I want to build a project... it's fairly outlandish but it'll be worth it to see people's reactions.
However to build it I need some help. I need some sort of programmed device (such as an old PC) that can play sound clips and/or music upon cue. Probably all WAV format. These cues could be sent to the PC via serial connection as ASCII code, perhaps. (This shouldn't be a problem as the main device is largely mechanical and is probably going to be Basic Stamp controlled) It's also possible I'd want it to play video clips and perhaps display a large score.
Would something like this be programmed in C++? This sort of thing is beyond me, thus I'm asking for help. I can disclose more of what this thing actually is upon email... I'm trying to keep it as secret as possible.
HINT: It involves games but isn't a portable.
Thanks!
I need some programming help
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Hmm...WAV, huh? Isn't that normal CD format? If it is, maybe you wouldn't even need a PC, but a CD-ROM drive or a CD player controlled by a logic circuit...after all, the thing already has headphone outputs, digital out, and analog out, inaddition to the normal IDE cable and Molex power connector.
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bicostp
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A MAME emulator PC in a real arcade unit? 
I hope so. Those are cool.
I hope so. Those are cool.
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benheck
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Here's what this program must do:
1) Run maximized to take up entire computer screen (I'll probably use an old laptop for the computer/screen)
2) Display a large 9 digit score along the top 1/4" of the screen. This score may also display text or other large-font words
3) Run a video image in the lower 3/4" of the screen. I'd have to figure out the resolution but I'd supply/make all the video files, in whatever format loads and runs the best/fastest
4) Accept 2-byte chunks of commands via the serial port IN. These would be 2 8 bit bytes, allowing a total of 65536 commands. Mostly the first command is WHAT to do, the second byte indicates which file to play. Such as:
64 = Play a video file in window
128 = Play video file #128 ie Vid_128.avi
10 = Increment score by 1000
0 = Null
65 = Play a music file in background until further notice
205 = Play music file #205 ie Music_205.avi
The actual logic will be controlled by a Basic Stamp in my machine, so the computer is basically an A/V player and score keeper,
5) Send 2-byte codes to the Basic Stamp over the serial port. Such as "Video file done playing" or "Ready"
The video files/music/sound clips may start and stop at any time, so I'll probably attach a good 7200 RPM 8 meg cache drive to the laptop.
My C++ knowledge is ZILCH so I need help! This is a personal project, something I want to build and have, but of course credit will be given when I show it to the world!
1) Run maximized to take up entire computer screen (I'll probably use an old laptop for the computer/screen)
2) Display a large 9 digit score along the top 1/4" of the screen. This score may also display text or other large-font words
3) Run a video image in the lower 3/4" of the screen. I'd have to figure out the resolution but I'd supply/make all the video files, in whatever format loads and runs the best/fastest
4) Accept 2-byte chunks of commands via the serial port IN. These would be 2 8 bit bytes, allowing a total of 65536 commands. Mostly the first command is WHAT to do, the second byte indicates which file to play. Such as:
64 = Play a video file in window
128 = Play video file #128 ie Vid_128.avi
10 = Increment score by 1000
0 = Null
65 = Play a music file in background until further notice
205 = Play music file #205 ie Music_205.avi
The actual logic will be controlled by a Basic Stamp in my machine, so the computer is basically an A/V player and score keeper,
5) Send 2-byte codes to the Basic Stamp over the serial port. Such as "Video file done playing" or "Ready"
The video files/music/sound clips may start and stop at any time, so I'll probably attach a good 7200 RPM 8 meg cache drive to the laptop.
My C++ knowledge is ZILCH so I need help! This is a personal project, something I want to build and have, but of course credit will be given when I show it to the world!
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bicostp
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So? They're still cool! 
Hmmm... wonder what it could be...
PONG+? When the "poong" of the ball plays through the speaker, it makes the PC play "OW THAT FREAKIN HURT!!!", and when it goes out, it says "HA HA YOU SUCK, LOSER!"
Hmmm... wonder what it could be...
PONG+? When the "poong" of the ball plays through the speaker, it makes the PC play "OW THAT FREAKIN HURT!!!", and when it goes out, it says "HA HA YOU SUCK, LOSER!"
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are you sure you want serial?gannon wrote:I'll look into the serial interface for you. I have no experience with coding a GUI that would do that though (especially since you'd either have to adapt a current c++ media player or code your own)
I mean, with a parallel port you can do it in 2 cycles, but with serial, you'd need 16, right? (serial=1 bit at a time, parallel=8 bits at a time)
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cennar
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dude im pritty sure you can do all that at gamemaker.nl its what i use for my crappy games and i runn it off my old laptop. also gmaemaker does not need any programing its mostly point and clickbenheckc wrote:Here's what this program must do:
1) Run maximized to take up entire computer screen (I'll probably use an old laptop for the computer/screen)
2) Display a large 9 digit score along the top 1/4" of the screen. This score may also display text or other large-font words
3) Run a video image in the lower 3/4" of the screen. I'd have to figure out the resolution but I'd supply/make all the video files, in whatever format loads and runs the best/fastest
4) Accept 2-byte chunks of commands via the serial port IN. These would be 2 8 bit bytes, allowing a total of 65536 commands. Mostly the first command is WHAT to do, the second byte indicates which file to play. Such as:
64 = Play a video file in window
128 = Play video file #128 ie Vid_128.avi
10 = Increment score by 1000
0 = Null
65 = Play a music file in background until further notice
205 = Play music file #205 ie Music_205.avi
The actual logic will be controlled by a Basic Stamp in my machine, so the computer is basically an A/V player and score keeper,
5) Send 2-byte codes to the Basic Stamp over the serial port. Such as "Video file done playing" or "Ready"
The video files/music/sound clips may start and stop at any time, so I'll probably attach a good 7200 RPM 8 meg cache drive to the laptop.
My C++ knowledge is ZILCH so I need help! This is a personal project, something I want to build and have, but of course credit will be given when I show it to the world!
