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HIDIMG (C) v3.0 Copyright 1993-94 John Çaputlu-Wilson All Rights Reserved
Hidden Image AutoStereograms
All other copyrights(C) and trademarks(TM) mentioned herein are hereby
acknowledged, including specifically:
Windows (C) Microsoft
UNIVBE (C) SciTech Software
SVGA Drivers (C) Jordan Hargraphix Software
etc.
***************************************************************
* *
* Create your own professional-looking hidden images like the *
* ones seen in the malls. Put your own message or picture in *
* the hidden image and hide it with any covering pattern. *
* *
***************************************************************
To get started QUICK (if you have SVGA 800x600x256 or higher):
Run the program by typing HIDIMG30 at the DOS prompt
Press the (H) Key ///Hide the Current Image///
Press the <Enter> Key Twice ///Use Default Resolution///
--------------------------------------
PACKING LIST
INTRODUCTION
REGISTRATION
HOW TO USE THE HIDIMG PROGRAM
COMMAND LIST
Command Line Parameters
Creating Hidden Images
Changing Settings
Displaying Files On-Screen
Changing Screen Modes
Modifying Image Colors On-Screen
Showing File Information
Generating Standard Files
Halting Screen Drawing
Quitting the HIDIMG Program
USING WINDOWS PAINTBRUSH
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS & TROUBLE-SHOOTING
VERSION HISTORY
THANKS
DISCLAIMER & LEGAL NOTICE
--------------------------------------
PACKING LIST
▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
FileName: FileSize:
─────────────────────┐
HIDIMG30.EXE 66025_├─ The SHAREWARE program
HIDIMG30.KEY 2608_├─ The Key to make it hide
HIDIMG30.DOC 53507 │
INVOICE.DOC 1945 ├─ Documentation and Registration Info
VENDOR.DOC 2362_│
HIDIMG.PAL 162_├─ Windows Paintbrush 16 Color Palette
PT1.BMP 83502 │
PTFRACT.BMP 27482 │
PTDAZ0.BMP 13478 ├─ A few Pattern files
PTDAZ1.BMP 10608 │
PT1CY.BMP 11078 │
PT2CY.BMP 10998 │
PT3CY.BMP 12498 │
PT4CY.BMP 10798 │
PT5CY.BMP 10798_│
SHAPES.BMP 11312 │
P51.BMP 22268 ├─ A few Input image files (compressed)
TORUS.BMP 82786_│ You can always (G)enerate more...
HID1.MAP 3328 │
HID2.MAP 3328 ├─ 256 Color (RGB Triplet) Maps
RAINBOWJ.MAP 2127_│
UVBE50BD.ZIP 55130 ├─ VESA video driver
─────────────────────┤
RLE2BMP.EXE 20093_├─ Image File Converter v2.0┐
TIPS.DOC 6779_├─ More Docs ├─ REGISTERED VERSION!!
HIDIM30R.EXE 66024_├─ The REGISTERED Program │
3SHIP.BMP 74765 │ │
BIPLANE.BMP 29350 │ │
CAR.BMP 29926 │ │
CYCLE.BMP 41064 │ │
F14.BMP 25222 ├─ Good pic files donated to│
KLING.BMP 19698 │ me by a registered user │
STREK.BMP 17472 │ │
THETR.BMP 72654 │ │
─────────────────────┘ ┘
INTRODUCTION
▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
HIDIMG is a program which creates autostereograms from any color BMP
(bitmap) file included with program or that the user supplies. An
autostereogram is a picture which appears 3-dimensional when viewed in the
correct manner. Unlike other stereogram programs, HIDIMG is not limited
in color or in the surface pattern displayed. Most other programs only
create black and white SIRDS. A SIRDS is a Single Image Random Dot
Stereogram. HIDIMG can use full 256 color and whatever surface pattern
the user desires, not just random dots. That means that you can create
pictures similar to those that are done professionally and sold in the
malls and other shopping areas. The hidden image is then saved into a
BMP file which the user may edit or print out as desired (using other
programs). You can "hide" any image that you can create. HIDIMG now
comes with files that allow one to use Windows Paintbrush to create input
and pattern files. The Windows wallpaper patterns can be used as good
covering patterns. Since HIDIMG uses the BMP picture format, Windows
paintbrush can also be used to print the pictures. In any case, have fun
making posters, post cards, invitations, ads, pictures, nameplates, etc.
Without exception, everyone I have met who has "seen" a hidden image
picture has thought that it was very neat. Sometimes it takes a little
while to "see" the images, but it is usually worth the effort. Even if
you have already "seen" the pictures, it is great to see someone else's
face when they finally "see" it too. At that point you share their sense
of wonder and prove that you really are not crazy! All the images that I
have printed out have looked great! I have found that they make very
entertaining gifts.
REGISTRATION
▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
HIDIMG is a SHAREWARE program. Shareware programs are great because they
allow a limited trial period before actually purchasing the program. If
you do not like the program, then it costs nothing. You simply quit using
it. Users may use HIDIMG for a trial period of 30 days. At that time
they may either register (if they haven't done so already) or quit using
the program. The registration price is US $35.00 + S/H. All images
created by an unregistered user are for personal use only; they may not be
sold or used commercially. They may be displayed of course, so that other
people can find out where to get the program. Permission is granted for
the distribution (uploading, downloading, etc.) of the unregistered
version. Feel free to let your friends and others try out the
unregistered shareware program and see if they would like to order the
registered version. Vendors may charge no more than $5 over the cost of
media for this program. Registration information is in the INVOICE.DOC
file. Ask about other available programs if you call.
