918 replies to this topic

[ravarcade]

BAM update!

 

http://ravarcade.pl/...BAM_v0.7-27.ZIP

 

Log:

1. FPLoader.exe - updated. Added switch /STAYINRAM.

   This switch can improve compatibility with HyperPin (and can prevent BAM from work with "old" AMD/ATI catalyst drivers). (... and YES , You still have to rename FPLoader.exe to "Future Pinball.exe" to use it easy with HyperPin )

 

2. From now config files for tables are stored in dir "cfg" in BAM folder.

Notice.

- You don't have to do anything with this. 

- BAM will create this dir at startup (if not exist).

- Every time You load table, BAM will move config file to "cfg" folder.

- You can copy table.cfg files to "cfg" folder manualy

 

3. Keyboard.cfg will be renamed to BAM.cfg

Notice.

- You don't have to do anything with this.

- BAM will rename file to new name.

 

4. Snapshot utility is buildin. Now then You press "printscreen" key BAM will create snapshots for playfield and translite (if You have second monitor).

Notice.

- You can change used key to do this. It is defined in BAM.cfg as "Snapshot".

- in BAM.cfg are now 2 more entries: SnapShotPath  and   SnapShotBackboxPath.

- they contain path to save playfield  and translite snapshots.

- You can enter relative path from BAM dir. Like this: 

SnapShotPath = snapshot

SnapShotBackboxPath = backbox

this way snapshots will be save in BAM dir (You have to create this folders).

 

or full path:

SnapShotPath = C:\somedir\someware\playfield

SnapShotBackboxPath = C:\somedir\someware\transilte

 

- don't add this lines to BAM.cfg. First run BAM, load table and play. Then You will see these new lines in BAM.cfg

- remember to add after last line "enter" / "new line char"

- snapshot file will be: "tableName.png" (tableName is name of .FPT file)

 

5. New plugin to Head Tracking with 2x PS3 Eyes. 

- I will on weeked write manual how to setup it (and if i  have time some videos)

 

Benefits of PS3 Eyes compared to WiiMotes:

- Wider FOV & can operate close to each other. You can easy put/mount two cams in backbox.

With lense 3.6mm (FOV ~79 deg) i put cams at edge of my TV with distance to each other ~0.4m.

- You can disable smoothering in BAM. It is not needed. Move is extremly smooth.

--

- Consumes little more CPU than WiiMotes. I think  You will not see any difference.

- Then You have enable BAM's "hud" (menu). You can see large drop in frame rate (for example from 500 FPS to 300 FPS) and get lower FPS from cams than You set (example: You set FPS = 75 and see 37.5 in BAM menu). Don't worry about this. BAM display in HUD transformed view of cams. This transformation consumes a lot of time. BAM don't do this, when menu is disabled. Then i tests with FPS counter build in FP, i see same values for HT-PS3Eyes like "Static cam". Only then BAM menu is visible FPS drops. If You want to reduce CPU usage, You can change "resolution" form 640x480 to 320x240 it will have very little inpact in tracking accuracy (and You can do this in any moment, this change will not erase calibration results).

 

6. Improved calibration with WiiMotes. I change some setting in calbration procedures. In few test i get better tracking results after new calibration. Don't worry if You get higher "Calibration Quality" values, this is "normal". 

 

 

 

(Yes. I move cam too fast.

In second part of movie i keep cam in place and move tracked ir-led)

Edited by ravarcade, 23 May 2013 - 10:26 PM.

[waynewhitney]

1 PS3 cam works great! There are a ton of settings to keep track of, but the effect is worth it! To clarify: does the 2 cam option require powered IR head gear or is it face recognition like the one-cam setup?

[ravarcade]

1 PS3 cam works great! There are a ton of settings to keep track of, but the effect is worth it! To clarify: does the 2 cam option require powered IR head gear or is it face recognition like the one-cam setup?

Two cams can only trace IR-LED (on players head).

Same way like WiiMotes Cam, but with greater FOV, accuracy.

