Index of /tcl/ftparchive/sorted/graphics/tdcad2.0b

 Name                   Last modified     Size  Description

 Parent Directory       13-Feb-99 13:26      -  
 README                 25-Jul-94 16:12     4k  
 tdcad2.0b.tar.gz       01-Aug-94 00:00   500k  

Installation:
- Pick a directory; 'cd' there
- Untar/Unshar package in directory
- Make sure the magic cookie in tdcad.tcl is pointing to the location of
     wish.  ex:  #!/.../wish -f
- Make sure the variable gvar(HOMEDIR) is set to point to the directory that
     hold the program (ie: the directory that the file was untar in)
- tdcad format has the suffix 'tkobj' (ex: fonts.tkobj); this is a direct dump
     of command from tk which makes it very easy to change using your favorite
     editor and very fast to load and save.
  'pattern.tkobj' file contains gradient patterns of (normal,ord_dith,
     magic_sq,dot_diff,one_baron,halftone3x3
  'vfont.tkobj' file contains the sentence "The quick brown fox jumps over
     the lazy dog." for most of the available fonts.
  'vette.tkobj' file contains the conversion of a vette from autocad dxf to
     tk using the dxf.tcl program.
  'quickref.tkobj' file contains a brief description of each commands.
  'morph.tkobj' file show what the vector morph package can do.  this file
     contains relative path and therefore will only load if 'cd' there.
     'morph.ps' is the postscript dump of 'morph.tkobj'
- The ./icon directory contains bitmap used as icon in the program
  the variable gvar(ICONDIR) is use to point to it
  The ./bitmaps directory contains bitmap used as fillstyle; one directory
  per menu item; under each directory make sure 
     pat0.cad      is for no fill
     pat[1-7].cad  is for non opaque pattern fills
     pat8.cad      is white solid (opaque) fill
  the variable gvar(BITMAPDIR) is use to point to it
  The ./vfont directory contains vector font data in tk syntax (that is why
  they have the suffix 'tkfont')

Features:
- Vector fonts (converted from hershey)
- Scaling in absolute and relative mode
- Rotation of vector objects
- Many fillstyles, and a way to add your own
- Snap by many modes (grid, gravity, etc...)
- Printing poster via many pages
- Vector morphing (when done)
- Bezier guide/trace (when done)

Since this is an beta release, I am sure there are many bugs.  Just hope
they are not roaches or termites :-).
- when drawing polygon or arc, make sure fill color is set
- arc needs (counter)clockwise draw rule
- no direct way of canceling bitmap font request
- bitmap font style picked not checked; just ignore error, no harm is done
- cut is delete; to paste make sure pick copy first.
- need to finish up picking characters in bitmap
- tdcad not 100% done :-)
- guide/trace and morph package is done, but not integrated yet

Future enhancements:
- finished up/fix bugs
- gif/jpeg loader
- bitmap image processing
- integrate dxf.tcl,shape.tcl and conversion to other format such as framemaker
- redesign of code to allow package/module to be added with ease to provide
  new functionalities.
- have two separate pallete: one for fillstyle, one for outlinestyle
  incorporate patch for opaque fill
- add pickall command/button

Final words:
  tdcad was written as an excercise for me to learn canvas widgets.  It is not
meant to replace any _large_ drawing package currently available.  Most (90%) 
of the time, I wanted to draw some figures and need the coords for them, 9
tdcad will provide me with it.  tdcad get 'sluggish' when dealing with > 10,000
elements.
  If the elements are sparse on the canvas, the scrolling mechanism will prevent
some of the 'sluggish'  Remember, vector fonts contained many, many elements
per character; don't overuse it and you will be ok.  The name tdcad is
only a temporary name, as soon as someone come up with a nifty name, it will
be replaced.  How about Digital Canvas?

Regards,
    
 __  __/  /   /   __  /    |   /    Tuan T. Doan
    /    /   /   /   /   / |  /     IEC Layer Testing and Advance Technology
   /    /   /   __  /   /  | /      2201 Lakeside Blvd.  P.O. Box 833871
__/  ______/ __/ __/ __/  __/       Richardson, TX 75083-3871
                                    Phone: 6-444-4575/214-684-4575
Internet:  tdoan@bnr.ca             Fax:   6-444-3716/214-684-3716