The REGISTERED version of HIDIMG has the following:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
All features of UNREGISTERED version, including:
full SVGA 256 color, as well as 16 color and Text display modes
manipulation of image colors and hidden effects, including z-scaling,
repeat scale, inverse viewing, several different hiding algorithms,
color cycling, shimmering, randomized palettes, etc.
works on picture, pattern, and color map files included or supplied by
user
images displayed on screen and saved in BMP form for later editing or
printing by user
full Windows BMP file information, including headers, palette, and image
display for 2,16,256 and false color 2^24.
allows 80x50x16 text mode resolution
allows from 320x200x2 up to 1280x1024x256 resolution on-screen
allows up to 12000x(space available)x256 in file disk-video mode
"height analyze" feature for helping in the creation of good input files
(G)enerate files feature in case of program seperation from included files
in the .ZIP package -- inputs, patterns, color maps, and of course hidden
images
!!!!!!!!!!!!PLUS!!!!!!!!!!!!
no annoying SHAREWARE screens or registration incentives, just "Thanks for
Registering"
HIDIMG (C) copyright message is not "stamped" on hidden pictures
images created by program may be freely used, no copyright restrictions on
registered user-made images
tips on how to create good images, start to finish
extra input & pattern files -- these are some good input files
which were donated to me by a registered member. These are free with
registration of the HIDIMG program. They look good on my system and
include: a motorcycle, some airplanes, star trek ships, a car, a building
program RLE2BMP.EXE v2.0 to convert RLE files to BMP files
Note: RLE files are one of the formats used to transmit picture files
over the Internet. It is used by some other SIRDS programs (notably the
MINDIM20.ZIP SIRDS program). These files can be converted to BMP's.
Some of these .RLE file pictures are copyrighted. You must get the
artist's permission for other than personal viewing of those files. Also,
do not mistake these files with Windows RLE compressed BMP's. They are
two different things.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
*************************************************************
* Remember, registered programs or images from a registered *
* program make great gifts for family and friends!!! *
*************************************************************
HOW TO USE HIDIMG PROGRAM
▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Basically, HIDIMG takes an input file and "hides" it by covering it with a
pattern file using a special algorithm. The pattern is repeated, though
not exactly to get the 3D effect. The resulting image is displayed
on-screen. There are triangular indicators on the image to help in
"locking-in" on the image. The user must change his/her focus until the
indicators appear to merge in the center. This can be done by "looking
through" the picture, or by crossing the eyes for inverse viewing. At the
correct point of focus, the hidden effect should be noticeable in the
image. The colors of this image may be modified with several different
commands. When the user is finished looking at the picture, it is saved
to the output file. If you choose to make your own pictures, you need to
create them in a special way. The picture must be in the form of a
topographical map, i.e. the palette numbers that you use must correspond
to the heights that you wish that color to be at. For example, the
following values would give a pyramid structure:
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
┌─────────┐
1│2 2 2 2 2│1
│ ┌─────┐ │
1│2│3 3 3│2│1
│ │ ┌─┐ │ │
1│2│3│4│3│2│1
│ │ └─┘ │ │
1│2│3 3 3│2│1
│ └─────┘ │
1│2 2 2 2 2│1
└─────────┘
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
All numbers not shown are 0. These numbers represent the palette numbers
in the drawing program. Note that the colors which are assigned to the
palette numbers are arbitrary. You can make them whatever colors you
like. Think of it like this; your palette numbers correspond to 256 boxes
into which you will put whatever color of paint that you want. What color
of paint goes into which box is up to the you. When you want to make a
topographic structure however, you must use the paint from the correct
palette box that is at the height you want that figure to be at. The "4"
at the center of the pyramid indicates that it is at height "4", and it
came from palette box #4. Notice that it is surrounded by colors at height
"3", and so forth. Thus, the highest point is at the center, with the
sides sloping down to form a pyramid. If you are using a painting program
to make your own BMP input files, I have a few suggestions. First of
all, set the entire background color palette number 0. This is usually
the color black. If you are using a program that tells you the palette
numbers, then draw something with low palette numbers, around 1-20. If
your program doesn't tell the palette numbers, draw a few objects with
each a different color and write down what color each object was. Then,
go to the HIDIMG program. If you used low palette numbers against a 0
height background, then a normal "hide" should work. If you used colors
but don't know the heights, then you will have to play with the (Z)
scaling factor. Try setting this to about 0.1 to 0.2 and look at the
resulting hidden picture. What that does is takes each palette number and
multiply it by the Z scale before displaying. Thus the number 240 would
be sent to 24, a much more reasonable height, with a much greater chance
of being seen in the hidden effect. However, it will also take the number
5 down to 0, so those low numbers will get lost. Therefore, it is REALLY
helpful to use a program that tells you the palette numbers and use Z
scale of 1. Under the (G)enerate Input command, there is a choice called
Test Pattern. It creates a file with all of the 256 colors in ascending
order as you read a page. You may be able to import it into your painting
program and find out what color corresponds to what palette number. I
have now added a few more options to help out with this palette number =
height business. Once you have (D)isplayed the (I)nput image on the
graphics screen (preferably SVGA256), use the (W)hat-Height Analyze
command. A box with number 0 will be flashing, along with anything else
at height 0. Use the up and down arrows to change the current palette
number. You should notice the 3D structure of the included files if you
try this. Another way of seeing the 3D structure is to set the Screen
(M)ode to (T)ext Video. Then try (D)isplay (I)nput file. It will make a
text map of the image with the heights indicated by number and color. See
the part about this under the Text Video Mode section.
