




                          CURVE DIGITIZER 2-D CAD

                               USER`S GUIDE

(C) Copyright 1986 by West Coast Consultants. All Rights Reserved.
                                     
                          West Coast Consultants 
			  11272 Pabellon Circle
			   San Diego, CA 92124
			     (619) 565-1266


   With this user`s guide you will be able to use the CURVE DIGITIZER 2-
Dimensional Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) program. This guide is divided into 5
sections:

                        - COMMAND SUMMARY
                        - INTRODUCTION     
                        - GETTING STARTED
                        - PROGRAM ORGANIZATION
                        - UTILITY ROUTINES


   If, during program execution, you have a question about a command, press
the TAB key while in either of the six Primary menus, and an interactive
HELP screen will appear. If you have the need for a more comprehensive
understanding of the program, we encourage you to register with us for a
full user`s manual and telephone support. Just clip and mail the
registration form included at the end of this document, and help us support
the shareware concept.




























Compiled with Microsoft Quickbasic. (C) Copyright 1982-1987 Microsoft Corp.




                              COMMAND SUMMARY

                               Menu 1 - Draw

LINES        -    Draws lines at cursor-specified positions on screen.
POINTS       -    Draws points at cursor-specified positions on screen.
RETRY        -    Erases last line segments generated in reverse order     
                  (one-at-a-time).
BOX          -    Generates a rectangular box defined by two diagonal      
                  corner positions.
CIRCLE       -    Constructs a circle from a center point and perimeter    
                  position.
ARC          -    Constructs variable-sized arcs between two arbitrary     
                  points.
GRID         -    Draws grid lines at user-defined intervals.
SELECT       -    Assigns color and line-style to drawing entities.

                               Menu 2 - Edit

MOVE         -    Relocates a X,Y point or node to any position.
INSERT       -    Inserts a X,Y point at current cursor position.
DELETE       -    Deletes a X,Y point (or node) located at current cursor  
                  position.
TRANSLATE    -    Relocates any portion of the drawing.
ERASE        -    Erases any sequence of lines and/or points from the      
                  drawing.
FIND         -    Dynamically reports the positions of any and all data    
                  points.
LINEDIT      -    Removes or replaces arbitrary line elements.
SCALE        -    Linearly varies the size and shape of any portion of the 
                  drawing.

                            Menu 3 - Operations

ZOOM         -    Magnifies or reduces a figure about any specific point.
ROTATE       -    Rotates any part of the drawing about any point.
SMOOTH       -    Draws a smooth spline-fit curve through any specified    
                  sequence of points.
FILTER       -    Redraws figure after eliminating every Nth (sampled)     
                   point.
LENGTH       -    Dynamically calculates distances, angles and polygon     
                  perimeters on screen.
COPY         -    Duplicates any portion of the drawing at another         
                  specified location.
MIRROR       -    Reflects a mirror image of any part of your drawing.
EXPAND       -    Lengthens or shortens any section of your drawing in 4   
                  quadrants defined by cursor crosshairs.

                           Menu 4 - Input/Output

KEY-IN       -    Allows direct keyboard entry of rectangular X,Y or       
                  polar coordinates.
DIGITIZE     -    Uses digitizer or plotter for input as a discrete X,Y    
                  digitizer.
READ         -    Reads X,Y data from disk files.
WRITE        -    Records X,Y data and/or saves images of drawings on      
                  disk for plotter output.
VALUES       -    Displays X,Y values on screen and/or prints this data to 
                  printer.






PLOTTER      -    Produces a full-color hardcopy print of the drawing.
XYLIMITS     -    Varies the X or Y scale sizes of the drawing by          
                  redefining the frame of view.
LAYERS       -    Overlays drawings saved on disk over the drawing         
                  currently on screen. Up to 330 layers can be defined.


                          Menu 5 - Miscellaneous     


FREEZE       -    Retains current drawing in storage buffer for future use 
                  or recall.
RESTORE      -    Restores a "frozen" drawing on the screen.
CLEAR        -    Clears screen picture and X,Y data or "restarts" the     
                   program.
AREA         -    Calculates net areas and perimeters of closed polygons,  
                  even with holes.
TEXT         -    Allows cursor positioning of up to 100 text fields each  
                  consisting of up to 72 characters. Sizes correspond      
                  exactly to your plotter`s character set.
SYMBOL       -    Allows positioning of user-defined symbol libraries.
HATCH        -    Hatches any complex polygon with user-specified shade-   
                  line characteristics.
END          -    Saves drawing data on disk, then exits to the DOS        
                  system.
 

                       Menu 6 - Advanced Operations


DIMENSION    -    Adds any of several types of dimension constructs        
                  including text to existing drawings. Angular dimensioning 
                  is also provided.
CONFIGURE    -    Sets interface parameters for all input/output hardware  
                  devices.
SHELL        -    Allows execution of DOS commands without program         
                  interruption.





























                INTRODUCTION TO THE CURVE DIGITIZER PROGRAM

   START UP:

   To start CURVE DIGITIZER from the DOS, type CURVE with the MAIN diskette
   loaded in Drive A. But before starting, if you have a Hercules Graphics
   card, you must type start to begin. Start runs the INT10.COM file which loads
   the Hercules graphics routines. (All of this only applies, of course, if you 
   have the Hercules program diskettes). If you have a Mouse, you may want to
   install your Mouse driver routines by typing MOUSE while in the DOS.

   CONFIGURATION:

   Once you start running the program, you will see an initial screen
   displaying the various hardware peripherals the program is currently
   configured to operate. It will indicate that the program is ready to
   accept input from a Houston Instrument (HI) digitizer and direct output
   to a HI plotter. If you intend to use the program with other equipment,
   type [Y] [Return] at the RECONFIGURE? (Y/N) prompt to call up the
   Configuration routine. The program is configured for a CGA video board
   but if you have an EGA card, you may easily reconfigure for it. You may
   be prompted to replace the MAIN program diskette with the
   AUTODIMENSIONING diskette (which has the configuration routines on it).
   Once you are in the configuration program, using the Space bar and the
   [Return] key, you may select to use whatever peripherals you find
   available in the menus. You will be asked to replace the MAIN program
   diskette into Drive A when done configuring.

   PROGRAM OPERATION:

   Once you enter the first program menu, you`ll note 8 drawing commands
   listed along the right margin of the screen with a flashing crosshair
   cursor in the middle of the drawing area. You may operate any of the 43
   commands supported in the six Command menus by striking the single key
   representing the initial letter of the command. A different Command menu
   is selected by depressing the Function keys 1-6 on your keyboard. If you
   need "HELP" instructions, press the TAB key whenever a Command menu is
   showing. The HELP screens include directions to assist you at the base
   of each screen.

   CURSOR CONTROL:

   The cursor may be controlled by depressing any of eight cursor keys
   located on your numeric keypad with the NUM LOCK key in the OFF
   position. The `8` key moves the cursor up, `2` moves it down, `6` to the
   right and `4` to the left. Diagonal movement is achieved by pressing the
   `9`, `3`, `1` or `7` keys. The `5` key does nothing.

   The HELP instructions also briefly explain the special functions of
   several other keys. But first, get some practice moving the cursor to
   arbitrary positions on the drawing area. If you want to change the
   cursor`s Step Size setting to a different value, simply type in the new
   value and press [Return]. Thus, you may freely control the distance the
   cursor moves each time you press a cursor key. If you have a Mouse and
   have installed the Mouse driver in the DOS, you may activate the Mouse
   by pressing [@].









   COMMAND OPERATIONS:

   Many of the single-key commands may involve cursor positioning, cinching
   points, and/or specifying the START and END indices of a part of a
   figure you are operating on.

