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OS/2 Help File
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1994-02-15
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30KB
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770 lines
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. About PLOT ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
PLOT is an OS/2 Presentation Manager application which offers graphical plot
support. Graphics created by PLOT can be printed or exported to a Windows 3.x
bitmap file. This allows you to load the created graphic from a word processor
and to embed it in your documents.
PLOT highlights
Data file format
Registration information
Calling PLOT from other applications
PLOT has been developed by:
StegSoft
Durlacher Allee 38
76131 Karlsruhe
West Germany
Fax: +49 721 693242
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.1. Calling PLOT from other applications ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This information is intended for developers writing applications that need
graphical plot support under OS/2 version 2.
If you are writing an OS/2 application that needs X-Y plot support, PLOT may be
very useful. You can start PLOT from your program by creating a child process
via DosExecPgm.
If you are writing a commercial application, you can include PLOT on your
software package. In this case, registration fees have to be paid for every
distributed package.
If you are interested in using PLOT together with your commercial software,
please contact us by writing to the following address:
StegSoft
Durlacher Allee 38
76131 Karlsruhe
West Germany
Fax: +49 721 693242
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.1.1. Creating a child process ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The following example code shows a way to call PLOT from an application written
in C. First of all, a file containing all your data must be created and stored
to a disk. Then a child process must be created using the DosExecPgm kernel
function. This will start PLOT and your data file will automatically be loaded.
#define INCL_DOSPROCESS
#include <os2.h>
RESULTCODES resc;
CHAR szFailName[CCHMAXPATH];
CHAR szCommandLine[] = "plot\0yourdata.plt\0";
/*
* The following function writes your data to a file
* named "yourdata.plt". It is not included on this
* package, but you can obtain it by contacting us.
*/
SavePlotData("yourdata.plt", xdata, ydata, flags);
DosExecPgm(szFailName, /* Object-name buffer */
sizeof(szFailName), /* Length of buffer */
EXEC_ASYNC, /* Async flag */
szCommandLine, /* Argument string */
(PSZ) NULL, /* Environment string */
&resc, /* Address of result */
"plot.exe"); /* Name of application */
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.2. PLOT highlights ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Version 1.4
Γûá Fully 32 bit architecture
Γûá Export a graphic to a Windows 3.x bitmap file
Γûá Capability of choosing line types, colors and markers
Γûá Accelerator keys providing quick access to commands
Γûá Enhanced graphics printing support
Γûá Graph data can be easily created using a text editor
Γûá Save settings command
Γûá Online help for every command by pressing F1
Γûá Easy to use
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. File Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The File menu contains commands that you use to open data files, print and
export graphics. In addition, it also contains the command that you use to exit
the application.
The following commands appear in the File menu:
New... Opens an existing data file for creating a new graphic.
Open... Opens an existing data file for embedding in the current
graphic.
Export... Saves the current graphic to a Windows 3.x bitmap file.
Print... Prints the current graphic on the default printer.
Exit Quits this application.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. New ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
You can open a data file that exists on any drive or in any directory by using
the New command. The current graphic will be lost. To create a new graphic and
load a data file, do the following:
o Select the File menu and choose the New command.
A dialog box appears, showing you a list of files in the current directory.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Open ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
You can open a data file that exists on any drive or in any directory by using
the Open command. The loaded graph will be represented in your current graphic.
To load a data file to be shown in your current graphic, do the following:
o Select the File menu and choose the Open command.
A dialog box appears, showing you a list of files in the current directory.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Export... ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
You use the Export... command to save your graphic to a bitmap file.
Follow these steps to create a bitmap file:
1. Select the File menu and choose the Export... command. A dialog box
appears, prompting you for the size of your bitmap.
2. Select the desired size of your graphic and press the OK button. A dialog
box appears, prompting you for the file name.
3. Enter a file name and press the OK button again.
Your graph will be saved to a Windows 3.x bitmap file.
Note: If you are using an unregistered version, you will get a motivation
message on your bitmap prompting you to get your registered version. This
message will disappear after registration. You can delete this message using a
paint program.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. Print ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
You use the Print command to print your graphic on the default printer.
Follow these steps to print your graphic:
1. Select the File menu and choose the Print command. A dialog box appears,
prompting you for the size of your graphic print.
