Recent changes to jAER FAQ

jAER FAQ modified by Luca Longinotti

Luca Longinotti — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:35:31 -0000

--- v5
+++ v6
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 ## Are there some sample data files available?
 Yes, see the [AER Data page](AER data).
 ## Where are jAER program log files written and how is logging configured?
-Logging of debugging and exception output (not AER data output) is configured by _Logging.properties_ in _branches/jAER_1.5/conf_. By default log files are written to _jAER.log_ in the default temporary directory, e.g. 
+Logging of debugging and exception output (not AER data output) is configured by _Logging.properties_ in _jAER/trunk/conf_. By default log files are written to _jAER.log_ in the default temporary directory, e.g.

 _C:\\Documents and Settings\\tobi\\Local Settings\\Temp_.
 ## Where are program/filter/biasgen preferences stored?

jAER FAQ modified by Luca Longinotti

Luca Longinotti — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 13:07:32 -0000

--- v4
+++ v5
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 ## Are there some sample data files available?
 Yes, see the [AER Data page](AER data).
 ## Where are jAER program log files written and how is logging configured?
-Logging of debugging and exception output (not AER data output) is configured by _Logging.properties_ in _host/java/conf_. By default log files are written to _jAER.log_ in the default temporary directory, e.g. 
+Logging of debugging and exception output (not AER data output) is configured by _Logging.properties_ in _branches/jAER_1.5/conf_. By default log files are written to _jAER.log_ in the default temporary directory, e.g.

 _C:\\Documents and Settings\\tobi\\Local Settings\\Temp_.
 ## Where are program/filter/biasgen preferences stored?
@@ -36,8 +36,6 @@
 We don't commit the javadoc because it changes so often and because it is big, but you can see [an online snapshot of the javadoc](http://jaer.sourceforge.net/javadoc/) which is probably out of date. You can build the javadoc in netbeans by right clicking on the project root in the _Projects_ pane and selecting _Generate javadoc for project_. This should build the javadoc and show it in the browser - if not, let us know with a bug report.
 ## How can I report bugs and ask for features?
 Use the [Trackers for the jAER project](https://sourceforge.net/tracker/?group_id=181834).
-## How do I program a blank Cypress FX2LP retina board?
-You first need to install the driver for _CypressFX2Blank_. You can do this after plugging in the blank retina and installing the driver from the folder _drivers/driverUSBIO_Tmpdiff128_USBAERmini2_ . Then use the _CypressFX2EEProm_ utility (startup script located in the _utilities_ folder) to scan for the device. Then use the _Scan for devices_ button. When the programming buttons light up, you can use the dialog to select the correct frrmware file, which is located in the source tree at _host\\java\\src\\ch\\unizh\\ini\\caviar\\hardwareinterface\\usb_ to then button to program the firmware.
 ## Can I use a 5V chip with the USB2AERmini2 board?
 See this post: https://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?thread_id=1755625&forum_id=631958
 ## How are preferences handled by EventFilter's and Biasgen's?

jAER FAQ modified by Luca Longinotti

Luca Longinotti — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:26:11 -0000

--- v3
+++ v4
@@ -6,16 +6,9 @@
 ## Does jAER work under Windows 7?
 Yes, under 32 bit it works perfectly. You will need to accept the installation of unsigned drivers. Under Windows 7 64 bit you will need to boot in kernel debug mode to disable signed driver check, in order to install the unsigned USB drivers. We have not yet purchased the necessary Authenticode code signing certificate. Hit F8 repeatedly during boot to get to the screen where you can select the option to "Disable Driver Signature Enforcement". As long as you boot in this mode, you should be able to use the DVS128 under Win7/64.
 ## Does jAER work under linux?
-There is an experimental libusb driver available as of 2013, and there is also a kernel mode driver as described next.
+Linux is fully supported through the libusb library-based interface.

