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ColorView(tm) for DOS
Version 2.0
Copyright (C) 1992
by Millennium Technologies Corporation
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Millennium Technologies Corporation(tm)
Suite #205, 649 61st Street
West New York, New Jersey 07093
DOS ColorView 2.0
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
Shareware 1
Disclaimer - Agreement 2
Registration 3
ASP Ombudsman Statement 3
Registration Form 4
Introduction 5
Hardware & Software Requirements 5
ColorView Features 6
Some Commonly Asked Questions 6
Setting Up 7
User's Guide 8
Command Line Arguments 8
Standard VGA Video Mode 9
User Interaction 10
Menu Selection 10
Mouse Functionality 10
Keyboard Functionality 11
Menu Commands 13
File Menu 13
Options Menu 15
Edit Menu 16
Clip Menu 19
Appendix A 22
-1- DOS ColorView 2.0
ColorView for DOS is distributed as SHAREWARE. Please read the following
information before using it:
SHAREWARE
ColorView is a shareware product, it is not free. 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. With your registration of ColorView for DOS Version 2.0, you
will receive a diskette with the latest version of the software and
documentation.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software,
and Millennium Technologies Corporation retains all rights, with a few
specific exceptions as stated below. You are specifically granted the
right to copy and distribute the ColorView for DOS package, complete
and unmodified, as described in the Disclaimer-Agreement section below.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. The
Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try it
before you buy it. And because the overhead is low, prices are low.
Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the
product, you don't pay for it.
-2- DOS ColorView 2.0
DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT
Users of ColorView must accept this disclaimer of warranty:
"ColorView is supplied as is. Millennium Technologies Corporation disclaims
all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the
warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. Millennium
Technologies Corporation assumes no liability for damages, direct or
consequential, which may result from the use of ColorView."
ColorView 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 ColorView and continue to use ColorView after a
reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of $29.95
to Millennium Technologies Corporation (please use the registration form
below). The $29.95 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. It is just like a book which cannot be read by two
different people at the same time.
Commercial users of ColorView must register and pay for their copies of
ColorView within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn.
Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting Millennium
Technologies Corporation.
Anyone distributing ColorView for any kind of remuneration must first
contact Millennium Technologies Corporation at the address below for
authorization. Millennium Technologies Corporation should be advised
so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version
of ColorView for DOS.
Disk Vendors, Shareware Distributors and BBS(s) may charge a nominal fee
for distribution of the program. The recipient of ColorView must be
informed, in advance, that the fee paid to acquire ColorView does not
relieve the recipient from paying the Registration Fee for ColorView
if the recipient uses ColorView.
You are encouraged to pass a copy of ColorView 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 ColorView system.
-3- DOS ColorView 2.0
REGISTRATION
With your registration for ColorView for DOS Version 2.0, you
will receive the latest copy of the software and the documentation,
and will be notified of all later releases of ColorView for DOS.
Later versions of ColorView for DOS will be made available to
registered users for a nominal fee to cover costs.
As ColorView is ported to other Operating Environments and CPU
platforms, registered users will be given a direct registration price
of $10 for each additional version of ColorView for the new platforms
and new environments. Discounts for other software product lines from
Millennium Technologies and other products will also be made available
to registered users of ColorView for DOS.
You can register ColorView by:
* CHECK or MONEY ORDER in US funds drawn on a US bank by mailing the
check/money order along with the order form on the next page directly
to Millennium Technologies Corporation;
* CREDIT CARD from PsL (Public (software) Library) with your Master Card,
Visa, American Express, or Discover card by :
calling 800-242-4PsL in the United States;
calling 713-524-6394 from outside the United States;
faxing your order form to 713-524-6398;
or e-mailing your order through CompuServe to 71355,470.
When ordering from PsL, please refer to product number 10677.
The PsL numbers are for ordering only. Millennium Technologies Corporation
cannot be reached at those numbers. To contact us for information about
dealer pricing, volume discounts, site licensing, the status of shipment
of the product, the latest version number, technical information or
problems, or to discuss returns, please contact Millennium Technologies
Corporation directly at:
Millennium Technologies Corporation
Suite #205, 649 61st Street
West New York, New Jersey 07093
or through CompuServe at 71055,2625.
