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The Complete Morph v2.00
User's Guide
Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
_______
____|__ | (R)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
Document dated: November 25, 1993
Paul D. Nettle
9668 Washington St.
Romulus, MI 48174
(313) 941-9223
Author's name: Paul D. Nettle
Author's Compuserve ID: 72163,2442
This document also Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
A limited license is granted to reprint short extracts from this
document as long as credit is given to the above mentioned party.
Individuals, BBSs and User Groups may distribute copies of this
software, it's documentation and associated files (originally
distributed in an archive) freely as long as the files remain in-
tact, unmodified, are not re-named and are not made part of some
larger work without the written permission of Paul D. Nettle. A
BBS may rearchive the unmodified archived file's contents as long
as the resulting archive is named CMORPH20.ZIP, CMORPH20.ARC,
CMORPH20.LZH or CMORPH20.???
The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction.............................................4
What is Morphing?...................................4
How does it work?...................................4
CMorph is a full-featured morphing program. Take a look:5
System Requirements.................................6
Ombudsman Statement......................................7
Definition of Shareware..................................7
Disclaimer - Agreement...................................8
Getting Started..........................................9
Running CMorph from the command line.....................10
Configuring CMorph's Memory..............................11
Virtual Memory......................................11
Protected Mode Switching.................................13
Fine Control of Memory Usage........................14
Specifying a Range of Extended Memory...............14
A Note On the GUI........................................16
A Few Notes On the Mouse.................................17
The Go Menu..............................................18
Go menu category SYSTEM.............................18
LEAVE button...................................18
DOS SHELL button...............................18
GO button......................................18
Go menu category OTHER..............................18
HELP button....................................18
ABOUT button...................................18
Preferences Menu.........................................19
Preferences menu catagory: SPLINE SETTINGS.........19
Submenu catagory: MESH........................19
CATMULL, BICUBIC and STRAIGHT buttons.....19
TIGHTNESS text box........................19
Submenu catagory: INTERPOLATION...............19
CATMULL, BICUBIC and STRAIGHT buttons.....19
TIGHTNESS text box........................19
Preferences menu catagory: SCREEN SETTINGS.........19
DISPLAY CURVES button..........................19
ZOOM button....................................19
KWIK-SCREEN button.............................19
SOUNDS button..................................19
CURSOR COLOR buttons...........................20
MESH COLOR buttons.............................20
Preferences menu catagory: OUTPUT IMAGE FORMAT.....20
IMAGE FORMAT buttons...........................20
TGAs BOTTOM-UP button..........................20
Preferences menu catagory: OPERATION...............20
OPERATION buttons..............................20
FAST MORPH button..............................20
Preferences menu catagory: OUTPUT CONFIGURATION....20
FADE 50% text box..............................20
FADE START % text box..........................20
FADE END % text box............................20
WARP 50% text box..............................20
WARP START % text box..........................21
Page 2
The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
WARP END % text box............................21
Preferences menu catagory: FRAME CONTROL...........21
TOTAL FRAMES text box..........................21
START FRAME text box...........................21
END FRAME text box.............................21
FRAME OFFSET text box..........................21
The Other Menus..........................................22
The Edit Menu.......................................22
The File Menu.......................................22
The Filters Menu....................................22
The Preview Menu....................................22
Creating a Mesh..........................................24
Filter file (.FLT) format................................25
IPI File Format..........................................27
Future Enhancements......................................28
Contacting Customer Support..............................29
Ordering Information.....................................30
What you will get when you register.................30
What you get when you register via Raytech BBS......30
Non-registered vs registered users..................30
How to Register..........................................31
How to register with the author.....................31
How to register on-line with the CompuServe.........31
Registration via RayTech BBS (in the UK only).......31
Who is Raytech?................................31
Page 3
The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing "The Complete Morph." I hope that this
product will be as useful for you as it was fun for me to write.
I'll try to keep this document from being dry, so forgive me if
the jokes get bad.
From now on, lets just call "The Complete Morph" CMorph
(pronounced "See-Morph".)
What is morphing?
Morphing is the process of slowly fading from one image to
another, while warping the contents of both images so that
they "metamorphasize."
How does it work?
Morphing is, in theory, actually very simple. Understanding
how morphing works internally will aid you in creating high-
quality morph animations.
For a good quality morph, start by taking your time and
finding a pair of similar images that have the same
resolution. As an example, try to find two 320x200 images
that both contain a full-screen face that is facing the same
way, has the same orientation, and who's major points (eyes,
etc.) line up pretty close to each other if they were to be
overlaid.
Now that you have two images, a mesh must be placed over
each one. This is the "manual-labor" part of morphing.
