Zspace Linux Fix

Project Overview

The goal of this project is to create a fix for the zspace's stereo display of content, which gets mixed up from time to time. Using additional hardware external to the computer, a fix can be made which determines if the screen is correctly initialized and displaying content with the proper stereo orientation. In other words, an Arduino with a photocell oriented above part of the zspace screen can identify which side is which and send feedback to the computer.

Arduino Info and Tutorials

• Most basically, the Arduino homepage has everything from basic language reference to links and tutorials.
• Also, there is another tutorial website with clearer instructions and copyable codes. A related link has photocell information.
• This is very basic Arduino information presented clearly. I did not use this, but found it while searching for useful, simple URL's.
• These two links (here and here) seemed useful when programming the C++ software seen below.
• This link has another version of a brightness detecting program (possibly useful for reference).
• Possibly useful tutorial including an example of Arduino/C++ integration (the exact program does not actually work but has useful components).

Known Bugs/Issues

• The ZSpace has a 50/50 chance at initializing the left and right images in an inverted manner.
  • Must be detected so screens can be inverted [again] to their correct positions.
  • Requires additional hardware to monitor which screen is being displayed.
  • Arduino Uno serves this purpose and reports light intensity of current view back to host OS.

Milestones

• Power the light intensity to frequency converter via an Arduino Uno.
• Obtain light intensity measurement by reading frequency from the diode.
• Write an application to read/write light-intensity to/from the Ardunio Uno by means of a tty device (e.g. "/dev/ttyACM0").
• Create a cable with the special diode fastened in place behind a polarized lens.
• Test the cable to make sure the polarized lens makes a difference when switching left/right screens in CalVR.
• Integrate code with CalVR to show proof of concept.
• Connect Arduino software and that on Windows/Linux to establish a way of applying the photocell readings to zspace.

Hardware

• The Arduino itself, attached to the computer using a COM port (currently programmed as COM3).
• A photocell, attached using a resistor to a pin (currently programmed as Pin13) and the ground pin (GND).
• A resistor is needed (10Kohms?).

Arduino Software

• The Arduino software needs to be downloaded before the Arduino itself can be programmed.
• The specific COM port to which the Arduino is attached is an important detail involved in the programming. It can be found in the Arduino software under Tools -> Serial Port.
• The Baud rate also should be included in programs (currently programmed at 9600).
• This is the Arduino program that reads and prints a photocell reading from a pin (currently programmed to be pin13) every millisecond.
  • Media:The_final_project.ino
• This is a slightly modified version of the previous program, which hopefully can also identify which pin is being used.
  • Media:Project_pinid.zip

Source Code

• Source code for receiving light-intensity information from the Arduino Uno in Linux (Gray):
  • Media:HostApp.zip
• Source code for actually measuring the light-intensity from the light sensor on the Arduino Uno (Gray).
  • Media:ArduinoApp.zip
• A windows C++ code (visual studio 2010) that prints the Arduino commands (Kubasak). This program includes the assumption that the Arduino is attached to the COM3 serial port.
  • Media:zspace-controller.zip

Developers

Software Developers

• Matthew Kubasak
• Thomas Gray

Project Advisor

• Jurgen Schulze