[simpits-tech] Falcon multiple monitor support workaround

[Joseph Fagner]

I postulated a similar idea over at viperpit.org:
http://www.viperpit.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=673 I like it and think it may
have some promise.  I'm not at a point of testing this yet (still hoping to
the flight sim gods there will be some kind of Falcon/F-16 sim with
multimonitor support).  If there is not a multimonitor option when I have
the ability to test, I'd like to try out this idea.

 

Jay

 

  _____  

From: simpits-tech-bounces at simpits.org
[mailto:simpits-tech-bounces at simpits.org] On Behalf Of Inventmd at aol.com
Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2004 6:45 PM
To: simpits-tech at simpits.org
Subject: [simpits-tech] Falcon multiple monitor support workaround

 

I just wanted to run this solution for multiple monitor support by y'all to
see if this is something that is worth designing.

 

Specifically, for Falcon, the problem is that the software 4.0 does not
allow for multiple monitor support at this time.

 

Of course using the trackerIR device and a head mounted goggle and the 3-D
cockpit, one can use that to slew around and see everything. Unfortunately,
then you can't see anything in your beautiful cockpit

 

It should be possible to use something like trackerIR to generate keypresses
of the arrow key (view key) for every certain number of degrees of  head
movement.  Falcon has the forward view (12 o'clock), left 45 degree (10:30),
left 90 degree(9:00), left 135 degrees (7:30), each of which is accessed by
a left arrow key press.

 

Let us, for the sake of argument say we have six LCD monitors arranged as
follows:  One monitor at 12 o'clock, 1:30, 3:00, 9:00, 10:30 and one
directly overhead.  All these monitors are connected to some connection type
device that we have yet to invent.

 

All the monitors are connected through this device to only one computer.
This saves expenses on the number of computers you need to buy and saves on
network overhead.  Only one monitor is actively displaying what the computer
shows.  All the other monitors freeze frame the very last frame it saw when
hibernating in an inactive state.  The active monitor is selected by either
the keypresses generated by pilot head movement using the tracker system or
some other way of determining where the pilot is looking.  (Using some sort
of headmounted laser pointer device for instance).

 

So, while in use, the monitor that is the center of the pilot's attention is
active.  All the other monitors are in a freeze frame state showing the
appropriate position view for its position in space.  For instance, the 9:00
monitor will always show the 9:00 view because it can only be activated when
the head is turned to look at the 9:00 monitor.  When the pilot looks away,
the monitor then freezes on the last frame which is still in the 9:00 view
and the next monitor at 10:30 takes over the viewing.  The idea is that
although the peripheral monitors don't need to contribute lots of data while
we are concentrating on the monitor that we are looking at, for full visual
stimulation will give a more immersive sensation of being in the cockpit.

 

If the freeze frame idea is too hard to accomplish, then perhaps the
monitors can be programmed to always show a predetermined picture when it is
in the idle state of a generic 9:00 view or 3:00 view depending on which
monitor that is.

 

I imagine the trackerIR technology cannot be terribly expensive since it can
be done with optical mice for under 10 bucks.

 

Anyone have the know how and gumption?

 

Thanks

 

John Li

 

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