-For the original kernel mode linux USB interface to the DVS128 silicon retina, see the javadoc for package [ch.unizh.ini.caviar.hardwareinterface.usb.linux](http://jaer.sourceforge.net/javadoc/ch/unizh/ini/caviar/hardwareinterface/usb/linux/package-summary.html). To run the _sudo_ command that activates the usbfs system you will need root privileges. The pure java code runs and some effort has gone to make sure this happens despite the use of windows native DLLs. The root of jAER holds the linux shell script _jAERViewer.sh_ that launches the viewer. You may need to activate the usbfs with the following command BEFORE running jAER under linux. Run this in a shell (or at linux startup): 
-
-_sudo mount -o devmode=0666 -t usbfs usbfs /proc/bus/usb_ 
-
-See linux jAER startup script for more information. (jaer/trunk/jAERViewer.sh). 
-
-*Under 64 bit linux*, you will need to use a 32 bit java runtime environment (JRE) because all the shared libraries that jAER uses under linux (JOGL, USBIO, etc) are 32 bit libraries.
-## Does jAER work with the Mac OS?
+## Does jAER work under MacOS X?
 There is a new experimental libUSB driver available as of 2013.

 ## How can I use jAER?

jAER FAQ modified by Tobi Delbruck

Tobi Delbruck — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 06:27:36 -0000

--- v2
+++ v3
@@ -23,9 +23,9 @@
 ## My Tmpdiff128/DVS128 retina doesn't work.
 You probably didn't load a set of bias values. Biases are stored in the _biasgenSettings_ folder at the root of jAER. Plug in the retina, click on the Biasgen button at the lower left corner of AEViewer, then use the _File/Load settings..._ menu item to choose a bias settings file, say _tmpdiff128.xml._ You may need to load this file several times because of a long standing bug with loading bias settings that change a lot of biases. For more information, see the [Tmpdiff128 User Guide](http://siliconretina.ini.uzh.ch/wiki/doku.php?id=userguide)
 ## How do I add my AER chip to jAER?
-See [a new chip"]("Adding)
+See ["Adding a new chip"](https://sourceforge.net/p/jaer/wiki/Adding%20a%20new%20chip/)
 ## How can I write my own custom event processor?
-See [a new event filter"]("Adding)
+See ["Adding a new event filter"](https://sourceforge.net/p/jaer/wiki/Adding%20a%20new%20event%20filter/)
 ## How do I add a custom DisplayMethod for my chip?
 See, for example, the class _ch.unizh.ini.caviar.chip.cochlea.CochleaChip_. This superclass of cochlea chips adds several _DisplayMethod_'s for displaying rasters of spikes, cross correlograms, etc.
 ## Are there some sample data files available?
@@ -39,7 +39,6 @@
 ## How can I set up Windows so that double-clicking an AE data file (.dat) opens JAERViewer and starts playing the file?
 Right click a .dat file and choose "Open with..." and then "Choose program...". Then select the jAERViewer.exe launcher (make sure you choose the jAERViewer*.exe* and not jAERViewer.cmd). Now when you double-click the .dat file, the viewer should start and it should start playing the data file.

-By the way, the launcher is built using the excellent [JSmooth](http://jsmooth.sourceforge.net/download.php) java launcher builder.
 ## How can I generate javadoc for the source code?
 We don't commit the javadoc because it changes so often and because it is big, but you can see [an online snapshot of the javadoc](http://jaer.sourceforge.net/javadoc/) which is probably out of date. You can build the javadoc in netbeans by right clicking on the project root in the _Projects_ pane and selecting _Generate javadoc for project_. This should build the javadoc and show it in the browser - if not, let us know with a bug report.
 ## How can I report bugs and ask for features?