Two PS3 Eyes can detect a change in the position of 0.1mm (0.004 inch)

[pocketpal]

2. From now config files for tables are stored in dir "cfg" in BAM folder.
Notice.
- You don't have to do anything with this.
- BAM will create this dir at startup (if not exist).
- Every time You load table, BAM will move config file to "cfg" folder.
- You can copy table.cfg files to "cfg" folder manualy

I tried to let this work automatically, but it kept crashing until I made my own cfg directory and moved them all into it manually.
 

4. Snapshot utility is buildin. Now then You press "printscreen" key BAM will create snapshots for playfield and translite (if You have second monitor).
Notice.
- You can change used key to do this. It is defined in BAM.cfg as "Snapshot".
- in BAM.cfg are now 2 more entries: SnapShotPath  and   SnapShotBackboxPath.
- they contain path to save playfield  and translite snapshots.
- You can enter relative path from BAM dir. Like this:
SnapShotPath = snapshot
SnapShotBackboxPath = backbox
this way snapshots will be save in BAM dir (You have to create this folders).

or full path:
SnapShotPath = C:\somedir\someware\playfield
SnapShotBackboxPath = C:\somedir\someware\transilte
 
- don't add this lines to BAM.cfg. First run BAM, load table and play. Then You will see these new lines in BAM.cfg
- remember to add after last line "enter" / "new line char"
- snapshot file will be: "tableName.png" (tableName is name of .FPT file)

This works nicely, except my playfield image was upside down.

Edited by pocketpal, 24 May 2013 - 06:15 PM.

[chuchomr]

NOTE: my knowledge in PlayStation is NONE. so.. when you talk about TWO ps3 eye toy... you're talking about  purchasing 2 units and attaching them together? or when you talk about the TWO cams its a different
"product" o PS addon called "2 cam blah blah"?

[waynewhitney]

NOTE: my knowledge in PlayStation is NONE. so.. when you talk about TWO ps3 eye toy... you're talking about  purchasing 2 units and attaching them together? or when you talk about the TWO cams its a different
"product" o PS addon called "2 cam blah blah"?

There is a product for the Playstation 3 called the "Eye Camera". It's basically a USB webcam specifically designed to track movement, similar to the Microsoft Kinect hardware. Rav has modified his BAM software to use this device as a head tracker for Future Pinball to give a 3d effect when playing a game.

He has also figured out how to use 2 of these cameras to track a head-mounted IR LED for more accurate motion detection.

Personally, I'm completely satisfied with the one camera option. The 3d effect on most games is amazing, and I can just walk up to the game and play without any other devices. Tutan Kahm, Jaws and War of The Worlds are totally different games when you use this view.

[ravarcade]

 

4. Snapshot utility is buildin. Now then You press "printscreen" key BAM will create snapshots for playfield and translite (if You have second monitor).
Notice.
- You can change used key to do this. It is defined in BAM.cfg as "Snapshot".
- in BAM.cfg are now 2 more entries: SnapShotPath  and   SnapShotBackboxPath.
- they contain path to save playfield  and translite snapshots.
- You can enter relative path from BAM dir. Like this:
SnapShotPath = snapshot
SnapShotBackboxPath = backbox
this way snapshots will be save in BAM dir (You have to create this folders).

or full path:
SnapShotPath = C:\somedir\someware\playfield
SnapShotBackboxPath = C:\somedir\someware\transilte
 
- don't add this lines to BAM.cfg. First run BAM, load table and play. Then You will see these new lines in BAM.cfg
- remember to add after last line "enter" / "new line char"
- snapshot file will be: "tableName.png" (tableName is name of .FPT file)

This works nicely, except my playfield image was upside down.

Please tell me Your playfield monitor setup:

- orientation/rotation in windows

- orientation/rotation in FP setup

[chuchomr]

NOTE: my knowledge in PlayStation is NONE. so.. when you talk about TWO ps3 eye toy... you're talking about  purchasing 2 units and attaching them together? or when you talk about the TWO cams its a different
"product" o PS addon called "2 cam blah blah"?

