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CURVE DIGITIZER 2-D CAD
USER`S GUIDE
(C) Copyright 1986 by West Coast Consultants. All Rights Reserved.
West Coast Consultants
11272 Pabellon Circle
San Diego, CA 92124
(619) 565-1266
With this user`s guide you will be able to use the CURVE DIGITIZER 2-
Dimensional Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) program. This guide is divided into 5
sections:
- COMMAND SUMMARY
- INTRODUCTION
- GETTING STARTED
- PROGRAM ORGANIZATION
- UTILITY ROUTINES
If, during program execution, you have a question about a command, press
the TAB key while in either of the six Primary menus, and an interactive
HELP screen will appear. If you have the need for a more comprehensive
understanding of the program, we encourage you to register with us for a
full user`s manual and telephone support. Just clip and mail the
registration form included at the end of this document, and help us support
the shareware concept.
Compiled with Microsoft Quickbasic. (C) Copyright 1982-1987 Microsoft Corp.
COMMAND SUMMARY
Menu 1 - Draw
LINES - Draws lines at cursor-specified positions on screen.
POINTS - Draws points at cursor-specified positions on screen.
RETRY - Erases last line segments generated in reverse order
(one-at-a-time).
BOX - Generates a rectangular box defined by two diagonal
corner positions.
CIRCLE - Constructs a circle from a center point and perimeter
position.
ARC - Constructs variable-sized arcs between two arbitrary
points.
GRID - Draws grid lines at user-defined intervals.
SELECT - Assigns color and line-style to drawing entities.
Menu 2 - Edit
MOVE - Relocates a X,Y point or node to any position.
INSERT - Inserts a X,Y point at current cursor position.
DELETE - Deletes a X,Y point (or node) located at current cursor
position.
TRANSLATE - Relocates any portion of the drawing.
ERASE - Erases any sequence of lines and/or points from the
drawing.
FIND - Dynamically reports the positions of any and all data
points.
LINEDIT - Removes or replaces arbitrary line elements.
SCALE - Linearly varies the size and shape of any portion of the
drawing.
Menu 3 - Operations
ZOOM - Magnifies or reduces a figure about any specific point.
ROTATE - Rotates any part of the drawing about any point.
SMOOTH - Draws a smooth spline-fit curve through any specified
sequence of points.
FILTER - Redraws figure after eliminating every Nth (sampled)
point.
LENGTH - Dynamically calculates distances, angles and polygon
perimeters on screen.
COPY - Duplicates any portion of the drawing at another
specified location.
MIRROR - Reflects a mirror image of any part of your drawing.
EXPAND - Lengthens or shortens any section of your drawing in 4
quadrants defined by cursor crosshairs.
Menu 4 - Input/Output
KEY-IN - Allows direct keyboard entry of rectangular X,Y or
polar coordinates.
DIGITIZE - Uses digitizer or plotter for input as a discrete X,Y
digitizer.
READ - Reads X,Y data from disk files.
WRITE - Records X,Y data and/or saves images of drawings on
disk for plotter output.
VALUES - Displays X,Y values on screen and/or prints this data to
printer.
PLOTTER - Produces a full-color hardcopy print of the drawing.
XYLIMITS - Varies the X or Y scale sizes of the drawing by
redefining the frame of view.
LAYERS - Overlays drawings saved on disk over the drawing
currently on screen. Up to 330 layers can be defined.
Menu 5 - Miscellaneous
FREEZE - Retains current drawing in storage buffer for future use
or recall.
RESTORE - Restores a "frozen" drawing on the screen.
CLEAR - Clears screen picture and X,Y data or "restarts" the
program.
AREA - Calculates net areas and perimeters of closed polygons,
even with holes.
TEXT - Allows cursor positioning of up to 100 text fields each
consisting of up to 72 characters. Sizes correspond
exactly to your plotter`s character set.
SYMBOL - Allows positioning of user-defined symbol libraries.
HATCH - Hatches any complex polygon with user-specified shade-
line characteristics.
END - Saves drawing data on disk, then exits to the DOS
system.
Menu 6 - Advanced Operations
DIMENSION - Adds any of several types of dimension constructs
including text to existing drawings. Angular dimensioning
is also provided.
CONFIGURE - Sets interface parameters for all input/output hardware
devices.
SHELL - Allows execution of DOS commands without program
interruption.
INTRODUCTION TO THE CURVE DIGITIZER PROGRAM
START UP:
To start CURVE DIGITIZER from the DOS, type CURVE with the MAIN diskette
loaded in Drive A. But before starting, if you have a Hercules Graphics
card, you must type start to begin. Start runs the INT10.COM file which loads
the Hercules graphics routines. (All of this only applies, of course, if you
have the Hercules program diskettes). If you have a Mouse, you may want to
install your Mouse driver routines by typing MOUSE while in the DOS.
CONFIGURATION:
Once you start running the program, you will see an initial screen
displaying the various hardware peripherals the program is currently
configured to operate. It will indicate that the program is ready to
accept input from a Houston Instrument (HI) digitizer and direct output
to a HI plotter. If you intend to use the program with other equipment,
type [Y] [Return] at the RECONFIGURE? (Y/N) prompt to call up the
Configuration routine. The program is configured for a CGA video board
but if you have an EGA card, you may easily reconfigure for it. You may
be prompted to replace the MAIN program diskette with the
AUTODIMENSIONING diskette (which has the configuration routines on it).
Once you are in the configuration program, using the Space bar and the
[Return] key, you may select to use whatever peripherals you find
available in the menus. You will be asked to replace the MAIN program
diskette into Drive A when done configuring.
PROGRAM OPERATION:
Once you enter the first program menu, you`ll note 8 drawing commands
listed along the right margin of the screen with a flashing crosshair
cursor in the middle of the drawing area. You may operate any of the 43
commands supported in the six Command menus by striking the single key
representing the initial letter of the command. A different Command menu
is selected by depressing the Function keys 1-6 on your keyboard. If you
need "HELP" instructions, press the TAB key whenever a Command menu is
showing. The HELP screens include directions to assist you at the base
of each screen.
CURSOR CONTROL:
The cursor may be controlled by depressing any of eight cursor keys
located on your numeric keypad with the NUM LOCK key in the OFF
position. The `8` key moves the cursor up, `2` moves it down, `6` to the
right and `4` to the left. Diagonal movement is achieved by pressing the
`9`, `3`, `1` or `7` keys. The `5` key does nothing.
The HELP instructions also briefly explain the special functions of
several other keys. But first, get some practice moving the cursor to
arbitrary positions on the drawing area. If you want to change the
cursor`s Step Size setting to a different value, simply type in the new
value and press [Return]. Thus, you may freely control the distance the
cursor moves each time you press a cursor key. If you have a Mouse and
have installed the Mouse driver in the DOS, you may activate the Mouse
by pressing [@].
COMMAND OPERATIONS:
Many of the single-key commands may involve cursor positioning, cinching
points, and/or specifying the START and END indices of a part of a
figure you are operating on.
