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VPIC USERS MANUAL
A Picture File Viewing/Conversion Program
(C) Copyright 1990 Bob Montgomery, All Rights Reserved
by Bob Montgomery
CIS 73357,3140
INTRODUCTION
Background
The original program was called VGIF, reflecting its ability to view only GIF
files. When the program evolved to include other paint file formats, its name
was changed to VPIC. VPIC ver 4.0 and up implements all of the GIF89a features.
See the revision history in Appendix A for latest additions and bug fixes.
Print VPIC.TXT at 17 chars/inch and 8 lines/inch for a handy reference card.
Look at the section titled 'How Vpic Operates' for an explanation of the
differences between VPIC and other viewers, and the advantages and
disadvantages of both types.
IMPORTANT: VPIC requires DOS 2.0 or up to run from current directory, or DOS 3.0
up to run from anywhere. You must configure VPIC for your graphics board using
CVPIC or CONFIG (unless you have an Orchid Designer VGA with 512 K). The WHICHVGA
program will try to identify your VGA chip and amount of display memory.
See CONFIG.DOC.
The Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) is a Service Mark owned by Compuserve
Incorporated. For further information, please contact:
Compuserve incorporated, Graphics Technology Department,
5000 Arlington Center Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43220, USA
GENERAL FEATURES
VPIC is a file viewer for EGA, MCGA, VGA and SuperVGA, and has the following
features:
* Views the following file formats in EGA, MCGA, VGA, or SuperVGA:
1. Dr. Halo CUT files (with PAL if present). Not Dr. Halo PIC files, which
are display adapter specific.
2. GIF87a and GIF89a files; saves to GIF87a format only since GIF89a stuff
is mainly animation and text handling enhancements.
3. Deluxe Paint LBM (or IFF) files, regular and enhanced.
4. MAC files, display only.
5. Pictor/PC Paint PIC files.
6. ZSoft PCX files (including 256 color files).
7. ColorRIX/EGA Paint SCx files, uncompressed only. RIX wont tell anyone
his compression algorythm, so compressed files can't be done. Use
RIXLATE to uncompress SCx files that are compressed.
8. Targa 8 thru 32 TGA files, comressed or uncompressed. Also uncompresses
Targa files that are compressed (e option while viewing).
9. Binary Image Files (BIF) from B&W image capture boards.
10. Microsoft Windows 3.0 Bitmap BMP files, compressed or uncompressed. The
compression algorythm is inefficient, so for pictures without much
repetition, uncompressed files are generrally smaller than compressed
files.
* Saves current image to any of the above formats (except MAC, FRA, BIF, and
IFF) in the current mode (EGA, MCGA, or VGA). Also uncompresses TGA files,
and converts a color picture to a 64 grey shade image (in VGA mode).
* Saves current image to GIF in regular, interlaced, inverted, mirrored,
or rotated 90 degrees CW or CCW. Great for scans.
* Configurable for display boards using Tseng3000 and Tseng4000, Paradise,
Everex, ATI, Trident, C&T, Video 7, Genoa, Zymos, or Ahead (B) VGA chips
(see configuring VPIC below); the Ahead A chip used on some early boards is
not supported. Configuration program automates the configuration process.
* /R option allows an application program to show a file and regain control
without changing the screen mode.
* Viewing mode can be manually selected or auto selected from menu.
* Allows you to specifiy a new path from the menu with the [F9] key. Also
updates menu when files are added or deleted.
* Very fast GIF decoding.
MENU FEATURES:
* Mark/unmark files for viewing with [SPACEBAR].
* Menu text color setable in configuration file.
* [F1] gives help.
* [F2] shows marked files like a slideshow.
* [F3] gives file size and colors.
* [F4] toggles between EGA and VGA mode.
* [F5/F6] decrease/increase default resolution.
* [F7] Locks current resolution, or selects auto resolution mode.
* [F8] Makes multiple GIF images pause for a keypress.
* [F9] prompts for new path.
* [F10] shows current path for files.
* Shows marked files singly or like a slide show.
* Handles up to 500 files.
MOUSE SUPPORT
* All the above functions are now controllable by the mouse. Click on the
resolution bar, bottom 2 lines of commands, or files. For the menu screen,
the left button is the same as enter, and the right button is the same as
the spacebar. While decoding, the right button aborts; while viewing, the
left button returns to the menu.
==============================================================================
VIEWING FEATURES
* Help while viewing with / or ? key.
* Shows filename while decoding, and [ESC] aborts decoding.
* Allows deleting a file (with query) with the [Alt-X] key.
* Allows adjustment of picture color and VGA contrast and brightness.
* Allows saving the current image as a GIF (many options), PC Paint or
Pictor, ZSoft PCX, ColoRIX or EGA Paint, Targa 16, Dr. Halo CUT, and
Deluxe Paint II formats in EGA, MCGA, or VGA.
=============================================================================
RUNNING VPIC
Command Format: vpic [[path]filespec][/a][/b][/e][/mN][/r][/c][/w][/xN][/yN][/z][/?].
* The default path is the current directory, and the default extensions are
CUT, GIF, IFF, LBM, MAC, PIC, PCX, SCx, and TGA.
* The /a option starts VPIC in Auto resolution select mode.
* The /b option causes VPIC to beep after displaying a file except in slide
mode or /r.
* The /c option gives the current configuration; see 6 below.
* The /e option forces EGA mode, to use extended 16 color modes; see 5 below.
* The /h option allows the viewing of hidden files.
* The /mN locks the video mode to N where N is defined when you run CONFIG,
and in 3 below.
