3DPixx IR Emitter and Active Shutter Glasses Kit

This page provides information on the 3DPixx kit sold after 2019, which uses Volfoni EDGE glasses. Kits sold prior to 2019 use NVIDIA 3D glasses, which are now discontinued. The old user manual for the NVIDIA kit is available here.

Product Overview

The 3DPixx kit includes two pairs of 3D EDGE^TM VR glasses and an ActiveHubRF50^TM RF emitter.

The system is designed to function with your VIEWPixx /3D, PROPixx Controller or DATAPixx I/O hub to allow 3D stereoscopic viewing.  Features include:

• Ultra-fast-response liquid crystal lenses for superior image quality

• No silver screen required

• Image quality preserved at all seating positions

• Bright 3D images and natural colours

• Easy-to-clean frames

• Adjustable arms in 3 sizes

• Best-in-class liquid crystal lenses with high contrast and light efficiency

• Stable images even at long-range (5 m)

• RF synchronization avoids interference from other wireless devices

• Programmable

• Automatic power-off function saves energy

This page describes the connection and setup procedures as well as the operation of the EDGE^TM VR glasses and ActiveHubRF50^TM RF emitter. Compliance, safety and warranty information can be found at the bottom of the page.

Product Details

3D EDGE^TM VR glasses

RF 3D glasses are active (i.e., they require power) and use radio frequency technology to synchronize with and receive data from the RF emitter. A labelled diagram of the glasses is shown below:

1. ON/OFF button

2. Programmable 3-position switch

3. MicroUSB port

4. RF receiver

5. Liquid crystal lenses

6. LED status light

7. Interchangeable arms

8. Rubberized nosepiece

ActiveHubRF50^TM RF emitter

The RF emitter receives both power and a 3D synchronization signal from a VESA-DIN3 cable connected to your VPixx hardware. The emitter wirelessly transmits the synchronization signal in the RF band to the 3D active glasses to control shutter behaviour. The emitter can also be connected to a PC via micro USB for firmware updates, as needed.

Assembly and Installation

Your 3DPixx kit includes the following:

• RF emitter with VESA cable

• Glasses (2 pairs)

• 3 sets of removable arms (S, M, L)

• Micro USB charging cable

• Microfiber cleaning wipe

The glasses are fragile. Care should be taken to avoid dropping or scratching the lenses during installation and use.

Product assembly - Glasses

The glasses come with three interchangeable sets of arms (small, medium, and large sizes). To change the arms, slide each arm onto the side of the shutter glass frame, as shown below, until you feel the unit click. Select and assemble the arms that best fit the participant’s head size.

Product assembly - Connecting the RF emitter

The RF emitter must:

• Have a clear line of sight to the intended location where the 3D glasses will be used

• Rest on a stable surface

Typically, placing the emitter on or near the base of your display is sufficient to ensure reliable transmission. Once you have verified a good signal, consider using double-sided tape to secure the emitter in place.

To connect the emitter to a VIEWPixx display or DATAPixx3 video I/O hub, insert the rectangular end of the emitter cable into the port labelled VESA 3D on the back of the VPixx device. The other end of the cable is a 3.5mm jack, which is connected to the RF emitter’s 3D sync input.

Product Usage

Powering on the glasses

Press the ON/OFF button on the side of the glasses to turn them on. The left and right lenses will each flash once in sequence to indicate to the user that the glasses are powered on. Hold down the ON/OFF button to turn the glasses off.

The glasses will automatically turn off in the following cases:

• No movement of the glasses for 5 minutes

• Loss of RF synchronization for 10 minutes.

Charging the glasses

Ensure the glasses are fully charged before use. To charge the glasses, connect the glasses to a power supply via the provided mircoUSB cable. When the glasses are connected to a power source, the LED on the side of the frame will show the battery charging status:

When the glasses are not connected to a power supply, the user can press down the switch (#2 in the figure above) to verify the current battery level. The level is indicated by the number of times the LED on the glasses blinks.

RF emitter connectivity

Once powered, the RF emitter automatically checks for synchronization sources such as VESA, DLP-Link and IR. If one of these signals is detected, the RF emitter will focus exclusively on it until its next full power cycle. To switch to another synchronization source, you must power off the RF emitter. The scan priority order is:

1. Wired 3D signal

2. DLP-link 3D signal

3. IR 3D signal

The channel selection dial on the bottom of the emitter should be set to 8 for use with VPixx products. See Product Usage - Advanced configuration options using Volfoni Loader for more details on changing the RF channel using Volfoni software.

