Resource Library: Graphics/graphics-16000.iso/msdos/raytrace/sirds/hidimg.doc

Text File | 1994-01-05 | 22KB | 531 lines

HIDIMG (C) Copyright 1993-94 John Caputlu-Wilson  All Rights Reserved
Hidden Image AutoStereograms

All other copyrights(C) and trademarks(TM) mentioned herein are
hereby acknowledged

***************************************************************
*                                                             *
* Create your own professional-looking hidden images like the *
* ones seen in the malls.  Put your own name or message or    *
* picture in the image.                                       *
*                                                             *
***************************************************************

To get started QUICK:
Run the program by typing HIDIMG17 at the dos prompt
Press the (H) Key
Press the (3) Key then <Enter>

Packing List:
-------------
Name:        FileSize:
HIDIMG17.EXE   70016
SVGA256.BGI     7451
HIDIMG.DOC     21641
INVOICE.DOC     1701
VENDOR.DOC      2117
PT1.BMP        83502
PT2.BMP        61078
PTAD.BMP       11078
SHAPES.BMP     11312
TITLE.BMP      72654
TORUS.BMP      67112
HID1.MAP        3328
HID2.MAP        3328
HID3.MAP        3328
---------------
RLE2BMP.EXE    33184
TIPS.DOC        5175          These files in the REGISTERED version
HIDIM17R.EXE   69744
---------------

                              INTRODUCTION
                              ------------

     HIDIMG is a program to create an autostereogram from any 256
color .BMP (bitmap) file included with program or that the user
supplies.  An autostereogram is a picture which appears
3-Dimensional when viewed in the correct manner.  Unlike other
stereogram programs, HIDIMG is not limited in color or in the
surface pattern displayed.  Most other programs only create black
and white SIRDS.  A SIRDS is a Single Image Random Dot
Stereogram.  HIDIMG can use full 256 color and whatever surface
pattern the user desires, not just random dots.  That means that
you can create pictures similar to those that are done
professionally and sold in the malls and other shopping areas.
The hidden image is then saved into a .BMP file which the user
may edit or print out as desired (using other programs).
     You can "hide" any image that you can create.  There are a
number of shareware painting programs available.  Of course there
are a number of expensive painting programs available as well.
However, most computers come with Windows nowadays, which has a
Paint application built-in.  Have fun making posters, post cards,
invitations, ads, pictures, nameplates, etc.  Without exception,
everyone I have met who has "seen" a hidden image picture has
thought that it was very neat.  Sometimes it takes a little while
to "see" the images, but it is usually worth the effort.  Even if
you have already "seen" the pictures, it is great to see someone
else's face when they finally "see" it too.  At that point you
share their sense of wonder and prove that you really are not
crazy !  All the images that I have printed out have looked
great!  I have found that they make very entertaining gifts.


                              REGISTRATION
                              ------------

     HIDIMG is a SHAREWARE program.  Shareware programs are great
because they allow a limited trial period before actually
purchasing the program.  If you do not like the program, then it
costs nothing.  You simply quit using it.  Users may use HIDIMG
for a trial period of 30 days.  At that time they may either
register (if they haven't done so already) or quit using the
program.  The registration price is $24.95 US.  All images
created by an unregistered user are for personal use only; they
may not be sold or used commercially.  Limited permission is
granted for the distribution (uploading, downloading, etc.) of
the unregistered version.  Feel free to let your friends and
others try out the unregistered shareware program and see if they
would like to order the registered version.  Vendors may charge
no more than $5 over the cost of media for this program.
Registration information is in the INVOICE.DOC file.


The REGISTERED version of HIDIMG has the following:
------------------------------------------------------------
All features of UNREGISTERED version, including:

full SVGA 256 color

manipulation of image colors and hidden effects

works on picture, pattern, and color map files included or
supplied by user

images displayed on screen and saved in .BMP form for later
editing by user

allows from 300x200 up to 1280x1024 resolution on screen
allows up to 2048x2048 in disk-video mode


PLUS!!!
no annoying SHAREWARE screens

HIDIMG message is not "stamped" on hidden pictures

images created by program may be freely used, no copyright
restrictions on registered user-made images

tips on how to create good images

program RLE2BMP.EXE to convert .RLE files to .BMP files

Note: .RLE files are one of the formats used to transmit
      picture files over the Internet.  It is used by some
      other SIRDS programs.  These files can be converted to
      .BMP's.  Some of these .RLE file pictures are copyrighted.
      You must get the artist's permission for other than
      personal viewing of those files.  Also, do not mistake
      these files with Windows RLE compressed .BMP's.  They
      are two different things.
-------------------------------------------------------------
*************************************************************
* Remember, registered programs or images from a registered *
* program make great gifts for family and friends!!!        *
*************************************************************