* The /r option returns control to a calling program leaving picture on the
screen; see 4 below.
* The /w option wait for a keypress after each image in a multi_image GIF
file.
* The /xN option gives a left margin of N pixels (ie /x20 gives a 20 pixel
left margin).
* The /yN option gives a top margin of N pixels.
* The /z option inhibits printing the filename of each file.
* The /? option gives a help screen.
* If filespec is a filename, the single file will be shown (the default
extension is GIF).
* If path\filespec is a directory, a menu of all viewable files in that
directory will appear. Otherwise all files meeting the filespec will
appear. For example, [vpic d:\pics\*.pcx] would give a menu of all PCX
files in the PICS directory of drive D, while [vpic d:\pics] would give a
menu of all viewable files in the PICS directory of drive D.
Options and filespec may be entered in any order. All options except /r, /c,
and /? work in menu and single file mode. The /r option only works in single
file mode.
EXAMPLES OF VPIC COMMANDS
1. VPIC [path\]filename[.ext] shows the file specified. The default path is
the current directory, and the default extension is GIF.
2. VPIC [path\][filespec] to get a menu of all files in the specified path
meeting filespec (may contain wildcards). The default path is the current
directory, and the default filespec is any of the viewable files; just
entering VPIC will give a menu of all viewable files in the current
directory. Shows whether VGA or EGA and modes supported in upper left
corner. If Path contains . or .., a filespec must be given (may contain
wildcards). Thus ..\*.* would give a menu of all viewable files in the
parent of the current directory.
3. VPIC /@[path\]slidefile[.ext] to do a slide show from commands in a
slidefile. The default path is the current directory, and the default
slidefile extension is SLD. The path applies to both the slide file and
all files for viewing (unless a path is given for a file-30 chracters
max). The slide file should be in the same directory as the viewable
files. The commands are placed on seperate lines, and consist of either:
a. A filename (GIF extension and slidefile path assumed) and optional:
1. Display mode (number) and/or
2. Animate command (a followed by optional number with no spaces).
b. A delay (viewing time) spec of the form d n (space required) where n
is the desired viewing time in seconds.
The maximum number of files is 100. The number following the optional 'a'
is the number of vertical retraces between animation steps. The default
value is 8 (if no number follows the 'a'). The mode is explained below.
The default viewing time is 5 seconds if no delay spec is given; a delay
spec applies to all files following in the slide file until changed. The
first slide is not delayed the first time it is shown. The default
viewing mode is whatever would look best.
VPIC understands comments preceded by a semicolon, blank or comment
lines, and extra spaces. For example, the following slide file contents
are understood by VPIC, but not recommended:
d 20 ;Delay for file1.gif & file2.pcx is 20 seconds.
file1 1 ;First file in slideshow. File1.gif using mode 1.
file2.pcx ;This is a ZSoft filename with leading spaces.
;This is a comment line with leading spaces, next is a blank line.
d 10 ;File3 is delayed 10 seconds.
file3 a30 ;Show file 3, animate at 1 shift every 30 vertical retraces.
d 15 ;15 second delay file4.gif. Has leading & separator spaces.
file4 ;Show file4.gif, then do a 20 second delay for file1.gif.
To end a slide show after the current picture, press any key. [ESC] ends
it immediately.
The mode requires a little further explanation. In the above slide file,
it says to use mode 1 with file1. Modes 1 thru 10 are the VGA (256 color)
modes, and modes 11 thru 20 are EGA (16 color) modes called out in the
configuration file. Most display boards only have a few of each type. The
Orchid Designer has 4 VGA modes and 4 EGA modes in the configuration file.
The VGA modes are ║ The EGA modes are
1. 320x200x256 2. 640x350x256 ║ 11. 640x350x16 12. 640x480x16
3. 640x480x256 4. 800x600x256 ║ 13. 800x600x16 14. 1024x768x16
Thus, the slide file says to show file1 in the 320x200x256 mode, and show
all the others in the default modes (whatever looks best). The CONFIG
program lists the modes and their corresponding mode numbers for you if
you highlight the configuration file for your board.
4. VPIC /r shows the file and then returns to DOS (or a calling application
program) with the picture still on the screen in EGA/VGA. It is not
necessary to change the video mode between viewing each file, but it is
up to the calling program to reset text mode (mode 3) after all viewing
is done. The /e and /a switches are valid in this mode.
5. VPIC /e forces and EGA display with VGA to use extended EGA modes.
6. VPIC /c prints the current configuration of vpic. You can configure VPIC
to your display board using the CVPIC program and a text configuration
file describing your board.
7. VPIC /a starts VPIC in auto resolution mode.
8. VPIV /b causes VPIC to beep after a file has been fully decoded. Lets you
know when the viewing options are available. Doesn't beep in slide mode
or when using the /r option.
9. VPIC /h allows VPIC to find and display hidden files. Great for those
R or X rated files you don't want to be normally accessible. This option
doesn't appear on the help screen.
10. VPIC /? gives a help screen.
COMMANDS IN MENU MODE
Keyboard Commands in Menu Mode
1. The [up], [down], [right], and [left] arrow keys move the cursor around the
menu of files. [PgDn/PgUp] goto next/previous page. Pressing a key goes to
next file starting with this character.
2. Pressing the [SPACEBAR] marks a file for viewing or slides, and moves to the
next file; it will also unmark a previously marked file.
3. Pressing [ENTER] will display the marked files in the order they were
marked. If no files were marked, pressing enter displays the file at the
cursor.