2. Select the desired size of your graphic and press the OK button. A dialog
box appears, prompting you for the job properties.
3. Select the job properties and press the OK button again.
Your graph will be printed on your default printer.
Note: If you want to change your default printer, refer to a printer object on
your desktop. Open its menu and select your default printer by using the Set
default menu.
Note: If you are using an unregistered version, you will get a motivation
message on your print prompting you to get your registered version. This
message will disappear after registration.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. Exit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
You quit this application by using the Exit command. To quit this application,
do the following:
1. Select the File menu and choose the Exit command.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8. Options Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Options menu contains commands that you use to modify your graphic, load a
text editor or save the current settings.
The following commands appear in the Options menu:
Graphic... Allows you to set new axis limits, to document the axis and
to select and unselect other drawing options.
Set Font... Allows you to select the desired font type and size.
Graph... Allows you to modify the line type when interpolating
between points, to put markers at each point and to change
the color of a graph.
Edit Data File Starts a text editor that allows you to create or modify a
data file.
Save options Use this command to save the current settings.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9. Graphic ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
You can use the Graphic command to select the displaying options of your
graphic.
To change the displaying options of your graphic, do the following:
o Select the Options menu and choose the Graphic command. A dialog box will
appear prompting you for the graphic options.
o After selecting all the desired options, press the OK button.
Your graphic will be immediately updated on the screen.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1. Graphic options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Use this dialog box to specify the graphic drawing options. Refer to the
following list to learn how to use this dialog box:
o Axes text
o x-Axis / y-Axis
o New axes values
o Settings
o Print parameters
o OK
o Cancel
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1.1. Axes text ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
In these entry fields you can enter the text you want to document your axes
with.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1.2. x-Axis / y-Axis ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This option will allow you to locate your graphic's axes either at the
left/bottom or in the coordinate's origin.
Note: If you have chosen the Box instead of axes option, this selection will
be ignored.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1.3. New axes values ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
When you load a new graph, the coordinate's scope will be matched to all your
loaded graphs. However, if you want to modify the scope, you can enter new
margin values for your graphic. After this, choose the option Use new axes
values.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1.4. Settings ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The settings consist of the following options:
o Draw axes. This option allows you to choose whether the coordinate axes will
be drawn.
o Box instead of axes. This option allows you to choose between coordinate axes
or coordinate box.
o Draw frame. This option allows you to draw a frame enclosing the whole
graphic.
o Line width thick. By selecting this option the lines will be drawn thicker.
This option will probably not work on OS/2 version 2.1.
o Document axes. This option allows you to choose whether the axes will be
documented with numbers (and text).
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1.5. Print parameters ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Use the Marker size option to select the marker size when you print a graphic.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1.6. OK-button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Click on this button if you want to activate the changes made in the graphic
options dialog box.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1.7. Cancel-button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Click on this button if you want to discard the changes made in the graphic
options dialog box.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10. Set Font ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
You can use the Set Font command to select the font type and size used to
document your graphic.
Note: You will probably obtain good results when choosing the Times New Roman
font with 8pt size.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11. Graph ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
You can change the drawing style of a graph by using the Graph command.
To change the drawing style of a graph, do the following:
o Select the Options menu and choose the Graph command. A dialog box will
appear prompting you for the graph drawing attributes.
o After selecting all the desired options, press the OK button.
The modified graph will be immediately updated on the screen.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.1. Graph options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Use this dialog box to specify the drawing options of the currently selected
graph. Refer to the following list to learn how to use this dialog box:
o Color
o Line type
o Marker type
o OK
o Cancel
o Save
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.1.1. Color ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Use this option to change the seleted graph's color.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.1.2. Line type ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Use this option to choose the line type the seleted graph has to be drawn with.
If you don't want any lines, select the Invisible option.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.1.3. Marker type ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Use this option to choose whether you want markers in the seleted graph. If you
don't want any markers, select the None option.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.1.4. OK-button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Click on this button if you want to activate the changes made in the graph
options dialog box.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.1.5. Cancel-button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Click on this button if you want to discard the changes made in the graph
options dialog box.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.1.6. Save-button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Click on this button if you want to activate the changes made in the graph
options dialog box. In addition, your graph file will be updated using the
graph options.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12. Edit Data File ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
You can create or modify a data file by using the Edit Data File command. When
choosing the Edit Data File command, a text editor is started. After defining a
binary structuring element, the file has to be saved with the extension *.plt.
