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OS/2 Help File
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1994-02-15
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23KB
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509 lines
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. 1. Introduction 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
Calling PLOT from other applications
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.1. 1.1 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 1.2. 1.2 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 1.2.1. 1.2.1 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 2. 2. System requirements ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
PLOT was translated with a 32 bit compiler to take advantage of the power of
the new OS/2 version. The system requirements for running this program are as
follows:
Γûá 386 or higher based personal computer
Γûá 6.0 MB of memory
Γûá One diskette drive
Γûá A hard disk with 200 kB free space
Γûá Operating system OS/2 version 2.0 or higher
Γûá A mouse
The availability of a numerical coprocessor 387 or 487 is not necessary for
running PLOT. However, PLOT will use the coprocessor if present. In this case,
the performance of this program will be increased considerably.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. 3. Installation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
To install PLOT on your system, copy the file plot.exe to a directory of your
hard disk. Be sure to copy the plot help file plot.hlp to a directory included
on the HELP environment variable (see CONFIG.SYS file).
If you want to access this manual from every directory, you should add the
directory name where the file is placed to the environment variable BOOKSHELF
(see CONFIG.SYS file).
After having followed these steps, you should have a ready-to-run PLOT copy on
your hard disk. If you have modified your CONFIG.SYS file, please reboot.
You may also want to integrate PLOT into your desktop. For that purpose please
refer to the section Integration into the OS/2 desktop.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. 4. File format ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Before trying to load a data file for creating a graphic, this data file must
be created. The data file must have a certain format, so that the application
is able to understand the data correctly. You can create and edit your data
file by using a text editor. If you have of a full OS/2 installation, two
editors should be on your hard disk: the OS/2 system editor (E.EXE) and the
enhanced editor (EPM.EXE). Both editors are well-suited for creating your data
files. When creating your own data files, you should choose the name extension
*.plt, because this is the extension used by PLOT by default.
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
Non-parametric file
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1. 4.1 #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 4.2. 4.2 #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 4.3. 4.3 #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 4.4. 4.4 Parametric file ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
#COLOR RED
#LINE ALTERNATE
#MARKER SOLID_SQUARE
; both x and y values
0 0
0.5 0.25
1 1
1.5 2.25
2 4
2.5 6.25
3 9
3.5 12.25
4 16
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.5. 4.5 Non-parametric file ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
#COLOR BLUE
; only y values
0
1
4
9
16
25
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. 5. Starting PLOT ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
To run PLOT, enter the following from a OS/2 prompt:
plot test.plt
where test.plt is the filename of a data file. This parameter is optional.
There are other ways to run this progam; they are described in the section
Integration into the OS/2 desktop.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. 6. Using PLOT ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
In this section the PLOT menus are described briefly. Please refer to the
online help to get more information about the commands described here.
File menu
Options menu
Help menu
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.1. 6.1 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 6.2. 6.2 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 6.3. 6.3 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 7. 7. Integration into the OS/2 desktop ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
After having installed PLOT, you can create a program object to start PLOT
directly from the desktop. Follow these steps to create a program object:
1. Open the Templates folder.
2. Drag a copy of the Program template to the desktop or to a folder. A window
will appear prompting you for the settings of the object to create.
3. Enter the path and the file name (PLOT.EXE). If you want, you can also
enter the name of your desired working directory.
4. Rename your program object.
In your Templates folder should appear a template named Plot-Data-File.PLT. You
can use this template to create plot data objects. These objects will be
automatically associated to PLOT. Follow these steps to create a plot data
object:
1. Open the Templates folder.
2. Drag a copy of the Plot-Data-File.PLT template to the desktop or to a
folder.
3. Rename your object. Be sure not to change the default extension. You may
have problems when opening your data file if the object file name contains
blanks.
4. Open the plot data file object to begin editing the file. PLOT will
recognize that the plot data hasn't been yet entered and will start a text
editor. Enter the plot data for creating a graphic.
5. Save the file and quit the editor.
After quitting the editor, PLOT will automatically create a graphic using the
data you entered.
If you want to load an existing data object and create a new graphic, you can
follow different ways:
o Open your data object by double-clicking. PLOT will be started and a graphic
will be created from the data contained in your object.
o Drag your data object and drop it over the PLOT program object. You will
experience similar results as when opening the object directly.
o Open the PLOT program object. Select the File menu and choose the Open
command for loading a data file. Select the folder where you placed your data
object, select the desired object and open it. A graphic will be created.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8. 8. Offline help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
In this section you will be teached what to do, if you have any problems when
working with PLOT, or you notice bugs or incompatibilities.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.1. 8.1 Hotline ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
There is a hotline to offer more help to every user of any registered version.
Please write us a letter or a fax if you have questions about PLOT, how to use
it, the latest version available etc. Or if you just want to tell us what you
think about PLOT, or how you would like it to be.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.2. 8.2 Bugs and incompatibilities ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
We have tested this PLOT version intensively before distributing this shareware
version. However, if you notice any bugs or incompatibilities by using PLOT,
please tell us about them as soon as posible. Send us a letter or a fax to the
address or fax number included on this document.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9. 9. Registration 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 add US $5 (Germany DM 5) for shipping and handling if
you live in Europe, US $8 if you don't live in Europe.
Obtaining a registered version has the following advantages:
o PLOT registered versions do not tell you to obtain a registered version each
time you print. This shareware version does, because it should only be used
for evaluation purposes.
o There are registered PLOT version available in three languages: English,
Spanish and German. You can choose which language you prefer. The shareware
version is only available in English.
Please use the order form included on this manual. To print an order form, do
the following:
1. Select the following item and double-click: PLOT Order form.
2. Select Print.
3. Make sure that This section is selected.
4. Select Print.
The order form will be printed on your printer. Please send your order to the
address or fax number above.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1. 9.1 StegSoft PLOT - Price list ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
ΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉ
ΓöéProduct ΓöéU.S. Dollar ΓöéGerman Marks Γöé
Γö£ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöñ
ΓöéPLOT 1.4 for OS/2 Γöé20 Γöé30 Γöé
Γö£ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöñ
ΓöéPLOT Update (from Γöé5 Γöé8 Γöé
Γöéany registered Γöé Γöé Γöé
Γöéversion) Γöé Γöé Γöé
ΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÿ
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.2. 9.2 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! ***