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Summer
Quarter
**
I just wanted to pull together the discussion that Tomonori, Rane
and I had in class tonight.
Tomonori, Rane and I all agree that the four of us would work well together (anyone, please correct me if I misquote you).
We like the idea of shared perception via a mobile computing device. We all agree that a web page is a far off secondary concern (used mainly for documenting our project), and that the primary concern is how and why we are collecting video/audio to be shared with others.
I think what we all have in common is the concept of telepresence.
Rane suggested looking into the idea of relationships as a theme for the project. Relationships as in how does a person speak with a computer and how do people speak through computers to one another. I like this idea because it delves into some fairly solid communication theory with which I've always been intrigued. Also, communication theory has so many facets, choosing it as an overarching theme doesn't limit us too much.
Communication theory works for me. The relationship that I was referring to was the relationship between people/people, people/machine, people/machine/people. We discussed the reason for a portable computing device. I don't like the idea of creating something where the viewer is stuck in front of a computer. I likened this to using the telephone over the technological advances with the phone. You could go all the way back to party lines... but, changes happened in how we lived with the advent of the telephone. Cordless phones gave people freedom to move about while talking (so did long cords). People began speaking to others in their yard, or on their porch. Wireless phones are resulting in people being interrupted in the middle of a class and walking out to have the conversation. The ringing interrupts everyone, but we are learning to ignore it. People walk around with phones talking to others. This also happens in the middle of a dinner conversation, where all of a sudden a third person enters for one of the dinner guests.
So, this is what I meant in terms of relationships between people/people, people/machines, and people/machines/people. There is a relationship of sorts that exists with a device that you keep with you.
Tomonori had some wonderful ideas regarding "why" and posed the important questions of how will our project affect people on an emotional, psychological, and logical level? For example, what happens when you invert video? should we do that? if so, why? He also raised the question of our skill sets and if the four of us have what it takes. We agreed that video, audio and text is managed by our current skill sets and that graphics/images could be dealt with by combining our efforts.
I offered the idea of trying to "digitize attitude", that is to say, OK we can transmit the visuals and sound of a persons experience, but how do we than digitize and transmit that persons personality. POV telepresence is as much about the literal senses as it is about the emotions triggered by those perceptions. For example, I suggested the recorder could alter the video by saturating certain colors to signify emotion. Strong blue saturation = depression, light green saturation = contentment, etc.
I think the idea of digitizing attitude is interesting and worth investigating. My general interpretation of all of our concerns is that we need to come up with a strong reason to put together a mobile video/audio POV recording device. We need to focus our efforts on pushing the technology beyond KinoEye into an interactive, artistic (and potentially commercially viable) experience that takes, as Rane said, our ideas to the next level. And so I think it is safe to say that the three of us left tonight's meeting with relationships/comm theory as a spark of inspiration to come up with some content for this project.
I also think that we need to keep bouncing ideas of one another both on the hardware end of things (thanks for the VIC link) as well as the theoretical end of things. Basically we talked for a couple hours about a vast wealth of ideas and potential for the project. I have recounted only a few ideas here and I've included everyone in this email in the hopes that you correct and augment my interpretation of the evening's conversation.
And to formalize the group I am assuming that Siggi, Me, Rane, and Tomonori are, as of tonight, in this project group till the end of next year. Please let us know if there is any apprehension on anyone's part... I like all of your guys' ideas, I've enjoyed working with all of you in class and feel very comfortable saying that I am in a group with the three of you. I hope to here similar reactions from all of you... and if not... no hard feelings... I just want to dive into the project. I am excited about the possibilities of this group. I also want to dive into the project.
**
Description of the project:
Our goal is to use technology to explore time space, relationships, and communication theory through computer-aided communication tools utilizing sensors, video, audio, and streaming technologies.
Relationships:
How do we use audio and video to impact the user of this technology? What is that impact? This is a study in terms of time and space. Changes that occur with time, and augmenting reality with virtual space…
We won't know what is ideal for this medium until we actually have a working prototype.
Our initial educated guesses for the content are:
1. Boundaries in relationships -- boundaries between person/machine, person/person, person/machine/person.
A. Intimacy
B. Privacy
C. Organic environment created by the technology.
D. Mixture of person/machine. Humans are imperfect and will alter the control of the digital world.
E. Layers of interactivity, reflection of interactivity... reflexivity... incorporating the process of what is going on while you're doing it, so you become aware of it. The metaphor of the mouse... you don't see what is going to happen with a mouse, but after you use it, you get the idea of what is happening and what is possible.
The immersion of the user enables the user to enter into a virtual space. User to machine, user through the machine to the other person, and the relationship of the receiver. What are the boundaries of intimacy and privacy? There are a lot of levels of interactivity and intimacy in the relationships.
Level of interactivity. Our intent is to make this technology interactive via wireless LAN, (full duplex, multi-channel communication).
Time and Space: Technology alters or augments the perception of time and space. It should happen on both ends -- for the viewer and recorder. The viewer will have an awareness of the space of the viewer. Time issue: real time, live broadcast which means there will be lulls and boredom... perhaps an altered interpretation of time.
Content and research: Time/Space, Relationships, Wireless LAN, Prototype building, Communication theory, email/chat as a media for communication and how that limited space of ... synchronous communication in a chat versus asynchronous communication in email. Visual Communications
Communication theory: How do you digitize personality and attitude? Is color a viable venue for this? Video conferencing, human factors issues.
Email com theory
Technology -- 4:3 format.
Effectors -- (mood, attitude, personality)...
Theremin is a proximity sensor to a pitch converter... how do you represent the proximity to the receiver end? Possible to control music, sound, virtual, or real object (like virtual chess)... by using 3 theremins... for the 3D positioning.
Links: http://www.muse3d.com
http://www.fufme.com
http://www2.ncsu.edu/eos/service/ece/project/succeed_info/larettin/thesis/ch1.html#1.2
http://www-ict.its.tudelft.nl/~moritz/
http://www-ict.its.tudelft.nl/html/research/c/
http://www.supercircuits.com/start_color.html
http://www.endoscopes.net/cams.shtml
Computers we want:
Part I.
Technology reflects mobile camera eyewear – hardware data recording, wireless streaming via LAN, and using netware software to create an interactive environment.
Research methods:
Online research, prototype testing, email interviews/exchanges, journal/library research, field trips, listserves, newsnet, We will have weekly and bi-weekly meetings during the summer.
Production methods research: list technologies we're using and whatever we don't have competency in, we research.
The innovative aspects of the project are wireless mobility, first person point of view video. This is an innovative perspective used for personal experience. The 3D audio is innovative, except for NASA.
This project enhances the current body of knowledge by producing a prototype that will allow real time video streaming, and the sociological investigation of the impact of that technology.
There aren't many people who are doing realtime interactive audio, let alone 3D immersive realtime audio. The feedback loop, and reflexivity will alter our social interactions.
**
Here's a hardware and software list based on Siggi's suggestions.
Obviously specific hardware is interchangable and prices are ballpark.
Add to this list the audio software requirements.
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Access Point (AIR-AP342E2C) - $1300
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN PC Card (AIR-PC342) - $250
Streaming Media Server (based on Real Networks Requirements)
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Server, Dual Intel Pentium III 500+, 256RAM, standard
harddrive (4+ gig), keyboard, monitor & mouse. - $3000
Workstations (based on group memeber requests)
2 Windows NT Workstation, Pentium III 500+,128RAM. - 2 * $1900
2 Apple G3/G4 128RAM. - 2 * $2400
Access to Bandwidth
120kpbs stream with 10 streams = at least 1.2 Mbps
Wearable Computers (based on VIAIIPC and Wearables)
Windows NT 4.0, Cyrix or Celeron 166-230, 64-128RAM, 3.2GB Harddrive, Interface,
Display. $3500-8000
Software:
Streaming Media Server - Real or Windows Media.