Take your time, this mesh defines the quality of the morph.
A mesh is made up of horizontal and vertical lines overlaid
onto both images. Each vertex of the mesh can be re-
located. The points are usually connected by a curved line
to smooth the bends. But be careful not to let any two
horizontal or any two vertical mesh lines cross.
Once all of the mesh lines are complete, the points in the
mesh should line up with their counterpart on the other
image (for example, the point on the source image that is
centered in the left eye should have a counterpart on the
destination image that is also on the left eye in that
image), the morphing is ready to begin. A hint for a real
clean morph is to align points in the image that not only
select the features of the image, but also outline it's
features with the lines that connect the points together.
Morphing is a three-step process. The first two steps are
the warping steps. The warping is done in two stages.
First, all of the horizontal mesh lines are used to break up
the image into "bands". Since there are the same number of
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The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
bands in each image, the destination band is warped to the
same shape as it's counterpart in the source image, and so
on through all the bands. Next, the destination image is
broken up into vertical bands using the vertical mesh lines,
and the process is repeated for the vertical direction.
The last step in this process is to cross-fade the images
into one.
CMorph is a full-featured morphing program. Take a look:
o Reads and writes GIF, IMG, TGA, BMP and IPI image files.
o CMorph has a very beautiful and easy-to-use user-
interface that utilizes all 256 colors of the SVGA
palette, and on most video cards can handle resolutions
up to 800x600 (1024x768 mode is only available on some
video cards).
o A DOS-shell helps you with those unexpected needs to
visit the DOS prompt.
o You control the output. Create a morph, a warp, or a
simple fade. Each of these options utilizes parameters
that let you control where in your animation most of the
warping and the fading take place for super fine-tuning.
o An interface for external programs to perform tasks that
CMorph doesn't already perform via the IPI file format -
- explained later in this document. This file format is
also used in CImage, another of my products.
o CMorph has advanced spline meshes giving you the option
of three different spline types: Catmull (used in most
morphing software today), Bi-cubic splines, and straight
lines. Different effects can be obtained by changing
which spline type is used for the image warping and
which spline type is used for the interpolation. The
Bi-cubic splines make use of a tightness parameter that
allows you to have spline meshes that are almost
straight to "very curvy".
o CMorph also has advanced mesh editing features such as
mirrored cursors, and cross cursors for aligning mesh
points between the two images. A Zoom window tracks
your cursor helping you get pixel-perfect output.
o CMorph uses ALL available memory by running in 32-bit
protected mode. If you need more memory, you can turn
on the Virtual Memory.
o CMorph is complimented by it's complete suite of image
processing filters. There are 100 pre-defined, user
definable filters.
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The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
o Color selectable overlays and color selectable
backgrounds allow you to put your morph into any scene
and add your name to the animation with ease.
System Requirements:
CMorph requires at least a 386, and a video card that can
handle 256 colors in 640x400 mode, 640x480 mode, 800x600
mode, or 1024x768 mode is best. A math co-processor is
optional, but highly recommended. 4MB of memory is also
required (although 8MB is better, and any more is just
great).
I hope you enjoy using The Complete Morph!
Page 6
The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
OMBUDSMAN STATEMENT
This program is produced by a member of the Association of
Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the
Shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a
Shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the
member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can
help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but
does not provide technical support for members' products. Please
write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI
49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via
CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software
before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue
using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs
differ on details -- some request registration while others
require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With
registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue
using the software to an updated program with printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software,
and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished
programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are
of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs
and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of
distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy
and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a
specific group. For example, some authors require written
permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their
Shareware.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook,
whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes
fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.
And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware
has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the
product, you don't pay for it.
Page 7
The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT
Users of The Complete Morph must accept this disclaimer of
warranty: "The Complete Morph is supplied as is. The author
disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including,
without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of
fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for
damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use
of The Complete Morph."
The Complete Morph is a "Shareware program" and is provided at no
charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with
your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part
of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is
to provide personal computer users with quality software without
high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to
continue to develop new products. If you find this program
useful and find that you are using The Complete Morph and
continue to use The Complete Morph after a reasonable trial
period, you must make a registration payment of 35.00 to Paul D.
Nettle. The 35.00 registration fee will license one copy for use
on any one computer at any one time. You must treat this
software just like a book. An example is that this software may
be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one
computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility
of it being used at one location while it's being used at
another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons
at the same time.
Commercial users of The Complete Morph must register and pay for
their copies of The Complete Morph within 30 days of first use or
their license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be
made by contacting Paul D. Nettle.
