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Button Mapping Graphic Display
neuromancer:
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I think the FE should handle parent/clones. It would cut the table size greatly.
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Cool. Here's an Idea. We could use this type of list, but number the layouts. Then assign layout numbers to the games. There are only a limited number of layouts required, so all 2 player 8way 3 button games can have the same layout. All pacman clones would share one layout, ect. It would really cut down on the work of labeling the buttons. I think for someone who never played gauntlet before, knowing that one button is called "Magic" could really help.
I still like the idea of a stand alone app that takes the game name, the panel layout, and draws .jpg files that you can place in the marquee folder of any frontend (like ArcadeOS).
Bob
SteveJ34:
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pacman
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u_rebelscum:
--- Quote ---I like the data layout that is being proposed with the
mod listinfo from urebel.
1. Does the info extract represent a complete dump for all games through mame .60?
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Yes. all mame.60 supported games are in that list, straight out of the mame drivers. Problem is there is too much info as some non "action" buttons were included if the type (action vs. service vs dipswitch, etc) was not specified.
--- Quote ---2. Would a "next step" be to begin documenting the functions (fire, jump, kick) etc for all the games?
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That or cleaning up the extra data: Clone/parent relations, extra buttons that shouldn't be there, and such
--- Quote ---I am ready to jump in and begin documenting what I can but of course, do not wish to duplicate efforts so that the parts might complete the whole big picture.
Perhaps we setup a web page that has a web page front end to the basic |game|control|function| table that allows multiple parties to access and update?
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Easiest for multiple people helping, but extra work for however sets it up.
--- Quote ---I would be happy to contribute documenting efforts and web space if someone can aid the front end. I believe someone indicated they would be happy to contribute that.
How do the rest of you feel about this as an approach, ie: to allow multiple parties to aid the controls function definition process?
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Watch out for conflicting ideas, but that's possible anytime more than one person works on a project. [shrug]
I'll help as I can.
--- Quote ---I think we have some interest and momentum behind this concept and from reading the various inputs, a good starting diagram for what we collectively believe would be something cool to accomplish.
What say thee oh wise ones?
As always, I look forward to any and all replies.
Steve
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LOL, I'm not a wise one, but I say let's do it! Haven't any experence in making/editing FE's, so I wouldn't be much help there. ;) I can help on other stuff, but what else is needed?
csbelli:
As I mentioned above, I would be happy to make the web front end in ASP that stores the data in Access 2000 if someone provides the web space.
I would need a list of all the fields that everyone agrees the database should have and the an idea of any specific wording for the frontend to make data entry as simple as possible.
Once I receive all the information I can have it all ready within 2-3 days. It does not take that long to do but I have to fit it in with my regular work.
Once that is ready, someone should assign a block of letters for certain people to start documenting to prevent overlap. If someone gives me a list of all the zip file names, we can use a drop down box to pick the game you want to document. If it has all ready been documented, the information will show up so that there are no duplicates.
If you would like my assistance, contact me at csbelli@hotmail.com. I think this would be a great project and documenting everything is a great start.
csbelli
dknight:
I just wanted to add that I think this is a fantastic idea and I am volunteering to help in the data collection process. Sign me up for a letter!
-Dave