4. Pressing [F1] will bring up the help screen; any key will return to the
menu.
5. Pressing [F2] will do a slide show of marked files until a key is pressed.
6. Pressing [F3] will display the file size and colors on the next to last
line.
7. Pressing [F4] will toggle between VGA and EGA modes.
8. Pressing [F5/F6] will decrease/increase the default resolution for files
larger than 320x200 in VGA.
9. Pressing [F7] goes to LOCK, which forces the default resolution (above) no
matter what the file size. Pressing F7 again goes to AUTO, which
automatically selects the resolution to display the picture. Pressing F7
again goes back to to the normal default mode.
10. Pressing [F8] toggles the wait mode, where VPIC waits for a keypress between
multiple images in a GIF file.
11. [F9] prompts for a new path\filespec, and displays a menu of the files in
the new path meeting the filespec.
12. [Alt_X] prompts if you want to delete the file at the cursor. [Y] deletes
it, [N] or ESC doesn't, and all other keys are ignored.
13. Pressing [ESC] ends the program and returns to DOS.
14. Pressing [Ctrl-Break] or [Ctrl-C] will get you directly to DOS.
All other keys are ignored. If errors are encountered, an error message appears
on the third line from the bottom, and disappears when the cursor is moved. The amount of
far memory available is also printed on the same line. The menu title is the
search spec.
KEYBOARD COMMANDS IN VIEWING MODE (except in slide mode)
* The up/down arrow keys will scroll the picture if longer than the screen,
provided you have sufficient display memory. The [PgUp] and [PgDn] keys will
scroll by 10 lines. The Video 7 extended VGA boards do not supported writing
to non-displayed memory or scrolling pics larger than the screen, so this
function is disabled for these boards.
* If the picture size is <= 1/2 the screen width, pressing [2] will give a
double size image (which may be scrollable) and pressing [1] will give the
normal size again. For VGA, the picture will be changed only in the
horizontal direction; this will unsquash some 320x400 pics so the aspect
ratio is correct.
* Pressing [+] will increase the resolution (320x200 to 640x480, etc).
* Pressing [-] will decrease the resolution; useful if 800x600 rolls.
* Pressing [/] or [?] gives a help screen of commands available while viewing.
Note: All the following conversion options check if the default filename is
present, and prompt for a new name if it is. They create a file on the
current drive and directory with the same dimensions as the file being
viewed, and let you know what is happening while the conversion proceeds. If
you screw up at the new filename prompt, hit [Ctrl-C] to escape immediately
to DOS; this will usually preserve a file you don't want to write over. The
safest bet is to view files in another directory, since the new file is
saved to the default directory, which is the drive and directory you ran
VPIC from. I put VPIC in my UTIL directory, and have my PATH set to include
UTIL, so I can run VPIC from any drive or directory.
* Pressing [A] will 'animate' a picture by rotating the palette periodically.
This is especially effective on fractals, where large areas tend to be the
same color. Pressing [SPACEBAR] will pause the palette rotation, and
pressing [ENTER] will terminate it and return to the command mode. Thus, by
waiting for an especially nice pattern and then pressing [ENTER], the
pattern can be written to a file using the above file save commands.
Pressing [ESC] will return to the menu. The rate of palette rotation can be
increased/decresed with the up/down (slow) or PgUp/PgDn (fast) arrow keys.
* Pressing [B] will convert a color VGA picture to a 64 shade gray picture.
The resulting image can be saved with the gray palette. Only works in VGA.
* Pressing [C] will create a Dr. Halo CUT file with the same filename and
extension CUT. A palette file (.PAL) will also be created.
* Pressing [E] will expand a Run Length Encoded (RLE) compressed Targa file. If
the file is not a Targa or is already uncompressed, this key does nothing.
* Pressing [F] will prompt for a new filename to overlay on the existing
picture. It also prompts for x and y offsets (in pixels). The colors may not
be exactly correct since the new picture uses a best match to the palette of
the original picture, and some colors may be missing. This feature is handy
for building composite pictures; ie, four 320x200 pics on a 640x400 screen
with the screen size 'locked' using F7 or /m on the command line. Specify
where you want to place the first picture on the command line when VPIC is
executed using the /x and/or the /y options; the filename display is
suppressed using the /z option on the command line. Alternatly, you can have
have an all black picture as the first picture, then overlay the others onto
it. The composite picture can then be saved in any of the file formats VPIC
supports. You can also specify the /mN resolution mode from the command line
to lock the video mode to the desired composite size; it can be changed once
you are in the menu. Later pictures use the first pictures palette (if all
are 256 color), so it's a good idea to pick the first picture with the
widest range of palette colors; this gives the best rendition of the other
pictures. A good way to invoke vpic for this mode is `vpic /x0 /z /m3'.
* Pressing [G, I, M, U, <, or >] will create a GIF file on the default drive,
and prompt for a new filename-the default extension is GIF. [G] is for
non-interlaced, and [I] is for interlaced, [M] is for mirror image, [U] is
for upside down (inverted), [<] is rotate image 90 degrees CCW, and [>] is
rotate image 90 degrees CW.
* Pressing [P] will create a PC Paint or Pictor file. The default extension is
PIC, and for EGA it prompts for a PC Paint or Pictor file.
* Pressing [R] will create a ColoRix file with the same filename and extension
SCx where x is a function of the screen size. If in EGA, will prompt if you
want an EGA Paint or ColoRix file.
* Pressing [T] will create a Targa 16 file with the same filename and
extension TGA.