Anyone distributing The Complete Morph for any kind of
remuneration must first contact Paul D. Nettle at the address
above for authorization. This authorization will be
automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as
adhering to its guidelines for Shareware distributors, and such
distributors may begin offering The Complete Morph immediately
(However Paul D. Nettle must still be advised so that the
distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of The
Complete Morph.).
You are encouraged to pass a copy of The Complete Morph along to
your friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register
their copy if they find that they can use it. All registered
users will receive a copy of the latest version of The Complete
Morph system.
Page 8
The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
GETTING STARTED
CMorph is ready to run. All you have to do is install it.
Installation is simple. Since you've probably downloaded the
CMorph archive and un-archived it (which you needed to do to be
reading this document) you're already set to go.
To run CMorph, you need to have both, CMORPH.EXE and DOS4GW.EXE
in your path or in the current directory when you run it. To run
it, just type CMORPH followed by two image file names. For
example:
C:\> CMORPH IMAGE1.TGA IMAGE2.TGA
There are other command-line options, check the section titled
"COMMAND LINE OPTIONS" for a complete description of them.
If you're like me, you may already have a very large path, and
wish not to make it larger. Where there is a will, there is a
way! Simply create a batch file that runs CMorph in the
following way:
C:\CMORPH\DOS4GW C:\CMORPH\CMORPH %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9
This batch file runs DOS/4GW from the CMORPH directory, and tells
it to run CMorph from the same directory. If you just run
CMorph, then it will not find the DOS Extender (which is what it
tries to do if you just run CMorph). So, you need to run the DOS
Extender manually.
Just place that batch file someplace in your path, and you're all
set to go!
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The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
RUNNING CMORPH FROM THE COMMAND LINE
Usage:
E:\CMORPH\CMORPH.EXE [options] <source> <target>
<source> and <target> are required parameters, <source> being the
file name for the source image ("morphed from") and <target>
being the file name for the target image ("morphed to"). These
files must be in IPI, TGA, BMP, IMG or GIF format, and they must
have the same resolution. The resolution of the output images is
derived from the resolution of the input images.
All options may be expressed using the slash (/) or the minus (-)
characters.
[Options] are:
[-? | -H] List this help information
[-B[X]] Batch mode (auto morph on startup) [with auto
eXit]
[-C] Force graphics mode to 16 colors
Default: 256 colors
[-Gxxx] Force vertical resolution to xxx scanlines
Valid values: 400/480/600/768
Default: auto-detect
[-Mfilename] Specify mesh filename
source Source image (IPI/TGA/BMP/IMG/GIF)
target Target image (IPI/TGA/BMP/IMG/GIF)
NOTE: [options] may be specified before, after or between the
image names and may be specified by either the '-' or
the '/' chars.
Page 10
The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
CONFIGURING CMORPH'S MEMORY
CMorph uses the DOS/4GW DOS Extender from Rational Systems.
This DOS Extender places CMorph into "386 Flat Model"
protected mode where the 80386 executes instructions faster,
and has access to LOTS of larger chunks of memory. With
access to all of this memory, CMorph can run faster, and
perform more complicated tasks than it would if it were
written for a 286 or less processor.
Lets assume you have 8 MEG. CMorph loads above the first
MEG (this is where most systems keep their faster memory).
As memory is needed, CMorph gets it from the memory above
that first MEG. If that runs out, then CMorph starts
looking for memory in the DOS 640K area. DOS's memory is
used last because it is usually slower, and also because
CMorph can run DOS programs if you shell out to DOS, so you
will want to save as much DOS memory as possible. Virtual
Memory (VMM) is also available (see VIRTUAL MEMORY).
Note that programs that use Extended or Expanded memory
(like Disk Cache programs) will take memory away from
CMorph. You may want to limit the memory that they use to
allow a comfortable amount for both.
VIRTUAL MEMORY
CMorph was written with the Watcom C/C++32 9.5 and uses the
DOS/4GW DOS Extender from Rational Systems. This royalty-
free DOS Extender (DOS4GW.EXE) offers a Virtual Memory
Manager (VMM). When CMorph runs out of memory, it can be
configured so that it automatically starts swapping to disk.
In this way, you can actually use more RAM than your
computer has!
This configuration MUST take place before CMorph is run. If
CMorph runs out of memory while running, you must save what
your are doing, exit CMorph and configure for VMM before re-
starting CMorph.
To enable VMM, you only need to set a single environment
variable. Might I suggest that you create a CMORPH.BAT
batch file that sets this variable before running CMorph,
then clears it afterwards just in case you're not one for
having all these environment variable hanging around when
they aren't (like me) necessary.
I have found a drawback to using the VMM. It tends to slows
CMorph down, even when not swapping to disk.
