Paul S. Cutt (cutt++at++netcom.com)
Mon, 22 Jan 1996 11:50:38 -0800 (PST)
We sell a VR device interface which provides among other devices,
an interface to the SPACE MOUSE in performer.
Thanks,
Paul Cutt
On Sun, 21 Jan 1996, Wu Xiao Tao wrote:
> Could someone kind to tell me how to use SPACE MOUSE in performer?
> Thanx
>
>
XVS-SyncLink (TM)
A Standard Device Interface for Virtual Environments and Applications
Benefits
XVS-SyncLinkTM is a C++ class library that simplifies adding and
maintaining virtual reality (VR) sensor support in existing applications. It
provides a standard device interface for including virtual environment
devices into applications.
Virtual environments have led to the proliferation of 3D devices with
multiple degrees of freedom x,y,z,roll,pitch,yaw). Each device has its own
strengths and weaknesses, and the creation of new devices brings with it a
constant improvement in the capabilities available. However, using these
devices in applications is not easy.
Many of these devices are mutually incompatible. They have different
command sets; they use different command syntax for the same commands;
the output they give to the computer follows different binary formats; and
the same type of data is presented using different coordinate systems. Until
now, the near-total lack of standardization of even the simplest virtual
reality functions has discouraged developers from supporting multiple
devices, or adding any VR support to their applications at all.
SyncLink takes the load off the application developer by providing a
standardized and portable object-oriented set of VR device drivers. This
lets the developer concentrate on the applications, rather than the
idiosyncracies of each VR device.
Object Oriented
SyncLink provides an object-oriented interface to VR devices. There is a
single C++ class hierarchy for VR sensors. This hierarchy currently
handles 6-D sensors such as the Polhemus Fastrak, Logitech 3D Mouse,
Ascension Flock of Birds, Spaceball 2003, and the VPL Research
DataGlove Model 2. A second C++ class for coordinate systems allows the
application programmer to translate automatically between the differing
coordinate systems used by VR devices, 3D rendering systems, and existing
applications and data sets.
Common Interface
All devices which provide 6-degree of freedom position and orientation
data are handled similarly. SyncLink's base sensor class provides standard
operations for opening devices, closing devices, and reading position, Euler
angles, toggles, and other device data. Common filtering operations are
also avaiable in the base class, including origin offset, setting tolerance
levels, clipping, modulo, and scaling. Each device may report data in
either absolute or relative values, whether it is an isometric device like the
Spaceball, or an isotonic device like the Fastrak.
While the SyncLink base class provides a common interface to common
VR functions across different devices, it does not limit the application
programmer to the lowest common denominator. Device-specific functions
are also provided. For example, Fastrak and Flock of Birds users can make
use of the multistation capabilities of these devices, allowing multiple
receivers to be read from a single serial port. DataGlove Model 2
programmers can calibrate the glove and read and write ASCII-formatted
calibration tables. Logitech users may access the fringe and out of range
settings which warn when the receiver is approaching its line-of-sight
limits.
Sample application code provided with SyncLink demonstrates how the
same source code can be used to control any of the supported sensors.
Switching Sensors
SyncLink's common interface makes it easy to switch between sensors from
within an application. Simply close and delete the old sensor object, create
and open a new sensor object, and reapply the application's sensor filters.
Even this level of detail can be hidden from the user by the application.
No longer do the software incompatibilities between sensors inhibit
switching between them from within an application.
Customized Support
Xtensory provides the services for adding customized device support.
Custom devices can then use the same standard object-oriented interface as
commercial devices, without losing access to the functionality that makes
the device unique.
Maintenance
Xtensory provides support for upgrades and maintains the drivers as new
devices become available.
Portability
SyncLink provides portability between different UNIX and POSIX
platforms. The same C++ class library is available for Silicon Graphics,
Kubota Pacific, and Digital Equipment systems.
Devices Supported
Ascension Flock of Birds
General Reality CyberEye
General Reality DataGlove
Immersion Probe and Personal Digitizer
***** Logitech 3D Mouse, Cyberman and Space Control Mouse
Origin Instruments DynaSight
Polhemus Fastrak, Isotrak, and 3Ball
Precision Navigation Wayfinder
Spaceball 2003
Virutal I/O i-glasses!
Virtual Technologies CyberGlove
VPL DataGlove Model 2
5DT 5-Glove
System Requirements
SyncLink includes a C++ object library, C++ header files, and sample C++
test software. SyncLink requires one of the following operating systems:
SGI IRIX 5.2 or later
Digital OSF/1 1.3 or later
Microsoft Windows NT 3.5
Microsoft Windows 3.1
HP-UX 9.0 or later
Sun
SyncLink also requires the appropriate C/C++ compiler for the platform:
SGI C++ 3.0
Digital C++ 1.3 or later
Microsoft Visual C++
HP
Sun
Contact Xtensory regarding support for VR devices or UNIX/POSIX
operating systems not listed above.
Xtensory Inc
140 Sunridge Drive
Scotts Valley CA 95066 USA
Tel 408/439-0600
Fax 408/439-8845
cutt++at++netcom.com
...opening the doors of perception (TM)
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