evaluation Copy") evaluation period of up to ninety (90) days to
determine whether or not you wish to purchase a registered copy of this
software.
To obtain a registered copy, you may mail an advance-payment registration
fee of U.S. $39.95 + $2.55 shipping/handling ($7.05 non-U.S. shipping/
handling, $4.05 for Canada) directly to RCCO Research at P.O. Box 196,
Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (U.S.A). Additional display-computer usage license
is $15.00 per machine. Payment is to be made by check or money order only,
please. We require payment with order so that prices and fees may be kept
as reasonable as possible; this policy has worked well for us in recent
years, as we observe increased registration on products that are reasonably
priced. For credit card and telephone orders, see the Additional Ordering
Options note below.
An invoice will be included with your order, showing the registered serial
number(s) applicable to the purchase. We can provide a pro forma invoice
to those corporations or institutions that require same before payment can
be issued; shipment will be made promptly upon receipt of payment. Prices
and/or registration and/or license fees are subject to change.
Tennessee clients please include the required 8.5% sales tax on both the
product amount and shipping/handling as mandated by the state.
International clients must pay by check or money order in U.S. dollars, drawn
on a U.S. bank or the U.S. branch of an international bank. Please realize
that international postal money orders are considerably delayed through the
postal systems and may not be the most expedient way of relaying payment. An
often-used form of payment consists of obtaining a dollar-denominated money
DRUNNER.TXT Display::Runner Documentation Page 8
order from the local American Express office which you may then airmail to
us along with your order. International orders are dispatched promptly
when using a credit card order as outlined below, under Additional Ordering
Options.
Please indicate program name and current version number on your order; you
may use the Order.frm file provided on the disk (or the program directory)
or simply send a note or letter with your name, organization name, address,
program name & version, number of display-computers being licensed, and
remittance. Your comments on our programs are welcomed.
Additional ordering options:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
CREDIT CARD ORDERS ONLY -
You may order a registered copy of this RCCO Research program
with MC, Visa, Amex, or Discover from PsL, Public (software)
Library of Houston, Texas by calling 800-242-4775 or 713-524-6394,
or by FAX to 713-524-6398, or by CompuServe E-mail to 71355,470.
You may also mail credit card orders to PsL at P.O. Box 35705,
Houston, TX 77235-5705. PsL's item/product number for
Display::Runner is #11795.
THE ABOVE NUMBERS ARE FOR ORDERS ONLY.
Any questions about the status of the shipment of the order,
registration options, product details, technical support, volume
discounts, dealer pricing, site licenses, etc. must be directed in
writing to RCCO Research, P.O. Box 196, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. To
ensure that you get the fastest possible delivery of your registered
copy, PsL will notify us the day of your order and we will promptly
ship the materials directly to you. There are no additional fees
for ordering by credit card.
Your credit card number is *not* transmitted to RCCO Research, but
rather is processed by PsL as part of their software registration
service.
The above service is made available as a convenience to client
individuals who feel comfortable with ordering by telephone and
with a credit card. Established concerns may prefer to order
directly from RCCO Research with the company's own business
check.
The PsL staff cannot answer non-order inquiries.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DRUNNER.TXT Display::Runner Documentation Page 9
Additional Information
-----------------------
If you have any comments or questions regarding this program after (or with)
registration, please send them to:
RCCO Research Associates
P. O. Box 196
Gatlinburg, TN 37738-0196
(U.S.A.)
Please include your phone (day & evening) and fax (if any) numbers as well
as your mailing address (and CompuServe number / Internet address, if any)
on ALL written communications. Please indicate the serial number from your
registered copy of the program as well as your CustID number. Our E-mail
addresses are provided to registered users along with the invoice.
RCCO Research also publishes a program of related interest: Trade::Show(tm),
a simple-to-use application that allows individuals or organizations to
quickly create slideshow programs for product or services demos or other
presentations. It takes a sequence of user-prepared .pcx image files in
640x480x16 VGA format and displays that sequence to customers, clients, or
other end-users in a choice of three methods: at the end-user's own pace
with a key click to advance images, or with a self-running continuous demo
(with 6-second intervals between images), or as a variant on the first that
waits a few seconds for a key click, and if not found, advances automatically.
All three methods are included in the package. Trade::Show(tm) is
particularly effective for software developers preparing demo versions of
their products.
Please consult your favorite user-supported software source for the
availability of Trade::Show and many other RCCO Research DOS and Windows
programs.
Q. I see the file Order.frm [order form] in my \DRUNNER directory. How
may I print it out on my printer?
A. To print the registration order form from DOS, make sure your printer is
on and ready with at least 2 sheets of paper, change to the \DRUNNER
directory and at the DOS prompt, type the following:
COPY ORDER.FRM PRN <enter>
Or, if you are in Windows(tm), launch Notepad, open the file Order.frm in
the \DRUNNER directory. From the File menu, select Page Setup to set
all margins minimally: 0 for Left, Right, Top, Bottom Margins. Delete
the default header and footer items. Select OK. Then from the File
Menu, select Print to print out the order form. (If you wish to fill in
the form with your order information before printing, it would be best to
open Order.frm in a word processor, such as Write, because Notepad does
not have an overwrite mode in Windows(tm) 3.x.)
DRUNNER.TXT Display::Runner Documentation Page 10
Display::Runner(tm)
--------------------
pcx images sequencer
for
store/show advertising/sales messages
(for DOS- or Windows-based systems)
(C) Copyright 1995 RCCO Research Associates
All Rights Reserved under International Conventions
Product of U.S.A.
RCCO Research Associates
(Technical Publishers - Est. 1965)
Post Office Box 196 / Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 (U.S.A.)