1). Cursor positioning
Commands which use cursor positioning expect you to use the cursor to
point at a position before pressing the command key. For example, try
using the LINES command by pressing [L] at a start position, then
relocating the cursor to the end position of a line you want to draw and
striking [L] again. Try it a few times. A new set of line segments can
be started by defining the first point of the new line with the [P]
command, moving the cursor, then pressing [L] to complete the line. Once
you have a figure on screen, use the RETRY [R] command to erase the
segment(s) in reverse order. Now try the BOX command by pressing [B] at
one corner and [B] at the diagonally opposite corner.
2). Cinching
Essential to the fluent use of CURVE DIGITIZER is the understanding of
the concept of "cinching" a point. This technique allows you to perform
very powerful design changes to your drawings. A point is considered to
be "cinched" when you precisely align the cursor over its position. At
that instance, you will hear a "beep" and see the position number (or
"index") of the point displayed in the middle-right margin. (If you need
to quickly "cinch" the nearest point, simply press the [ESC] key and the
cursor will snap to that position). This "index" number (identified by a
"#" symbol preceding it) informs you of the order in which the point`s
X,Y coordinates were input. Many commands require cinching a point for
reference before invoking the command (as for example, the MOVE command
in Menu 2). Press the [F2] key to bring up Menu 2. Next, move the cursor
over the end point of one of the lines you have drawn. When you hear a
beep, that point is cinched! Now move the cursor to the position you
want that point moved and press [M]. That end point is now relocated.
The BLINK CINCH key [*] is helpful with the use of cinching points
because it puts a small blinking cursor over the last point cinched.
(See Program Organization section).
3). START and END indices
Some commands require the input of START and END indices describing the
part of the figure you want to operate on. The indices of a
figure are consecutively numbered in the order they were drawn. Thus,
the START= prompt should be responded to by entering the index number of
the first point on the figure and, likewise, the END= prompt should be
responded to by entering the last index number of the figure to be
operated on. Another use for cinching is to identify the range (i.e.,
START and END positions) of a section of a drawing you want to
manipulate using, for example, the SCALE, ROTATE, TRANSLATE, and ERASE
commands. Cinching used in conjunction with the REMEMBER KEY [/] can
greatly speed up operations. (See Program Organization section).
To abort a command once you have started it, press [Return] several
times. The CLEAR command in Menu 5 allows you restart anew and the END
command should be used to properly terminate the program and return you
to the DOS.
SCALING:
The video screen is defined as a rectangular coordinate grid, with the
physical plot size marked off in inches at the edges of the frame
borders. One unit may be assumed to be whatever unit of measure you
desire. A readout of the inch-to-units ratio appears in the lower-right
corner of the Command Prompt Area. The plotting scale may be adjusted by
use of the XYLMTS or the ZOOM commands. (See Program Organization
section).
In a program of this magnitude, there are, certainly, a number of
operations far too complex to describe in this brief document. By
becoming a registered user and, thereby, receiving the benefits of a
complete manual and full user support, the maximum potential of this
program can be realized. However, we`ll give you plenty of information
to get you started and to grasp a feel of the program`s performance.
==========================================================================
GETTING STARTED 0.0.1
==========================================================================
When you purchased CURVE DIGITIZER, you were provided with
two program diskettes (labeled MAIN and AUTO-DIMENSION).
First insert your DOS (Disk Operating System) diskette into
drive A with the label facing up. Now close the drive door
and turn on the computer`s power switch. Enter date and time
or press RETURN twice to obtain the A> prompt. At this point
it would be wise to use the DOS system`s DISKCOPY program to
make backup copies of both program diskettes. SINCE `CURVE
DIGITIZER` FILES VIRTUALLY ENCUMBER THE ENTIRE CAPACITY OF
THE MAIN PROGRAM DISKETTE, INSUFFICIENT SPACE EXISTS FOR
ADDITIONAL SYSTEM FILES. THUS, UNLESS YOU STORE THE CONTENTS
OF BOTH DISKETTES ONTO A HARD DISK, YOU MUST FIRST `BOOT` THE
COMPUTER SYSTEM FROM A SEPARATE DISK CONTAINING A DISK
OPERATING SYSTEM.
COPYING DEVICE DRIVERS TO YOUR CURVE DIGITIZER
`MAIN` DISKETTE:
The only drivers that may need to be copied to the CURVE
DIGITIZER program diskette are those designed for your
`Mouse` and the MODE command if you are using a PIXY-3
(serial) PLOTTER.
To run the program using a Mouse, first copy the Mouse system
file (a typical name might be MOUSE.COM) from your Mouse
diskette to the MAIN diskette then invoke the Mouse driver by
typing [MOUSE].
The program requires a second special driver if you are using
a (serial) PIXY-3 plotter. This driver (named SERIAL) is
provided on your MAIN diskette. You must first type [SERIAL]
(after having copied the MODE.COM command file from your
system diskette to the MAIN diskette) before running the
program.
Normally, serial plotters are run from the COM1 Serial
communications port. If it is desired to run the PIXY-3
plotter from serial port COM2, type [SERIAL COM2] instead.
Once the SERIAL batch file has been run, any parallel
printers interfaced to your system will not be functional.
You may restore proper operation to your printer by running
the UNSERIAL program from the DOS after terminating CURVE
DIGITIZER.
Since neither the MAIN nor the AUTO-DIMENSION program
diskette is ever written on, it is recommended that
write-protect tabs be applied to both diskettes after
transcribing any required device drivers.
==========================================================================
GETTING STARTED 0.0.2
==========================================================================
TO RUN ON A HARD OR FIXED DISK SYSTEM:
To run CURVE DIGITIZER with a hard disk, first use
the Change Directory command `CD` to change the
drive`s current directory to the directory or
sub-directory you want to contain the CURVE
DIGITIZER program files. Next, copy all files and
necessary drivers on the program disks to a single
directory or sub-directory created on your Hard
Disk. Set the DOS default drive to the drive
containing the CURVE DIGITIZER program by typing
the letter of the drive followed by a colon. Invoke
the appropriate drivers as discussed above, then
type [CURVE] to run the program.
PATHNAMES:
The program supports pathnames for accessing files
stored in arbitrary sub-directories. If data is
required from a sub-directory, you may enter the
full pathname of the sub-directory chain containing
the desired data file wherever requested in the
program.
IF YOU ARE USING THE "HERCULES VERSION" PROGRAM:
If your IBM PC system (or compatible) is equipped with a
Hercules graphics card (or equivalent), follow the
instructions below:
To use the Hercules version of the CURVE DIGITIZER program,
you must type Start. Start runs the INT10 program on the MAIN
disk. INT10 invokes the GRAPH X* routines which CURVE DIGITIZER
uses for the Hercules Monochrome graphics output.
If you want printer graphics output, insert your
AUTODIMENSIONING diskette into drive A and type HARDCOPY EPSON.DEF
if your printer is one of the Epson dot-matrix models or if your
printer has an Epson "emulator" mode as many printers do.
If you have an IBM Proprinter or compatible, type HARDCOPY
IBMPRO.DEF. If you are using a CITOH Prowriter, type HARDCOPY
CITOH.DEF. Once you have a drawing on the screen, simply press the
[Shift] [PrtSc] Keys simultaneoulsy followed by a numeric [1] for
"normal" printer output or [3] for reversed output. After this,
type [CURVE] to start the program.
