Software Revision Log
This page provides a summary of software revision updates for all of our releases. This content was formerly found on what's new.
Current version number: 1.9.2
Download software here.
Release 1.9.2 (December 6th 2024)
This update adds ARM64 support for pypixxlib. This allows our Python toolbox to run on newer Apple computers.
pypixxlib:
Added QUAD4X 3D, and crosstalk correction functions. See 3D Projection with the PROPixx and 3D Polarizer for demos.
LabMaestro Builder:
Global variable LastEvent persists for looping epoch.
Added an icon to distinguish between VPixx devices and monitors.
New Icons in the Environment
TRACKPixx validation command feedback now appears properly.
The dithering Test should now work on all graphics cards.
Fixed an issue where the firmware update would complete but the window would never close.
Fixed an issue with Fixed Value Replications in staircase experiment causing the application to terminate.
Release 1.9.1 (October 24th 2024)
This update adds support for the newest TRACKPixx (revision 20) needed for the newest TRACKPixx systems.
Bug fixes:
TRACKPixx Search Limits can be defined from left to right and right to left.
VPixx Devices' calibration is impossible if no X-Rite Device (purchased from VPixx) is detected.
Drawing stimuli in centimeters now does not incur a 100 pixel offset.
Gamma correction color application fixed on specific values that generated errors.
Experiment sometimes launching offscreen has been fixed.
Release 1.9.0 (October 3rd 2024)
This update adds LabMaestro to the Linux Operating System* and calibration of VPixx devices using the I1Pro3.
*This is tested under Ubuntu 20.04 and ONLY UNDER XServer. Ubuntu 22.04 should also work fine, while older Ubuntu will not be compatible. Other Linux distribution might work but are not supported.
Release 1.8.1 (September 9th 2024)
This update adds a new Pixel Mode variant developed for a specific neuroimaging partner and end user. It is now available for all VPixx customers with a DATAPixx3 (firmware revision 27 or higher).
Features and Enhancements:
Pixel Mode B: New Pixel Mode variant that drives digital output channels 16-23 using the 8-bit blue value of the top left pixel on the full-screen display. Digital output channels 0-15 are unaffected and available for custom triggering or button box passthrough. See the updated VOCAL on Pixel Mode for more details.
To enable Pixel Mode B on your DATAPixx3, you must first download the software update and re-install our APIs for MATLAB and Python (see instructions here: Software Download & Information).
After installing the new software, you must also update your DATAPixx3 firmware. On Windows, simply open LabMaestro with your device connected, right-click on the DATAPixx3 device in the Environment section of the Project panel, and select Firmware Update. This will open a widget that guides you through the firmware installation steps. For Linux and Mac, you can find vputil-based instructions here: Performing Firmware Updates.
Once the update is performed, follow these instructions to enable the new mode:
For more details on the differences between Python (libdpx) and Python (object-oriented), see The two flavours of pypixxlib.
from pypixxlib import _libdpx as dp
#Connect to hardware
dp.DPxOpen()
#To enable:
dp.DPxEnableDoutPixelModeB()
dp.DPxWriteRegCache()
#To disable:
dp.DPxDisableDoutPixelModeB()
dp.DPxWriteRegCache()For more details on the differences between Python (libdpx) and Python (object-oriented), see The two flavours of pypixxlib.
from pypixxlib.datapixx import DATAPixx3
#Connect
myDevice = DATAPixx3()
myDevice.open()
#To enable:
myDevice.dout.enablePixelModeB()
myDevice.writeRegisterCache()
#To disable:
myDevice.dout.disablePixelModeB()
myDevice.writeRegisterCache()Release 1.8.0 (August 12th 2024)
We're excited to announce the latest update to LabMaestro. This update aims to replace PyPixx in addition to new features for experiments. This update is geared towards Windows as Linux support for LabMaestro will be added in version 1.9.0.
Features and Enhancements:
Resolution Picker (EDID): Select the resolutions that are stored in the device, allowing you to pick them in the operating system.
PROPixx and VIEWPixx White Point Calibration: Recalibrate your PROPixx directly in LabMaestro (requires an X-Rite i1 Display purchased from VPixx Technologies).
PROPixx Hotspot Correction: If you are experiencing a hotspot (higher luminance spot) because of your projection screen, the hotspot correction routine has been added to LabMaestro.
X-Rite Measurement Tools: Take your luminance and chromaticity measurements directly in LabMaestro with the new tools. Compatible with X-Rite I1 Display, I1 Pro, and I1 Pro3 purchased from VPixx Technology only.
TRACKPixx3 Control Interface: Made modifications to facilitate the use of the TRACKPixx3. Added a button to take a picture when difficulty tracking to send to the support team for help. Added more user-friendly selection and choice for accepting the offset when calibrating a TRACKPixx3. The default parameter is now in degrees of visual angle (DVA).
Wait command: You can now log the time waited in the results of the experiment.
Delete session/subject: You can now safely delete recording for a specific session or subject.
Gamma correction: You can now measure and apply gamma correction directly within LabMaestro.
Pixel per inches measurement tool: New setting in the monitor is used to specify custom pixels per inch to specify stimuli in different units.
Diagnostic Window: New help widget when you are having issues and need to contact support to generates a log of the connected devices and their information.