   1). Cursor positioning

   Commands which use cursor positioning expect you to use the cursor to
   point at a position before pressing the command key. For example, try
   using the LINES command by pressing [L] at a start position, then
   relocating the cursor to the end position of a line you want to draw and
   striking [L] again. Try it a few times. A new set of line segments can
   be started by defining the first point of the new line with the [P]
   command, moving the cursor, then pressing [L] to complete the line. Once
   you have a figure on screen, use the RETRY [R] command to erase the
   segment(s) in reverse order. Now try the BOX command by pressing [B] at
   one corner and [B] at the diagonally opposite corner.

   2). Cinching

   Essential to the fluent use of CURVE DIGITIZER is the understanding of
   the concept of "cinching" a point. This technique allows you to perform
   very powerful design changes to your drawings. A point is considered to
   be "cinched" when you precisely align the cursor over its position. At
   that instance, you will hear a "beep" and see the position number (or
   "index") of the point displayed in the middle-right margin. (If you need
   to quickly "cinch" the nearest point, simply press the [ESC] key and the
   cursor will snap to that position). This "index" number (identified by a
   "#" symbol preceding it) informs you of the order in which the point`s
   X,Y coordinates were input. Many commands require cinching a point for
   reference before invoking the command (as for example, the MOVE command
   in Menu 2). Press the [F2] key to bring up Menu 2. Next, move the cursor
   over the end point of one of the lines you have drawn. When you hear a
   beep, that point is cinched! Now move the cursor to the position you
   want that point moved and press [M]. That end point is now relocated.

   The BLINK CINCH key [*] is helpful with the use of cinching points
   because it puts a small blinking cursor over the last point cinched.
   (See Program Organization section).

   3). START and END indices

   Some commands require the input of START and END indices describing the
   part of the figure you want to operate on. The indices of a
   figure are consecutively numbered in the order they were drawn. Thus,
   the START= prompt should be responded to by entering the index number of
   the first point on the figure and, likewise, the END= prompt should be
   responded to by entering the last index number of the figure to be
   operated on. Another use for cinching is to identify the range (i.e.,
   START and END positions) of a section of a drawing you want to
   manipulate using, for example, the SCALE, ROTATE, TRANSLATE, and ERASE
   commands. Cinching used in conjunction with the REMEMBER KEY [/] can
   greatly speed up operations. (See Program Organization section).

   To abort a command once you have started it, press [Return] several
   times. The CLEAR command in Menu 5 allows you restart anew and the END
   command should be used to properly terminate the program and return you
   to the DOS.






   
  SCALING:

   The video screen is defined as a rectangular coordinate grid, with the
   physical plot size marked off in inches at the edges of the frame
   borders. One unit may be assumed to be whatever unit of measure you
   desire. A readout of the inch-to-units ratio appears in the lower-right
   corner of the Command Prompt Area. The plotting scale may be adjusted by
   use of the XYLMTS or the ZOOM commands. (See Program Organization
   section).

   In a program of this magnitude, there are, certainly, a number of
   operations far too complex to describe in this brief document. By
   becoming a registered user and, thereby, receiving the benefits of a
   complete manual and full user support, the maximum potential of this
   program can be realized. However, we`ll give you plenty of information
   to get you started and to grasp a feel of the program`s performance.


















































==========================================================================
                        GETTING STARTED                          0.0.1
==========================================================================
              When you purchased CURVE DIGITIZER, you were provided with
              two program diskettes (labeled MAIN and AUTO-DIMENSION).
              First insert your DOS (Disk Operating System) diskette into
              drive A with the label facing up. Now close the drive door
              and turn on the computer`s power switch. Enter date and time
              or press RETURN twice to obtain the A> prompt. At this point
              it would be wise to use the DOS system`s DISKCOPY program to
              make backup copies of both program diskettes. SINCE `CURVE
              DIGITIZER` FILES VIRTUALLY ENCUMBER THE ENTIRE CAPACITY OF
              THE MAIN PROGRAM DISKETTE, INSUFFICIENT SPACE EXISTS FOR
              ADDITIONAL SYSTEM FILES.  THUS, UNLESS YOU STORE THE CONTENTS
              OF BOTH DISKETTES ONTO A HARD DISK, YOU MUST FIRST `BOOT` THE
              COMPUTER SYSTEM FROM A SEPARATE DISK CONTAINING A DISK
              OPERATING SYSTEM.

    COPYING DEVICE DRIVERS TO YOUR CURVE DIGITIZER
    `MAIN` DISKETTE:

              The only drivers that may need to be copied to the CURVE
              DIGITIZER program diskette are those designed for your
              `Mouse` and the MODE command if you are using a PIXY-3
              (serial) PLOTTER.

              To run the program using a Mouse, first copy the Mouse system
              file (a typical name might be MOUSE.COM) from your Mouse
              diskette to the MAIN diskette then invoke the Mouse driver by
              typing [MOUSE].

              The program requires a second special driver if you are using
              a (serial) PIXY-3 plotter. This driver (named SERIAL) is
              provided on your MAIN diskette. You must first type [SERIAL]
              (after having copied the MODE.COM command file from your
              system diskette to the MAIN diskette) before running the
              program.

              Normally, serial plotters are run from the COM1 Serial
              communications port. If it is desired to run the PIXY-3
              plotter from serial port COM2, type [SERIAL COM2] instead.

              Once the SERIAL batch file has been run, any parallel
              printers interfaced to your system will not be functional.
              You may restore proper operation to your printer by running
              the UNSERIAL program from the DOS after terminating CURVE
              DIGITIZER.

              Since neither the MAIN nor the AUTO-DIMENSION program
              diskette is ever written on, it is recommended that
              write-protect tabs be applied to both diskettes after
              transcribing any required device drivers. 














==========================================================================
                        GETTING STARTED                          0.0.2
==========================================================================
    TO RUN ON A HARD OR FIXED DISK SYSTEM:

                        To run CURVE DIGITIZER with a hard disk, first use
                        the Change Directory command `CD` to change the
                        drive`s current directory to the directory or
                        sub-directory you want to contain the CURVE
                        DIGITIZER program files. Next, copy all files and
                        necessary drivers on the program disks to a single
                        directory or sub-directory created on your Hard
                        Disk. Set the DOS default drive to the drive
                        containing the CURVE DIGITIZER program by typing
                        the letter of the drive followed by a colon. Invoke
                        the appropriate drivers as discussed above, then
                        type [CURVE] to run the program.

    PATHNAMES:

                        The program supports pathnames for accessing files
                        stored in arbitrary sub-directories. If data is
                        required from a sub-directory, you may enter the
                        full pathname of the sub-directory chain containing
                        the desired data file wherever requested in the
                        program.


    IF YOU ARE USING THE "HERCULES VERSION" PROGRAM:

              If your IBM PC system (or compatible) is equipped with a
              Hercules graphics card (or equivalent), follow the
              instructions below:

              To use the Hercules version of the CURVE DIGITIZER program,
              you must type Start. Start runs the INT10 program on the MAIN     
              disk. INT10 invokes the GRAPH X* routines which CURVE DIGITIZER   
              uses for the Hercules Monochrome graphics output.
              
              If you want printer graphics output, insert your
              AUTODIMENSIONING diskette into drive A and type HARDCOPY EPSON.DEF
              if your printer is one of the Epson dot-matrix models or if your  
              printer has an Epson "emulator" mode as many printers do.  
              If you have an IBM Proprinter or compatible, type HARDCOPY        
              IBMPRO.DEF. If you are using a CITOH Prowriter, type HARDCOPY     
              CITOH.DEF. Once you have a drawing on the screen, simply press the
              [Shift] [PrtSc] Keys simultaneoulsy followed by a numeric [1] for 
              "normal" printer output or [3] for reversed output. After this,   
              type [CURVE] to start the program.





    * GRAPH X is a trademark of Hercules Computer Technology, Inc.


    TO RUN THE CURVE DIGITIZER PROGRAM:

              Once you have both installed and invoked all required
              drivers, type [CURVE] to execute the CURVE DIGITIZER program.