* GRAPH X is a trademark of Hercules Computer Technology, Inc.
TO RUN THE CURVE DIGITIZER PROGRAM:
Once you have both installed and invoked all required
drivers, type [CURVE] to execute the CURVE DIGITIZER program.
==========================================================================
GETTING STARTED 0.0.3
==========================================================================
After a few moments you should see a CURVE
DIGITIZER title page displayed. Press any key to
start the program. The next screen will show how
the input/output devices are currently configured
to the program. The initial display might appear as
shown below:
CONFIGURATION : MAX PTS./LAYER=10000 333 LAYERS
MOUSE : OFF
PLOTTER : Houston Instrument
INTERFACE : COM1:4800,N,8,2
SCREEN : EGA/640 X 350/Enhanced
DIGITIZER : Houston Instrument
INTERFACE:: COM2:1200,E,7,1
Reconfigure (Y/N)?
The default SCREEN selection (above) customizes the
program for use with an IBM Enhanced Graphics
Adaptor (or equivalent) and a high-resolution
Enhanced color monitor capable of supporting at
least 640 X 350 pixel rasters.
The program will automatically check to see if a
Mouse has been properly interfaced to the system.
That is, have you pre-loaded the MOUSE.COM driver
program from the DOS. If so, the statement MOUSE:
ON will be displayed. Otherwise, it will show a
MOUSE: OFF message.
The COMn statements show the actual BASIC program
instructions which indicate which Asynchronous
Serial Communications ports are to be used and the
BAUD rate, Parity, Data and Stop bits settings. If
a COMn statement other than that shown is required,
you may easily change it in the reconfiguration
routine. Refer to any IBM PC BASIC manual for
details regarding the COMn statement if you have ad
hoc hardware interface requirements.
If the above equipment, as indicated, is to be used
with the program, it is unnecessary to
"reconfigure" the program`s interface parameters.
Should you need to reconfigure, the procedure for
doing so is discussed on the next page.
Assuming the configuration (above) is acceptable,
press [Return] or [N] [Return] to continue. The
next prompt requests the assignment of a `DATA
DRIVE`. The default drive specification shown to
the right of this prompt is "B:" (or drive B). With
this choice, the program expects all "data" files
to be read and written on drive B. To change this
selection, type the new drive letter or pathname
desired for data files and [Return].
==========================================================================
GETTING STARTED 0.0.4
==========================================================================
The next prompt allows assignment of a `SYMBOL
DRIVE`. It is also initially set to "B:". It is
highly desirable to keep any symbol drives or
symbol sub-directories separate from "data" drives.
If it is necessary to change these assignments
during program operation, you may easily do so
using the CONFIG command in Menu 6.
Reconfiguration: Reconfiguring writes your preferences and choices
to a disk file for future use. If it is required to
reconfigure the program parameters for a different
hardware arrangement and/or to change the disk
drive or pathname assignments, press [Y] [Return]
at the Reconfigure (Y/N)? prompt. This action will
quickly transfer program operation to the CONFIGUR
program and display a menu showing several plotter
types. A cursor bar will be positioned on the
current plotter selected.
Tap the keyboard`s Space bar to make a selection
within this menu. Continuing to depress the Space
bar moves the selection bar downwards until it
reaches the bottom item, after which the bar
returns to the top of the list. Once the bar is
positioned behind the desired entry, press
[Return]. The selection is then completed and the
next menu is displayed. The second menu allows you
to specify whether the plotter is interfaced as a
Parallel or as a Serial device. Again, press
[Return] at the desired selection. If a Serial
interface is chosen, the routine will request
additional information beginning with the desired
Communications Port (COM1 or COM2). This menu, in
turn, will be followed by one giving a choice of 5
commonly used Baud rate values. Finally, the actual
Communications statement the program will use
internally (based on the above input) will be shown
along with an option to accept or change it at the
OK? prompt. If the response is [N] [Return], the
statement clears off screen and a new prompt
appears:
ENTER NEW COM STATEMENT:
At this point any acceptable ad hoc COMn expression
as required for your plotter.
Regardless of the interface chosen, the routine
will expect input for the Width and Height (in
inches) of the plotter`s drawing area referenced to
the plotter`s "HOME" position.
==========================================================================
GETTING STARTED 0.0.5
==========================================================================
Next, a choice of 4 SCREEN/MONITOR setups is given.
CGA/640 X 200
EGA/640 X 200/RGB
EGA/640 X 350/Enhanced
EGA/640 X 350/TTL Monochrome
For each selection, the 3 left-most characters
represent the type of video card being used. The
numeric values dictate the pixel dimensions of the
video raster screen. The type of monitor the
selection demands is indicated on the right.
Many computers have the CGA (standard Color
Graphics Adaptor) card installed. With CURVE
DIGITIZER, the CGA mode offers monochrome output
(only) regardless of the monitor being used. The
second choice on the menu is correct if an EGA
(Enhanced Graphics Adaptor) card and a RGB
(Red/Green/Blue) monitor is to be used. The same
EGA card supports a higher resolution (640 X 350)
mode if an Enhanced Color monitor is used. Up to 16
colors may be displayed upon selecting the second
or third menu items. Finally, a monochrome
(high-resolution) mode is available if using a
TTL-monochrome monitor and an EGA card. This mode
is not to be confused with use of the popular
Hercules (or equivalent) video hardware. The
Hercules program diskette features a configuration
program which offers no choice of video parameters.
The next two entries display the current DATA and
SYMBOL drive specifications and allow you to
conveniently change either or both. Press [Return]
to accept the default specs or type in new specs at
the ENTER NEW DRIVE: prompt.
A choice of several popular digitizers is displayed
in the next menu. If no digitizer is to be in used,
press [Return] at the "NONE" item. Otherwise, press
[Return] at the appropriate model. Choosing a
digitizer requires that the correct data input
format be specified. You may select HI-PAD ASCII,
5-byte or 6-byte (packed) in the next menu. The
digitizer interface must also be specified in the
next 3 menus just as was done with the plotter
specifications. NOTE: Only serial digitizers may be
interfaced to the system.
==========================================================================
GETTING STARTED 0.0.6
==========================================================================
The final prompt is:
Configuration OK (Y/N)?
to which only the responses [Y] [Return] or [N]
[Return] are acceptable. If a mistake has been made
defining one or more of the previously specified
parameters, press [N] [Return] to recycle to the
first menu. Then press [Return] at each acceptable
item until you reach the one(s) you want to change.
When all input is correct, press [Y] [Return] at
the final prompt and the program will write the new
configuration data to disk and then return to the
initial configuration page you saw when the program
was first started. Printed along the top of this
screen is a message indicating the maximum number
of points you may use in a "single" layered
drawing. The program supports up to 333 of these
layers.
The maximum number of points per layer will vary
between 2000 and 10000 depending on the memory
available in your computer.