There is a product for the Playstation 3 called the "Eye Camera". It's basically a USB webcam specifically designed to track movement, similar to the Microsoft Kinect hardware. Rav has modified his BAM software to use this device as a head tracker for Future Pinball to give a 3d effect when playing a game.

He has also figured out how to use 2 of these cameras to track a head-mounted IR LED for more accurate motion detection.

Personally, I'm completely satisfied with the one camera option. The 3d effect on most games is amazing, and I can just walk up to the game and play without any other devices. Tutan Kahm, Jaws and War of The Worlds are totally different games when you use this view.

THANKS!!! for the clear as water explanation.. so... the diference between 1 cam and 2 cams it's not "huge"  there must be an improvement ok but  it doesn't mean that using 1 cam only isn't fluent or accurate?       I made a test with a web cam and 3 bulbs pointing my head to reach full speed in the movement... and it was awsome.. does this "ONE CAM ONLY MODE" has a delay?    could be the same the PS2 cam instead of the PS3?

Edited by chuchomr, 25 May 2013 - 12:24 AM.

[ravarcade]

NOTE: my knowledge in PlayStation is NONE. so.. when you talk about TWO ps3 eye toy... you're talking about  purchasing 2 units and attaching them together? or when you talk about the TWO cams its a different
"product" o PS addon called "2 cam blah blah"?

There is a product for the Playstation 3 called the "Eye Camera". It's basically a USB webcam specifically designed to track movement, similar to the Microsoft Kinect hardware. Rav has modified his BAM software to use this device as a head tracker for Future Pinball to give a 3d effect when playing a game.

He has also figured out how to use 2 of these cameras to track a head-mounted IR LED for more accurate motion detection.

Personally, I'm completely satisfied with the one camera option. The 3d effect on most games is amazing, and I can just walk up to the game and play without any other devices. Tutan Kahm, Jaws and War of The Worlds are totally different games when you use this view.

THANKS!!! for the clear as water explanation.. so... the diference between 1 cam and 2 cams it's not "huge"  there must be an improvement ok but  it doesn't mean that using 1 cam only isn't fluent or accurate?       I made a test with a web cam and 3 bulbs pointing my head to reach full speed in the movement... and it was awsome.. does this "ONE CAM ONLY MODE" has a delay?    could be the same the PS2 cam instead of the PS3?

With one Cam i can trace player position ony in 2D. One cam uses "Face detection". You don't nead any LEDs but resolution is very low (~10-20 mm) and there is "jittering".

One cam is only demo of real head tracking. (any way it works quite good).

I recomended PS3 Eyes becaus it is realy good cam. PS2 cam is realy bad (it uses usb 1.1 = low frame rate and quality).

To remove jittering with one cam You have to use "anti jittering" options and it increase lag/delay.

[hargabyte]

There is a big difference between the 1 cam version and having full 3d IR tracking. The 2d effect of 1 cam is neat but the IR looks way better. It just feel natural. I'll be working on getting 2 ps3 eyes working this weekend. gonna be busy though so it probably wont be setup till mid next week. 

[pocketpal]

 

4. Snapshot utility is buildin. Now then You press "printscreen" key BAM will create snapshots for playfield and translite (if You have second monitor).
Notice.
- You can change used key to do this. It is defined in BAM.cfg as "Snapshot".
- in BAM.cfg are now 2 more entries: SnapShotPath  and   SnapShotBackboxPath.
- they contain path to save playfield  and translite snapshots.
- You can enter relative path from BAM dir. Like this:
SnapShotPath = snapshot
SnapShotBackboxPath = backbox
this way snapshots will be save in BAM dir (You have to create this folders).

or full path:
SnapShotPath = C:\somedir\someware\playfield
SnapShotBackboxPath = C:\somedir\someware\transilte
 
- don't add this lines to BAM.cfg. First run BAM, load table and play. Then You will see these new lines in BAM.cfg
- remember to add after last line "enter" / "new line char"
- snapshot file will be: "tableName.png" (tableName is name of .FPT file)

This works nicely, except my playfield image was upside down.