Web Server Software - Apache, UNIX, Netscape.
Visual Content Creation - Photoshop, Fireworks, Dreamweaver, Premiere, RealNetworks/Windows
Media Production Tools.
Audio Content Creation - Soundforge, ProTools, Specialty Software
**
you know what? I heard that library (the one "smoked")
has wireless LAN card for notebooks -PC cards, and base stations. I wonder
if they smell bad or still work, but maybe we can borrow some, when we
need to field test/ try out to see how far it goes and how fast etc. I
forgot to tell you this yesterday.
They had some wireless LAN things at Fry's @Fremont. I didn't know this has been so close to consumer. When I grab a iBook, I'll get Airport definitely.
**
Since Wearables are so expensive.
Here's another less pretty idea but its much more powerful and cheaper and obviously Sony is not the only option.
Sony VAIO FZ505 Series notebook sells for $2800. It has Pentium III 500, 128 MB RAM, 12GB harddrive, 12" display, is 1" thick and weighs 3.75 lbs, 1 type II card slot (wireless LAN) and 2 USB ports (which only windows 98 can use).
Sony VAIO F series notebooks start with the PCG-F420 at $1700 for a PIII 450, 64RAM, 13" Display, 7lbs, 2" thick, 6GB drive, and 2 Type II card slots, 4xDVD.and go up to the VAIO PCG-F490 selling at $4000 for a PIII 650, 128RAM, 15" XGA TFT Display, 7lbs, 2inches thick, 18GB drive, and 2 Type II card slots 4xDVD.
All of these guys come with a built in 56k modem.
**
I think in terms of getting a wireless LAN, it would be best if we
got a dedicated machine to our project. I dont' want to be "borrowing".
It tends to be a pain.
**
I was out all day, and couldn't go to the library...you guys think
we
can borrow their wirelessLAN system?
I also have a catalog of prototype components: I found a tiny
motherboard that comes PCI slot/ISA slot/LCD Screen
Circuit/HD-FD-EtherPort kinda stuff: designed for Kiosk machine type thing. The catalog is at school, I'll get the URL and let you'll know. I don't know if this machine can give enough horse power -but quite small so......
**
I agree... we should ask for it all...
**
Good Morning,
If you would like I can assemble an "add-on" sheet to the paper with the list of equpiment we've been passing around. I can e-mail it to Jim and drop off a paper copy to Raquel tomorrow. Tomonori, let me know that motherboard URL so that we can include that as well.
Let me know if you want me to do this. Or if you want something added.
**
Hi. this is the address of company that makes single board computer (SBC)
which is used for Kiosk machine or brain for industrial machines. http://aaeon.com/
and this is the SBC with LCD controller (so stick LCD display in without converter) This takes Celeron (socket370, right?) and has one PCI slot, and one PC/104 (PC card?) along with other stuff, such as FD/HD port, Ether, USB, KB/Mouse, Serial/parallel. it is priced as $560 according to the catalog I have (but not sure at what quantity.) http://aaeon.com/html/pcm6890.htm
July 2000
**
We were thinking that we are kinda leap frogging from brain to brain...
so we thought mindfrog.com.
Well, some guy in New York registred it last month, but I registered
mindfrog.net and mindfrog.org and e-mailed that guy about mindfrog.com. We're thinking a frog as a character might be cool... and maybe this mindfrog.com guy will give up the .com... and of course, we're still open for suggestions. I just registered mindfrog as a second best... possible first choice.
**
Phil,
Here's a hardware and software list. Prices are fairly accurate.
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Access Point (AIR-AP342E2C) - $1300
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN PC Card (AIR-PC342) - $250
Streaming Media Server (based on Real Networks Requirements):
Micorsoft Windows NT 4.0 Server, Dual Intel Pentium III 500+, 256RAM, standard harddrive (4+ gig), keyboard, monitor & mouse. - $3000
Workstations (based on group memeber requests):
2 Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Pentium III 500+,128RAM. - 2 * $1900 =
$3800
2 Apple G3/G4 128RAM. - 2 * $2400 = $4800
Access to Bandwidth:
120kpbs stream with 10 streams = at least 1.2 Mbps
Wearable Computers (based on VIAIIPC and Wearables):
Windows NT 4.0, Cyrix or Celeron 166-230, 64-128RAM, 3.2GB Harddrive, Interface, Display. $3500-8000
One of the two following Notebooks (or equivalent):
1) Sony VAIO FZ505 Series notebook. It has Pentium III 500, 128
MB RAM, 12GB harddrive, 12" display, is 1" thick and weighs 3.75 lbs, 1 type II card slot (wireless LAN) and 2 USB ports (which only windows 98 can use). $2800
2) VAIO PCG-F490 selling for a PIII 650, 128RAM, 15" XGA TFT Display, 7lbs, 2 inches thick, 18GB drive, and 2 Type II card slots 4xDVD. $4000
Head Mounted Display:
Sony Glastron Glasses PLM-A35 - $500
Cameras:
2 Color Surveillance Cameras - 2 * $250 = $500
Audio:
Mic PreAmp - $200
Headphones - $100
Software:
Streaming Media Server - Real or Windows Media.
Web Server Software - Apache, UNIX, Netscape.
Visual Content Creation - Photoshop, Fireworks, Dreamweaver, Premiere, RealNetworks/Windows Media Production Tools.
Audio Content Creation - Soundforge, ProTools, Specialty Software
**
The following domain name(s) were successfully registered:
eyeleap.com
Sigurdur matthiasson
2177
rosedale ave, ca 94601
US
Domain Name: eyeleap.com
Subscription Length: 1 year(s)
Period From: 14-Jul-2000
Period To: 13-Jul-2001
Order ID: 12912833
Amount Charged (US$): $35.00
**
I have a feeling that we may not necessary need base station for
wireless LAN. -maybe "airPort" type networking is possible. One desktop connected to LAN by Ethernet Card also has PCI wireless card, that bridges for the laptop/mobile computer with wireless PC card. You know what I mean? I don't know how much lines one PCI card can handle, but the stand alone station looks like just a router/hub, and replacable with normal machine. I haven't read much, tell me when you find which hardware suppors that.
I saw the ad in data comm warehouse, and the package of ZOOMAIR has picture of a Desktop and 2 notebooks connected by "radio" the actual site:
http://www.zoom.com/zoomair/index.html
**
Farallon Skyline PCMCIA card is compatible with AirPort Base Station.
So, Mac, PC notebooks can be networked simult. to AirPort Base –Airport
is $300 or so, right? This way we can save money on base station.
Also, using skyline, skyline can communicate with Mac with airport card -base station is not necessary. it's really just like HUB. http://www.farallon.com/products/wireless/skyline/
11Mbps/150ft
**
600k movie of camera-glasses is at
http://www.haywire.csuhayward.edu/~tyamasa/camerahead.mov
**
I opened my HMD and took some shots.
http://www.haywire.csuhayward.edu/~tyamasa/images/1close.jpg
http://www.haywire.csuhayward.edu/~tyamasa/images/1open.jpg
http://www.haywire.csuhayward.edu/~tyamasa/images/1front.jpg
http://www.haywire.csuhayward.edu/~tyamasa/images/1circuit.jpg
so, the display unit is half the depth -the other is 2 prism, big ones.
I read Mann's paper. He made a "closed" HMD with camera, so the
wearer see things through camera totally. That's kinda interesting. I
think it's do-able with Glasstron and 2 cameras. Maybe with IR cameras for dark place? the "club version"?
