Copyright: ® Copyright 1995 Software Dynamics GmbH


Help File Authors

Thomas Deharde, Lars Schrepel; Thomas  & Sharon Dirks

Software Dynamics GmbH

Am Fallturm 5

28359 Bremen

Germany


The Crew

Sharon (Fair y) Dirks

Ted (Tester) Dirks

Randy (Mastermind) Earp

Thomas (Daf) Deharde

Dietmar (Debug) Hufendiek

Andy (Play Boy) Prieser

Johannes (Scan Man) Vogel

Stefan (Biker) Näwe

Lars (Show Man) Schrepel

Kai (Pascal) Hermannsen

Thomas (New) Klink

Software Dynamics GmbH

Am Fallturm 5

28359 Bremen

Germany


Preview Window

Video, sound and animation files can be played in the Preview Window.


Edit

Video, sound and animation files can be edited in either the Preview Window or in the Construction Window.


Media file

Name of the selected media file.


Starting point

This button is used to set the starting point of the video clip.


End point

This button is used to set the end point of the video clip.


Play

This button is used to start playing the media clip. Click on the button again to stop playing the media clip.


Start

Shows the starting point of the media clip.


Single frame backward

This button is used to move back one position on the media file.


Scroll bar

The scroll bar is used to move the starting point to a desired location on the media clip.


Single frame forward

This button is used to move forward one position on the media file.


End

Shows the end point of the media clip.


Counter

This field shows the current frame position.


Playing time

This field shows the playing time of the selected media file.


Selected area

This field shows the complete clip length or the selected area.


Frames

This field shows the total number of frames in the media clip.


Track

Auf dieser Leiste kann an den Anfang oder das Ende des Regiefensters gescrollt werden.


Edit video track

1.	Move:
Click on the media file and move it to the right or to the left (the mouse cursor will change into a white hand symbol). Two vertical lines appear showing the start and end points for easy placement of the media clip on the time line.

2.	Cut:
Clcik on the left or right edge of the clip to select it. The mouse cursor changes into a double-headed arrow. The media clip can now be shortened or lengthened as desired (up to the maximinum file length).

3.	Time scale

More exact editing of a video can be carried out if a low scale is used.

 If a video file contains a sound track, the sound track can be selected and deleted from the Construction window with the [image] button.


Edit transition track

Can be moved, shortened or lengthened as desired.


Edit text track

Can be moved, shortened or lengthened as desired.


Edit sound file

Can be moved, shortened or lengthened as desired.


Line Art Image

Line art images contain areas of solid black and white pixels.


Halftone Image

Halftone images contain black and white pixels arranged in a pattern to simulate grayscales.


Copy

The section of the image you have selected has been copied to a temporary file and will remain stored there until another copy operation is performed.


Copy to Clipboard

The section of the image you have selected has been copied to the Windows Clipboard. The copied area can now be pasted to any application supporting the Windows Clipboard function.


Drag and Drop

With this function you can move one or more files or items to another window or frame quickly by selecting them and then dragging them to their new destination.

When dragging an item, the mouse cursor will change to the [image] or [image] symbol to indicate that the item can be dropped onto the current location. If the mouse cursor turns to the [image] symbol, the item cannot be dropped onto the current location.


Selection with the mouse

The File Selector Window displays files in a small size so that you can easily select the files you want to include in a presentation. Files can be selected the same way the Windows File Manager works.


OK

Press the "OK" button to accept the current settings.


OK

Press the "OK" button to finish working with the current dialog.


Done

Press the "Done" button to finish working with the current dialog.


Cancel

Press the "Cancel" button to undo the settings made or to leave the dialog.


Help

This option shows the program's Help file index.


Info

This button shows the program information window containing copyright information and the version number for the actual program.


Power

Press the "Power" button to close the program window.


Exit

Press the "Exit" button to close the program window.


Password

When the check box beside Password is selected, the screen saver can only be de-activated when the correct password is entered in the text box.


Password

The Password button is used to access the Windows password dialog box.

Enter your personalized password and click on OK. To de-activate the screen saver you must enter this password when prompted by the dialog box to do so.


Info

The Info button is used to display information on the selected video.


Start Offset

This option allows the starting point within the selected video to be set.


