Copyright: Xequte Software


Introduction


  Smart Pix Manager Help

Introduction

•	What is Smart Pix Manager?

•	Overview of Smart Pix Manager Features

•	Testing Smart Pix Manager Functionality

Using Smart Pix Manager

Understanding Smart Pix modes

•	Overview

•	View mode

•	Edit mode

•	Disk Browse mode

•	Bookmarks mode

Keys, Toolbars, etc.

•	Toolbar

•	Menu Bar

•	Status Bar

•	Keyboard and Mouse Shortcuts

Viewing Images

•	How to View Images

•	Full-Screen Mode

•	Running slideshows

•	Rotating Images

Working with the Smart Pix Database

•	Working with Attributes

•	Adding a new source directory

•	Maintaining your source directories

•	Updating your database

•	Converting your Image Storage Method

•	Back up and restoration of your database files

File Management

•	Overview

•	Renaming files

•	How to Move and Copy Files

•	Deleting Files

•	Launching images in external applications

•	Directory Management

•	File Conversion

•	Printing Images

Setting Options

•	Viewing Options

•	Program Options

Other

•	Customising the look of Smart Pix Manager

•	About GIF and PCX Image Support

•	Coping with removable and network drives

Registration and Licensing

•	What is registration?

•	Why should I register?

•	How can I register?

•	Registration Form

•	Licensing Details

About Smart Pix Manager

•	Getting Technical Support

•	Feedback

•	Getting Program updates

•	Acknowledgements


What is Smart Pix Manager?

Smart Pix Manager is an Image Management and Viewing program.  With the proliferation of the Internet, users are faced with the growing problem of how to deal with the sheer volume of images that reside on our computers.

To address this most users have created multiple directories to categorise their images, then multiple sub-directories for finer differentiation.  If we take the example of a car buff storing his collection of car photos.  He may have directories for sports cars, racing cars and family cars, and each of these may have a sub directory for country of manufacture and then another sub-directory for whether the car is stationary, being driven, being rolled, etc.  But what if he wants only to view all German cars, or all red Racing cars or all Japanese sports cars being driven by an African-American wearing a Stetson, for that matter?

In this vein Smart Pix Manager was created.  It uses a database to allow you to store multiple attributes (descriptive words or phrases) against any file on your computer system and then retrieve a hit list of all files that match a certain search criteria.  For example our car buff need only put all his folders in a particular directory (or keep his existing directory structure) then add references to these files to the Smart Pix database, (assigning default attributes as he does).  Later he might go through and assign extra attributes, the car colour, the driver, etc.

Once he has his database set up then it is relatively easy for him to view all files that are relevant to his interest at that time.  He need only click on the attribute or multiple attributes that he seeks and hit search.  When he adds new files to his system, he simply clicks update to make them available.

Smart Pix also functions as a standard browser for viewing files on your hard drive, CD-ROMs etc.

Smart Pix includes all the standard viewing tools such as zoom to full screen, shrink to fit, stretch to fit plus slide show functionality.

Also:

•	Overview of Smart Pix Manager Features

•	Testing Smart Pix Manager Functionality


Overview of Smart Pix Manager Features

•	Supports JPG, GIF, BMP, PCX, WMF, EMF, ICO, DIB, RLE  format images

•	Creates and maintains a database of your images and allows you to assign and remove multiple attributes (descriptions or keywords) against each file.

•	Supports AND/OR searching for images of specified attributes.

•	Simple to use, including batch functionality for input of files and attribute assignment and removal.

•	Database update function automatically scans your image directories for new or deleted files.

•	Also supports standard browsing of files on your computer system

•	Images can be bookmarked for later viewing or saving as an image collection

•	Slideshow functionality with user selectable flip delay and forward, reverse and random order

•	Zoom functionality, including Shrink to fit and Stretch to fit.

•	Image features include, background load, fast JPEG display and cancel during load.

•	Optional password restricted access (Database is encrypted!)

•	Optional storage of image files with .DLL (or other) extension to make images invisible to other users/programs

•	Optional storage of images within the database for high security

•	Conversion of files to BMP or JPEG

•	Customisable interface including optional display of a menu, toolbar and status bar

•	File management functionality including delete, move, copy and rename.

•	Single click launch to alternative viewer or image editor

•	Preferred settings saved on shut down

Also:

•	What is Smart Pix Manager?

•	Testing Smart Pix Manager Functionality

•	Information on registering Smart Pix


Testing Smart Pix Manager Functionality

Getting Started

If you click on Help|Getting started or press the light bulb button on the toolbar you will be presented with a dialog which guides you through the process of getting your Smart Pix software up and running.

Using as a simple image browser [BORING!]

1.	Select Browse mode.

2.	Choose a directory.

3.	Select a file.

4.	Zoom, perform slide shows, etc. as below.

To utilise the powerful cataloguing and search features of Smart Pix [COOL!]

Cataloguing functionality

1.	Select File|Options, select the "Source Directories" tab

2.	Select a directory where you have a set of image files

3.	In the attributes type in some new attributes that these files have in common.  Click OK.

4.	Add some more directories.

5.	Close the Options dialog, select the "Edit" tab to the left of the image window.

6.	Go through your files adding new attributes specific to that particular image  (multiple assignment is OK, too).

Searching functionality

1.	Select the View tab.

2.	Highlight the attributes that you want to search on.

3.	Click:

•  "Match all selected" to show images on your system which have all the selected attributes.

•  "Match any selected" to show files which have any of the selected attributes.

•  "Show all files" to display all files stored in your database.

4.	Choose the order in which to sort your files.

5.	Click search

6.	A list of "hits" appears on the left.

Viewing functionality

•	You can zoom in on an image by pressing '+', or if it is smaller that the viewing window you can stretch it to full window size by pressing 'Ctrl' and '+'.

•	You can zoom out of an image by pressing '-' or you can shrink it to the windows size by pressing 'Ctrl' and '-'.

•	If the image size is larger than the window you can scroll the image by using the numeric keypad, the scroll bars or dragging the image with the mouse.

•	You can view full-screen by pressing 'Space'.

•	You can play the images in sequence by pressing 's' or View|Slideshow (delay between flip can be increased/decreased with the ',' and '.' keys).

•	You can expedite JPEG load by switching fast on (toggle with the 'f' key)

•	You can cancel a BMP or JPEG during loading by pressing the stop button.

•	You can rotate the image by pressing the rotate button.

Also:

•	What is Smart Pix Manager?

•	Overview of Smart Pix Manager Features


Using Smart Pix Manager


Understanding Smart Pix modes


Overview

Smart Pix has four modes:

•	View mode

•	Edit mode

•	Disk Browse Mode

•	Bookmarks mode

You change the mode by selecting the relevant tab to the left of the image window.

View mode

View mode is the one you are likely to use most often, it allows you to view all files within your database or perform AND/OR searches to view only specific kinds of files.

Edit mode

Edit mode is used for adding and changing the attributes assigned to the files stored in your database.

Disk Browse mode

Browse mode is for viewing the files directly on your hard drive, CD-ROM's etc.

Bookmarks mode

While browsing through your images in any of the other modes you may want to bookmark an image so you can come back to it later.  In Bookmarks mode you can view the images you have tagged during this session or load a bookmark collection from disk.


View mode

View mode is for viewing images referenced by your database.

To search for files of specified attributes, click on those that you want to retrieve.  If you wish to select multiple attributes, hold down the "Ctrl" key as you click on them.

Then click on:

•	"Match all selected" if you want to only retrieve files that have all these attributes (Boolean AND)

•	"Match any selected" if you want to view files that have any of these attributes (Boolean OR).

•	"Show All Files" to display all files stored within your database.

For example, if you have a database of car images, where each image has an attribute for its type, colour and country of manufacture.  If you have selected Red and Porsche and click on 'Match all selected' above it will return only red Porsches, if you choose 'Match any selected it will retrieve all images of cars which are red or are Porsches, e.g. red Hondas, red Lotuses, green Porsches and blue Porsches.

Select the order in which to sort your hits.  The options are Alphabetical, Reversed alphabetical, By Path, By Path Reversed, None.  If you are searching for any selected you can also sort by Number of Hits and Number of Hits Reversed.

Alphabetical searches are case sensitive, i.e. all files with a leading capital letter will appear before those with a leading small-case letter.

Sorting by path merely groups the files into the order that the paths were entered into the database, i.e. all files on C: drive may or may not appear before files in directories of D: drive.

None sorts them into the order that they were inserted into the database.

Sorting by Number of hits ranks the files in order of relevance.  I.e. those at the top have the most of the attributes you selected, those at the bottom have the least.

Hit 'Search' to perform your query.

