Hi Everyone,
This is a synopsis of the most recent changes to my programs at Mystic
Fractal. I have been working along with Paul N. Lee to improve the user
interface and clear up any inconsistencies in the command functions
(bugs.)
In Paul's own words, "Now the programs are functioning more like a Suite
of
Applications from a major software vendor."
The following are changes to allow the programs to "remember" user
settings
and make the programs easier to manage:
-- Sup****t for user-defined directories for different file types, like
fractal data files, video files, 3-D object files, etc. Some of the
programs also share common directories for plug-ins, palettes, and lsystem
and texture files. This is all updated in the Registry at program's
close,
or can be changed at any time using the Image/Preferences dialog.
-- The state of the main frame and drawing windows is now saved (maximized
or normal), and the last position of the application window (if in normal
state) and all non-modal dialog windows (those that remain open during
program execution), like the Remote and the Formula and Parameter windows
in
QuaSZ.
-- The Image/Rotate command (keyboard based) has been replaced in all the
programs that used it with a Cubics-like Pilot for easy rotating, panning
and zooming. You no longer have to look up keyboard shortcuts to rotate
an
image interactively.
Some of the changes in the user-interface are minor but im****tant items:
-- Added a counter to the status bar text while writing frames of an AVI
file or batch sequence (more informative.) The batch window also has a
button to set the default batch directory before initializing batch mode.
-- If you cancel the ****ft-G or ****ft-J scanning modes or cancel the
Pilot,
the picture and data revert to the image before the scanning mode or Pilot
was initialized, without redrawing the image.
-- The dialog boxes for an image automatically close when you zoom or
scan,
leaving the desktop clear to view the New zoom window.
-- There is an Auto-Time option that keeps track of how long a plot takes
(disabled in AVI, batch and scanning modes to avoid excess timings.)
-- The About box has been upgraded to correctly calculate system memory
and
disk space in the gigabytes.
-- Tool tips have been added to all Remote controls so you have an easier
time remembering which button does what.
For those who haven't purchased one of the new programs at Mystic Fractal,
I'm using a new commercial-grade installer called Install/Create to wrap
up
the program files, and Wiz 5.02 to zip them up for downloading. The
uninstall feature now removes all program keys in the Registry plus
assorted
installation files in the startup directory.
The new program updates have been uploaded as of April 23. They are free
to
anyone who's purchased the program(s) at Mystic Fractal since September
2003. Anyone who's made a purchase at Mystic Fractal may obtain a download
id and password via email: t.gintz@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
.
BTW, there is a new fractal program on the block! It has been my pleasure
to
participate in the design and implementation of RSK (Reference System K).
RSK is based on an innovative scientific theory concerning the nature of
space and time in ten dimensions. At the sub-atomic level, quarks and
electrons behave in the same way as 10-D deterministic fractals, according
to Walter Jon Bishop, Physicist/Author. The program RSK has tremendous
potential for scientific applications and at the same time is also capable
of dazzling graphics and videos. For more on RSK and Mr. Bishop's "Theory
of the 42s", please visit http://www.referencesystemk.com/index.htm
.
Respectfully yours,
Terry W. Gintz
--
http://www.mysticfractal.com
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