To enable VMM with default values, just "SET DOS4GVM=1" from
within DOS before entering CMorph. It's that simple. But,
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The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
like all other things, there is a way to complicate it by
configuring it (it's not that bad, actually).
Usage:
SET DOS4GVM=[option[#value]] [option[#value]]...
(the '#' is used with options that take values since the DOS
command shell will not accept "=")
Setting the DOS4GVM=1 will use default values for all
options. Here are some control options:
MINMEM The minimum amount of RAM managed by VMM.
The default is 512K
MAXMEM The Maximum amount of RAM managed by VMM.
The default is 4MB.
SWAPMIN The minimum or initial size of the swap file.
If this option is not used, the size of the
swap file is based on VIRTUALSIZE (see
below).
SWAPINC The size by which the swap file grows.
SWAPNAME The swap file name. The default name is
"DOS4GVM.SWP". By default the file is in the
root directory of the current drive. Specify
the complete path name if you want to keep
the swap file on another drive.
DELETESWAP Whether the swap file is deleted when CMorph
exits. By default the file is NOT deleted.
Program startup is quicker if the file is NOT
deleted.
VIRTUALSIZE The size of the virtual memory space (swap
file plus allocated memory). The default is
16MB.
If you wish to have a temporary swap file, and only use no
more than 4 MEG of RAM, then use the example below:
SET DOS4GVM=DELETESWAP maxmem#8192
NOTE: This DOS Extender is especially advantageous for
programmers. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Watcom C/C++32 9.5
compiler to developers. I own Borland C/C++ 3.1, Microsoft
C/C++ 7.0, and Watcom C/C++32 9.5. My choice development
tools are the Watcom Tools (although I hate to give up the
Turbo Debugger). Take the time to learn them, they are
wonderful!
Page 12
The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
PROTECTED MODE SWITCHING
The following section is almost exactly as it appears in the
manual for Watcom C/C++ 32-bit v9.5a.
In almost all cases, CMorph can detect the type of machine
that is running and automatically choose an appropriate
real- to protected-mode switch technique. For the few cases
in which this default setting does not work, I provide the
DOS16M DOS environment variable, which overrides the default
setting.
Change the switch mode setting by issuing the following
command:
set DOS16M=value
Do not insert a space between DOS16M and the equal sign. A
space to the right of the equal sign is optional.
The table below lists the machines and the settings you
would use with them. Many settings have mnemonics, listed
in the column "Alternate Name", that you can use instead of
the number. Settings that you must set with the DOS16M
variable have the notation "req'd" in the first column.
Settings you may use are marked "option," and settings that
will automatically be set are marked "auto."
Alternate
Status Machine Setting Name Comment
auto 386/486 w/DPMI 0 None Automatic if DPMI is active
req'd NEC 98-series 1 9801 Must be set for NEC 98-seri
auto PS/2 2 None Set automatically for PS/2
auto 386/486 3 386, 80386 Set automatically for 386/4
auto 386 INBOARD None 386 with Intel Inboard
req'd Fujitsu FMR-70 5 None Must be set for Fujitsu FMR
auto 386/486 w/VCPI 11 None Set automatically for VCPI
req'd Hitachi B32 14 None Must be set for Hitachi B32
req'd OKI if800 15 None Must be set for OKI if800
option IBM PS/55 16 None May be needed for some PS/5
The following procedure shows you how to test the switch
mode setting.
1. If you have one of the machines listed below, set the
DOS16M environment variable to the value shown for that
machine and specify a range of extended memory. For
example, if your machine is a NEC 98-series, set
DOS16M=1 @2M-4M. See the section, "Fine Control of
Memory Usage" later in this chapter for more
information about setting the memory range.
Machine Setting
Page 13
The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
NEC-98-series 1
Fujitsu FMR-60,-70 5
Hitachi B32 14
OKI if800 15
Before running CMorph, check the switch mode setting by
following this procedure:
2. Run PMINFO and note the switch setting reported on the
last line of the display.
If PMINFO runs, the setting is usable on your machine.
3. If you changed the switch setting, add the new setting
to your CMORPH.BAT file, or your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
Note: PMINFO will run successfully on 286 machines. If
CMORPH does not run, and PMINFO does, check the
CPU type reported on the first line of the
display.
FINE CONTROL OF MEMORY USAGE:
In addition to setting the switch mode as described above,
the DOS16M environment variable enables you to specify which
portion of extended memory CMorph will use. The variable
also allows you to instruct CMorph to search for extra
memory and use it if it is present.
SPECIFYING A RANGE OF EXTENDED MEMORY
Normally, you don't need to specify a range of memory with
the DOS16M variable. You must use the variable, however, in
the following cases:
1. You are running on a Fujitsu FMR-series, NEC 98-
series, OKI if800-series, or Hitachi B-series
machine.