You can easily add new attributes to an image you are viewing, because if you switch from View to Edit Mode the cursor will be lined up with the image that you were viewing in view mode.  Click it again and add your new attributes.

Normal viewing functions and file management tasks can also be performed.

Also:

•	Overview of Modes

•	Edit mode

•	Disk Browse mode

•	Bookmarks mode


Edit mode

Edit mode is used for adding and changing the attributes assigned to the files stored in your database.

The addition and removal attributes to a file can only be performed within Edit mode.  This is enacted by pressing the edit tab to the left of the image window.

You are presented with a list all files in your database (in the centre panel).  If you select a file then the left panel will display a list of current attributes assigned to that file and below this a list of all available attributes.

•	To assign an attribute from the list to your file, select it in the Available Attributes table (ensuring the indicator is next to it) and click 'Add'.

•	To remove an attribute assigned to a file, select it in the Current Attributes table (ensuring the indicator is next to it) and select 'Remove'.

If you wish to add or remove multiple attributes hold down the "Ctrl" key as you select them.  Also if you highlight more than one filename in the file pane (again, use the Ctrl key to select them) you will add or remove the attributes from all the selected files.

You can easily create, delete and rename attributes.

Other Options:

File Order

Files can be sorted on the following attributes:

•	Alphabetical.

•	By Path:  This groups files by path and sorts them in the order that the path was entered into the database, i.e. files in directories of C:, for example, may or may not be grouped together.

•	Insert Date:  Files are displayed in the order they were inserted into the database.

Show File Path

Clicking this will display the file path alongside the filename, you may need to resize the frame in order to see the complete path.  You can also change the width of the database columns by clicking on the edge of the 'File' or 'Path' headers in the filename table and dragging.

Hide Assigned Files

After you have performed an update you may want to view all files that lack attributes.  By clicking this checkbox all files which have one or more attributes will be hidden and you can assign attributes to those that remain.

You can also perform normal viewing functions and file management tasks.

Also:

•	Overview

•	View mode

•	Disk Browse mode

•	Bookmarks mode


Disk Browse mode

Disk Browse mode enables you to browse the image files on your computer (irrespective of whether they have been entered into the Smart Pix database)

To go to a specific directory simply select the drive and drill down to the appropriate directory.  In the centre panel you will see a list of all the image files in the directory and can view them by clicking on the file name

Click on the "Add directory" button to add the current directory and references to all the files it contains to your database.

Click on the "Add file" button to add a reference the current file(s) to your database.  If the directory which contains the file has not been named as a source directory you will be prompted to do so.  Note that if you add it as a source directory then all other image files within that directory will be added to your database when you perform an update.

You can also perform normal viewing functions and file management tasks.  You can perform most directory funtions to by selecting a directory and clicking on it with the right mouse button.

Note:  If you wish to move, rename or delete files which are also contained in your database it is recommended that you perform the function in Search or Edit mode so that the references in the database will be updated at the same time.

Also:

•	Overview

•	View mode

•	Edit mode

•	Bookmarks mode


Bookmarks mode

Bookmarks Mode is for viewing images that you have tagged during this Smart Pix setting or from a Bookmark collection that you have loaded.

Bookmarking Images

In any mode you can bookmark an image (or multiple images) by selecting it and clicking on the bookmark button or Image|Bookmark Image.  This will add it to your bookmark list, which you can view by clicking the Bookmarks tab.

BOOKMARKS TAB

This tab contains the following items:

Bookmark File

This displays the current bookmark file, if you have not loaded a bookmark collection then it shows <default> meaning that it only contains bookmarks that you have tagged in this Smart Pix session.  If you click on the down arrow on the right a list of all your bookmark files will be displayed, you can load a bookmark file by selecting it.

Save File

This will save the current bookmark file to disk, if it is the <default> file you will be prompted for a file name.  Using 'Save File' is usually unnecessary, as Smart Pix will prompt you to save the current bookmark file when closing (Note: you are not prompted to save the <default> file)

Save As..

This allows you to save the current bookmark file with a new name; i.e. you might want to save a collection of favourite pictures for showing to a friend later.

Delete

This will delete the current Bookmark file (not the images) from your hard disk.

Bookmark List

This is the list of all the bookmarks:

- that you have tagged in this session if it is the <default> file

- that are stored in the loaded bookmark file

Sort (toggle)

By default Sort is not depressed and bookmarks are displayed in the order they were tagged.  If sort is depressed then bookmarks will sorted alphabetically.  While sort is down, newly added bookmarks will automatically be sorted.

Remove

Remove deletes the current bookmark from the bookmark file.  It does NOT delete the original file or the reference to the file in the database.

Update

Update checks your bookmark file for links to images that no longer exist.

Wipe

This clears all bookmarks from the list.  It does NOT delete the original files, nor the references to the files in your database.

Normal file management and viewing functions can be performed, including slideshow.

Note:  If you wish to move, rename or delete files which are also contained in your database it is recommended that you perform the function in Search or Edit mode so that the references in the database will be updated at the same time.

Also:

•	Overview

•	View mode

•	Edit mode

•	Disk Browse mode


Keys, Toolbars, etc.


Toolbar

Navigation Buttons:

   	First Image:  Move to the first image in the file pane.

Previous Image:  Move to the previous image in the file pane.

Random:  Selects an image at random from the current directory/search

Next Image:  Move to the next image in the file pane.

 	Last Image:  Move to the last image in the file pane.

Image View Buttons:

  	Zoom in

Ctrl + Click: Stretch to Fit:  Stretches the image to take up all available window space (Toggle).

Zoom out

Ctrl + Click: Shrink to Fit:  Shrinks the image to fit in the image window  (Toggle).

Rotate Image:  Rotates the Image through 90, 180 or 270 degrees.

 	Cancel Image Load: Stops loading of current image (or forces a reload)

Ctrl + Click: Smart Pix Reset: This is similar to the doing a reset with the 'Esc' key but also resets some internal functions.  Use with moderation.

Image Mode Buttons:

Full-screen:  Shows Image in Full-screen mode (Toggle).

Fast mode:  Reduces the image size to speed up JPEG loading.

Slideshow:  Starts or stops the slideshow (Toggle).

File Function Buttons:

Bookmark Image:  Adds selected image(s) to the current bookmark list.

 	Launch:  launches the selected image(s) in an external viewer.

 	Print:  Prints the current image.

File Management Buttons:

Rename: Allows you to rename the selected image(s).  If you are in Disk Browse mode and a directory is selected then it will allow you to rename the directory.

Move/Copy:  Allows you to move or copy the selected image(s) to a new location (also moves file reference).

Delete:  Deletes the selected image(s) and/or reference to the image(s) in the Smart Pix database.  If you are in Disk Browse mode and a directory is selected then it will allow you to delete the directory.

 	Convert: converts the current image to BMP or JPEG format (also updates file reference).

Other:

Update:  Checks your source directories for new or deleted files.

Options: Allows you to set application options.

Getting Started:  Displays the "Getting Started" dialog.

About Box:  Displays the About Box and Database information.

 	Help:  Displays this help file.

Exit:  Quits Smart Pix

Note: You can quickly hide the toolbar by double clicking on a blank area.

Also:

•	Menu Bar

•	Status Bar

•	Keyboard and Mouse Shortcuts


Menu Bar

FILE MENU

Rename	Rename current file(s) and/or reference(s)

Move/copy	Move or Copy current file(s) and/or reference(s)

Delete	Delete current file(s) and/or reference(s)

Launch	Launch current file(s) in external viewer/editor

Convert Image	Convert current file(s) to JPEG or BMP

Print	Print current file(s)

----------

Update Database	Check source directories for new or deleted files

Options	Change program options

----------

Exit	Exit Smart Pix

IMAGE MENU

Zoom	Increase or decrease the image size

Full Screen View	Display Image in full-screen view (toggle)

Rotate	Rotate the image 90, 180 or 270 degrees

----------

Slideshow	Display the images in an automated sequence (toggle)

----------

Fast Mode	Reduce image size to expedite loading (toggle)

Shrink to fit	Reduce image to fit in available window (toggle)

Stretch to fit	Enlarge image to take advantage of available window space (toggle

----------

Bookmark Image  	Adds selected image(s) to the current bookmark list.

VIEW MENU

Menu Visible	Hide Menu (press 'm' to redisplay it)

Toolbar Visible	Hide/display Toolbar (toggle)

Status Bar Visible	Hide/display Status Bar (toggle)

HELP MENU

Contents	Show Help contents

Search for Help on..	Search for keywords in Help

How to use Help	Information on using Help

----------

Getting Started	Display the getting started dialog

Registration Info	Information on registering Smart Pix

About..	Information about Smart Pix

I personally believe the menu bar is a waste of time and I urge you not to use it and to hide it (use the m key) to save screen real estate.  All functionality is available with the toolbar and all buttons have tool tips that appear when you hover the mouse over them so you can rapidly learn their function, which is much more efficient than using the menu two-click method.