                        HOW TO USE HIDIMG PROGRAM
                        -------------------------


     Basically, HIDIMG takes an input file and "hides" it by
covering it with a pattern file.  The resulting image is
displayed on-screen.  There are triangular indicators on the
image to help in "locking-in" on the image.  The user must change
his/her focus until the indicators appear to merge in the center.
At this point of focus, the hidden effect should be noticeable in
the image.  The colors of this image may be modified.  When the
user is finished looking at the picture,  it is saved to the
output file.
     If you chose to make your own pictures, you need to create
them in a special way.  The picture must be in the form of a
topographical map, i.e. the palette numbers that you use must
correspond to the heights that you wish that color to be at.  For
example, the following values would give a pyramid structure:

                    1-1-1-1-1-1-1
                    1-2-2-2-2-2-1
                    1-2-3-3-3-2-1
                    1-2-3-4-3-2-1
                    1-2-3-3-3-2-1
                    1-2-2-2-2-2-1
                    1-1-1-1-1-1-1

These numbers represent the palette numbers in the drawing
program. Note that the colors which are assigned to the palette
numbers are arbitrary.  You can make them whatever colors you
like.  Think of it like this; your palette numbers correspond to
256 boxes into which you will put whatever color of paint that
you want.  What color of paint goes into which box is up to the
you.  When you want to make a topographic structure however, you
must use the paint from the correct palette box that is at the
height you want that color to be at.  The "4" at the center of
the pyramid indicates that it is at height "4". Notice that it is
surrounded by colors at height "3", and so forth. Thus, the
highest point is at the center, with the sides sloping down to
form a pyramid.

DISK SPACE:  Make sure that you have LOTS of it.  HIDIMG can read
in compressed or uncompressed .BMP's, but it only creates
uncompressed files.  The reason for this is that a large number of
the hidden pictures have larger compressed .BMP files than
uncompressed.  This is due to the way that the Windows RLE
compression works.  You might try converting the files to other
formats and see if they work better.  I would suggest a hard drive
with at least 2-5M of free space.  HIDIMG will try to save hidden
images to the file HIDDEN.BMP unless the default is changed.  This
is intended to keep your disk from getting overrun with hidden
image files.  If you want to keep an image that you like, I would
rename it to something else, so that you don't inadvertently write
over it on the next hidden generation.  Another reason for the
uncompressed files is that they get displayed faster.  This program
is math intensive; the faster your system the better.  I have a
486/66 and it gets slow at times.  I have yet to see a computer
that I can't slow down.  Come on Pentium, your next...
Speaking of slowing something down, HIDIMG is capable of very high
rez disk-video modes of up to 2048x2048x256.  These files take a
LONG time and take a LOT of disk space (about 4.2M) per picture.
However, there are some programs that can use them so here they are.
Just run the program normally and selection whatever resolution you
like.  HIDIMG is actually a disk file-to-disk file converter.  The
images on screen are actually virtual.  They do not affect the
size of the images in the files.



             HIDIMG uses the following commands:

Creating Hidden Images
----------------------

(H)  Hide the Input file     ***The Heart of HIDIMG***

     The current input file is hidden with the current pattern,
displayed on then screen at a selectable resolution, and saved in
the output file.  The image colors may be modified while the
image is on-screen using the color palette changing commands.
The final colors will be saved with the file information.
Focusing indicators will appear at the top of the picture.  Try
to make the indicators merge and your eyes should be
approximately at the correct focusing distance to "see" the
image.  Make sure that you have a lot of disk space availiable,
especially if you use the high-rez modes. This is the shortcut key
for generating an output file.



Changing Settings
-----------------

(C)  Change a File Setting

     Each of the different file types; input, pattern, output,
and color map may be changed with this command.  It will go to a
submenu from which the choice (I,P,O,C) can be made.  Be sure to
include the entire name when you select a file (e.g. HIDIMG.BMP).

     (I)  Change the Input file

     A list of .BMP files in the directory will be displayed.  A
default file may be chosen by pressing <Enter>.

     (P)  Change the Pattern file

     A list of the pattern PT*.BMP files in the directory will
be displayed.  A default file may be chosen by pressing <Enter>.