* Pressing [W] will create a Microsoft Windows Bitmap file. The default extension
is BMP and it prompts for a compressed or uncompressed file.
* Pressing [Z] will create a ZSoft (PC Paintbrush) file with the same filename
and extension PCX. The file will be in whatever mode you are currently using
(EGA or VGA). The VGA palette will be correct for the latest version of PC
Paintbrush, which saves a VGA palette in the file.
* [Alt_F] displays current filename momentarily.
* Pressing [Alt-X] will prompt you to delete the current file. If you answer
[y] it will be deleted, [n] or ESC it won't, and all other keys are ignored.
* Pressing [ENTER] will return to menu or DOS, or show next file for marked
menu mode.
* Pressing [ESC] will end the display and return to the menu.
* The following keys control the picture tone as follows:
[F1] Decrease red content of picture.
[F2] Increase red content of picture.
[F3] Decrease green content of picture.
[F4] Increase green content of picture.
[F5] Decrease blue content of picture.
[F6] Increase blue content of picture.
[F7] Decrease contrast of picture (VGA only).
[F8] Increase contrast of picture (VGA only).
[F9] Decrease brightness of picture (VGA only).
[F10] Increase brightness of picture (VGA only).
[Alt-F10] Restore original palette after you thoroughly mess up the colors.
[V] Reverses the current palette (16/64 EGA only); interesting effect
especially for black & white images.
After a little experimenting, a 'washed out' VGA picture can be greatly
improved by using [F1-F10] , and you can always start over by using
[Alt-F10]. To retain a black background in a VGA picture, the brightness
should be decreased when the contrast is decreased. If you have really
improved the picture, you can then save it any of the supported formats.
VPIC will prompt you if the file exists in the default directory, and you
have the option of overwriting it or giving a new filename. This works
really well with images created on the Sharp, Howtec or Targa scanners.
All other keys are ignored. Pressing [Ctrl-Break] or [Ctrl-C] will go to DOS.
DECODING OTHER FILE FORMATS
The file decoding works in whatever mode you are presently using (VGA or EGA)
and at the resolution you are viewing with. This way, if you choose to save to
another file format, it will be in the same mode you are viewing with (EGA,
MCGA, VGA, or SuperVGA). The decoding for other than GIF is not as fast as could
be done, but the added versatility more than compensates for this. For example,
EGA PCX files can be very quickly decoded to EGA, but are in the wrong format
for VGA, and considerable manipulation is required to produce a VGA image. For
all formats except GIF, the method of viewing is to decode to a buffer for a
single line at 1 byte/pixel, then copy this line to the display in whatever mode
you are using. This is a compromise for most file formats, since they are geared
to EGA or VGA, and display time suffers, but it makes the code much simpler.
Besides, the other formats are supported mainly to allow easy conversion to GIF,
which is the preferred format for storage, since it gives the smallest file
size. This will also make EGA <-> VGA conversions possible, which is not
supported by most paint programs.
The TARGA viewing uses a fixed palette to speed up the decoding, so the picture
does not have what could be called good color. It is mainly there to verify that
an image is present. Use Image Tools TGAPIC to get an equivalent GIF picture
with excellent color rendition.
ADDED FEATURES
VPIC is meant to fill a void not covered by paint programs, and to allow very
convenient file viewing and conversion between file formats. It is not meant to
compete with the paint programs, and in general if a paint program does
something well (such as resize a picture to fill the screen or cut out a portion
of the picture), VPIC will not attempt to do it. On the other hand, if you think
of a feature which would enhance VPIC, please let me know, and I will consider
adding it to the program.
KNOWN PROBLEMS
1. The ATI 1024x768x16 mode uses 2 pixels/byte, unlike any other VGA or EGA
mode. It is supported for most viewing and conversions, but will not view or
convert to EGA Paint files, ColoRIX EGA files, or Pictor EGA files, since
these are on an EGA plane basis.
2. If you have a board with the Trident TVGA 8900 VGA chip, do not run MAMODE
before running VPIC, or run MAMODE 64 if you were in a 128K bank mode.
IMPORTANT: Support for boards with other VGA chips: VPIC will support other VGA
boards with extended VGA modes if the owners will write me with the details of
how to set the various modes, and how to bank switch the display memory. Of
course, if you also register VPIC I will give the problem more consideration.
The bank switching Info for some of the 'not so common' VGA boards is hard to
come by, and is needed if VPIC is to support extended VGA modes for these
boards. A VGA board needs to bank switch for extended modes because there is
only a 64K window in the PC address space for graphics memory (from A000 to
AFFF), and extended modes require more than 64K of memory; 640x480x256 requires
307200 bytes of memory, or about 4.7 'banks of 64K'. Bank switching is a means
of mapping the (A000 to AFFF) graphics address space into 64K chunks of actual
display memory. The method of bank switching is determined by the VGA chip used
on the display board, and what I need is info on how to switch banks and how to
set the various modes the board supports. The use of a display board would also
help, since it will allow me to test the program with that display board instead
of 'programming blind'.
HOW VPIC OPERATES - VPIC decodes a picture file directly to screen memory on
your display card. The other technique is to decode to CPU (normal) memory
and then copy the picture (or a portion of it) to screen memory. Both ways
have their advantages and disadvantages.
DECODING DIRECTLY TO SCREEN MEMORY (LIKE VPIC).
ADVANTAGES - This method offers the best speed, since it doesn't have to go
thru the intermediate step of decoding to CPU memory first. It will also
always decode large pictures, even above the maximum display size. The
CPU method usually doesn't have sufficient memory for large pics, like
1024x768x256, or even 800x600x256 if you have any TSR's in memory; these
pics require 1 byte/pixel.