**
Hey All,
I got this from the guy who owns mindfrog.com. It sounds like he wants money. What do you guys think should be our next step. We could plead poor graduate student... or offer a small some and wait for a reaction... or ask what his price is... let me know so I can bug this guy a little.
-Christian
mindfrog.com wrote:
Hi.
Thank you for your inquiry.
I have registered the MindFrog.Com domain name a while ago but because of some errors it went through only about a month ago.
We have been working on a project for which this particular domain name is very important. In addition we have began to offer this name for sale to other companies who are currently working on or already have a web presence similar to what we intend to do with the name.
Perhaps we can work on some kind of compromise that would be beneficial for both of us.
Thank you and best wishes.
Abraham
**
So AOL now includes RealPlayer for all its users...
http://www.realnetworks.com/feature/index.html?src=home_071400_feature
Also, Rane and Tomonori... are we meeting at my place thursday at 7PM? I know Siggi is off on a shoot. I may be required to attend a 3D seminar that evening... I'm still looking into that. If so, I wouldn't be able to host or attend the meeting. I'll let you guys know, sorry for the short notice.
I'm gonna e-mail this mindfrog.com guy back with some questions and hope to get some more definitive answers.
**
I thought we were meeting at your place...
Tomonori, should we meet if Christian can't meet? Or should we wait until next week at my place?
**
I'm leaving next monday to Japan -I'll be back on August 28th. So,
if I can go grab some parts at Radioshack, I'll be able to make binaural
microphone. I'll try to do it. If I can't get it done by next week, I'll
do it in japan and send it to one of you guys -so as de-soldering CCD
from cheap USB camera or something like that.
if you guys have time, check Mike Quinn Electronics (san leandro) http://www.bluefeathertech.com/technoid/calswap.html There's a info on the shop -though they moved the place recently, I'm not sure if the address here is really updated. Check it by phone first. They have whole room full of junk. Broken/Old/Parts-stripped, computers/electronics etc etc as well as new parts. It's not a clean nice looking place but worth checking out.
**
Are we supposed to make a diary of what we're doing? I think that's
for the next year, but maybe it's nice to keep log so we can see how we
went through the process.... I tried to make the binaural microphone.
First I connected battery to microphone, little pop and smoke from the
microphone -dah, I forgot to put a little registance. I connected a new
microphone, I can't get signal on Osciloscope -maybe I need a preamp.
I'll work on that.
**
Hi all. I'm now in Tokyo at my brother's place.
I went to Akihabara city, where only electric/parts/computer/cell phone shops exists within 10 by 5 blocks area this evening. I saw some "done" spy cams, that are about $200 and small, looks like Rane's. It was too late so I couldn't get parts level stuff, but I'll try that tomorrow. They have all kinds of components, but if I look for a somewhat complete product (at least in a plastic case), they all too expensive.
Sorry I couldn't finish the binarual mic -I've done it, but couldn't find a free mic pre-amp in our booth so I couldn't test it. My plan for this weekend is to into binaural processing for feedback. Please let me know how the meeting goes.
**
I went to the place again. Here's the short report.
Cameras:
3 Types -
1. Pin Holl Cameras, tiny (finger size) (CMOS) $170
2. Lenz type, tiny to super tiny (CCD) $200 to 700 (supertiny, as the microphone I had at the BBQ)
3. fiber -I couldn't find it -but it has worst quality image in those three (looks like bee's view since the fiber consists of several fibers)
The other news is that there's a "pocket PC". It's a "bare bone" system, we have to add CPU, RAM, and HD, but it's really tiny. It has USB*2, Parallel, Serial, Video, S-video, and CD-ROM. The kit is $600, of course we have to add CPU RAM and HD, but it's worth checking, since it's really a complete PC (it has tarckpad, button and up/down key for presentation) the maker is Century, i'll look for the website for it. The other choice of computer is called NLX (format, as ATX, AT etc) it's really mid size pizza box, with CD-ROM, FD, power included. Some used laptops I found are 486 $100, Pentium $200+.
I didn't find CCD camera kit ikinda thing, something we can assemble a camera from parts -Though I’ve seen some Video transmitter (analog) and Mic Preamp kit etc.
I'm going back to Hiroshima tomorrow, where my family live. I'll do some job there, and check out the place again when I go back to the US.
August 2000
**
Check this out for a wireless camera
http://www.x10.com/home/offer.cgi?!REG3,../1index5687.htm?
$170 for 3 wirelss camera is a good deal. Very nice for demo....
September 2000
**
Hi Guys.
Well I finally got stuff onto tape. I figured out the problem with the
camera. I was dumb enough not to read the specs on it fully. Unlike your camera Rane, The new one needs 12volts to run. I got the powerpack and everything works great. I did some taping to nite on the street. It was fun. The video looks great. Now I only have to post it and marry it.
**
wow. things are happening. I'm looking forward to see the movie.
**
Hi group. I'm back now. I didn't get much e-mail lately from you
guys -I guess things are happening at the meeting. I brought a bottle
of sake so let's meet.
**
Tomonori,
Good to see you've made it back in 1 piece.
I believe Rane is down in Arizona or New Mexico this week and Siggi is still in Iceland. (Siggi, Rane, please correct me if I'm wrong)
You and I could meet Thursday at my place around 7 and go over some of the microphone and computer boards' specs. Also, did you get my e-mails about mindfrog.net? Rane and I have been piecing together some theory ideas to put on the site. Siggi has got the "recorder" glasses working and will fine tune the 3D effect when he gets back.
Let me know if Thursday is good for you. I could use some sake!
Christian
**
Thursday 7PM About the website and/or the paper purpose, should I
assemble some theories/figures/links about binaural recording? I think
we need some kind of it anyway, so I'll go ahead and start doing it. If
you already have it, let me know so maybe I can beef up. (I know what
it is and where to get the data, but haven't really put them together...)
**
Hi Tomonori,
I'm in San Diego right now. Siggi is in Iceland. Christian, the stuff is at my house, and Bill knows where it is. You can pick it up if you want. I should be home by the 3rd. I'm into sake! :) I can communicate from here, let me know what's going on... We've been creating the camera glasses, and trying to film stereoscopic video.
**
hey, are you coming to the tonight's session at Christian? I just
need to catch up so pass it if you're tired. so, how was the trip?
**
So do we attend this "divvy" thing on the 27th or is that the
advisors only?
Let's ask. If we can attend, I suggest we do attend. Let’s invite Phil to our next meeting. It sound like we need to meet with Phil before the 27th to review our equipment list. It also sounds like everything is still up in the air.
**
Hey guys.
good news. Today I completely took a part off my HMD. I thought it's got a small TV inside -but that was wrong. The tube I thaught was actually just a mirror.
After several steps, I found a familiar shape -yes, half-inch square LCD screen. One LCD and one backlight -like overhead projecter. it's the miniture of it. I used a lens to see if it can be a monocle-LCD-display -well, it works.
I don't know much about those optical equip, but I think we can make a HMD with pair of this cheap HMD. I'm now going to call my parents to get one more (only $80 -it was too big to carry-on to the flight, though) to see if it works. Even if it doesn't work with our project, I can still have some fun with this LCD screen -tiny TV? 007 style.
I'll bring it to the next meeting, as well as the binaural microphone that I'm going to solder now.
**
Hi...
I'm back... when are we meeting? Thursday? Where? We can meet here. What time? 7:00 p.m.? I think we need to begin focusing on the 'paper' that needs to be turned in on the 20th. I have some theory ready for it. What has happened that I am unaware of? I still have the stuff here that Siggi dropped off before he left.
**
Hey so we are all ready to roll?