     (O)  Change the Output file

     The user may chose a filename.  A default file may be chosen
by pressing <Enter>.

     (C)  Change the Color Map file

     A list of the .MAP files in the director will be displayed.
A default file may be chosen by pressing <Enter>.  A .MAP file is
a color palette text file which contains a list of the Red,
Green, and Blue intensity values for each color used by the
image.  These files are identical to those used by the FRACTINT
fractal generation program.  Any comments stored in these files
must be below the 256th color triplet, or HIDIMG will have
problems reading the file (HIDIMG not equipped to handle words).


(Z)  Change the Z-Scale parameter

     The Z-Scale parameter controls the apparent depth of the
hidden image.  A large Z-Scale value gives the picture a lot of
3Dness.  A small Z-Scale values makes the picture look more
flattened.  Too large a value destroys the hidden effect.  Too
small a value makes everything flat.  The original Z-Scale value
of an input file is 1.  The generated standard files work best
at values near 1.


(R)  Change the Repeat parameter

     The Repeat parameter controls the apparent distance of the
hidden image.  A large Repeat value makes the image appear
further away.  A small Repeat value makes the image appear
closer.  Too small a Repeat value destroys the hidden effect.
This parameter is useful in making the hidden image easier to see
in terms of the focusing ability of the viewer.  The two
triangular indicators on the hidden image screen are controlled
by this parameter.  Larger Repeats make the indicators move
apart, smaller make them move together.  The original Repeat
value is the width of the Pattern file.  For most comfortable
viewing, the indicators should be about an inch apart.


(S)  Change the Symmetry Algorithm

     HIDIMG supports three different symmetry algorithms for
hiding the images: LTR, SYMM, and RTL.  The SYMM or symmetric
algorithm tries to hide the picture from the center towards the
sides. The result is usually good, unless there is a lot of
depth, in which case some of the picture near the center gets
lost.  LTR and RTL are the Left-To-Right and Right-To-Left
algorithms.  These will not lose any of the picture's data, but
the surface pattern will appear distorted more on one side as the
algorithm runs across the picture.


(T)  Change the Type of Hide

     Pictures may be hidden in either Normal or Inverted form.
Normal form has higher palette numbers appearing closer to the
viewer, while the inverted forms have higher palette numbers
appearing further from the viewer.  Typically the normal images
appear upraised or embossed, while the inverted images appear
depressed, like footprints.  Sometimes the inverted images are
fairly difficult to "see".



Displaying Files On-Screen
--------------------------

(D)  Display a File On-Screen

     This option will display on-screen any of the file types;
input, pattern, output, or color map.  A beep will be sounded
when the image is finished being made.  The user can then modify
the color palette of the image using the color palette changing
commands (0..8,O,M).  This command goes to the choice of file
submenu.


     (I)  Display the Input file on-screen

     Reads in the current Input file listed in the current
settings and shows it on-screen at a selectable resolution.

     (P)  Display the Pattern file on-screen

     Reads in the current Pattern file listed in the current
settings and shows it on-screen at a selectable resolution.

     (O)  Display the Output file on-screen

     If a hidden image has been created, then reads in the
current Output file listed in the current settings and shows it
on-screen at a selectable resolution.  Otherwise, it gives the
message that no hidden image has been created during the current
operation of the program.  Note, hidden files displayed this way
do not have the focusing indicators included (since that
information is not easily recordable in the file headers).  Also,
these files are not affected by the "hidden effect" parameters.
At this point, the program is simply drawing an already made
picture, whether that picture is a hidden image or not.

     (C)  Display the Color Map file on-screen

     Reads in the current Color Map file listed in the current
settings and shows an on-screen palette in a 16x16 grid.  The
palette number and the (R,G,B) components are displayed.  This
option should be chosen at 800x600 resolution or above.



Showing File Information
------------------------

(I)  Information about a File

     This option allows the information about the different files
types to be seen.  It goes to the file choice submenu.  The
input, pattern, and output files are all bitmaps (.BMP), and the
information given is the information contained in the file
headers of the images.  This includes picture size, compression,
color info, etc.  The Color Map Information gives the palette
numbers and (R,G,B) values of the file.

     (I)  Show Input file information

     Gives .BMP bitmap info on the Input file such as image and
file sizes, compression and color info, etc.

     (P)  Show Pattern file information

     Gives .BMP bitmap info on the Pattern file such as image and
files sizes, compression and color info, etc.

