Springie help
-------------

Index
-----

1) Brief feature description;
2) Import and export
3) How to run Springie offline;
4) How to obtain the source for Springie;
5) License;
6) Finding out more.

1. Brief feature description
----------------------------

Springie is a Java 1.1 tensigrity simulator.

It allows simulation of four basic elements:

* Struts - solid members which exert force when compressed;
* Cables - tensile only members;
* Nodes  - joints, hubs and connectors;
* Skins  - membranes joining;

The simulation is performed in a three dimensional
virtual world with simulated mass, elasticity,
collisions, gravity, charge and friction.

Models of physical objects can be dynamically
manipulated in this environment.

2. Import and Export
--------------------

Springie allows import of a number of file types - it reads:

* .SPR files - Springie's native format.
* .EIG files - "Elastic Interval Geometry" files
* .RBF files - "Richard Buckminster Fuller" files - from Struck;
* .FABRIC files - Fluidiom's native format.

It can export information in the form of .SPR files and
.WRL (VRML) files.  VRML export allows for higher quality
rendering than Springie offers natively, while still
allowing easy access to the results via a web browser.

You will need to run Springie as an application (rather
than an applet) if you want to be able to read or write
files - due to security restrictions placed on what
unsigned applets can do.

3. How to run Springie as an application
----------------------------------------

To run Springie as an application, first download the
.JAR file from http://springie.com/ to a directory.

Sensible operating systems allow you to run .JAR files
by double-clicking them.  If that doesn't work, the file
can usually be run by typing:

  java -jar springie.jar

...at a command prompt with the current directory listing
showing the jar file.

Microsoft Windows users who haven't downloaded a modern
Java Virtual Machine from http://java.com/ can often still
run Springie as an application - by using the command:

  jview /cp springie.jar com.springie.FrEnd
  
You will *need* to run Springie as an application
if you want to be able to read or write files from
your local machine.

4) How to obtain the source for Springie
----------------------------------------
Source code for Springie is available on SourceForge:

  http://sourceforge.net/projects/springie/

5) License
----------
Springie has been placed into the public domain.

6) Finding out more
-------------------
Springie has more comprehensive documentation available
online.

Go to http://springie.com/manual/ for more details.