At this point it is assumed that all input is
correct, so press [Return] 3 times at the
Reconfigure (Y/N)? prompt to see the default drive
assignments and to begin program operation. The
program begins by displaying a rectangular frame
lined with tick marks and a flashing cursor in the
center. To the right you should see the 8 commands
of Menu 1. To explore the remaining 5 menus, press
Function keys [F2 - F6] in any order. You may now
press the [TAB] key to display the first HELP
screen and press [ESC] thereafter to view each
successive HELP screen.
Although you`re surely anxious to get started, it
is highly recommended that you read the next 2
sections so you don`t miss vital concepts.
==========================================================================
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 0.1.1
==========================================================================
Required Software: CURVE DIGITIZER is a powerful two dimensional
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) system for the IBM PC,
XT & AT/MS-DOS family of computer hardware systems.
CURVE DIGITIZER is the latest addition to the CURVE
family of personal computer graphics software
designed to aid you in generating graphics of the
highest professional quality. This program is fast,
truly user friendly and economically priced to
allow even the most modest budgets access to a
powerful and practical design tool. The software is
provided on 2 diskettes entitled (MAIN) and
(AUTO-DIMENSION). Only one of these program
diskettes need be loaded at a time, beginning with
the MAIN diskette. You will be informed when it is
necessary to change diskettes. Use of a hard disk
will preclude the need to swap diskettes, however.
Required Hardware: CURVE DIGITIZER is designed to run on the IBM-PC,
IBM-XT and IBM-AT family of PC-DOS or MS-DOS
machines. This includes most of the so-called
IBM-PC/XT/AT plug-compatible clones. The minimum
hardware configuration requires:
RAM: 256K of Random Access Memory (RAM).
Disk Drives: Two dual-sided double-density floppy disk drives.
Graphics Cards: A standard IBM color-graphics adaptor (CGA) or
equivalent or a Hercules Monochrome graphics
adaptor (or equivalent) or an Enhanced Graphics
adaptor (EGA) (640x350) or equivalent.
Monitor: You may use a composite color or monochrome
graphics monitor (with a CGA card) or a TTL
Monochrome graphics display (if using a Hercules
Monochrome graphics card) or a high-resolution RGB
monitor if you are using a (640X350) EGA Enhanced
Graphics adaptor.
Recommended Hardware Configurations:
While the system will operate with the above
minimum configuration, there are several hardware
enhancements which will make the use of CURVE
DIGITIZER easier and faster.
Hard Disk: Obviously a Hard Disk (at least 10 Megabytes) is a
powerful adjunct to the disk Input/Output of any
system and will certainly speed up CURVE
DIGITIZER`s disk access time.
==========================================================================
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 0.1.2
==========================================================================
Added RAM: While the system does not require more then 256K
RAM to operate, 640K RAM is recommended for optimum
performance. Any RAM over 256K may be configured as
a RAM disk (before running the program) by using
the VDISK utility program found on your DOS 3.0 (or
higher) diskette. Using the appropriate RAM disk
(VDISK) software, offers the ability to
significantly reduce disk access times. Also the
additional memory allows you to create drawings
with more data points.
Monitor: A RGB or composite color monitor provides the user
with added design aids that are built-in to CURVE
DIGITIZER program and not obvious with a monochrome
display.
Parallel Port: A Centronics parallel port will be needed to attach
either a parallel graphics printer and/or a
parallel pen plotter to the computer.
Serial Port: A RS-232C Serial port will be needed to attach
either a serial pen plotter or serial mouse to the
computer.
Graphics Printers: Many dot-matrix graphics printers (i.e. an Epson
FX-80, LQ-800/1000, LQ-1500, etc; an IBM Graphics
Printer; NEC 8023; Okidata; etc.) work with CURVE
DIGITIZER.
Pen Plotters: Currently CURVE DIGITIZER drives single or
multiple-pen plotters manufactured by Houston
Instrument, Hewlett-Packard, Epson, Western
Graphtec, Roland, Zeta, Amdek, Enter Computers,
Mannesmann-Tally, Calcomp and IBM. More plotters
are being added to this list continually. Please
check the complete list in Appendix A for the
hardcopy output devices currently supported.
Mouse: A mouse is optional, but may add a degree of ease
of use to the on-screen cursor control. Currently
the MicroSoft (tm) or MicroSoft compatible mice are
supported by the program.
Graphics Tablets: A graphics tablet is optional but can be useful for
digitizing existing drawings. The Houston
Instrument family of digitizers is currently
supported in the digitizer mode.
Special Note: The program features four HELP screens to assist
you with all commands. Press the [TAB] key once you
have entered a Menu to activate these screens.
==========================================================================
PROGRAM ORGANIZATION 0.2.1
==========================================================================
What is covered: This section provides a brief overview and glossary
of terms used with CURVE DIGITIZER. It briefly
discusses the conventions used in this manual along
with the terms and words which have special meaning
in CURVE DIGITIZER and the special functions
assigned to certain keys on the keyboard.
Menu Driven: CURVE DIGITIZER operates from six basic pop-up
menus which offer 43 powerful commands. The menus
are called by the use of the Function keys F1
through F6. In the VTC to the left you will notice
in the lower left-hand corner that F1 through F6
indicate the Function keys F1 - F6 which are
associated with invoking the 6 menus.
HELP Screens: A powerful set of on-line HELP screens support each
command and can be called from any menu by simply
pressing the [TAB] Key -- the one just below the
[ESC]ape Key on many keyboards.
There are four basic HELP screens. The first two
display each of the eight commands in the first
five menus (8x5=40) and the commands in Menu 6. The
last two HELP screens provide information on the
special usage of certain keys.
==========================================================================
PROGRAM ORGANIZATION 0.2.2
==========================================================================
Display Layout: The Display (Screen) Layout is divided into several
areas. The names of those areas will be referred to
within this manual. Message areas border the right
side of the drawing arena. The Plot Frame is the
actual drawing area for your drawings.
Plot Frame: Within the Plot Frame are tick marks drawn around
the frame, which represent one-inch intervals on
the plotter bed. These marks are present only on
the screen for reference. They will NOT
automatically plot on a hardcopy device.
Command Messages: The area in the lower right-hand corner of the
screen is known as the COMMAND/MESSAGE/PROMPT/
RESULTS AREA. This is to indicate the three names
this area may be called within the manual. When the
program needs to send you a message, the area is
called the Command Message Area. At other times the
area contains Command Prompts and is termed the
Command Prompt Area. Finally, some commands produce
calculated values and they, too, are displayed in
this area: it is then called the Command Results
Area.
Points Counter: The Points Counter shows the total number of
data-point pairs currently in the memory array used
to describe the plot on the Plot Frame.
Cursor Coordinates: The Cursor Coordinates show the X,Y coordinates of
the current cursor position on the Plot Frame.
Scale Ratio: When no command is in use, the Command Message Area
displays a one-line statement of the current plot
scale expressed as a ratio 1:r where r is the ratio
of the user`s units to a (physical) inch on the
plotter bed along both the X and Y axes. If the
scale ratios of the axes are not equal, the ratios
for each axis will be displayed. These ratios can
be modified by the SCALE 2.8, ZOOM 3.1 and XYLMTS
4.7 commands.