DISK SPACE: Make sure that you have LOTS of it. HIDIMG can read in
compressed or uncompressed BMP's, but it only creates uncompressed 256
color files. The reason for this is that a large number of the hidden
pictures have larger compressed BMP files than uncompressed. This is due
to the way that the Windows RLE compression works. You might try
converting the files to other formats and see if they work better. I
would suggest a hard drive with at least 2-5M of free space. HIDIMG will
try to save hidden images to the file HIDDENBMP unless the default is
changed. This is intended to keep your disk from getting overrun with
hidden image files. If you want to keep an image that you like, I would
rename it to something else, so that you don't inadvertently write over it
on the next hidden generation. Another reason for the uncompressed files
is that they get displayed faster. This program is math intensive; the
faster your system the better. Speaking of slowing something down, HIDIMG
is capable of very high rez disk-video modes of up to
12000x(available_space)x256. These files take a LONG time and take a LOT
of disk space (≈4.2M for 2048x2048). However, there are some programs
that can use them so here they are. Just run the program normally and
select whatever resolution you like. HIDIMG is really a disk file-to-disk
file converter. The images displayed on-screen are actually virtual.
They do not affect the size of the images which are created in the hiding
process. The output file size will be the same as the input file size,
although all files will be saved in 256 color uncompressed BMP format.
HIDIMG COMMANDS
▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
-----------------------
Command Line Parameters
-----------------------
At the DOS prompt: type hidimg30 ? to get the command line parameters.
+i<Input *.BMP>
+p<Pattern *.BMP>
+o<Output *.BMP>
+m<Color Map *.MAP>
+e<ExecuteMode (MENU,BATCH)>
+a<Algorithm (LTR,SYMM,RTL,LTR-EC,RTL-EC,LTR-ECX,THIMB,THIMB-H)>
+v<ViewStyle (NORMAL,INVERT)>
+z<Z-Scale (0..20)>
? {Help}
----------------------
Creating Hidden Images
----------------------
(H) Hide the Input file *** The Heart of HIDIMG ***
The current input file is hidden with the current pattern, displayed on
the screen at a selectable resolution, and saved in the output file. The
image colors may be modified while the image is on-screen using the color
palette changing commands. The final colors will be saved with the file
information. Focusing indicators will appear at the top of the picture.
Try to make the indicators merge and your eyes should be approximately at
the correct focusing distance to "see" the image. Make sure that you have
a lot of disk space availiable, especially if you use the high-rez modes.
This is the shortcut key for generating an output file.
-----------------
Changing Settings
-----------------
(C) Change a File Setting
Each of the different file types; input, pattern, output, and color map
may be changed with this command. It will go to a submenu from which the
choice (I,P,O,C) can be made. From there, a list of files will be
displayed. Use the arrows keys to move around and the page up/down keys
to change pages if necessary. Alternatively, if there is a file you know
about but is not listed, use the (W)rite filename command. It must be the
appropriate kind of file. If you spell a filename incorrectly, or escape
from the menu, it will be shown as "NUL", and you will have to change it
again or generate a new file.
(I) Change the Input file
A list of *.BMP files in the directory will be displayed. A file may be
chosen by pressing <Enter>. Note that the uncompressed files will load
and be displayed much more quickly than the compressed ones. As of
version 2.1, all uncompressed 2,16,256 color BMP's, as well as compressed
256 color BMP's should work as input files. Beginners should probably
try to use 16 color input files to begin with, as these should be easier
to "see", since there will be fewer levels and the levels will be
relatively close to one another. Still use the SVGA256 mode if your
machine supports it, however, since it is the colors of the pattern file
which make the surface interesting.
(P) Change the Pattern file
A list of the pattern PT*.BMP files in the directory will be displayed. A
file may be chosen by pressing <Enter>. Note other files may be used as
patterns, but only those starting with the letters "PT" will be listed.
You can always use the DOS REN command to change your file names.
Remember that pattern files should be at least 30 pixels wide. Anything
less than that will be almost impossible to see. Also, make sure that
your pattern has enough contrast in it so that the hidden effect can be
seen. Try to use patterns that use all 256 colors, as these usually look
better. You can make pattern files whatever size you want, 200x768,
100x100, 50x480, whatever. A good way to make patterns is to clip out a
section of some picture that you like so that it has the right dimensions
to make a good covering. If you use the PTxCY.BMP files provided, make
sure to use the (O)riginal file colors option once they are displayed.
(O) Change the Output file
The user may chose a filename. A default file may be chosen by pressing
<Enter>. If you do not wish to create a hidden output file, perhaps to
save filespace, set this to "NUL". The picture will be displayed on
screen but no file will be created.
(C) Change the Color Map file
A list of the *.MAP files in the directory will be displayed. A file may
be chosen by pressing <Enter>. A .MAP file is a color palette text file
which contains a list of the Red, Green, and Blue intensity values for
each color used by the image. These files are identical to those used by
the FRACTINT fractal generation program. A maximum of 256 colors will be
used.
(B) Beep Toggle
Turn the display finished-generating beep sound on/off.