Also:

•	Tool Bar

•	Status Bar

•	Keyboard and Mouse Shortcuts


Status Bar

The status bar is very handy, though if you wish to save screen real estate you can toggle its display with the 'b' button or quickly hide it by double-clicking on it.

It has three sections:

•	The leftmost section will display a '-' symbol if you have shrink to fit enabled, a '+' symbol if you have stretch to fit enabled, or both symbols if both are enabled.  If you click on this section you can toggle these settings or perform zoom.

•	The second section displays the zoom factor of the current image.

Also during image loading it displays a bar graph showing load progress for the current image (Note that because GIF support is not provided natively, the progress bar will not accurately represent GIF loading).

Finally, during other functions, such as rotation, directory deletion the bar graph will display their progress.

•	The third section displays:

•	Normally:  how many files are currently selected of the total number of files available.

•	In slideshow or Full-screen mode:  what file is currently selected of the total number of files.

•	When changing slideshow delay:  If you change the slideshow delay (such as with the ',' and '.' keys) it displays the number of seconds between image flip.

•	The rightmost section displays the name and full path of the selected file, as well as its dimensions in pixels and size in bytes or Kbytes (in brackets).

If you have 'Fast' selected it will also display how the image has been reduced, i.e. Fast: Halved means that half of the image information has been lost (i.e. the image has been displayed at half size).

Also:

•	Menu Bar

•	Tool Bar

•	Keyboard and Mouse Shortcuts


Keyboard and Mouse Shortcuts

Navigation:

Cursor Down/Up	Next/Previous File

Home/End	First/Last File

8/2/4/6	Scroll Image Up/Down/Left/Right

PageUp/PageDown	Moves to the previous/next screen of files

*  or  /	Select file at random

Viewing:

Space	Toggles Full-screen view On/Off

-	Zoom out

Ctrl and '-'	Toggles shrink to fit

+	Zoom in

Ctrl and '+' 	Toggles stretch to fit

0 on Numeric Keypad	During Image load: Cancel current load

While inactive: Reloads current image

f	Toggles Fast mode

r	Rotate image

a    	Hide everything except the image (toggle)

Slideshow:

s	Toggles Slideshow On/Off

Ctrl and 's'	Reset Slideshow options

,	Decrease delay between image flip

.  	Increase delay between image flip

File Management:

Delete	Delete image(s) reference and/or original file, or a directory.

L	Launch image(s) in external viewer/editor

Ctrl and 'p' 	Print file

(Ctrl and) 'x'	Move the selected image(s) (Ctrl key is optional)

(Ctrl and) 'c'	Copy the selected image(s) (Ctrl key is optional)

Other:

F5	Update the file display (in Disk Browse Mode)

F1  	Help (context sensitive)

Application View Settings:

m	Toggles display of menu (Not available in Full Screen mode)

t	Toggles display of toolbar

b 	Toggles display of status bar

Esc 	Reset view options to default

Backspace	Minimises the application (Boss key)

Mouse Doubleclick Shortcuts:

On the image	Hide everything bar the image

On a filename	Display the image in Full-screen mode

On the Toolbar	Hide the Toolbar

On the Status Bar	Hide the Status Bar

On an attribute (in View mode)

Perform Search

On an attribute (in Edit mode, current attributes)

Remove attribute from selected file(s)

On an attribute (in Edit mode, available attributes)

Add attribute to selected file(s)

On a directory (in Move/Copy Dialog)

Move or copy to selected directory

Also:

•	Tool Bar

•	Menu Bar

•	Status Bar


Viewing Images


How to View Images

Navigation:

•	Down cursor takes you to the next file in the file list box

•	Up cursor takes you to the previous file in the file list box

•	* or / key selects a file at random from the list box

•	Home takes you to the first file in the file list box

•	End takes you to the last file in the file list box

•	PageUp takes you back several files

•	PageDown takes you forward several files

Full-Screen Mode

Press 'Space' for Full-Screen Mode or 'a' to hide everything bar the image.

Image Zooming

You can zoom in and out of an image using the Zoom In and Zoom Out buttons or the '+' and '-' keys.  The current zoom factor is displayed in the left panel of the status bar.  Image zoom is generally performed in steps of 25%, however if you select Image|Zoom|Custom or click on the zoom section of the status bar then you can enter an exact zoom factor.  Note that unlike the Stretch to fit and Shrink to fit options below, your zoom factor is only kept for the current image and will return to the default for the next viewed image.

Zoom cannot be performed on icon (*.ico) files.

Stretch to Fit

If the stretch option is enabled then an image smaller than the window size will be stretched to take up all available window space (while keeping the aspect ratio). Stretch to fit can be toggled on/off my pressing Ctrl and '+' or by clicking on the zoom section of the status bar or Image|Stretch to fit.

If Stretch to Fit is enabled a '+' will appear in the leftmost section of the status bar.

Shrink to Fit

If the shrink option is enabled then an image larger than the window size will be reduced to fit in the available window space (while keeping the aspect ratio).  This can be toggled on or off at any time by pressing Ctrl and '-' or by clicking on the zoom section of the status bar or Image|Shrink to fit.

If Shrink to Fit is enabled a '-' will appear in the leftmost section of the status bar.

Image Scrolling

If the image is larger than the window then scrollbars will appear.  You can scroll the picture by:

•	Using the scroll bars

•	Dragging the image with the mouse

•	Using the cursor keys on the numeric keypad with NumLock ON (i.e. 8/2/4/6 is Up/Down/Left/Right respectively)

Cancelling an Image Load

You can cancel the loading of a JPEG or BMP image by pressing the Stop button or 0 on the numeric keypad.  If you have the 'Selecting new image cancels loading' option set under Options then you can also cancel load by choosing a new image.

Other:

•	Image rotation

•	Expediting JPEG loading

•	Slideshow

•	Printing Images


Full-Screen Mode

Pressing the full-screen button or space switches to full-screen mode.  Full screen mode is used once you have performed your image search or moved to a directory where there are images you wish to view.

In full-screen mode the application is maximised (unless you have disabled this under Options) and the title bar, the menu bar and the search or view, edit or browse mode panels are hidden, so that you take maximum advantage of your screen size.

Another key has a similar function, 'a' enables Full-screen mode (if you are not in Full-screen mode already) and hides everything bar the image, pressing 'a' again returns Smart Pix to its previous state.

You can still browse through the current directory or search hits by using the keys or buttons and all normal functions are available.  You can determine your current position in the directory or database from the second status bar panel, it will display the current file number of the total available (e.g. File# 6 of 40 means that currently the sixth file is displayed of 40 in the directory/database).

You can switch between Full-screen and Normal mode at any time, even during a slideshow, but not during loading of a GIF or a zoomed JPEG.

By default (toggleable under Options) Smart Pix stores separate settings for fast mode, tool bar visibility and status bar visibility, in this way you can have images always displayed half size/double speed (using fast mode) in normal mode but full size in full-screen mode.  Note that whatever your setting the menu bar will always be hidden in full-screen mode.

Other Viewing Information


Running slideshows

The slide show function flips through your files automatically at specified delay in a specified order.

First start the slide show by pressing View|Slideshow, pressing the slideshow button, or the "s" key.  This will display the slideshow toolbar (not displayed in Full-screen mode).

Slideshow Toolbar:

Display images in a forward sequence

 	Display images in a reverse sequence

  	Display images in a random order

Delay between image flip

 	Continually Loop slideshow (toggle).

The first three buttons determine the order in which the files are displayed, forward, reverse or random order respectively.

Next is a slide bar and display, which allows you to set the delay between flip.  Please note that this does not include the load time, i.e. if your delay is 1 sec and your file takes 1 sec to load then in actuality the delay was 2 seconds.

The delay changes in increments of 1 second from zero to ten seconds, and in increments of 5 seconds after this.

You can change the delay during slideshow by moving the slide bar or, if you are in full screen mode, pressing "," or "."   (i.e. these transcribe to the < and > keys) to decrease and increase delay, respectively.  When you are in full-screen mode you can determine the new delay setting by checking the second status bar panel.

The final button is loop.  If this is not depressed then once the slideshow reaches the first file in reverse mode or the last file in forward mode it stops.  In other words, enabling loop allows the slideshow to continue indefinitely.

You can pause or stop the slide show at any time by pressing the "s" key, selecting View | Slideshow or pressing the slideshow button.

Slideshow settings are saved at shutdown.  You can reset the slideshow settings by pressing Ctrl as you press the slideshow button.

You can also switch between full-screen and normal mode at any time by pressing space.