==========================================================================
PROGRAM ORGANIZATION 0.2.3
==========================================================================
TERMS: Below is a glossary of terms, words and information
regarding the special usage of several keys, the
meaning of which is essential in order to
successfully work with this program. Unless the
special use of a key is specifically defined in
this section or elsewhere within this manual, the
normal functions apply.
CONVENTIONS: Below are statements of two conventions used in the
program and the manual.
1). When a single keyboard key is referred to as
input, its character will be enclosed in brackets,
i.e., the plus key would be shown as [+].
2). Commands which are invoked by pressing letter
keys, are shown as stand-alone, upper-case letters,
i.e., the BOX 1.4 command is invoked by pressing
the [B] key. This command is shown as B = BOX on
Menu 1.
AUDIO: The loud speaker built into your computer is used
by CURVE DIGITIZER to enhance the operation of
[-] certain functions. This sound is toggled on or off
by pressing the [-] key (the minus key at the far
right side of the keypad or the one between the [0]
and [=] keys). Only the non-essential sounds may be
turned off. Those used to indicate error conditions
are not suppressible. The cinch-indicating sound is
not supressible either, but is replaced by a less
audible high-pitched "click".
AUTO CINCH: AUTO CINCHing is accomplished by pressing the [ESC]
key. The program responds to this key by
[ESC] quickly moving the cursor to the nearest defined
X,Y point. This method serves as a fast method of
"cinching" a point. See CINCHING A POINT below.
BACKGD COLOR: The [)] key allows changing the "background" colors
constituting the backdrop for your
[)] drawing. A maximum of sixteen colors is available.
BLINK CINCH: Press the asterisk [*] key (the one below the [Prt
Sc] key or the upper-shift [8]) to display
[*] the currently cinched data-point. A small square
box will flash on the point. See CINCHING A POINT.
BREAK-POINT: In order to draw free line segments and separate
arcs, points and polygons, CURVE DIGITIZER uses X,Y
coordinates with special values called break-
points. These points tell the program that the X,Y
data describing the next line, point or polygon are
disconnected from the preceding data.
==========================================================================
PROGRAM ORGANIZATION 0.2.4
==========================================================================
Break-points may have any value between 999990 and
1000006. This is true for both the X and the Y
components. Break-points are designed to be greater
than the maximum limits of any Plot Frame and,
therefore, cannot be plotted. The largest valid
data-point the program can accept or plot is
999989.
The two least significant digits of the
break-point`s X component are used to define the
pen "color" to use with the following data. The
least significant digit of the break-point`s
corresponding Y component defines the line "style"
to use with the data which follows. Each
break-point X or Y component can be modified to
specify any of 16 colors or 8 line styles using the
SELECT 1.8 command. The EDITDATA utility routine
and the KEY-IN 4.1 command may also be used to
change break-points.
CINCHING A POINT: Many of the commands in CURVE DIGITIZER require the
CINCHING of a data-point to complete the execution
of the function being used. Cinching means to
position the cursor exactly on the X,Y coordinate
of some previously defined data-point. You will
know you have cinched a data-point when you hear an
audible beep and concurrently see a list of
data-point indices displayed in the Command Message
Area.
A table of data-point indices is displayed when
more than one data-point pair is occupying the same
X,Y coordinate location. On occasion, complex
figures may have many common data-points. Deciding
which one to cinch may take some thought, but by
use of the Select Point [<-] (backspace) key it is
quickly done.
CINCH LIMIT: Restricts the range of points the program searches
to + or -500 points about the last point cinched.
[%] This feature reduces the time required for the
program to move the cursor to the nearest X,Y
coordinate using the [ESC] key especially if a
drawing consists of several thousand points. See
AUTO CINCH. The method will fail, however, if the
nearest point is outside of the above range.
COMMAND: A command is an operation invocable from one of the
six basic menus by typing its leading letter. It is
designed to perform a specific function and
frequently requires additional input parameters the
user must supply.
==========================================================================
PROGRAM ORGANIZATION 0.2.5
==========================================================================
COMMAND MENU: There are six basic menus from which commands can
be called using the Function keys [F1]-[F6]. The
[F1] - [F6] six menus are DRAW 1.0, EDIT 2.0, OPERATIONS 3.0,
INPUT/OUTPUT 4.0, MISCELLANEOUS 5.0, and ADVANCED
OPERATIONS 6.0.
COMMAND SUB-MENU: Certain of the commands, such as AREA 5.4 and
DIGITIZ 4.2, require additional input to perform
their functions. These commands will produce
sub-menus on the right side of the display.
CURSOR: The (target) cursor is a small blinking marker in
the form of a cross with an open center. The cursor
is present within the Plot Frame whenever you
execute commands or provide input parameters. (Also
see Extended Cursor). There are also
triangular-shaped cursor pointers used in the
Command Menu Area which indicate the function
currently being selected and on occasion, a
standard blinking dash cursor will be found within
certain sub-menus.
CURSOR COLOR: Press [ ] (underscore key) to change the "target"
cursor`s color. The color of every line segment
[ ] assigned to COLOR=8 by use of the SELECT 1.8
command will be changed also. A maximum of sixteen
colors is available.
CURSOR CONTROL KEYS:
Eight of the numeric keypad keys are used by CURVE
DIGITIZER for cursor control. The four arrow keys
[^], [>], [v], and [<] move the cursor up, right,
down, or to the left, respectively.
The [Home], [Pg Up], [Pg Dn], and [End] keys move
the cursor at 45 degree angles.
From the center of the Plot Frame, the [Home] key
moves the cursor diagonally toward the upper left-
corner; the [Pg Up] key moves it diagonally toward
the upper-right corner; the [Pg Dn] key moves it
diagonally toward the lower-right corner; and the
[End] key moves it diagonally toward the lower-
left corner.
Note: The program automatically locks down the
NUM-LOCK key initially. This is necessary for
proper keypad cursor control. If the NUM-LOCK key
is inadvertently depressed during normal operations
and you should attempt using the numeric keypad
keys, the program reverts to the
==========================================================================
PROGRAM ORGANIZATION 0.2.6
==========================================================================
STEP SIZE input mode. (See STEP SIZE below). To
correct this, simply depress the NUM-LOCK again,
and press [Return] to exit the STEP entry mode.
Please examine the keyboard layout on the opposite
pages for further details of key usage.
EXTENDED CURSOR: The cursor in the Plot Frame is a small cross with
an opening in the center for precise positioning.
[+] Sometimes it is useful to use a cursor with longer
cross hairs. To use this cursor, called the
Extended Cursor, press [+]. To turn it off, press
[+] again.
GRID COLOR: If a grid is present, both its color and the frame
border will be changed each time the [=] key is
[=] pressed. The color of every line element assigned
to Color=1 by use of the SELECT 1.8 command will
also be similarly changed.
HELP SCREENS: Press [TAB] to invoke the on-screen HELP system.
This gives you access to a concise description of
[TAB] the principle commands. Move the bar cursor to the
appropriate selection and press [Return] to display
a description of the command. Press [ESC] to see
the second HELP screen. By pressing [ESC] a third
time, a HELP screen covering the usage of special
keys will be accessed. Pressing [ESC] a fourth time
displays a second page of key usage. Finally,
pressing [ESC] the fifth time returns the program
to the menu from which the HELP screen was called.
