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PIXFILER Ver. 1.0 by Kirk Vistain April 16, 1991 DESCRIPTION ----------- PIXFILER is a catalog program, specially enhanced for tracking PCX and GIF files. It gives you the power to view, comment, and group pictures, all from one spot. You can choose your viewer, and password-protect both picture-viewing and comment display. PIXFILER also reads the header of the picture files and stores their specifications for easy reference. If you have lots of pictures scattered around your hard-drive, or want to be able to attach comments, or control access, PIXFILER is for you. FEATURES -------- Directory Auto-Scan (no data entry for the user) Automatically enters file statistics Decoder (Viewer) is User Selectable Password Protection - if and when you want it User must have security clearance to view a picture, or even see the comments. Auto-deletion from database if file not found Keyed searches Viewing possible from main screen or selection set (Find Screen) Prints a password protected list of picture files. SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS ------------------------------- 1. IBM or compatible computer. 2. DOS 3.1 or later. 3. At least 384k of free memory. 4. A decoder or viewer that can display GIF or PCX files, and accepts a filename passed to it from the DOS command line. I tested this system with VGIF & VPIC by Bob Montgomery, and PICEM, by John Bridges. These decoders and others are available from the Compuserve Graphics Support Forum. GO PICS. I'd recommend VPIC40.ZIP, the latest version of VPIC. 5. I suppose you could run the program without a hard drive, but I dont recommend it. PIXFILER could presumably work with any type of picture, providing an appropriate viewer is available. However, it can currently read the header on GIF and PCX files only. Remember, PIXFILER relies 100% on the particular decoder you pick to display pictures. It can't display them on it's own. All it really does is shell to DOS, and execute the decoder (viewer), passing it the current file path and name as a parameter. It's up to the decoder to be compatible with your display, and reset the screen to text mode on exit. If you have trouble viewing pictures, it's probably because of the viewer or inadequate memory. Try running the viewer on its own to get it set up correctly. SETUP ----- Put all the PIXFILER program files into their own directory. It doesn't matter where the picture files are. Run the batch file "START.BAT" to load the memory resident database engine and start the menu. If you wish to use password protection, you can set that up now. Skip down to that section in the instructions and come back here when done. The program will make its own new data files if it finds none in the data directory. PIXFILER uses two, one to hold the records describing the picture files, the other to hold records describing the decoder program, and what extensions it works with. Next you need to tell PIXFILER what decoder (viewer) to use, and where to find it. After selecting option 1 from the main menu, you will see the main data screen for file 1. You need to switch to screen 2, to add the viewer name. To do this, press <+>. Now A)dd the name of the viewer, including its complete path and extension. If PIXFILER doesn't find it, you'll hear a beep, and will be unable to add the record. You also must specify what extension identifies files this decoder can handle. You may have only one decoder (viewer) per extension, but you may have many extensions for a particular viewer. For example, VPIC, by Bob Montgomery, can handle .PCX or .GIF files. You would enter its path twice, once with the picture extension GIF, once with PCX. When done with this, go back to the first screen by pressing <->. Concept ------- PIXFILER follows a relational database model. At its heart is a database engine, with enhancements added to customize it. PIXFILER is really a collection of programs, tied together with a menu. Normally, you interact with PIXFILER by viewing screens and selecting from menus. Most screens have a status line at the top and an information line at the bottom. The information line usually gives a selection of possible actions (a menu), while the status line shows other things, such as date, time, number of records in the file, or error messages. Think of screens as capable of displaying data and performing certain functions, depending on the type of screen. PIXFILER uses several different screen types: Name Data Displayed Functions ---- -------------- --------- Menu Screen Programs to Run Log on with password, select datafile path Data Screen Single data record Add, Edit, Delete, Find, etc. Edit Screen Single data record Enter data, move cursor Find Screen Selected data for Cursor functions multiple selected records A little further on, we'll cover these in more detail, but first, let's talk about how to get the PIXFILER running. The Programs ------------ As I mentioned before, PIXFILER is an application, made up of several programs (modules), which you select from an opening menu. The most basic program is the memory-resident database