Magnum One

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ Magnum One / Magnum One (Mid-American Digital) (Disc Manufacturing).iso / d26 / dataplot.arc / DATAPLOT.DOC < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1988-05-23 | 38.2 KB | 1,134 lines

D A T A P L O T (tm) Scientific Data Plotting System Version 1.00 Instruction Manual Feb. 1988 Copyright (c) 1987, 1988 by ComPlus Professional Services P.O.Box 173, Station G, Calgary, AB, T3A 2G2 Canada <<< All Rights Reserved >>> DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services LICENSE AGREEMENT ----------------- DATAPLOT (tm) is developed and published by ComPlus Professional Services of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A limited license is granted to all users of this program to make copies of the program files and its related documentations, and to distribute them to other users subject to the following conditions : 1. The program, its related files and documentations are not modified in any way and all files are distributed together in their original form. 2. No fee is charged for the software and documentations, except for a small distribution and media fee. 3. The program, its related files and documentation may not be package with any other software or hardware without written agreement from the author. DISCLAIMER ---------- Although extra efforts have been exercised to ensure this program and its documentation to be accurate and precise, they are provided to you on an "as is" basis. No warranty of any kind (direct or imply) is made with respect to this program and its related files. ComPlus Professional Services and the author of this program shall not be liable for any damages, including but not limit to any lost profits, lost savings or other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of this program. The user assumes all risks with respect to the accuracy, quality, reliability, performance, or otherwise of such program. TRADEMARKS ---------- DATAPLOT - ComPlus Professional Services MSDOS - Microsoft Corporation HPGL - Hewett-Packard Company AUTOCAD - Autodesk, Inc. HERCULES - Hercules Computer Technology LOTUS,123,SYMPHONY - Lotus Development Corporation IBM, IBM PC/XT/AT - International Business Machines Corporation 1 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services INTRODUCTION ------------ DATAPLOT is a general purpose two dimensional data plotting system specially designed for scientific and engineering applications. Its simple menu driven user interface allows quick and effective method for scientific data analysis and presentation, and yet powerful enough to produce publication quality graphs. Here are some of the basic features of the plotting system : o All functions and commands are menu driven. o Full function graph setup editor provided to define axes, grids, scales, title, labels, plot definitions. o support many graph types, axis styles, plot styles. o graph setup can be saved on disk for later user. o graph types include linear plot, single and multiple cycle logarithmic plot. o plot styles include scatter, continuous, step, and needle. o plot up to 10 curves on a single graph. o support most common graphic adapters and HPGL compatible plotters. 2 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services DISTRIBUTION FILES ------------------ DATAPLOT.EXE main executable program DATAPLOT.DOC instruction manual (this file) DATAPLOT.TXT additional information (README file) README.BAT readme batch file for reading DATAPLOT.TXT *.CNF sample configuration files *.DAT sample data files other utility files SYSTEM REQUIREMENT ------------------ DATAPLOT requires the followings to operate: o IBM PC/XT/AT or true compatible o 256 K or more RAM o one or more disk drive o MS/PC DOS 3.0 or later o one of the following supported graphic display adapters - IBM Color Graphic Adapter (CGA) - IBM Enhanced Graphic Adapter with 256K memory (EGA) - Hercules compatible monochrome adapter (HGC) o optional HPGL compatible plotter for hard copy output o optional microsoft compatible mouse and driver o optional math coprocessor recommended This program requires a minimum of 256 Kilobytes RAM to run. More memories are recommended for handling large amount of plot data. Additional memory may require to run DOS command and some of the special features. 3 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services INSTALLATION AND USAGE ---------------------- The plotting system does not require any initial installation to start. It was designed for simple usage. All necessary modules and device drivers are built into a single executable file. The program can automatically adapt itself to one of the supported graphic devices. The program also supports MS compatible mouse for menu selection. If available, the mouse drive must be loaded prior to the start of the program. Please check your installation manual accomplish your mouse. DATAPLOT can be run from any directory as long as DATAPLOT.EXE is placed in directory search path. To start the plotting system, simply run the program at DOS prompt, such as : C:>DATAPLOT The program is fully menu driven and its operations are extremely straight forward. All commands can be selected using the up/down cursor keys with the Enter key for picking the selection. In most cases, <Esc> key can be used to cancel a selection or command. If mouse is available, it can simulate the cursor keys to move between selections. Its left-button is used to pick a selection (similar to the Enter key). The right-button is used to cancel a selection (similar to the Esc key). The center button on a three- button mouse is not used. Note that the mouse buttons can not be used if keyboard input is expected, such as file name entry. 