$image\bookshls.gif$ Overview: Using the DDE API

The DDE API is a method of controlling Imagenation remotely, so that you can send commands to it behind the scenes instead of through the graphical user interface (or UI). Using the DDE API, you can develop an application that calls on Imagenation to perform functions for it. Whether you want to run a small batch program on a group of images, use Imagenation as the image viewer for your scanner, create your own fax server, or develop a full-scale document management system, the DDE API provides the command interface for gaining access to Imagenation's functionality.

The Imagenation DDE API uses DDEML, which handles much of the overhead work.

You can use any programming language to develop your image-enabled applications, as long as it is compatible with DDE. If you use the C programming language, you can also use Imagenation's C API interface, described in a separate help file (Capi.hlp). You can also use these DDE commands through OLE Automation.

The application that you create with the DDE API controls Imagenation during a conversation, but the user interface remains active. Conversations can be initiated only after Imagenation has started. After establishing a conversation, transactions are built.

Each transaction consists of a name and parameters. You must include all parameters defined for a transaction, except those that are optional (indicated with <>). Sometimes, Imagenation treats a parameter as a placeholder. Placeholder parameters must be given a value of 0.

$image\pages.gif$ Starting and ending a conversation with Imagenation

$image\pages.gif$ Finding out if Imagenation is running

$image\pages.gif$ Quitting Imagenation

$image\pages.gif$ Requesting notifications