Follow these steps to create a data file:
o Select the Options menu and choose the Edit Data File command.
A text editor will be started. Refer to one of the following items to learn how
to create your data file:
o Data File Format
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12.1. Data file format ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Format Description
Each graph can be created and saved by using a text editor. A file containing
graph data should have the extention *.plt. Data files should contain one data
point per line. There are two possibilities of describing your data points.
If both x and y values are specified (parametric data), your data file should
contain two number columns. The first one is assumed to be the x value of each
pair (x,y) and the second one represents the y value.
However, the x value of each pair (x,y) may be omitted. In this case the
omitted value is assigned the current coordinate number. These coordinate
numbers start at 0 and are incremented for each data point read. This is useful
if you want to represent sampled values.
In both cases you can add comments in any line beginning with ;. These lines
will be ignored.
You can select some parameters such as the graph color, line type and marker
type by adding some commands to your data file. All commands begin with the #
character. You can use a command more than once each file, but only the last
oen will be used.
Currently the following 3 commands are supported:
o #COLOR
o #LINE
o #MARKER
These two examples show you how to create both parametric and non-parametric
data files.
Parametric file
; both x and y values
0 0
0.5 0.25
1 1
2 4
3 9
4 16
5 25
Non-parametric file
; only y values
0
1
4
9
16
25
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12.1.1. #COLOR command ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Use this command to select your graph's color. The following parameters are
available:
WHITE
BLACK
BACKGROUND
BLUE
RED
PINK
GREEN
CYAN
YELLOW
NEUTRAL
DARK_GRAY
DARK_BLUE
DARK_RED
DARK_PINK
DARK_GREEN
DARK_CYAN
BROWN
PALE_GRAY
Example:
#COLOR BLUE
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12.1.2. #LINE command ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Use this command to select your graph's line type. The following parameters are
available:
DOT
SHORT_DASH
DASH_DOT
DOUBLE_DOT
LONG_DASH
DASH_DOUBLE_DOT
SOLID
INVISIBLE
ALTERNATE
Example:
#LINE LONG_DASH
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12.1.3. #MARKER command ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Use this command to select your graph's marker types. The following parameters
are available:
NONE
CROSS
PLUS
DIAMOND
SQUARE
6-POINT-STAR
8-POINT-STAR
SOLID_DIAMOND
SOLID_SQUARE
DOT
CIRCLE
Example:
#MARKER SOLID_SQUARE
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 13. Save options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Use Save options to store the current options. A file named PLOT.INI will be
created in your working directory. The next time you start this application
these same settings will be used.
The following settings will be stored:
o Window size and position,
o Bitmap size and resolution.
o Print size.
o Graphic settings.
o Font and font size.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 14. Help Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Refer to this menu to access the online help and to obtain information about
this product.
The following commands appear in the Help menu:
Help index Use this command to access the help index.
General help Use this command to get a brief description of PLOT.
Using help Here you can learn how to use the online help.
Registration information Displays registration data (only if you registered the
product).
Product information Displays program version and copyright.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15. Index ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Choosing this menu you can get access to the help index.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 16. General help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
In this menu item you can get a brief description of PLOT.
Note: This screen will usually be handled by the default.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 17. Using Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
In this menu item you can learn how to use this online help.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 18. Keys ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This application defines Function Keys, which you use to work with files and
display help. For key definitions, select from the list below:
o Standard function keys
o Accelerator keys
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 18.1. Standard function keys ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
F1
Displays help.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 18.2. Accelerator keys ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This application defines keyboard accelerators, which are keystrokes that
generate command messages for an application.
Using a keyboard accelerator has the same effect as choosing a menu item. While
menus provide an easy way to learn this application's command set, accelerators
provide quick access to those commands.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 19. Tutorial ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This application still doesn't offer any tutorial.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 20. Registration information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
If you are working with an unregistered PLOT version, you may use it for a two
weeks trial period. After this time you must register or stop using it. You can
obtain a registered PLOT version by ordering it at the following address or fax
number:
StegSoft
Durlacher Allee 38
76131 Karlsruhe
West Germany
Fax: +49 721 693242
As soon as you order PLOT, you will receive the latest version for US $20
(Germany DM 30). Please don't forget to tell us which diskette format you
prefer when you order your registered version.