engine, called DBIO33.EXE. Most of PIXFILER's modules use the functions in DBIO33, so it makes sense to run it only once and leave it in memory during the entire session. Using this common module for all the application's programs reduces disk-space requirements because it is not duplicated in every program, and speeds program loading. When you're done with the application, a program called REMDBIO.EXE, removes it from memory. You can do all this from the command line if you like, but I have included a batch file called START.BAT to do it for you. You may rename it if you like. This is the text of START.BAT. @ECHO OFF DBIO33 PIXFILE REMDBIO You should put all PIXFILER's files into their own separate directory. This makes maintenance much easier. It is possible to maintain different sets of datafiles in different directories, but normally you won't need this capability. Terminology & Conventions ------------------------- Throughout PIXFILER, I've observed certain common keystrokes. <ESC> normally quits the current function and returns you to the previous menu. While you're editing, pressing <ESC> will throw away any changes or additions you've made and return you to the data screen. On the other hand, pressing <F10> completes the edit, saving the record. <F1> normally invokes help. If there is none available for the current item, you will see a message to that effect in the lower (information) line of the screen. Indexes are files, much like the indexes in a book, which allow you to view database records in a particular order. Indexes use keys, derived from one or more data record fields. They keep track of the value of the key fields for all records. Indexes make it easier to find things in a data file. One index is designated the primary. It determines the order in which the main data screen displays. The other, secondary, indexes allow you to view the database records in a variety of ways, via the find screen. The program maintains the indexes automatically. However, random events, disk failures, or improper termination of the program may corrupt the indexes. For that reason, PIXFILER includes an option that corrects these problems, insofar as possible. Learning PIXFILER ----------------- The best way to learn PIXFILER is to run it. Most of the screens and functions explain themselves. Why not run the program now and see what happens? Once you have the data screen up and running, using selection 1 from the menu, you can press <F1> or H)elp to get a quick description of the commands. Main, or Data Screen -------------------- You start PIXFILER by typing START<ENTER> from the DOS command line. The first screen that pops up is the main menu. You have several choices. One lets you view or maintain (add, edit, delete, etc.) records. Another lets you fix or re-index the data file in case something goes wrong with the indexes, or the computer is turned off before you properly quit the program after making changes. Lets say you chose selection 1. You'll see the main data screen. At the top is a line that gives the file number and how many records it has. If you've just started PIXFILER, you probably have 0 records. The line across the bottom of the screen shows the commands available for this screen. Most are obvious. N)ext and P)revious move you from one record to another, in primary index order. Of course, just now, there are no records. D)elete removes a record and any linked records in other files, after first asking you to confirm. <ESC> quits back to the previous menu, saving any changes. H)elp or <F1> displays a screen describing what the other commands do. A)dd, E)dit, and C)opy all let you modify the contents of a record. Until now you've just been looking at them. When you invoke any of them, the cursor jumps up into the data record, and the list of available commands on the bottom of the screen changes. You have now switched from command to edit mode. When you add or edit, PIXFILER validates some fields to help avoid errors. If a problem occurs, you'll hear a beep and see a message at the top of the screen. A)dd makes new data records. E)dit modifies one already added. C)opy makes an exact duplicate of the one you see on the screen, then switches to edit mode, to allow you to change it. This is helpful if you want to change only a few things for the new record. Be advised that some fields or combinations must be unique. Under these conditions, the program will warn you if you try to enter a record with the same field values as another. Not all fields need to be unique - more on this later. The main data screen also offers a F)ind function, that allows you to search the file indexes on a particular key. When you press <F>, the bottom line of the main screen shows the name of the currently selected index field. By pressing the cursor up or down arrows, you can select which index to search. Another way of saying this is that you have a choice of order in which to view the records. When you see the one you want, press <ENTER>, and the line at the bottom of the screen prompts you for a pattern to search for. If you press <ENTER> it will display all the records in the