End Offset

This option allows the end within the selected video to be set .


Duration

This option allows the duration within the selected video starting with the Start Offset to be set.


Video Control Area

This area shows offsets, duration and the current position within the selected video. Set the red bar to the position you want to see.


Video Control

This control allows you to change offsets and the duration within the selected video. Use the mouse to move or resize the Video Control.


Back Button

This button allows you to set the red positioning bar back one step. The red bar can be set in 25 steps.


Pause Button

Pressing this button halts the selected video or animation. Press the Pause button again to continue.


Stop Button

Pressing this button stops the selected video.


Play Button

Pressing this button plays the selected video from the current position indicated by the red bar of the Video Control Area.


Forward Button

This button allows you to preset the red positioning bar. The red bar can be set in 25 steps.


Set Start

Pressing this button sets the starting point while playing the selected video.


Set End

Pressing this button sets the end point while playing the selected video.


Test

Pressing this button allows you to watch the edited sequence of the selected video.


Replace

This option allows the selected video to be replaced with a new one.


Preview Area

This area shows a preview or the the edited sequence of the selected video. It is also used to set the size and position of the selected video.


Preview Area

This area shows a preview of the selected video.


Display Size

The Display Size is used to change the size of the selected video. Use the Custom option and the Preview Area to set the video to any arbitrary size.


Preview

This area shows a preview of the currently selected video frame.


Open

The Open command is used to load a new video file.


Type

Allows you to choose the image type, either full color or 256 colors, in which the actual frame will be saved.


Frame Number

This text edit box shows the number of the currently selected video frame. Type a number to get the desired frame or use the frame selector below to browse through the video.


Frame Selector

The frame selector is used to select a frame while stepping through the video. The selected frame is shown in the Preview area.


Image Type

Allows you to choose the image type in which the wallpaper will be saved.

The following types are supported:

16 Colors, 256 Colors and True Color


Image Type

Allows you to choose the image type in which the image will be saved.

The following types are supported:

256 Colors and True Color


Image Size

Determines the image size in which the wallpaper will be saved. Use Aspect Ratio to keep the original proportions of the video frame.


Export

The Export button is used to add a video frame to the Files Available list in the main window. Selected files will be saved into the Windows directory in the BMP file format in the size and image type selected.

The converted images can now be selected from the Files Available list box for inclusion in the Wallpaper list.


Import

When the Import button is activated, a dialog box will appear on the screen where video frames can be converted for use as wallpaper.


Image Type

Allows you to choose the image type in which the video will be saved.

The following types are supported:

256 Colors and True Color


File Type

Allows you to choose the file type in which the video will be saved.

The following types are supported:

Video for Windows (AVI)


Image Size

Allows you to choose the image size in which the video will be saved.


Frames

Allows you to choose the number of frames in which the video will be saved. The more frames are being chosen, the smoother will be the resulting morph effect.


Frames

Sets the number of frames per second for the final video. The higher the number of frames per second, the smoother the video will appear when it is played back.


Preview

This area shows a preview of the currently selected video morph.


Display Image

This option lets you watch the transformation of the image while previewing the morphing process. If this option is swwitched on, you will get a clear preview of the morphing process. However, this option is very time consuming.


Display Mesh

This option lets you watch the transformation of the area settings while previewing the morphing process.


Size

The size of the video is displayed here. Select a standard size or the "Custom" setting.


Aspect Ratio

The "Aspect Ratio" check box is activated when "Custom" is selected. The aspect ratio can be maintained or by deactivating the check box, any size can be entered in the text box.


Frames per Second

The number of frames per second for the preview video is displayed here. The default value is 15 frames per second. A faster video preview can be made when the number of frames per second is set to a low number (e.g. 5).


Frames per Second

Sets the number of frames per second for the final video. The maximum number of frames per second is 30.


Create temporary file

When selected, the video preview will be written into a temorary file.


Selected Area

This list box is used to select the area for the video file - either the complete project or the selected area only. To check the effect of a short sequence in a video, the setting "Selected Area" should be used.


Project Name

Displays the name of the project file. When a new project is opened, the Construction window (Untitled) will automatically appear.