==========================================================================
                        GETTING STARTED                          0.0.3
==========================================================================
                        After a few moments you should see a CURVE
                        DIGITIZER title page displayed. Press any key to
                        start the program. The next screen will show how
                        the input/output devices are currently configured
                        to the program. The initial display might appear as
                        shown below:

                        CONFIGURATION :  MAX PTS./LAYER=10000   333 LAYERS
                            MOUSE     :  OFF
                            PLOTTER   :  Houston Instrument
                            INTERFACE :  COM1:4800,N,8,2
                            SCREEN    :  EGA/640 X 350/Enhanced
                            DIGITIZER :  Houston Instrument
                            INTERFACE::  COM2:1200,E,7,1
                        
                                 Reconfigure (Y/N)?

                        The default SCREEN selection (above) customizes the
                        program for use with an IBM Enhanced Graphics
                        Adaptor (or equivalent) and a high-resolution
                        Enhanced color monitor capable of supporting at
                        least 640 X 350 pixel rasters.

                        The program will automatically check to see if a
                        Mouse has been properly interfaced to the system.
                        That is, have you pre-loaded the MOUSE.COM driver
                        program from the DOS.  If so, the statement MOUSE:
                        ON will be displayed. Otherwise, it will show a
                        MOUSE: OFF message.

                        The COMn statements show the actual BASIC program
                        instructions which indicate which Asynchronous
                        Serial Communications ports are to be used and the
                        BAUD rate, Parity, Data and Stop bits settings. If
                        a COMn statement other than that shown is required,
                        you may easily change it in the reconfiguration
                        routine. Refer to any IBM PC BASIC manual for
                        details regarding the COMn statement if you have ad
                        hoc hardware interface requirements.

                        If the above equipment, as indicated, is to be used
                        with the program, it is unnecessary to
                        "reconfigure" the program`s interface parameters.
                        Should you need to reconfigure, the procedure for
                        doing so is discussed on the next page.

                        Assuming the configuration (above) is acceptable,
                        press [Return] or [N] [Return] to continue. The
                        next prompt requests the assignment of a `DATA
                        DRIVE`. The default drive specification shown to
                        the right of this prompt is "B:" (or drive B). With
                        this choice, the program expects all "data" files
                        to be read and written on drive B. To change this
                        selection, type the new drive letter or pathname
                        desired for data files and [Return].








==========================================================================
                        GETTING STARTED                          0.0.4
==========================================================================
                        The next prompt allows assignment of a `SYMBOL
                        DRIVE`. It is also initially set to "B:". It is
                        highly desirable to keep any symbol drives or
                        symbol sub-directories separate from "data" drives.
                        If it is necessary to change these assignments
                        during program operation, you may easily do so
                        using the CONFIG command in Menu 6.

    Reconfiguration:    Reconfiguring writes your preferences and choices
                        to a disk file for future use. If it is required to
                        reconfigure the program parameters for a different
                        hardware arrangement and/or to change the disk
                        drive or pathname assignments, press [Y] [Return]
                        at the Reconfigure (Y/N)? prompt. This action will
                        quickly transfer program operation to the CONFIGUR
                        program and display a menu showing several plotter
                        types. A cursor bar will be positioned on the
                        current plotter selected.

                        Tap the keyboard`s Space bar to make a selection
                        within this menu. Continuing to depress the Space
                        bar moves the selection bar downwards until it
                        reaches the bottom item, after which the bar
                        returns to the top of the list. Once the bar is
                        positioned behind the desired entry, press
                        [Return]. The selection is then completed and the
                        next menu is displayed. The second menu allows you
                        to specify whether the plotter is interfaced as a
                        Parallel or as a Serial device. Again, press
                        [Return] at the desired selection. If a Serial
                        interface is chosen, the routine will request
                        additional information beginning with the desired
                        Communications Port (COM1 or COM2). This menu, in
                        turn, will be followed by one giving a choice of 5
                        commonly used Baud rate values. Finally, the actual
                        Communications statement the program will use
                        internally (based on the above input) will be shown
                        along with an option to accept or change it at the
                        OK? prompt. If the response is [N] [Return], the
                        statement clears off screen and a new prompt
                        appears:

                                    ENTER NEW COM STATEMENT:

                        At this point any acceptable ad hoc COMn expression
                        as required for your plotter.

                        Regardless of the interface chosen, the routine
                        will expect input for the Width and Height (in
                        inches) of the plotter`s drawing area referenced to
                        the plotter`s "HOME" position.












==========================================================================
                        GETTING STARTED                          0.0.5
==========================================================================
                        Next, a choice of 4 SCREEN/MONITOR setups is given.

                                    CGA/640 X 200
                                    EGA/640 X 200/RGB
                                    EGA/640 X 350/Enhanced
                                    EGA/640 X 350/TTL Monochrome

                        For each selection, the 3 left-most characters
                        represent the type of video card being used. The
                        numeric values dictate the pixel dimensions of the
                        video raster screen. The type of monitor the
                        selection demands is indicated on the right.

                        Many computers have the CGA (standard Color
                        Graphics Adaptor) card installed. With CURVE
                        DIGITIZER, the CGA mode offers monochrome output
                        (only) regardless of the monitor being used. The
                        second choice on the menu is correct if an EGA
                        (Enhanced Graphics Adaptor) card and a RGB
                        (Red/Green/Blue) monitor is to be used. The same
                        EGA card supports a higher resolution (640 X 350)
                        mode if an Enhanced Color monitor is used. Up to 16
                        colors may be displayed upon selecting the second
                        or third menu items. Finally, a monochrome
                        (high-resolution) mode is available if using a
                        TTL-monochrome monitor and an EGA card. This mode
                        is not to be confused with use of the popular
                        Hercules (or equivalent) video hardware. The
                        Hercules program diskette features a configuration
                        program which offers no choice of video parameters.

                        The next two entries display the current DATA and
                        SYMBOL drive specifications and allow you to
                        conveniently change either or both. Press [Return]
                        to accept the default specs or type in new specs at
                        the ENTER NEW DRIVE: prompt.

                        A choice of several popular digitizers is displayed
                        in the next menu. If no digitizer is to be in used,
                        press [Return] at the "NONE" item. Otherwise, press
                        [Return] at the appropriate model. Choosing a
                        digitizer requires that the correct data input
                        format be specified. You may select HI-PAD ASCII,
                        5-byte or 6-byte (packed) in the next menu. The
                        digitizer interface must also be specified in the
                        next 3 menus just as was done with the plotter
                        specifications. NOTE: Only serial digitizers may be
                        interfaced to the system. 















==========================================================================
                        GETTING STARTED                          0.0.6
==========================================================================
                        The final prompt is:

                                    Configuration OK (Y/N)?

                        to which only the responses [Y] [Return] or [N]
                        [Return] are acceptable. If a mistake has been made
                        defining one or more of the previously specified
                        parameters, press [N] [Return] to recycle to the
                        first menu. Then press [Return] at each acceptable
                        item until you reach the one(s) you want to change.
                        When all input is correct, press [Y] [Return] at
                        the final prompt and the program will write the new
                        configuration data to disk and then return to the
                        initial configuration page you saw when the program
                        was first started. Printed along the top of this
                        screen is a message indicating the maximum number
                        of points you may use in a "single" layered
                        drawing. The program supports up to 333 of these
                        layers.

                        The maximum number of points per layer will vary
                        between 2000 and 10000 depending on the memory
                        available in your computer.

                        At this point it is assumed that all input is
                        correct, so press [Return] 3 times at the
                        Reconfigure (Y/N)? prompt to see the default drive
                        assignments and to begin program operation. The
                        program begins by displaying a rectangular frame
                        lined with tick marks and a flashing cursor in the
                        center. To the right you should see the 8 commands
                        of Menu 1. To explore the remaining 5 menus, press
                        Function keys [F2 - F6] in any order. You may now
                        press the [TAB] key to display the first HELP
                        screen and press [ESC] thereafter to view each
                        successive HELP screen.