4 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services GENERAL OVERVIEW ---------------- This data plotting system provides a very simple and yet powerful method for handling two dimensional data. It is specially designed for scientific and engineering applications. Many graph types such as linear, single and multiple cycle logarithm graphs are supported along with various styles. All graph parameters, description are stored in a special graph configuration file. This special file contains all necessary information, except the data itself, to construct a graph. The necessary information includes the graph title, graph type, grid style, axis scales, data plotting style and source of data, etc. A completely menu driven graph configuration setup editor is built into the system to speed up configuration procedure. After the graph parameters are defined, entire set of data can be loaded into memory for initial plotting. The graph parameters can be changed while plot data remain in memory. Graph setup parameters can be optimized effectively for best representation of the actual data. Axes can be expanded to concentrate at certain range of data or to get an overview of data trend. Finally graph may be produced on supporting plotter devices. Currently the plotting system accepts free format ASCII data file. Data file must be prepared prior to the start of data plotting. Data can be entered with a standard text editor or generated by another program. 5 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services DATA PLOTTING PROCEDURE ----------------------- The following outlines the typical procedure required to produce a graph using this data plotting system. 1. Determine the graph type, format and its layout. Also determine the source of data, data format, plotting method, etc. 2. Generate and/or prepare data file for plotting. You may have to invoke another program, use a favorite editor, or download from a remote computer. 3. Start DATAPLOT, create or make changes to existing graph setup configuration file according to the specified requirement. 4. View and change graph setup until satisfactory. 5. Load graph data into memory, plot graph with data on screen for verification. Adjust graph setup parameters for best result. 6. When satisfied, produce graph on plotter if necessary. 7. Save graph setup to file for later use. 6 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services USING THE DATA PLOTTING SYSTEM ------------------------------ To demonstrate various features of the plotting system, several configuration files and data files are included in this distribution. Please check the file directory list of files for their names. Graph configuration files can be identified with ".CNF" extension. You are invited to plot at least some of these files to get acquainted with the capabilities of the system. The plotting system contains a single executable file : DATAPLOT.EXE. To start the program, simply type "DATAPLOT" at DOS prompt and terminate with <Enter> key. Initially DATAPLOT will attempt to decide the graphic adapter type in your system. If your graphic adapter is not supported or it is not fully compatible, dataplot will assume the IBM CGA. And if your graphic adapter supports colors, dataplot will ask whether you have a color monitor attached. The first menu screen will appear when the program successfully determined your graphic adapter. The first menu, called the "MAIN COMMAND" menu, provides choices of the following : - EXIT TO SYSTEM - EDIT PLOT SETUP - START PLOT DATA - RUN DOS COMMAND Up/down cursor keys (or mouse) are used to move between selections. Press <Enter> key selects the highlighted function. EXIT TO SYSTEM -------------- This selection provides the only proper way of leaving the system. Confirmation is required to avoid unwanted exit. All data in memory will be lost. The program can also be stopped at any time by typing <Ctrl C> from the keyboard. 7 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services EDIT PLOT SETUP --------------- This selection brings up the graph configuration editor. The editor is a menu driven interactive editor completed with its own command menu at right side of screen. The main part of the screen displays some of the current configurations. Editor commands include : - Exit Plot Setup - Load-Create Setup - Save Current Setup - Enter Graph Title - Select Graph Type - Select Grid Color - Define Axes - Define Plots - Preview Setup While most of these commands are self explanatory, some require brief descriptions. Various grid types are provided for different applications. Sample configuration files are provided for all grid types. To familiarize the plotting system, you can use the "Load-Create Setup" command to load some of the sample configuration files. In "Load-Create Setup", only the file name, without the extension, is required. Default extension ".CNF" will be added to the filename automatically. When attempt to load an non-existing setup file, you can select to create a new one in memory. However, the new configuration is not explicitly saved unless "Save Current Setup" command is used. All files with extension of ".CNF" in the current directory is displayed when no filename is entered. The "Define Axes" command provides a lower level of editing for defining the two axes. The two axes, horizontal (x) or vertical (y), are defined independently. The current axes configurations are presented on screen, and are organized into several fields. Cursor keys (up/down/left/right/Home/End) or mouse can be used to select a field. Field values are changed simply by entering a new value. Pop up selection menu are provided for non-numeric value fields when <Enter> key is pressed. The <Esc> key can be used to cancel an entry before the <Enter> key is pressed. 