The file conversion options uses the current palette data and the current
data in display memory to make the new file. Thus, what you see is what
you get in a new file format, in whatever mode you are viewing (256 or 16
color).
DISADVANTAGES - Because the picture is decoded directly to screen memory,
any picture data beyond the right edge of the screen is thrown away. For
this reason, you can't scroll left and right. VPIC will continue to
decode to display memory beyond the bottom of the screen until:
1. It runs out of memory, set by BANKS in the configuration file.
2. If the card does not wrap this memory back onto the displayed
screen, like the Video 7 cards.
Thus, if your display card meets the above criteria, you will be able to
scroll up and down.
If the screen doesn't display the whole picture, any converted file will
be truncated on the right edge to the screen size.
In the SLIDE mode of VPIC, the next picture is decoded to CPU memory
while you view the current picture, and then copied to the screen when the
delay time is up. If you don't have enough CPU memory, you get the
portion of the picture that VPIC can display.
DECODING TO CPU MEMORY FIRST
ADVANTAGES - If there is sufficient CPU memory to hold the whole picture (at 1
byte/pixel), a rectangular area equal to the screen size can be copied to
display memory, which allows you to scroll around the picture in all
directions.
DISADVANTAGES - If there is not sufficient CPU memory, most of the programs
will refuse to display the picture. There is also the wait while the
picture is decoded to CPU memory before you get to see it.
SHAREWARE
VPIC is user supported software for the IBM PC. VPIC is made available for
a free ten day trial period. If you find this program useful, you may license
your copy of the program for use on one machine by sending $15.00 (see below)
to:
Bob Montgomery
543 Via Fontana #203
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
If you want to order the latest version, or have special requirements, see below.
VPIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS
VPIC is copyrighted software, and all rights are reserved. VPIC may not be
changed or modified in any way except by the author. VPIC is SHAREWARE, and may
be freely distributed, as long as it remains in its complete form with all
support, documentation, and configuration files. It may be used for a ten day
free trial period. Regardless of how the copy is obtained, it is requested that
all users comply with the following licensing/registration provisions if they
continue to use it after the 10 day trial period:
1. $1/copy royalty if used as part of a DEMO; a demo is not part of your
product, but is a means of advertizing your product. The maker of the
demo should be a registered user. If a recipient of the demo uses VPIC
for other purposes (not part of the demo) he should register.
You should sign a royalty agreement with me, and make payments
annually. You may estimate the yearly usage, and then correct it from
year to year. You should supply to me a written statement listing the
copies shipped each year.
2. $15 per copy for individual users. Users can fell free to use VPIC for
anything. I need your name and address for my records, and you are
entitled to:
a. Use all updates at no cost (except shipping and handling; see below).
b. Technical support either by phone (you call me) or by letter.
3. Quantity discounts:
10 to 99: $10 per copy.
100 up: $7.50 per copy.
All registered users can fell free to use VPIC for anything. You
should supply me the names and addresses of the users so I can honor
update requests and provide technical support on an individual basis
as in 2.
4. Site License: $75 per 10 copies if used or distributed by you, or as
part of your product. All users would be registered collectively under
your name, but can fell free to use VPIC for anything. Update requests
and technical support would be thru you (since I don't know the names of
the individual users) and would be distributed by you to the users.
5. Clubs, schools, universities and other non-profit organizations may
license VPIC for $45.00 per 6 copies. All users would be registered
collectively under your name, but can fell free to use VPIC for
anything. Update requests and technical support would be thru you, since
I don't know the names of the individual users, and would be distributed
by you to the users.
For foreign orders, please send a check drawn on a US Bank, International or
US Postal Money Order, Travelers Checks, or cash, since the banks here charge
$25 collection fee for foreign checks.
For all the above, VPIC should be distributed intact, with all documentation
(DOC files), support programs (CVPIC, CONFIG, and WHICHVGA), and configuration
(.CFG) files. Archived form is OK to meet this requirement, since it minimizes
disk space, if you supply the un-archiving program.
A user may install VPIC on more than one machine, provided he is the only
user on each machine. The registration and license policy is similar to a book,
which can be taken with you but used only by you.
All warranties are disclaimed, including damage to hardware and/or software from
use of this product. In no event will I be liable to you for any damages,
including lost profits, lost savings or other incidental or consequential
damages arising out of your use or inability to use the program, or any other
claim by any other party.
Please use the enclosed registration/order form since it allows me to keep
better records and keep up with the newer VGA boards.
UPGRADES FROM PREVIOUS PROGRAMS AND UPDATES
You may use all updates free once you have registered VPIC. If you are
already registered for VGIF or ZS (any version) you may upgrade to VPIC for an
additional $5. Since VPIC is updated regularly, I do not send notices, but it
gets around quickly to most graphics oriented BBS's, and is available at
Compuserve in DL3 of the PICS forum.
ORDERS FROM ME
If you order VPIC, an upgrade, or an update from me, please add $5 ($10
outside the USA and Canada) for materials, postage, and handling. As a bonus; I
will fill the rest of the disk with good pictures. Please specify 360K or 1.2Meg
disk (I don't have 3.5" disks) and EGA, VGA, or SuperVGA (640x480x256, etc) so
I'll know what pictures to send. I have three 1024x768x256 pictures, but each is
about 700K in size and eats up a sizeable portion of a disk, so if you want one
of these there wont be much room for other pictures. If you want additional
disks of pictures, please add $5/disk. I have quite a few 640x480x256 pictures
(mostly by Boris Vallejo), only 1 disk full of 320x200x256 pictures and 1 disk
of EGA pictures, and a few larger sizes.