The blue LED on the emitter reflects the current state of the device:

Test patterns

Test patterns are simple demonstrations of VPixx products. They are preloaded onto VPixx hardware and do not rely on your graphics card or experiment code. They are used to quickly visualize product features and validate system performance, independent of your PC.

To use test patterns, you must first install VPixx Software Tools on the PC connected to your VPixx hardware. Next, connect and power on your VPixx hardware. On Windows and Linux (VPixx software revision 1.9 and later), open the LabMaestro application and open a new or existing project. Right-click on the hardware in the Environment section of the Project Panel, and select Test Patterns from the menu. This will open the Test Pattern widget.

Only test patterns suitable for your selected device will appear in the widget. Note that test patterns for the PROPixx projector are found in the test pattern widget for the associated control unit (PROPixx Controller or DATAPixx3).

Each test pattern includes an explanation of the pattern and an example of expected behaviour. Some test patterns include options to adjust the pattern parameters. While a test pattern is enabled, your experiment display will be unresponsive to typical user behaviour (e.g., mouse clicks). Stop the test pattern to return to regular operation.

The 3DPixx has two associated Test Patterns that you can use to verify the 3D features are working:

• 3D Pictures Slideshow: This Test Pattern shows six different high-resolution static 3D images, which demonstrate the 3D capabilities of your hardware. It is compatible with both the 3DPixx and 3DPolarizer accessories. Specific images can be selected by passing a number from 1-6 as the second argument in the VPutil tp command.

• Stereo Goggles: This Test Pattern presents alternating green and red stimuli. Viewers not wearing 3D glasses will see a temporally fused, static yellow screen. On the right side of the image a sequence of gray lines are each presented in only one of the two eyes. This Test Pattern is compatible with both the 3DPixx and 3DPolarizer accessories.

Using 3D in your experiments

By default, the RF emitter will not send a 3D signal to the glasses unless you use a Test Pattern or manually set your VPixx hardware to be in one of our 3D presentation modes. When in a supported 3D mode, the RF emitter will drive the glasses synchronized to your display refresh rate.

To learn more about our different supported 3D modes and how to set up a 3D experiment using the 3DPixx, see our tutorial: 3D Stimulus Presentation with the VIEWPixx /3D. This tutorial includes several experiment code examples you can use and modify to suit your needs.

Advanced configuration options using Volfoni Loader

Volfoni Loader is a free software tool that can be used to fine-tune the performance of 3DPixx according to the specific needs of the researcher. With the IR emitter and glasses connected to your PC via their respective micro USB connections, you can:

• Adjust the glasses' shutter speed to optimize for brighter stimuli vs. minimized crosstalk

• Configure the programmable switch on the side of the glasses (e.g., to reverse left and right lens behaviours)

• Change the RF channel (e.g., to accommodate RF noise or other emitters)

For more details on the loader and to download the application, see http://volfoni.com/en/support-2/.

Product Specifications

RF emitter

• Signal range: 30 m (98 ft)

• Frequency: 2.4 GHz frequency (ISM band)

RF glasses

• Weight: 56 g

• Rechargeable glasses / Battery life: 75 hours

Cleaning and Maintenance

Do not use cleaners that contain any petroleum-based materials such as benzene, thinner, or any other volatile substance to clean any part of this product.

Do not soak or immerse the product in liquid, as it is an electronic device that can be damaged or impaired by moisture. Do not apply pressure to, impact, or rub the sensitive product surface.

The 3DPixx consists of an IR emitter and two pairs of active 3D shutter glasses. The emitter can be cleaned with a soft cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. The shutter glasses should be cleaned and disinfected between uses as they come in direct contact with the participant’s face. We recommend wiping down the plastic frame with disinfectant wipes, or a cloth dampened with disinfectant. The lenses can be cleaned with a damp microfiber cloth and a small amount of gentle soap.  

Troubleshooting your Device

Below are some possible issues you can encounter when using the 3DPixx system. These issues may appear with both Test Patterns and manual control of the 3DPixx.