8 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services - Axis configuration data include axis label, axis type, minimum and maximum, minor and major tick, axis crossing. Most axis configurations are self explanatory, however, tick marks and axis crossing require further description. Minor tick size is the distance (in plot unit) between two small ticks. The major tick is the distance between two larger ticks. Axis crossing is the location where the other axis crosses the given axis. Furthermore, axis minimum does not necessary smaller than axis maximum, together, they define the axis direction. A few trials with the setup will clarify the convention used here. - Autoscaling feature is provided on either axis. If enable, axis minimum and maximum will be adjusted to the limits of the plot data values when loaded. Please note that tick values and axis crossing will be changed automatically according to the minimum and maximum loaded data values. Autoscaling only provides an initial axis setting to view data, adjustment on axis settings is sometimes necessary to produce satisfactory result. - When setting up a multiple cycle logarithm axis, the plotting range (minimum and maximum) must be able to fit into the selected cycle. If in autoscaling mode, the number of cycle (except for single cycle plot) is automatically adjusted to fit data range. - <Esc> key is used to terminate "Define Axes". Before return to the editor command menu, all axis settings are automatically scanned for possible error. You can return to "Define Axes" if one or more errors are found. The "Define Plots" command provides another sub-level menu for editing plot definition. Up to 10 plots may be defined in each configuration without clutter the final graph. Available "Define Plot" commands include : - Exit Define Plot - Create New Plot - Delete This Plot - Change This Plot - Select Prev Plot - Select Next Plot - Only one plot definition can be selected to display and modify on the main screen. One of the select plot commands can be used to step through plot definitions. Changeable plot parameters includes plot name, source of plot data (filename), x data column, y data column, skip data points, plot type, plot color, dot style, line style, and data legend position. "Change This Plot" command allows change to any of the plot parameters. Cursor keys are used to select parameter to change (as in "Define Axis" command). 9 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services - Plot name is used to identify plot data and is drawn as data legend if necessary. Data filename is standard DOS filename, that contains the plot data. Data file format is described in the "Data File Format" section, along with description on data column. Plot data can be skipped to handle large data set. - Plot type, plot color, dot style, line style and data legend can be selected from corresponding pop up menu. Currently the following plot types are provided : . continuous line plot . scatter point plot . combine scatter point and line plot . step (staircase) plot . needle plot - Various line styles and dot styles are also provided for either scatter or continuous line plot. Data legend can be placed at one of the four corners or simply disable (not shown). - Two additional function keys are accepted in edit plot command. Function key <F9> can be used to display current directory, which is useful for entering data file names. Function key <F10> can be used to step through plot definitions. This is particular useful for changing many plot definitions at the same time. The "Preview Setup" command in the main editor menu let you look at your graph setup on screen WITHOUT plotting the data. You can further modify your graph parameters as required. The escape key can be used to terminate the screen plot at anytime if necessary. The "Exit Plot Setup" command terminates the graph configuration editor and return to the main command menu screen. However, the graph configuration parameters are neither saved automatically nor destroyed. You can switch between main command menu and the configuration editor menu without losing the configuration data. START PLOT DATA --------------- When the graph parameters are set, you can select the "Start Plotting" command from the main menu for data plotting. The "Start Plot Data" consists of another set of commands specially for manipulating plot data. The start plot data commands that can be selected from the command menu include : 10 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services - Exit to Main Menu - Load New Setup - Load Plot Data - Erase Plot data - Begin Plotting - Change Parameters The "Load New Setup" command allows loading of previously saved configuration from disk. Setup that loaded from the configuration editor menu is retained, and vice versa. The "Load Plot Data" command is used to load the data into memory. A summary of the defined plots is shown. Plots are selected by typing the plot number. Minimum and maximum values as well as total number of data points are shown when data are loaded. Since all data must be loaded before plotting, you must have enough memory to store all the required plot data. If autoscaling mode is enable, the corresponding axis limits, as well as tick increment, will be adjusted automatically. The "Erase Plot