Please add US $8 for shipping and handling if you don't live in Europe. If you
live in Europe, add US $5 (Germany DM 5).
Please use the order form included on this online help. To print an order form,
do the following:
1. Select one of the following items and double-click.
2. Select Print.
3. Make sure that This section is selected.
4. Select Print.
o Order form (English)
o Bestellungsformular (Deutsch)
o Formulario de pedido (Espa╨┤ol)
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 20.1. StegSoft PLOT order form ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Name ___________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________
City __________________________ State _________ ZIP ____________
Country ___________________________________________________________
Phone Number (optional) __________________ Circle: home or work
Shipping (check one):
__ By mail, payment enclosed (add $8 U.S. if you don't live in
Europe, $5 U.S. if you live in Europe)
__ By mail, cash on delivery (charge for shipping and handling)
Choose Disk Size (check one):
__ 5 1/4" disk size
__ 3 1/2" disk size
Payment mode (check one):
__ Cheque drawn in U.S. dollars or german marks enclosed
__ Cash enclosed (only U.S. dollars or german marks accepted)
__ Cash on delivery
PLOT for OS/2 2.x Registration Fee ($20.00 US) ______
PLOT Update Fee from any registered version ($5.00 U.S.) ______
Shipping and Handling ______
Total Enclosed ______
Mail or fax to: StegSoft
Durlacher Allee 38
76131 Karlsruhe
West Germany
Fax: +49 721 693242
*** Thank you for your order! ***
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 20.2. StegSoft PLOT Bestellungsformular ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Name ___________________________________________________________
Adresse ___________________________________________________________
Ort __________________________________________ PLZ ____________
Land ___________________________________________________________
Telefonnummer (optional) _____________________ Zuhause / Arbeit
Lieferung (WДhlen Sie eine Option aus):
__ Per Post, Geld liegt bei (zzgl. DM 5,- Porto, fБr
Bestellungen innerhalb von Europa)
__ Per Post, gegen Nachnahme (zzgl. Porto)
WДhlen Sie das von Ihnen gewБnschte Diskettenformat:
__ 5 1/4"
__ 3 1/2"
Bezahlungsart:
__ Scheck in DM oder US Dollar liegt bei
__ Geld liegt bei (bitte nur DM oder US Dollar!)
__ Gegen Nachnahme
PLOT fБr OS/2 2.x RegistrierungsgebБhr (DM 30,-) ______
PLOT Update von jeder registrierten Version (DM 8,-) ______
Porto fБr Versand ______
Gesamtbetrag ______
Schicken oder faxen Sie dieses Formular an:
StegSoft
Durlacher Allee 38
76131 Karlsruhe
Deutschland
Fax: +49 721 693242
*** Vielen Dank fБr Ihre Bestellung! ***
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 20.3. StegSoft PLOT - Formulario de pedido ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Nombre _________________________________________________________
Direcci╨▓n _________________________________________________________
Poblaci╨▓n _______________________ Provincia ______ C/P ____________
Pa╨▒s _________________________________________________________
TelВfono (opcional) ______________________ Indicar: casa o trabajo
Env╨▒o (elija una opci╨▓n):
__ Por correo, pago adjunto (a╨┤ada $5 U.S. si vive en Europa o
$8 U.S. si vive fuera de Europa)
__ Por correo, pago contra reembolso (m╨░s gastos de env╨▒o)
Elija formato de diskette:
__ diskette 5 1/4"
__ diskette 3 1/2"
Forma de pago:
__ Cheque en d╨▓lares U.S.A. o marcos alemanes adjunto
__ Dinero adjunto (d╨▓lares U.S.A. o marcos alemanes)
__ Pago contra reembolso
Versi╨▓n registrada de PLOT para OS/2 2.x ($20 U.S.) ______
Actualizaci╨▓n de cualquier versi╨▓n registrada ($5 U.S.) ______
Gastos de env╨▒o ______
Total adjunto ______
Enviar a: StegSoft
Durlacher Allee 38
76131 Karlsruhe
Alemania
Fax: +49 721 693242
*** ╨╜Muchas gracias por su pedido! ***
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 21. Product information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Refer to this menu item to know about the PLOT version you are using and the
people who wrote this application.