The HELP screen can only be invoked from a command
menu, not from within a command or a sub-menu.
INTERRUPT To interrupt a drawing to the screen or plotter,
press [ESC] during the plotting process. [ESC]
[ESC] should be pressed three times in quick succession
to interrupt plotting during the Layers mode. (See
LAYERS 4.8). The message "Partial Plot" appears in
the Command Message Area upon interruption and the
drawing will appear incomplete on screen even
though the entire X,Y data set is present in
memory. Use of the [$] (REFRESH) key or any command
which refreshes the screen will serve to regenerate
the entire drawing.
LAYERS: A special and powerful technique which allows the
development of large and complex drawings which
[#] would normally exceed the memory capacity of a
single Plot Frame.
==========================================================================
PROGRAM ORGANIZATION 0.2.7
==========================================================================
MENU COLOR: Pressing [(] changes the color of the Command Menu
messages displayed along the right margin of the
[(] screen. A maximum of sixteen colors is available.
MOUSE: An alternative input and cursor-control technique
requiring special hardware. CURVE DIGITIZER
[@] supports use of a mouse device only within the Plot
Frame at this time. The [@] key toggles three
cursor modes. Mode 1 (the default) allows a user to
control the cursor using the numeric keypad.
Mode 2 allows movement of the cursor at medium
speed and with high-accuracy using the mouse
device. It moves the cursor only in displacements
equal to the current step-size.
Mode 3 uses an external mouse driver provided with
the mouse hardware and offers high-speed cursor
movement with relatively low-precision positioning.
Mode 3 primarily offers a quick sketch mode.
PAGE NUMBERING: Within the section of the manual discussing each
command, the pages are numbered according to the
command number. The numbering scheme is as follows:
m.c.p, where m is the menu the command is called
from, c is the command position on the menu in
question and the p is the page number within the
section describing the command. An example is [C] =
CIRCLE 1.5.1 where the CIRCLE command is the fifth
command on Menu 1 and this is the first page of
narrative and examples.
NOTE: All page numbers refer to the two-page spread
in question. The left-hand side of the page
contains graphics examples and the right-hand side
is the narrative write-up.
REFRESH: To regenerate the plot within the Plot Frame,
[$] press [$].
REMEMBER: Using the Remember Key is a method of saving and
recalling the Start and End indices of two X,Y
[/] data-points. The [/] key activates a scratch-pad
buffer which can hold two values. Note the
illustration to the left which graphically shows
what is being explained in this narrative. The way
the Remember Key works is as follows:
* To save the X,Y index of a point, first cinch
the point and press [/].
==========================================================================
PROGRAM ORGANIZATION 0.2.8
==========================================================================
* To save a second point, cinch it and press [/]
again.
* Each successive time a point is cinched and [/]
is pressed, the older of the two points remembered
will be lost and the newer is shifted into the
buffer.
* To review (or display) the contents of the
Remember Key buffer, press [/] with NO point(s)
cinched. The contents will be shown in the Command
Results Area.
* To use a set of remembered values as input,
press [/] whenever a command asks for the START and
END positions at the time the command issues the
START= prompt. The Remember Key is smart enough to
know which of the two values in the stack goes with
each prompt. It assumes the smaller value goes with
the START request and the larger with the END.
Hence, you do not have to remember which value was
stored first nor do the values have to be stored in
any particular order when they are Remembered.
* The values in the Remember Key buffer are
automatically set when any of the following
conditions occur: 1). When the READ 4.3 or FREEZE
5.1 commands read in a file with the suffix .DAT,
the Remember Key buffer is loaded with the start
and end point indices of the file read. 2). When
the READ 4.3 command appends a file to a plot in
memory, the Remember Key buffer is loaded with the
first and last points of the appended data-points
as they are read into memory. 3). When the SYMBOL
5.6 command reads in a symbol from a data file, the
start and end values of the symbol in memory are
simultaneously loaded into the Remember Key buffer.
4). When the LAYERS mode is ON.
RETURN: The convention used throughout CURVE DIGITIZER is
that whenever an input response is required after
the OK? prompt, pressing the [Return] key alone is
the same as entering a [Y] (for Yes) [Return]. At
any other input response, pressing [Return] implies
use of the default value or setting [N] (for No)
[Return]. [Return] is also pressed after the entry
of a number or filename.
SELECT POINT: The [<-] or Backspace key is used to step through a
list of multiple data-points defined at the same
[<-] X,Y coordinate location and allows the cinching of
a point other than the last one created.
==========================================================================
PROGRAM ORGANIZATION 0.2.9
==========================================================================
When the cursor is moved to cinch a point which
overlays one or more other points, the Command
Results Area displays a table of data-points
present at that same X,Y coordinate location.
If the table of points is excessively long, press
any key to interrupt the listing on the screen,
then press [<-] to make the selection.
If no point within the list of multiple points is
specified as the one to be "cinched", CURVE
DIGITIZER assumes the last point created is
cinched. To choose any other point, press the [<-]
key which displays a special triangular cursor.
Continue to press [<-] to successively select a
data-point to be cinched.
STEP SIZE: The line just below the menu title on the Display
Layout shows the Step Size. This is the increment
[0]-[9], [.] of relative movement the cursor traverses for each
depression of a cursor-movement key. Initially,
this Step Size is set to .25 units. This may be
instantly changed by typing in a new value using
the upper row of numeric keys, then pressing
[Return] or any directional key.
The physical displacement of the cursor on-screen
is affected by the scaling of the Plot Frame. The
smallest acceptable step size is .00001 and the
largest is 999989. If you specify a Step Size
larger than the frame limits, that is, such that
the next step will move the cursor off screen, the
computer will sound an audible error signal and the
cursor will not move. NOTE: If the cursor key is
depressed once, the cursor will move a distance
precisely equal to the current step size providing
the direction is vertical or horizontal. If a
diagonal direction is selected, the cursor moves a
distance equal to the square root of 2 (=1.414)
times the STEP SIZE. Thus, diagonal steps are
actually somewhat longer than vertical or
horizontal steps. This is to insure that if the
cursor is moved to any diagonal position that this
position can also be reached by stepping the cursor
along the vertical or horizontal directions.
STEP SYNC: Allows for the synchronization (or realignment) of
an offset cursor to a nearby position normally
[INS] addressable using the current step size.
==========================================================================
PROGRAM ORGANIZATION 0.2.10
==========================================================================
XMIN, XMAX, YMIN, YMAX:
The variables XMIN, XMAX, YMIN and YMAX, are the
X,Y limits in the users units with respect to the
Plot Frame. XMIN is the minimum X value represented
by the left side of the Plot Frame. XMAX, YMIN, and
YMAX, are respectively, represented by the right,
bottom, and top of the Plot Frame and regarded as
the maximum X, minimum Y and maximum Y limits. The
XYLMTS 4.7 command provides a direct method of
setting these variables.