Time Line

When creating a new video file, the time line is used to accurately place media files in the various tracks on the Construction window .The scale displayed on the time line is the current setting displayed in the "time scale" list box. If the current scale is set to "1 frame", then a single frame will be displayed between two points on the time line; if the current scale is set to "15 frames", then 15 frames will be displayed together as a single frame on the time line. The time line is a very useful when editing a video file.


Preview Area

A selection can be made for the video preview in the preview area.


Video Tracks

The video tracks are used for video, animation, and image files.


Transitions Track

The transition track is used for transition effects between video track 1 and video track 2.


Text Track

The text track is used to display the text which was created in the text window.

Hier legen Sie den Text ab, den Sie im Textfenster erzeugt haben.


Audio Tracks

The audio tracks are used for audio files.


Frequency Curve

The frequency curve of a sound file is displayed in the blue area on the top half of the sound track.


Volume Control

The volume of a sound file can be modified in this area of the sound track. To change the volume, click on the thin line running through the middle of this area. A square will appear which can be dragged up or down to adjust the volume accordingly.


Time Scale

This list box is used to select the time scale for the time line. Settings ranging from 1 frame to a maximum of 1 minute can be made. The default setting is 2 seconds. The selected scale is displayed on the time line on the top of the Construction window.


Scroll Bars

Click on the scroll bars or on the scroll arrows to move the display in the Construction window to the left or to the right.


Compression

Select the desired compression method from the list box.


Quality

The quality value supported by the compression method is displayed here.


Key Frames

The number of key frames supported by the selected compression method is displayed here.For example, if 15 is displayed in the text box, the complete frame will be compressed and saved every fifteenth frame. Only the changes in the following 14 frames in relation to the key frame will then be compressed and saved in the video file.


Color Depth

The color depth supported (8, 16 or 24 bit) is dependent on the selected compression method.


Half Frames

This function is supported only by hardware which can split the lines in a video image in even and odd lines (half frames). The result is a doubling of the number of frames in the video creating a very smooth effect.


First Line

Selection box for half frames. If the setting "Even Lines" is selected, then the first half frame will contain even lines and the second half frame the odd lines.


Volume

This control allows the sound volume of the selected media to be set.


Add

The Add button is used to include a new item to the play list.


Add

The Add button is used to include a new transition to the play list.


Delete

Delete is used to remove the selected items from the play list.


Delete

Delete is used to remove the selected transition from the play list.


Edit

Edit is used to change the settings of the selected item.


Rename

Rename is used to rename the selected item of the play list.


Back Button

This button allows you to set the red positioning bar back one step.


Pause Button

Pressing this button halts the selected media. Press the Pause button again to continue.


Stop Button

Pressing this button stops the selected media.


Stop Button

Pressing this button stops the preview.


Play Button

Pressing this button plays the selected media from the current position indicated by the red bar of the Control Area.


Play Button

Pressing this button plays all transitions from the current position indicated by the highlighted entry of the play list.


Forwards Button

This button allows you to preset the red positioning bar.


File Information Area

This area shows the name and path of the selected media file.


File Information

Displays information about the selected media file.


Play List Area

This area shows all entries of the current play list.


Play List Area

This area shows all entries of the current play list. The individual transitions are used as intermediate steps to create the final video.


Display Order

The Display Order list box is used to select the order in which the items of the play list are displayed when the program is active. The following options are available:

Forward:	Displays items in numerical order - i.e. starting with number 1.

Reverse:	Displays items in reverse order - i.e. starting with the last item.


Play Order

The Play Order list box is used to select the order in which the items of the play list are played when the program is active. The following options are available:

Forward:	Plays items in numerical order - i.e. starting with number 1.

Reverse:	Plays items in reverse order - i.e. starting with the last item.


New

Clicking on the New button creates a new play list.


Play List

This window shows all entries in the current play list.


Open

Open is used to load an existing play list from the hard disk drive.


Save

The Save button is used to save the current play list to the hard disk drive.


Save as

The "Save as" button is used to save the current play list to the hard disk drive.


Top

The Top button moves an item in the play list window to the top of the list.


Up

The Up button moves an item in the play list window one step upwards.


Down

The Down button moves an item in the play list window one step downwards.