ASP OMBUDSMAN STATEMENT
Millennium Technologies Corporation is 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 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman
70007,3536.
-4- DOS ColorView 2.0
Please use this form to register ColorView by mail or fax:
REGISTRATION FORM
ColorView for DOS v. 2.0
NAME: ______________________________________________
STREET:______________________________________________
CITY: ______________________________________________
STATE: ___________________________ZIP________________
TELEPHONE: _________________________
ColorView License Number............... $29.95 ______
New Jersey Residents add 6% sales tax.. ($1.80) ______
US Residents - Shipping and Handling... $5.00 ______
Other - Shipping and Handling ......... $8.00 ______
Total in US Funds drawn on a US Bank.. $________________
Circle Disk Size: 3 1/2" 5 1/4"
Make checks payable to: Millennium Technologies Corporation
Mail to: Millennium Technologies Corporation
Suite #205, 649 61st Street
West New York, New Jersey 07093
CREDIT CARD INFORMATION: Please do not mail your Credit Card orders.
Please FAX them directly to PsL at 713-524-6398, or phone them in to PsL,
or CompuServe E-Mail your orders to PsL as described on the previous page.
I am paying by: MC ____ Visa ____ American Express ____ Discover ____
Name as it appears on the card: _______________________________________
Credit card number: _______________________________________
Card expiration date: _______________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________________
-5- DOS ColorView 2.0
INTRODUCTION
ColorView is a program designed to view and manipulate color images
in the DOS environment.
HARDWARE & SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
The following hardware and software is supported by this version of
ColorView for DOS:
Standard VGA display (320x200 pixels):
8-bit, 256 color, palette based, or
VESA SuperVGA display (640x400 pixels and above):
8-bit, 256 color, palette based, or
15-bit 'true' (32768 colors) color, or
16-bit 'true' (65356 colors) color, or
24-bit true color.
The display must be VESA 1.2 compatible or you must have a VESA
software driver installed.
CPU: 80286 or above.
Memory: As much as possible. Anything from 640 kilobytes to infinity is
recommended. In general, the more memory you have available (either
expanded or extended), the bigger the image you can display (and
the faster ColorView will run). ColorView will automatically utilize
your hard disk as temporary storage if there is not enough physical
memory. It is also important to have at approximately 500K of free
DOS memory before starting ColorView.
Operating System:
DOS 2.x, 3.x, 4.x, 5.x
Hard Disk Space:
In general, you will need at least 4 times the image size of
temporary space on your hard disk if there is not enough physical
memory. For example, an 800 x 600 24-bit image will require
approximately 1.8 Mbytes.
Optional Mouse:
ColorView will use a Microsoft compatible mouse if one is
available. Make sure that the mouse driver is installed
before starting ColorView for DOS.
-6- DOS ColorView 2.0
COLORVIEW FEATURES
This version of the software supports the following image formats:
Reading and Writing:
JPEG (JFIF subset) *.JPG: 24-bit color, highly compressed images
GIF'87, GIF'89(reading) *.GIF: LZW encoded 8-bit palette based images
Windows Bitmaps *.BMP (also RLE-8): 4-bit, 8-bit and 24-bit color images
Some Commonly Asked Questions:
Q: Will CVIEW.EXE run on 80386 SX processor?
A: Yes
Q: Is there a Windows version of ColorView?
A: There is a preliminary version of ColorView for Windows available.
Q: Does ColorView create temporary files?
A: Yes. Their creation and size will depend on the image you are trying
to load and the amount of physical RAM you have in your computer.
Q: Why doesn't ColorView work with my graphics card?
A: ColorView supports graphics cards through the VESA SuperVGA protocol
standard. Virtually all of the graphics card manufacturers are members
of the VESA group and provide free software drivers for their graphics
cards. Make sure your graphics card supports the VESA standard, or
obtain a software driver that provides VESA functionality for your card.
Q: Can I use ColorView with my standard VGA card?
A: Yes. ColorView now supports the standard VGA 320x200 video mode. Read
the Standard VGA Video Mode section for more details.
