VizConnect

Vizconnect is Vizard's tool for connecting to displays, trackers, and more without programming. Vizconnect consists of a GUI, where components are added and configured and a graphics window that runs the GUI configuration in real-time. The graphics window updates dynamically as GUI settings change so you can instantly see if your hardware is configured properly. The GUI settings are saved to a vizconnect configuration file and then imported by Vizard applications. This allows the programmer to design their application independently of the hardware used. For example, by changing the vizconnect configuration file that's imported by the Vizard app, the app can be run on a Walking VR, Projection VR, or desktop (monitor/keyboard) system.

Configuration Interface

The configuration interface is essentially a graphical tool for generating Vizard code. It eliminates the need for knowing the details of connecting to hardware. For example, when you select a HMD from the Display menu the generated Vizard code will include functions calls to setup the correct stereo mode and field of view for that particular device. Any application that imports the configuration file will render correctly for the HMD. There are three modes for creating configuration files within the interface:

  1. Presets: Select from a list of common preset configurations.

  2. Guided Wizard: A three step process where you select your display, head tracker, and optional hand tracker.

  3. Advanced Interface: Displays, trackers, inputs, transports, avatars, and tools are selected and configured individually.

Integration of transports, tools, and avatar IK

In addition to hardware support, Vizconnect integrates Vizard libraries that assist with user movement and interaction in the VR world and avatar IK. Transports are virtual methods for moving the user around the environment. For example, with the flyTo transport the user can point to a location in the scene and fly there in moments. Although the user has not physically moved, their position in the virtual environment has been updated. Tools support various interactions with the environment, such as grabbing or highlighting objects. Both transports and tools can be created and mapped to input device signals (e.g PPT wand joystick movements and button presses) within the GUI. Avatar IK refers to animating an avatar using tracking data, for either 1st or 3rd person views of the avatar. Vizconnect provides a visual tool to map trackers to avatar body parts.