Fantasia by Tony Barker & Moving Pixels
FANTASIA
Author: Tony Barker, Sydney, Australia
This demonstration has been written as an interactive demonstration
of the STe. It represents a simple yet fun way to experiment with
mouse control and the artistic potential of the STe.
For the technically minded, we are introducing 32 colours on the screen
at any one time, most of the objects refresh at 15 frames per second with
some of the smaller objects refreshing at up to 50 frames per second.
The sound sample used in FANTASIA has been captured at 12517Hz as a
single channel mix. If you are looking for a stereo mix, then refer to
BOINGSTE which we have also placed in the public domain.
TO OPERATE:
- Double-click on FANTASIA.PRG to launch this demonstration.
Yes! FANTASIA may be launched in either low or medium resolution.
- FANTASIA will begin in AUTO mode allowing you to observe each
of the 3D objects that are an integral part of this demonstration.
- Press the RETURN key to switch to any of the objects that are
an integral part of FANTASIA.
- The control panel at the base of your screen shows the position
of each axis of the object on the screen (THETA, PHI, RHO), the
DISTANCE is an arbitrary unit of measure from your viewing point,
while the CONTROL slot indicates whether FANTASIA is in KEYBOARD,
AUTO or MOUSE control.
- To begin to appreciate the power of FANTASIA, we suggest you
select the MOUSE option (toggle the SPACEBAR until the word MOUSE
appear in the control slot) and hold down the left mouse button.
Immediately, the object on the screen will begin to move forward
into your viewing plane. Alternatively, by holding down the right
mouse button, the object will recede from your viewing frame.
- Next, move the mouse around the table in either a circular or
horizontal manner. Observe how easy it is to manipulate the
object through each of the three axes.
- Once you have mastered this step, press the "C" key on the
keyboard. This toggles the screen clearing mode to an OFF
position. Again, use your mouse controls to manipulate the
object . . . . and observe the results! Experiment at will
and discover how you can create your own fantastic shapes
which seem to pulsate and swirl.
- To restore the screen clearing mode, press the "C" key.
EXTRA HELP:
- Press HELP and an illustrated picture will appear on the screen
showing each of the controls. Press any key to return to the
control screen.
- Press UNDO to restore your object to a zero status position.
A useful step to restore the orientation of an object.
- Press "Q" on the keyboard to return to the desktop.
- The subtle nuances of FANTASIA are best realised with the
keyboard mode selected. Study the HELP screen to understand
how you can control the rotational paths of your object from
the numeric keypad.
- Remember, pressing the RETURN key will toggle between the
various objects that are part of FANTASIA.
- Be sure to connect your Atari STe to the loudest "ghetto blaster"
you can place your hands on and pump up the volume. Enjoy!
Alistair Campion
Atari Computers, Australia
15th March, 1990
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