Bottom

The Bottom button moves an item in the play list window to the bottom of the list.


Loop

The "Loop" control is used to play a selection continuously until it is manually stopped.


Sound

The "Sound" control is used to turn the sound on or off.


Screen Mode

The "Screen Mode" control is used play a selection in full screen mode or in the program window.


Step Back

This button allows the track number to be set back one step.


Step Forward

This button allows the track number to be set forward one step.


Track

This display shows the current track.


Time

This display shows the actual time of the current track.


Name

This display shows the name and path of the current media file.


Preview Area

This area shows a preview of the selected video.


Preview Area

This area shows a preview of the current transition.


Start

The "Start" button is used to create a video based on the current settings.

1.	Click on the "Start" button on the Control panel.

2.	A dialog will appear showing the progress in the creation of the video.


Before you start

Read the "Readme" file

Make sure you read the "Readme" file for the latest release notes which could not be included in this document.


Hardware Requirements

For best results, the following system configuration is recommended:

IBM compatible PC/AT 80486

4 Mb RAM (minimum)

8-16 Mb RAM (recommended)

VGA or Super VGA video adapter

40-120 MB hard disk

Mouse

XA compatible CD-ROM drive


Software Requirements

MICROSOFT-DOS 3.1 or higher

MICROSOFT-Windows 3.1 or higher


Driver Requirements

To be able to use "Video for Windows" on your computer, the necessary driver must be installed.

To find out whether the "Video for Windows" driver is already installed, look under "Drivers" in the Windows Control panel (located in the 'Main' group in the Program Manager). If it does not appear in the "Drivers" dialog box then "Video for Windows" must be installed.

To be able to utilize the full sound capabilities of "Video for Windows", a compatible sound board and associated drivers must be installed in your computer.


Help File Shortcuts

This Help File supports the following keyboard commands:

ESC key	Exit the Help File

HOME key	Main Index

LEFT ARROW key	Previous Topic

UP ARROW key	Previous Topic

RIGHT ARROW key	Next Topic

DOWN ARROW key	Next Topic

PAGE UP key	Back


Help

Index

This option shows the Help file index of the program.

To display the Help file:

1.	Select "Index" from the "Help" menu.

2.	The Help file will appear.

3.	Select the desired topic from the list provided or use the Search function to locate a particular topic.


Info

This option shows the program information window containing copyright information and the version number for the actual program.

To see the program information window:

1.	Select "Info" from the "Help" menu.

2.	The program information window will appear.

3.	Click on OK to close the dialog box and to return to the program window.


Open Source File (Control Panel)

  Open Source File

The "Open Source File" button is used to open an existing image from any drive or directory. This image will be used as the starting point of a morph.

To open the source file:

1.	Click on the "Open Source File" button on the Control panel.

2.	If necessary, change the drive/directory to locate the desired image file.

4.	Double click on the filename to open.

 For best results, source file and destination file should be of the same size and of the same proportions. Ideally, the images should either have the proportions 4 * 3 or 3 *4.


Open Destination File (Control Panel)

  Open Destination File

The "Open Destination File" button is used to open an existing image from any drive or directory. This image will provide the end result of a morph.

To open the image file:

1.	Click on the "Open Destination File" button on the Control panel.

2.	If necessary, change the drive/directory to locate the desired image file.

4.	Double click on the filename to open.

 For best results, source file and destination file should be of the same size and of the same proportions. Ideally, the images should either have the proportions 4 * 3 or 3 *4.


Options (Control Panel)

  Options

The "Options" button is used to set the parameters of the output video.

The following settings can be made:


View (Control Panel)

  Preview

The "Preview" button is used to get a preview of the current morph.

To preview the morph:

1.	Click on the "Preview" button on the Control panel.

2.	The following dialog will appear.


Start (Control Panel)

  Start

The "Start" button is used to create a morph video based on the current settings.

Creating the video:

1.	Click on the "Start" button on the Control panel.

2.	A dialog will appear showing the progress in the creation of the video.

 Depending on the image sizes and the video output settings, creating a video might take some time and might require a lot of disk space.


Play (Control Panel)

  Play

The "Play" button is used to play the current morph video.

