Power Utilities/Power Utilities.iso/utility/pro134/gifprt.doc

Text File | 1992-10-12 | 21.6 KB | 661 lines

     GIFPRT User's Guide                                              Page 1














                               GIFPRT User's Guide
                                   Version 5.1
                      Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick
                               All Rights Reserved


























         Please send all suggestions, error reports, and corrections to:

                              Compuserve:    71470,3236
                              Internet:      [e-mail]











     Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick                             Page 1





     GIFPRT User's Guide                                              Page 2





                                   TRADEMARKS

     GIF,  Graphics Interchange  Format, and  Compuserve are  trademarks of
     Compuserve, Inc., an H&R Block Company.

     IBM  and PC-DOS  are registered  trademarks of  International Business
     Machines   Corporation.    IBM  PC,  XT,  and  AT  are  trademarks  of
     International Business Machines Corporation.

     Microsoft   and   MS-DOS  are   registered  trademarks   of  Microsoft
     Corporation.

     Hercules is a trademark of Hercules Computer Technology.

     Epson is a trademark of Epson America.




                                ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

     GIFPRT was written entirely using Borland C Version 3.0.

     The User's Guide was created using Microsoft Works.






























     Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick                             Page 2





     GIFPRT User's Guide                                              Page 3


     1.0  Introduction

          GIFPRT  (jiff-print) is a program  that lets you display and
     print  graphics files  that use the  Graphics Interchange Format,
     commonly  known as  GIF files.   GIFPRT will let  you print using
     almost  any type of  printer, including those  that support Epson
     and   IBM  8-pin  and  24-pin  graphics,  Epson-compatible  color
     printers,   Hewlett   Packard   Laser   printer   graphics,   and
     Toshiba/Qume  24-pin  graphics, and  the Hewlett  Packard DeskJet
     500C  color printer.  GIFPRT can also  be used to display any GIF
     file  on almost any type of graphics adapter, including Hercules,
     CGA, EGA, MCGA, VGA, and Super-VGA adapters.

          Most  graphics devices are capable  of only displaying a few
     colors  or  shades  of  gray, and  dot-matrix  printers  are only
     capable  of displaying an  array of black  (or sometimes colored)
     dots.   However,  many GIF  files contain  images with  up to 256
     different  colors.    GIFPRT uses  an  error-dispersion algorithm
     (also  called  a dithering  or half-toning  algorithm) to  try to
     display  the  image  in  the GIF  file.    This  error dispersion
     algorithm takes advantage of the number of colors that an adapter
     can  display to approximate the  colors in the GIF  file.  If you
     have a CGA or Hercules adapter, GIFPRT will display images with a
     pattern  of black and  white dots.   If you have  an EGA adapter,
     GIFPRT will display images in either an 8-color dithered pattern,
     or  a 2-level dithered  gray scale.   If you have  a VGA adapter,
     GIFPRT  can  use the  256  color display  capability  and display
     images without any need for dithering.

          There  are a many different printer and adapter resolutions.
     For  instance, some printers can display 60, 120, or 180 dots per
     inch,  in  either the  horizontal or  vertical direction.   Other
     printers  display 72, 144, and 216  dots per inch, and yet others
     display  combinations  of  60  and  72  dots  per  inch  in  both
     directions.   Display resolutions can vary  from 320 by 200 dots,
     to  1280 by  1024 dots,  with a  dozen resolutions  between.  GIF
     files   can  contain  images  with   an  equally  wide  range  of
     resolutions.     The  GIFPRT  program  contains  a  sophisticated
     resolution-matching algorithm to display almost any GIF file in a
     way  that makes it as large as  possible on the screen or printer
     without distorting the image in either direction.

          Because  of the wide variety of Super-VGA graphics adapters,
     it  is difficult for one program to support them all.  However, a
     standard for Super-VGA graphics drivers has been published by the
     Video   Electronics  Standards  Association  (VESA)  for  writing
     programs that use Super-VGA graphics adapters.  To take advantage
     of  the VESA Super-VGA graphics modes,  you need to obtain a VESA
     "BIOS  Extender" program.   These are available  for almost every
     type of Super-VGA graphics adapter on Compuserve.







     Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick                             Page 3





     GIFPRT User's Guide                                              Page 4


          Even  though GIFPRT handles the  most popular printer types,
     you  may find that your  particular printer doesn't print exactly
     the way you'd like.  It is possible to customize GIFPRT to handle
     almost  any type printer,  or to change the  placement or size of
     the image on the page (see section 4.0).

     2.0  Prerequisites

          This  section describes the hardware  and software needed to
     run GIFPRT, and the procedure for registering GIFPRT.

