[DGD] DGD & Simulations II Graphics

[Christopher Darque]

>On this subject, is there any reason not to use GIF or JPG
>graphics images (small ones) and send those over the binary
>port, instead of jiggering up ASCII screens with ANSI color?


Besides the whole additional level of complexity involved with
actual images, it would take a fairly skilled system to make the
visuals as dynamic as I try for. The visuals are somewhat abstract
of course, but with good use of color they can be acceptable.

A rough example of the design:

0_____________ Top of Screen
1
2 
3
4
5  Sky
6
7
8
9
0
1   ------ Horizon Line -----
2
3
4
5
6  Ground
7
8
9
20
21

Essentially what I have done is create 3 arrays, using a standard
screen width of 70 that is 70x21. So lets say this is a field of
plain old grass. I would fill the bottom array with mostly '
characters and mix in some others, and blank spots colored for dirt.

Then depending on the level of clouds in the area I would speckle
the sky array with some white/grey O o . etc. With a little bit
of 3D programming I vary the visual density of the clouds to give
a nice sky effect.

The third array is the object layer, it is overlayed on top of the
other two to create the final picture. This might be a structure or
any other thing.

While I like the visual effect, I do not do this just for that, it
is because I can then make changes and generate a new picture
whenever
desired. The grass can yellow with a season change, fire can burn
parts away leaving only dirt. Things like snow and rain are possible.



A.T
(-)


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