To play the video:

1.	Click on the "Play" button on the Control panel.

2.	The following dialog will appear.


Exit (Control Panel)

  Exit

The "Exit" button is used to close the program window.

To exit the program:

1.	Click on the "Exit" button on the Control panel.

2.	If any changes have been made to a morph project since it was last saved, the message "Save changes to (filename) before closing?" will appear.

3.	If no changes have been made, the program window will be closed and you will return to the Program Manager.


New (File Menu)

New

"New" is used to create a new morph project. The new project is automatically given the name "[Untitled]".

Creating a new morph project:

1.	Select "New" from the "File" menu.

2.	If any changes have been made to a former project since it was last saved, the message "Save changes to (filename) before closing?" will appear.

3.	A new project will be created. The filename "[Untitled]" will appear in the program window title bar.

4.	Use the Open Source File button and the Open Destination File button to start editing the new project.


Open (File Menu)

Open

"Open" is used to open an existing morph project from any drive or directory.

To open a morph project:

1.	Select "Open" from the "File" menu.

2.	All files in the current directory with the extension MPH will be displayed.

3.	If necessary, change the drive/directory to locate the desired MPH file.

4.	Double click on the filename to open.


Save (File Menu)

Save

After a morph project has been edited, it can be saved to the hard disk using the "Save" function. The project will be saved using the current filename displayed in the title bar of the program.

To save a project:

1.	Select "Save" from the "File" menu.

2.	The current project will be saved to the existing filename.

3.	You may now continue editing the project or open a new one.

 If many edits are made to a project, it should be saved to disk at regular intervals.


Save As (File Menu)

Save As

"Save As" is used to save the current morph project to a new filename or in a different directory.

To use the "Save As" command:

1.	Select "Save As" from the "File" menu.

2.	Choose the directory and subdirectory you wish to save the project in.

3.	Enter a filename by typing in the text box or select an existing filename from the list box.

4.	Click on OK.

 If a file of the same name already exists in the chosen location, a warning message will appear.


Exit (File Menu)

Exit

"Exit" is used to close the program window.

To exit the program:

1.	Select "Exit" from the "File" menu.

2.	If any changes have been made to a morph project since it was last saved, the message "Save changes to (filename) before closing?" will appear.

3.	If no changes have been made, the program window will be closed and you will return to the Program Manager.


Loading the Images

The first step in the creation of a morph is to load a source file and a destination file. The source file will be used as the starting point of a morph, whereas the destination file will provide the end result of the morph.

 For best results, source file and destination file should be of the same size and of the same proportions. Ideally, the images should either have the proportions 4 * 3 or 3 *4.


Defining Lines

Setting Grid Lines

Once the images have been loaded, horizontal and vertical grid lines can be set to define the areas which are to be transformed, i.e., morphed.

The number of lines to be set depends largely on the image. The more objects an image contains, the more lines might be necessary to produce a satisfactory result.

In general, the first grid lines should be set to trace the contour or outline of an object. Afterwards, add more lines within the object to refine the grid and to define focal points.


Defining Lines

Moving Points

Once horizontal and vertical grid lines have been set to roughly define the areas which are to be transformed, the points of intersection can be moved to get a smoother morphing or transition effect.

Intersection points can be divided into two types: Contour Points and Focal Points.

Contour Points:

Contour Points are used to define the contour or outline of an object. Typical Contour Points are placed at the edges of an object, thus tracing the shape of the desired area.

Focal Points:

Focal Points are used to define the central or prominent features of an object. Typical Focal Points are, e.g., the eyes, nose and mouth of a face.


Defining Lines

Setting Parameters

Before creating the morph video, adjustments have to be made for the final output. The "Options" button is used to set the parameters of the output video.

The following settings can be made:


Defining Lines

Creating the Morph

Once the morph project has been finalized and tested or previewed, the "Start" button is used to create a morph video based on the current settings.

Creating the morph video:

1.	Click on the "Start" button on the Control panel.

2.	A dialog will appear showing the progress in the creation of the video.

 Depending on the image sizes and the video output settings, creating a video might take some time and might require a lot of disk space.


New (Tools Panel)

  New

"New" is used to create a new morph project. The new project is automatically given the name "[Untitled]".

