NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

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Gobberwart
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NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Gobberwart » Wed Mar 31, 2010 1:41 pm

This is actually kind of exciting and it's very important that all players read this information BEFORE adventuring.

As most of you know, I work in the IT industry with some very talented people (and some very untalented ones too, but that's another story). Recently a colleague of mine, Ira Pollof, came to me with an idea for a new piece of code based on existing computer mouse technology.

It turns out that almost all current computer mice, including optical mice and the inbuilt "trackpads" found in laptops, contain small electric devices capable of converting motion to electriciy. Normally these devices are used to capture a user's movements and send them to the computer. Ira has found a (surprisingly simple) way to reverse the process, essentially using the computer to send signals back to the mouse, activating the devices and thereby producing a vibrating sensation that the user can feel. This is known as "haptic feedback" and is similar to the way things like games console controllers and "force-feedback" computer joysticks sometimes work.

A few days ago, Ira showed me some javascript code that demonstrates this capability in a web browser and, here's the exciting part, has asked me if I'd mind adding the code to Paradox so that players (that's you guys) can test it. Do I mind? This is some cool stuff and we get to be some of the first people to try it out! Of course I don't mind, and I'm pretty sure you won't either.

So, here's where you come in.

I've added the new code to various parts of the game, and I need you all to help out by testing to see if you can feel the vibrations while you're doing things around Paradox. For example, while you're in combat, the code will activate whenever something happens to cause damage to your character. If it's working correctly, you should feel a sort-of grumbling vibration that will be smaller for low amounts of damage and bigger when the damage caused is larger. I've also placed a few random vibrations throughout the game when particularly interesting things are happening, and... well, something that's meant to be a surprise but which involves sending several different signals to the mouse to play what you might be able to identify as a "jaunty little tune" heh. Yeah, I had to play with it of course.

When you're testing, please reply back to this forum post with as much feedback as you can provide on the results you had and the hardware you're using. For example, were you able to feel the vibrations? How strong were they? What make/model is your mouse? What kind of computer are you using? etc.

NOTES

*The vibration effect is disabled by default, because we realise some people may not be in an appropriate situation where they can use it. To turn it on, please go to your Account->Options menu and select the appropriate option.
*This will NOT work with PS/2 mouse connections, only with inbuilt mice (eg. trackpads) and those connected via USB.
*If you have an optical mouse, very bright light can interfere with the vibration effect. If you can't feel the vibration, and you have an optical (red laser) type mouse, Ira recommends that you try turning all lights in the immediate area off or at least way down, then try again.

CAUTION!!

A brief, but important, word of caution is necessary here unfortunately. Ira tells me that he has occasionally noticed what seems to be a very small electric shock or jolt under certain conditions. I haven't seen it myself and he says it's incredibly small (no more than a slight "tingle"), but just to be sure, it's might not be a bad idea to take some precautions.
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commandermack
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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by commandermack » Wed Mar 31, 2010 2:18 pm

Logitech Wireless RCE95 mouse, optical

At first i had a hard time getting this to work, but i didn't give up, i couldn't get anything to damage me. So I used a
Spoiler:
Golden Pot
and that helped me out a lot. The vibrations aren't that strong because of where my batteries go in, but it sure does make weird noises... The sounds are like those road decals they put on the street to play music like in that one commercial. Gave me a pretty good laugh all in all, IDK if i will continue to use the feature, but it is pretty unique to get vibrated unexpectedly.

For those having trouble getting this to work, feel free to pMail me or PM me in chat. I am more than willing to give you a helping hand where available.

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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Gobberwart » Wed Mar 31, 2010 2:21 pm

Just a reminder to all to use spoiler tags where appropriate.
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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Grokly » Wed Mar 31, 2010 2:26 pm

Just a note. There are other items in the game that are not nearly as rare as:
Spoiler:
golden pot
that can make it easier to be hit to feel the effect. Way to try to keep market prices up, Mack. :P
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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by commandermack » Wed Mar 31, 2010 2:26 pm

my bad, thanks for the edit.


AxiS_Shadowbane
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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by AxiS_Shadowbane » Wed Mar 31, 2010 2:38 pm

iMac, USB optical mouse, red laser light.

Can't turn lights down due to work but currently, I can't get it to work.

Edit: Model number A1152

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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by commandermack » Wed Mar 31, 2010 2:51 pm

I found switching systems to my USB optical GE HO97769 mouse didn't work with the feature. Although it may not be the mouse but the way the system is setup to work.


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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Aramada » Wed Mar 31, 2010 3:24 pm

PC Windows XP, USB connecting IBM optical mouse, red laser light.