Other Viewing Information


Displaying JPEG's more quickly

If you enable Fast mode by pressing the fast button on the toolbar or Image | Fast Mode then JPEG display will be expedited by reducing the amount of image information which is loaded (the practical effect being that the image will be displayed half or quarter size).  The exact effect of enacting Fast mode can be set under Options.  If you do not have 'Use same settings in Normal and Full Screen mode' set to true under options then Smart Pix will store your settings for Fast mode in both Normal and Full screen mode.

Other Viewing Information


Rotating Images

Clicking on the rotate button or Image|Rotate, will bring up the rotate dialog.

You have three rotation options; 90, 180, 270 degrees.  The boxed arrow indicates in which direction the (current) top of the image will be after rotation.  After making your selection, click on OK.  During rotation a progress bar in the status bar will indicate rotation progress.

If you perform an image conversion after rotation the saved file will use this rotation setting (i.e. the saved file will resemble the image as shown).

Rotation cannot be performed on Metafiles (*.emf,*.wmf) or icons (*.ico) files.

Other Viewing Information


Working with the Smart Pix Database


Working with Attributes

Attributes can only be altered in edit mode

Creating Attributes

You can create a new attribute by typing it into the edit space at the bottom of the leftmost panel and clicking the 'Tick' button.

Deleting Attributes

Clicking the 'Del' button below current attributes will remove the currently selected attribute (and all references to it) from your database.

Renaming Attributes

In order to rename attributes you must have the 'Name' button depressed.  Once this is done you can rename them in a similar way to renaming files in Windows 95 Explorer, i.e. by clicking on an item, waiting a moment and selecting it again.  The text of the attribute will then be highlighted and you can enter the new name.  Attributes can only be renamed in the Available Attributes panel.

Note that all files that reference the attribute will continue to reference it even after it is renamed (i.e. if an attribute is called 'plants' and you rename it to 'Fauna' then all images that had the attribute 'plant' will now have the attribute 'Fauna' instead).

Once you have finished renaming your attributes deselect the 'Name' button and the change will be propagated throughout the database.


Adding a new source directory

Open the options dialog (File | Options) and select the Source Directories tab.   Click on "Add.."

1.  You are presented with a directory dialog box.

•  In the directory section select the directory which you wish to add to the database.  Note: Only references to the files are added, not the files themselves (unless you have selected the 'Store files in database' option)

Browse through the directories of your drive until you locate the directory you wish to add to the system (It must already contain images).  Double click it and ensure the correct directory is displayed in the tab.

If you wish Smart Pix to add references to files in the child directories of this folder select the 'Include sub-directories' check box.

Click OK.

2.  You are presented with an attributes dialog.

The second dialog will show how many image files are in the specified directory.  You can now specify which initial attributes should be assigned to files in this directory.

If the directory contains no images or has already been entered into the database you will only be able to skip or cancel the directory loading.

•  Add the default attributes for files in this directory (not the sub-directories).  I.e. are they all pictures of blue, German sports cars?  Then add the 3 attributes, "German", "blue", and "sports car".

In the Assign default attributes section choose attributes from the available attributes and click "Add", or type in a new attribute and click the "tick" button.  You can add as many attributes as you like.

Press OK (or cancel).

If you have selected 'Include sub-directories' you will be prompted with each directory if you want to add it to the database, you can choose:

•	Yes:  Current directory will be added

•	Skip:  Current directory will be skipped (but will keep processing sub-directories)

•	Cancel:  Current directory will not be added and Smart Pix will stop scanning for new sub-directories.

3.  You are presented with an Insertion information dialog

A progress report will provide feedback as database references are added as each file in the directory is inserted.  If you click cancel during this process it will delete the file references it has already added and then remove the directory from the database.

Note that as Smart Pix is only storing references to the location of the files, if you move or delete a file in an application other than Smart Pix (e.g. Explorer) it will no longer be accessible by Smart Pix (Though you can perform an update to correct this).

Other Source Directory Information


Maintaining your source directories

In Options, Source Directories tab you are shown a list of all directories you have nominated as image repositories.

Adding Source Directories

To add new directories click add.  This will take you to the Add Directory dialog.

Removing Source Directories

To remove a directory from the database and all references to the files it contains (and all the references to the attributes that these files have), click delete  (it does not delete the actual directory from your hard drive only the reference to the files in it from your Smart Pix database)  You can add them back again later by clicking "Add.." however you will need to re-assign their attributes.

If you are using:

•	Changed extension for image files:  Deleting this directory will leave all the image files in this directory with your special extension so you will not be able to view them.  You will need to select all images from this directory and 'Move' them to a non-source directory.  This will convert them all to their original extension.

•	Database Image Storage:  Deleting this directory will also delete all images that were originally from this directory!  If you want to keep these images but still remove the source directory, you should select all images from this directory and 'Move' them to a non-source directory.  This will save them as individual files and you can re-enter them into the database.

Relocating Source Directories

If you have renamed a directory or moved it from one drive/location to another, you can use the "Relocate" button to point Smart Pix to the new location of the directory and save you from reloading its files and re-assigning their attributes.

Deleting All/Purging your database

If you want to purge all your database files and start afresh then click on 'Delete All'.  I will send an e-mail bomb to anyone who asks me how to 'undo' a database purge.

If you are using:

•	Changed extension for image files:  Purging your database will leave all image files referenced by Smart Pix with your special extension so you will not be able to view them.  Before deletion you should first convert your storage method back to Normal, this will rename all files to their original extension.

•	Database Image Storage:  Purging your database will also delete all images stored in your Smart Pix database!  If you want to keep these images but still purge your database, you should first convert your storage method back to Normal, this will save all files to their original locations.

NOTE:  If you have added new files to one of your source directories and want these to be available to Smart Pix do not re-enter it as a source directory, simply select File|Update to realign the database and your source directories.


Updating your database

Clicking on File|Update or the Update button presents you with the update dialog.

Update performs three functions, you are able to enable or disable any of these but are recommended to regularly perform the first two to keep your Smart Pix database and source directories aligned (Note: if you are using Database Image storage then checking for deleted directories is not available).

1.  The first function is to go through your nominated source directories and check for new files.  I.e. files you have copied to the directory but which are not presently referenced in the database.   These are entered without attributes (in Edit mode you can highlight these new files by clicking 'Hide assigned files').

The first function is to check the directories for any files that have been deleted or moved elsewhere.  If any files cannot be located the references to them are removed from the database.

Note that Smart Pix checks first to see whether the directory exists and if it cannot locate it you will be prompted with, "Directory XYZ cannot be located do you want to remove all references to this directory and its files from your database?"  If you click yes then it will continue deleting the non-referenced files, if you click no it will ignore this directory (You can disable this check by turning on the option for "Ignore files in directories which are not available", i.e. if it cannot locate a database, it does not check whether the files within it exist or not).

•	If the directory belongs to a CD-ROM that is not currently loaded or a network drive that is not available click "No".

•	If the directory is one which you have renamed or moved to another drive or directory click "No".  Then go into options source directories and click "Relocate" and point Smart Pix to the new location of the directory.

•	If the directory has been deleted or belongs to a CD-ROM that has been borrowed indefinitely by a so-called friend, then click "Yes".

2.  The second function is to check the directories for any files that have been deleted or moved elsewhere.  If any files cannot be located the references to them are removed from the database.

Note that Smart Pix checks first to see whether the directory exists and if it cannot locate it you will be prompted with, "Directory XYZ cannot be located do you want to remove all references to this directory and its files from your database?"  If you click yes then it will continue deleting the non-referenced files, if you click no it will ignore this directory (You can disable this check by turning on the option for "Ignore files in directories which are not available", i.e. if it cannot locate a database, it does not check whether the files within it exist or not).

•	If the directory belongs to a CD-ROM that is not currently loaded or a network drive that is not available click "No".

•	If the directory is one which you have renamed or moved to another drive or directory click "No".  Then go into options source directories and click "Relocate" and point Smart Pix to the new location of the directory.

•	If the directory has been deleted or belongs to a CD-ROM that has been borrowed indefinitely by a so-called friend, then click "Yes".

3.  The third function allows you to repack your database.  The repack function clears deleted fields from your database, i.e. if you are using database image storage and you delete half of your image files, the blob.mb database file will remain the same size until you perform a repack.

If you are using database image storage, you can choose to pack all of your tables or just your Image database (as this will be by far your biggest table).

The final check box allows you to have Smart Pix perform the update automatically, i.e. without prompting you before it deletes file and database references and adds new file references.