2. You have older programs that use extended memory
but don't follow one of the standard disciplines.
3. You want to shell out of CMorph to use another
program that requires extended memory.
If none of these conditions applies to you, you can skip
this section.
The general syntax is:
set DOS16M=[switch_mode][@start_address[-end_address]]
[:size]
Page 14
The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
In the syntax shown above, "start_address", "end_address"
and "size" represent numbers, expressed in decimal or in
hexadecimal (hex requires a 0x prefix). The number may end
with a K to indicate an address or size in kilobytes, or an
M to indicate megabytes. If no suffix is given, the address
or size is assumed to be in kilobytes. If both a size and a
range are specified, the more restrictive interpretation is
used.
The most flexible strategy is to specify only a size.
However, if you are running with other software that does
not follow a convention for indicating it's use of extended
memory, and these other programs start before CMorph, you
will need to calculate the range of memory used by other
programs and specify a range for CMorph to use.
Page 15
The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
A NOTE ON THE GUI
A few things need mentioning regarding the GUI's new radio
buttons. There are two uses for the new radio buttons.
First, they are used to toggle on or off certain options, like
the zoom window (located in the Preferences menu). Clicking on
this radio button will toggle it up and down. If the button is
in the up position, then the feature is off, or disabled, and if
the button is in the down position, the feature is on, or
enabled.
The second use for ratio buttons is to choose between multiple
settings for a single option. An example of this is the cursor
color. Selecting a color will de-select the currently selected
color and select the selected color (lots of "selects" in that
one!)
There are also keys that allow you to navigate through CMorph.
Pressing F1 will bring up a help window that displays them. They
are:
F1/ALT-H Gets this help information on-line
ALT-A Show About Box
ALT-D DOS Shell
ALT-E Enter Edit menu
ALT-F Enter File menu
ALT-G Enter Go menu
ALT-I Enter Filters menu
ALT-P Enter Preferences menu
ALT-R Enter Preview menu
ALT-S Start morphing
ALT-V Start a preview
ALT-X Exit to DOS
Page 16
The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
A FEW NOTES ON THE MOUSE
When the mouse is in the source or the target image windows, the
mouse becomes a cross-hair cursor that spans both images. The
cross-hair has two crosses. The first is the cross that shows
where the cursor actually is, and the second is a less-
significant cross in the opposite image. This cross points out
where in the opposite image where the corresponding pixel is.
Also, by placing the cursor within one of the two image windows,
you'll see a filled circle. This circle follows the cursor
around and is placed on the nearest mesh point. When the left
mouse button is depressed (unhappy?...NAW!), the cursor position
jumps to where that point is, so it may be relocated.
When you have a menu up, you may back up to the main menu by
pressing the right button or escape.
Pressing the right button inside one of the two information
windows (located directly below their respective image) will hide
the meshes. And if you don't bother to read this in the docs,
then you'll never know this. See, there actually is an advantage
to reading the docs. (Not like I ever read them, either.)
The last note that needs mentioning is that in certain
circumstances, you'll be promoted by a message box for a "yes" or
a "no" (like when you exit CMorph, for example). When one of
these prompts are up, pressing the left button always means "yes"
and the right button always means "no".
Page 17
The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
THE GO MENU
You'll notice that there are four categories in this menu (in
case you haven't done this yet, you'll need to take your mouse
and click on the Operations button to get the menu to appear).
Go menu category "System":
"Leave" button:
Exit to DOS.
"DOS Shell" button:
Shell to DOS. This will run a temporary copy of DOS.
Once you are at in DOS, you may return to CMorph by
typing "EXIT" on the DOS command line.
"Go" button:
Start the actual morphing, warping, or fading.
Go menu category "Other":
"Help" button:
Displays a help window of available keys for navigating
through the menus.
"About" button:
Displays an about box with version and copyright
information.
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The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
PREFERENCES MENU
The Preferences menu allows you to change all of CMorph's
preferences and options. You'll notice that there are six
categories in this menu. They are:
Preferences menu category "Spline Settings":
Sub menu category "Mesh":
"Catmull", "BiCubic" and "Straight" buttons:
These buttons select the type of spline used
during the mesh warping stage. Use these
different spline types for different effects.
"Tightness" text box:
Selects the amount of gravity used when drawing
the Bi-cubic mesh lines. Valid values for this
option can range from 1 (very little gravity;
almost straight lines) to 100 (lots of gravity;
very curvy lines). This only effects the mesh
warping when the BiCubic mesh type is selected.
