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VBBS 6.12 Documentation-- 13-1
.TOPIC:
R.I.P. Graphics
╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ CHAPTER 13 R.I.P. GRAPHICS ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
VBBS now supports RIP graphics. RIP stands for Remote Imaging
Protocol, a relatively new graphical interface standard for the
online world. RIP was created by the Telegrafix Corporation.
RIP describes both a specification and a classificaton of
software programs that use the specification. RIP compatible
programs use RIPscrip, the RIP programming language.
RIPscript
═════════
RIPscrip is a concise, text-based language for instructing
compatible terminal programs to display graphics. The RIP
scrip language is Ascii text based and is compatible with
virtually every host. RIPscrip files are used by VBBS in place
of the normal Ascii/Ansi text menus.
RIPscrip has many graphic commands for presenting information
to the user in an eye-pleasing manner. The RIPscrip language
offers a rich command set, including:
. A full set of basic graphic commands
(box, circle, curves,line,etc.)
. Specialized fill patterns.
. Color manipulation commands.
. Multiple fonts, that are scalable.
. Text and graphic windows on screen simultaneously. This
allows the user to view graphics and text at the same time.
. Full mouse support for point-and-click operation.
. Terminal-based bit-map icons for detailed, high-speed
graphics.
. Full clipboard copy and paste ability.
. Custom defined lines and styles for technical drawings,etc.
RIPterm
═══════
To use RIP, the user needs a RIP-compatible terminal program
such as RIPterm. RIPterm is Telegrafix's RIPscrip-compatible
terminal program. The current revision is named RIPTRM154.ZIP
and is available on most of the VBBS support boards. RIPterm
is a freeware program, meaning that it may be freely
distributed. Besides supporting RIP graphics, RIPterm includes
all the basic terminal capabilities.
RIPaint
═══════
RIPaint is an object-oriented "What You See Is What You Get"
Graphical User Interface (GUI) designer, implemented as a paint
program. It reads and writes text-based RIPscrip graphical
script files.
VBBS 6.12 Documentation-- 13-2
RIPaint is a Fourth Generation Language applicaton. A 4GL
application lets you generate code by using a screen designer,
rather than by typing in code with a text editor. RIPaint
genreates the RIPscrip codes for you. You don't need to edit a
single line.
Choosing the (Save) option records your paint/draw actions to a
.RIP "scene" file. These scene files can be played back on any
RIPscrip-compatible software package. RIP scene files can also
be created with other RIPscip paint programs such as DeadPaint,
Tombstone Artist, etc.
More about RIPscrip
═══════════════════
RIPscrip is small, efficent and fast. It is entirely
text-based, allowing it to be installed on almost any host
system. RIPscrip is composed of 7-bit Ascii text, which can be
transmitted over either 8-N-1 or 7-E-1 hosts.
RIPscrip is a complex scripting language and RIP files are
cryptic looking when viewed. RIPaint was designed with the
intention that nobody would every have to touch a line of
RIPscrip code. Designing a graphical user interface by editing
text files is not intuitive at all, and goes against the
concept of GUI systems.
Meganums
════════
Part of the complexity of RIPscrip files is due to the special
numbering used to save space. RIP files do not use the common
decimal number system. The decimal uses digits 0 through 9.
RIPscript fields do not use the hexadecimal number system (O-F)
either.
RIPscrip uses a numbering system with 36 digits. (0-9, A-Z).
This is called Hexa-Tri-Decimal, which was affectionately
dubbed 'meganums'. This numbering system is used because it
stores numbers very efficently, thus saivng space and reducing
transmission time.
VBBS and RIP
════════════
RIPscrip graphics, when combined with VBBS, provide visually
stunning graphics and offers point-and-click navigation. In
many cases, RIP improves the speed at which meus are refreshed.
To use RIP with VBBS, pre-designed *.RIP menus are made
available, and should be placed in the VBBS TXT subdirectory
along with your other menus. Using one of the programs
previously mentioned, however, you may design and paint your
own menus to customize your bbs as you desire.
Denny Costello - The Loft BBS