                        Although you`re surely anxious to get started, it
                        is highly recommended that you read the next 2
                        sections so you don`t miss vital concepts.























==========================================================================
                        SYSTEM CONFIGURATION                     0.1.1
==========================================================================
   Required Software:   CURVE DIGITIZER is a powerful two dimensional
                        Computer-Aided Design (CAD) system for the IBM PC,
                        XT & AT/MS-DOS family of computer hardware systems.
                        CURVE DIGITIZER is the latest addition to the CURVE
                        family of personal computer graphics software
                        designed to aid you in generating graphics of the
                        highest professional quality. This program is fast,
                        truly user friendly and economically priced to
                        allow even the most modest budgets access to a
                        powerful and practical design tool. The software is
                        provided on 2 diskettes entitled (MAIN) and
                        (AUTO-DIMENSION). Only one of these program
                        diskettes need be loaded at a time, beginning with
                        the MAIN diskette. You will be informed when it is
                        necessary to change diskettes. Use of a hard disk
                        will preclude the need to swap diskettes, however. 

   Required Hardware:   CURVE DIGITIZER is designed to run on the IBM-PC,
                        IBM-XT and IBM-AT family of PC-DOS or MS-DOS
                        machines. This includes most of the so-called
                        IBM-PC/XT/AT plug-compatible clones. The minimum
                        hardware configuration requires:

    RAM:                256K of Random Access Memory (RAM).

    Disk Drives:        Two dual-sided double-density floppy disk drives.

    Graphics Cards:     A standard IBM color-graphics adaptor (CGA) or
                        equivalent or a Hercules Monochrome graphics
                        adaptor (or equivalent) or an Enhanced Graphics
                        adaptor (EGA) (640x350) or equivalent.


    Monitor:            You may use a composite color or monochrome
                        graphics monitor (with a CGA card) or a TTL
                        Monochrome graphics display (if using a Hercules
                        Monochrome graphics card) or a high-resolution RGB
                        monitor if you are using a (640X350) EGA Enhanced
                        Graphics adaptor.

    Recommended Hardware Configurations:

                        While the system will operate with the above
                        minimum configuration, there are several hardware
                        enhancements which will make the use of CURVE
                        DIGITIZER easier and faster.

    Hard Disk:          Obviously a Hard Disk (at least 10 Megabytes) is a
                        powerful adjunct to the disk Input/Output of any
                        system and will certainly speed up CURVE
                        DIGITIZER`s disk access time.












==========================================================================
                        SYSTEM CONFIGURATION                     0.1.2
==========================================================================
    Added RAM:          While the system does not require more then 256K
                        RAM to operate, 640K RAM is recommended for optimum
                        performance. Any RAM over 256K may be configured as
                        a RAM disk (before running the program) by using
                        the VDISK utility program found on your DOS 3.0 (or
                        higher) diskette. Using the appropriate RAM disk
                        (VDISK) software, offers the ability to
                        significantly reduce disk access times. Also the
                        additional memory allows you to create drawings
                        with more data points.

    Monitor:            A RGB or composite color monitor provides the user
                        with added design aids that are built-in to CURVE
                        DIGITIZER program and not obvious with a monochrome
                        display. 

    Parallel Port:      A Centronics parallel port will be needed to attach
                        either a parallel graphics printer and/or a
                        parallel pen plotter to the computer.

    Serial Port:        A RS-232C Serial port will be needed to attach
                        either a serial pen plotter or serial mouse to the
                        computer.

  Graphics Printers:    Many dot-matrix graphics printers (i.e. an Epson
                        FX-80, LQ-800/1000, LQ-1500, etc; an IBM Graphics
                        Printer; NEC 8023; Okidata; etc.) work with CURVE
                        DIGITIZER.

    Pen Plotters:       Currently CURVE DIGITIZER drives single or
                        multiple-pen plotters manufactured by Houston
                        Instrument, Hewlett-Packard, Epson, Western
                        Graphtec, Roland, Zeta, Amdek, Enter Computers,
                        Mannesmann-Tally, Calcomp and IBM. More plotters
                        are being added to this list continually. Please
                        check the complete list in Appendix A for the
                        hardcopy output devices currently supported.

    Mouse:              A mouse is optional, but may add a degree of ease
                        of use to the on-screen cursor control. Currently
                        the MicroSoft (tm) or MicroSoft compatible mice are
                        supported by the program.

    Graphics Tablets:   A graphics tablet is optional but can be useful for
                        digitizing existing drawings. The Houston
                        Instrument family of digitizers is currently
                        supported in the digitizer mode.

    Special Note:       The program features four HELP screens to assist
                        you with all commands. Press the [TAB] key once you
                        have entered a Menu to activate these screens.












==========================================================================
                        PROGRAM  ORGANIZATION                    0.2.1
==========================================================================
    What is covered:    This section provides a brief overview and glossary
                        of terms used with CURVE DIGITIZER. It briefly
                        discusses the conventions used in this manual along
                        with the terms and words which have special meaning
                        in CURVE DIGITIZER and the special functions
                        assigned to certain keys on the keyboard. 
    
    Menu Driven:        CURVE DIGITIZER operates from six basic pop-up
                        menus which offer 43 powerful commands. The menus
                        are called by the use of the Function keys F1
                        through F6. In the VTC to the left you will notice
                        in the lower left-hand corner that F1 through F6
                        indicate the Function keys F1 - F6 which are
                        associated with invoking the 6 menus.

    HELP Screens:       A powerful set of on-line HELP screens support each
                        command and can be called from any menu by simply
                        pressing the [TAB] Key -- the one just below the
                        [ESC]ape Key on many keyboards.

                        There are four basic HELP screens. The first two
                        display each of the eight commands in the first
                        five menus (8x5=40) and the commands in Menu 6. The
                        last two HELP screens provide information on the
                        special usage of certain keys.






































==========================================================================
                        PROGRAM  ORGANIZATION                    0.2.2
==========================================================================
    Display Layout:     The Display (Screen) Layout is divided into several
                        areas. The names of those areas will be referred to
                        within this manual. Message areas border the right
                        side of the drawing arena. The Plot Frame is the
                        actual drawing area for your drawings.

    Plot Frame:         Within the Plot Frame are tick marks drawn around
                        the frame, which represent one-inch intervals on
                        the plotter bed. These marks are present only on
                        the screen for reference. They will NOT
                        automatically plot on a hardcopy device.

    Command Messages:   The area in the lower right-hand corner of the
                        screen is known as the COMMAND/MESSAGE/PROMPT/
                        RESULTS AREA. This is to indicate the three names
                        this area may be called within the manual. When the
                        program needs to send you a message, the area is
                        called the Command Message Area. At other times the
                        area contains Command Prompts and is termed the
                        Command Prompt Area. Finally, some commands produce
                        calculated values and they, too, are displayed in
                        this area: it is then called the Command Results
                        Area. 

    Points Counter:     The Points Counter shows the total number of
                        data-point pairs currently in the memory array used
                        to describe the plot on the Plot Frame. 

Cursor Coordinates:     The Cursor Coordinates show the X,Y coordinates of
                        the current cursor position on the Plot Frame.

    Scale Ratio:        When no command is in use, the Command Message Area
                        displays a one-line statement of the current plot
                        scale expressed as a ratio 1:r where r is the ratio
                        of the user`s units to a (physical) inch on the
                        plotter bed along both the X and Y axes. If the
                        scale ratios of the axes are not equal, the ratios
                        for each axis will be displayed. These ratios can
                        be modified by the SCALE 2.8, ZOOM 3.1 and XYLMTS
                        4.7 commands.