(Z) Change the Z-Scale parameter
The Z-Scale parameter controls the apparent depth of the hidden image. A
large Z-Scale value gives the picture a lot of 3Dness. A small Z-Scale
values makes the picture look more flattened. Too large a value destroys
the hidden effect. Too small a value makes everything flat. The original
Z-Scale value of an input file is 1. The generated standard files work
best at values near 1. The input file palette numbers are multiplied by
this factor before being displayed on the screen.
(R) Change the Repeat parameter
The Repeat parameter controls the apparent distance of the hidden image.
A large Repeat value makes the image appear further away. A small Repeat
value makes the image appear closer. Too small a Repeat value destroys
the hidden effect. This parameter is useful in making the hidden image
easier to see in terms of the focusing ability of the viewer. The two
triangular indicators on the hidden image screen are controlled by this
parameter. Larger Repeats make the indicators move apart, smaller make
them move together. The original Repeat value is the width of the Pattern
file. For most comfortable viewing, the indicators should be about an
inch apart. For most screens, this means that the Repeat value should be:
(Screen Width in Pixels)/10, approximately. The initial repeat value is
the set to the width of the pattern file that you are using. It will not
go above this. Using a smaller repeat actually chops out portions of the
pattern picture, so it is usually better to resize your pattern file if
you want a good image.
(A) Change the Algorithm/Symmetry
HIDIMG supports several different symmetry algorithms for hiding the
images: LTR, SYMM, RTL, and various error-correcting algorithms, LTR-EC,
SYMM-EC, RTL-EC, and LTR-ECX. The SYMM or symmetric algorithm tries to
hide the picture from the center towards the sides. The result is usually
good, unless there is a lot of depth, in which case some of the picture
near the center gets lost. LTR and RTL are the Left-To-Right and
Right-To-Left algorithms. These will not lose any of the picture's data,
but the surface pattern will appear distorted more on one side as the
algorithm runs across the picture. The error-correcting algorithms work
like the above, but they attempt to eliminate the "ghost" line effects
that occur as the pattern is repeated. These do not always work, and
sometimes make the thing look even worse, but at least you have the option
to try it. The EC ones use an average value, and the experimental one
tries to make a gradient. Ocassionally, the SYMM algorithms will make a
stripe across the center, especially when the repeat scale factor is less
than maximum, so it would be better to use the LTR or RTL for those
pictures or use a different pattern. As of version 3.0, the Thimbleby,
et.al. method is included, with or without hidden line removal. This
method is supposed to create a much better SIRDS image, but the covering
patterns for SIS are directionally biased as before. The hidden line
removal increases the time required quite a bit. The Repeat scale does
not work with this method, a picture width is limited to 1280. If anyone
knows of better algorithms that you would like to see added, let me know.
(V) Change the View Style
Pictures may be hidden in either Normal or Inverted form. Normal form has
higher palette numbers appearing closer to the viewer, while the inverted
forms have higher palette numbers appearing further from the viewer.
Typically the normal images appear upraised or embossed, while the
inverted images appear depressed, like footprints. Sometimes the inverted
images are fairly difficult to "see". I have heard that these two types
are sometimes called wall-eyed and cross-eyed. This program assumes that
the wall-eyed view is normal and the cross-eyed view is inverted. In any
case, you can change from upraised to depressed, or vice versa by simply
changing to the other view style.
--------------------------
Displaying Files On-Screen
--------------------------
(D) Display a File On-Screen
This option will display on-screen any of the file types; input, pattern,
output, or color map. A beep will be sounded when the image is finished
being made. The user can then modify the color palette of the image using
the color palette changing commands (0..9,O,M,C,G,S,H,R,G,B,V,W,I, etc.
See the Modifying Colors section). This command goes to the choice of
file submenu. As of version 1.9, 2-color, 16-color, and 256-color
uncompressed files should be capable of being displayed on-screen, making
HIDIMG useful as a BMP viewer. 256-color compressed BMP's should also
work. During the display, a progress indicator line should be visible at
the top of the screen; when it reaches the left side of the screen, the
display should be finished. As of version 3.0, 24-bit 2^24 color BMP
should be displayable in false color or grayscale.
(I) Display the Input file on-screen
Reads in the current Input file listed in the current settings and shows
it on-screen at a selectable resolution. Again, the text mode allows the
"height levels" to be seen with this option.
(P) Display the Pattern file on-screen
Reads in the current Pattern file listed in the current settings and shows
it on-screen at a selectable resolution. This is the image that will get
"repeated" across the picture. You can either make the vertical length of
the file the same as the resolution, or less and it will be repeated in
that dimension as well. A good pattern image can make the difference
between an interesting or a boring picture.
(O) Display the Output file on-screen
If a hidden image has been created, then reads in the current Output file
listed in the current settings and shows it on-screen at a selectable
resolution. Note, hidden image files displayed this way do not have the
focusing indicators included. Also, these files are not affected by the
"hidden effect" parameters, although palette changing commands can be
used. At this point, the program is simply drawing an already made
picture, whether that picture is a hidden image or not.
(C) Display the Color Map file on-screen
Reads in the current Color Map file listed in the current settings and
shows an on-screen palette in a 16x16 grid for 256 col or a 16x1 grid for
16 col. The palette number and the (R,G,B) components are displayed.
This option should be chosen at 640x480 resolution or above to see the
numbers and components. Note that this is for the 256 color mode. 16
color mode will usually give strange results.
