README.TXT for the JVG package v1.0 beta 1
==========================================

INTRODUCTION:
-------------

This package contains classes for recording, saving and replaying Java Graphics 
operations. It is also possible to read and import vectorized images using 
the Macintosh PICT format. 

Imported PICTs are limited by the current Java Graphics operations (pen size, 
for instance). However, to take an example, most images in the Microsoft Office 
PICT clipart collection are perfectly displayed. This will still be improved with the 
new Java 2D API. Direct color PICT pixmaps are also imported and displayed. 

All current drawing operations of the Java Graphics class are supported. Serialized 
images are also included, which means that pixmap images are stored together with 
other drawing operations. In order to reduce file size, each pixmap is stored 
only once. The JVG package also contains the version 1.1 of the JIS package 
for pixmap saving in various formats (PICT, BMP, TIFF and Targa, see remark 
at the end of this file). PNG is supported in this JVG release, but not in 
the JIS package. 

The JVG file format is a collection of serialized Java objects, which are 
by default GZIPped, so the files are reasonably small. 

The "GraphicsRecording" class makes it possible to exchange vectorized 
images between Java applications either by files on disk or by the clipboard 
(even though the current Java system clipboard doesn't seem to make it 
possible). It should therefore fill out one hole in the current Java 
libraries, which is quite annoying for writing Java applications with 
the same functionalities as system-dependent programs.

Future developments include exporting as Macintosh PICT, importing and 
exporting WMF and taking the new Java 2D API into account as soon as it is 
released.

Faidon is a finnish company, which is the reason for calling the 
packages fi.faidon.*, although our Web site is at 
http://web.avo.fr/faidon . 


MINIMAL CONFIGURATION:
----------------------

Any system that has a Java Virtual Machine. However, the beans have 
only been tested with Sun's Java (1.1.5, 1.1.6). It should work without 
problems with Microsoft JVM, even though the Microsoft JVM is not that 
stable for image displaying... (personal experience).

 
INSTALLATION:
-------------

Unzip the archive where you like on your disk. The included 
fiels are: 

  - This file.
  - JVG.jar: the class library.
  - A lot of small example applications (.java-files) with their corresponding 
    .BAT files to launch the example applications on Windows systems.
  - Image1.jpg, Image2.gif, Testimg.gif and Testimg.jpg: example images. 
  - The "docs" directory, which contains the documentation of the 
    classes in JVG.jar produced by javadoc.


USE:
----

The example applications are quite self-explaining. The comments of the 
example .java files are also quite explicit. 

The example applications include: 
  - Doing most Java Graphics drawing operations, saving them to file, 
    reading them with another application and replaying them. 
  - Displaying a Macintosh PICT file. 
  - Converting a PICT file into a JVG file. 
  - List the drawing operations of a PICT file. 
  - Example applications for all Pixmap saving formats supported (the same as 
    in the JIS package).


HOW TO REGISTER:
----------------

This early access package is free. The final 1.0 release should be ready 
in very soon, before end of June 1998. The final release will have 
a price of about 300. Please, do send us a message even if you are only 
using the early access version! 

Send E-mail messages to: 

	faidon@avo.fr

and postcards to: 

	Faidon Oy-AB
	Kary FRAMLING
	1, Allee de la Louve
	42100 Saint-Etienne
	FRANCE


VERSION HISTORY
---------------

Version 1.0 Early access (4 June 1998)

	1. JIS package version 1.1. 
	2. Recording, saving and replaying Java Graphics operations. 
	3. Importing Macintosh PICT images (including Pixmaps).
	4. Serialized images, including serialized vectors of images which makes 
	   it possible to store several images in one file. 


PRECISIONS ON THE IMAGE SAVING FORMATS
--------------------------------------

Some limitations apply to the currently supported image saving formats: 
PNG : Images always saved as 24-bit truecolor. An alpha channel is used 
      for transparency information if needed (if the original image 
	  has any transparency information). For the moment, this means 
	  that images using an IndexColorModel and having a transparency 
	  color always get an alpha channel. It is also possible 
	  to force an alpha channel for DirectColorModel images.
PICT: Always saved as run-length encoded truecolor images. 
BMP: Always saved as uncompressed truecolor images.  
TIFF: Always saved as uncompressed truecolor images. 
Targa: Always saved as uncompressed truecolor images. 

Future versions will support indexed color images and various compression 
techniques not used in the current formats. 


THE USUAL LEGAL STUFF JUST IN CASE
----------------------------------

Disclaimer of Warranty. 
Software is provided "AS IS," without a warranty of any kind. ALL EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT, ARE
HEREBY EXCLUDED. 

Limitation of Liability. 
The author and Oy Faidon Ab SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES
SUFFERED BY LICENSEE OR ANY THIRD PARTY AS A RESULT OF USING OR DISTRIBUTING
SOFTWARE. IN NO EVENT WILL the author or Oy Faidon Ab BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST REVENUE,
PROFIT OR DATA, OR FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
PUNITIVE DAMAGES, HOWEVER CAUSED AND REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY OF LIABILITY,
ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE SOFTWARE.