Sub menu category "Interpolation":
"Catmull", "BiCubic" and "Straight" buttons:
These buttons select the type of spline used
during the interpolation (or resampling) stage.
Use these different spline types for different
effects.
"Tightness" text box:
Selects the amount of gravity used when resampling
the output. Valid values for this option can
range from 1 (very little gravity; almost straight
lines) to 100 (lots of gravity; very curvy lines).
Preferences menu category "Screen Settings":
"Display Curves" button:
Toggles the displayed meshes from curves to straight.
This option does not effect the Morphing, just what is
displayed on the screen. Use this option to speed up
the display when needed.
"Zoom" button:
Toggles the zoom window. When the zoom window is ON,
the display and the cursor can be slow. Use this
option when you need precise placement of mesh points.
"Kwik-screen" button:
Toggles the Kwik-screen option on/off.
"Sounds" button:
Toggles the sounds on/off.
"Cursor color" buttons:
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Toggles the cursor color from Red, to Green, to Blue to
XOR.
"Mesh color" buttons:
Toggles the mesh color from Red, to Green, to Blue to
XOR.
Preferences menu category "Output Image Format":
"Image Format" buttons:
Select the output image file format. Available choices
are: TGA, IPI, IMG, GIF and BMP.
"TGAs Bottom-Up" button:
Enables or disables the TGA files from being written
out in Bottom-up format.
Preferences menu category "Operation":
"Operation" buttons:
Select the operation to perform. Available choices
are: Morph, Warp and Fade.
"Fast Morph" button:
Enables or disables a "draft mode" for morphing. It's
a faster, but lower quality morph.
Preferences menu category "Output Configuration":
"Fade 50%" text box:
This option will select at what percent of the morph
the fade will reach 50%. For example, if this option
is set to 10, then at 10% of the morph, the fade will
reach 50%, hence, most of the fading is done early on
in the morph. Note that this option sets the center of
the fade between the start and end of the selected fade
range (described below).
"Fade start %" text box:
This option will select at what percent of the morph
the fade will start. For example, if this option is
set to 10, then at 10% of the morph, the fade will
begin.
"Fade end %" text box:
This option will select at what percent of the morph
the fade will end. For example, if this option is set
to 90, then at 90% of the morph, the fade will reach
the end.
"Warp 50%" text box:
This option will select at what percent of the morph
the warp will reach 50%. For example, if this option
is set to 10, then at 10% of the morph, the warp will
reach 50%, hence, most of the warping is done early on
in the morph. Note that this option sets the center of
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the warp between the start and end of the selected warp
range (described below).
"Warp start %" text box:
This option will select at what percent of the morph
the warp will start. For example, if this option is
set to 10, then at 10% of the morph, the warp will
begin.
"Warp end %" text box:
This option will select at what percent of the morph
the warp will end. For example, if this option is set
to 90, then at 90% of the morph, the warp will reach
the end.
Preferences menu category "Frame Control":
"Total Frames" text box:
This text box simply selects the total number of frames
to create for this morph. The starting frame and
ending frame are always saved separately.
"Start Frame" text box:
This text box simply selects the first frame within the
number of total frames. If the total frames is set to
30, and the start frame is set to 20 with the end frame
set to 25, then 6 frames (20-25 inclusive) will be
generated.
"End Frame" text box:
This text box simply selects the last frame within the
number of total frames. If the total frames is set to
30, and the start frame is set to 20 with the end frame
set to 25, then 6 frames (20-25 inclusive) will be
generated.
"Frame Offset" text box:
This text box simply allows you to select an offset
number to start naming the output filenames. There is
no correlation between the start, end or total frames
numbers. This simply changes what the filenames will
be. This is useful for generating a multi-part
animation.
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THE OTHER MENUS
I won't bother going through the different buttons in the rest of
the menus since they are very self explanatory, I don't want to
insult your intelligence, and, basically, nobody reads
documentation anyway (including myself!)
So here's a brief description of each menu:
THE EDIT MENU:
The edit menu allows you to swap, copy and flip the different
meshes and images.
THE FILE MENU:
The file menu allows you to:
1. Load/Save/Import (load v1.20) meshes
2. Load/Save images
3. Set the base filename. There is a maximum of five
chars (the last three of the first 8 are used for frame
numbering), but you may point to a path, like:
"C:\ANIMS\MORPH" will place output images into the
directory ANIMS on drive C:, and they will start with
"MORPH", creating images named MORPH001.TGA,
MORPH002.TGA, etc.
4. Select the name of, and enable arithmetic images.
Arithmetic images are added to, subtracted from, or
averaged with each output image as it is written to
disk. You may also select to overlay the arithmetic
image with a color range. This color range will select
the range of color values that, if the color in the
arithmetic image falls inside that range, then it is
directly overlaid on top of the output image. This is
useful when you want to add credits to your morph. The
Background image is calculated BEFORE the arithmetic
image is.