------------------------
Changing the Screen Mode
------------------------
(automatic from (H)ide/(D)isplay/(G)enerate)
HIDIMG now supports several screen modes, including the original SVGA256,
and now SVGA16 & a 50 line text mode. Now includes tweak modes. If you
have trouble with your video card, try using the UNIVBE program included
with the shareware version of HIDIMG. This is an alternate SVGA driver
that usually works much better than the standard ones. See the UNIVBE
docs for more info.
(1) SVGA16 Mode
This driver mode "should" run standard EGA and VGA cards at 16 colors.
This is included for those people who don't have SVGA. Recommendation
from the author: Get SVGA, it's worth it. Even if you load in a 16-color
input file, try viewing it with 256-color mode. Make sure that all the
pattern files are 256-color, since these look MUCH better.
(2) SVGA256 Mode
This is the original driver, capable of running many SVGA and VESA cards.
Unfortunately, not all cards are alike, so this may not help all people.
Try turning on the VESA capability of your card before giving up all hope.
After that, try running the UNIVBE program. If this still doesn't work
and you think your card is definitely SVGA, then tell me where I can get
the drivers that will run your card.
(2) SVGA2^24 GrayScale Mode
This allows 24-bit BMP files to be displayed in GrayScale or false color.
Height levels of these picture are equal to the grayscale value. There is
a modification you can make to POV-Ray to output grayscaled images based
on heights. Try hiding these with HIDIMG. Lots of Z-Scale adjustments
may be necessary. Use the (W)hat-Height function to get the levels into
low ranges 0..64 for monitor displayable high-rez usually.
(T)ext Video Mode
This is really just a text mode in case neither of the above drivers works
on your computer. The nice thing about it is that now you can get a
primitive "height" map of your input files. Each point is at the height
indicated by the number and color. The height levels are indicated by
lines at the top and bottom of the screen. Heights 0-9 at one color,
10-19 are another, 20-29 are another and so forth. The top line indicates
heights from 0-79, and the bottom from 80-149. Much to my surprise, the
text mode display of a hidden file will sometimes appear in stereo 3D,
just like the image displays. These are not usually good since the text
is only an approximation of the pixels, but the effect is definitely there
sometimes. Be ready for sore eyes and head if you try it, however.
--------------------------------
Modifying Image Colors On-Screen
--------------------------------
When an image is first displayed on-screen, it is shown in the current
palette of whatever system you are working on. If you don't like these
colors, or at least get tired of them, you may change them to the possible
palette colors listed below. The final color selection that you choose
will be the color information that gets stored with the hidden file.
(0..8) Random Color Palette
Once an image is being displayed on the screen, press a number from 0 to 8
to use a random color palette on the image. The value indicates the
degree of randomness in the color patterns, with 0 giving the smoothest
color transitions and 8 giving very rough, random color transitions. On
certain pattern files, such at PT1.BMP, a value of 8 creates random dot
hidden images much like the other SIRDS viewers. Note that pressing 8
several times also gives the same effect as many of the SIRDS animation
programs, which vary the patterns slightly to help lock in on the 3D
effect. See the NEW (S)himmer option.
(O) Original File Color Palette
Once an image is being displayed on the screen, press O to use the
original color palette that was saved with the file. The image is
initially displayed in whatever are the standard colors of that system.
This is useful for simply using HIDIMG as a BMP viewer. The colors
should now be working correctly for 2, 16, & 256 color files.
(M) Map File Color Palette
Once an image is being displayed on the screen, press M to use the color
palette of the current .MAP file. These are the same files as used in
FRACTINT. This will load in the 256 RGB color triplets, which may be
created with a simple DOS editor.
(H) Height-GrayScale Display
Uses a grayscale palette. Due to the way that the SVGA256 driver works,
the gray levels are in blocks of 4, i.e. 0-3 are black, 4-7 are
dark,dark,dark gray, ..., 252-255 are white.
(R),(G),(B) Reds, Greens, Blues Palette
Uses a colored Height Display, as above, but in color.
(V) Varying Display
Uses a Gray-Red-Green-Blue pattern, with the gray colors 0-63, red 64-127,
green 128-191, and blue 192-255. The colors increase in brightness with
increasing height.
(I)nverse the Current Display
Inverses the colors of the current display. Essentially, all colors are
subtracted from the color white. Thus, White->Black, Black->White,
Red->Cyan, Green->Magenta, Blue->Yellow, etc. A 2nd Inverse restores the
previous colors.
(W) What-Height Analyze Display -- uses up/down arrow keys
This is the much-requested-for function. The currently selected palette
number will be flashing, and the number itself will be diplayed on the
left side of the screen. This function is used to determine what palette
number, or "height", each section of the screen is. When it is first
turned on, the number zero will be displayed and all parts the image at
height zero will be flashing. The up/down arrow keys may be used to
change the palette number, which will cause that palette number to be the
flashing one; the other will stop. By using this, one can tell if an
input image has been correctly made. If you want a smoothly sloped
object, then the palette numbers or heights of closeby sections of that
object should be placed at adjacent heights. My suggestion is to make
sure that the entire background of your picture is at height zero. Then
use low heights (about 1-20) in your pictures until you are familar with
how the hidden generation works. Once you are finished, use the (Q)uit
key to return to the normal color changing mode. Unfortunately, this
function does not work so well with the SVGA16 color driver. The palette
numbers in 16 color mode only allow for 16 heights, but still have 64 some
palette numbers, in nonsequential order mostly. It would be better to use
the 256 color display or use the Text Display Input to get a better feel
for the actual "heights" of the input file. May not work on all monitors.