Creating a new morph project:

1.	Click on the "New" button on the Tools panel.

2.	If any changes have been made to a former project since it was last saved, the message "Save changes to (filename) before closing?" will appear.

3.	A new project will be created. The filename "[Untitled]" will appear in the program window title bar.

4.	Use the Open Source File button and the Open Destination File button to start editing the new project.


Open (Tools Panel)

  Open

"Open" is used to open an existing morph project from any drive or directory.

To open a presentation:

1.	Click on the "Open" button on the Tools panel.

2.	All files in the current directory with the extension MPH will be displayed.

3.	If necessary, change the drive/directory to locate the desired MPH file.

4.	Double click on the filename to open.


Vertical Line (Tools Panel)

  Vertical Line

Vertical grid lines can be set to define the areas which are to be transformed, i.e., morphed.

Setting vertical lines:

1.	Click on the "Vertical Line" button on the Tools panel.

2.	Click on the image where you want to set the line. A second line with the same co-ordinates will appear on the other image.

Related Topic: Creating a Morph

 Lines cannot be moved. If you want to do so, you have to delete the line first and draw it a second time.

 The number of lines to be set depends largely on the image. The more objects an image contains, the more lines might be necessary to produce a satisfactory result.


Horizontal Line (Tools Panel)

  Horizontal Line

Horizontal grid lines can be set to define the areas which are to be transformed, i.e., morphed.

Setting horizontal lines:

1.	Click on the "Horizontal Line" button on the Tools panel.

2.	Click on the image where you want to set the line. A second line with the same co-ordinates will appear on the other image.

Related Topic: Creating a Morph

 Lines cannot be moved. If you want to do so, you have to delete the line first and draw it a second time.

 The number of lines to be set depends largely on the image. The more objects an image contains, the more lines might be necessary to produce a satisfactory result.


Move Points (Tools Panel)

  Move Points

Once horizontal and vertical grid lines have been set to roughly define the areas which are to be transformed, the points of intersection can be moved to get a smoother morphing or transition effect.

Moving points:

1.	Click on the "Move Points" button on the Tools panel.

2.	Click on the point you want to move, keep the mouse pressed and drag the point to the new position. When clicking on a point, the corresponding point on the other image will be shown painted red.

Related Topic: Creating a Morph


Delete Lines (Tools Panel)

  Delete Lines

Grid lines can be set to define the areas which are to be transformed, i.e., morphed. Sometimes it might be necessary to remove single lines.

Deleting a lines:

1.	Click on the "Delete Line" button on the Tools panel.

2.	Click on the line you want to delete. The line will be permanently removed.


Delete Mesh (Tools Panel)

  Delete Mesh

Grid lines can be set to define the areas which are to be transformed, i.e., morphed. Sometimes it might be necessary to create a completely new mesh and to remove all lines.

Deleting all lines:

1.	Click on the "Delete Mesh" button on the Tools panel.

2.	All lines will be permanently removed.


Glossary

  Video Morph Help File

Glossary

Introduction

General Information

Menu

Tools Panel

Control Panel

Creating a Morph


Introduction

Welcome to Video Morph!

With Video Morph you can create your own morph videos as AVI files. Start with 2 image files or capture frames from an existing AVI video. Select the areas and contours to be morphed with the easy-to-use grid.

Options are available to set the size, color depth and the number of frames of the resulting video. The video can be previewed before writing it to the hard disk as an AVI file. Videos created with Video Morph are great for use in desktop presentations, screen savers and home video productions.


General Information

Before you start

Hardware Requirements

Software Requirements

Driver Requirements

Help File Shortcuts

Trademark Information


Menu

File

Help


File

New

Open

Save

Save As

Exit


Help

Index

Info


Tools Panel

   New

   Open

   Vertical Line

   Horizontal Line

   Move Points

   Delete Lines

   Delete Mesh


Control Panel

   Open Source File

   Open Destination File

   Options

   Preview

   Start

   Play

   Exit


Creating a Morph

Loading the Images

Setting Grid Lines

Moving Points

Setting Parameters

Creating the Morph


Trademark Information

Microsoft, MS-DOS und Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Video Morph is a trademark of Software Dynamics GmbH.