Even if you can't read a 1.2 Meg disk, I would recommend getting VPIC on
that size, since you get about 1 Meg of picture files that way. Then, have a
friend (or computer store) copy the files to your disks.
Data on the various file formats VPIC supports is available free if you
request it with your order, but will use about 200K of disk space.
Please use the enclosed registration/order form since it allows me to keep
better records and keep up with the newer VGA boards.
OTHER
Contact Bob Montgomery for:
1. Special versions of VPIC tailored to your application.
2. Other graphics oriented applications (file conversion, etc).
Any suggestions or comments should be mailed directly to me. The following are
graphics oriented BBS's:
Compuserve PICS Forum (My ID is 73357,3140)
Tsunami BBS, Half Moon Bay, Calif. (415) 726-2726
PC Rockland, S. Nyack, NY (914) 353-2538 [Freeboard] 1.6 Gbyte Online
Megabyte Image Center (918) 492-0087 1200/2400/9600 baud USR HST
Event Horizons: Catalog, 311 Avenue "B", Suite 209, Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Modems: 503-697-5100 (1200/2400 Baud), 503-697-5126 (9600 Baud USR HST)
APPENDIX A - REVISION HISTORY
History of the original VGIF program.
VGIF ver 1.1 1-13-88
* Added test for EGA adapter.
* Fixed menu colors.
* Allow [ESC]ape from marked file viewing.
* Added [Ctrl-Break] or [Ctrl-C] exit to DOS anywhere.
* Added 'disk full' notification when creating picture file.
* Added critical error handler for 'drive not ready' errors.
VGIF ver 1.2 1-15-88
* Changed name to VGIF.
* Slide mode now ignores the end of file mark in slide file, and any key
will now end slide mode.
* Added slides to menu mode if [S] pressed-shows marked files as slides
until a key is pressed.
VGIF ver 1.3 1-21-88
* Added better error checking to GIF file decoding. Notifies if bad GIF
file.
* Fixed error reporting bug in single file mode.
VGIF ver 1.4 2-9-88
* Added instantaneous screen update in slide mode from menu or command
(SLD) file.
* Added the /r option which allows an application program to call VGIF
to view a file and then regain control.
VGIF ver 1.5 3-2-88
* Added [PgUp] and [PgDn] keys to scroll by 10 lines at a time.
* Added a max pic height of 819 lines so EGA buffer would not overflow.
* Greatly improved color reproduction for 'problem' pictures (such as FROG,
ARCHIT, PUFFIN, VEGTABLE, etc). These pictures typically have more than
16 colors. Selected colors on basis of frequency of use where possible.
* Fixed following bugs:
1. Line buffer would overflow into other variables if pic width was
> 640 pixels, causing strange results.
2. Didn't recognize the end of image marker correctly. This would
cause the palette to change when the image was done.
VGIF ver 1.6 3-11-88
* Fixed a bug in handling multiple images. First noticed when viewing
WHIMMI.GIF.
* Use same palette for multiple images, and get best color match.
* Added [L] and [S] commands while viewing a picture. These allow you to
create full size paint program files.
VGIF ver 2.0 3-26-88
* Added the ability to view long GIF files ( > 819 lines) without
wrapping the display.
* Added the [C] and [H] (Dr. Halo) file creation option while viewing.
* Added the [L] and [S] prefixes to paint program file creation commands
while viewing to save long pic files.
* Added the Info and Help commands in menu mode.
* Deleted the # requirement to specify a directory from the command line.
The program now looks for a directory which meets the spec on the command
line. If none is found, it assumes the spec is for a single file.
* Added [F1 - F10], and [V] palette control keys while viewing a file.
VGIF ver 3.0 5-2-88
* Added VGA capability, and support for Tseng extended VGA modes
(640x480x256 and 800x600x256).
* Determines and displays available modes for your system.
VGIF ver 3.1 5-11-88
* Fixed a bug in dir/file spec from command line. Now accepts
VGIF d:\dir\*.gif or VGIF d:*.gif, although the [\]*.gif is not required,
since this is the default filespec.
* Fixed a bug in forced EGA when doing slides, where an interlaced pic
displayed at double size would have a 'venetian blind' effect.
* Changed so pics larger than 320x200 are shown in 640x480 VGA; can get
800x600 by pressing + key.
* Note that EGA mode on the Orchid VGA card appears squashed vertically.
This is normal, and cannot be corrected without reprograming the
parameters for mode 16, which would change the vertical retrace
frequency, and probably cause your monitor to roll.
VGIF ver 3.2 5-26-88
* Added 500 file menu, and assy language text screen updating; now
super fast.
* Fixed a bug which caused the Vega VGA card to hang up.
VGIF ver 3.3 6-9-88
* Added user spec of video mode for non-Orchid VGA boards.
* Added GIF and Pictor save of current screen for VGA/EGA pics.
* Added prompts to screen for conversion to other formats.
* Removed conversion starting at first visible row-now does whole pic.
VGIF ver 3.4 6-23-88
* Fixed a bug in the GIF save routine.
* Added color, contrast, and brightness adjustment in VGA.
* Fixed a bug in menu mode for marked files.
* Added /n command line option to stay in 640x480x256 for VGA pics.
VGIF ver 3.5 7-14-88
* Fixed some misc minor bugs.