==========================================================================
                        PROGRAM  ORGANIZATION                    0.2.3
==========================================================================
    TERMS:              Below is a glossary of terms, words and information
                        regarding the special usage of several keys, the
                        meaning of which is essential in order to
                        successfully work with this program. Unless the
                        special use of a key is specifically defined in
                        this section or elsewhere within this manual, the
                        normal functions apply.

    CONVENTIONS:        Below are statements of two conventions used in the
                        program and the manual.

                        1). When a single keyboard key is referred to as
                        input, its character will be enclosed in brackets,
                        i.e., the plus key would be shown as [+].
                        2). Commands which are invoked by pressing letter
                        keys, are shown as stand-alone, upper-case letters,
                        i.e., the BOX 1.4 command is invoked by pressing
                        the [B] key. This command is shown as B = BOX on
                        Menu 1.

    AUDIO:              The loud speaker built into your computer is used
                        by CURVE DIGITIZER to enhance the operation of
    [-]                 certain functions. This sound is toggled on or off
                        by pressing the [-] key (the minus key at the far
                        right side of the keypad or the one between the [0]
                        and [=] keys). Only the non-essential sounds may be
                        turned off. Those used to indicate error conditions
                        are not suppressible. The cinch-indicating sound is
                        not supressible either, but is replaced by a less
                        audible high-pitched "click".

    AUTO CINCH:         AUTO CINCHing is accomplished by pressing the [ESC]
                        key. The program responds to this key by
    [ESC]               quickly moving the cursor to the nearest defined
                        X,Y point. This method serves as a fast method of
                        "cinching" a point. See CINCHING A POINT below.

    BACKGD COLOR:       The [)] key allows changing the "background" colors
                        constituting the backdrop for your 
    [)]                 drawing. A maximum of sixteen colors is available.

    BLINK CINCH:        Press the asterisk [*] key (the one below the [Prt
                        Sc] key or the upper-shift [8]) to display
    [*]                 the currently cinched data-point. A small square
                        box will flash on the point. See CINCHING A POINT.

    BREAK-POINT:        In order to draw free line segments and separate
                        arcs, points and polygons, CURVE DIGITIZER uses X,Y
                        coordinates with special values called break-
                        points. These points tell the program that the X,Y
                        data describing the next line, point or polygon are
                        disconnected from the preceding data.











==========================================================================
                        PROGRAM  ORGANIZATION                    0.2.4
==========================================================================
                        Break-points may have any value between 999990 and
                        1000006. This is true for both the X and the Y
                        components. Break-points are designed to be greater
                        than the maximum limits of any Plot Frame and,
                        therefore, cannot be plotted. The largest valid
                        data-point the program can accept or plot is
                        999989.

                        The two least significant digits of the
                        break-point`s X component are used to define the
                        pen "color" to use with the following data. The
                        least significant digit of the break-point`s
                        corresponding Y component defines the line "style"
                        to use with the data which follows. Each
                        break-point X or Y component can be modified to
                        specify any of 16 colors or 8 line styles using the
                        SELECT 1.8 command. The EDITDATA utility routine
                        and the KEY-IN 4.1 command may also be used to
                        change break-points.

    CINCHING A POINT:   Many of the commands in CURVE DIGITIZER require the
                        CINCHING of a data-point to complete the execution
                        of the function being used. Cinching means to
                        position the cursor exactly on the X,Y coordinate
                        of some previously defined data-point. You will
                        know you have cinched a data-point when you hear an
                        audible beep and concurrently see a list of
                        data-point indices displayed in the Command Message
                        Area. 

                        A table of data-point indices is displayed when 
                        more than one data-point pair is occupying the same
                        X,Y coordinate location. On occasion, complex
                        figures may have many common data-points. Deciding
                        which one to cinch may take some thought, but by
                        use of the Select Point [<-] (backspace) key it is
                        quickly done.

    CINCH LIMIT:        Restricts the range of points the program searches
                        to + or -500 points about the last point cinched.
    [%]                 This feature reduces the time required for the
                        program to move the cursor to the nearest X,Y
                        coordinate using the [ESC] key especially if a
                        drawing consists of several thousand points. See
                        AUTO CINCH. The method will fail, however, if the  
                        nearest point is outside of the above range.

    COMMAND:            A command is an operation invocable from one of the
                        six basic menus by typing its leading letter. It is
                        designed to perform a specific function and
                        frequently requires additional input parameters the
                        user must supply.











==========================================================================
                        PROGRAM  ORGANIZATION                    0.2.5
==========================================================================
    COMMAND MENU:       There are six basic menus from which commands can
                        be called using the Function keys [F1]-[F6]. The
    [F1] - [F6]         six menus are DRAW 1.0, EDIT 2.0, OPERATIONS 3.0,
                        INPUT/OUTPUT 4.0, MISCELLANEOUS 5.0, and ADVANCED
                        OPERATIONS 6.0. 

    COMMAND SUB-MENU:   Certain of the commands, such as AREA 5.4 and
                        DIGITIZ 4.2, require additional input to perform
                        their functions. These commands will produce
                        sub-menus on the right side of the display. 
    CURSOR:             The (target) cursor is a small blinking marker in
                        the form of a cross with an open center. The cursor
                        is present within the Plot Frame whenever you
                        execute commands or provide input parameters. (Also
                        see Extended Cursor). There are also
                        triangular-shaped cursor pointers used in the
                        Command Menu Area which indicate the function
                        currently being selected and on occasion, a
                        standard blinking dash cursor will be found within
                        certain sub-menus. 

    CURSOR COLOR:       Press [ ] (underscore key) to change the "target"
                        cursor`s color. The color of every line segment
    [ ]                 assigned to COLOR=8 by use of the SELECT 1.8
                        command will be changed also. A maximum of sixteen
                        colors is available.

    CURSOR CONTROL KEYS:
                        Eight of the numeric keypad keys are used by CURVE
                        DIGITIZER for cursor control. The four arrow keys
                        [^], [>], [v], and [<] move the cursor up, right,
                        down, or to the left, respectively.

                        The [Home], [Pg Up], [Pg Dn], and [End] keys move
                        the cursor at 45 degree angles.

                        From the center of the Plot Frame, the [Home] key
                        moves the cursor diagonally toward the upper left-
                        corner; the [Pg Up] key moves it diagonally toward
                        the upper-right corner; the [Pg Dn] key moves it
                        diagonally toward the lower-right corner; and the
                        [End] key moves it diagonally toward the lower-
                        left corner.

                        Note: The program automatically locks down the
                        NUM-LOCK key initially. This is necessary for
                        proper keypad cursor control. If the NUM-LOCK key
                        is inadvertently depressed during normal operations
                        and you should attempt using the numeric keypad
                        keys, the program reverts to the 













==========================================================================
                        PROGRAM  ORGANIZATION                    0.2.6
==========================================================================
                        STEP SIZE input mode. (See STEP SIZE below). To
                        correct this, simply depress the NUM-LOCK again,
                        and press [Return] to exit the STEP entry mode.

                        Please examine the keyboard layout on the opposite
                        pages for further details of key usage.

    EXTENDED CURSOR:    The cursor in the Plot Frame is a small cross with
                        an opening in the center for precise positioning.
    [+]                 Sometimes it is useful to use a cursor with longer
                        cross hairs. To use this cursor, called the
                        Extended Cursor, press [+]. To turn it off, press
                        [+] again.

    GRID COLOR:         If a grid is present, both its color and the frame
                        border will be changed each time the [=] key is
    [=]                 pressed. The color of every line element assigned
                        to Color=1 by use of the SELECT 1.8 command will
                        also be similarly changed.