Other Source Directory Information


Storage Method Conversion

Smart Pix Manager supports three storage methods:

•	Normal: your image files are not altered in anyway

•	Changed Extension: the extension is changed for your image files so that they cannot easily be opened in other applications

•	Database Storage: The images are stored within the Smart Pix database so that they cannot be opened in any other application other than Smart Pix (usually this is used in combination with a start-up password)

The conversion routine is error correcting, i.e. if you converted half of your images to a new stroage method and you are hit by a power cut, you can restart Smart Pix and continue conversion or convert back to your old method.

Information about Image Storage Conversion

There are four possible methods of converting your image storage:

NORMAL MODE TO CHANGED EXTENSION

Process:

For each file referenced in your database Smart Pix will change its real extension to the one you have selected (e.g. .spm, or .dll)

Points of Caution:

Windows Directory - Ensure that the Windows directory is not one of your source directories or you will lose your wallpaper.

Renaming files - If Smart Pix locates 2 files in the same directory that would clash when their extension is changed, i.e. image.bmp and image.jpg, then the subsequent images are renamed, i.e. it would become image.spm and image2.spm.

CHANGED EXTENSION TO NORMAL MODE

Process:

Smart Pix will go through all the files referenced in your database and rename them to their original extension

Points of Caution:

None

NORMAL MODE TO DATABASE STORAGE

Process:

Smart Pix will save each image referenced in your database to a database blob field and then renames the original to a temporary name (e.g. xyz.jpg becomes xyz.~jp).

You can delete these temporary files in Explorer after conversion.

Points of Caution:

Windows Directory - Ensure that the Windows directory is not one of your source directories or you will lose your wallpaper.

Disk Space - Before you attempt conversion to database storage open each of your source directories in Explorer and add up the total amount of space that your image collection requires.

During Conversion Smart Pix will require twice this amount!

•	All the images stored in the database

•	The original files, renamed to a temporary name (xyz.~jp for example)

Also note that the images will be saved to the Blob database in your datapath directory.

For Example, lets say you have 200 MB of images in your source directories, 100MB on C Drive and 100MB on D drive.  Your datapath (where your database is stored) is the default <program path>, i.e. generally c:\program files\smart pix manager.  So you will need to have at least 200MB free on C Drive before you attempt the conversion

Maximum Database Size - The total size of the images stored within your database cannot exceed 2 Gigabytes (approximately twenty thousand 100k images)

Options:

Delete files after database insertion:  If you have already backed up your image collection you can select this option and Smart Pix will delete your source files instead of renaming them.  This is advised if you have limited hard disk space.

DATABASE STORAGE TO NORMAL STORAGE

Process:

Smart Pix will save each image stored in your database to its origianl location and filename.  After removing the images the Image Storage Database will be repacked to remove the deleted images.

Points of Caution:

Disk Space - Before you attempt conversion to ensure you have adequate disk space to save your orignial

During Conversion Smart Pix will reuqires twice the size of you blob.mb file!

•	All the images stored in the database (blob.mb)

•	The origianl files saved to their original locations

If you have source directories on multiple drives and are unsure where your images will be saved, then relocate all your source directories to the same drive!

Source Directories:  Go through your list of source directories and ensure they still exist, if they do not create them or 'relocate' them.  If Smart Pix cannot locate a source directory the images will be saved to your datapath and the reference to the file in the database will be incorrect.

Options:

Repack database after every x files:  If you are short of disk space you can select this option to reduce the amount of space used during conversion, e.g. if your average image is 50k and you select repack after every 200 images then Smart Pix will only require about 10-20 MB of slack during conversion rather than twice your image collection as is normal.

If you should encounter any problems during conversion, running out of disk space or a power outage, then you can continue conversion easily.


Non-standard Storage Method Conversion

If you experienced a problem whilst converting your images to a new storage method, eg you ran out of disk space or where hit by a power cut, then you have two options:

•	Continue converting to the new storage method

•	Revert to your previous method

Restarting Conversion

Before restarting conversion, ensure you understand why your initial problem occurred and that you have rectified it.  I.e. if you were converting to blob storage and you ran out of disk space, ensure you have created enough space before you continue (Or change the conversion settings to minimise space used during conversion)

In Options, Program Options tab click the Image storage method that you want to convert to, even if it is already slected.  Click the Convert Button.

You will be presented with the Storage Method Checklist dialog.  Ensure the method of conversion is correct.  If not click 'Change' and you will be presented with the Change Storage Method dialog  (You will also have been presented with this dialog if your storage conversion method was erroneous).

Change Storage Method dialog

In the top box, select the method you want to convert from.

•	If you are continuing to convert to a new storage method, this will be your previous storage method.

•	If you are reverting to your previous storage method, this will be the storage method you were in the process of converting to.

In the next box select the method you want to convert to.

•	If you are continuing to convert to a new storage method, enter that method here.

•	If you are reverting to your previous storage method enter that here.

Click OK

Check the storage method is correct.  Do NOT perform a database update.

Click OK

If you are very short of disk space you might want to tweak the conversion settings.

Click Start.

You will see a lot of error messages when you first start (or at the end if you are reverting to your original storage method) as Smart Pix locates the images that have been converted, but once the conversion completes all your images will have the selected storage method.


Image Storage Conversion Settings

Repack Database after every x files.

When converting from Blob to Normal Storage the Blob Table will remain at its original size until a final repack when conversion is complete.  I.e. just before this final repack your image collection will have reached a point of taking up twice its storage size:

•	your entire image collection in the database, and

•	your entire collection in files.

If you are short on space you can have Smart Pix perform it's repack after converting every x files.  If you choose a low value such as 200 files the conversion will only need approximately 10-20 MB surplus space (assuming your images are about 50k in size each).

Delete images after database insertion

When converting from Normal to Database Storage, Smart Pix does not delete your image files after inserting them into the database, by default it renames them from image.xyz to image~xy, and leaves the deletion of these files up to you (after you have backed them up of course).  The consequence of this is that after conversion your image collection will be twice its original size:

•	your image collection stored in the database, and

•	these temporary files waiting to be deleted.

If you have already backed up these images you may be happy to have Smart Pix delete them after successful insertion.  In this way Smart Pix will require very little surplus disk space during conversion

Pause on Error Detection

By default Smart Pix posts any error messages to the error panel and continues conversion.  If you select this option Smart Pix will present a message dialog when an error is encountered.


Moving your Database Files

By default Smart Pix stores its database files in its program directory, if necessary you can use another directory for this.

The procedure is:

1.  Move the Database files

Close Smart Pix.  Copy all of the following files to a new directory:

Files.*  (i.e. all files with the name 'files' regardless of extension, e.g. files.db, files.val …)

Path.*

Temp.*

Links.*

Longattr.*

Blob.*

Info.*

*.bmk

2.  Point Smart Pix to the new location

Under Options you will need to enter your new data location.  Smart Pix should locate the database immediately, though if this fails you may need to exit Smart Pix and restart it.

If you should experience any problems with the new location move the above files back to the Smart Pix program directory, run Smart Pix Options and 'Clear' the datapath field.  (Alternatively in Regedit delete the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Xequte\Smart Pix\Datapath).

Other Source Directory Information


Back up and restoration of your database files

If you are using Smart Pix to its full potential and have catalogued all your images files, then there is now significant value held in the Smart Pix database files.  To lose these files either by accidental deletion, hard drive failure or file corruption would be too painful to think about.  Consequently it is important that you regularly back up your files.

The data files of importance are

Files.*  (i.e. all files with the name 'files' regardless of extension, e.g. files.db, files.val …)

Path.*

Temp.*

Links.*

Longattr.*

Blob.*

Info.*

*.bmk

On a regular basis, weekly or monthly depending how often you use Smart Pix, you will want to copy these files to a floppy diskette or separate hard drive, or incorporate them into your regular backup plan (you do backup, don't you?).

Reinstalling Smart Pix

If you need to reinstall Smart Pix, then:

1.  Copy all of the above files to a temporary directory

2.  Install Smart Pix

3.  Go to the Smart Pix directory (NOT the temporary directory) delete all the above files.

4.  Move the files from your temporary directory back to the Smart Pix program directory.

5.  Run Smart Pix.

If you should lose your original files or encounter an error loading them:

(Note: if you have specified an alternative location for your database files under Options, use the methods outlined there to correct the problem)

1.  Close Smart Pix.

2.  Move all the above files to a temp directory.

3.  Copy your back up files into the Smart Pix directory.

4.  Re-run Smart Pix.

If you are still having problems then one of your program files may be missing or the program registry may be corrupted:

1.  Select 'Run...' under the Start Menu'

2.  Type 'Regedit'

3.  Browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Xequte\Smart Pix

4.  In the LEFT pane select the 'Smart Pix' folder

5.  Press the Delete key

6.  Ensure all the above files are located in the same directory as the Smart Pix program

7.  Re-run Smart Pix

Other Source Directory Information


File Management


Overview

Smart Pix has most file management capabilities:

•	Rename: press the rename button to rename the selected file(s).

