======================================================================== RV2 Version 1.01 VENDOR/DISTRIBUTOR INFORMATION April 1995 ======================================================================== This file contains information intended to help anyone wishing to distribute RV2: 1. Program Summary Information 2. Program Description 3. Restrictions on Distribution 4. Author Information Please observe the modest requirements of section 3. I would appreciate copies of any information you print relating to the program - reviews, articles, catalogue descriptions, etc. Thank you for support and cooperation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. PROGRAM SUMMARY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: RV2 Preferred filename: RV2V101 (for BBSs Etc) Version: 1.01 Category: General Windows Application Keywords: DATABASE HYPERTEXT VIEWER One-line desc.: A unique combination of database and hypergraphics. Registration: $48 plus S+H to register and receive latest version plus manual, samples, extra file handlers. Minimum hardware: 386 4MB RAM, 1.5 MB free disk, Mouse Minimum OS: Windows 3.1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (For a one paragraph description see FILE_ID.DIZ.) RV2 is a Windows application combining unique database features with hypergraphics in a hybrid environment for viewing, indexing and enriching information. Within a single interface, you can: * view and index existing image and text files * freely mix different types of data in one set * easily add annotation and hotspots * search and browse intuitively * generate simple data display forms A DIFFERENT DATABASE The essence of RV2’s database is flexibility. It’s there to let you bring together diverse objects in one dataset without being constrained by a strict hierarchy or by a set of object classes and it lets you easily expand the scope of a dataset later. You can impose a structure, but it’s not mandatory. * Each object can have any number of properties. * Each object can have multiple values of the same property. (Three phone numbers ? No problem.) * You can create add and edit property names and values at any time. * Properties aren’t explicity typed as integers, strings, or dates, etc.. SEARCHING RV2 includes a 'traditional' query interface with which you can search for objects by stringing together a potentially complex sequence of properties and operators (AND OR >= etc.). You can also embed contextual operations (‘go and get the latest version of...’) within a stored query. But the program has a unique interactive alternative - the Filter - in which you can gradually slim down a list of objects by simply selecting property names and values from lists. The lists only ever contain relevant properties: as the list of objects gets shorter, so do the lists of properties which you can search on. So... * you don’t need to be familiar with a particular dataset’s terminology before you can use it * you’re never left without any matching objects VIEWERS Each object in RV2 can have a Background and a Foreground. The background is an external file - text, a bitmap or a vector plot (such as a graph) - which RV2 displays with it’s own file viewers. Supported formats include plain text, BMP, PCX, GIF, Targa, TIFF, WMF and HPGL. A range of built-in dithering options allows you to display images such as photos usefully, even on a 16 colour or mono display. Moreover, when you register your copy of RV2 you'll receive a copy of the Image Stream VBX, which can be used with RV2 to display a dozen extra formats, including Photo CD, CGM and 2D DXF. ANNOTATION & HOTSPOTS Foregrounds are created and stored within RV2, and can be superimposed on backgrounds to provide annotation (red-lining) and hotspots. They can also be used as common forms simply for displaying object properties. The hotspots on foregrounds can provide direct links or search-based jumps - for example, on an active map you could click on a state to display local detail or you might use that click to fetch all the information objects available for that state. The point is, of course, that when you add extra items about the particular state you don’t have to update the hotspot link definitions. APPLICATIONS RV2 was originally conceived for engineering designers, who need to pull together material from a lot of different sources (drawings, analysis, documentation, photos, component catalogues, etc.). But it has been developed, from the start, to be MUCH more widely applicable. Here are just a few of the areas where it could be used: * personnel directories with active building plans * delivery of CAL (Computer Aided Learning) material * electronic maintenance manuals * test data archives * tourist maps and holiday brochures * product catalogues And you're bound to think of some more ... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3. RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shareware versions of RV2 may be freely distributed, subject to the following restrictions: * RV2 must be distributed without modification, in its entirety. * RV2 may not be distributed by any for-profit entity which fails to disclose the following points somewhere in their literature: o The fee paid by the customer for an evaluation diskette is a dis- tribution fee, and does not cover the cost of the program itself. o Additional payment to the Author is required if a program is used beyond the evaluation period prescribed by the Author. Shareware is "Try-Before-You-Buy" software, it is not free. * RV2 may be incorporated in CD-ROM collections provided that the complete package is included, and it is made clear that it is NOT "Free Software". * RV2 is not to be used as an enticement to purchase another product without the explicit consent of the Author. * RV2 is not to be packaged for sale with its reference manual, or other supporting documentation pre-printed for the end-user. * RV2 is not to be "rented" or leased. These distribution restrictions apply to anyone who wishes to distribute RV2, whether they be commercial vendors, user groups, BBS operators, or individuals. All parties are hereby given permission to capture screen shots of RV2 for use in catalogues or newsletters listing or reviewing the product. Please identify the image in some way as being from RV2. If the version of the program that you have is more than 12 months old, please contact the author before distributing the package, since it is likely that a more recent version of the program will be available. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4. AUTHOR INFORMATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Author: David Pitt Company: Goldstone Address: The Plain Hawkesbury Upton Badminton Avon GL9 1AT UK Phone & Fax: +44 (0)1454 238542 CompuServe: 100344,625 Internet: david@gstone.demon.co.uk ========================================================================