Q: Why doesn't ColorView support the 24-bit mode on my graphics card?
A: ColorView supports all of the Vesa modes which are available
through your VESA driver. Although there are many graphics cards
supporting the 24-bit mode, the graphics card companies have been
slow to update their software drivers.
Q: ColorView suddenly stopped working on my computer. What should I do?
A: ColorView provides an option for saving your personal configuration
information into CVIEW.CFG file. If this file has been damaged,
ColorView might not initialize correctly. To solve this problem,
simply delete this file.
-7- DOS ColorView 2.0
SETTING UP
ColorView uses Overlay technology to reduce its demands on lower
DOS memory. For ColorView to function properly, you must either run
ColorView in the directory where CVIEW.EXE resides or have that
directory included on your path.
24-bit color images are notorious for taking up large amounts of
memory. For example, when decoded for display, a 640 x 480 24-bit JPEG
file will take up almost 1Mbyte of memory. The discussion that follows
will provide some hints on how to best configure your computer to take
advantage of the available physical RAM.
ColorView is intended for palette-based or true-color displays.
Through the VESA standard, ColorView will query the display driver to get
the type and the resolution of your graphics card. If your driver is not
properly installed, or if your graphics card does not support some of the
features necessary for ColorView, ColorView will display a message alerting
you to the situation.
When using 24-bit or 15-bit true-color graphics cards, ColorView
will require less memory for image conversion and the conversion will run
faster. This is due to the elimination of two steps: 8-bit color reduction
(quantizing) and dithering. If you choose an option that requires a 24 to
8-bit conversion (such as saving a GIF or an 8-bit BMP file), ColorView
will take a bit more time for the quantizing and dithering steps.
-8- DOS ColorView 2.0
USER'S GUIDE
COMMAND LINE ARGUMENTS
ColorView can be started alone, or with command-line arguments as
follows:
CVIEW [-M mode] [-V][-D][-F][-S][-?] [@file] [file [file] ...]
-M use the specified (decimal) VESA video mode
NOTE: the VESA mode numbers are obtained by
querying your graphics card. There is no table
which you can look up to get standardized video
mode codes.
-V use standard VGA 320x200x8 video mode
NOTE: this mode does not require a VESA driver.
Please read the note below which discusses some
of the limitations of this mode.
-D turn dithering on for 24-bit images in 8-bit (LUT)
display modes
-F stretch the images to fit the screen
while preserving the aspect ratio
-S continuously cycle between selected images
(slideshow mode)
-? display a summary of the command-line options
Additional Notes:
More than one file name can be specified on the command line.
Wild card characters: * and ? can be used to select multiple files.
A script file can be selected by preceding its name with '@'.
A script file can contain a list of images to be displayed
(one file per line).
For example:
CVIEW -M 261 -D -S C:\CVIEW\PALACE.JPG C:\CVIEW\FLOWER.JPG
will load two files, PALACE.JPG and FLOWER.JPG in sequence.
The graphics mode will be set to '261', and dithering and the
Fit-To-Screen option will be used to display the images.
(HINT: use ColorView's Graphics Mode menu to find out which graphics
modes are available with your graphics card).
-9- DOS ColorView 2.0
Standard VGA Video Mode
In order to support the older video boards which do not have a VESA
interface, and to support the standard VGA video boards (non-SuperVGA),
ColorView now allows viewing images in the standard VGA 320x200 by 8-bit
video mode.
NOTE: Due to the extremely poor resolution, the menus and all of their
associated functionality will not be available in this mode. All of the
display options and the list of files must be specified on the command
line when starting ColorView for DOS in this mode.
For example:
CVIEW -V -D -F \jpegs\*.jpg \gifs\*.gif
The results of entering the above command line are to view all of
the JPEG/JFIF and GIF files in the respective directories, using dithering,
and Fitting the images to the 320x200 video screen.
The <Enter> key will advance to the next image in the file list.
The <Esc> key will stop the current image decompression operation.
The <=> key will toggle the "Fit-To-Screen" option on and off.
This will allow you to see the whole image, or to
see the portion of the image that fits into the
320x200 display.
The arrow keys will allow you to scroll the image.