If your system crashes with this mode, try using the (T)ext Display mode
instead to find the heights. Remember that you can now use Windows
paintbrush to make pictures by using the HIDIMG.PAL colors. See the
section about Using Windows Paintbrush.
(C) Color-cycling -- uses up/down arrow keys
NEW! This works just like color-cycling in FRACTINT. The colors of the
selected palette are rotated sequentially. The speed of cycling may be
altered with the up/down arrow keys. This mode works best with pattern
files that use lots of colors and are smoothly varing. See the program
FRACTINT for good examples. Try this on the PT1.BMP May not work on all
monitors.
(S) Shimmering -- uses up/down arrow keys
NEW! This shimmers the picture colors. It selects all new random colors
at each screen update. The result is similar to the SHIMMER SIRDS
program. It helps some people to lock on the image a little easier. The
up/down arrow keys alter the speed of the shimmering. For the best
effect, use the 100% Peppered Pattern file from the (G)enerate (P)attern
selection or the PT1.BMP. May not work on all monitors.
------------------------
Showing File Information
------------------------
(I) Information about a File
This option allows the information about the different files types to be
seen. It goes to the file choice submenu. The input, pattern, and output
files are all bitmaps (BMP), and the information given is the information
contained in the file headers of the images. This includes picture size,
compression, color info, etc. The Color Map Information gives the palette
numbers and (R,G,B) values of the file. This information is given on a
50-line text mode.
(I) Show Input file information
Gives BMP bitmap info on the Input file such as image and file sizes,
compression and color info, etc.
(P) Show Pattern file information
Gives BMP bitmap info on the Pattern file such as image and files sizes,
compression and color info, etc.
(O) Show Output file information
Gives BMP bitmap info on the Output file such as image and file sizes,
compression and color info, etc.
(C) Show Color Map file information
Gives the Palette numbers and Red,Green,Blue color values of the current
Color Map file listed in the current setting section.
-------------------------
Generating Standard Files
-------------------------
(G) Generate Standard Files
This feature is a protection in case some of the other files with HIDIMG
get lost. Using this feature creates a Color Map file called HIDIMG.MAP,
a Pattern file called PTHIDIMG.BMP, an Input file called HIDIMG.BMP, or
the Output file called HIDDEN.BMP which is based on the current file
settings. Note that the last option is the same as pressing the (H) key.
The size of the Output file is determined by the resolution selected
during the generation. Make sure that you have plenty of disk space
available during the creation, since the high-rez files can be quite large
(a 1024x768x256 BMP occupies about 800KB). Please be patient during file
generation, it could take a while on some machines. There will be a beep
when the generation is finished, at which point the colors may be modified
as described above for input files. Do not attempt to generate files in
the "TextVid" mode. This mode requires the graphics mode to work, as it
uses built-in graphics routines to draw stuff.
(I) Generate Standard Input File
This option will create some standard BMP files which may be used as
input files. The file created will be saved as HIDIMG.BMP. It will be
saved at the resolution selected. There are a number of choices,
including a message. If you choose it, then the program will wait for you
to put in a short message such a "Hello", or your name or whatever. Long
messages may not show up because messages extending beyond the screen
dimensions get totally cut, not just clipped off. Also, it is best if
there is some space between any letters and the edge; otherwise the ends
of your message will not be in the 3D part of the images. The sides
"blur" with the edge of the monitor. Some people have reported that their
video cards didn't support the character fonts at high-rez.
(P) Generate Pattern File
This option will create a pattern file which may be used to cover the
hidden images. It will be saved as PTHIDIMG.BMP. It is a selectable size
file, with several pattern options available. Generally, you should make
pattern files a width such that the repeat distance is about an inch. The
height can be the height of the input file or smaller. Also try using the
Windows wallpaper files as patterns.
(O) Generate Output File
This option is exactly the same as the (H)ide the Image key. The standard
name is HIDDEN.BMP.
(M) Generate a Color Map File
This option creates a color map file of 256 palette colors. The palette
color options may be used. The standard name is HIDIMG.MAP. The format
used is the same as that used in FRACTINT. There is a RGB triplet, each
from range 0 to 255. Thus, 0 255 0 is 0 redness, 255 blueness, 0
greeness, yielding very bright blue overall.
----------------------
Halting Screen Drawing
----------------------
<ESC> or (Q) Halts the Screen Drawing or palette flashing and goes to next
program step
---------------------------
Quitting the HIDIMG Program
---------------------------
(Q) Quit from Main Menu
<Control-Break>
<Control-C>
Return to the system prompt.
** Any key not listed should escape the user one level back in menu
selection. Once at the main menu, it will page back and forth between the
shareware ad/user support and the main menu. **
USING WINDOWS PAINTBRUSH
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The file HIDIMG.PAL is now included with the HIDIMG package. This allows
users to create their own input and pattern files using Windows
Paintbrush. Use the following procedure to create an input picture:
Go into Windows and click into the Paintbrush Application.
Click Options, then Image Attributes.
Set Units to Pels(pixels), Color, and Set the desired Width and Height.
Optimum dimensions are those displayed by HIDIMG, i.e.
320x200, 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024, etc.
** MOST IMPORTANT! ***
Click Options, then Get_Colors
Use the HIDIMG.PAL colors in whichever directory you have placed HIDIMG
This will load in a 16 color palette which will create good pictures.