    HELP SCREENS:       Press [TAB] to invoke the on-screen HELP system.
                        This gives you access to a concise description of
    [TAB]               the principle commands. Move the bar cursor to the
                        appropriate selection and press [Return] to display
                        a description of the command. Press [ESC] to see
                        the second HELP screen. By pressing [ESC] a third
                        time, a HELP screen covering the usage of special
                        keys will be accessed. Pressing [ESC] a fourth time
                        displays a second page of key usage. Finally,
                        pressing [ESC] the fifth time returns the program
                        to the menu from which the HELP screen was called.
                        The HELP screen can only be invoked from a command
                        menu, not from within a command or a sub-menu.

    INTERRUPT           To interrupt a drawing to the screen or plotter,
                        press [ESC] during the plotting process. [ESC]
    [ESC]               should be pressed three times in quick succession
                        to interrupt plotting during the Layers mode. (See
                        LAYERS 4.8). The message "Partial Plot" appears in
                        the Command Message Area upon interruption and the
                        drawing will appear incomplete on screen even
                        though the entire X,Y data set is present in
                        memory. Use of the [$] (REFRESH) key or any command
                        which refreshes the screen will serve to regenerate
                        the entire drawing.

    LAYERS:             A special and powerful technique which allows the
                        development of large and complex drawings which
    [#]                 would normally exceed the memory capacity of a
                        single Plot Frame. 













==========================================================================
                        PROGRAM  ORGANIZATION                    0.2.7
==========================================================================
    MENU COLOR:         Pressing [(] changes the color of the Command Menu
                        messages displayed along the right margin of the
    [(]                 screen. A maximum of sixteen colors is available.

    MOUSE:              An alternative input and cursor-control technique 
                        requiring special hardware. CURVE DIGITIZER
    [@]                 supports use of a mouse device only within the Plot
                        Frame at this time. The [@] key toggles three
                        cursor modes. Mode 1 (the default) allows a user to
                        control the cursor using the numeric keypad.

                        Mode 2 allows movement of the cursor at medium
                        speed and with high-accuracy using the mouse
                        device. It moves the cursor only in displacements
                        equal to the current step-size.

                        Mode 3 uses an external mouse driver provided with
                        the mouse hardware and offers high-speed cursor
                        movement with relatively low-precision positioning.
                        Mode 3 primarily offers a quick sketch mode. 
    PAGE NUMBERING:     Within the section of the manual discussing each
                        command, the pages are numbered according to  the
                        command number. The numbering scheme is as follows:
                        m.c.p, where m is the menu the command is called
                        from, c is the command position on the menu in
                        question and the p is the page number within the
                        section describing the command. An example is [C] =
                        CIRCLE 1.5.1 where the CIRCLE command is the fifth
                        command on Menu 1 and this is the first page of
                        narrative and examples.

                        NOTE: All page numbers refer to the two-page spread
                        in question. The left-hand side of the page
                        contains graphics examples and the right-hand side
                        is the narrative write-up. 

    REFRESH:            To regenerate the plot within the Plot Frame,
    [$]                 press [$].

    REMEMBER:           Using the Remember Key is a method of saving and
                        recalling the Start and End indices of two X,Y
    [/]                 data-points. The [/] key activates a scratch-pad
                        buffer which can hold two values. Note the
                        illustration to the left which graphically shows
                        what is being explained in this narrative. The way
                        the Remember Key works is as follows:

                        *  To save the X,Y index of a point, first cinch
                        the point and press [/].














==========================================================================
                        PROGRAM  ORGANIZATION                    0.2.8
==========================================================================
                        *  To save a second point, cinch it and press [/]
                        again.

                        *  Each successive time a point is cinched and [/]
                        is pressed, the older of the two points remembered
                        will be lost and the newer is shifted into the
                        buffer.

                        *  To review (or display) the contents of the
                        Remember Key buffer, press [/] with NO point(s)
                        cinched. The contents will be shown in the Command
                        Results Area.

                        *  To use a set of remembered values as input,
                        press [/] whenever a command asks for the START and
                        END positions at the time the command issues the
                        START= prompt. The Remember Key is smart enough to
                        know which of the two values in the stack goes with
                        each prompt. It assumes the smaller value goes with
                        the START request and the larger with the END.
                        Hence, you do not have to remember which value was
                        stored first nor do the values have to be stored in
                        any particular order when they are Remembered.

                        *  The values in the Remember Key buffer are
                        automatically set when any of the following
                        conditions occur: 1). When the READ 4.3 or FREEZE
                        5.1 commands read in a file with the suffix .DAT,
                        the Remember Key buffer is loaded with the start
                        and end point indices of the file read. 2). When
                        the READ 4.3 command appends a file to a plot in
                        memory, the Remember Key buffer is loaded with the
                        first and last points of the appended data-points
                        as they are read into memory. 3). When the SYMBOL
                        5.6 command reads in a symbol from a data file, the
                        start and end values of the symbol in memory are
                        simultaneously loaded into the Remember Key buffer.
                        4). When the LAYERS mode is ON.

    RETURN:             The convention used throughout CURVE DIGITIZER is
                        that whenever an input response is required after
                        the OK? prompt, pressing the [Return] key alone is
                        the same as entering a [Y] (for Yes) [Return]. At
                        any other input response, pressing [Return] implies
                        use of the default value or setting [N] (for No)
                        [Return]. [Return] is also pressed after the entry
                        of a number or filename.

    SELECT POINT:       The [<-] or Backspace key is used to step through a
                        list of multiple data-points defined at the same
    [<-]                X,Y coordinate location and allows the cinching of
                        a point other than the last one created.











==========================================================================
                        PROGRAM  ORGANIZATION                    0.2.9
==========================================================================
                        When the cursor is moved to cinch a point which
                        overlays one or more other points, the Command
                        Results Area displays a table of data-points
                        present at that same X,Y coordinate location.

                        If the table of points is excessively long, press
                        any key to interrupt the listing on the screen,
                        then press [<-] to make the selection.

                        If no point within the list of multiple points is
                        specified as the one to be "cinched", CURVE
                        DIGITIZER assumes the last point created is
                        cinched. To choose any other point, press the [<-]
                        key which displays a special triangular cursor.
                        Continue to press [<-] to successively select a
                        data-point to be cinched.

    STEP SIZE:          The line just below the menu title on the Display
                        Layout shows the Step Size. This is the increment
    [0]-[9], [.]        of relative movement the cursor traverses for each
                        depression of a cursor-movement key. Initially,
                        this Step Size is set to .25 units. This may be
                        instantly changed by typing in a new value using
                        the upper row of numeric keys, then pressing
                        [Return] or any directional key.

                        The physical displacement of the cursor on-screen
                        is affected by the scaling of the Plot Frame. The
                        smallest acceptable step size is .00001 and the
                        largest is 999989. If you specify a Step Size
                        larger than the frame limits, that is, such that
                        the next step will move the cursor off screen, the
                        computer will sound an audible error signal and the
                        cursor will not move. NOTE: If the cursor key is
                        depressed once, the cursor will move a distance
                        precisely equal to the current step size providing
                        the direction is vertical or horizontal. If a
                        diagonal direction is selected, the cursor moves a
                        distance equal to the square root of 2 (=1.414)
                        times the STEP SIZE. Thus, diagonal steps are
                        actually somewhat longer than vertical or
                        horizontal steps.  This is to insure that if the
                        cursor is moved to any diagonal position that this
                        position can also be reached by stepping the cursor
                        along the vertical or horizontal directions.

    STEP SYNC:          Allows for the synchronization (or realignment) of
                        an offset cursor to a nearby position normally
    [INS]               addressable using the current step size.