I got the LCD screen with video input (RCA) I heard Rane has a 3D-viewer-toy so maybe we can try installing LCD screen to the viewer at the next meeting. I'll bring the parts to the next meeting. I completely took the HMD off, so I have all the parts -do we need any mirrors or lenses? I can bring them to the next meeting.... (I'm pretty sure the electrics are OK, but I was curious about the optical system -the lens etc, since that's the most sensitive/hard to adjust part of the HMD...)
Are you all like the idea of making HMD for ourselves? The advantage of building our own HMD is that we can make it totaly our way -where to put what, the design, the way it displays etc etc.
Those Sony or Olympus HMDs only takes video inputs, not the VGA (HD15 jack) so we need video outs of computer anyway.... A cheap video card called "All-in-wonder" has a video out (NTSC I guess, "TV out" it says.) they sell @ $50 a piece. so if we have 2 computers (receiving 1 L or R video each) with all-in-wonder, connected to L and R LCD screen, then that's all we need. -I don't know if Windows supports multiple monitors (not mirroring) like Macs do. If it does, we can just put 2 All-in-wonder to one machine...
**
Hi Guys.
I game for Thursday. Yes I agree... we need to start getting the nuts and bolts of the paper and all that stuff down for... is it the 23rd of this month? Anyone heard from Phil? I have been spending this weekend relaxing with the family and getting back into the BA pace. Tomorrow I'm going to put everything back in motion. Look forward to it.
**
the demo binaural microphone set is ready. To test with computer
(soundcard) mic in, the battery wasn't necessary to the mic since the
computer is giving the current. (it took half day to find that the mic
works without a battery!) oh well. So, I have 2 microphone with about
70cm cable, to mini-phone jack. Now, are we going to record this "stereo"
recording into one Camera? (if it has stereo mic ins, that's cool but
if it's mono, then we have to bring the signal to line level, giving RCA
jack to the Camera.) Or two mono mini phone jack, for one channel each
to the Cameras.... I used the bigger microhpone elements, not the tiny
one. Though it's not hard to use those, I have to solder them to a pair
of cable...
**
Great! the camera has stereo mini mic input. No prob. See ya Thursday.
**
kool. I'll bring the LCD too.
tomonori: Mics, LCD, Sweets, Wine (no?) a little knowledge about binaural
http://www.binaural.com/
http://www.binaural.com/binfaq.html
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/binaural.html
-interesting -loud music recording require high power source for the mics.
http://www.core-sound.com/lcmics.html
http://www.cogsci.kun.nl/~miami/taxonomy/taxonomy.html
-paper
http://www.cogsci.kun.nl/~miami/taxonomy/node108.html
-binaural
http://www.neumannusa.com/ku100.htm
-The Dummy head by Neumann.
http://www.aes.org/
-AES
http://www.headwize.com
-all about headphone listening
a cool gadget I found -stand alone web server in-a-pocket. Picoweb
-What it is
Stand alone web server that costs $99. It has RJ45 and RS232C port for
Ethernet and communication.
-What for
This is a stand-alone web server -it makes anything work as a web accessible device. It comes with 8 Kbytes of flash program memory, 512 bytes of EEPROM, 512 bytes of RAM, 32 I/O lines, and a built-in UART. All sources are available.
-Costs
$149 development kit comes with development board (connects with RS232C) and software. It draws quite small current, so it can run on battery. -alternative
check http://www.chipcenter.com
**
so, the meeting is at Siggi's place? Christian, please give me a
ride in that case.
I heard Rane is going to have BBQ at her place. when?
**
kool.
I still have a bottle of reserve, but maybe I should keep this until the BBQ. see you all tomorrow. 7pm.
**
I fixed the typo! Please let me know if there's anything else you'd
like to see.
Also, I made some binaural recordings, converted them to real and wmt format and will have them up tonight as 100k and 200k streams and downloadables. I also have the first 3D (which really isn't that 3D) video converted to Real and WMT so those will go up too. I'll have the Spreadsheet of milestones finished up tonight as well and e-mailed out by tomorrow the latest!
Has Phil confirmed his meeting with us this Thursday? I have a "company meeting" until 5:30 on Thursday so I might run a little late, but no later than 7:30.
**
interesting. digitalcamera with RJ45
http://shop.outpost.com/cgi-bin/bv.cgi?BV_EngineID=falikilhilhbedbfickcln. 4&BV_Operation=Dyn_AppdRecv&BV_SessionID=534472990&form%25destination= %2ftemplates%2fOutpost%2fproduct%2fproduct_detail.tmpl&form%25destination_type= template&BV_ServiceName=Outpost&form%25bv_content_content_oid=193265
**
Hi Gang,
Here's the Milestones Spreadsheet I promised. Take a look at it. Add whatever you need to add. Don't worry about formatting, I can compile the final one with whatever you send back to me.
If you have problems viewing the .xls format, look on the site under the "project" tab for a PDF downloadable version.
**
Hi All,
I was hoping to get some feedback as to what you wanted to do from November 2000 through June 2001. I was then going to fill in the blanks on the spread sheet. Maybe 2-3 items for each month. It's a requirement for the paper which is a week away, so if you could get me your items this weekend that would be great.
**
I like what I see. It's a good start. Maybe we should add under Rane and
me,"Content Research" for Oct and "Content Creation"
for Nov/Dec. I think we should have quite a few "spots" on our
website by the end of the quarter. Other than that I can't think of anything.
I'm now doing a drill on Noam Chomsky and his ideas on language.
Pretty heavy stuff. I'll have something in writing soon. I'll see ya all Thursday. What's up with the other group? We haven't heard anything from Dianne, Mari and David.
**
In the second half of fall quarter, for the blank spaces we have, we can
put some interface research/design/development. Interface that is more
than a mouse and a keyboard.
I think we need some kind of interface to do something in the contents level, for both camera guy and the other HMD guy. (maybe for "general viewer" too) Maybe serial, parallel, USB, ADB or something like that, some weird mouse-kind interface for pushing buttons or giving electric shock to other people. (hehe) This is an important part of our project, since the good interface creates good illusion. (please somebody rephrase this in normal English...)
Anyway, I believe our project is divided "physically" by:
1. 3D Color Camera (what's the "code name"?)
2. PC unit or some kind to mediate camera and server ("codename"?)
3. HMD for chosen viewer (again it needs "code name")
4. Interface
5. Server, Hub and other backstage system (I don't know how to divide this into piece. needs suggestions.)
And, divided "virtually" by:
1. A/D, D/A parts (Camera and microphones to digital out, HMD, video cards etc)
2. Streaming media (server, network, software)
3. "Controls" (interface, signal, and devices that are controlled.)
as,
1) Analog layer
2) Digital layer-(Digital, high resolution)
3) Stream layer -(digital, streaming (multicast etc) )
4) Control layer-(Digital, low resolution)
1) = layer 1, 2) = layer 2......
Layer 1-Analog-------Camera(go down) HMD, Monitor, Headphone
Layer 2-Digital------PC Unit(go down) (Video cards etc) (go up)
Layer 3-Stream ------Server==================>>>receiving unit (go up)
Layer 4-Digital------control<<<=============>>>control (independent layer)
(I don't feel right to make control just one layer. maybe needs to be laid out like top three, making the chart more complex....) errrrr, got
that? I mean, we have 2 pipes: stream and control, RSTP (or some kind, right?) and HTTP (or some kind of low speed, general packet forwarding, send in chat, Timbuktu, CGI etc)
**
to all:
For the video testing, we use video cameras, which requires microphone preamplifier. I believe we use some type of PC so we may not need one for the real unit. Now, does anyone have a portable audio equipment such as portable cassette recorder, Mini Disk player/recorder, or something like that. By using those in "record mode" or "record ready mode", we can use them as microphone preamplifier. it's not hard at all to make microphone preamp, but It'll be much easier this way. I can grab a microphone preamp from our studio, a half rack type, and maybe it works with batteries for short time, so I'll use this if I can't be ready for the shooting.