•	Move/Copy: press the move/copy button to move or copy the selected file(s) to another location.

•	Delete: press the delete button or key to permanently delete the selected file(s) or reference(s) in the database.

•·	Launch: press "Enter" to launch the selected file(s) in another viewer or editor

•	Convert file: press the Convert button to convert the current image to a JPG or BMP file.

As well as Directory Management Functions.


Renaming files

Files can be renamed by pressing the rename button or File | Rename.  If you rename a file in Edit or View mode it will also change the corresponding reference in the database.

Note if you have multiple files selected then Smart Pix will prompt you to rename each file in turn.  You can discontinue this process by pressing Cancel.

Other File Management Functions


How to Move and Copy Files

Pressing the Move/Copy button or File|Move/Copy will bring up a dialog box allowing you to move or copy the selected file(s) to a new directory.

You can either type in a destination directory, press browse to locate a destination directory, or click on one of the directories displayed in the history list.

After you have selected a directory choose either move or copy.

Note: If you click on the Move/Copy button or File|Move/Copy then whether it defaults to 'move' or to 'copy' will depend on which option you last used.  However the Move key ('x') and the Copy key ('c') forces the dialog to default to move or copy, respectively.

If you are in View or Edit mode you can also specify what Smart Pix should do with the file reference in the database.  The first option allows you to transfer the file reference (and all its attributes) to the new file.  The second options depends whether you are moving or copying files, allowing you to either delete the reference or leave the reference with the original file, respectively.

Function of move and copy in Database Storage mode:

If you copy a file in database storage mode a new file is created and saved as a normal file in your destination directory.  If you select Move, it will create a new file in the destination directory and delete the image stored in the database.

Other File Management Functions


Deleting Files

The method for deleting file depends on which mode you are in:

Disk Browse and Bookmark modes:

Pressing the delete button or delete key will remove the currently selected file(s) from your hard drive.  You will be prompted to confirm the action.

View and Edit modes:

Pressing the delete button or delete key will bring up the delete dialog.  This allows you to confirm the deletion and specify whether you also want to remove the original file from your hard drive.

Note that if you only delete the reference and not the original file, then the reference will be added back to the database when you perform an update.  If you do not wish an image to be contained in your database but want to keep the file you should move it to a directory which has not been nominated as a source directory.

Other File Management Functions


Launching images in external applications

Pressing "L" will launch the selected files in an external viewer or Imaging program.  Smart Pix will prompt you whether to continue launching files after the first five images, just in case you press Launch by mistake with your entire database highlighted.

If you have not specified a preferred program in the options dialog then the program associated with that file under Windows 95 will be launched.

In this way if you have a preferred viewer, often edit images in an editing program or send files for conversion, you can do so with the press of a button.

Other File Management Functions


Directory Management Functions

In Disk Browse mode you can perform standard functions on your directories by selecting them and clicking the right mouse button.

Rename Directory

This allows you to rename the currently selected directory

Create Directory

This allows you to create a new sub-directory in the selected folder

Delete Directory

This will delete the currently selected directory.  Note that the directory will not be removed unless it is empty!

Add Current Directory to the Database

This will bring up the 'Add new source directory' dialog, with the currently selected directory entered.


File Conversion

Smart Pix provides the ability to convert files to two image formats:

•	JPEG format

•	BMP format

1.  Before conversion, make sure you are satisfied with the destination filename and location.

This defaults to the same file name and directory as the present file, but with the extension changed to either .BMP or .JPG.

2.  Next, ensure that you are converting to your desired format; either BMP or JPG.

If you select JPG format you will need to specify the compression ratio.  100 means little compression, i.e. big file, high quality.   1 means maximum compression, i.e. small file, low quality.  We recommend using 75, at this level you receive little noticeable image degradation, but a significant amount of compression will be obtained so the file size will be very small.

3.  Next there is a checkbox for deleting the original file.  If you check this then, after a successful conversion, the original file is removed from your hard drive.

4.  In View or Edit mode you are also able to transfer your database reference to the new file.  This is recommended if you have chosen to delete the original.

5. Click OK

The zoom value of the image will have no effect on the saved file, i.e. it will have the same dimension as the original.  HOWEVER Smart Pix will use the Rotation settings, i.e. if you have rotated an image 90 degrees and it is being displayed half size due to fast mode optimisation, the final file will be half size and rotated 90!

Note: Smart Pix is not designed as a batch conversion program, if you have multiple files selected it will only convert the image that is currently displayed

Conversion cannot be performed on Metafiles (*.emf,*.wmf) or icons (*.ico) files.

Other File Management Functions


JPEG format
JPEG format is recommended for any files that you intend to view but not edit, because they have the most effective compression algorithm, i.e. you get the smallest file sizes.  If you have an image collection stored in BMP or PCX format then it is highly recommended that you convert all files to JPG (you are likely to find space savings of up to 90%).  However it is important to realise that in compressing files to JPG some picture degradation occurs.


BMP format
BMP format, support for BMP format is included to allow you to edit image files.  While many image editors will accept a wide variety of formats, some such as the Paint program that comes with Windows will not.  However if you convert a file to BMP you know that it will be compatible with any Imaging product for Windows.  Converting to BMP format is also good if you wish to give a file to somebody but are not sure if they have an image viewer.  No Windows PC has a problem displaying a picture in BMP format.  Finally if you save a file in BMP format to the Windows directory you can use specify it as your desktop wallpaper.


Printing Images

Pressing the print button enables you to print the currently displayed file.  You are presented with the Print dialog

1.  Select the printer you wish to use.  Click on properties if you wish to change your printer settings or your orientation (so to speak).

2.  Next, choose to either let Smart Pix automatically set the zoom percentage or choose one yourself.

If you click on manual setting you can then select the zoom factor.  As you increase or decrease the factor a display indicates what percentage of paper width and height it is.  To print onto a single page ensure both figures are less than 100%.

Alternatively you can let Smart Pix choose the zoom setting.  Smart Pix will automatically enlarge the image to the biggest possible size while fitting on a single page and maintaining the aspect ratio.

3.  Finally enter the number of copies to print and click OK.

Smart Pix will now print the file, please note that this may take quite a while.  Print time depends on:

•	What zoom factor you have used.  A half-page image prints faster than a full-page.

•	The speed of your computer and printer, amount of memory, etc.

•	The complexity of the image being printed.

•	The speed of your watch.

Other File Management Functions


Setting Options


Viewing Options

Load image in background

This option allows you to choose whether an image is displayed progressively (as it is loading) or loaded in the background and then displayed.  If you choose to load in background then when you select a new file, the existing image remains visible until the new image has been completely loaded.  You can determine load progress by checking the progress bar at the bottom left of the status bar.  This most recommended in slideshow mode.

Fast Button Function

If the Fast button on the toolbar is depressed then Smart Pix will expedite the loading of JPEG files by loading only a section of their information (i.e. displaying half or quarter size).  Naturally this functionality will reduce the quality of the image and it is generally only used when browsing images.

The options allow you to specify what effect the fast button has.

1.  Intelligent reduction.

In this mode Smart Pix will reduce the size of the image until it fits into the image window.  Consequently the smaller the size of the image window the faster images will load.

2.  Fast displays images half size

With Fast, images will always be shown at half their original size, this will also halve loading time.

3.  Fast displays images quarter size

With Fast, images will always be shown at quarter their original size, this will also quarter their loading time.

External Viewer

This option allows you to specify an alternative viewer or image editor, which can be launched by pressing "L".  If you leave this as <default> then it will launch the application that is associated with that file type under Windows 95.

Note:  Because Smart Pix itself is the default viewer for GIF and JPG files it is recommended that you change this setting from <default> or selecting 'Launch' will simply try to open a second Smart Pix window.

Other:

Use the same settings in Normal and Full-screen modes

If you select the 'Use the same options in normal and Full-screen' option then Smart Pix will keep the same settings for Toolbar, status bar and Fast mode regardless of whether you are in Full-screen or normal mode.  If you deselect it Smart Pix stores preferred settings for both normal and Full-screen mode, i.e. you might like images to be displayed at half size (using fast mode) while browsing in normal mode but full size when in Full-screen mode.

Selecting new image cancels loading of current image

If you select the 'Selecting new image cancels loading of current image' option then you can cancel a BMP or JPEG load by clicking on a new image (as an alternative to the cancel key or cancel button).  If this is not selected then during image load selecting a new image has no effect.

Do not maximize screen in Full-screen mode

This probably seems a little oxymoronic, but by setting this options it speeds up the enabling and disabling of full-screen mode by not maximizing or restoring the screen.  If you always run Smart Pix maximized anyway then it is recommended you enable this option.