* Added increase/decrease resolution command while viewing 16 color VGA
pics (using the /e option).
* Added slide mode for VGA.
* Added lock mode option to start pics from the menu in a desired mode.
VGIF ver 3.6 8-8-88
* Fixed some bugs.
* Fixed EGA slide show.
VGIF ver 3.6A 9-10-88
* Fixed 1024x768x16 mode.
VGIF ver 4.0 10-20-89
* This was a beta test version which got out. It had lots of bugs, which
were fixed in VPIC.
History of VPIC
VPIC ver 1.0 & 1.1 12-27-88
* Beta test versions.
VPIC ver 1.2 12-27-88
* Added configuration option for various display boards.
* Added VGA file conversion for all previous Paint programs supported.
* Added Deluxe Paint 2 conversion.
* Added Targa 16 file conversion.
* Added EGA/VGA toggle from menu.
* Added default resolution select, and Mode Lock key from menu.
* Added WAIT option to pause between images of multi-image files.
* Added MAC, PCX, & Colorix file viewing capability. Others will be
added in later versions.
* Added 'animate' while viewing.
* Fixed VGA 16 color palette.
VPIC ver 1.2A 1-4-89
* Fixed MAC -> GIF conversion
* Fixed CVPIC for ^Z as EOF char.
* Fixed 16 color palette for other file formats if VGA 16 colors.
VPIC ver 1.3 2-2-89
* Fixed cursor in menu.
* Fixed 'lock up' if GIF header size wrong (640x350 labeled 350x640).
* Now pauses pic if file error and waits for key press-can see partial
pics in bad files this way.
* Shows GIFs with MAC headers (1st 128 bytes are not GIF standard);
if F3 (info) pressed shows if file has a MAC header.
* Fixed so views and saves new ZSoft VGA PCX files which include
palette at end of file. Still doesn't load PAL files.
* Fixed ZSoft file displays and saves.
* Added Wait toggle (F8) which pauses between images in multi-image
GIFs, and allows conversion to other filetypes.
* Made MACs black on bright white instead of gray.
VPIC ver 1.4 3-15-89
* Added printout of filename while decoding except in slide mode.
* Added help while viewing a picture; press [?] or [/].
* Added delete a file option [X] (with query) while viewing.
* Added hit [ESC] while decoding to abort picture.
VPIC ver 1.5 3-23-89
* Fixed bug in 'Escape while decoding' which would hang system.
* Fixed EGA x2 display for interlaced files.
* Fixed problem with saving a pic after scrolling.
* Fixed palette in animate, so save will use current palette.
* Fixed problem with bad files in slide mode that would hang computer.
* Fixed error display in /@ slide mode and single file mode.
VPIC ver 1.6 4-5-89
* Fixed bugs in slide show from command file. Added comments.
* Added resolution option for each picture in slide command file.
* Fixed miscellaneous minor bugs.
* Added configurable menu color.
VPIC ver 1.7 6-13-89
* Added Trident chip set support (for Maxxon and Logix VGA boards
and maybe the ATI board).
* Fixed a few bugs concerned with putting & getting lines from the
display screen.
* Fixed problem with Ctrl Z at end of slide definition file.
VPIC ver 1.8 6-28-89
* Added EGA Paint viewing/conversion.
* Fixed conversion to 800x600 ColoRIX file.
* Fixed other minor bugs.
VPIC ver 1.9 7-19-89
* Added inverted, mirrored, and rotated GIF saves.
* Fixed a bug in the Dr Halo CUT file creation.
* Added menu updating after file creation or deletion.
* Added new path spec feature from menu with [F9] key.
VPIC ver 2.0 8-6-89
* Added Pictor/PC Paint PIC, Dr. Halo CUT, Deluxe Paint LBM, and
Targa 16 or 24 file viewing capability.
* Fixed a bug in the palette selection for EGA.
* Fixed a bug which would not show VGA for the plain vanilla VGA config.
* Fixed a bug in the ZSoft PCX display for extended EGA modes.
* Added Auto resolution option and switch from the menu [F7].
* Made cursor stay fixed when files are created or deleted.
* Added Chips & Technology support. (VPIC 2.0A)
* Fixed ZSoft save at higher screen resolution than pic. (VPIC 2.0B)
VPIC ver 2.1 9-5-89
* Fixed a bug in LBM viewing
* Added ColoRIX 16 color SCR and SCP view/create.
* Speeded up GIF decoding about 50%.
VPIC ver 2.1A 9-10-89
* Fixed a memory allocation problem for slides.
* Made small increase in speed.
* Fixed directory callout (*.PIC, etc).
* Re-enabled [ESC] for GIF viewing.
* Fixed Chip & Tech bank switching routine.
* Fixed Deluxe Paint II (LBM) file creation.
VPIC ver 2.2 10-23-89
* Fixed problem in new path command ([F9] from menu).
* Fixed intermittent GIF decode problem.
* Program now tells if GIF image and screen sizes conflict.
* Menu now correctly displays file sizes larger than 1 Mbyte.
* Now lists & displays Electronic Arts IFF files (same as LBM).
VPIC ver 2.3 12-13-89
* Fixed C_T bank switching.
* Added Everex 678, Ahead (B chip), and Genoa 6400 support.
* Fixed bugs in GIF and Pictor decoder.
VPIC ver 2.4 12-28-89
* Fixed bug in GIF decoder for very wide pics.
* Fixed palette for many file types.
* Fixed slide mode from menu.
VPIC ver 2.5 1-28-90
* Fixed single file and /r modes.