Siggi and Rane, when are you planning to do the next video test?
**
Phil,
Here's a hardware and software list. Prices are accurate as of June
2000.
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Access Point (AIR-AP342E2C) - $1300
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN PC Card (AIR-PC342) - $250
Streaming Media Server (based on Real Networks Requirements):
Micorsoft Windows NT 4.0 Server, Dual Intel Pentium III 500+, 256RAM, standard harddrive (4+ gig), keyboard, monitor & mouse. - $3000
Workstations (based on group memeber requests):
2 Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Pentium III 500+,128RAM. - 2 * $1900 =
$3800
2 Apple G3/G4 128RAM. - 2 * $2400 = $4800
Access to Bandwidth:
120kpbs stream with 10 streams = at least 1.2 Mbps
Wearable Computers (based on VIAIIPC and Wearables):
Windows NT 4.0, Cyrix or Celeron 166-230, 64-128RAM, 3.2GB Harddrive, Interface, Display. $3500-8000
One of the two following Notebooks (or equivalent):
1) Sony VAIO FZ505 Series notebook. It has Pentium III 500, 128
MB RAM, 12GB harddrive, 12" display, is 1" thick and weighs 3.75 lbs, 1 type II card slot (wireless LAN) and 2 USB ports (which only windows 98 can use). $2800
2) VAIO PCG-F490 selling for a PIII 650, 128RAM, 15" XGA TFT Display, 7lbs, 2inches thick, 18GB drive, and 2 Type II card slots 4xDVD. $4000
Head Mounted Display:
Sony Glastron Glasses PLM-A35 - $500
Cameras:
2 Color Surveillance Cameras - 2 * $250 = $500
Audio:
Mic PreAmp - $200
Headphones - $100
Software:
Streaming Media Server - Real or Windows Media.
Web Server Software - Apache, UNIX, Netscape.
Visual Content Creation - Photoshop, Fireworks, Dreamweaver, Premiere,
RealNetworks/Windows
Media Production Tools.
Audio Content Creation - Soundforge, ProTools, Specialty Software
**
--------it's about 2 usb cameras to 1 computer. ------
http://www.ask.com/main/metaanswer.asp?MetaEngine=AltaVista& logQID=284B34F4DB8DD411A828009027732680&qCategory=sale&qSource=0 &frames=yes&site_name=Jeeves&ads=&MetaTopic=Re%3A+Logitech+ USB+Cameras&MetaURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usb.org%2Fforums%2Fretail%2Fmessages% 2F1022.html&EngineOrdinal=1&ItemOrdinal=4&ask=can+i+connect+2+ usb+cameras%3F+metasearch&origin=0&MetaList=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usb.org %2Fforums%2Fretail%2Fmessages%2F1022.html&x=21&y=7
It says it's possible... If we don't need 2 PCI Video Capture card, that'll save lots of space. -Make the box with Motherboard, Wireless Card, CPU, RAM, HD, and battery.
----diagram-----
I don't know what kind of diagram we need to put on the paper -I kinda did the "network" flowchart. "flash" version -need some sound or cool animation? I'll add them later.
http://www.haywire.csuhayward.edu/~tyamasa/project/diagram.html
here's the GIF version so you can grab.
http://www.haywire.csuhayward.edu/~tyamasa/project/1.html
http://www.haywire.csuhayward.edu/~tyamasa/project/2.html
http://www.haywire.csuhayward.edu/~tyamasa/project/3.html
http://www.haywire.csuhayward.edu/~tyamasa/project/4.html
What do we need more? and what format? May I should make more "block" like diagram rather than picture diagram..? a picture of portable unit? –go translucent and mouse-rollover description of each components such as CPUand battery?
should we talk about network structure, such as UDP, with some API and Application laid on top of it? I don't know how technical we should go.
**
We got a MindFrog suitcase today for the gear. Very cool. So should
we not do the 4th of Oct?
I have had a bad experience with presenting a project when it's in it's very early stages. I guess that's why I'm nervous about it. Although feed-back is always good, it might also have a negative
impact.
**
Cool!
I am willing to do it, and don't need to do it. What do you think, Tomonori and Christian?
**
http://www.haywire.csuhayward.edu/~tyamasa/project/diagram.html --
now with sounds!
If we need a particular block diagram, let me know. I'll make it up and upload.
Presentation: we don't NEED to do it, right? We sure can show some cool gizmos, parts and junks, but I don't think they're so impressive from the "multimedia project" kind of view that few teachers think (and they're pretty good at that, right Phil?) -what we have is pretty technical all right, but still need killer contents to blow them away.
**
Re: Theory paper -- is this okay?
I read your theory paper. Lots of good stuff. Should we include it with the proposal?
**
Hi,
Ok, so I've integrated Tomonori's graphics and Rane's writings with the original paper. I've updated the dates, terminology, etc... I think
it's a really good paper and Rane I liked what you wrote. Tomonori
thanks much for the graphics. I've attached a Word version of the doc so if that's a problem let me know and I'll get an HTML version up as soon as possible.
The "almost" in the subject is in reference to the appedices....
According to Raquel we require some additional information. I'm
including them as appendices:
Appendix A - Milestones
Appendix B - Software and Hardware list.
Appendix C - Criteria for Evaluation
Appendix D - Member Responsibilities
I'm still working on Appendix C and D... I'll pull responsibilities (D)
from the milestones.
Please send any specific recommendations for evaluation criteria (C) and please also review the paper and send me any feedback.
Sorry for the short notice, but I need some feed back by tomorrow so that I can hand in the proposal Thursday night on my way to class.
By the way... its 13 pages without the title page or appendices! Oh
yeah... watch out David! HERE COMES MINDFROG!
**
This company claims they have the technology to stream content at
up to 25 frames per sec onto a palm via wireless. http://www.firepad.com/
**
Susan has the firepad viewer and converter for her palm and it does
images... I haven't seen the video working though... I'll keep looking
into it. I believe it since my iPAQ will do video I assume the Palm is
not far behind...
Did you hear that handspring is going to release a cell phone pda combo by October... tech gadgets are coagulating... beware
**
I can read the word file. it appeared as a word file, no problem.
A couple of updates.
1) Plastic
I asked my buddy boss about the "Plastic job." A guy works in the back of AE building, I left the memo with his name in the studio so I'll give tomorrow, he knows about plastic jobs. (I guess he is a part of Art department.) Also, a company called Tap Plastic, just off Marine Blvd or something, San Leandro or somewhere near, does all the plastic job –They have everything we need, they have press or any other machines. And they also have junk plastics that somebody dumped, we can get them for free!
2) LCD Display
This time the LCD I'm talking is not the small one, but a display for desktop computer. I went to CompUSA today, and saw a internet appliance made by http://www.netpliance.com/, $399 one-box computer (LCD with piggy-back computer) I thought, maybe, we can get the LCD out of that box and use it as normal LCD screen. It's good for the "server" computer we're going to have (We will have a server box in any case, unless we go Laptop-server) and a LCD screen is kind of cool. And light.
**
> On Tue, 14 Mar 2000, Paul H. Anderson wrote:
I don't think I've seen this here, but it is pretty neat:
http://www.linux-hacker.net/iopener/
These are indeed neat, and seem to really be taking off, though perhaps not how netpliance, inc. expected. People everywhere are snapping them up and hacking them into x-terminals, linux workstations, etc. Development projects are springing up, and people are already selling conversion kits.