To exit ColorView from this mode, press <Ctrl>-C.
-10- DOS ColorView 2.0
USER INTERACTION
Menu Selection
==============
ColorView uses a unique way of representing pop-up menus: Pizza Menus.
A Pizza-Menu is a list of choices organized as slices of a pizza. A
slice can be selected by moving a mouse over any area belonging to it,
and clicking the left mouse button. A slice can also be selected by
simply typing in the underlined letter in the menu slice.
Mouse vs. Keyboard
==================
Most of the operations in ColorView can be accomplished with a mouse
or through the keyboard. The Mouse control features will automatically
be enabled if an appropriate Microsoft compatible mouse driver is
detected. The keyboard controls can be used regardless of whether a
mouse is present.
Mouse Functionality
===================
The mouse cursor can only be used when the ColorView menu-bar is visible:
- To display the menu bar, click on the right mouse buttons;
- To close the menu bar, click the right mouse button;
- To select an item from a menu:
Move the mouse cursor over the menu item you wish to select,
and then click the left mouse button;
- To scroll an image while the menu-bar is visible:
Move the mouse cursor in the direction you would like to scroll
and hold down the left button.
- To choose a file from the file-selection list:
Move the mouse cursor on top of the file name, and click the
left button. Clicking again will de-select the file.
- To choose an option or a graphics mode from a list of choices:
Move the mouse cursor on top of the desired option, and
click the left mouse button.
- To select an area of an image, move the mouse cursor to the
top left corner of the area, press the left mouse button,
and then drag the mouse pointer to the bottom right corner
of the area.
-11- DOS ColorView 2.0
Keyboard Functionality
======================
- To display the menu bar, press the <Esc> key once;
- To close the menu bar, press the <Esc> key once;
- To select an item from a menu:
Each top level menu item has an underlined letter - that letter
is a keyboard short-cut key (e.g. 'F' activates the File menu and
'O' activates the Options menu).
After the desired top level menu item is selected, press the
short-cut key for the desired menu item (e.g. 'O' for Open in the
File menu).
Thus, an 'FO' sequence of keystrokes will bring up the file
selection screen;
- To abort an operation or to cancel a current screen or
selection, press the <Esc> key.
- To confirm a selection from any screen, press the <Enter> key.
- To quit ColorView from any point, press <Ctrl>-C or
<Ctrl>-<Break>.
- To advance to the next image:
If you have selected more than one image, you can advance to
the next one by pressing the <Enter> key. To go back to the
previous image, press <Backspace>. Note: when the last image
is displayed, the next image will be the first one selected.
- To choose a file from the file-selection list:
Use the arrow keys to move the selection rectangle to the
desired file name. Press the Space Bar once to select the file,
one more time to un-select it.
(HINT: if you hold down the <Shift> key while using arrow
keys to highlight different file names, each file name
you pass over will be automatically toggled.)
- To scroll a displayed image, use the arrow keys, and the
<PgUp>, <PgDn>, <Home>, and <End> keys.
-12- DOS ColorView 2.0
- To resize a displayed image to Fit on the screen, use the
<=> key. Press the <=> key again to return to the original
display size.
- To select an area of an image, choose the 'Select Area' menu
item from the 'Clip' menu. You will see an area selection
rectangle at the top left part of your screen. Use the arrow
keys to position the area selection rectangle at the top left
corner of the area.
Hold down the <Shift> key and use the arrow keys to enlarge or
to reduce the area selection rectangle.
-13- DOS ColorView 2.0
MENU COMMANDS
ColorView distinguishes between screen images, which is what you see on
your display monitor, and memory images, which is what is internally
stored by ColorView and can be written to a file. Please note which
version of the image is affected by each of the menu commands described
below.
File Menu - Options related to reading and writing images and
other system functions.
File New Image
-----------------
Removes the loaded image from memory and clears the display window.
File Open...
---------------
Displays a dialog box which will allow you to select an image file
to load.
Version 2.0 recognizes the image format of the file by its file
name extension (.JPG, .GIF, .BMP).
File Save As...
------------------
Allows you to save an image in a different graphics file format.
An image must be loaded into memory before this option can be used.
