The problem is:
the thing is in theory it does not need usb3
640x480 as grayscale is 8 bit per pixel so its 300k per picture (we can even open these picures from disk C:\7invensun\aSeeVR_UserSDK\runtime\devices\Pimax\config\armeabi\image\right)
and with 120 picures per second its ~35MByte/s or 280Mbit/s
usb2 - 480Mbit/s
usb3 - 5000Mbit/s
so from the numbers we dont need usb3, the problem might be the LH tracking data, as they need to come in with a shot timing, i don’t know how usb works out if different processes share a connection and both need a short timing
at least in theory it seems possible with usb2 and 7invensum is the one to answer why it needs a usb3 connection to work with 120Hz
This is the key if the ET was more alone without all the other bandwidth heavy items like LH tracking that is also shared with Audio and imu sensors.
Well we know for a fact that positional tracking systems moved to USB3. Sony, MS Xbox, Wmr, Oculus etc… All moved to Usb3. Now it is possible that these tracking have been optimized enough to be able to use just USB2. However Usb2 is just not a good choice for a modular headset and also made it unneeded to use a usb-c port. And should never have been Spec’d usb3. Usb3 meant some future proofing.
LH and IMU are just a few bytes, nothing compared to image data, even audio is not hat much, if anything then hand tracking but that would be another story
in some cases that might be just because its fashionable, the chips are the actual product line or they need the 900mA current of usb3
thats might be one of the reasons the 8kx has usb3 and ditching the 2nd port on the 8kx can be seen as giving up on eye tracking as a module, next model might have integrated eye tracking (if they can at least make it usable for adjusting the hmd when used)
the usb-c is just a small size option, might be seen as a must have for modular
i guess usb2 in the 5k+/8k is because of the age of the design at the time is was developed usb3 was more expansive and might have also added to the thermal design so it was left out at a earlier stage (just speculating) at some point you have to make decisions especially when you have plan to make a few thousand and not just 10 (in prototyping)
we can’t change the 5k+/8k anymore and pimax is not going replace them for 8kx’s
its possible to have usb3 with a repeater-extension + cable (8m are no problem)
its not a nice solution but its possible, even a small size usb-c hub might be possible
if only the software would work and there would be any added value like helping to adjust the headset
the 5k+/8k might receive a few firmware updates but its a retired product, any effort will go to the 8kx and its improvement - imho thats a realistic point of view and any month that goes by makes it less probable the 5k+ will get anything
i would not bet on a 120Hz usb2 solution for the 5k+, they might work on a solution for the 8kx for 120Hz
i have my eyes on valve, they might have the next interesting headset after the reverb g2 and mid next year we might hear from facebook, maybe star vr will come up with a more high res solution at the same time
(voodoode’s new 8k xtal is interesting but way to expansive for sure)
Micro usb is the same size and with only usb2 no need Usb-c.
Usb3 was what was spec’d. Usb-C follows usb3 capability standards as earlier micro usb3 connectors where wider and were replaced quickly with Usb-c
its not the only thing that changed
i always wanted to see the “auto-demisting system” in action (but the cracked housings might vent the hmd’s nicely instead) and we don’t have these fancy cooling-fans (but the silicon sleeve looks dorky enough)
The p4k had this. Not something you want tbh and was scrapped due to community request. Though not sure how they would have incorporated it as it was deffogger graphite lines on the shudder glass. Mine at one point tge graphite broke down and the graphite pooled win the shudder glass.
Because it was lines it would add somewhat to perceived sde.
Usb being quietly downgraded is a major change. No different than if they changed the 5k model panels from Qhd to 1080p panels.
Hi everyone - I am a postgrad weeks researcher here in Spain and for the last few years I have been working on harnessing eye tracking technology to allow people with disabilities and learning difficulties that make it difficult for them to use traditional input devices such as mice and keyboards, to interact with various softwares we have designed to allow them to have virtual meetings, interact with virtual digital spaces etc.
We have several Pimax units which we use for this research but amazingly I only just recently found out that the fabled eye tracking module had been released and that at this moment it is not going to be useful for games or DFR use, plus the usb3 interface cockup.
I am very interested in getting hold of one of these units and taking it apart to see if we could use it as a cheap replacement for the expensive eye trackers we are currently using.