Did not feel any vibrations. Went and adventured in the Zweit-Childer Mine 'cause I figured causing a cave-in would be a good way to take damage, given I'm at level 24 and almost nothing hits me right now.

Caused 2 cave-ins, one for 198 damage, one for 124 damage, felt nothing. Was also doing some adventuring in the Trigonopolymonomathopathology Lab, where I fumbled a couple of times for 3-5 damage. Felt nothing there either.

I have no lights on in the room currently, other than my monitor.

~Aramada

p.s. This feels very "April Fool's"-y. Just sayin'.

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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Grokly » Wed Mar 31, 2010 3:36 pm

Update: For those having problems detecting this feature.

My response feedback has been really sporadic. I reconnected my USB mouse to the port closest to my laptop's power supply and it seems to have dramatically increased the occurrence. Not sure exactly why that should be, but thought it worth noting.
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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Right2Wrong2000 » Wed Mar 31, 2010 3:37 pm

Used some of the aforementioned stuff to no avail. I have an HP DV9000 and I was using the trackpad. :oS
-Coda


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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by trogdorable » Wed Mar 31, 2010 3:45 pm

Cant get anything to work, even naked with a few detrimental effects I kill everything one hit.
and this does seem very april foolsy.
But if it were real, then my dream of electrocuting people via the internet would be one step closer to reality.
Last edited by trogdorable on Thu Apr 01, 2010 4:23 am, edited 1 time in total.


alphah4x0r
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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by alphah4x0r » Wed Mar 31, 2010 5:19 pm

So Gob, how abouts you say I take a what at it and guess how it's done?
Spoiler:
Whenever an 'event' occurs, you send a signal to the mouse telling it not to move the cursor, and then cause the gears to rapidly rotate... this causing the vibration effect.


AxiS_Shadowbane
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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by AxiS_Shadowbane » Wed Mar 31, 2010 6:16 pm

Aramada wrote:p.s. This feels very "April Fool's"-y. Just sayin'.
Goddam.

If this is an April Fool's >.<

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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Gobberwart » Wed Mar 31, 2010 6:47 pm

alphah4x0r wrote:
Spoiler:
Whenever an 'event' occurs, you send a signal to the mouse telling it not to move the cursor, and then cause the gears to rapidly rotate... this causing the vibration effect.
Spoiler:
At its simplest, yep something like that. My friend was saying he had to be careful not to actually make the mouse go vibrating away off across the desk on its own too.
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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by SportGuy » Thu Apr 01, 2010 5:12 am

Is this kind of hard on your system in some way though...i mean causing the tremors and what not for your hardware?


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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Cowboy » Thu Apr 01, 2010 5:37 am

Is this an April Fool's joke?
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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Zammorak » Thu Apr 01, 2010 9:43 am

Mack and I, as well as a few others, have gotten it working, so it definitely isn't an April Fool's joke. :E


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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by trogdorable » Thu Apr 01, 2010 11:08 am

Well, given confirmations from those sources, it must be real.

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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Impalix » Thu Apr 01, 2010 12:19 pm

I call April Fool's. -laughing-

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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Gobberwart » Thu Apr 01, 2010 12:34 pm

SportGuy wrote:Is this kind of hard on your system in some way though...i mean causing the tremors and what not for your hardware?
I can't imagine it would do anything to IMPROVE the lifespan of your equipment, but computer mice (mouses?) are designed to stand up to some pretty rough treatment and I'd be very surprised if the haptics would actually make it any worse. Of course, I can't guarantee that so use it at your own risk.
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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Rakkasan » Thu Apr 01, 2010 7:33 pm

Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 2000.

It's attatched via USB, though not via cable. *shrugs*

No function detected.


Aramada
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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Aramada » Fri Apr 02, 2010 5:00 pm

::giggles:: Nice April Fool's joke, devs!

~Aramada

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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Gobberwart » Sat Apr 03, 2010 12:34 am

I'll be sure to pass it on to Ira. Ira Pollof. Get it? Jeez you guys.
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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by jimmyBUFFET » Sat Apr 03, 2010 10:06 am

*sigh* It was so believable for a little while too. Good on you.

-jB
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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by sodafett » Mon Apr 05, 2010 11:06 am

heh, yep, it was believable for a bit...lol
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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by commandermack » Mon Apr 05, 2010 3:52 pm

Ira Pollof <--- for people who still don't get it, it is a word jumble, get with the program people. ;)

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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Grokly » Thu Apr 08, 2010 1:28 pm

Word Jumble = Lewd Rum Job = anagram


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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by trogdorable » Thu Apr 08, 2010 3:12 pm

rum job?

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Re: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - TESTING REQUIRED

Unread post by Gobberwart » Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:41 pm

LEWD rum job :)
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