NOTE: The file name extension determines the image format which is
saved. The following extensions are recognized:
.JPG for JPEG/JFIF files
.GIF for GIF files
.BMP for 8, RLE-8, and 24-bit Windows Bitmaps
For example: image.bmp, image.gif, image.jpg.
When saving JPEG/JFIF files, you will be prompted for a quality
setting. 100 is the highest quality setting, and 2 is the lowest
quality setting. A low quality setting will produce a smaller
JPEG/JFIF file, but the image clarity will be greatly reduced.
When saving BMP files, you will be prompted to select the type
of file you want to write. The option selections are:
Compressed 8-bit RLE
8-Bit Uncompressed
24-Bit Uncompressed
(Note that not all Microsoft Windows utilities support the
8-bit RLE graphics file format.)
-14- DOS ColorView 2.0
File Save Options
--------------------
Provides a way to save the configuration options (from the Options
pop-up menu) to be used in future ColorView sessions. The next time
ColorView is started, it will automatically be configured to the
state ColorView was in when the options were saved.
NOTE: A CVIEW.CFG file will be created in the directory that
the running version of ColorView for DOS was started from.
File About ColorView
-----------------------
Displays the ColorView for DOS Copyright and Registration messages.
File Exit ColorView
----------------------
Exits ColorView, releasing all of the allocated resources and memory.
-15- DOS ColorView 2.0
Options Menu - Display and image characteristics.
Options Graphics Mode...
------------------------
All of the available VESA graphics modes which are greater than
640x400 and have at least 256 colors will be listed. This includes
the 15/16-bit HiColor display modes, and 24-bit TrueColor display
modes. When a mode is selected, ColorView will shift to the
selected graphics mode.
You can use the File Menu "Save Options" command to configure
ColorView to start up in the current resolution and number of
colors.
If your graphics card supports more modes than are listed, please
try to locate a more current VESA driver for your graphics card.
You can switch to another graphics mode after an image has been
loaded, even if the mode you are selecting supports a different
number of colors from the display mode you are currently using.
Options Dither Image
--------------------
When performing a 24-bit to 8-bit conversion, this option tells
ColorView to use dithering to smooth out quantization
(Heckbert color reduction processing) errors.
In most cases, dithering will significantly improve the color
reproduction for displays that support less than 15-bits of color.
In some cases, the memory image might become a little less sharp.
ColorView uses Floyd-Steinberg dithering.
Dithering has no effect on 15, 16 or 24-bit color display modes.
Options Fit To Screen
---------------------
Resizes the screen image to fit into your display screen.
Only the display is changed. The memory image remains at the
original size.
Options Slide Show
------------------
Tells ColorView not to pause between multiple images and also
turns off the image preview and the progress indicator. In this
mode, an image is not shown until it is completely processed and
ready to be displayed. This creates a smooth transition between
consecutive images and eliminates the need for mouse or keyboard
interaction.
Please note that the slide show mode will continue to cycle
through all of the selected images until the <Esc> key is
used to stop the display and return you to the menu.
-16- DOS ColorView 2.0
Edit Menu - Image manipulation functions.
NOTE: Most of the options under the Edit menu are applied to the
24-bit representation of the image. The only exception to this is
the "Enhance Color" option which works on the 8 or 24-bit memory
image depending on your current display mode characteristics.
(In other words, if you are using an 8-bit display, the
"Enhance Color" option will operate on the 8-bit memory image.
If you are using a 15-bit, 16-bit, or 24-bit display, then
the "Enhance Color" option will operate on the 24-bit memory image.)
Generally, if the image you have loaded is an 8-bit image,
ColorView will automatically convert it to a full 24-bit image,
perform the requested operation and then convert the result back
into an 8-bit image. Because of this, we recommend that you enable
the "Dither" option in the Options menu when manipulating 8-bit
images (or using an 8-bit display mode) for Edit operations.
Edit Scale Image...
----------------------
Resizes the memory image to the specified size. This operation
can be performed with and without preserving the aspect ratio
of the original image. The ColorView scaling algorithm is
specially designed to maintain the highest possible quality of the
image. For instance, unlike most scaling algorithms, text in the
image will generally be preserved when scaling down. This feature
allows you to permanently reduce or enlarge your image for saving
or pasting.