     (O)  Show Output file information

     If a hidden image has been created, then gives .BMP bitmap
info on the Output file such as image and file sizes, compression
and color info, etc.  Otherwise it gives the message that no
hidden file has been made in the current use of the program.

     (C)  Show Color Map file information

     Gives the Palette numbers and Red,Green,Blue color values of
the current Color Map file listed in the current setting section.


Modifying Image Colors On-Screen
--------------------------------

(0..8)  Random Color Palette

       Once an image is being displayed on the screen, press a
number from 0 to 8 to use a random color palette on the image.
The value indicates the degree of randomness in the color
patterns, with 0 giving the smoothest color transitions and 8
giving very rough, random color transitions.  On certain pattern
files, a value of 8 creates random dot hidden images.


(O)  Original File Color Palette

     Once an image is being displayed on the screen, press O to
use the original color palette that was saved with the file.  The
image is initially displayed in whatever are the standard colors
of that system.


(M)  Map File Color Palette

     Once an image is being displayed on the screen, press M to
use the color palette of the current .MAP file.



Generating Standard Files
-------------------------

(G)  Generate Standard Files

     This feature is a protection in case some of the other files
with HIDIMG get lost.  Using this feature creates a random Color
Map file called HIDIMG.MAP, a semi-random Pattern file called
PTHIDIMG.BMP, an Input file called HIDIMG.BMP, or the Output file
called HIDDEN.BMP which is based on the current file settings.
Note that the last option is the same as pressing the (H) key.
The size of the Output file is determined by the resolution
selected during the generation.  Make sure that you have plenty
of disk space available during the creation, since the high-rez
files can be quite large (a 1024x768x256 .BMP occupies about
800KB). Please be patient during file generation, it could take a
while on some machines.  There will be a beep when the generation
is finished or the program will automatically go to the main
menu.

     (I)  Generate Standard Input File

     This option will create some standard .BMP files which may
be used as input files.  The file created will be saved as
HIDIMG.BMP.  It will be saved at the resolution selected.

     (P)  Generate Pattern File

     This option will create a semi-random pattern file which may
be used to cover the hidden images.  It will be saved as
PTHIDIMG.BMP.  It is a 100x100 size file.

     (O)  Generate Output File

     This option is exactly the same as the (H)ide the Image key

     (M)  Generate a Color Map File

     This option creates a smoothly random color map file of 256
colors.



Quitting the HIDIMG Program
--------------------------

(Q) Quit

     Return to the DOS prompt.



** Any key not listed will escape the user one level back in menu
  selection.  Once at the main menu, it will page back and forth
 between the shareware ad and the main menu. **



REQUIREMENTS
------------
To run HIDIMG, you must have SVGA card capable of 256 color. The
file SVGA256.BGI needs to be in the same directory as HIDIMG17.EXE.
Not all SVGA cards are alike, so some cards may not run HIDIMG.
If nothing else, I believe the low rez (320x200) mode should work.
Finally, it is designed for 286+ machines.  A 287+ coprocessor is
highly recommended, but not required.


     Special Thanks to J. Michael Gibbs and Frank D. (Tony)
Smith, whose help made this program possible.  A version of the
program should eventually be made available for Apple Mac
computers.  J. Michael Gibbs will be the author.  More details
about this later...


For technical support contact HIDIMG author:
John Caputlu-Wilson
1451 Mecaslin St NW #8303
Atlanta, GA 30309-2288
[phone]
[e-mail]



                       DISCLAIMER AND LEGAL NOTICE
                       ---------------------------
     All files included in this package must be distributed
together and may not be modified in ANY WAY by anyone other than
John Caputlu-Wilson.  I reserve the right to refuse anyone the
right to distribute this software with a written notice.  In no
way will John Caputlu-Wilson, J. Michael Gibbs, Frank D. (Tony)
Smith, or FHS Supply, Inc. accept ANY RESPONSIBILITY for ANY
damages, real or otherwise that this program, or images produced
by it, may cause.  This software is provided AS IS, USE IT AT
YOUR OWN RISK.  None of the parties above guarantee that the
program will work as described.  Now with that out of the way,
have fun in the world of AutoStereo 3D!!!

H     H     H     H     H     H     H     H     H     H     H     H     H
 i    i    i    i    i    i    i    i    i    i    i    i    i    i    i
  d   d   d   d   d   d   d   d   d   d   d   d   d   d   d   d   d   d
  I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I
 m    m    m    m    m    m    m    m    m    m    m    m    m    m    m
g     g     g     g     g     g     g     g     g     g     g     g     g