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- DRAWFUNC - 2d parametric curves drawing program
- -----------------------------------------------
-
- This program allows drawing of 2D free form explicit algebraic
- curves of the form: x = X(t), y = Y(t), or y = f(x), where t is the
- parametric domain parameter.
- The program displays the curve by sampling, and approximating
- (with settable accuracy) it as piecewise linear polylines. It it also
- possible to symbolically derive the curve and simultaneously display the
- curve and its 1st 2nd and 3rd derivatives.
- An on line help is available (you can modify it (!) if you like, as it
- is all saved in the drawfn3d.hlp plain ascii file).
-
- Options:
- --------
- -z : displays current version and state as read from configuration file
- drawfunc.cfg (see below).
-
- Configuration:
- --------------
- The program can be configured using a configuration file named drawfunc.cfg.
- This is a plain ascii file you can edit directly and set the parameters
- according to the comments there. executing 'drawfunc -z' will show the
- current configuration as read from the configuration file. This file can be
- in any directory which is in your path - the same place as drawfunc.exe is
- probably a good choice.
- The program was mainly tested on HERCULES graphics card, some on CGA,
- and almost nothing on a VGA system. However it uses the Turbo C BGI excellent
- package and so there is a good chance it will work on the laters, without any
- problem. I am going to fully support only HERCULES card, till I will have
- enough money to buy new VGA (you can buy me one!).
- The BGI autodetect feature is used, but if this fails, or the VGA mode does
- not work as you expect, you can always coerce it to a specific card - see
- the drawfunc.cfg file.
- The program will use 80?87 if it detects one - again uses the Turbo C 80?87
- autodetect, or will run (much!) slower without it...
- The program will use the mouse, if detected. If this detection fails you can
- coerce it (to TRUE - exists, or FALSE) in the drawfunc.cfg configuration file.
-
- Usage:
- ------
- The control of the program is performed by moving the graphical cursor along
- the menu and performing EXECUTE operation (see below). Moving the cursor can
- be made using the numerical keypad/arrows (shifted for faster movement) or
- if mouse is available, using the mouse. Two operation are defined and allowed:
- EXECUTE - the <Return> key on the keyboard, or left mouse button if exists.
- ABORT - the <Space> key on the keyboard, or right mouse button if exists.
- The EXECUTE operation is used to request performing the selected menu item.
- The ABORT operation is used to request abortion of current operation (handy for
- big data files).
- In addition if the first character of the menu entry is unique (i.e. only one
- menu entry starts with the letter X) that letter may be used to pick that
- entry.
- ALT-Q can be used, at any time the cursor is shown, for program abortion
- exactly as 'Quit' menu item.
-
- Bugs:
- -----
- O.k. if you do have any question, suggestion, or even want to report a bug
- (including VGA problems, but I dont promise anything about this one), feel
- free to send me email (see below)
-
- Feel free to make copies of this program, and distribute them FREE of
- charge, provided that all this package is distributed.
- I am not going to be responsible for any damage of any kind, that this
- package may cause (I always wanted to say that...), but I hope you will
- enjoy it as I did my best you will. At list I enjoyed writing it.
-
- Have Fun
-
- Gershon Elber
- gershon@cs.utah.edu
-