There are talks of {net|open|free}BSD, networking options (PLIP, USB Ethernet), and a lot more. From what I've been able to ascertain, the majority of Circuit City retailers are out of stock, with no ETA on the next shipment. I don't know of a single source within Michigan at this point. Shipping is $39.95, for a total of $138.95 direct. I anxiously await the arrival of mine. Further resources, in addition to http://www.linux-hacker.net/iopener/ :
http://www.netpliance.com/
The manufacturer. Ordering direct, general company info, general info on the appliance.
http://www.i-opened.com/
The parts. Custom IDE cables, if you don't care to hack your own. External VGA port/cable, more.
http://www.higuchi-clark.com/iopener/
Everything you ever wanted to know. A collection of information, opinion, advocacy, and more.
happy hacking*,
* http://www.pfuca.com/products/hhkb/hhkbindex.html
--
Jeff Godin
Network Specialist
Traverse Area District Library / Traverse Community Network
jeff@tcnet.org - 231/932-8546 voice
**
HI!
Thanks for the feedback... as you will see Rane, I cut and pasted your eval reqs into the paper and added some nice wrapper around it. Thanks for the specifics. I've attached both the milestones and proposal docs to this e-mail.... the milestones fit in as page 15 in the proposal. I'm printing everything out tonight and won't have a chance to revise anything for tomorrow night so any revisions that pop up we can address online and in future paper revisions with the committee. I'm uploading a PDF version to the site tonight.
**
Hi.
We're going to stick with our Thursday meetings (I think). And meet with you, Phil, on the off-forum nights if/when we need to. Phil, is Thursday out of the question for you? I forget. When do we meet as a group for the grad lab?
**
About the presentation, are we going to do it in Flash?
I'm pretty sure I can send a better version of the one I sent before –the current one just look HTML, no fun. I'll add sound and stuff, so you guys can see if it's better than "web" (html or PowerPoint) presentation.
Anyway, we will plan about it on this weekend, I guess, but maybe we need to start with a flowchart? I'll make the image part ready by Saturday so tell me what elements we need to present in the presentation.
I can install Flash onto mac/pc on our space at school pretty easily, using 90days demo version, so we can work there on Saturday.
**
We're going to present (I think) the general concept or idea. A
flow chart of our process/plan makes sense. The visuals of the technology
is a good idea -- much like you have, with bells and whistles is good
for a presentation.
**
I was in the Lab today. It looked like it had been cleaned up some. I
mentioned that one of the macs could use more drive space. Actually the
PC could use perhaps more storage space too. They are good on RAM. Yes
Saturday is tough but I'll have stuff done by Wednesday.
**
How does Saturday from 1-4 sound as far as the clean up? I may go poke
around tonight or tomorrow, but probably won't get dirty until Saturday.
I think an initial presence in the lab may help us solidify some territory.
As the quarter progresses I'll probably start migrating home to work (not
that it's that far to go)
I'm really excited about getting into the lab and doing some project work. I'm glad we got some fast computers and am open to getting some hardware to beef up the ones that seem a little slow (Siggi mentioned the Mac may need some RAM).
Let me know about Saturday (Siggi I totally understand the weekend thing...I'm normally the same way I just have some time this weekend).
**
I'll be there on Saturday, as well as today. I think I'll bring some
stuff to clean up today to start. I won't be bringing a vacuum. I have
a memorial funeral service to go to on Saturday at 11:00. I'll come there
after that.
**
Hi Guys,
I cleaned our station and the counter/wall next to us.. Only dusted, cleaned with window cleaner... we do need to vacuum.
**
flash source file and sound files we worked today are uploaded to the
ftp site. they are at: ftp.mindfrog.net/tomonori
October 2000
**
So, what should I bring the show? I will bring my HMD... no? about the
stereoscopic-personal-video-projection, there're 4 ways:
1. LCD shutter the Movie has left/right video images in even/odd line, and use LCD shutter glasses that are synchronized to the video to see it: when the right eye shutter is open, you only see the movie for the right eye.... http://www.formac.com/2k/products/product_frame.html
2. filter you see those at Great America or something, i guess: you use a cheap glasses that has a kind of gray filter. left and right has 90 degree different filter: the video of 2, right/left signals are projected using the same filter with 90 degree different, thus you seen right movie with right eye.
3. HMD (2LCD) this is what we're trying now.
4. anagram 2 videos are made in red/green, and use red/green glasses to see individual video. deep see plug-in http://ddd.com/3dsolutions/products/deepsee_plugin.html
http://ddd.com/
http://www.stereo3d.com/3dhome.htm
bunch of stuff, mostly PC stuff.
http://www.formac.com/2k/products/product_frame.html they have a 3D glasses for pci video card for macintosh.
**
I like this new technology. I've been fuzzing with the 3d camera reg thing.
I didn't do it the way I wanted to for the presentation tomorrow. I didn't
see a need to fully nail them into place because... Well I'll show you
tomorrow. It's a little tricky. I was thinking if we could do the presentation
and then sneak out into the lab to continue on. I will be nice to see
you guys again and get some space on our own to reflect. I'll bring all
the tools again to deal with the camers. We could play around with that
and talk about all the other issues. I'll be at the grad lab at 6ish tomorrow.
I know you Christian won't be there at that time but maybe the others?
**
I can be at the Grad Lab at 6:30 tomorrow night.
As far as what we will present.... I vote that we introduce our ideas with Tomonori's animation. Then segue to the briefcase and show the camera, the electrical taped hmd lenses Rane made... and then finish off with the website. Then open it up for questions. Simple. Short. I feel very comfortable going through the material if you want one presenter and then we can all answer questions... or we can each talk about one effort so far (tomonori = animation, siggi=camera, rane=hmd lenses, christian=website)... either way I think we can cover several minutes of material. Oh, by the way, I have a copy of the animation on disc as well as online.
Also, I spoke with sam. His priority is manray, however he is fully
aware of our desire to have windows2000 and/or NT on the 2 PCs as well as network and high resolution display capabilities on the PCs. He'll work with us tomorrow night before and after the presentations to set up our machines.
I'll see you guys tomorrow night.
**
I can be there at 4 pm, or 5, or 6.... whatever makes sense for everyone
else. I do have a couple of questions.
1. I have NO idea what part I will play in the presentation...
2. What are we presenting, and who is doing it?
Thanks for the repost Tomonori... I'm going to check it out after I send this email. I think we need to meet (all of us) to go forward, the lab has kind of shut us down. So, let's talk.
**
So I don't know if I should make the 2 LCD HMD thing right away, since
there might be a better way out there.
**
We now have darwin streaming server in our space at the lab. It's a free
quicktime streaming server on one of the win 2000 machine, Mindfrog 03,
the one closer to the window. open quicktime and go to file menu, choose
open URL and type: RTSP://134.154.168.212/sample.mov
**
Also, let me restate that Tomonori and I got the two PCs up and running
(with network connections and high res diplays) using Windows 2000. Both
machines have office 2000 installed and await much more software.
**
Streaming URL for Netscape:
http://134.154.170.164:8080/ramgen/g2video.rm
Streaming "location" for Real Player:
rtsp://134.154.170.164:554/g2video.rm
Real Server Web Interface URL:
http://134.154.170.164:28529/admin/index.html
**
Hey guys. I found a video capture card in the lab today. It's CreativeLab,
RT300 known as Video Blaster, some kind. Listen this, it's got 3 video
input. yes, THREE VIDEO INPUT. wow. It's a:
1. ISA board (dah)
2. 95 driver is available (no NT, that's bad)
3. 3 RCA, 1 SVIDEO input
4. on-board compression of Indeo (i750) (so what) but 320/200 @ 30fps, according to the sites. One of the site confirm it does real publisher (how many years ago?) work. The board is spiked as 1994, 6 years old board. win2k had no luck. Is there 95 around, or 98 machine, which we can put 95 on it?