NOTE: this function is performed on the 24-bit memory image.
Edit Filter Image
--------------------
Convolution filtering of the 24-bit memory image. All of the
filters can be applied multiple times for a stronger effect.
The currently supported filters are:
0: Sharpen a Little
Improves edge contrast for blurry or washed-out
images. This can be used to improve image sharpness
after an image has been scaled. This filter can also
improve image quality for images scanned at low
resolutions.
1: Sharpen a Lot
Significantly increases image sharpness.
-17- DOS ColorView 2.0
2: Soften a Little
Softens the image by reducing the color distance
between neighboring pixels. This can be used to
create 'blurry' or slightly out of focus effects.
This can also be used to improve the visual
quality of grainy images.
3: Soften a Lot
Same as Soften a Little, except the effect is more
pronounced.
4: Emboss
This filter produces a "raised relief" out of an
existing image.
5: Maximum Filter
Assigns each pixel the maximum color value of its
immediate neighbors. This filter can be used to
produce a mosaic type of an effect.
The filter produces larger mosaic pieces each time
that it is applied. If the image becomes blurry you
can use the "Sharpen a Lot" filter for a more
pronounced effect.
6: Minimum Filter
Same as the Maximum filter, except each pixel is
assigned the minimum color value of its immediate
neighbors.
7: Find Edges
Produces a thin-line or dot drawing of the edges
in an image, removing all other color information.
Edit Enhance Color - 8, 15 and 24-bit displays
---------------------
Provides a way to color correct a memory image. Note that on 8-bit
(256) color displays, corrections are fast because only the palette
will be updated. On 15/16 and 24-bit displays, any change must
modify every single pixel in the image, resulting in a much slower
response time.
The Color Enhancement panel contains 4 scale factors which are
described below. We suggest that you experiment with an 8-bit (256)
color version of your image to determine the approximate adjustment
values and then convert the 24-bit version of your image.
(In other words, use an 8-bit Graphics Mode to preview the
"Enhance Color" values, and then switch to a 15-bit, 16-bit, or
24-bit Graphics Mode to color correct the memory image.)
-18- DOS ColorView 2.0
NOTE: Closing the Color Enhancement panel will not restore the
original colors. To restore the original colors, uncheck the
"Enhance Color" menu option in the Options menu.
Hue:
range 0 to 360, normal at 180: changes the hue of the image.
Sat:
range 0 to 255, normal at 128: changes the amount of
color in the image. A saturation of 0 means no color
(a black & white image).
Vol:
range 0 to 255, normal at 128: adjusts overall image
brightness.
Gamma Factor:
range 0 to 1000, normal at 0: gamma-corrects the image.
This option provides a way to correct for the difference
between perceived colors and their computer generated
equivalents. This can be very useful in adjusting scanned
images, improving the sharpness and contrast of the raw
scan. If the original has already been gamma-corrected,
additional corrections might degrade the image quality.
(In effect, gamma correction linearizes the non-linear
color values which are obtained by the photo-receptors
in most color scanners.)
Edit Blank Image
-------------------
Creates a blank 24-bit memory image which can be used to assemble
pasted images. Both the size of the image and the background color
can be specified by entering the appropriate values into the Width,
Height, Red, Green and Blue input fields.
Edit Flip Vertical
---------------------
Flips the 24-bit memory image vertically.
Edit Flip Horizontal
-----------------------
Flips the 24-bit memory image horizontally into its mirror image.
Edit Rotate 90 Degrees
-------------------------
Rotates the memory image by 90 degrees clockwise.
Please note that this operation may take some time because
two 24-bit memory images are constructed, and this may require
creating and operating on temporary files on your hard disk.
-19- DOS ColorView 2.0
Clip Menu - Regional clipping and pasting functions
If you have a properly configured Microsoft compatible mouse
installed, then you can simply select an area of the image using
the mouse. Just position the mouse cursor to the corner of the
area that you want to select, press and hold the left mouse button,
and then drag the cursor to the opposite corner and release the
mouse button. Please note that area selection operations for the
Clip functions require you to turn off the "Fit To Screen" option
in the "Options" menu.
