Readme for TrueGray Console Application

v1.0.0 May, 2005

Introduction

The TrueGray Console Application generates TrueGray image files from your bitmaps. This readme assumes the reader understands how to work with bitmaps and also the Windows Command Prompt.

Installation

Simply copy the TrueGray Console Application into the directory containing your bitmaps. All generated TrueGray image files will be written into this directory.

Usage Instructions

At the Command Prompt, navigate to the directory containing both your bitmaps and the TrueGray Console Application. To process a bitmap, type the following without quotes: "truegray file.bmp [file.8xp]" where "file.bmp" is the name of the bitmap including the extension, and "[file.8xp]" is an optional parameter specifying a name for the new TrueGray image file (when passing this optional parameter, omit the brackets). If you do not specify a name for the new TrueGray image file, the application will attempt to generate a valid name from the bimap file name.

You will receive a prompt for the name to display in the TrueGray Viewer. The name must be no more than 32 characters and 92 pixels long. The 92 pixel maximum requirement is necessary for the name to fit onto the menu screen. The application will notify you if the entered name is invalid.

Bitmap Compatibility Requirements

The following requirements must be met in order for the TrueGray Console Application to process your bitmap.

The 7 colors need not be shades of gray. However, only the green color component of the bitmap is used for grayscale conversion. Thus, if two unique colors have the same green color component, you will receive an error. For this reason, it is recommended that you pass only 24-bit grayscale bitmaps to the TrueGray Console Application. Note that there is no need for two of the colors to be white and black since the lightest and darkest colors will be converted to white and black respectively.

Miscellaneous Tips

Version History

v1.0.0 March 1, 2005

Disclaimer

Although I have encountered no trouble while using this program, I strongly encourage you to back up your calculator before using it. By attempting to use this program, you agree that I, Matthew Burkholder, will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from its use.

Contact Information

Feel free to send me the bitmaps of your best TrueGray images. I hope to include the best as samples in the next TrueGray release version. Send your bitmaps, comments, suggestions, and bug reports to truegray@gmail.com. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.


Copyright ©2004 Matthew Burkholder
truegray@gmail.com