jAER FAQ modified by Tobi Delbruck

Tobi Delbruck — Sat, 26 Oct 2013 18:39:15 -0000

--- v1
+++ v2
@@ -6,7 +6,9 @@
 ## Does jAER work under Windows 7?
 Yes, under 32 bit it works perfectly. You will need to accept the installation of unsigned drivers. Under Windows 7 64 bit you will need to boot in kernel debug mode to disable signed driver check, in order to install the unsigned USB drivers. We have not yet purchased the necessary Authenticode code signing certificate. Hit F8 repeatedly during boot to get to the screen where you can select the option to "Disable Driver Signature Enforcement". As long as you boot in this mode, you should be able to use the DVS128 under Win7/64.
 ## Does jAER work under linux?
-There is an alpha version of a linux USB interface to the DVS128 silicon retina - see the javadoc for package [ch.unizh.ini.caviar.hardwareinterface.usb.linux](http://jaer.sourceforge.net/javadoc/ch/unizh/ini/caviar/hardwareinterface/usb/linux/package-summary.html). To run the _sudo_ command that activates the usbfs system you will need root privileges. The pure java code runs and some effort has gone to make sure this happens despite the use of windows native DLLs. The root of jAER holds the linux shell script _jAERViewer.sh_ that launches the viewer. You may need to activate the usbfs with the following command BEFORE running jAER under linux. Run this in a shell (or at linux startup): 
+There is an experimental libusb driver available as of 2013, and there is also a kernel mode driver as described next.
+
+For the original kernel mode linux USB interface to the DVS128 silicon retina, see the javadoc for package [ch.unizh.ini.caviar.hardwareinterface.usb.linux](http://jaer.sourceforge.net/javadoc/ch/unizh/ini/caviar/hardwareinterface/usb/linux/package-summary.html). To run the _sudo_ command that activates the usbfs system you will need root privileges. The pure java code runs and some effort has gone to make sure this happens despite the use of windows native DLLs. The root of jAER holds the linux shell script _jAERViewer.sh_ that launches the viewer. You may need to activate the usbfs with the following command BEFORE running jAER under linux. Run this in a shell (or at linux startup):

 _sudo mount -o devmode=0666 -t usbfs usbfs /proc/bus/usb_ 

@@ -14,7 +16,8 @@

 *Under 64 bit linux*, you will need to use a 32 bit java runtime environment (JRE) because all the shared libraries that jAER uses under linux (JOGL, USBIO, etc) are 32 bit libraries.
 ## Does jAER work with the Mac OS?
-It runs fine except there are no Mac USB drivers.  In addition differences in the way Apple enforces Java GUI elements to appear can make things look uglier.
+There is a new experimental libUSB driver available as of 2013.
+
 ## How can I use jAER?
 If you want to work with hardware, you need a [device, such as a temporal contrast retina or a monitor/sequencer board](Hardware). Otherwise you can view and process data files.
 ## My Tmpdiff128/DVS128 retina doesn't work.

Discussion for jAER FAQ page

Tobi Delbruck — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 14:14:43 -0000

The MacOS FAQ item is outdated. There are now experimental libUSB drivers that support MacOS

jAER FAQ modified by Luca Longinotti

Luca Longinotti — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 08:53:03 -0000

jAER FAQ

Where is specific help for using the DVS128 dynamic vision sensor silicon retina?

See the specific [guide for use of the DVS128 silicon retina].

Does jAER work under Windows 7?

Yes, under 32 bit it works perfectly. You will need to accept the installation of unsigned drivers. Under Windows 7 64 bit you will need to boot in kernel debug mode to disable signed driver check, in order to install the unsigned USB drivers. We have not yet purchased the necessary Authenticode code signing certificate. Hit F8 repeatedly during boot to get to the screen where you can select the option to "Disable Driver Signature Enforcement". As long as you boot in this mode, you should be able to use the DVS128 under Win7/64.

Does jAER work under linux?

There is an alpha version of a linux USB interface to the DVS128 silicon retina - see the javadoc for package ch.unizh.ini.caviar.hardwareinterface.usb.linux. To run the sudo command that activates the usbfs system you will need root privileges. The pure java code runs and some effort has gone to make sure this happens despite the use of windows native DLLs. The root of jAER holds the linux shell script jAERViewer.sh that launches the viewer. You may need to activate the usbfs with the following command BEFORE running jAER under linux. Run this in a shell (or at linux startup):

sudo mount -o devmode=0666 -t usbfs usbfs /proc/bus/usb

See linux jAER startup script for more information. (jaer/trunk/jAERViewer.sh).

Under 64 bit linux, you will need to use a 32 bit java runtime environment (JRE) because all the shared libraries that jAER uses under linux (JOGL, USBIO, etc) are 32 bit libraries.

Does jAER work with the Mac OS?

It runs fine except there are no Mac USB drivers. In addition differences in the way Apple enforces Java GUI elements to appear can make things look uglier.

How can I use jAER?

If you want to work with hardware, you need a device, such as a temporal contrast retina or a monitor/sequencer board. Otherwise you can view and process data files.

My Tmpdiff128/DVS128 retina doesn't work.