     2.1  Hardware Required

          In  order to use GIFPRT, you will need an IBM PC, XT, AT, or
     other  compatible  personal computer  with a  minimum of  384K of
     memory.   GIFPRT will run at  any hardware clock speed, including
     4.77  MHz, and can be loaded from  either a floppy disk or a hard
     disk.    GIFPRT will  display GIF  images  on almost  any display
     adapter, and on most Epson, IBM, and HP compatible printers.

          If  your printer  is connected  to a  port other  than LPT1,
     LPT2,  or LPT3,  you will  need to  use the  DOS MODE  command to
     direct LPT1 to the proper port.

     2.2  Software Required

          In  order to run GIFPRT,  you will need a  copy of MS-DOS or
     PC-DOS,  version  2.1 or  higher.   You  also need  the following
     GIFPRT files:

          GIFPRT.EXE     Main GIFPRT program
          GIFPRT.PR0     Epson 8-pin 120x72 dpi print commands
          GIFPRT.PR1     Epson 8-pin 120x60 dpi print commands
          GIFPRT.PR2     IBM 8-pin 120x72 dpi print commands
          GIFPRT.PR3     IBM 8-pin 120x60 dpi print commands
          GIFPRT.PR4     Epson 24-pin 240x216 dpi print commands
          GIFPRT.PR5     HP Generic 75x75 dpi print commands
          GIFPRT.PR6     HP Generic 300x300 dpi print commands
          GIFPRT.PR7     HP Deskjet 500C 300x300 dpi print commands
          GIFPRT.PR8     Toshiba 24-pin 180x180 dpi print commands
          GIFPRT.MAP     Compuserve Weather Map Color Map Data
          GIFPRT.DOC     GIFPRT User's Guide

          If you have a Super-VGA graphics adapter, you'll need to get
     the  VESA BIOS Extension program for your particular adapter, and
     load it prior to running GIFPRT.











     Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick                             Page 4





     GIFPRT User's Guide                                              Page 5


          GIFPRT is capable of using Expanded (EMS) memory for working
     with  GIF files  larger than those  that will fit  into your main
     memory.   To use this feature, you'll have to load the EMS driver
     prior  to running GIFPRT.  If you don't have EMS, but you do have
     a  system with a 386 processor, you can load the EMM386 driver to
     simulate  EMS with  the Extended memory  in your system.   If you
     don't  have any EMS  memory, GIFPRT will use  a temporary file in
     the  current disk directory to  temporarily store image data that
     won't fit in your memory.

     2.3  Registering GIFPRT

          GIFPRT  is distributed via Compuserve  as shareware, and may
     be  evaluated for 14 days without charge.  If you decide you want
     to   register  GIFPRT,  please   send  $25.00  (other  currencies
     accepted) to:

          Ed Hamrick               or        Ed Hamrick
          Am Salzpfad 51                     c/o Phil McGuigan
          6382 Friedrichsdorf                21608 121st Place SE
          Germany                            Kent, WA  98031

     3.0  Running GIFPRT

          To run GIFPRT, type the following command at a DOS prompt:

     GIFPRT [options] [files]

     For  example,  the  command          C>  GIFPRT  -P0 MONALISA.GIF
     will print the file MONALISA.GIF on an Epson-compatible printer.

          You  can get on-line  help by pressing the  "H" key, the F10
     function  key,  or  the control-F10  function  key  while running
     GIFPRT.  You can get the same help screens by typing:

     GIFPRT -H      Gives list of command-line and interactive options

     GIFPRT -G?     Gives list of display modes

     GIFPRT -P?     Gives list of printer types

          If  you want to terminate GIFPRT,  press the escape key once
     if you are in interactive mode, or twice if you are displaying an
     image.   You can always terminate any long-running function (such
     as printing a GIF file) by pressing any key.

          GIFPRT chooses whether to use color (white on blue) or black
     and  white  for it's  interactive screens  based on  the starting
     display mode.  If you want color screens, type "MODE CO80" before
     starting GIFPRT.  If you want black and white screens, type "MODE
     BW80" or "MODE MONO" before starting GIFPRT.






     Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick                             Page 5





     GIFPRT User's Guide                                              Page 6


          If  you begin GIFPRT without specifying any files, all files
     in  the  current  directory  with the  ".GIF"  extension  will be
     displayed  on an interactive file display screen.  You can select
     a  different file by using the  arrows, space bar, backspace key,
     PageUp,  PageDown, Home, and End keys  to change the active file.
     You  can also use  any other interactive  option described below.
     The  last line of  the display shows the  current settings of the
     various options.

