LabMaestro
LabMaestro
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What is LabMaestro?

This page is for new users looking to understand the scope and structure of LabMaestro. After reading this page, you will know:

  • How LabMaestro is organized into its two primary modules.

  • What each module provides in terms of hardware configuration, experiment design, and data collection.

LabMaestro is an integrated software utility developed by VPixx Technologies. It is included in the VPixx Software Tools download Software Download & Information.

LabMaestro is organized into two primary modules: Configure Your Lab and Build Your Experiment.

🔧Configure Your Lab

The Configuration module provides tools for setting up and managing real and virtual VPixx devices.

Capabilities include:

  • Project-based hardware configurations: Hardware configurations are stored on a per-project basis. When a project (.lm) is opened, LabMaestro verifies that the required VPixx hardware is connected and configured to match the saved settings.

  • Display calibration: LabMaestro includes calibration tools and performance tests for validating display hardware and applying corrections (e.g., gamma correction) prior to data collection.

  • Diagnostics and troubleshooting: Device status validation, test patterns, and diagnostic routines are available for verifying system functionality.

  • Eye tracking calibration and testing: Default eye-tracking calibration routines can be run directly, or custom calibration routines can be configured for specific project requirements.

  • Display modes and video settings: Target resolutions, refresh rates, 3D modes, and custom video modes for VPixx displays can be configured from the Device Settings pane.

  • Software and firmware updates: Updates are accessible from the main menu.

  • Export to Code (Python and MATLAB): The Export to Code feature generates the API commands needed to reproduce a LabMaestro configuration in Python or MATLAB, supporting automation and reproducibility across setups.

  • Supported VPixx hardware: LabMaestro supports all current VPixx devices, including:

    • VIEWPixx series displays

    • PROPixx projectors

    • DATAPixx video I/O hubs

    • TRACKPixx eye trackers

    • RESPONSEPixx button boxes

    • X-Rite measurement devices

🧪Build Your Experiment

The Experiment Builder module is used to design, assemble, and run experiments on VPixx hardware. Studies are constructed visually using timelines and can be run on physical hardware or developed with virtual devices when hardware is not available.

  • Reusable component architecture: Experiments are assembled from Regions, Patterns, and Commands. Components are optimized for use with VPixx hardware.

  • Timeline-based experiment control: Timelines define what appears on screen and when. Conditional branches support dynamic experiment flow based on participant behaviour.

  • Automatic rendering of custom video modes: Custom video modes (e.g., M16) and sequencer configurations (e.g., 1440 Hz mode) are rendered automatically — composite images and manual frame organization are not required. The preview and playback reflect the actual output as it will appear on the target hardware.

  • 3D video mode support: When working in 3D video modes, the Timeline Workspace provides a toggle between left-eye and right-eye views.

  • Built-in psychophysical methods: Builder includes standard methods such as condition lists (method of constant stimuli) and staircases.

  • Expressions for dynamic parameters: Builder supports values and expressions for computed parameters, variables, and conditional logic. The Expressions Editor provides auto-completion for both simple and complex use cases.

  • Debugging and validation tools: Builder includes tools for testing timelines, verifying component behaviour, and simulating device I/O during development.

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