5. Select the name of, and enable background images.
Background images work similar to the overlay images,
except that the color range is compared with each of
the output frames, rather than the background image.
If a pixel in the output image is inside the range,
then it is replaced by the corresponding pixel in the
background image. The background is calculated BEFORE
the arithmetic image is.
THE FILTERS MENU:
This menu allows you to select a filter file (described later in
this documentation), and the appropriate filters contained in
that file for use on each of the source and target images.
THE PREVIEW MENU:
A preview is very convenient for deciding where to place mesh
points, and where flaws may be. To preview an image from a
morph, simply select which image in the morph you want to view,
(in the form of a % value, 50% for the center image), and select
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The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
the button "Show Preview". The preview will be viewed in the
current video mode. When the preview is done, a beep will sound
(assuming you haven't disabled it), and pressing a mouse button
or any key will return you to CMorph's main menu.
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The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
CREATING A MESH
Morphing relies on high quality meshes for high quality morphs.
So, before you create a mesh, start by examining where you want
to place your most important mesh points.
Once you have decided where you want your primary mesh points,
you can start adding mesh points. Once all of your primary mesh
points have been added, you can add support points to help clean
up the morph even more.
To add a mesh line, move the mouse to the border of the image
that you want to add a mesh line to, and click the right button.
To add a horizontal mesh line, click in the left or right side
border. To add a vertical mesh line, click in the top or bottom
border.
The mesh lines that get added will be placed between the two
lines that you were located between when you clicked on the
mouse. Most of the time, straight-through mesh lines cannot be
added to the image, so the mesh line is bent at each intersection
so that it may maneuver through the maze of mesh points.
You may notice that there were actually two mesh lines added, one
for each image. This is because CMorph requires that there be an
equal number of mesh lines in each image. This should be taken
into consideration when adding mesh lines.
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FILTER FILE (.FLT) FORMAT
The filters are contained in the filter file.
The filter description format for a 3x3 filter is as follows:
FILTER NAME <filtername> <size>
<upper-left> <upper-center> <upper-right>
<center-left> <center-center> <center-right>
<lower-left> <lower-center> <lower-right>
<operator> <operand> <bias>
Any text following semicolons are comments
Where <filtername> is the name of the filter. This is where
CMorph looks for the filter name (in the filters menu). <size>
is the size of the filter (3, 5 or 7 only, others are ignored).
For 5x5 and 7x7 filters, the above example is incomplete, since
from <upper-left> to <lower-right> would be a 5x5 or 7x7 "grid".
Convolutions are quite simple. For each pixel in an image, the
filter grid is overlaid onto that pixel and it's neighbors with
the <center-center> element of the filter grid aligned onto the
current pixel in the image, and the outer elements in the filter
grid overlaying the current pixel's neighbors. The next step is
to multiply each element in the filter grid with it's
corresponding overlaid pixel value. Once all these values have
been calculated, add them together and perform the operation (/ 8
for an <operator> of '/' and an <operand> of '8'.) Lastly, add
the <bias> value. If the addition of <bias> (or subtraction of
<bias> if it is negative) takes the result above 255 or below 0,
then the value is clipped to 0 or 255, respectively.
A good trick for trying your own is to take a current filter,
copy it, change the new copy's name, and modify it. If you have
problems getting usable resulting images, try adding all of the
values in the filter's grid and placing that value in <operand>
with an <operator> of '/'
NOTES:
The valid range for <bias> is 0-255.
Valid <operator> values are:
+.......Add <operand>
-.......Subtract <operand>
*.......Multiply by <operand>
/.......Divide by <operand>
M.......Sort all multiplied grid elements, and use the
median. Ignore <operand> -- Operand MUST still
be present
<.......Sort all multiplied grid elements, and use the
lowest. Ignore <operand> -- Operand MUST still
be present
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The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
>.......Sort all multiplied grid elements, and use the
highest. Ignore <operand> -- Operand MUST
still be present
CMorph will search for the filter file in the following
order:
1. The current directory
2. The default CMorph directory (where CMORPH.EXE is
stored)
CAUTION: The median ('M'), dilate ('>') and erode ('<')
functions take a LONG TIME in 5x5 or 7x7 filters. Try to
stick with using 3x3 filters for these operators.
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The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
IPI FILE FORMAT
The IPI (pronounced "ipee") file format is used to store 24-
bit images. This format was designed to be the simplest to
decode for programmers so that they may add functionality to
CMorph via external programs. This file format was
originally designed for use in CImage (The Complete Image,
another of my products). If you don't own a copy of CImage
(I won't try to sell you one, I promise), then you will most
likely have no use for this file format.