==========================================================================
APPENDIX C: UTILITY ROUTINES Page 1
==========================================================================
CURVE DIGITIZER includes three utility routines to
perform certain dedicated functions.
SLIDESHO provides output to a variety of parallel
printers from binary picture (.PIC) files.
PLOTFILE draws plotter-command (.PLT) files on a
plotter.
EDITDATA enables the generation and revision of
ASCII data (.DAT) files readable by CURVE
DIGITIZER`s TEXT 5.5 command.
These utilities are executed from the DOS prompt.
1. SLIDESHO -- Dumps "Picture" Files To Printers.
From the DOS prompt, type [SLIDESHO] [Return] to
run this program.
If you are using the Hercules Monochrome program
version, you must have first invoked the correct printer
driver using the HARDCOPY utility routine on your
AUTODIMENSIONING diskette. See the GETTING STARTED
section, page 0.0.2.
The first message is:
MOUNT DATA DISK AND ENTER DRIVE LETTER
Enter an appropriate drive identifier (including a
pathname, if applicable). Afterwards, a menu will
follow showing a list of printers supported.
TYPE OF PRINTER
1. EPSON LX-80
2. EPSON RX-80/100
3. EPSON JX-80
4. EPSON FX-80/85
5. NEC PC-8023A-C
6. IBM OR COMPATIBLE
7. EPSON FX-100/185
8. EPSON LQ-800/1000
9. SLIDESHOW
[ESC] TO EXIT
==========================================================================
APPENDIX C: UTILITY ROUTINES Page 2
==========================================================================
Enter a single integer between 1 and 9 for the
printer of your choice. To only display a "picture"
file on screen, type [9] to select the SLIDESHOW
option. The next display is a request for the type
of (.PIC) file you have which is based on the video
mode you used in the program to generate it. If the
file was generated in mode 1 (CGA 640 X 200
monochrome), press [1]. If the file was generated
in mode 2 (EGA/RGB 640 X 200 color), press [2]. If
the file was generated in mode 3 (EGA/ENHANCED 640
X 350 color), press [3]. ABSOLUTELY NO PRINTER
OUTPUT IS AVAILABLE FROM SLIDESHO USING FILES
GENERATED IN MODE 2 OR 3.
The next display screen is a files directory
showing only the .PIC files on the data disk. In
this example, there are two .PIC files on disk. On
this same display screen, the program allows the
input of up to 10 picture files. The last entry
should be [END] [Return].
ENTER (UP TO 10) FILE NAMES. . .TYPE `END` TO
TERMINATE LIST.
1). ? SCRATCH.PIC
2). ? Z.PIC
3). ? END
On the right margin of the screen, SLIDESHO briefly
displays the message READING PICTURE FILE SCRATCH
prior to a full Plot-Frame display of the "picture"
file selected. Shortly after the display appears,
the printer is activated. The picture image is
reproduced as hardcopy output from the video raster
pixels. The size of the plot is approximately 5.5
inches high by 6.5 inches wide. When the plot is
complete, the prompt: PRESS THE RETURN KEY TO
CONTINUE is given.
If you intend to detach a printout from the
printer, do so at this time. If the printer is not
in the Ready state, be sure to reset it for the
next plot.
Press [Return] to continue the cycle of displaying
and printing picture files until the end of the
file list is reached. An ALL DONE message flashes
on screen as the program terminates and returns to
the DOS.
==========================================================================
APPENDIX C: UTILITY ROUTINES Page 3
==========================================================================
2. PLOTFILE -- Dumps Plotter-Command Files To Plotters.
From the DOS prompt, type [PLOTFILE] [Return] to
run PLOTFILE. The first display is a menu listing
the plotters currently supported.
SELECT PLOTTER TYPE
1. HOUSTON INSTRUMENT
2. HEWLETT PACKARD
3. PIXY-3
4. ROLAND DG
5. AMDEK
6. WATANABE
7. EPSON HI-80
8. SWEET-P
9. Exit to System
If you are using a serial Houston Instrument,
Hewlett Packard or Pixy-3 plotter, the next display
is:
SET PLOTTER`S COM PORT & BAUD RATE
COM PORT# (1 OR 2)?
Once you enter a number for the serial asynchronous
communications port to which you have your plotter
connected, the program responds with:
BAUD RATE (Default = XXXX)?
where the value XXXX is different depending on
which plotter you are using. You may press [Return]
to obtain the Default baud rate.
After selecting a plotter type, CURVE DIGITIZER
prompts you with: ENTER SELECTED DRIVE?. Respond
with the drive designator. Next, a message requests
the loading of a data diskette in the selected
drive. Assuming the drive was B, a directory is
displayed showing only the plotter-command (.PLT)
files, like:
WALL .PLT BOAT .PLT BOAT1 .PLT
HOME .PLT SLT .PLT TEMPO2 .PLT
TEMPO1 .PLT ENGINE .PLT CLOCK .PLT
SWISS .PLT FLOW .PLT VALVSHAD.PLT
A FILENAME? is then requested and accompanied by
the note, TYPE `END` TO TERMINATE FILENAME LIST OR
TYPE `@` TO ESCAPE. Thus, the program will accept
up to 99 .PLT files which will be automatically
==========================================================================
APPENDIX C: UTILITY ROUTINES Page 4
==========================================================================
graphed as a single drawing on your plotter without
further attention. If no .PLT files are present on
the data disk, PLOTFILE briefly displays the error
message: FILE NOT FOUND. Enter the filename of your
choice. Note: Again, PLOTFILE may be aborted at
this time by pressing [@].
After the filename entry, the option of plotting a
box frame around the plot is offered at the prompt:
DO YOU WANT A BOX FRAME (Y/N)?. If [Y], CURVE
DIGITIZER issues the response:
ENTER WIDTH :?
HEIGHT:?
Press [Return] at both prompts for a 9 X 7 in.
frame (Default). When the plotting finished,
the message: REPLOT THIS DIAGRAM (Y/N)? offers the
opportunity to generate another copy of the drawing. If
[Y], PLOTFILE recycles to
the request for a BOX FRAME (See above).
If [N], the next message is: PLOT ANOTHER DIAGRAM
(Y/N)? If [Y], PLOTFILE returns to the SELECT
PLOTTER TYPE menu at the beginning of the program.
A [N] gives the `ALL DONE` message as the program
terminates and returns to the DOS.
3. EDITDATA -- Alters Text/Data Files
EDITDATA examines and modifies CURVE DIGITIZER data
files. EDITDATA`s 10 powerful commands can assist
in making simple changes to a X,Y data array
generated by CURVE DIGITIZER.
From the DOS prompt, type [EDITDATA] [Return].
EDITDATA displays a screen having two windows with
the title CURVE DATA EDITOR printed at the top of
the screen.
==========================================================================
APPENDIX C: UTILITY ROUTINES Page 5
==========================================================================
Each display window has a special function. The
upper window displays amplifying information
concerning program operations. This window gives
brief instructions on the usage of each command.
The lower window is the X,Y data display. This
window displays the X,Y data-points along with
their respective indices.