New Startup Screen: The new startup screen of LabMaestro allows you to pick different templates as a starting point.
PROPixx Intensity Option: You can now pick (for standard PROPixx modes) the LED intensity: 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5% or 6.25%.
PROPixx Display Port: Now supports some software test patterns (Color Ramp, Contrast Sensitivity). These test patterns require video to the PROPixx.
Save/Load Device Power-Up Settings: In the device settings it is now possible to save specific values and reload them.
Performance Improvements:
Settings on devices are now categorized.
Saving / Loading / Exporting projects or data has been optimized and should take less time. There is also a loading bar for long operations.
Improved tab bar readability.
Adding a timeline or method to a project now opens their panel.
Bug Fixes:
Fixed issue with TRACKPixx /mini not being detected after a connection issue.
Fixed image position in the Simulator for all VPixx devices.
Fixed saccade and fixation thresholds saved in recording to match the real values used.
TrialIndex in recordings now starts at 1 (was 0).
Calibration animation slowdown has been resolved.
.lm files are automatically handled by LabMaestro
Added the polarizer as the default option with PROPixx for 3D demos.
Escape key exits test patterns properly.
Manual TRACKPixx3 calibration has been restored and is now functional again.
Opening a project file generated with an older version will warn the user of the project being updated to the current version.
Fixed min/max expression when used in an integer property.
Happy experimenting!
Release 1.7.0 (April 23rd 2024)
LabMaestro
Features and Enhancements:
New Demo and Test Patterns: Explore a range of new demos and test patterns, including Drifting Dots, White Screen, Scanning Backlight, RGB Bars, and more!
TRACKPixx Analog Output Selector: Select the output of the DATAPixx3’s analog connection with this new UI.
Custom Pixel Pitch (DPI): You can now specify a custom value for projectors or displays that report the wrong value.
Firmware Update Tools: Update your VPixx device firmware directly in LabMaestro with a few clicks!
Digital I/O Tester: Test digital output (triggers) or input (RESPONSEPixx button box) via a new user interface that provides a direct real-time mapping of the digital inputs and outputs.
Improved VPixx Device Management: Customize names for detected VPixx devices, providing clearer identification and easier management.
PROPixx Hotspot Correction: Calibrate your PROPixx such that luminance changes caused by the screen are corrected and the display is uniform.
Dithering Test: Test if your graphics card is modifying video values with a built-in test.
Extended Variable in Expressions: You can now access the trial number and session data directly in your custom expression.
Diagnostic and Demo Access: Conveniently access diagnostic and demo features directly from VPixx Device Panels, streamlining your workflow.
Additional UI Improvements: From updated icons and layouts to better tooltips, we've refined the user interface for a more intuitive experience.
Improved Performance During Data Saving: Exporting data is substantially faster than in previous software versions.
Enhanced Calibration Process: TRACKPixx calibration offset now represents the average of all the data gathered. A dynamic countdown is now also available directly in the options.
License Management: Introduced support for USB dongles, providing more flexible licensing options for users.
Performance Improvements:
Memory Usage Optimization: Addressed memory access issues and optimized resource usage, resulting in improved stability and performance.
Bug Fixes:
Crash Fixes: Addressed multiple crash scenarios, including crashes related to simulator usage and component initialization.
Expression Function Corrections: Corrected expression functions related to angles to ensure accurate calculations. The angles default to degrees instead of radians now.
UI Fixes: Resolved UI glitches and layout inconsistencies across various components and dialogues.
Happy experimenting!
Release 1.6.1 (January 11th 2024)
LabMaestro
Stability update; significant work to allow recoverable workspace if a crash should happen.
Fixed issues with graphs scaling depending on size.
Issue fixed with drag and dropping regions unto the timeline.
Improved memory management to run on computers with low amounts of memory.
Expressions dealing with angles now default to use degrees rather than radians.
The maximum amount of anonymous sessions is now in preferences (defaults to 1).
PyPixx
PyPixx is now frozen in time and deprecated. We will be implementing all the features found in PyPixx inside of LabMaestro. PyPixx is still part of the installation for now but will not be updated.
Linux
Our software tools currently run on Ubuntu 18.04 and Ubuntu 20.04. Efforts are being made for the next version to support Ubuntu 20.04 and 22.04.
Release 1.6.0 (November 1st 2023)
New Software
VPixx's LabMaestro is now in Beta! This new software allows you to design experiments, control your hardware, calibrate your TRACKPixx3, and simulate your devices! Find the online documentation here.
New online documentation
All of VPixx online documentation is now hosted online! It can be found here.
pypixxlib installation change
You will need to uninstall pypixxlib before installing the new version. (pip3 uninstall pypixxlib)
New Software Features
The new version of the software tools (1.6) instead of (3.12) is due to a restructuring of our versioning
VPixx Device Server has been updated to report its version to all software connected. Please note that you will need the newest software to be compatible with the new server.
New software licensing system.
TRACKPixx3 can now be simulated in the LabMaestro Simulator.
The MATLAB mex files path in the installation has been updated to be simplified.
PyPixx will soon be deprecated. We encourage you to transition to LabMaestro to control and test your VPixx hardware.
Download this update on the Quick Start Guide.