selected order, on the find screen. If you enter a string of characters, then <ENTER>, it will display all records for which those characters occur as the first ones in the selected field (key). When a F)ind is successful, and more than one record satisfies your request, you see the records displayed, one line per record, on a Find Screen. This screen has a status line, that describes it, at the top, and an information line, telling you how to move through the records, at the bottom. Note that, due to space restrictions, only selected fields for a given record appear. You'll find special instructions for the PIXFILER Find Screen farther on in this document. Again, the best way to learn how to use PIXFILER is to use it. Play around until you've figured it out, then start adding data seriously. SPECIAL PIXFILER FUNCTIONS -------------------------- Password (Security Level) Protection ------------------------------------ There may be some pictures whose viewing you wish to restrict to a limited number of people. PIXFILER offers this option via the menu system. If you simply select Menu Option 1 without first performing L)ogon, the program automatically assigns you a level 0. You can still use most of PIXFILER's functions, but you will be unable to view pictures, see comments, or edit any records that have a level higher than your current one (0). Of course, if you want to ignore the password option altogether, just remember to assign a level of 0 to all picture records. To logon with a higher level, you first need to define passwords for PIXFILER. Only someone with a level of 9 may modify the password file. PIXFILER provides the default password "MASTER," to allow you to access it the first time. Then you may use the normal database functions to add your passwords and assign levels. You may wish to delete "MASTER" since anyone with the program knows it to be the default. It is also best to assign only one password a level 9 access. When you're done with the password file, <ESC> and you will return to the main menu. Pressing L for L)ogon, pops up a box into which you type the desired password. Then proceed to use PIXFILER as normal. The password protection is transparent until you try to violate it. R)ead and Load Directory ------------------------ This function allows you to specify a directory to scan for a particular extension. PIXFILER will look for all files matching the criteria, then attempt to read their headers, and insert the data into the database. You have the option of assigning security level and category to each automatically. As the scan progresses, the program increments a counter toward the bottom of the screen. When completed, it returns you to the main (data) screen. You may then view or edit as you wish. PIXFILER will not allow two records describing the exact same picture and path to exist in the file. Each path + picture name + picture extension is unique. For example, if you attempt to read and load the sam directory twice, PIXFILER will simply ignore the results of the second scan. This makes it impossible for someone to reread a directory with a lower security level and make the pictures available to at the lower level. Also, if you attempt to type in a duplicate record, PIXFILER will notify you that it is not possible. V)iew Pictures -------------- From the Data Screen -------------------- Assuming your computer has enough free memory, and you have entered the name of the GIF or PCX decoder properly in the second data screen, you can view the picture whose data currently appearrs on the sxcreen. . If PIXFILER doesn't find the picture (Perhaps you erased or moved it since the last directory scan.), it will show an error message to taht effect at the top of the screen, then prompt you for deletion of the data record. Presumably, there is no point in keeping track of a file which no longer exists. Remember that the database contains records that describe the picture files. It does not contain the files themselves. When you delete or otherwise alter a record, it doesn't affect on the picture file it describes. From the Find (Selection Set) Screen ------------------------------------ One convenience of an indexed datafile is the ability to search out and list specific records in various sort orders. This makes it easier to find what you're looking for. Once you've narrowed your search to the desired records, PIXFILER offers you the ability to view them. Here's an example of how you might use it. Say you have 200 picture files scattered about your hard drive. You want to view all with a category of WEATHER. Rather than having to N)ext or P)rev through the file, you can simply F)ind, on CATEGORY, the key word WEATHER. If more than one record satisfies the conditions, you will see a list on- screen, which summarizes the record data. Note that the complete record does not appear. You can now move back and forth through the list, using the cursor commands shown at the bottom of the screen, viewing any pictures you wish. It isn't necessary for you to remember where they are on the disk, or to search the entire 200 records manually to find what you