You should see these colors:
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│black dk-red dk-green dk-yellow dk-blue dk-magenta dk-cyan lt-gray│
│dk-gray lt-red lt-green lt-yellow lt-blue lt-magenta lt-cyan white │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
These correspond to heights:
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 │
│ 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Select the black box = height 0.
Click the FloodFill tool and set the background to black. You might need
to set the viewport to full size. Windows only colors the parts of the
screen that are showing.
Now, select other colors to draw your picture. Remember that you can
write messages by using the text option, and the font can be changed in
type and size by clicking Font. Use bold, solid fonts for the best
effect. Do not draw to close to the right or left edges of the screen.
These areas will get washed out by the hiding algorithm.
Once you are finished, click File and then the Save_As command.
Change to the directory containing HIDIMG and name your picture file.
Make sure that you save it as a 16 color BMP file! You can also use the
256 and 2^24 color formats, but the colors may not be displayed correctly
in HIDIMG, and therefore the heights not be at the correct levels. If you
wish to use the 2^24 color format, use a grayscale to get the correct
height levels.
You are now ready to run HIDIMG. You can either quit to DOS and run it
from there, or just run it from the Windows File Manager Application. Or,
you can create a .PIF file to make a HIDIMG program group and icon. Look
in your Windows manual to see how to do this.
Once your picture is complete, you can analyze it in HIDIMG. Run HIDIMG
and (C)hange the (I)nput file to the name you just made. Then (D)isplay
the (I)nput file. It should then give you the SVGA mode options. Make
sure that you use SVGA256 mode if possible. HIDIMG will then draw your
picture on the screen in the system default colors. These are probably
different from the colors that you used in Windows paintbrush. Just hit
the (O)riginal file colors keys to restore the proper file colors. The
picture should look correct now. To analyze the picture, hit the
(W)hat-Height analyze key. The screen background should start flashing,
along with everything else at height 0. Now press the up arrow key.
Everything at height 0 should stabilize and everything at height 1 should
start flashing. In addition, the number 1 should appear in a box on the
left side of the screen. Using the up/down arrow keys, you should be able
to determine the heights of all the objects that you painted. Once you
are satisfied with this, press the (Q)uit key once to leave the analyze
mode and once more to get to the main menu. Now press the (H)ide key and
see what you get. The screen should draw your picture, and then it should
cover it up with a pattern. When it is finished, two markers should
appear at the top. These are the "look through" markers. You need to
"look through" the picture until these markers merge in the center. At
this point you should be able to see the 3D image on the screen.
Other interesting tidbits: Windows comes with wallpaper files which are
perfect for use as pattern files. To use these, just copy the desired
BMP files to the directory containing HIDIMG. Then, run HIDIMG. Choose
the (C)hange (P)attern command and then the (W)rite filename command.
Then type the name of the Windows wallpaper file that you want to use.
Select (H)ide when you have all of your other parameters set the way that
you want them. If you want HIDIMG to list these files as Pattern files,
then you will have to change their names using the DOS REN command. Set
the first two letters to PT.
For example: ren leaves.bmp ptleaves.bmp
From now on, HIDIMG will list PTLEAVES.BMP as a valid pattern file
selectable by arrow keys.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS & TROUBLE-SHOOTING
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Minimum requirements: DOS system on a 286+ machine with 196KB free RAM
WARNING!: Do not tamper with the HIDIMG.KEY file. HIDIMG will not hide
images unless the original KEY file is in the same directory.
Preferred system: Fast machine/SVGA card to run HIDIMG in graphics mode
(Video Problems)
VGA card: try the low rez (320x200) SVGA256 or the SVGA16 video drivers
SVGA card: try SVGA256 mode to the maximum rez of your system
If problems:try turning on the VESA BIOS capability of your SVGA card
If still problems: try using the UNIVBE package included with the
shareware version of HIDIMG (This is a very good alternate VESA video
driver which cures most of the video problems of all kinds of SVGA cards).
Note: UNIVBE is itself a shareware program so read its docs about
registering it.
If still problems: use the (T)ext Display option in MENU mode, or use the
command line parameters in BATCH mode. Then use whatever other software
you have to view the pictures.
(HIDIMG Problems)
Make sure that all necessary files are listed in MENU mode.
Press the (?) Help Key in MENU mode or type HIDIMG30 ? at the DOS prompt.
Read the documentation (this file HIDIMG.DOC)
("I can't see stereograms")
If you have tried for hours and hours, think your friends are crazy, etc.
and still have not seen a stereogram:
Is one of your eyes significantly stronger than the other? If so, then
you might not ever see a stereogram. The physics of stereo vision, not
the psychology or intelligence of the person, requires two approximately
equal strength eyeballs. If your eyes are approximately equal strength,
then the psychology becomes important. You must focus your eyes at a
different depth than your brain thinks it should. Some people get this
condition by becoming "dreamy-eyed" or cross-eyed. Others can concentrate
to get it. Personally, after working on this program for so long, I can
see any stereogram almost instantly. All you have to do is overlap the
repeating patterns. That's the only trick.
HIDIMG uses the SVGA drivers from the Jordan Hargraphix package
SVGABG52.ZIP. These are a set of files which allow Borland/Turbo
Pascal/C++ programmers to use high-rez video modes in their programs. The
package is available in the SimTel MSDOS collection under the /borland
directory. Check it out.