==========================================================================
                        PROGRAM  ORGANIZATION                    0.2.10
==========================================================================
    XMIN, XMAX, YMIN, YMAX:
                        The variables XMIN, XMAX, YMIN and YMAX, are the
                        X,Y limits in the users units with respect to the
                        Plot Frame. XMIN is the minimum X value represented
                        by the left side of the Plot Frame. XMAX, YMIN, and
                        YMAX, are respectively, represented by the right,
                        bottom, and top of the Plot Frame and regarded as
                        the maximum X, minimum Y and maximum Y limits. The
                        XYLMTS 4.7 command provides a direct method of
                        setting these variables.





















































==========================================================================
                        APPENDIX C: UTILITY ROUTINES            Page  1
==========================================================================
                        CURVE DIGITIZER includes three utility routines to
                        perform certain dedicated functions. 

                        SLIDESHO provides output to a variety of parallel
                        printers from binary picture (.PIC) files. 

                        PLOTFILE draws plotter-command (.PLT) files on a
                        plotter. 

                        EDITDATA enables the generation and revision of
                        ASCII data (.DAT) files readable by CURVE
                        DIGITIZER`s TEXT 5.5 command.

                        These utilities are executed from the DOS prompt. 

    1. SLIDESHO -- Dumps "Picture" Files To Printers.

                        From the DOS prompt, type [SLIDESHO] [Return] to
                        run this program.
                        
                        If you are using the Hercules Monochrome program        
                        version, you must have first invoked the correct printer
                        driver using the HARDCOPY utility routine on your       
                        AUTODIMENSIONING diskette. See the GETTING STARTED      
                        section, page 0.0.2.
                                    
                        The first message is:

                        MOUNT DATA DISK AND ENTER DRIVE LETTER

                        Enter an appropriate drive identifier (including a
                        pathname, if applicable). Afterwards, a menu will
                        follow showing a list of printers supported.

                        TYPE OF PRINTER

                        1. EPSON LX-80
                        2. EPSON RX-80/100
                        3. EPSON JX-80
                        4. EPSON FX-80/85
                        5. NEC PC-8023A-C
                        6. IBM OR COMPATIBLE
                        7. EPSON FX-100/185
                        8. EPSON LQ-800/1000
                        9. SLIDESHOW
                           [ESC] TO EXIT

















==========================================================================
                        APPENDIX C: UTILITY ROUTINES            Page  2
==========================================================================
                        Enter a single integer between 1 and 9 for the
                        printer of your choice. To only display a "picture"
                        file on screen, type [9] to select the SLIDESHOW
                        option. The next display is a request for the type
                        of (.PIC) file you have which is based on the video
                        mode you used in the program to generate it. If the
                        file was generated in mode 1 (CGA 640 X 200
                        monochrome), press [1].  If the file was generated
                        in mode 2 (EGA/RGB 640 X 200 color), press [2]. If
                        the file was generated in mode 3 (EGA/ENHANCED 640
                        X 350 color), press [3]. ABSOLUTELY NO PRINTER
                        OUTPUT IS AVAILABLE FROM SLIDESHO USING FILES
                        GENERATED IN MODE 2 OR 3.

                        The next display screen is a files directory
                        showing only the .PIC files on the data disk. In
                        this example, there are two .PIC files on disk. On
                        this same display screen, the program allows the
                        input of up to 10 picture files. The last entry
                        should be [END] [Return].



                        ENTER (UP TO 10) FILE NAMES. . .TYPE `END` TO
                        TERMINATE LIST.

                        1). ? SCRATCH.PIC
                        2). ? Z.PIC 
                        3). ? END

                        On the right margin of the screen, SLIDESHO briefly
                        displays the message READING PICTURE FILE SCRATCH
                        prior to a full Plot-Frame display of the "picture"
                        file selected. Shortly after the display appears,
                        the printer is activated. The picture image is
                        reproduced as hardcopy output from the video raster
                        pixels. The size of the plot is approximately 5.5
                        inches high by 6.5 inches wide. When the plot is
                        complete, the prompt: PRESS THE RETURN KEY TO
                        CONTINUE is given.

                        If you intend to detach a printout from the
                        printer, do so at this time. If the printer is not
                        in the Ready state, be sure to reset it for the
                        next plot.

                        Press [Return] to continue the cycle of displaying
                        and printing picture files until the end of the
                        file list is reached. An ALL DONE message flashes
                        on screen as the program terminates and returns to
                        the DOS.












==========================================================================
                        APPENDIX C: UTILITY ROUTINES            Page  3
==========================================================================
    2. PLOTFILE -- Dumps Plotter-Command Files To Plotters.

                        From the DOS prompt, type [PLOTFILE] [Return] to
                        run PLOTFILE. The first display is a menu listing
                        the plotters currently supported.

                        SELECT PLOTTER TYPE

                        1. HOUSTON INSTRUMENT
                        2. HEWLETT PACKARD
                        3. PIXY-3
                        4. ROLAND DG
                        5. AMDEK
                        6. WATANABE
                        7. EPSON HI-80
                        8. SWEET-P
                        9. Exit to System

                        If you are using a serial Houston Instrument,
                        Hewlett Packard or Pixy-3 plotter, the next display
                        is:

                           SET PLOTTER`S COM PORT & BAUD RATE
                               COM PORT# (1 OR 2)?

                        Once you enter a number for the serial asynchronous
                        communications port to which you have your plotter
                        connected, the program responds with:

                           BAUD RATE (Default = XXXX)?

                        where the value XXXX is different depending on
                        which plotter you are using. You may press [Return]
                        to obtain the Default baud rate.

                        After selecting a plotter type, CURVE DIGITIZER
                        prompts you with: ENTER SELECTED DRIVE?. Respond
                        with the drive designator. Next, a message requests
                        the loading of a data diskette in the selected
                        drive. Assuming the drive was B, a directory is
                        displayed showing only the plotter-command (.PLT)
                        files, like: 

                        WALL    .PLT BOAT   .PLT BOAT1   .PLT
                        HOME    .PLT SLT    .PLT TEMPO2  .PLT
                        TEMPO1  .PLT ENGINE .PLT CLOCK   .PLT
                        SWISS   .PLT FLOW   .PLT VALVSHAD.PLT

                        A FILENAME? is then requested and accompanied by
                        the note, TYPE `END` TO TERMINATE FILENAME LIST OR
                        TYPE `@` TO ESCAPE. Thus, the program will accept
                        up to 99 .PLT files which will be automatically











==========================================================================
                        APPENDIX C: UTILITY ROUTINES            Page  4
==========================================================================
                        graphed as a single drawing on your plotter without
                        further attention. If no .PLT files are present on
                        the data disk, PLOTFILE briefly displays the error
                        message: FILE NOT FOUND. Enter the filename of your
                        choice. Note: Again, PLOTFILE may be aborted at
                        this time by pressing [@].

                        After the filename entry, the option of plotting a
                        box frame around the plot is offered at the prompt:
                        DO YOU WANT A BOX FRAME (Y/N)?. If [Y], CURVE
                        DIGITIZER issues the response:

                        ENTER WIDTH :?
                              HEIGHT:?

                        Press [Return] at both prompts for a 9 X 7 in.
                        frame (Default). When the plotting finished,            
                        the message: REPLOT THIS DIAGRAM (Y/N)? offers the      
                        opportunity to generate another copy of the drawing. If 
                        [Y], PLOTFILE recycles to
                        the request for a BOX FRAME (See above).                
                        If [N], the next message is: PLOT ANOTHER DIAGRAM
                        (Y/N)? If [Y], PLOTFILE returns to the SELECT
                        PLOTTER TYPE menu at the beginning of the program.
                        A [N] gives the `ALL DONE` message as the program
                        terminates and returns to the DOS.

    3. EDITDATA -- Alters Text/Data Files

                        EDITDATA examines and modifies CURVE DIGITIZER data     
                        files. EDITDATA`s 10 powerful commands can assist
                        in making simple changes to a X,Y data array
                        generated by CURVE DIGITIZER.

                        From the DOS prompt, type [EDITDATA] [Return].
                        EDITDATA displays a screen having two windows with
                        the title CURVE DATA EDITOR printed at the top of
                        the screen. 

