A specific data pair can be examined by using
either the [^] or [v] keys to page through the
data-pairs or by entering a numeric value that is
equal to the data-pairs index number. A fixed
horizontal bar window crosses the center of this
lower window and identifies the index and X,Y data
upon which you are currently operating.
Once the X,Y data and index numbers are displayed
within the bar window, the data can be manipulated
by invoking a command. Selecting the data to be
modified is done by using the [^] or [v] key on the
numeric keypad to increment or decrement the index
numbers.
Holding down either the [^] or [v] key causes the
program to continuously step through the entire
data set. To randomly access a specified index,
key-in a new index number and press [Return]. This
displays the data-pair for that index in the bar
window.
Selecting commands is accomplished by pressing the
[<] or the [>] key on the numeric keypad. This
reverses the background color for the selected
command. Press [Return] to activate the command.
ENTER: To ENTER data, use the [<] or [>] keypad keys to
select ENTER, then press [Return]. First enter
X-data, then Y-data. To terminate the ENTER mode
type [E] [Return] or [END] [Return].
INSERT: To INSERT a data-set into an array of data, select
INSERT. Now select the index number before which
you want to insert a data-point (that is, if the
data is to be inserted between items 3 & 4, set the
index number to 4) and press [Return]. Continue by
entering the X-data and Y-data pair followed by
[Return]. The inserted data appears on the screen
inside the bar window.
==========================================================================
APPENDIX C: UTILITY ROUTINES Page 6
==========================================================================
CHANGE: To CHANGE a set of data, select CHANGE, supply the
index number or use the keypad cursor to select the
data to be changed and press [Return]. Key-in the
X-data and press [Return], then the Y-data and
[Return]. If nothing is entered, the values are
unchanged. The changes are displayed in the bar
window.
DELETE: To DELETE a set of data, select DELETE and type the
index number or use the keypad cursor to select the
data to be deleted and press [Return]. The X,Y data
is deleted from the array and from the display.
FIND: To FIND a specific X position or Y position value,
select FIND and press [Return]. The upper window
will display ENTER NUMBER TO BE LOCATED?. Enter a
value and press [Return]. Both the X and Y
positions of each data point are checked for a
match to the input value. If the value is found,
the computer beeps and the data-point value along
with its index are displayed in the bar window.
If more than one data-pair contains the value
requested, EDITDATA displays the first match,
pauses, then proceeds to display the next match and
so on.
REPLACE: To REPLACE a position value at each of its
occurrences throughout the array, select REPLACE
then press [Return]. The upper window prompts:
CHANGE ALL THE VALUES OF?. Enter the position
value to be changed throughout the entire data set
and press [Return]. The prompt then is: TO THE
VALUE OF?. Enter the new value desired in place of
the old.
PRINT: To PRINT the data set, turn on a parallel printer,
select PRINT and press [Return]. At the end of the
data, you`ll be asked if you want to PRINT AGAIN?.
Enter either [Y] or [N].
==========================================================================
APPENDIX C: UTILITY ROUTINES Page 7
==========================================================================
LOAD: To LOAD data from a disk, select LOAD and press
[Return]. The upper window reads ARE YOU SURE YOU
WANT TO LOAD NEW DATA (Y/N)?. If [Y], the window
displays MOUNT DATA DISK and ENTER DRIVE LETTER
(A,B,C or D). Respond with the disk drive
designator and pathname, if applicable. The next
prompt is: ENTER A FILENAME. Enter the filename and
[Return].
SAVE: To SAVE data on disk, select SAVE and press
[Return]. The upper window reads ARE YOU SURE YOU
WANT TO SAVE DATA TO DISK (Y/N)?. If [Y], the
window displays MOUNT DATA DISK AND ENTER DRIVE
LETTER (A,B,C OR D). Key-in the drive letter and
pathname, if applicable, in which the data disk is
loaded. The prompt appears: ENTER A FILENAME. Enter
the filename, then press [Return].
CLEAR: To CLEAR all data, select CLEAR and press [Return].
Upon execution, all data is then cleared.
To inspect CURVE DIGITIZER`s plotter frame size and
X,Y limits, use the [<] or [>] cursor keys on the
numeric keypad to select XMIN, XMAX, YMIN, YMAX,
HEIGHT or WIDTH. The upper window will display the
current values. To change or modify any of the
current values, press [Return] and enter the new
value(s).
EXIT: To EXIT the program, select EXIT and press
[Return].
REGISTRATION
Once you`ve tried Curve Digitizer and find that you enjoy it and use it
regularly, we encourage you to actually purchase it and register for $149.
WHY PAY FOR SOFTWARE YOU ARE ALREADY USING?
There are many good reasons to register your copy of Curve Digitizer.
With registration you will receive:
* An extensive Technical Reference Manual having over 300 pages
of illustrated instructions and examples to help you save time
and get the most of Curve Digitizer`s more advanced features.
This is a highly acclaimed Technical Reference Manual which
serves also as a tutorial.
* A full year of Telephone Support. If you should get stuck or
need extra assistance, a C.A.D. consultant is as close as your
phone to help you at no extra charge. An extended support package
is also available.
* New Product Announcements !!! i.e., new products and update
announcements, a brochure of available enhancement modules.
Examples: DXF file conversion utilities, High resolution printer
output, Laser printer output, Architectural, Electronic and Printed
Circuit board SYMBOL LIBRARIES, Additional Character Fonts,
... and so much more !!!
* One pair of serialized diskettes consisting of the latest update of
the program with your own serial number on it for support.
Registration will help you in other ways:
1. You pay a reasonable price for your software.
2. You can try the software before you buy it.
3. You avoid the frustration of copy protection.
4. You are supporting the great new Curve Digitizer developments.
5. You are supporting the Shareware concept.
Because so many Users do register, Curve Digitizer is becoming the most
popular CAD package in use (est. 70,000 users to date). Registration fees
also allow us to continually refine and develop new products such our as
3-D CAD Curve Perspective. These fees also allow us to provide support
and consultation to users as well as continue providing new software
releases.
So get on board, receive the most from this great program and REGISTER TODAY!!
ORDER FORM
Return this form to West Coast Consultants with a check, money order or
charge card information for the option you choose. We also take credit card
phone orders at 619-565-1266. C.O.D orders, please add $5.
California residents please add 7% sales tax. Note: This product is Shareware
only in the United States and Canada.
If you are considering purchasing multiple copies of Curve Digitizer, your
company, school, or agency should contact West Coast Consultants about our
quantity discounts and our corporate support program.
Registered Program, Technical Reference & Support...$149 $_________
80-page User's Guide for Shareware Version 3.5.......$15 $_________
Sales Tax 7% (CA Residents Only)........................ $_________
Shipping and Handling.................................$3 $_________
UPS (C.O.D.)..........................................$5 $_________
Total................................................... $_________
Name:____________________________________________________________
Company:_________________________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip:________________________________________________
Daytime Telephone:_______________________________________________
Video Card Type: EGA/CGA___________ or Hercules Monochrome_______
Visa/MC Number:__________________________ Expires:_____________
Signature:______________________________________________________
Serial #: 1234567
(As recorded on the MAIN diskette you currently have)
Mail To:
W E S T C O A S T C O N S U L T A N T S
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