Data" command is used alternatively to remove previously loaded data from memory to avoid plotting. Only loaded data will be plotted. Use "Begin Plotting" command to plot the loaded data. You can select plot on screen, plot to plotter directly, or plot to file (in plotter command format). Again, the escape key can be used to stop plotting if necessary, before the plot is completed. When plot directly to the plotter, make sure the serial interface parameters are set correctly, and the plotter is ready before starting the plot. Use "Change Parameter" command for changing the plotting ranges (axes minimums and maximums) in order to examine certain range of data or simply to get a better view of data by expanding the axes. Again, if in autoscaling mode, tick values will be adjusted when either minimum or maximum is changed. You can even go back to the configuration editor through the main command menu to change most other settings without affecting the loaded data. This allows you to try several settings for the same set of data. Of course, you cannot change some of the plot definitions such as the data source file name, otherwise, previously loaded data are removed automatically. You must then re-load the plot data from disk. Please also note that when autoscaling is active, axes limits are changed automatically when data is reloaded again even the changed parameters are saved. Autoscaling must be turned off to preserve changed axes parameters. 11 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services RUN DOS COMMAND --------------- From the main menu, this command execute another copy of the DOS command shell. COMMAND.COM must be available. You can run all DOS specific commands such as dir, copy, etc. or execute any other programs such as data collecting or data editing programs. You can return to DATAPLOT with DOS exit command. DATA FILE FORMAT ---------------- The plotting system uses a very simple and straight forward data file format convention. All data files are standard text files (ASCII format) so a normal text editor can be used to create or edit the data manually. Many programs can be configured to produce such data file. Other common data file formats will be supported (see continuous enhancement section). The followings are rules and assumptions applicable to the data file (You can refer to the sample data files as examples) : - Data file must be in standard ASCII format, line oriented, with carriage return and line feed to separate lines. - Line starts with a non-numeric character are assumed comment lines. Leading spaces and tabs are ignored. Blank lines are allowed and are treated as comment lines. - Maximum characters per line is 132. - Each data line consists of 1 or more data fields separated with at least one space or one tab character. - All data are in free real number format, Plus and minus signs can be used, comma is not allowed. - Column numbers are used to identify data field. Data field number starts from 1. Data field number 0 represents the data counter. - Only two data fields (x- and y-field) are used for each data plot. Many sets of plot data can share the same file with different data field. - Data must be sorted sequentially in plotting order (particular in continuous line plot) before loading into the plotting system. 12 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services OTHER UTILITIES --------------- If you are using either Lotus 1-2-3 or Symphony, two macro utilities are provided to prepare data file suitable for dataplot directly from your spreadsheet. DPLOTSYM.MLB This Symphony macro utilities will generate an ASCII data file named PLOT.DAT from your worksheet. The following instructions should be followed : (1) Copy DPLOTSYM.MLB into your SYMPHONY MACRO library, (2) Create / prepare your plot data on your Symphony worksheet, (3) Load the macro utility into your worksheet by typing : (i) <SERVICES>AAMACROMGR.APP<CR>Q (ii) <SERVICES>MLDPLOTSYM.MLB<CR>Q (4) Hit <Alt>D ("Alt" and "D" key together) to start the macro, (5) Move the cursor to the upper left corner of the plot data, (6) Anchor the cursor by pressing the <TAB> or "." key, (7) Move the cursor to highlight the desire plot data, (8) When finish, hit the <Return> key (9) A file name PLOT.DAT is created and ready for DATAPLOT. (10) Rename the data file if necessary. 13 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services DPLOT123.WK1 This Lotus 1-2-3 worksheet contains a macro utility to extract plot data. It also works with other 1-2-3 compatible programs. Desire plot data is created on this worksheet (you should always have several backups of this file). The following instructions should be followed : (1) Load a copy of the worksheet DPLOT123.WK1, (2) Create your plot data on the worksheet, (3) When the plot data are ready, type <Alt>D to begin macro, (4) Move the cursor to the upper left corner of the plot data, (5) Anchor the cursor by pressing the "." key, (6) Move the cursor to highlight the desire plot data, (7) Press <Return> key to create PLOT.DAT from the plot data, (8) Save the worksheet with a different name if necessary, (9) Rename PLOT.DAT if necessary, the file is ready for DATAPLOT. 