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GIFPRT User's Guide Page 1
GIFPRT User's Guide
Version 4.1
Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick
All Rights Reserved
Please send all suggestions, error reports, and corrections to:
Compuserve: 71470,3236
Internet: 71470.3236@compuserve.com
GEnie: E.HAMRICK1
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.
GEnie is a trademark of General Electric Company, U.S.A.
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 Turbo C.
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, Hewlett Packard Laser printer
graphics, and Toshiba/Qume 24-pin graphics, and a variety of
color printers. 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 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 an EGA adapter, GIFPRT will
display images in either a 16-color dithered pattern, or a 16-
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 pixels,
to 1280 by 1024 pixels, 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 match the GIF file resolution
with the printer or display adapter resolution.
Because of the wide variety of Super-VGA graphics adapters,
it is difficult for one program to support them all. However, a
new 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 both Compuserve and GEnie.
Even though GIFPRT handles the most popular printer types,
you may need to use a different printer. It is possible to
customize GIFPRT to handle almost any other printer (see section
4.0).
Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick Page 3
GIFPRT User's Guide Page 4
2.0 Prerequisites
The following three sections describe the hardware and
software required to run the GIFPRT program, and describe how to
register your copy of 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 512K 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, 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 Epson 24-pin 180x180 dpi print commands
GIFPRT.PR6 HP Laser 75x75 dpi print commands
GIFPRT.PR7 HP Laser 150x150 dpi print commands
GIFPRT.PR8 Toshiba 24-pin 180x180 dpi print commands
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.
GIFPRT is capable of using Expanded (EMS) memory for storing
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 a
386 processor, you can use one of several shareware programs that
simulate EMS by using space on your hard disk. GIFPRT displays
the amount of main memory and EMS memory it is able to use in the
lower left corner of the main GIFPRT display
Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick Page 4
GIFPRT User's Guide Page 5
2.3 Registering GIFPRT
GIFPRT is distributed via Compuserve and GEnie as shareware,
and may be evaluated for 14 days without charge. If you decide
you want to purchase GIFPRT, you can register GIFPRT by running
it and following the on-screen instructions for registration.
GIFPRT is fully functional before it is registered, except for
the Super-VGA 256-color display modes. When the program is
registered, you will receive a password that enables the Super-
VGA 256-color display modes. The Super-VGA 2-color and 16-color
display modes are enabled without registration.
The GIFPRT Code that is displayed on the registration
request screen is a simple checksum of the ROM BIOS (top 8 KBytes
of 8088 address space). The first four digits are the checksum,
and the last four digits are the one's complement of the first
four. The password you are sent will work on all IBM PC's or
compatibles that have the same ROM BIOS. However, you are
requested to purchase one password for each computer you will be
running GIFPRT on.
If you have received a password for a previous version of
GIFPRT, it will continue to function with Version 4.1. If you
want to move your copy of GIFPRT to a different computer, or if
your password doesn't work for any other reason, please send an
e-mail message or write for a new password. Please be sure to
include the GIFPRT code that is displayed on the registration
request screen.
3.0 Running GIFPRT
To run GIFPRT, type the following command at a DOS prompt:
GIFPRT [options] [files]
You can get on-line help by typing:
GIFPRT -H Gives list of command-line and interactive options
GIFPRT -G? Gives list of display modes
GIFPRT -P? Gives list of display modes
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 simply hitting 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. 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 Black/White Option (-W or W in interactive mode)
This 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.
3.2 LCD Option (-L or L in interactive mode)
You can use the LCD 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.
3.3 Brightness Option (-Bn or +- in interactive mode)
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.
3.4 Contrast Option (-Cn or /* in interactive mode)
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.
Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick Page 6
GIFPRT User's Guide Page 7
3.5 Graphics Type Option (-Gn or F1-F8,1,2,3 in interactive mode)
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,
16-color, and 256-color mode, respectively. If GIFPRT hasn't
been registered, the 7 highest resolution 256-color modes are
displayed with a checkerboard overlay.