I think there might be more 2+ video input cards around.
**
I have a video capture card (PCI) here on my G4 -the card is cross platform.
Does anybody have 1 more capture card? then we can test "2 video
stream from one computer" thing...
**
Hi all,
Started looking into the PCMCIA Cards and got some clarification from www.pc-card.com, "In the past, cards were known as 'PCMCIA Cards', but the industry now refers to products based on the technology as 'PC Cards,' 'PC Card Hosts' and 'PC Card Software,' and refers to the association as PCMCIA." Thought this might help in the search for more cards.
PCMCIA CARDS:
-- IEEE 1394 --
$129 - 1394-to-Go:
http://www.margi.com/products/1394togo.html
$??? - IEEE 1394 CardBus PC Card
http://www.billionton.com.tw/product/1394/CB1394.htm
**
Hi all,
So I've been able to play the real streaming stuff off the "mindfrog real server" both from home over DSL and dial-up and from work at Cisco. Tomonori, let's keep testing the Darwin stuff it could be I just got something wrong in the URL. I didn't think it would be as easy as it has been to set up the servers... now we need to pick one and go look at some hardware cards. I've done some quick research on PCI cards will look into PCMCIA cards soon. Also, I'm uploading
some PDF brochures about the Cards onto my "Christian" folder in the FTP site.
-- Analog Cards --
$159 - Osp 100 (video capture only, no output):
http://www.viewcast.com/products/osprey/osprey100.html
$199 - Osp 200 (audio/video capture only, no output):
http://www.viewcast.com/products/osprey/osprey200.html
$995 - Osp 1000 Real G2 (G2 encoder on card not software/CPU):
http://www.viewcast.com/products/osprey/osprey1000real.html
$945.00 - Osp 500 DV; $1949.00 - Osp 500 WM/PRO; $2399.00 - Osp 500 WM/DVPRO
(All these card are built for Windows Media Technology onboard encoding):
http://www.viewcast.com/products/osprey/osprey500wm.html
-- DV Cards --
$400 - DV Raptor RS:
http://www.canopuscorp.com/products/dvraptor.php3
$400 - MotoDV ($80 just for the IEEE 1394 Card):
http://www.digitalorigin.com/products/motodv.html
**
oh, and I lifted
the CCD from the board. they look good... but it was hard. I would rather
get smaller camera. and, I run sorenson broadcaster in our square.
ftp.mindfrog.net/tomonori/test.mov it's streaming out from g4 close
to the windows.
**
We have the frog...
He's (not sure if he is a she or a he).... a pacific tree frog...
**
CCD lifted.
I lifted the CCD from the board. they look good... but it was hard. I would rather get smaller camera.
Okay, me too... the dime size color camera, right? It looked like it would be hard, Tomonori! and, I ran sorenson broadcaster in our square.
ftp.mindfrog.net/tomonori/test.mov
it's streaming out from g4 close to the windows. Tomonori, what do you mean by 'our square'? I'll probably bring in the frog on Monday.. maybe Sunday, but I doubt it. I ordered a PCI oxygen card today. We do have 4 slots, right, Christian? I think we should email Phil and Suzy about money and timelines. Good idea or bad idea? I think good. I can do it.
**
Hi all,
Another quick find, The IBM Thinkpad A series advertises:
"2 Type II, 1 type III" do you thank that's a total of 3 slots or the capacity to handle either 2 Type II's or 1 Type III? All the Dells I looked at online are clearly 2 Type IIs or 1 Type III. That's what I saw as well. I think it means it can handle either 2 Type II's, or 1 Type III. I don't think they'll meet our needs. Rane, did Tom S have any specific models in mind? He didn't mention any specific models. I think his needs are different from ours. He needs to be able to show 3D modeling, and is probably just talking about the 'type' of graphics cards... not the numbers of them.
**
I'm in the
labs Sunday (not sure when) to do some more software loading. I'll take
apart both PCs to see if there isn't an AGP port on one of them. I'll
at least verify the PCI slot count... The PCI card should work, but if
there's an AGP I recommend getting Oxygen AGP card instead. I'll let
you know what I find out...
I've already ordered the PCI card, though I guess I could return it or replace it.
In regards to the video capture card with multiple inputs... normally those cards have several inputs not for several streams, but rather so that you can have multiple devices hooked up at once (an SVHS Deck, a Composite VCR, a camera, etc.). Not to be too snobby, but I doubt a 4-5 year old card is going to be worth installing windows 95 onto on of the win2000 PCs. Although, if there's another PC laying around... it's all free hard ware and it if doesn't take too long there's no harm in trying, right? I don't think there's any harm in trying, I also suffer from the thinking that 'new' is better... and that 'old' is obsolete.
I've looked into some more firewire cards and they all run about $85-$95...although I'm not sure how real producer/server would handle that source....Also, I'm impressed with some of the new Osprey Cards, $150 isn't bad for a full screen full framerate card. In any case, I'll keep looking for cards....any luck on the 3 type III PC Card laptops? just curious. No luck. I understand that we need 3 PCI card slots... am I right/wrong about that?
If so, then I can only find 2 type II, and 1 type II slots on the laptops... IBM and Dell. I looked at those on Thursday in the lab when you were installing software on the Dell. The Osprey cards, price wise seem fine. I think I'll bring our frog by today at some point.
**
So I just looked
at a PC Mall Catalogue and it states that the IBM Thinkpad A series can
handle "2 Type II and 1 Type III"... the "and" is
interesting...I would use an "or" there to say one or the other...
Maybe there's a retailer in the area that carries the thinkpad: Fry's,
Best Buy, etc. I call around and see... That way we can check it out
in person.
Okay, sounds good. On another note, What does the frog eat? Crickets. It ate one yesterday after I put it in the aquarium/habitat.
There are 4 more in with it right now. I have a cricket keeper that has another 12. The pet store guy said it will eat no more than 18 in 2 weeks, and that is how long the crickets will live. Crickets eat cardboard... they have some. When there are no more crickets in the aquarium, we give the frog 6 new ones. I only got five in there yesterday. One cricket seems to be floating in the water dish.
Should we bring a stash of bugs to keep in the refrigerator? What if we change our name to the "dog 'n' pony show offs" it could get really expensive to buy mascots? :)
LOL! That's true! Let's not change our name, okay? The crickets don't need to be in the refrigerator. I can feed/care for the frog. We need to change the water quite frequently... every other day, but the water in the grad lab seems yucky... I'll have to bring some water in for the frog. It has moss on the bottom of the aquarium that needs to be changed 2x/ month. I have more and can get more.
So, what is it's name? Mind?
LOL...
**
I wanted to let you know that I installed Windows 2000 on my PC at home
(the
one with the AGP Oxygen VX1 graphics card). We'll need to download some drivers from the 3dLabs site prior to installing the card or we'll get some really funky ascii art on the screen... I thought I was doomed last night! I had to reinstall win2k with standard VGA drivers until I thought to download the win2k drivers from the site. Just thought I'd let you know incase your card came before we talked in person.
Also, I found and bought a $55 firewire PCI card for my machine (now that it has win2k I can actually do some digital video editing on it)... in any case, Premiere doesn't accept the card since it isn't premiere standard but rather IEE1394 OHCI standard. So I have to use the capture software that comes with the card. I haven't tested it with Real Producer yet. It's got 3 ports so I'm not sure how that might play into the whole 2 capture card conversation... Also, I came across this quote on the realnetworks.com site regarding real system 8, "RealSystem 8 is a true leapfrog in technology. -PC Magazine" I'd say we're on to something here!
