Introduction

Most important things are in Z:\~HILS Related Things\.  The Z: drive is visible from all computers on the HILS cluster.  Distributed applications must be run from the Z: drive.  I recommend that copies of FINISHED, WORKING code and apps be placed in this directory as well.

Section 1 – Getting Started

The password for all machines on the HILLS cluster is vision211.  There should be only one log in option.  For the computer against the south wall (used for camera image capturing and image processing), use the Dixon log on name, and there is no password.

Section 2 – Common problems

Here is a list of common problems along with possible ways to fix it

·        The program will not run and gives an error message “…vsgu1_2.dll not found…”

o       We have upgraded to version 2.0.  Any programs that were written for 1.2 will not work.  Usually you can recompile the app. in Visual Studio .Net, though this will require converting from VS 6.0 “workspace” to a VS .Net “solution” and recompiling.  VS.Net handles these conversions automatically, but you may need to set the .lib files for the linker and such and the directories for the library and include files. 

·        The program will not run and gives an error message “…vsgu2_02.dll not found…”

o       You need to reinstall Vega Prime.  For some reason, VP has a bad habit of getting messed up. 

§         Uninstall MultiGen-Paradigm Vega Prime using the Windows control panel.  Uninstall the VP 2.02 patch, followed by VP 2.0

§         Go to Z:\~HILS Related Things\vega_prime Installs.  There are directories VP 2.0 Install and VP 2.0.2 Patch Install that contain setup.exe files for both VP 2.0 and 2.02. 

§         Install 2.0 followed by 2.02.

§         Do this for all machines on the cluster that give the error.

·        The program will not run and gives an error message “…<filename>.acf not found…”

o       The acf file contains info VP needs, and must be in the directory you are running the app from. 

§         If you clicked on an .exe from the project Release or Debug directories, check the VS Solution main directory (usually one level up from the Release or Debug directory).  If the .acf file is there, copy it to the directory you are in. 

§         For the most part .acf files are interchangeable if they have the same name.  If you can find one with the same name in another directory so you copy it to your current directory.

§         If you cannot find an .acf file with the same name, you can change the code to look for one that you did find.  Look for the line “app->define(“<filename>.acf”); and change the <filename> to one that you found and recompile.

 

·        Distributed program does not start on all the machines

o       Make sure the MultiGen-Paradigm Agent is running on all machines. 

§         A little icon of a computer with waves coming out of it will be on your system tray if it is running. 

§         If necessary, launch it at start->multi-gen paradigm->vega prime.

o       Turn off Windows firewall if it is on.

o       Check the Distributed Rendering Utilities

§         Open at start->multi-gen paradigm->vega prime. 

§         There should be only one Master, and it should have pipeline 0. 

§         Each slave should be set to a different pipeline. 

§         Check the IP address of each computer.

Figure 1 Distributed Rendering Utility Window

·        Everything seems broken, nothing runs, there are no useful error messages, the Distributed Rendering Utility is totally greyed out and you can’t click anything

o       Check the internet connection by opening IE. 

o       If the internet is out, try unplugging and replugging the network hub, which is the grey symmantec box on the north side of the room by the two touch screens.

o       If the internet is out but the above suggestion doesn’t restore it, get help from Van Chesney in 215 (next door to vislab).

·        The mosaiced screens are in the wrong order

o       Swap the pipelines the computers are set to under the Distributed Rendering Utilities.

Section 3 – Demo tasks

Demoing the MOUT Site or UF database

1.      Launch Z:\~HILS Related Things\Shortcut to MOUT or Z:\~HILS Related Things\Shortcut to UF

2.      The Lynx Prime Tools Program will launch

3.      Click on the Active Preview button (a triangle on the top)

4.      After a minute it will launch in a small window

5.      The default is “UFO” controls.  Moving the mouse will aim the camera, left mouse button will drive forward, right button backwards, scroll wheel will speed up or slow down.

6.      You can change the controls by changing myMotion in the LP Tools program before launching if you really want.  MotionGame is pretty good.  Scroll the mouse like typical FPS with left button down to aim.  Arrow buttons move you in the related direction.  Home moves you up in the world frame, End moves you down.

 

 

 

Demoing the programs written for the HILS

·        These vary in complication depending on whether cameras, Matlab, and/or Simulink is involved.  I will add this at a later date.

 

Section 4 – Writing new programs for the HILS

·        To be added