VERSION HISTORY
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v0.0-v1.6
---------
Numerous Unreleased versions, all growing bigger and better, capable of
doing more and more stuff
v1.7
----
1st Public Release -- early Jan 1994
Main sites-SimTel MSDOS directory /graphics (The everything site(s))
katz.anu.edu.au /pub/stereograms/...(A great stereogram site)
v1.8
----
General Clean-up of v1.7 based on user feedback and further testing. Lots
of minor detail cleaning. Increase overall "smartness" of program. Added
<Control-Break>ing and <ESC>ing. Added more warnings about required files
and filenames and disk space. Added more pattern files. Added display
line indicator to show progress of file display. Partial fix of color
palette problem. Discovery of EXE compressor.
v1.9
----
Bug fix of v1.8 Complete fix of color palette problem -- I think. Complete
fix of 2,16,256 color file display -- I think. Replaced some slow real
code with faster bit operations. Added a Test Pattern of 256 colors to the
Generate Input Menu. Fixed Video Default Resolution.
v2.0
----
Fix of BMP save mode for sizes which have width mod 4 byte<>0. "You know,
it would be nice if I actually had the specs on the BMP image format.
You people are looking at the result of sending known signals into a black
box, and seeing what you get out. Hopefully, I have explored all of the
cave by now, but when you don't have a light, who can tell? Who invented
this format anyway, and what the heck were they thinking at the time?
Just send me a message if you have any problems and I'll do some more
spelunking...". Added the much-requested-for palette display of height
levels/palette numbers for input images--Use 256 mode. Using a new
version of SVGA256.BGI. This should cure the problems for a few more
video card types, but no guarantees. The kit is in the SimTel MSDOS
directory under /borland -- svgabg52.zip I believe.
v2.1
----
Added SVGA16 video support, this should allow the EGA/VGA cards to work if
they don't at 256. These colors may not match when viewed on other
viewers. Added "TextVid" Mode which is really just a non-graphics mode.
Can do a limited "display" of files with the numbers appearing on screen
based on their heights. All File Outputs will now be at 256-Color
Uncompressed Mode, the others were giving me a headache trying to make
work. Files saved in grayscale if no color changes are made, instead of
all colors being black.
v3.0
----
Using newer versions of SVGA256/16.BGI (should run more cards). Added
Tweak Mode Video Drivers. Adding UNIVBE package to shareware version
(should run lots more cards). Fix of file checker routine which causes
problems for some OS/2 users. Fix BMP's (again; someday I'll figure these
things out; most should work now). Updates of docs based on user
feedback. Added 24-hour FAX number for users to register at any time, day
or night (hint hint ;-). Added direct DACblock color changing--much, much
faster and better colors now. I believe that all the colors are correctly
displayed now, so HIDIMG can be used as a BMP viewer. Added many new
palette changing commands, including (S)himmering and (C)olor-cycling.
Now uses menu based file selection (much easier to use). Added more error
checking. Added several new built-in input and pattern files with
variable parameters. Automatic link-in of BGI files. Includes
programming for using Windows Paintbrush and Windows wallpaper. Added new
algorithm based on the Thimbleby SIRDS paper. Registered version includes
extra input pictures. Overall debugging and redo of entire program,
procedure by procedure (Massively better now). Change in the SVGA mode
selection. Added command line parameters. Added support of 24-bit 2^24
color BMP's, but only in grayscale. Heights are equal to grayscale 0-255.
Increased max file width to 12000. That's 20 inches at 600dpi. Hope you
have LOTS of harddisk space. Lots of other little stuff...
v3.1-4.0
--------
You guys let me know what you want and add some more registrations... :)
THANKS
▄▄▄▄▄▄
Special Thanks to my wife Serpil, whose infinite patience with me staring
at a computer screen for weeks on end made this program possible. Special
Thanks to my dad for supporting HIDIMG in every aspect along to
completion. Thanks to J. Michael Gibbs and Frank D. (Tony) Smith, whose
help originally made this program possible. Also thanks to Harald Zappe,
and to all the other users who have written to me, whose comments and
suggestions have be very helpful. Finally, thanks to FHS Supply, Inc. for
all the help in getting the program out to the world. While my first
shareware project is not exactly paying my rent yet, it is doing pretty
well.
For technical support/comments/suggestions for improvement/etc., contact
the HIDIMG (C) Hidden Image AutoStereograms author/programmer:
John Çaputlu-Wilson
1451 Mecaslin St NW #8303
Atlanta, GA 30309-2288
(404) 875-4384
gt2346a@prism.gatech.edu
For more info about Stereograms:
There are now several stereogram books available commercially. Read one.
Try the Internet site: katz.anu.edu.au in the /pub/stereograms directory
There are info files, programs, pictures, etc. there.
Look for the SIRDS.FAQ file or similar. It is the info file of choice.
DISCLAIMER AND LEGAL NOTICE
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All files included in this package must be distributed together and may
not be modified in ANY WAY by anyone other than John Çaputlu-Wilson. I
reserve the right to refuse anyone the right to distribute this software
with a written notice. In no way will John Çaputlu-Wilson or any other
mentioned party accept ANY RESPONSIBILITY for ANY damages, real or
otherwise, that this program, or images produced by it, may cause. This
software is provided AS IS, USE IT AT YOUR OWN RISK! None of the parties
above guarantee that the program will work as described. Now with that
out of the way, have fun in the world of Hidden Image AutoStereo 3D!!!
H H H H H H H H H H H H H
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d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m
g g g g g g g g g g g g g