==========================================================================
                        APPENDIX C: UTILITY ROUTINES            Page  5
==========================================================================
                        Each display window has a special function. The
                        upper window displays amplifying information
                        concerning program operations. This window gives
                        brief instructions on the usage of each command.
                        The lower window is the X,Y data display. This
                        window displays the X,Y data-points along with
                        their respective indices.

                        A specific data pair can be examined by using
                        either the [^] or [v] keys to page through the
                        data-pairs or by entering a numeric value that is
                        equal to the data-pairs index number. A fixed
                        horizontal bar window crosses the center of this
                        lower window and identifies the index and X,Y data
                        upon which you are currently operating.

                        Once the X,Y data and index numbers are displayed
                        within the bar window, the data can be manipulated
                        by invoking a command. Selecting the data to be
                        modified is done by using the [^] or [v] key on the
                        numeric keypad to increment or decrement the index
                        numbers.

                        Holding down either the [^] or [v] key causes the
                        program to continuously step through the entire
                        data set. To randomly access a specified index,
                        key-in a new index number and press [Return]. This
                        displays the data-pair for that index in the bar
                        window.

                        Selecting commands is accomplished by pressing the
                        [<] or the [>] key on the numeric keypad. This
                        reverses the background color for the selected
                        command. Press [Return] to activate the command.

    ENTER:              To ENTER data, use the [<] or [>] keypad keys to
                        select ENTER, then press [Return]. First enter
                        X-data, then Y-data. To terminate the ENTER mode
                        type [E] [Return] or [END] [Return].

    INSERT:             To INSERT a data-set into an array of data, select
                        INSERT. Now select the index number before which
                        you want to insert a data-point (that is, if the
                        data is to be inserted between items 3 & 4, set the
                        index number to 4) and press [Return]. Continue by
                        entering the X-data and Y-data pair followed by
                        [Return]. The inserted data appears on the screen
                        inside the bar window.















==========================================================================
                        APPENDIX C: UTILITY ROUTINES            Page  6
==========================================================================
    CHANGE:             To CHANGE a set of data, select CHANGE, supply the
                        index number or use the keypad cursor to select the
                        data to be changed and press [Return]. Key-in the
                        X-data and press [Return], then the Y-data and
                        [Return]. If nothing is entered, the values are
                        unchanged. The changes are displayed in the bar
                        window.

    DELETE:             To DELETE a set of data, select DELETE and type the
                        index number or use the keypad cursor to select the
                        data to be deleted and press [Return]. The X,Y data
                        is deleted from the array and from the display.

    FIND:               To FIND a specific X position or Y position value,
                        select FIND and press [Return]. The upper window
                        will display ENTER NUMBER TO BE LOCATED?. Enter a
                        value and press [Return]. Both the X and Y
                        positions of each data point are checked for a
                        match to the input value. If the value is found,
                        the computer beeps and the data-point value along
                        with its index are displayed in the bar window.
                        If more than one data-pair contains the value
                        requested, EDITDATA displays the first match,
                        pauses, then proceeds to display the next match and
                        so on.

    REPLACE:            To REPLACE a position value at each of its
                        occurrences throughout the array, select REPLACE
                        then press [Return]. The upper window prompts:
                        CHANGE ALL THE VALUES OF?. Enter the position 
                        value to be changed throughout the entire data set
                        and press [Return]. The prompt then is: TO THE
                        VALUE OF?. Enter the new value desired in place of
                        the old.                         

    PRINT:              To PRINT the data set, turn on a parallel  printer,
                        select PRINT and press [Return]. At the end of the
                        data, you`ll be asked if you want to PRINT AGAIN?.
                        Enter either [Y] or [N].
























==========================================================================
                        APPENDIX C: UTILITY ROUTINES            Page  7
==========================================================================
    LOAD:               To LOAD data from a disk, select LOAD and press
                        [Return]. The upper window reads ARE YOU SURE YOU
                        WANT TO LOAD NEW DATA (Y/N)?. If [Y], the window
                        displays MOUNT DATA DISK and ENTER DRIVE LETTER
                        (A,B,C or D). Respond with the disk drive
                        designator and pathname, if applicable. The next
                        prompt is: ENTER A FILENAME. Enter the filename and
                        [Return]. 

    SAVE:               To SAVE data on disk, select SAVE and press
                        [Return]. The upper window reads ARE YOU SURE YOU
                        WANT TO SAVE DATA TO DISK (Y/N)?. If [Y], the
                        window displays MOUNT DATA DISK AND ENTER DRIVE
                        LETTER (A,B,C OR D). Key-in the drive letter and
                        pathname, if applicable, in which the data disk is
                        loaded. The prompt appears: ENTER A FILENAME. Enter
                        the filename, then press [Return]. 

    CLEAR:              To CLEAR all data, select CLEAR and press [Return].
                        Upon execution, all data is then cleared.

                        To inspect CURVE DIGITIZER`s plotter frame size and
                        X,Y limits, use the [<] or [>] cursor keys on the
                        numeric keypad to select XMIN, XMAX, YMIN, YMAX,
                        HEIGHT or WIDTH. The upper window will display the
                        current values. To change or modify any of the
                        current values, press [Return] and enter the new
                        value(s).

    EXIT:               To EXIT the program, select EXIT and press
                        [Return]. 
                        































                               REGISTRATION



Once you`ve tried Curve Digitizer and find that you enjoy it and use it
regularly, we encourage you to actually purchase it and register for $149.

                WHY PAY FOR SOFTWARE YOU ARE ALREADY USING?

There are many good reasons to register your copy of Curve Digitizer.

With registration you will receive:

    *  An extensive Technical Reference Manual having over 300 pages
       of illustrated instructions and examples to help you save time
       and get the most of Curve Digitizer`s more advanced features.
       This is a highly acclaimed Technical Reference Manual which
       serves also as a tutorial.

    *  A full year of Telephone Support. If you should get stuck or
       need extra assistance, a C.A.D. consultant is as close as your
       phone to help you at no extra charge. An extended support package
       is also available.

    *  New Product Announcements !!! i.e., new products and update
       announcements, a brochure of available enhancement modules.
       Examples:  DXF file conversion utilities, High resolution printer
       output, Laser printer output,  Architectural, Electronic and Printed
       Circuit board SYMBOL LIBRARIES, Additional Character Fonts,
       ... and so much more !!!

    *  One pair of serialized diskettes consisting of the latest update of
       the program with your own serial number on it for support.

Registration will help you in other ways:

    1.  You pay a reasonable price for your software.
    2.  You can try the software before you buy it.
    3.  You avoid the frustration of copy protection.
    4.  You are supporting the great new Curve Digitizer developments.
    5.  You are supporting the Shareware concept.


Because so many Users do register, Curve Digitizer is becoming the most
popular CAD package in use (est. 70,000 users to date). Registration fees
also allow us to continually refine and develop new products such our as
3-D CAD Curve Perspective. These fees also allow us to provide support
and consultation to users as well as continue providing new software
releases.

So get on board, receive the most from this great program and REGISTER TODAY!!














                                ORDER FORM


Return this form to West Coast Consultants with a check, money order or
charge card information for the option you choose. We also take credit card
phone orders at 619-565-1266. C.O.D orders, please add $5.

California residents please add 7% sales tax. Note: This product is Shareware
only in the United States and Canada.


If you are considering purchasing multiple copies of Curve Digitizer, your
company, school, or agency should contact West Coast Consultants about our
quantity discounts and our corporate support program.



Registered Program, Technical Reference & Support...$149  $_________

80-page User's Guide for Shareware Version 3.5.......$15  $_________

Sales Tax 7% (CA Residents Only)........................  $_________

Shipping and Handling.................................$3  $_________

UPS (C.O.D.)..........................................$5  $_________

Total...................................................  $_________



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