
PCL_PACK

DIGITAL INSIGHT
P.O. Box 2095, Evergreen CO 80439-2095
5 November 1990 


SUMMARY

PCL_PACK compresses HP PCL-format graphics data into an encoded format
that PCL (level III) compatible printers (including the HP LaserJet 
and DeskJet) understand.  Depending on your printer, and the size and
content of your file, this can dramatically speed up printing time (or
at least the amount of time you wait for data to get sent to the
printer).  If you save image files on disk, it reduces the disk space
needed (and you don't need to unpack the files for printing).


CONDITIONS

The source and executable code are provided, and may be distributed,
under the following conditions:

    * PCL_PACK is free, although distribution fees up to $4 may be charged.

    * Distributions must include PCL_PACK.C, PCL_PACK.EXE, and this
      entire README file.

    * No warranty or support is provided. Use at your own risk.


THE CATCH

What's our ulterior motive? Simply to exchange this utility for a little
advertising. DIGITAL INSIGHT produces a flow diagramming program called 
ROBOCHART.


ROBOCHART is an interactive graphics program designed to create and 
edit flow diagrams. It is particularly geared toward Yourdon-style 
Data Flow Diagrams, but can generate many other similar diagrams,
such as state transition diagrams, system configurations, flow charts, 
organization charts, etc. ROBOCHART is NOT a general-purpose drawing 
tool, but for these types of diagrams it's much faster and easier to 
work with.

ROBOCHART doesn't need complicated commands. You simply manipulate the 
diagram directly on the screen. The program knows you are drawing a
flow diagram, and keeps things perfectly connected and aligned as you
make changes.

Some of the features are:

	* Objects can be drawn, moved, or resized with a single mouse command.
	* Flows between objects can be drawn or moved just as easily.
	* Flows are automatically redrawn when a connected object moves.
	* Flows can be rerouted with intermediate vertices.
	* Labels are entered by simply pointing at an object and typing.
	* Labels are moved automatically when objects or flows move.
	* An optional snap grid simplifies diagram alignment.
	* Hierarchical diagrams are supported for logical zooming between
		levels of detail. Automatic level numbering is
		optional. Object consistency across levels is automatic.
	* Diagrams can be saved to disk and reloaded for editing.
		Multiple diagram pages can be stored in one file.
	* Pick, Cut and Paste functions handle hierarchical diagram sections.
	* Program defaults are user-configurable.

ROBOCHART runs on PC/XT/AT/PS2 and compatible machines with 256K free RAM.
A Microsoft-compatible mouse is required. Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA, and 
super VGA displays are supported. Hardcopy output is provided for many 
laser, dot matrix, and PostScript printers, and HPGL plotters. ROBOCHART 
can export your diagram in several graphics file formats.

List price is $96 (add $2 for shipping and handling).

ROBOCHART is also available for SUN 3 and SUN 4 systems. It runs under
SunView with SUNOS 4.0 or later, and provides PostScript, EPSF, and
HPGL output formats. A demo version with full manual is available for $25 
(refundable against purchase of licensed version). Full version licensed 
for a single node is $345. Additional licenses (including manual) are
$90 each. (Shipping and handling $3.)

For further information or ordering, contact

	Lynn Morrison, Marketing Director
	Digital Insight, Dept. U1
	P.O. Box 2095
	Evergreen, CO 80439-2095
	(303) 674-5232


HOW TO USE PCL_PACK

Presumably, you have some program (such as a desktop publisher) that
generates output for your PCL printer. Ask it to output to a file
instead of directly to the printer. (If you've got enough space on a
RAM disk, that would be perfect.) Suppose it generated the file
"FOO.PRT". Now just enter the command

        PCL_PACK FOO.PRT PRN

to compress the graphics data and send it to the printer. (Use "COM1"
or whatever instead of "PRN" if your printer isn't on the parallel port.)
You should get the same results as if you'd used the DOS command

        COPY /B FOO.PRT PRN

except that the transfer should go much faster.

To compress a graphics file and leave it on disk (perhaps it's something
you'll want to print several times), just specify an output disk file
instead of PRN:

        PCL_PACK FOO.PRT FOO.P

Then you can use

        COPY /B FOO.P PRN

to output the compressed version to the printer.


That's it. For those who like generalized syntax, the command is

        PCL_PACK <input_file> <output_file>

We hope it saves you some time and space!