Also:

•	Program Options

•	Source Directories


Program Options

Disk Browse mode start up directory

This option allows you to choose whether Smart Pix should remember the last directory (ie the directory you were in when you closed Smart Pix the last time you ran it), or default to a specified one.  If you specify last directory then upon starting Smart Pix and entering the Browse mode the directory will change to the previous directory.  If you click 'default to..'  then you need to enter a default directory for Smart Pix.  Now every time you run Smart Pix and go into Browse mode it will start in this directory.

Image Storage

This determines the way that Smart Pix treats your image files.

•	Normal:  The first options tells Smart Pix to leave files as is, i.e. Smart Pix stores a reference to them but does not alter them in anyway.

•	Changed Extension: The second option (registered version only) tells Smart Pix to change the extension of all image files (e.g. to .DLL or .SPM) this enables them to be viewed within Smart Pix but makes them largely invisible to other programs.  You can change the files back to their original format at any time by deselecting this option.

Note: while this option only offers a minimal amount of protection, it is enough to hide files from children and less advanced users.

•	Database Storage: The third option  (registered version only) stores the image within the database (as a BLOB, for the more technically inclined).  As the database is encrypted, database storage this coupled with password protection adds the greatest level of protection, and consequently the greatest level of risk, i.e. if you lost your password or delete your database files your image collection would be lost (unless you have performed backups).

Even if you have already inserted your entire image collection, you can still change your storage method as Smart Pix will allow you to convert your existing files to the new storage method.

Location of data files

By default Smart Pix databases are stored in the Smart Pix program directory if you have a pressing reason for doing so you can specify an alternative location.

This function only points Smart Pix to the new location, it does NOT move the database files. You will need to do this in Explorer.  See the section Moving your Database files for more information

Password (registered version only)

If desired, you can enable the password on start-up option and enter your password.  This password limits access to your database files, meaning that without a password they cannot be accessed by Smart Pix or a database application.  Do not forget your password because if you do you will not be able to access your images.

Also:

•	Viewing Options

•	Source Directories


Other


Customising the look of Smart Pix Manager

You can hide or display the:

•	Toolbar:  Press "t" or View|Toolbar to toggle its display.  You can also quickly hide the toolbar by double-clicking on it.

•	Menu bar:  Press "m" to toggle its display.  You can also hide it by pressing View|Menu.  (the Menu bar is never displayed in Full-screen mode)

•	Status Bar:  Press "b" or VIew|Status bar to toggle its display.  You can also quickly hide the status bar by double-clicking on it.

Smart Pix also remembers your windows layout and position.  By default Smart Pix stores separate settings for Normal and Full-screen modes, but you disable this function under options if you prefer consistency.

All settings are saved on shutdown.

If all else fails the panic key is Esc, which resets all the view settings to their default.


About GIF and PCX image support

Support for GIF and PCX formats is provided courtesy of the NviewLib.DLL, rather than as a native function of the application.  There are two drawbacks with this:

1.	Images colours are rendered inaccurately unless your display is set to 16 bit colour depth (i.e. 65,536 colours).

You can fix this by clicking on the Display icon in your Control Panel.  Choose settings and change the colour palette value to 65,536 colours.

2.	Inaccurate progress display readings.

When loading a GIF file the progress display will instantly move to 50% and remain at this setting until load completion, rather than accurately tracking load progress.  This is unavoidable as NviewLib does not provide any load feedback to the application.


Coping with removable and network drives

Smart Pix is designed for the referencing of files stored locally i.e. on your own hard drive.  While it can also reference files stored on CD-ROM's or network drives, it presents an "error locating file" message in the status bar every time it tries to load a file which is not available.  This can be annoying when using the slide show mode as it delays flipping the image until it locates the next available file.

Of course if you only have one CD-ROM and it is always loaded when you run Smart Pix then this is not a problem.  However if you have multiple CD-ROM's we recommend that you use the View mode only for viewing files locally and the Browse mode for viewing files on CD-ROM's or network directories.

Now that you have ignored my warning, here's how you can get around this problem.  You need to assign the attribute "Local" for all files located "locally" i.e. always available (generally this is only files that are on your own hard drive) and then for each CD-ROM or network drive you wish to use add a special attribute.

For example, let's say you have a CD-ROM titled "Asian Auto Review" which you wish to add to the Smart Pix database.

1.  Add the attribute "Local" to all your existing files

2.  Load the CD-ROM

3.  In the options dialog add each of the source directories on the CD-ROM.

4.  When you add default attributes for each of these directories, also add the attribute "Asian Auto CD" (you will need to create it the first time).

Whenever you wish to search and view files from this CD-ROM:

1.  Insert the CD-ROM (if you have multiple CD-ROM drives then use the same drive that was loaded when you input the source directories).

2.  Go to the View mode

3.  Highlight the attribute "Asian Auto CD" plus any other attributes you wish to search on

4.  Ensure "Match all selected" is checked.

5.  Hit search.

Whenever you wish to search and view files on your system:

1.  Go to View mode

2.  Highlight the attribute "Local" plus any other attributes you wish to search on

3.  Ensure "Match all selected" is checked.

4.  Hit search.


Registration and Licensing


What is registration?

Smart Pix Manager is "Shareware".  This means that legally you are entitled to evaluate the software for up to 30 days without any obligation to pay.  After 30 days, if you continue to use it, you must register your copy with us for a small fee.

Registration entitles you free technical support and updates (though not upgrades) to the software.  Registration also entitles you to discounts on upgrades and may also entitle you to discounts on other software releases from Xequte.  We will also send you information bulletins by email to let you know about what's happening with Xequte's products.

Why should I register?


Why should I register?

There are also some minor restrictions in the unregistered version.  This is not to say that I don't trust you but sometimes us humans just lead a little incentive to get off our behinds and do something.

Main benefits from Registering

EXTRA FUNCTIONALITY

1.  Removal of the nag screen that appears on start-up

2.  Removal of the limit of 2000 files

3.  Removal of the limit of 20 attributes

4.  Added option of having Smart Pix automatically change extensions of image files extensions (e.g. to .DLL) so they are not viewable in other programs.

5.  Added option of storing your image files within your Smart Pix database for a very high level of security.

6.  Password protection.

7.  Bookmarking of images for later viewing or saving as image collections

SUPPORT

If you should have any problems with the program you can contact us for a solution.

SUPPORTING MY EFFORT

Also, Smart Pix is something I have created and continue to tweak in my spare time.  It is a hobby but a somewhat arduous one, it is only through recognition and financial support that I am driven to continue.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Finally most of the ideas in Smart Pix are merely my own, this does not necessarily mean it does what you want it to do.  The best way to ensure that Smart Pix performs to your liking is to register your software and ply me often with your recommendations for enhancements and new features.  If I add it, you will be acknowledged in the documentation and receive the new version free!

BEST OF ALL- IT'S CHEAP AND ORDERING IS QUICK

Registration is easy and cheap (less than $30), and most orders are processed within 24 hours, so register now!

How can I register?


How can I register?

There are three ways you can register Smart Pix Manager:

1.  Via standard Post

Go to the registration form and print it out.

Send completed form and payment to:

Xequte Software

5 Abilene Cres, Churton Park

Wellington

New Zealand

2.  Via E-mail (Credit Card only!)

Go to Help|About.  Click on the "Open Reg. Form" button and print it out.

Fill in the details and paste into an e-mail.

Forward to Xequte@usa.net with "Sales" in the subject line.

3.  Register online (Credit Card only!)

Direct your browser to http://www.xequte.com

Follow the instructions.

Cost:

US$28.85   per copy

    +   	  US$4.85   per order

    =  	US$33.70

Includes:

* Full registered version

* 12 months e-mail support

* Free Updates

* Discounts on other Xequte products and Upgrades

Payment by:

•	Credit card (At present we only accept Visa and MasterCard, however we are looking to bring on American Express soon, see our web page for details)

•	International money order.

•	Personal Cheque (in your local currency)

•	Cash (Note: with cash payments we cannot be held liable for any loss. Do not send coinage, only notes)

Notes on payment in your own currency

If you are sending currency other than US dollars (or sending cheques):

- Using a newspaper, convert the US$ value to your own currency using the US$ buy price.

- Record the date at which you worked out the conversion rate.

- If paying by cash, do NOT send coins.  Round the result UP to the nearest paper note(s), i.e. 3876 yen, send four 1000 yen notes.

Alternatively e-mail us for a quote in your local currency

We will confirm receipt of your order within 24 hours (excluding weekends and public holidays) by e-mail and supply you with a registration key.

Note: if you do not have an e-mail address we will reply by standard post only.