Related Links

• 3D Stimulus Presentation with the VIEWPixx /3D

• Volfoni Loader and Technical Support - http://volfoni.com/en/support-2/

Compliance, Safety and Warranty Information

Click on the sections below to expand the relevant information.

Compliance Information

For the United States of America

This device complies with part 15 subpart B of FCC rules. Its operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.  This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 subpart B of the FCC rules.

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For Canada

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

CISPR warning: This is a Class A product. In domestic environments this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

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For European Countries

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Manufacturer’s Name:                 VPixx Technologies Inc. Manufacturer’s Address:              630 Clairevue West suite 301 Saint-Bruno, Qc Canada, J3V 6B4

Product Name: 3DPixx Part Numbers:  VPX-ACC-8050 Product Options : All Application of Council Directive:
2014/30/EEC  2015/863/EU 2012/19/EU	Electromagnetic Compatibility directive Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment directive

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION To remain CE compliant, only CE compliant parts should be used with this product. Maintaining CE compliance also requires proper cable and cabling techniques. VPixx Technologies will not retest systems or components that have been modified by customers. Signature:

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The following information is only for EU member states:

The mark shown to the left is in compliance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE). The mark indicates the requirement NOT to dispose of the equipment as unsorted municipal waste.  For more information call VPixx Technologies Inc. or email us at support@vpixx.com

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Declaration of RoHS Compliance

This product has been designed and manufactured in compliance with Directive 2015/863/EU of the European Parliament and the Council on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS Directive).

Safety and Warnings

Please review the following warnings before using this product. Ensure you understand and obey the following precautions when using this device.

FLASHING LIGHT WARNING. This device uses high-speed flashing lights that may trigger seizures, strokes, or other symptoms in some individuals.

• Seizures: Consult a physician before use if you or your family have a history of epilepsy. Stop use immediately if you experience altered vision, dizziness, nausea, or convulsions.

• Stroke: Consult a physician if you or your family have a history of stroke.

• General Precautions: Do not use if you feel unwell. Take regular breaks during prolonged use. Parents are advised to closely monitor children using the device, as they may be more susceptible to the effects of flashing lights.

Safety precautions

• Normal vision may be impaired while wearing these glasses. Do not wear 3D glasses for any other activity except viewing 3D images in a safe environment intended for viewing 3D images.

• Do not attempt to use 3D glasses as sunglasses. 3D glasses offer no UV protection and direct sunlight may damage them.

• Parental supervision is required when persons under the age of 18 years old use this product.  You may choose to consult a physician before allowing young children to use this product.

• Watching a computer monitor while wearing 3D glasses for an extended period may cause headaches, fatigue, or dizziness. Remove the 3D glasses and stop watching the monitor immediately if you experience these symptoms.

• You should not use 3D glasses if you are under the influence of alcohol, sleep deprived, or in poor physical condition.

• Some 3D images may startle viewers due to the immersive and compelling nature of 3D technology. A startle response may elicit rapid and reflexive bodily movements, which could be potentially harmful to oneself or others. As such, pregnant women, young children, the elderly, people with epilepsy, and people in frail physical condition are advised not to use 3D glasses.

• Some light sources, such as compact florescent, florescent, and LED, may flicker at rates that are not perceptible to the naked eye but that are perceptible when using this product, especially when the light sources are particularly bright. DO NOT look directly at bright light sources while wearing the 3D glasses. If you observe lights that flicker while wearing the 3D glasses, take off the glasses immediately and turn off or move the light source. Ensure that there is no visible flicker while wearing the 3D glasses.

Risk of fire and injury

• DO NOT puncture, pierce, damage, destroy, or modify the battery contained in the glasses. Puncturing the battery creates a fire hazard, which may result in combustion and could lead to severe injury.

• DO NOT expose the battery to hot or cold temperature extremes. If there are any signs of damage to the battery, discontinue the use of the 3D glasses immediately.

Product care

• Excessive force can easily damage this product. Do not flex the glasses. Handle the lenses carefully, especially when cleaning. Do not drop the RF emitter or glasses.

• Direct and prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat, or water may alter or damage the product. Ensure you protect your device from these elements.

• For recommendations on cleaning this device, see the section on Cleaning and Maintenance.