The Game Master (3rd Edition)

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ The Game Master (3rd Edition) / The Game Master 3rd edition.iso / files / demo_vga / pyro / pyro.doc < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1988-09-27 | 17.8 KB | 401 lines

PYRO - A Simulated Pyrotechnics Display --------------------------------------- Version 2.03 (August 1988) (c) 1988 K.G. Shields (c) 1987 K.G. Shields PYRO Version 1.00 was a program designed to produce a realistic simulation of a Pyrotechnics (fireworks) display utilising the power of an IBM AT compatible and the colour graphics capability of an EGA display. It was written as an entry in the 1987 "Your Computer" Microsoft Computer Program Art Competition, of which it was subsequently declared the winner. ("Your Computer" is a computing magazine published in Australia. The competition results were announced on page 34 of the January 1988 edition.) The prize in the competition was an "Earth Computer System" with a 10 MHz, 0-wait state 80286 CPU with 2 Mbyte of memory, a 1.44 Mbyte floppy drive and a 40 Mbyte voice coil hard drive plus an NEC Multisync Monitor; an Epson LQ2500 Colour Printer; and $2000 worth of Microsoft Software. (At least that is what was advertised when the competition was announced.) The current version of PYRO represents a major revision of the original program. A number of features have been added, most of which were not possible in PYRO Version 1.00 because of the length limit of 199 lines imposed by the competition. Additions include: . An opening screen. . A new effect - Catherine wheels. . CGA, Hercules and text-only displays are supported. The program now identifies the type of display adapter in use. VGA displays should be detected correctly and driven in EGA mode, but this has not yet been tested. . The program detects processor speed and adjusts delay loops to compensate. It also synchronizes itself with the timer tick of the machine. Both these actions are necessary to generate a smooth display and reasonable sound effects. The maximum number of points used may also be reduced automatically, from a maximum of 60 down as far as about 24 if necessary. If the processor speed is too slow on an EGA-equipped machine, the program will automatically switch to CGA mode. . The program has been optimized considerably including trade-offs of size for speed, and can now run on a much wider range of machines. On very slow machines it switches to a simplified script which limits the amount of simultaneous screen activity that can occur. While permitting a usable presentation on slow machines, this very basic script gives only a taste of what is possible when PYRO is run on a good fast processor. . The source code is now compatible with Microsoft QuickC and Microsoft C Optimizing Compiler as well as Turbo C which was originally used. I now use QuickC as my development environment for C programming, and use the Optimizing Compiler when development is complete. For PYRO, QuickC generates object code that is somewhat slower than that from Turbo C, however the Microsoft C Optimizing Compiler generates code that is a few percent faster than that from Turbo C. (These results should not be taken as a general indication of the relative performance of these compilers, as PYRO is not a 'typical' program. See 'important note' below.) Requirements ------------ . A fast IBM compatible such as a turbo XT or an AT . An EGA or CGA compatible display card, or Hercules monochrome. VGA should work in EGA mode (untested). . A colour display (preferably) if using EGA, CGA or VGA. The configuration of choice is still an 8MHz or faster AT with an EGA card and a colour display. When running at the correct speed one complete Pyrotechnics show, excluding the opening screen and end titles, will take about three to four minutes, or 180 to 240 seconds, to execute. If it takes longer than this, your machine is not fast enough to run PYRO at the correct speed. (The actual elapsed time and 'ideal' time in seconds are shown on the screen after PYRO terminates.) If the EGA mode runs too slowly then try the CGA option, and similarly try the TEXT mode if CGA is too slow. Method of Use ------------- Like a real fireworks display, PYRO is really meant to be viewed in the dark. For the most realistic effect, first darken the room as much as possible and cover or turn off any LEDs or pilot lights on the computer and keyboard. If darkening the room is too difficult PYRO will still give a convincing display by normal room lighting, but I recommend viewing it in the dark at least once to experience the full impact. Put the PYRO disk in your A drive and make A: the default drive. To execute PYRO to produce one complete Pyrotechnics presentation, enter pyro at the DOS prompt. Alternatively parameters may be specified which turn off sound effects, select the type of presentation (EGA, CGA or TEXT), or select continuous running. For example the following command will produce a continuous show without sound effects, in CGA mode pyro c q cga To terminate the show immediately at any time hit the escape key. For a more graceful exit press any other key and the program will stop after completing all currently active sequences. Parameters ---------- C Causes PYRO to run continuously until stopped by pressing a key. Use for