You probably didn't load a set of bias values. Biases are stored in the biasgenSettings folder at the root of jAER. Plug in the retina, click on the Biasgen button at the lower left corner of AEViewer, then use the File/Load settings... menu item to choose a bias settings file, say tmpdiff128.xml. You may need to load this file several times because of a long standing bug with loading bias settings that change a lot of biases. For more information, see the Tmpdiff128 User Guide

How do I add my AER chip to jAER?

See a new chip"

How can I write my own custom event processor?

See a new event filter"

How do I add a custom DisplayMethod for my chip?

See, for example, the class ch.unizh.ini.caviar.chip.cochlea.CochleaChip. This superclass of cochlea chips adds several DisplayMethod's for displaying rasters of spikes, cross correlograms, etc.

Are there some sample data files available?

Yes, see the AER Data page.

Where are jAER program log files written and how is logging configured?

Logging of debugging and exception output (not AER data output) is configured by Logging.properties in host/java/conf. By default log files are written to jAER.log in the default temporary directory, e.g.

C:\Documents and Settings\tobi\Local Settings\Temp.

Where are program/filter/biasgen preferences stored?

All program preferences are stored using Java's Preferences mechanism (these preferences are stored in the Windows registry). Elements of jAER, like the bias generator bias values, can be exported to XML files. Bias values are stored on a node based on the Chip class, so there will not be name conflicts as long as the Chip's are in different java packages.

How can I set up Windows so that double-clicking an AE data file (.dat) opens JAERViewer and starts playing the file?

Right click a .dat file and choose "Open with..." and then "Choose program...". Then select the jAERViewer.exe launcher (make sure you choose the jAERViewer.exe and not jAERViewer.cmd). Now when you double-click the .dat file, the viewer should start and it should start playing the data file.

By the way, the launcher is built using the excellent JSmooth java launcher builder.

How can I generate javadoc for the source code?

We don't commit the javadoc because it changes so often and because it is big, but you can see an online snapshot of the javadoc which is probably out of date. You can build the javadoc in netbeans by right clicking on the project root in the Projects pane and selecting Generate javadoc for project. This should build the javadoc and show it in the browser - if not, let us know with a bug report.

How can I report bugs and ask for features?

Use the Trackers for the jAER project.

How do I program a blank Cypress FX2LP retina board?

You first need to install the driver for CypressFX2Blank. You can do this after plugging in the blank retina and installing the driver from the folder drivers/driverUSBIO_Tmpdiff128_USBAERmini2 . Then use the CypressFX2EEProm utility (startup script located in the utilities folder) to scan for the device. Then use the Scan for devices button. When the programming buttons light up, you can use the dialog to select the correct frrmware file, which is located in the source tree at host\java\src\ch\unizh\ini\caviar\hardwareinterface\usb to then button to program the firmware.

Can I use a 5V chip with the USB2AERmini2 board?

See this post: https://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?thread_id=1755625&forum_id=631958

How are preferences handled by EventFilter's and Biasgen's?

Event processing filters like BackgroundActivityFilter have parameters, as do Chip objects with bias settings. These are stored as user Preferences using nodes based on java package names.

It is possible to enclose a FilterChain of filters inside another EventFilter. In this case, the preferences for the enclosed filters are stored in a different node of the Preferences userRoot tree based on the enclosing EventFilter class. That way filters can have distinct Preference values.

Biasgen preferences are stored in a node of the Preferences tree based on the enclosing Chip object; that way there are no possible name conflicts for bias values as long as the Chip objects are in different java packages.

Rendering has suddenly gotten very slow, what's going on?

The left/right arrow keys control rendering rate. Probably you used the left arrow key. The achieved/target rendering rate in frames/sec (FPS) is shown in the status bar, e.g. 53/60fps. Use the right arrow key to increase to a reasonable desired rate, e.g. 30 or 60fps.

How can I make videos from jAER?

You can write PNG image sequences from the File/Write image sequence menu item (shortcut Ctl-Alt-M to start and stop) and then assemble a video using Macromedia Flash or Adobe Premiere, for example. Or try using the amazing Fraps (http://www.fraps.com), which writes uncompressed AVIs at full frame rate directly from an OpenGL surface like the ChipCanvas (you will need to postprocess the fraps video to recode it in order to view the video on a machine without the fraps codec installed - see the fraps page). Neither method captures the statistics header, however, because this header is rendered using Swing, not OpenGL.