* Fixed Pictor viewing for B&W pics.
* Fixed MAC header interpertation problem.
* Fixed memory clearing for pictures longer than the screen.
* Added F10 to menu to display current path. Menu no longer shows
complete path (only filespec) to avoid clutter with long paths.
* Deleted path from filename display when showing picture.
* Added SCY conversion for ColoRIX.
* Added Zymos VGA chip support.
* Corrected CVPIC to allow more than 9 banks in config file.
VPIC ver 2.6 1-28-90
* Fixed palette for 2 color GIFs.
* Fixed SCU display in 1024x768x16 mode.
* Fixed Pictor EGA and ColoRIX EGA slide viewing.
VPIC ver 2.7 3-17-90
* Fixed GIF bug and palette for files with local color maps.
* Added /b command line option to beep after a picture is decoded except
in slide modes.
* Added Alt_F command while viewing a picture to momentarily display the
file name.
* Fixed Targa viewing for all sizes; now handles RLE images too.
VPIC ver 2.8 3-27-90
* Added /h command line option to find hidden files.
* Changed menu display to allow up to 8 modes for VGA or EGA.
* Fixed palette in Dr. Halo CUT files.
* Added Tseng 4000 chip support.
VPIC ver 2.9 5-23-90
* Fixed Targa module to handle all 8 thru 32 bits/pixel formats.
* Added copyright messages.
* Fixed PCX viewing for gray scale files.
VPIC ver 2.9A 7-1-90
* Fixed Targa module for files which don't follow the compression rules
of 'don't overrun lines'. Added TGA expand option [E] while viewing a
RLE compressed Targa file.
* Fixed conversion routines so they save the pictures size. This was a bug
that crept into ver 2.9.
* Added ESC to abort deleting a file with [Alt_X].
* Added file types (where applicable) to the info command [F3] from the
menu.
* Added uncompressed ColoRIX SCO file (1024x768x256) support.
* Fixed a bug in CVPIC.
* Fixed a bug which prevented working with DOS 4.x.
* Added Deluxe Paint II enhanced viewing and save capability.
* Fixed a color bug in Targa 32 viewing.
VPIC ver 3.0 9-15-90
* Added capability to view the new GIF89a files, and FRA fractal files.
Added delay and user response features of GIF89a.
* Fixed a bug which would hang the computer if you deleted the last
viewable file from a directory.
* Added prompt for a file conversion, allowing you to escape.
* Added C&T, as well as the previous C_T, which VPIC will accept as the
Chips & Technologies VGA chip in the config file.
* Fixed memory allocation bug in PCX creation for 1024x768x256 images.
VPIC ver 3.1 9-25-90
* Added flexibility to slide mode. Always decodes to memory and can change
delay for files; see the section on 'vpic /@slidesfile`.
VPIC ver 3.2 10-29-90
* Fixed the bank switching for the Trident 8800 chip.
* Fixed a palette problem when viewing Targa files.
VPIC ver 3.3 11-5-90
* Fixed problem with lines on VGA pics in slide mode.
* Added animate command in slide command file, and speed control for
animation.
* Fixed MCGA 16 color palette.
* Fixed ATI 1024x768x16 slide mode.
VPIC ver 3.4 11-21-90
* Fixed most conversion routines so they work in ATI 1024x768x16 mode;
can't do EGA Paint or 16 color ColoRIX, or Pictor EGA files.
* Fixed most viewing routines so they work in ATI 1024x768x16 mode;
can't do EGA Paint or 16 color ColoRIX, or Pictor EGA files.
* Fixed bugs in conversion for pics less than screen width wide.
* Cleaned up numerous small bugs.
* Added BIF Binary Image File from B&W image capture boards.
VPIC ver 3.5 12-15-90
* Added 64 shade gray conversion for VGA images (press b while viewing).
* Added auto-centering for pictures smaller than the screen.
* For slides, now displays as much of picture as memory will allow.
VPIC ver 4.0 02-13-91
* Added GIF89a features including transparent color, variable size plain
text, user input, variable delay, and display of comments. Works in all
EGA and VGA modes.
* Fixed all file conversions so they work with centered images.
* Improved palette selection, and made hi contrast help messages.
VPIC ver 4.0a 02-20-91
* Added OAK and new ATI (with normal 1024x768x16 mode) card.
* Added `whichvga' program to try to identify your VGA chip.
VPIC ver 4.1 03-15-91
* Added Microsoft Windows 3.0 Bitmap BMP file viewing/saving in compressed
or uncompressed format. Sometimes uncompressed is smaller than compressed.
* Changed VGA chip designators, added VGA chips; see CONFIG.DOC. Be sure to
use the version of CVPIC supplied with this version of VPIC.
VPIC ver 4.2 04-10-91
* Fixed palette bug which would reverse black and white in some pictures.
* Fixed menu when disk was rescanned.
VPIC ver 4.3 04-27-91
* Added x and y offset, and inhibit filename display, from command line
using /x, /y, and /z options.
* Added overlaying of pictures onto display using the 'F' command while
viewing a picture.
VPIC ver 4.3a 05-05-91
* Fixed ATI VGA Wonder scrolling.
VPIC ver 4.3b 05-15-91
* Fixed EGA palette.
VPIC ver 4.4 07-09-91
* Added mouse support for the menu screen (so far).
* Added Viewpoint picture viewing (.PIC files).
* Added wider selection of menu colors; see CONFIG.DOC.
* Fixed a bug in the BMP decoder for OS/2 PM files.
* Fixed a bug in slides mode.
