			README.TXT


ZStar 1.01 is a Windows (TM)-based Time-lapse Recording and 
Image Processing Program for cooled CCD camera-based imaging 
systems. It is developed mainly for digital microscopic imaging 
in biological research.  It uses Microsoft Windows 3.1's 
graphics user interface (GUI) to provide fast and easy control 
of a cooled-CCD camera.  It can be used to perform single-shot 
or time-lapse/movie sequence acquisition.   It also comes with 
some useful image processing functions such as image math 
operations.  The program currently supports the STAR I CCD 
camera from Photometrics Ltd. and UNIBLITZ shutters 
(A.W. WINCENT ASSOCIATES, INC) through a home-built interface.  
This project was designed by James Zheng and developed 
by James Zheng and Ping Huang during 1994-1995 (Copyright).

Main features:

1.      Complete control of STAR I cooled CCD camera from your PC for 
	easy image acquisition;
2.      Automated time-lapse/movie sequence digital image acquisition;
3.      Synchronous shutter/camera control for image acquisition with 
	minimized over illumination of samples;
4.      Dual shutter control for two different light sources;
5.      Save 12-bit images in 16-bit Photometrics image format to preserve 
	original information, or save/convert images as/to 8-bit Windows 
	BITMAPs for incorporating into common imaging/presentation programs.
6.      Many image processing functions including constant/image math and 
	logic operation;
7.      This is free!  This version of ZStar (version 1.01a) is released 
	free of charge if used in academic institutions.  

To use ZStar 1.01 for image acquisition, you need to have the following 
hardware and software installed and setup correctly:

Hardware requirements:

1.      STAR I cooled CCD camera (Photometrics, Ltd.) connected to your 
	computer through a GPIB PCII/IIA interface board 
	(National Instruments).
2.      A 386 or better IBM-compatible PC with 4MB or more RAM memory 
	and a large harddisk (if you want to save images);

Software requirements:

1.      Windows 3.1 (TM)*;
2.      NI-488.2 software for DOS and Windows installed properly 
	following the instructions from National Instrument.  
	Briefly, the software drivers of for GPIB board should be 
	installed, i.e the NI-488.2 DOS handler should be 
	loaded every time you start the computer, and the Windows 
	interface software (GPIB.DLL and GPIB.INI) should be 
	in your Windows directory (!!!);
3.      ZStar 1.01 program and associated files.

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Installation

1.  Unzip the zstar.zip file using pkunzip.exe or other compatible 
    unzip utility;
2.  Place all the files in the directory you prefer (recommended: zstar);
3.  Check if you have BWCC.DLL in your Windows\system directory, if yes, 
    delete BWCC.DLL that comes with ZStar files; 
3.  Check if you have GPIB.DLL and GPIB.INI in your Windows directory;
4.  Start Windows, then create a new Windows program group called "ZSTAR" 
    (or if you want to place ZStar in other group, just open that group by 
    double-clicking its icon;
5.  From the File menu of your Program manager, select "NEW" and then select 
    "New Program Item";
6.  Click on "Browse" button, and browse through the directory that you 
    just place all zstar files, select ZStar.exe and hit "RETURN" twice;
7.  To run ZStar 1.01a, first make sure your Star I is on, then 
    double-click the Zstar program icon to launch ZStar.exe.  
    For information on how to use ZStar 1.01a, refer to on-line help.

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How to contact us:

If you have any comments and suggestions about ZStar 1.01a, 
please e-mail us at: qz2@columbia.edu, 
or Write to James Zheng at: 915 Fairchild Ctr., Columbia University,
New York, NY 10027.  

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This program is provided AS IS without any warranty.  
Use of this program is at your own risk and authors disclaim 
any responsibilities for damage of any kind (including direct 
or indirect) which may result from using this program.  

This version of ZStar 1.01a is provided free of charge with 
the conditions that (1) it is used in academic institutions, 
(2) no profit should be made from it, and (3) no resale is 
allowed without authors' permission.  You are free to distribute 
this program under the conditions that all original files are 
intact and packed together, including README.TXT.  However, 
after you have tried ZStar out, you are encouraged to register 
(again, free of charge).  Registration simply requires you to 
send us your name, mailing address, and your comments on the 
program.  Doing so entitles you to receive information about 
future releases of ZSTAR.  

You can also register as a V.I.P. customer by donating US$35.00.  
As a V.I.P. customer, you will be able to obtain:

1.  free upgrade to any future versions of ZStar program 
    (yes, every new version will be free);
2.  program source code available free of charge upon request;
3.  free limited technical support.     

For information to register as a V.I.P. customer, 
check the ZStar online help file.  
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*  Windows 3.1 is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.  
Star I is a trademark of Photometrics Ltd.  
NI-488 is a trademark of National Instruments.  