**
HI guys.
I spoke with Jon today. He is the guy who hosts the parties an Thursday nights. He is very excited about us coming down and possibly using our idea for an internal project with in the club (not a webcast) although I would like to do a webcast. The signal would be projected onto screens here and there. He says that it would be very easy to create a simulated 3-D vision using the mixer we were using by inserting a Key Channel that would Black each field of each camera creating an image where 2 cameras would render as 1 frame thus creating a 3-D image. I would still have to see it in practice because in theory there is no camera "offset" by doing that. Anyways... it seems to me dancing along the ideas that rane wanted to do in Premiere. It's worth exploring. Jon wanted us to get right down to it next week but I told him that we are not at that stage yet, but that we might come down to check the scene out and maybe have a couple of drinks.
So what do you say? Maybe we should get out and check out the "real life"... for inspiration. We could meet and have dinner at first in the city. I have to be at the Forum next Wednesday so if anyone would like I wouldn' t mind meeting then if Lab time is critical. I'm going to make a Movie out of the 2 signals with the wearable that we did yesterday for our next meeting to be viewed via the goggles as before to see how it comes out and with binaural sound this time!
**
the guy for the forum sounds good -we should definitely check out. For
Thursday, I'm cool with SF plan. I have to go to SF to get some protein
anyway...
As an update, I have opened the other HMD and got 2 independent LCD display working as "2 LCD HMD prototype" so we can check out how things looks like. -though we need 2 independent video supply which means we need 2 video cards with video (RCA) out, for sync-ed video. no matter how we do with recorder end, it sure is much easier if we can just do it by one stream of video instead of 2 -it's just $100- video cards job, but still better than two of them, with setting each movie window up and full screen etc etc.... Anyway so I can make 2-LCD HMD thing anytime, with my metal and plastic guild skills.
I'm thinking of starting Rock climbing, maybe the in-door ones. Does anybody have experience?
**
Hi guys,
Here's something to look into. With Quicktime 5 being released, there's a technology/plugin that converts 2D to 3D. Haven't seen it work yet, but thought you might want a look:
http://www.ddd.com/technology/tech_main_frm.htm
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HI Guys. It looks like there might be a good guest speaker at the forum
tomorrow. Something that might interest us. I unfortunately have to teach
tomorrow so I can't go.
BTW, thanx for the Mindfrog logo Christian, I'll take a look at it. So what about this Thursday. I had suggested a loose trip to that party in SF. We could meet there for dinner earlier on and then go and check it out. Or should we just do the GradLab. I'm up for anything. Let me know.
**
Hi all,
Metricom, makers of the Ricochet modem, unveiled a 128kbps "always on" PC Card on Tuesday. They claim whenever you power up an enabled Windows based PC or handheld there is an instant connection established... "no dial-up". Pretty cool if it works... may change the outcome of the project by next year regarding wireless LAN stuff.
One video signal at 128kbps at a smaller size, say 240x180, with stereo audio is do-able quality wise. 320x240 might still work at lower frame rates, 15fps. Just keeping it interesting. ;)
Here's the press release:
http://www.metricom.com/news_events/media_center/press_releases/2000/news001017.html
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Hey guys.
We are not doing a webcast tomorrow. Maybe we should just meet at the lab. What do you guys think. We could do This next Thursday...
**
We are going
to meet at the lab... and try to do a webcast. Then it will make more
sense for us to go to the club.
**
Hi all,
Sony just released a curusoe based notebook that is TINY! 2.2 pounds and 1.14 inches thick 600 MHz TransmetaÙ CrusoeÙ processor 128 MB SDRAM 1 type II PC Card slot 1 USB port Firewire capable
To throw another whole idea into the project... we could network using Sony's i.LINK technology from one sony pc to another. And use a USB camera (or the one that’s built in to this notebook) in conjunction with the red/green stuff you were working with on Thursday.
Here's some more info:
http://vaio.sonystyle.com/vaio_direct/75/47/6583.main.vaio.html
**
Hi All,
Here's some telling info about who is using the internet. Let's keep this in mind as we build up our technology... "everyone" surfing the web is on the Windows OS:
Percent of operating systems used on the Internet:
Windows = 92.82%
Mac = 2.84%
Unix = .44%
WebTV, Linux, Sun, IRIX, Amiga, and OS/2 = 3.90%
Here's the actual quote:
"As of Oct. 4, 2000, the Mac OS accounted for 2.84% of all monitored Internet
usage, according to WebSideStory's StatMarket. Windows had a usage share of 92.82% on the same date, while Unix had 0.44%. Other operating systems, including Microsoft's WebTV, Linux, Sun SunOS, Silicon Graphics IRIX, Amiga, and IBM OS/2 among others, had an aggregate 3.90% usage share worldwide." - Motion Blur Media
**
Hi All,
Not to be the odd man out, but I won't be able to make it into SF at any reasonable hour as I'll be running late from Cisco as is tomorrow... however, if this is going to be a webcast test then we might need someone to work the server glitches on the grad lab end. I'm more than willing to be "on call" in the grad lab from 8ish till whenever Thursday night to try and get a stream from a "satellite" PC to the gradlab servers. There's obviously the issue of bandwidth at the club, getting a camera hooked up to a PC (via firewire, analog, USB) with realproducer, etc... it might be too short notice. Either way let me know.
Also, I just got handed an Aironet PC Card for my work laptop. It's very liberating to be wirelessly connected at 11mbps... I'm connecting to an access point about 100 ft away and 1 story up through 2 major walls and the ceiling/floor. Cool to see it in action. I'll try and make the Forum tonight... what's it all about?
**
Hi all,
I vote we call the frog "envy". It's green and everyone hates how much fun we're having. ;)
I'll pick up one camera if you pick up the other. I thought about it some more and figure for $30-$40 a pop we should just answer whether or not two USB signals will work tonight. If it works we can look into how to convert NTSC to USB via a consumer grade board. Also, we need to look into video out via RCA for the HMD.
**
I'm on my way out the door to get the camera... glad I checked my mail first. I'll get two of them so they're the same...See you tonight... and I like 'Envy'.... cool name
**
If it works we can look into how to convert NTSC to USB via a consumer grade board. Also, we need to look into video out via RCA for the HMD.
**
Here is the scoop on VREX. Their multiplexer is a $1000 which does not matter since it would not work for us because our cameras would not be able to genlock to it. Genlock is a signal reference that syncs up the cameras and locks them into place. VREX is working on a codec for live video streaming but that technology is quite far from being done. I'm going to get an analog wireless transmitter just to have as an experiment.
**
Hi all,
Sorry if this didn't make it out the first time. This is a live feed from the gradlab!!!
http://134.154.170.164:8080/ramgen/encoder/live.rm
Here's the breakdown. The one server with a PIII chip and 256MB of RAM crashed after only a few seconds when encoding 2 live streams and serving those 2 streams. What we can try is installing real server on the other PC and have the 2 live Streams get encoded on the PC with the cameras and then have the other PC "serve" the 2 streams... that should split the processor requirements over 2 PCs and hopefully work well. What this means is that all we have to do is find a laptop with 2 USB ports and 1 PC Card slot. Hook up the wireless LAN and we're wirelessly streaming 2 video streams. THATS EASY and CHEAPER!!!!
Now all we have left is too make things smaller, prettier and cheaper! That's
FUN! I guess we still have the whole feedback loop to look at... but we're definitely ahead of our milestones! I'll start looking into VoIP and other live voice chat stuff. What did ChinaNet use? We can look into 1 stream and/o