          When  you want  to display  or print  the currently selected
     file,  press the Enter key.  The type of display or printout that
     will  be done is displayed in  the lower right-hand corner of the
     screen.    To  change the  display  mode,  press any  one  of the
     function  keys F1 through F8.   To change the printer type, press
     control-F1  through control-F9.  To  set up a black/white display
     or  printout, press the 1  key.  To set  up an 8-color display or
     printout,  press the  2 key.   Press  the 3  key for  a 256 color
     display  (not  possible for  printers).   While  a file  is being
     displayed,  you may press  any key that you  could press while in
     interactive  mode.   To  return to  the interactive  file display
     screen,  press the  Escape key.   To exit the  program, press the
     Escape key once more.

     3.1  Brightness    (-Bn  or function keys  B,+,-)

          You  can use the  brightness option to  increase or decrease
     the  intensity  of a  GIF file.   This  is sometimes  useful when
     printing  on 24-pin printers, when the image is too dark, or when
     you  want  to avoid  wearing out  the print  ribbon.   The normal
     brightness  option  is 5,  the brightest  setting  is 9,  and the
     darkest  is 1.  A brightness of 9 increases the minimum intensity
     to  80%  of the  maximum,  and a  brightness  of 1  decreases the
     maximum  intensity to 20% of the minimum.  A brightness of 5 does
     not alter the image.

     3.2  Contrast    (-Cn  or function keys  C,/,*)

          You can use the contrast option to change the contrast in an
     image.  This is primarily useful for adjusting for dot overlap on
     printed images.  Normal contrast is 5, and contrast values can go
     from 1 to 9.

     3.3  Dithering Flag    (-D  or function key  D)

          The  dithering option can be  used to disable dithering, and
     to  display  the closest  available colors.   This  option allows
     quicker  viewing  of  GIF files,  and  sometimes  produces better
     looking  images of cartoon-like GIF files.   It is toggled on and
     off each time it is used.








     Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick                             Page 6





     GIFPRT User's Guide                                              Page 7


     3.4  File Output Type    (-Fn  or function key  F)

          The  file  output  type  option allows  you  to  select line
     printer ports or files for the print output:

          -F1       LPT1
          -F2       LPT2
          -F3       LPT3
          -F4       GIFPRT.OUT (binary, suitable for printing)
          -F5       GIFPRT.OUT (formatted ASCII)

     3.5  Graphics Type    (-Gn  or function keys  G,F1-F8,1,2,3)

          You  can use the graphics type  option to select the type of
     graphics  adapter  and  display mode.    You  can get  a  list of
     supported graphics options by typing GIFPRT -G?, or typing F10 in
     interactive  mode.    Function  keys  F1  through  F8  change the
     graphics   mode  from  lowest  to  highest  resolution  while  in
     interactive mode.  The number keys 1, 2, and 3 change to 2-color,
     8-color, and 256-color mode, respectively.

          The  current display  mode is  displayed in  the lower-right
     hand corner of the screen in interactive mode.

     3.6  Help Screen Display    (-H  or function key  H)

          The help screen display option displays a help screen with a
     summary of all command-line options and function keys.

     3.7  Jet (DJ500C) Color    (-J  or function key  J)

          The  jet  (HP  DeskJet)  option adjusts  the  colors  in the
     display  to be  better matched  to the  inks used  by the Hewlett
     Packard  DeskJet 500C printer.  It  reduces the amount of Cyan in
     the  display by 2/3 for shades  of gray (unsaturated colors), and
     proportionally  less for less saturated colors.  This reduces the
     Cyan  tint of the image when  equal amounts of Cyan, Magenta, and
     Yellow ink are mixed together.

     3.8  Keep Image After Exit    (-K  or function key  K)

          The  keep image  after exit  option can  be used  to leave a
     displayed image on the screen when GIFPRT exits.  Normally GIFPRT
     erases  the screen  and restores  the original  display mode upon
     exit.   However, if  you are invoking GIFPRT  from a batch (.BAT)
     file, or starting it from within another program, you can prevent
     the  restoration of  the original  display mode  by using  the -K
     option.  It is toggled on and off each time it is used.









     Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick                             Page 7





     GIFPRT User's Guide                                              Page 8


     3.9  LCD Screen    (-L  or function key  L)

          You  can use the  LCD screen option to  display GIF files on
     many laptop displays.  These displays often use dark dots to make
     up  an image, instead of the white dots normally used on graphics
     displays.  It is toggled on and off each time it is used.

     3.10 Map Palette    (-M  or function key  M)

          Some  types of files, such as Compuserve weather maps, don't
     look  very good when printed.   The reason for  this is that when
     two  different colors with  the same intensity  are printed, they
     look  the same.  When the -M  option is used, the file GIFPRT.MAP
     is read and these intensities are assigned to the first 16 colors
     of  any file being printed or displayed.   Since there are a wide
     range of color schemes in weather maps, you will probably have to
     experiment with the intensities in GIFPRT.MAP.