The current display mode is displayed in the lower-right
hand corner of the screen in interactive mode.
3.6 Printer Type Option (-Pn or ^F1-^F9,1,2 in interactive mode)
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 ^F10 in interactive mode. Function keys
^F1 through ^F9 change the printer type while in interactive
mode. The number keys 1 and 2 change to 2-color and 16-color
mode, respectively.
The current printer type is displayed in the lower-right
hand corner of the screen in interactive mode.
3.7 Dithering Option (-D or D in interactive mode)
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.
3.8 Keep Image Option (-K)
The keep image 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.
3.9 Slide Show Option (-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.
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
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.
The printer description files contain 8 lines. For
instance, the file GIFPRT.PR0 contains a description of an Epson
120 dot per inch printer. The contents of this file are:
nam Epson/8-pin/120x72dpi
pal 1 0 0 0 ; Black
pal 2 255 255 255 ; White
pal 3 0 255 255 ; Cyan
pal 4 255 0 255 ; Magenta
pal 5 255 255 0 ; Yellow
pin 8 0 ; Pins, raster type
dpi 120 72 ; Dots per inch, (hor, ver)
dim 960 720 ; Dimensions (hor, ver)
ini 6 27 85 1 27 51 24 ; Page initialization
skp 2 13 10 ; Fast skip over 1 set of pins
gra 6 27 76 -99 -1 13 10 ; Per-line data (black/white)
col 30 27 114 0 27 76 -99 -1
27 114 2 27 76 -99 -3
27 114 1 27 76 -99 -4
27 114 4 27 76 -99 -5 13 10 ; Per-line data (color)
trm 7 27 85 0 27 51 36 12 ; Page termination
Each line begins with a three-letter keyword. The "nam"
line is the name of the print mode. The "pal" lines describe the
color palette for the color print mode (color number, red, green,
blue). 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 last "ini" line describes the string to be sent to the
printer upon initialization. The "skp" line describes how to
skip to the start of image. The "gra" line describes how to
output black/white graphics and the "col" line describes how to
output color graphics (a -99 is the length of the data, and a -N
substitutes the raster data for color N). The "trm" line
describes the data to be send on image termination. The first
number is the number of characters in the string and each
subsequent number is the numeric value of the code to be sent to
the printer.
Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick Page 8
GIFPRT User's Guide Page 9
The raster types are 0 (8-pin Epson), 1 (24-pin Epson), 2
(75-dpi HP printers), 3 (150 dpi HP printers), and 4 (24-pin
Toshiba(Qume)).
6.0 Implementation Details
GIFPRT Version 4.1 now does dithering in a way that
preserves printer ribbons, reduces head wear, and provides higher
print quality on both dot-matrix and laser printers.
In all print modes, the bit image data is produced using
error-dispersion dithering. However, for 8-pin display modes,
half as much data is produced as the printer is capable of
displaying, and the data is spread out in the pattern:
x -> x-
x -> -x
x -> x-
x -> -x
For 24-pin display modes, one quarter as much data is
produced as the printer is capable of displaying, and the data is
spread out in the pattern:
x -> -x--
x -> x---
x -> --x-
x -> ---x
For 150-dpi laser display modes, half as much data is
produced as the printer is capable of displaying, and the data is
spread out in the pattern:
xxxxxxxxx -> -x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
xxxxxxxxx -> x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
7.0 Tested Features
GIFPRT Version 4.1 has been extensively tested on Hercules,
CGA, EGA, VGA, and Super-VGA display adapters. It has also been
tested with a Panasonic KX-P1124 printer.
The data stream produced for HP Laser printers and
Toshiba/Qume printers has been closely examined for correctness,
but GIFPRT has not been tested with the actual printers. Color
printer support has not been tested, but the data stream looks
correct. Please let me know if any of these features aren't
working, and I'll try to fix them right away.
Anyone reporting a GIFPRT bug at the time of registration
may register GIFPRT for only $25.00.
Copyright (c) 1992 Edward B. Hamrick Page 9