a continuously running demo, or as a screen saver (but be warned: visitors to your office may find it distracting). Q Runs in quiet mode, without explosion sound effects EGA Forces the program to run in EGA mode CGA Forces the program to run in CGA mode HERC Forces the program to run in Hercules mode TEXT Forces the program to run in TEXT mode. This is experimental and is only intended to be used on machines with no graphics capability or which are too slow to run in graphics mode. Produces severe 'snow' on some video adapters. R Causes PYRO to report its assessment of display adapter type and machine speed rating before starting the presentation. F Causes PYRO to execute at full speed, instead of attempting to synchronise with the timer tick of the machine. This option is used only for checking the results of attempts to optimize the program. Test Results ------------ PYRO has been tested on a number of machines of different speeds and with various different types of displays. The results are summarised below. These measurements were performed using the Turbo C version and the results when other compilers are used will vary slightly. Machine Speed rating Display mode Time (secs) Comments NEC Powermate 1 337 EGA 204 Cleveland AT 330 EGA 208 Sperry 116 TEXT 179 Olivetti M24 172 CGA 227 Sharp PC7000 100 CGA 331 Slightly slow Cleveland XT 81 CGA 473 Slow Toshiba T1200 213 CGA 207 NEC Powermate 386 474 EGA 183 CCS XT (turbo) 173 CGA 254 Earth 286 (10 MHz) 427 EGA 197 IMPORTANT NOTE -------------- Some people have tried to use PYRO as a benchmark test. This is unsound as the program attempts to compensate for differences in speed between different machines. I do not recommend the use of PYRO as a test for compiler speed, speed of generated object code, or machine speed. The mix of instructions used in PYRO is probably very different from that of most other applications. Technical Details ----------------- The program is written in the C programming language. To achieve the required speed, the display registers and memory are accessed directly. At the time PYRO was originally written, it was fairly difficult to find information about doing this. However Microsoft Press have now published a book called "Programmer's Guide to PC & PS/2 Video Systems" by Richard Wilton, which I recommend to anyone wanting to use these techniques. In general, PYRO works by generating points and allowing them to continue in motion under the effect of simulated gravity. The attributes of a point include position, velocity, size, colour, lifetime, and rate of fade at the end of its life. Most attributes are generated randomly for each point, but the various effects are achieved mainly by manipulating the limits within which each attribute may lie. There are six different effects currently programmed: Spurt Produces intermittent eruptions of coloured sparks which fill the sky then fall gently to earth Flare A continuous stream of sparks emitted at high speed which fade quickly before they begin to fall Burst A starburst of brightly coloured points complete with sound effects Rocket A skyrocket which leaves behind a diffuse trail. Most end in a starburst but for realism a percentage of 'fizzlers' simply fade away to nothing. Roman Candle A large fiery ball shoots skyward, leaving a short, quickly fading trail. The ball explodes in a large burst that sometimes seems to fill the entire sky. Catherine Wheel A rotating catherine wheel emits streams of sparks in a spiral pattern. Files on the PYRO Disk ---------------------- PYRO.C The complete source code of the program written in Turbo C. PYRO.EXE The program in executable form. PYRO.DOC This file, the documentation of PYRO. PYRO1.C The complete source code of PYRO 1.00, the original version. PYRO1.EXE PYRO 1.00 in executable form. Requires an AT with EGA graphics. PYRO1.DOC The documentation of PYRO 1.00. PYROLAB.PCX 'Paintbrush' file to produce a colorful floppy disc label, if you have the means to print it. PYRO.MAK 'Make' file for use with QuickC. OPTPYRO.BAT Batch file to compile PYRO with Optimizing C, using the options that result in the fastest object code. Future Plans ------------ The initial version of PYRO was produced as an entry in the 'Your Computer' Microsoft Computer Program Art Exhibition. The current version implements most of the 'wish list' items of the original. Version 3.00 will be another major revision, the main new feature being that it will be programmable. The language being planned is PyroScript, a PDL (Pyrotechnics Description Language). This next version is probably a long way off, both because my ideas are fairly ambitious, and because I am now operating a full time computer consulting business which makes considerable demands on my time. Availability ------------ PYRO 2.03 (along with all earlier versions) is in the public domain and may be copied and distributed freely. Unless the written permission of the author is obtained beforehand, program PYRO may not be sold for any sum in excess of the normally accepted charges for copying and distributing public domain software, nor may it be used in any other manner for direct commercial gain. However it may be used as a demonstration at trade shows, on dealers premises, etc, either alone or in combination with other programs. The 'continuous' option is useful for this purpose. Unless the written permission of the author is obtained beforehand, the whole or any part of PYRO may not be incorporated into any other item of computer software. Please direct any comments, enquiries or suggestions to Mr Kelvin G. Shields, Dimension 88, P.O. Box 202, Mount Ommaney, Queensland 4074, AUSTRALIA. Phone: (07) 376 8383 K.G. Shields. 