     3.11 Printer Type    (-Pn  or function keys  P,control-F1-F9,1,2)

          You  can use the  printer type option to  select the type of
     printer.   You  can get  a list  of supported  printers by typing
     GIFPRT  -P?, or typing control-F10 in interactive mode.  Function
     keys  control-F1 through control-F9 change the printer type while
     in  interactive mode.  The number keys  1 and 2 change to 2-color
     and 8-color mode, respectively.

          The  current printer  type is  displayed in  the lower-right
     hand corner of the screen in interactive mode.

     3.12 Quarter Width Display    (-Q  or function key  Q)

          The  quarter width  display option  reduces the  size of the
     display  and  printout  to  1/4  of  full-screen  width.    It is
     particularly  useful  when trying  to  adjust the  brightness and
     contrast  of an image while printing  it, since it lets you print
     an image 16-times faster than a full-page image.

     3.13 Random Image Select    (-R  or function key  R)

          The  random  image select  option,  in conjunction  with the
     slide  show option,  allows you to  set up slide  shows where the
     order  of the images  displayed is random.   This sometimes makes
     slide shows much more interesting.













     Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick                             Page 8





     GIFPRT User's Guide                                              Page 9


     3.14 Slide Show    (-Sn  or function key  S)

          The  slide  show option  is used  to continuously  display a
     group  of GIF  files on the  screen.   When the last  GIF file is
     displayed,  GIFPRT starts over with the first GIF file.  Normally
     GIFPRT  waits for a  keypress after displaying a  GIF file.  With
     the slide show option, no keypress is required between GIF files.
     The  value  "n"  after the  -Sn  is approximately  the  number of
     seconds to wait between slides.  If "n" is zero, GIFPRT waits for
     a key to be pressed before displaying the next image.

     3.15 Toshiba T-1000 Display   (-T  or function key  T)

          The  Toshiba  T-1000 display  doesn't have  a  4 x  3 aspect
     ratio, but instead has a 16 x 5 aspect ratio.  This option allows
     the  proportional display  of GIF  files on  this type  of laptop
     display (when used with the -L option).

     3.16 White Screen   (-W  or function key  W)

          The white screen option causes a GIF file to be displayed in
     black  and white instead of color.  It is toggled on and off each
     time it is used.

     3.17 File Information Option    (function key  ?)

          A  screen showing  information about  the currently selected
     GIF file is displayed whenever the '?' key is pressed.  To return
     to the previous screen, press any key.

     3.18 Disable EMS Option    (-E)

          If  you use the  -E option, GIFPRT won't  attempt to use any
     available EMS memory to store image data.

     4.0  Customizing GIFPRT

          If you have a printer that isn't supported by the -P option,
     or  if you want to use a  different print mode, you can customize
     your  version of GIFPRT  by editing the  files GIFPRT.PR0 through
     GIFPRT.PR8.
















     Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick                             Page 9





     GIFPRT User's Guide                                              Page 10


          Each  line begins  with a  three-letter keyword.   The "nam"
     line  is the name of the print mode.  The "pin" line contains the
     number  of pins used in printing (this is the number of bits sent
     to the printer per column) followed by the type of printer raster
     data.   The "dpi"  line is the  resolution of the  printer in the
     horizontal  and vertical directions, in dots per inch.  The "dim"
     line  is  the  dimensions  of  the  print  area  horizontally and
     vertically,  in  dots. The  "in1"  and "in2"  lines  describe the
     string   to  be  sent  to  the  printer  upon  initialization  in
     black/white  and  color  modes,  respectively.    The  "skp" line
     describes  how to skip row of 'pins'.   The "gr1" and "gr2" lines
     describe   how   to  output   black/white  and   color  graphics,
     respectively  (a  -99  is  the  length  of  the  data,  and  a -1
     substitutes  the  raster  data for  black,  -2 for  cyan,  -3 for
     magenta, and -4 for yellow). The "trm" line describes the data to
     be send on image termination.

          In  the in1,  in2, skp,  gr1, gr2,  and trm  lines, a single
     character  by itself  is interpreted to  mean the  ASCII code for
     that   character,  otherwise  a  numeric  field  is  the  decimal
     equivalent  for the  character to send  to the printer.   You can
     also  use ESC,  CR, LF, FF,  and SP instead  of these characters'
     ASCII  values.  Any  text between "//"  and the end  of a line is
     considered a comment.

          The  raster types are 0 (Epson,  50% dot density), 1 (Epson,
     25% dot density), 2 (Toshiba(Qume), 25% dot density), 3 (HP, 100%
     dot density) , and 4 (HP, 50% dot density).





























     Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick                             Page 10