14 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services HARD COPY OUTPUT ---------------- You can get hard copy output through "Begin Plotting" command. This dataplot version is configured to produce HPGL compatible output either on asynchronous communication port 1 (COM1) directly or onto a disk file. Direct support for communication port 2 (COM2) is only available to registered user as an installation option. To use direct plotter output through COM1, you must set the communication port's parameters, such as baud rate, data bit, parity, etc., correctly before you can send your graph to the plotter. DOS MODE command can be used for this purpose. An HPGL compatible plotter must be connected to COM1 before plotting begins. To produce your graph output on a disk file, you must provide a valid DOS filename. The plot file will contain HPGL commands necessary to construct the graph. This file may then be send to another computer, and/or to the plotter later through DOS copy or print commands. CONTINUOUS ENHANCEMENT ---------------------- ComPlus Professional Services is committed to support this program continuously. The followings are some of the improvements and enhancements that we are working on : o support for more hardware devices including printers o line smoothing features and statistical functions o date and time functions o polar coordinates plotting o ternary diagram plotting o user comments and notes on graph o support other input data file format (e.g. Lotus files) o support other output plot format (e.g. AutoCad support) All registered users are guaranteed to have access to all future updates. 15 DATAPLOT version 1.00 ComPlus Professional Services USER SUPPORT SOFTWARE --------------------- This program is currently distributed under "User Support Software" concept. Anyone may legally obtain a copy of this program in its original form for evaluation purpose. You may try this program for a short period of time up to 4 weeks. If you continue to use this program after the evaluation period, a mandatory registration is required (see registration and ordering information). If this program is not of any use to you, you should discontinue using it. In either case, you are encouraged to copy and share this program and its documentation with others under the terms and conditions of the license agreement indicated. REGISTRATION AND ORDERING INFORMATION ------------------------------------- All persons who found this program useful are encouraged to become registered user. You, as a registered user, will receive the latest version of this program along with all support files plus a printed detail manual. In addition, you will receive a special configuration program allowing you to customize some of the parameters, including graph aspect ratio, communication port, default display device, etc. Since not all future updates of this program will be available to general public under user-support software method, you are guaranteed to have access to all revisions and updates. In most case, only a minimal charge may apply to cover diskette and shipping cost. Whether you choose to register now or not at this stage, you are cordially invited to try out this program, and fill out the enclosed software performance report with comments and suggestions. Please send the order form, the software performance report and any comment and suggestion or question to : ComPlus Professional Services P.O.Box 173, Station G Calgary, Alberta CANADA T3A 2G2 16 ================== DATAPLOT ver. 1.00 ORDER FORM ================== DATE: ________________________________ +--------------------------------+ |Order from : | | | NAME: ________________________________ | ComPlus Professional Services | | P.O.Box 173, Station G, | ADDRESS: (Please print) | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | | | _________________________________ +--------------------------------+ | | _________________________________ | Computer Type: _______________ | | | _________________________________ | DOS version : ________________ | | | TEL. _________________________________ +--------------------------------+ ============================================================================== QUANTITY* ITEM EACH TOTAL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ________ DATAPLOT program register user version US$68.00 _________ (includes program disk and manual) Outside USA and CANADA shipping charge US$10.00 _________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Disk Format : ___ 3 1/2" ___ 5 1/4" Total Amount _________ ============================================================================== Payment Method (Please check one) : ___ Cheque/Money Order (Payable to ComPlus Professional Services) ___ Visa ___ MasterCard Card Number : __________________________________ Expiry Date : __________________________________ Signature : __________________________________ (Credit card order must be signed) * Note: Each registration copy of DATAPLOT is licensed to run on a single CPU only. Site license for 10 or more copies is available. ******************************************************************************* ** ** ** SOFTWARE PERFORMANCE REPORT ** ** ** ******************************************************************************* Name : ________________________________________ Date : ____________________ Addr : ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Tel. ______________________ User Registration Number : ____________________ Product Ver. ______________ Computer Type : _______________________________________________________________ DOS Version : ___________________________ Memory size : ______________________ Display Hardware : ____________________________________________________________ Hardcopy Device : _____________________________________________________________ +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Description : | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Comment : | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ (Attach separate sheet if necessary)