Other payment methods, such as fax are available please e-mail us for details at Xequte@usa.net with 'Contact Details' in the subject line (unfortunately our new numbers were not available at the time of writing).

Smart Pix Manager Registration form


Registration Form

SMART PIX MANAGER REGISTRATION FORM

Customer Details:

First Name: ____________________

Last Name: ____________________

E-mail Address: ____________________

Please confirm e-mail: ____________________

Address:

____________________

____________________

City: ____________________

State/Province: ____________________

Postal Code: ____________________

Country: ____________________

Phone: ____________________   [ ]Home?  [ ]Work?

Payment method:

[ ]Credit card, [ ]Money Order, [ ]Personal Cheque, [ ]Cash.

CREDIT CARD DETAILS:

[ ]Visa

[ ]Mastercard

Credit Card #:  ____________________

Expiration Date:  __/__/__(MM/DD/YY or MM/YY)

MONEY ORDER DETAILS

Money Order number: ____________________

PERSONAL CHEQUE DETAILS

Name on cheque, if not your own: ____________________

Cheque number: ____________________

Currency: ____________________

Conversion rate: ____________________

Date of this rate: ____________________

CASH DETAILS

if other than US$:

Currency: ____________________

Conversion rate: ____________________

Date of this rate: ____________________

Items required:

Smart Pix Manager, 	___ copies at US$28.85 	US$_____

Handling	 	US$4.85

Total:	US$_____

Order confirmation should be:

[ ]Posted

[ ]E-mailed

Other:

What Operating system are you using?

[ ]Win 95/98, [ ] Win NT, [ ]Other: ____________________

Where did you hear about this product?

___________________________________________

What improvements would you like us to make to the program?

___________________________________________

Have you had any problems with the program?

___________________________________________


Licensing Details

1.   Distribution

This shareware software may be freely distributed, provided that:

1.  Such distribution includes only the original archive supplied by Xequte.  You may not alter, delete or add any files in the distribution archive.

2.  The distribution does not include a registration number or information on disabling the registration features.  You are also forbidden from distributing a registered version of Smart Pix Manager.

3.  No money is charged to the person receiving the software, beyond reasonable cost of packaging and other overhead.

For further information about redistribution of Xequte products e-mail us at Xequte@usa.net

2.   License

By receiving and/or using Xequte software, you accept the following Evaluation and Registered User Agreement.  This agreement is a binding legal agreement between Xequte and the purchasers, users or evaluators of Xequte's software and products.

3.   Evaluation (Unregistered) and Registered User Agreement

You may evaluate Smart Pix Manager for maximum of thirty calendar days, after which you must register the program with Xequte or remove the software from your computer.

You may allow other users to evaluate copies of the unregistered Shareware.   All evaluation users are subject to the terms of this agreement.

The evaluator/user/buyer/owner is not allowed to attempt to reverse engineer, disassemble or decompile Xequte software and products.

Xequte's name and any logo or graphics file that represents our software may not be used in any way to promote products other than our software.  All parts of Xequte software and products are copyright protected.  No program, code, part, image, video clip, audio sample, text or computer generated sequence of images may be copied or used in any way by the user except as intended within the bounds of the single user program.

The evaluator/user/buyer/owner of Xequte software will indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Xequte against lawsuits, claims, costs associated with defence or accusations that result from the use of Xequte software.

Xequte is not responsible for any damages whatsoever, including loss of information, interruption of business, personal injury and/or any damage or consequential damage without limitation, incurred before, during or after the use of our products.  Our entire liability, without exception, is limited to the customers' reimbursement of the purchase price of the software (maximum being the suggested retail price as listed by Xequte) in exchange for the return of the product, all copies, registration papers and manuals, and all materials that constitute a transfer of ownership from the customer back to Xequte.

Each registered copy of Xequte software may be used in only one single location by one user.  Use of the software means that you have loaded the program and run it or have installed the program onto a computer.  If you install the software onto a multi-user platform or network, each and every individual user of the software must be registered separately, except only in the case of a multiple user site licence, in which case you are limited to the number of users as expressly stated on your multiple user site licence contract.

You may make one copy of the registered software for backup purposes, providing you only have one copy installed on one computer being used by one person.   If any person other than yourself uses Xequte's software registered in your name, regardless of whether it is at the same time or different times, then you are considered to be in violation of this agreement.

The sale of and or distribution of registered copies of this software is strictly forbidden.  It is a violation of this agreement to loan, rent, lease, borrow, or transfer the use of registered copies of Xequte software products.


About Smart Pix Manager


Getting Technical Support

Xequte provides technical support to registered users.  This support includes help on any technical or functional problems you may experience with Smart Pix Manager.

Please send an e-mail to Xequte@usa.net, with "Support" and your registration name in the subject line.  Please add "- Urgent" to request extra priority.

In your message body enter:

•	Your name

•	Registration name

•	Version of Smart Pix Manager

•	Version of Windows

•	Description of problem, including:

•	What happens, what symptoms occur, what error message comes up?

•	When it happens, e.g. after you have viewed a large file, every time you run.

•	What mode you are in; View, Browse, Edit.

•	Where it happens, e.g. in the options dialog.

•	Any methods you are currently using to work around the problem

•	Any programs that you are running at the same time as Smart Pix, i.e. check your start-up directory and list anything that appears, also check your system tray, do you have anti-virus or other software programs running.  Does closing any of these programs cure the problem?

•	If the problem relates to printing, what printer are you using and what driver?

•	If it relates to other hardware issues, please describe the relevant hardware and respective drivers.

•	Any other background information that may be relevant.

We will try to respond to your problem promptly, this may be a solution or it may be a work around.


Feedback

We are always keen to receive feedback on our programs from users, particularly:

•	How our product can be improved.

•	What new features you'd like.

•	What current features you most use.

•	What current features you never use.

•	Any problems you might experience.

•	What you like about the product.

•	What you dislike about the product.

Please e-mail us at Xequte@usa.net with "Feedback:" in the subject line.

If you don't have e-mail we also accept standard mail at

5 Abilene Cres, Churton Park

Wellington, New Zealand.

However we are better at responding via e-mail, so please include an e-mail address if possible.


Getting Program updates

Updates can be downloaded from our web page at:

http://www.xequte.com

We send information about updates and upgrades to all registered users via e-mail, including details such as what additional features have been added


Acknowledgements

Foremost, Thank you to Sean Cross for help and advice on programming, application design and bug eradication.

Smart Pix also uses the NviewLib.dll developed by K. Nishita to display GIF, PCX and DIB image files.  We thank him for making such a versatile add-in freely available, which has helped keep the price of Smart Pix down.  His web site is located at: http://einstein.ae.eng.ua.edu/nishita/index.htm

Smart Pix was developed in Delphi 3.02, we thank Borland (www.inprise.com) for writing such a powerful - yet easy-to-use - development language. Visual Basic is for pussies!


Appendix


Database
Smart Pix uses a series of tables to store a list of all your images and their path and any attributes that you have assigned to them.  There are actually seven tables that are used in a relational format, in this way the size of database files are kept to a minimum.


Attributes
In Smart Pix we use the term attribute to refer to the descriptions which you assign to an image.  For example, you might add the attributes 'German', 'blue', 'sports car' to a picture of a blue Porsche.  In this way if you perform a search for German sports cars this file will be one of those returned.

While nouns or adjectives are most common, obviously there is no restriction to the descriptions that might be used, e.g.:

Bill Clinton, American, President, playing instrument, saxophone, unmelodious.


Maintained aspect ratio
This means that while a picture may be zoomed in or out, Smart Pix ensures that it doesn't change the original x and y dimensions of the image relative to each other.  In other words, if you have a picture 5-cm wide by 10-cm high no matter how you zoom or shrink it the height will remain twice the width.


What are the ~ Files?
What are ~ Files?

Files with a tilde(~) at the beginning of a name (e.g. ~file.bmp) or at the beginning of an extension (e.g. file.~bm) are temporary files created by Smart Pix (and other programs) and can be deleted.

Smart Pix creates two kind of temporary files:

•	Images which have been inserted into the database and have a tilde in the extension, e.g. xyz.~jp.  By default Smart Pix does not delete images after inserting them into the database, merely renames them to a temporary name so that you can back them up before removal from your system.

•	Temporary files, if you are using the Changed Extension or Database Storage method, Smart Pix sometimes needs to create temporary files, for example if you want to launch an image in an external viewer.  These files will have a tilde at the beginning of their name, e.g. ~xyz.bmp.  Generally Smart Pix will clean up these files automatically, but sometimes it is unable, i.e. if you have launched a file into Paint and leave it open when you close Smart Pix, Windows will not allow Smart Pix to delete the file.