Clip Select Area
-------------------
Activates the keyboard driven selection mode. The arrow keys
will move the selection window. Holding down the <Shift> key
while using the arrow keys will move the bottom right corner
of the area selection window, effectively stretching or
contracting the selected area.
(Hint: if you continue to hold down an arrow key or the
<Shift> key and an arrow key, the corner of the selection
window will travel faster. This will help you to navigate
around very large images.)
This option should be used if you do not have a properly
configured mouse installed, or if you want the extra precision
of keyboard control of the area selection window.
Clip Draw Text
-----------------
Assuming that an area has been selected in the image, this
command will paste your text into the upper left hand
corner of your selection window. The text color can be
specified by entering the appropriate Red, Green and Blue
values (0 to 255) in the dialog box.
Clip Paste From File
-----------------------
Provides for a powerful way of combining multiple images into
a single image. Before selecting this option, you must have an
image already loaded (or a blank new image created). The
original image and the image you are pasting can be of any
graphics file type supported by ColorView.
The pasting operation is performed on the 24-bit memory image.
-20- DOS ColorView 2.0
Use the mouse or the "Select Area" option to mark the area of
the original image where you would like to place the pasted
image. After selecting "Paste From File", you can choose the
image file you would like to paste. You will then be asked to
enter the following parameters:
Transparency (in percent)
Variable Transparency (Yes/No)
See thru Black (Yes/No)
Resize Image (Yes/No)
Stretch to Fit (Yes/No)
All of these options apply to the new image you are about to
paste.
Transparency (0 - 100):
Provides a way to control the transparency of the
pasted image. The higher the value, the more transparent
the pasted image will be.
A 0% transparency will cause the pasted image to be
completely solid.
A 100% transparency will cause the pasted image
to be completely transparent. (In other words, you
can see through the pasted image.)
Variable Transparency (Yes/No):
Set this option to 'Yes' if you would like the pasted image
to be more transparent at the edges and to be more solid in
the center of the image. If this option is set to 'No' the
pasted image will have the same transparency factor over the
entire area of the pasted image.
See thru Black (Yes/No):
This option provides the equivalent of a "Blue Screen"
special effect used in movie production for combining
certain individual parts of images to create composite
effects.
If you want to paste an irregularly shaped image, you can
use your favorite bitmap editor to set all of the unwanted
pixels to black. When pasted with the 'See thru Black' option
set to 'Yes', all of the black pixels (RGB value of 0,0,0)
will be treated as 100% transparent, independent of any other
transparency settings.
For example, you could use this function to fill a sky
with a fleet of aircraft of different sizes and mirror
orientations all based on a single aircraft image file.
-21- DOS ColorView 2.0
Resize Image (Yes/No):
When set to 'Yes' this option tells ColorView to rescale
the pasted image to fit into the selection window. When
this option is set to 'No', the pasted image will be
drawn in its original size, clipped to the size of the
selection window.
Stretch to Fit (Yes/No):
This option should only be used in conjunction with the
"Resize Image" option above. If this option is set to
'Yes', ColorView will stretch the pasted image to exactly
fit the selection window. In most cases, this will change
the aspect ratio of the pasted image. Set this option to
'No' if you would like to preserve the original aspect
ratio.
Clip Copy To File
--------------------
This command is similar to the "Save" command in the "File"
menu, except that this command operates on the portion of
the image which is in the area selection window.
-22- DOS ColorView 2.0
APPENDIX A - Trademarks and Acknowledgments
ColorView is based in part on the work of the Independent JPEG Group.
The Independent JPEG Group disclaims all warranty and/or liability claims.
GIF files:
The Graphics Interchange Format (c) is the Copyright property of
CompuServe Incorporated.
GIF(sm) is a Service Mark property of CompuServe Incorporated.
For further information, please contact:
CompuServe Incorporated
Graphics Technology Department
5000 Arlington Center Boulevard
Columbus, Ohio 43220
U. S. A.
Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and Windows is a
trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Intel is a registered trademark and 386 is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
ColorView and Millennium Technologies Corporation are trademarks of
Millennium Technologies Corporation.