As I am keen to get started on a teardown ASAP and I know a lot of you have the currently useless eye trackers still in their boxes unused, I wanted to ask if anyone here on OpenMR who lives within the EU (Not UK due to the Brexit customs problems) had an eye tracking unit they would be willing to sell at a discount and and send us here in Spain.
If you could be interested in helping us out, please be so kind as to send me a private message indicating 1) how much you would like for it and 2) the date you received it (in case in the future there are different versions released) excluding postage (we would pay for any p&p costs of course).
Many thanks,
Alex
Just checking in April 2021… has the eye tracking module experience been improved yet? Recommended or not recommended at this point in time for my 8kx? Thanks for any feedback
It depends on what you want to do with it
I am interested in any new experiences. I’m especially interested in being able to manipulate dials and knobs inside cockpits in flight sims like DCS world etc
If there’s a way to do that then it might be good for you. I don’t know enough about DCS to say otherwise. If you want it for dynamic foveated rendering then that does work, but it’s not magic. If you’re expecting a good and easy experience then it’s probably not worth it.
its kind of easy to judge about that when it comes to visuals, as the fixed fov. rendering is the same as the dynamic one, so when using the fixed version and the effects are way off and to pronounced (or having real trouble like in the stream vr home environment), hands off eye tracking, its not going to be better in the dynamic version, only the focus will move
the speed of the dynamic fov. rendering is more difficult, even if the scan of the eye’s is 100 or 120Hz it does not say much about then motion to photon timing and last time i looked the speed of the visual was less then 60Hz (my guess), perceivable lag when moving eye’s
@anon57422158 @SweViver @Heliosurge
After waiting for months, I first installed my eyetracking in the 5k+, I have now installed it in my 8kX hoping to see a real finish product.
I had no trouble with the installation but it is still too low speed for me. There is perceivable-annoying lag when moving my eyes. I have not tried the separated cable but I don’t want to spend 30 euros in something that is not going to work properly. It is a pity and I suppose I will have to remove it from my 8kx. Any suggestions or solutions?
I still have mine packed in the box. I’m actually waiting for a new fourm thread to be made, when the new firmware gets released and whats required again.
Cause atm its a mess like finding the instructions or the actual updated firmware link.
I dont wanna stuff it up.
for just testing eye tracking directly connected to pcyou can use a much shorter usb 3.0 cable you might have around and just do it sitting next to the pc
Mine is still packaged as waiting for real news it works and so far nothing truly positive has been posted yet.
They really need to release a new all in one cable to give the proper usb 3 connection that is missing on the non 8kX headsets and a new all in one cable on the 8kX as it doesn’t work well on the single usb-c port and as we know were missing an expansion port on the 8kX.
They could have fixed this on the 8kX with the optical cable and had high praise on having the longer optical cable with the needed usb3 extra port by having 2 usb3 connectors pc side with a female usb-c headset side.
Hopefully they get around to fixing this broken module.
With a short usb-c female cable you could test a straight to pc connection. Many in the community that came up with this work around have reported good results with cables tried from the quest.
Even with firmware improvements I don’t see the eye tracker being really viable. Its the physical aspects of the device that cant be changed that are causing me most headaches. The fact that the original design of magnets being used on the headset was scrapped in favor of a stick on solution is just cheap, not only that the magnets themselves are very weak and I found myself knocking the unit off damn near every time I tried to put the headset on. Its also very thick and bulky and if you don’t double up your foam your eyes are going to be touching the lenses every time which is very awkward and increases the need to clean the lenses as your going to grease them up every time you put the headset on. Speaking of lenses the glass in the unit is extremely reflective and causes terrible glare on my unit at any light level which negates any framerate improvements that the tracker could provide.
Also I don’t wear glasses but the fact the Pimax has completely ignored every request for information about eye inserts leads me to believe that functionality has been scrapped and anyone that doees need glasses should be aware of it.
@SweViver @anon57422158 I have installed the 100hz firmware 7invensum has sent me but I still notice the performance very slow. If I move back my eyes fast to the center I can still see pixelated. Too slow at the moment. I hope Pimax and 7invensum can improve it.
8kx-2080ti
Could you post the “new Firmware” or a link to it?