PointCTRL - Finger Mounted VR Controller

[sirrah]

 

Couldn't quite follow the first part of the video, but the point to calibrate part looked super easy and instinctive :thumbup:

 

This keeps getting better and better. Eagerly waiting my turn :bounce: (#141)

[MilesD]

I didn't think I was being a dick... I thought I was helping....

 

 

I moved my windows task bar to the right side when I started doing DCS in the Rift because of the accidental window switching.

 

Your always helping, I would be so far off task without your constant "stay on target" "stay on target" from the cockpit of your x-wing.

I hope you know I was joking only the way friends and "Brothers in arms" can. My wife actually pointed out it could be taken the wrong way. I said, "Not Dan, I'm sure he got a good belly laugh out of it. Just in case anybody else didn't get it, It was an inside joke to a friend.

 

Miles

Edited July 22, 2019 by MilesD

[Deano87]

Just be aware that not everybody has the Hornet so I hope this is an alternate procedure and not a new default way of doing it. Perhaps using the TF51 or something would be better.

 

Is the pointing at cockpit object thing affected if the user uses a non default VR centre position in the cockpit? I tend to reset my view while leaning forward a bit in the F-18 so my head endanger up further back then default.

[MilesD]

Just be aware that not everybody has the Hornet so I hope this is an alternate procedure and not a new default way of doing it. Perhaps using the TF51 or something would be better.

 

Is the pointing at cockpit object thing affected if the user uses a non default VR centre position in the cockpit? I tend to reset my view while leaning forward a bit in the F-18 so my head endanger up further back then default.

 

This does not change anything. And you can calibrate either way you want. One way you are moving your finger to the cursor, the other way your just moving the cursor to your finger. Works the same way with any cockpit and the stettings are universal from one aircraft to another. The alternate method just does better math because its getting the XY and Z calibration data from where your hand will actually be during normal operation.

 

That being said, I would expect if you calibrated for a helo and used a rotary dial on the overhead console, you would have a reduced error at the edges of the FOV.

 

Reference your question about siting back after recenter. As long as you calibrate after the recenter and are seated back there should be know issues. Thinking about it, It may not matter at all, same as if you were skewed in the cockpit when you calibrated, it should not mater, but I will test.

 

Miles

 

Thanks, I will do some more videos with other aircraft, same procedure.

 

Miles

[Deano87]

This does not change anything. And you can calibrate either way you want. One way you are moving your finger to the cursor, the other way your just moving the cursor to your finger. Works the same way with any cockpit and the stettings are universal from one aircraft to another. The alternate method just does better math because its getting the XY and Z calibration data from where your hand will actually be during normal operation.

 

Copy that Miles, I rewatched the video in a more awake state and I understand what you're doing now. Rather than pointing your hand at where you feel the cursor is you move your head to "point" the cursor at where your hand is, kind of the reverse way of doing it. And to make sure you hand stays in place you point it at a location in the virtual cockpit. Makes sense to me now I've had some coffee. :joystick: :D :thumbup:

 

Looks like a good way of doing it, and possibly more intuitive for people once explained.

Edited July 24, 2019 by Deano87

[MilesD]

Firmware Update: Two versions of the firmware update are now available, with and without FCU zoom support. Some systems may have a conflict with multiple keyboard emulators, so now you have the ability use PointCTRL as a mouse only emulator to avoid conflicts. Preliminary data shows that may have been AKA Clutters bug.

Also fixed the annoying inconsistent left cursor during cursor target setup in calibration mode. The left cursor would slightly jump left on button release. I think I spent 30 hours on that thing. It wasn't even my code that was bugged, it was a compiler corruption. Damn

[Oesau]

Thanks for the update Miles

[Deano87]

Cool stuff Miles. Getting back to production now? *Hint Hint* ;)

[AKA_Clutter]

IT's me, It's me that caused the slow down. Sorry about that to those 40+.

 

 

A VERY VERY big thanks to Miles for helping figure out what the conflict was. No (for me) to try and figure out what caused it.

 

I will also say that these delays will help everyone down stream with avoiding problems, headaches AND make the product better. I went through one myself and FULLY understand.

 

Miles - Keep up the great work.

 

PS - I will post more about my problem and my setup to see if anyone can help see what the conflict may be.

[flyinfriend]

No vr use?

 

Sorry if this has been covered but could this be used for non-vr. I would love to not have to use the mouse. Looks like an amazing design and implementation.

Thanks

[Chic]

Preliminary trials are encouraging for 2D Application. I’ll be in the next shipping group. I suspect we’ll need to do some tweaking but I’m optimistically psyched!!

[MilesD]

Preliminary trials are encouraging for 2D Application. I’ll be in the next shipping group. I suspect we’ll need to do some tweaking but I’m optimistically psyched!!

 

Hey FlyinFriend and Chic, I am making a fixed adjustable mount for you to test,

 

The best mounting position is above your headrest facing the monitor. It only needs to be high enough to get a clear view of the lowest position your finger will be pointing. Calibration Procedure is the same.