The IPI format is as follows:
X resolution (WORD - MSB first)
Y resolution (WORD - MSB first)
Image data:
FOR EACH PIXEL IN THE SCREEN (XRES * YRES)
{
Red Element (BYTE)
Green Element (BYTE)
Blue Element (BYTE)
}
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The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS
o Add import/export to meshes from dmorph
o Add PCX
o Add new Nettleman spline
o Add output of .FLI/.FLC/.FLX file format
o Add TIFF
o Add sine wave addition to splines
o Add vertical resolution to preferences screen
o Delete mesh lines
o Different sizes for each input file and different size for
output files
o Gamma for both images
o ListBox for mesh files and image files
o Morphs of animations
o Move entire mesh lines
o Targa - Compressed versions (and other versions not
currently supported)/32-bit
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The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
CONTACTING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
I'm available in the evenings, I have the standard 9-5 job
(eastern time). If you need to reach me during the day, you can
do so by calling and leaving a message. I call in to my voice
mail about three times per day, however, on hectic days, it's not
so easy, and I may not get any messages at all until the evening.
Tech Support is available for all registered users for one full
year following the purchase. For non-registered users (and
registered users over one year), tech support is not officially
available. But if I'm not swamped, I'll try to get back to you.
Registered users over one year have priority over non-registered
users. So, please state your status. It can be verified on
computer.
To contact me, just call (313) 941-9223.
You may also mail your support questions to:
Paul D. Nettle
9668 Washington St.
Romulus, MI 48174
In addition, you can contact me through Fidonet netmail addressed
to Raytech BBS as follows:
TO: Paul Nettle 2:259/49
Raytech BBS maintains a registered user's conference for CMorph
and I collect my mail regularly.
My phone number and address are for support, comments,
suggestions, questions, registration information, and of course,
orders.
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The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
ORDERING INFORMATION
What you will get when you register through the author:
o The registered version of CMorph on disk (your choice of
disk format -- 1.2M or 1.44M).
o A printed manual.
o The next update of CMorph -- free of charge (Including
printed documentation).
o Peace of mind.
What you will get when you register through RayTech BBS:
o The registered version of CMorph via modem or mail.
o Free access to later registered versions of Cmorph via a
Private files area on Raytech BBS reserved for Cmorph
registered users.
o Reduced Subscription Rates to Raytech BBS if ordered at the
same time as Cmorph registration.
o Peace of mind.
Non-registered vs registered users:
o Registered versions don't display the registration notice
upon startup of CMorph.
o Registered versions are marked with an "r" after the version
number in the title rather than a "u".
o Registered users are allowed free technical support priority
via phone, by mail, or e-mail. Non-registered users are
given no official technical support. (see Contacting
Customer Support).
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The Complete Morph -- Copyright 1993, Paul D. Nettle
HOW TO REGISTER
How to register with the author:
To order a copy of The Complete Morph, just print out the
REGISTR.FRM, fill it in, and send it with you check or money
order for $35.00.
How to register on-line with CompuServe:
To register a copy of The Complete Morph on-line, just log
onto CompuServe and "GO SWREG". Once in the forum, you'll
have a short menu. Select the option labeled "Register
Software". The Registration ID is #1629. The fee is $38.00
(inculdes S&H).
Registration via RayTech BBS (in the UK only):
Who is Raytech?
Who is Raytech? Who is Raytech?
Raytech BBS is a great graphics specialist BBS in the United
Kingdom run by Paul Smith. You'll find all sorts of the
latest Graphics programs there, especially raytracing
programs and support.
Registration fee: 25 UK pounds.
Ways to pay ... Cash by Post
Cheque payable to Raytech BBS
Access, Visa, MasterCard, or Eurocard, by
phone or on-line.
Send payments to:
Raytech BBS
Rubicon Clashmore near Dornoch
Sutherland Scotland IV25 3RG
Send your payment with:
Your Name, Address and home telephone number
UK numbers Intrn'l numbers Hours
----------- --------------- -----
Voice number: 0862 88388 +44 862 88388 24 hours
Fax number: 0862 88377 +44 862 88377 8am to 6pm
BBS line 1: 0862 88340 +44 862 88340 24 hours
Network Addresses:
FIDOnet: 2:259/49
PCGnet: 9:526/464 UK host
Modem Setup:
Communications: 8N1 V32bis V42bis MNP 1 - 5
Speeds: 2400/4800/7200/9600/12000/14.4
Terminal: ANSI BBS
Operation: 24 hours
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