Head Tracker API Support

[samtheeagle]

Hi, I'm working on a little project to get the 32bit FreeTrack application to work with the 64bit A-10C game. I've put a wrapper around FreeTrack to write it's data to a shared memory block. I'm now trying to implement a HeadTracker.dll as defined by the API posted on the forums here by waggs, but as yet I'm not getting it to function.

 

I've tried to build the reference implementation included in the API distribution supplied by waggs, just to test the file locations and what not, but even that isn't working. So I can rule out my code for now, I'm just trying to work through getting the reference up and running.

 

I am of course assuming that the example supplied by waggs should work. The code certainly compiles, and it should rotate the view around the yaw axis once every 5 seconds. I think I'm placing the file in the right location bin/headtracker/headtracker.dll, that's where Input.lua says it should be.

 

Anyhoo, any support for the API would be greatly appreciated :)

Edited June 19, 2011 by samtheeagle

[samtheeagle]

Just FYI I'm fairly happy that my approach is sound, I have the 32bit FreeTrack wrapper writing to shared memory, and a 64bit test harness reading that data. The test harness also handles to conversion of the FreeTrack data values to the -1..+1 range required by the HeadTracking API.

 

So the mechanics of the IPC seem to be there, where I'm getting stuck is putting the code from the test harness into the HeadTracker.dll plugin system.

 

I just don't get anything back to diagnose what's wrong. Nothing crashes, I can find no reference the anything HeadTracker.dll or such like in any log files... I don't even think the HeadTracker.dll is being loaded, as I chucked in some custom logging into the API entry points, but the log file never gets created, let alone written to.

 

So have I just got the dll file in the wrong location? I've tried many many different places in the hope of getting some kinda of a response.

 

Or am I being a bit keen here? Is the API not implemented yet? Do I need to wait for the next patch or something?

 

Cheers in advance :)

 

----- Additional -----

 

I've been fiddling about with the Input.lua file, to see if I can get some more info out in the log files, and it's been partially successful:

 

00012.035 INFO NEWINPUT: TrackIR: Error initializing NPClient interface!

00012.036 INFO NEWINPUT: Cannot load headtracker.dll!

 

I assume I can ignore the NPClient stuff, as I don't use TrackIR. Unless ofc this interface is required for any head tracking system? The only thing that I can think of is that I'm building these HeadTracker.dll files using Visual Studio 2010, and a lot of comments I've seen in various files seems to refer to Version 9.0, so my next thing to try is recompiling usuing that version. Just need to install the old Visual studio now :S

Edited June 20, 2011 by samtheeagle

[samtheeagle]

By jove I think I've cracked it!

 

http://www.forum.lockon.ru/showthread.php?t=75917

 

Well it works on my machine. I need some testers :)

[Arrowhead]

By jove I think I've cracked it!

 

http://www.forum.lockon.ru/showthread.php?t=75917

 

Well it works on my machine. I need some testers :)

 

Works flawlessly. Thanks again.

[samtheeagle]

Awesome, well that's +1 Arrowhead, glad it works for you, and thanks for letting me know :)

 

It's so funny that 20 minutes after I put my implementation up the FTNIR team deliver one too! The community is spoilt for choice now :)

[Boulund]

Works for me too! Easy to install and no configuration issues at all. Great job!

 

Will you make the code available?

 

Thanks!

[samtheeagle]

Will you make the code available?Thanks!

 

Excellent! :D

 

Yes, I am planning on making the source available, I just wanted to throw the binaries out last night to see if they worked for anyone else. I'll try and get the sources packed up at some point today.

[Caldwell]

Do you have any suggestions on webcams for FreeTrack? Many models on their page are no longer available and I would like to try it out, but am unsure which webcam is compatible.

[Boulund]

Do you have any suggestions on webcams for FreeTrack? Many models on their page are no longer available and I would like to try it out, but am unsure which webcam is compatible.

 

I'm using a Microsoft Lifecam VX-1000, it was cheap and gives a solid framerate between 25-30.

I also did not need to modify it other than taping some developed (exposed) negative photographic film in front of the lens. It works very well.

 

I have a gallery of my Free-Track cap here: http://forums.eagle.ru/album.php?albumid=315