Suzy B Software 2/Suzy B Software CD-ROM 2 (1994).iso/kids/eccb_v2/eccb.txt

Text File | 1995-04-27 | 9KB | 188 lines

            The Eliemouse Complimentary Coloring Book

                        By Albert Baggetta

                           Version 2



      ECCB runs in LOW RESOLUTION only.  The DEMO version is fully
functional, but I have only included two Elie coloring pictures.  This
should give the user an idea of how the program works.

      If you (or your child) likes using ECCB, you may order the program
(sans plug screen) along with 10 new Elie pictures.  If the program is
successful, I will produce other Elie screens for use with the program.

      ECCB is an electronic coloring book for young children.  The
pictures I am using are original drawings of my character, Eliemouse,
a young waif born part elephant and part mouse.  The pictures are in
varying poses with some expressive action children can relate to.

      ECCB allows the young child to use his/her imagination and creative
juices to create colorful pictures of Eliemouse.  It asks the child to
make careful observations about color choices.  It also offers the child
opportunities to try "what if" circumstances, by allowing different ways
to color Elie and the background.

      I call the program the Complimentary coloring book, because the
program will on occassion compliment the work of the young child as he/
she is painting.  There is a soft musical accompaniament along with
the subtle compliment, displayed at the top of the screen.


                     USING THE PROGRAM

      Boot up the program by clicking on ECCB.PRG.  The following
files are needed to run ECCB:

            ECCB.PRG      -- MAIN PROGRAM FILE
            PAINTSCR.PI1  -- TITLE SCREEN

      In addition you will need some picture files to load.  On
the DEMO disk I have included two of these:

            E1.PIX
            E2.PIX

      As the title screen is displayed, you will hear Elie's theme
song.  Next is a brief commercial for this program and 10 other Elie
pictures to color.  See details below for ordering.  (*** This is on
the DEMO VERSION only ***)


      After this is over, the first picture is loaded to the
screen  Above is the palette of colors available in this
program.  Future versions of the program will probably allow other
palettes.  At the top of the screen is a circle which will show the
current color in use.  The default color is displayed at the start.

      To load a picture for coloring, click on LOAD.  A file selector
box will appear.  Click on one of the .PIX files listed (assuming you
have any on the disk).  You can click on and load other picture files,
but this is not a good idea, since you can destroy any screen format
the program has established and could possibly lock up you computer,
forcing you to shut down and start over again.  ONLY LOAD .PIX FILES
INTO THE PROGRAM.

      Version 2 has another load feature that is easier for young
children to handle.  Simply press the L key and a new picture will
load on screen.  The picture files are numbered sequentially on disk
and will be loaded in that order on an L key press.  If you load a
picture file using the selector box and then load another with the L
key, you will find that the order of the pictures loaded is restored
to the beginning of the picture list on disk.

      If you are using a hard drive the picture will load instantly,
a floppy drive loads more slowly.  Now, when you have your picture on
screen (black on white), you are ready to begin coloring.  Notice that
two other boxes have appeared to the left of the screen.  SAVE and
QUIT.  These will be explained as needed.

      Coloring the picture is fun, simple and requires the use of the
mouse.  Simply move the mouse pointer over to the palette and select a
color by clicking with the left button over the color of your choice.
The selected color will appear in the circle window at the top of the
palette.  Now move over to the area you wish to paint and click the
left mouse button.  The area you have selected will immediately fill
with your choice.  Notice that the picture border also changes color
to indicate that painting is done.  The color of the border does not
match the color selected.  It is merely an added effect.

      It is important to be sure you are in the area to paint.  The
area should be enclosed with some of the picture outline.  The paint will
not overflow this area, unless you break the line by accidentally (or
on purpose) color the line itself.  It is not a good idea to click on any
part of the figure's outline (done in black) unless you want the paint
to overflow into another area.  Sometimes this can create an unusual
effect.

      You may go back to the palette to select other colors, of course.
As long as you do not select another color, the current color is in
effect.  You may proceed to color in the entire picture in any shades
you wish.  Even the background can be filled in.

      There are two active keys that should be mentioned now, since they
are not referred to on the screen.  If you should happen to make a mistake
and fill in an area with the wrong color, there are two ways of correcting
it.  You can simply select another color from the palette and paint again.
More quickly, however, you can tap the asterisk key on the keypad (*).
This will fill the area with its previous color.  This key is a toggle, so
you can keep hitting it to see what difference each color will make.
This only effects one change at a time, of course, so don't plan on
toggling other colors already placed down.

      Let's say your painting is not going too well and you want to
start over again with the same drawing, right from scratch.  All you have
to do is tap the plus key on the keypad (+).  This will clear all colors
and allow you to start over.  The current color remains in effect.  This
key too is a toggle, so you can change your mind by tapping it again.

      By the way, if you have loaded a new picture with the L key,
pressing the + key will restore the previous picture.  So take note
of this if you want to keep your current picture.

      If you really make a mess of the picture and become frustrated so
that you would like to try another picture, simply click on LOAD as you
did at the start and the selector box will allow you to load in a new
picture to work on.  Nothing will be saved so use caution here.  The
current color will remain in effect, even with the new picture.

      Ok, so you have finally colored in a picture to your satisfaction
and would like to save it.  Move your mouse pointer over to SAVE and
click once with the left mouse button.  A selector box will appear.  You
should type in a name for the picture, using .PIX as an extender.  Then
click on OK and the picture will be saved to disk.  If you clik on CANCEL
instead, the picture is automatically saved as a default .PIX file, just
in case.

      Another feature added to Version 2 is the availability of the
S key to save a picture.  This too is easier for a child to operate.
Simply press the S key at any time and the picture on screen will be
saved as EDEFAULT.PIX on the disk.  Of course this can be loaded to
the screen at a later time, if you wish.

      Of course you can load in any colored pictures you have saved,
in case you want to show them to your friends or parents.  Again, if
the program is successful, I will provide a viewer so that you can show
a steady flow of pictures.

      When you have finished, left-click on QUIT and the program will
end.  Be sure you have saved any picture you want before doing so.

      Version 2 also offers a key press to quit the program.  Simply
press the Q key and the program ends.

      ECCB can provide many hours of fun and inspiration to young
children.  It foster use of the imagination, hand-eye coordination and
decision making.  If you you are using the demo, order the program
along with 10 new pictures of Eliemouse, for more enjoyment.  Future
pictures for coloring will be offered.  So keep an eye to your favorite
boards and magazines for announcements.

      You can order the program (without the built-in advertisements)
and 10 new Elie pictures for only $6.00.  $5.00 for the disk and $1.00
for postage.  Be sure to specify that you want the Eliemouse Complimentary
Coloring Book.  The program is provided on a Double Sided Disk so If you
require a single sided disk, please let me know.  Money order or check
may be sent to the following:

             *****   IMPORTANT  IMPORTANT  IMPORTANT ****

      IF YOU HAVE VERSION 1 OF THE PROGRAM, BE SURE TO SPECIFY THAT
      YOU WANT PICTURES FOR THAT VERSION.  VERSION 2 WILL ONLY WORK
      PROPERLY WITH NUMBERED FILES.

            **********************************************


            Albert Baggetta
            P.O. Box 759
            Agawam, MA  01001-0759


      Thanks for your support!!