want. PIXFILER checks authorization level, existence of the picture file, and existence of the decoder for that particular extension, before displaying the picture. If a check fails, you will see an error message at the top of the screen. F)ind Function -------------- The main data screen offers a function that allows you to search the file indexes on a particular key. PIXFILER maintains the indexes automatically. The primary key is ordered alphabetically by picture name + extension. Whenever you are viewing the main data screen, the records appear in this order. You can choose other indexes to allow displaying the records in different orders. However, you can only see them in this order via the Find screen. Information in the find screen is a subset of that in the main data record. When you press <F> the bottom line of the main screen shows the name of the currently selected index field. By pressing the cursor up or down arrows, you can select the index to search. When you find it, press <ENTER>, and the line at the bottom of the screen prompts you for a pattern to search for. If you press <ENTER> it will display all the records in the selected order, on the find screen. If you enter a string of characters, then <ENTER>, it will display all records for which those characters occur as the first ones in the selected field (key). Report ------ You can print out a list of your picture files on any ASCII printer, using the Report option from the main menu. Only files for which the operator has authorization will print. By leaving the selection criteria at their defaults, the program will print a list of all files. You may choose a particular combination of picture type and category, if you like. You can also choose to send the list to the screen, instead of the printer. The report program prints in order of path+name+extension. Files Used by PIXFILER ---------------------- START BAT The batch file you use to run PIXFILER PIXFIL1 DAT# The data file that contains picture information. PIXFIL2 DAT# The data file that contains viewer (decoder) names. DBIO33 EXE The memory-resident database engine. PASSWD EXE The password program. PASSWFIX EXE The password re-indexing program. PIXFIFIX EXE The PIXFILER re-indexing program. PIXFIL EXE The main PIXFILER program. PIXFILE EXE The PIXFILER Menu. PIXREP EXE The report program. REMDBIO EXE Program to remove the database engine after use. PIXFIL1 K* # Index files for PIXFIL1.DAT. PIXFIL2 K* # Index files for PIXFIL2.DAT. PIXFILE PK*# Index files for PIXFILE.PWD. PIXFILE PWD# Data file containing passwords. Files marked with # are generated by PIXFILER if it doesn't find them in the datafile path at start-up. ------------------------------------------------------------------- REGISTRATION ------------ PIXFILER and all its attendant documentation is (c) 1991, by Kirk Vistain. All rights reserved. I'm distributing the program under the "Shareware" concept. It is NOT free software and it HAS NOT been released to the public domain. DBIO33.EXE is (c) 1989,1990 by Top Gun Systems. If you find PIXFILER and associated programs useful and convenient, you can register for $25. This will entitle you to 1. Technical assistance via my Compuserve or Genie mailbox. Sorry, but, no registration = no assistance. 2. Notification of updates and other information pertaining to PIXFILER. Make check or money order payable to Kirk Vistain. Sorry, no charge cards. All terms and specifications subject to change without notice. Kirk Vistain 16035 Mulberry Lane Gurnee, IL 60031 Compuserve : 72356,1355 Genie : K.VISTAIN ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Legal Stuff --------------- Limitations: You may make and keep one (1)back-up copy of the software for your personal use, provided that (i) you copy all the copyright, trademark, and other information indicated on the initial screen display onto your backup diskette Label, and (ii) you have registered. Also you may distribute copies to other persons, but solely for their evaluation (i.e., to decide whether to continue using the product and therefore register) and solely for evaluation by such other persons during that thirty (30) day period. PIXFILER must NOT be sold or otherwise provided as part of a larger system, or as a part of a more inclusive product or service, without the express written permission of Kirk Vistain. WARRANTY THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, PERFORMANCE, OR OTHERWISE; ALL WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. BY USING THE PIXFILER PRODUCT, YOU AGREE THAT KIRK VISTAIN WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY USE OF (OR INABILITY TO USE) OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS PRODUCT, OR FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF I AM NOTIFIED OF SUCH POSSIBILITY IN ADVANCE. (SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.) You may not reverse-engineer, disassemble, modify, decompile or create derivative works of the product. You acknowledge that the product includes certain trade secrets and confidential information, all of which is the copyrighted intellectual property of Kirk Vistain.