08/08/88 Footnote -------- I am grateful for the encouraging comments I have received about PYRO, both from within Australia and from overseas, and I am keen to receive any further communications. Thank you also to those who expressed concern about the trouble I have experienced in collecting my prizes from the competition, and asked to be kept informed of developments. For you, and as a caution to others who may be interested in entering competitions, I include the summary below. The full diary of events stretches for five pages, and a satisfactory conclusion has not yet been reached. However both Microsoft and Epson were very cooperative when I eventually contacted them directly, and I do not believe any blame for my problems rests with them. I am told it is not unusual for organisers and/or sponsers to lose interest in delivering prizes once a competition is completed, and this certainly seems to have happened here. My colleagues tell me I have expended more effort in attempts to collect the prizes than I put into producing the original entry. Diary Summary ------------- 16/11/87 Received telegram from the magazine notifying me of my win. Letters and phone calls back and forth followed, and I was informed the prize would be shipped without delay. (Competition conditions specified prizes would be delivered within 1 month of winners being notified.) 08/01/88 After many phone calls which were not returned, I was told the prize was already on its way and would arrive within a few days. 01/02/88 After several more phone calls, demanded a report of current status. Was eventually told that the prize was shipped last week. Suggested I call back in a week's time if it had not arrived. 11/02/88 After several more phone calls about non-arrival of prize, was told to contact Epson (Sydney) as all parts of prize had been sent to them for shipping. Called Epson. They were ready to send me the printer but they knew nothing about the other components of the prize. 25/02/88 Printer arrived from Epson. 09/03/88 Was told by magazine that both software and computer had just arrived in Australia and were both held up in Customs. Suggested I call back next Monday if not received by then. 23/03/88 Spoke to local agents for the computer company and was given name and phone number of a contact in Melbourne. Called him and was told that the machine offered as the prize had not yet been manufactured because of delays overseas. He was willing to give me a substitute machine with equivalent specifications from their current product line. However he had not yet been informed by the magazine of the outcome of the competition or the name of the winner, so would have to contact them first. 11/04/88 Spoke to local agents for Microsoft. They promised to investigate with Microsoft (Sydney) on my behalf. 27/04/88 Microsoft called, recorded my list of selected software, and promised to organize shipment as soon as posible. Said they had not yet been requested by the magazine to ship the prizes. One of the other prizewinners had had similar problems to my own and had also just contacted Microsoft directly. 28/04/88 Software arrived. 02/05/88 Microsoft called to verify that shipment had arrived and was all in order. 27/05/88 After repeated calls to the computer company since first contact, computer was finally shipped on this date. 30/05/88 Computer arrived but is unsatisfactory in a number of ways: . The monitor is an EGA ECM-5400 made in Taiwan rather than the NEC Multisync. Furthermore the display adapter in the machine supports enhanced modes I would like to use, but which cannot be used without a multisync monitor. . An old-style keyboard was supplied rather than the 101 key type I was assured would be provided. . Memory is only 640K. . Hard disk is only 20Mbyte. . The monitor power cable has a foreign (round pin) plug. . No printer cable. . MS-Dos and GW-Basic supplied on the hard disk but no floppy disks supplied. A Dos manual was supplied but no GW-Basic manual and no User Manual for the machine. . A number of Norton programs supplied on the hard disk but no floppy disks or manuals. No indication whether I am legally entitled to these. . No SETUP program supplied and it was needed because the CMOS information was incorrect. . The machine fails to boot up when turned on, and has to be reset up to a dozen or more times before it successfully boots. During this process keyboard and memory diagnostics may be produced. . The second serial port does not work. 02/06/88 Sent a letter listing problems and asking for remedial action. 16/06/88 No response yet, so phoned to verify that letter had been received. 18/07/88 Sent second letter requesting action on previous letter. At this stage I have allowed a further two months for action, which I think is more than fair. In that time I have received absolutely no communication from the computer company. I now intend to enlist outside help to try to resolve the remaining problems. 27/09/88