 

I just dont have the time for track IR compatabilty right now, but I hope to intergrate so the cursor will stay on the control when your head is moved the way it does in VR.

 

Here is a pic

 

Miles

Edited July 25, 2019 by MilesD

[MilesD]

Bug Report: AKA Clutter reported that during calibration with the CV1 the cursor targets would disappear before he was able to click on them. I believe this was because the lower resolution display was not registering the code generated micro cursor movements to keep it active. I have increased the pixels the cursors move in the update that will be up in a few hours.

Thanks,

Miles

Edited July 26, 2019 by MilesD

[AKA_Clutter]

Miles,

 

Thanks once again.

 

o7

[skunk160]

Got my system today, a day early, up and clicking buttons in the Tomcat within an hour. Completely uncalibrated but still good enough to know it’s genius.

Some spiral wrap later and it’s done. Thanks Miles, Carol it’s frickin awesome.

 

[ATTACH]214304[/ATTACH]

[MilesD]

@Skunk160, So glad to hear that. I am moving towards a factory calibration for each manufactures headset to make things easier initially.

 

@Chic, Your long awaited SMS Mount. Its printing as I write this. It should go out tomorrow with your kit. Let me know the next time you are in Wallingford.

 

Miles

[Chic]

My Man!

Edited July 27, 2019 by Chic

[skunk160]

sorry if this has been asked before in the thread, the red LED stays lit even after the PC is switched off. Is that OK? not an indication of an issue?

[MilesD]

sorry if this has been asked before in the thread, the red LED stays lit even after the PC is switched off. Is that OK? not an indication of an issue?

Hi Skunk,

The red LED indicates PointCTRL is powered and running. As as long as the computer is on or the USB is port is on, PointCTRL will be running. The Left button on the HMS only tells it only to stop sending commands to the computer.

 

I have my test units running 24/7 for endurance and reliability testing. I now run 2 PointCTRLs. A HMS for VR, and a SMS (Static Mounted Sensor) for fixed monitor applications, and have changed them to a individually switched USB hub to turn them on and off.

 

Good question, Thanks,

 

Miles

[=Panther=]

I've been quiet after my initial issues, but that is for good reasons. I have no complaints after 4 flights. Takes a little getting use to the concept, but I'm enjoying their use so far.

[Deano87]

I've been quiet after my initial issues, but that is for good reasons. I have no complaints after 4 flights. Takes a little getting use to the concept, but I'm enjoying their use so far.

 

Great to hear Panther. I can’t wait to get mine!

[aaron886]

I'm really enjoying mine also, a very interesting device. I can't set mine up for realistic arm extension due to my proximity to my desk, but it's cool how quickly you can get accustomed to having a mouse cursor available on either hand when you want it. Starting up is entertaining again, and I don't feel the urge to bind more and more unrealistic buttons to my HOTAS.

 

My only complaint right now is that the supplied Rift S mount covers a camera sensor. If I can find some time I intend to design a new mount, or a bracket into which the HMS could be inserted and removed at will. Currently just taping it to the Rift using masking tape, works fine. And, maybe, the calibration process was a little confusing. Even now I sometimes don't see cursors when I should during the calibration.

 

That said, this is the right combination of high tech and low tech. Very clever implementation, obviously by someone who spent some time doing more with less. (Read: military) I like that it is just a mouse cursor at the end of the day, which keeps things simple. No performance hit or other software to run. VR is complicated and demanding enough.

Edited July 28, 2019 by aaron886

[AKA_Clutter]

… .... Starting up is entertaining again, and I don't feel the urge to bind more and more unrealistic buttons to my HOTAS.

....

 

I agree. I am in the process of reprograming my TM WARTHOG for the KA-50 (used CH HOTAS for years) and that is one thing I finding out. With PointCTRL, I will have less things on the stick. Will always have the stick and throttle function, but if it is a clickable button, then I plan on using Point CTRL.

 

I also realized that this means I will have to know the cockpit much better and the systems as well. I used to have certain buttons to do the main ABRIS functions and that was OK. Now with PointCTRL I will have to relearn things. This also means I will get to know the ABRIS in much much more detail. THAT is a good thing.

 

Still getting used to it, and tweaking my calibration. I figure it will take a month of use before it is second nature.

 

now … … :joystick: ….:pilotfly:

[Ziptie]

Oooooohhhhhh booooooooy!!!!!!! Just came across this thread and excited to place an order and try this technology out. Have never considered using the touch controllers as it would be more difficult than just mapping the "mouse buttons" on my TM Warthog (which is what I have done to date). But this, seems right up there with another VR tech of similar idea but way different execution. Will be placing an order within the year for sure.

 

 

Cheers to the creator and others for their valuable feedback,

 

Don

[Ala12Rv-Tundra]

Just one question.

Does the "ring" interfere with the normal operation or grip of the joy and throttle? For instance, for pulling the Warthog joy trigger.