Please tell me Your playfield monitor setup:

- orientation/rotation in windows

- orientation/rotation in FP setup

 

My playfield monitor is set up thusly:

Orientation in Windows is:  Landscape

Orientation in FP setup is:  270 degrees (Sideways)

[Zablon]

Where are people mounting their Eyetoys? I need to remake my grill and if I go the 2 eyetoy route, I may mount them in my grill by the speakers. Thoughts?

[ravarcade]

Where are people mounting their Eyetoys? I need to remake my grill and if I go the 2 eyetoy route, I may mount them in my grill by the speakers. Thoughts?

You can mount it on grill but check befor You do it, if lights in room don't interfere with tracking of ir-led.

I think it is better at top of backbox.

 

-----------------

 

Here is link to manual on my site how to setup new plugin:

http://ravarcade.pl/...with-ps3eyes,48

 

and video

(it is now procesed by servers, in few minutes it will be ready)

[chuchomr]

ufff AWSOME!  video...  the power of 2 ps3 cams... the closeups are the bestttt.

[mistermixer]

Tried to install this but having probs

 

We use a 'AZERTY' keyboard and think this gives the errors.

After loading a table and firing up the ball, future pinball quits with error ' unexpected error occurs ...'

Also to mention is that a number of future pinball copies are opened after this error ???

[ravarcade]

Tried to install this but having probs

 

We use a 'AZERTY' keyboard and think this gives the errors.

After loading a table and firing up the ball, future pinball quits with error ' unexpected error occurs ...'

Also to mention is that a number of future pinball copies are opened after this error ???

You can change used keys in "BAM.cfg" (previously "Keynboard.cfg".

 

About creashes i need nore info:

- os

- are You using any frontend?

- version of FP/MOD

 

Please test without frontend and with simply table (like cleane new table).

[mistermixer]

Have set keyboard to QWERTY and now i can enter the BAM menu and adjust settings

But can not exit this menu :-(        Typing Q does nothing and ~ shuts down future pinball ( unexpected failure ...)

 

Bamcfg looks like this :

  menu=192

  menu2=27

  left=37

  right=39

  up=38

  down=40

  enter=13

  snapshot=44

 

I'm using windows xp with the latest FP version and 2.5 physics

( tested without frontend )

[rockyrocket]

Working just fine for me rav, thanks again for your work.

Still need to calibrate a bit more, and with the cams atop the backbox I drop out of view when getting too close to the PF but it works great!.

[ravarcade]

Have set keyboard to QWERTY and now i can enter the BAM menu and adjust settings

But can not exit this menu :-(        Typing Q does nothing and ~ shuts down future pinball ( unexpected failure ...)

 

Bamcfg looks like this :

  menu=192

  menu2=27

  left=37

  right=39

  up=38

  down=40

  enter=13

  snapshot=44

 

I'm using windows xp with the latest FP version and 2.5 physics

( tested without frontend )

You can enter keys in BAM.cfg like this:

 menu="A"

  menu2="B"

  left="C"

  right="D"

  up="E"

  down="F"

  enter="G"

  snapshot="H"

 

All printable letters inside "" or decimal numers for keys:

http://freefoote.dvi...ation/vkey.html

(in this link keycodes are in HEX, before use translate to DEC) 

[ravarcade]

Working just fine for me rav, thanks again for your work.

Still need to calibrate a bit more, and with the cams atop the backbox I drop out of view when getting too close to the PF but it works great!.

Hi!

I'm happy that so fast You get it run with PS3Eyes.

 

Most important part in calibration to get it work as accurate as on my videos is to get good "Fix Cam" results.

I will try to make it easier. If You get good "Fix Cam" i will see instant much better results in normal calibration for 2 cams (and it will be quicker).