Axis Calibration Building Block
Description |
The Axis Calibration building block is used to calculate an axis value. It takes a number value — typically from an axis on an actual controller — and creates a new number value that can be used to control the axis on a virtual controller. The Axis Calibration block can be used to create a number value that can be used as a mouse, tablet, or joystick axis. |
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Input Connections |
The block’s input value is used as the starting point for its calculations. This value usually comes from an actual joystick axis, slider, dial, or similar control. |
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Output Connections |
The block’s output is calculated based on the input value and the block’s settings. |
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Properties |
Expected input range These are the largest and smallest values that the Axis Calibration block will receive. When the block is connected directly to an Axis building block, these should be the maximum and minimum values that the axis actually generates. Calibrated output range These are the largest and smallest values that the Axis Calibration block should generate. When the block’s input is at (or less than) the minimum expected input value, then the block’s output will be equal to the minimum calibrated output. When the block’s input is at (or greater than) the maximum expected input value, then the block’s output will be equal to the maximum calibrated output. When the block’s input is between the minimum and maximum expected input values, then the output value will be calculated based on the input and output ranges as well as the center settings. Center Value If the input of the Axis Calibration is connected to an axis that has a natural center point (such as a joystick that returns to a center position when not being pushed), then the Center Value defines that center point. If the input does not have a natural center point (as is the case for typical sliders or dials), then the Center Value can be turned off so that it does not affect the output calculation. Deadband When the Axis Calibration block has a center point, the deadband defines how “big” the center point is. When the difference between the input value and the center point is less than the deadband size, then the input is treated as though it were exactly at the center point. |
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Inspector Window |
When an Axis Calibration building block is selected, the Inspector window contains a control which provides direct access to most of the block’s settings. The arrows on the control can be moved to change the building block’s settings, or the various settings can be changed directly by typing into the various fields. On the control, the blue arrows indicate the lower and upper limits of the expected input range. The red arrows indicate the center value. If the building block has no center value, then the red arrows will not be shown. The center value may be changed by clicking and dragging on or between the arrows. The gray arrows indicate the deadband size. If the building block has no deadband, then the gray arrows will not be shown. The deadband may be changed by clicking and dragging on one of the gray arrows. The deadband will remained centered on the center value when the deadband size is changed. The vertical red line in the body of the control indicates the current value on the input of the building block. The calibration sequence can be used to set the expected input range and the center value for the building block. To begin this sequence, click the “Start” button under the “Calibrate” tab. |
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Configuration Tips |
When configuring an Axis Calibration building block, it is generally easiest to leave its output unconnected initially to make sure the block is operating properly. The expected input range should be configured to match the minimum and maximum values that the block actually receives. Even if the Axis Calibration block is connected directly to an Axis block, the Axis may not be able to generate its theoretical minimum and maximum output values. In this case, the expected input range of the Axis Calibration block should be configured the actual output range of the Axis block. The center value and deadband are sometimes the most time-consuming values to setup. If the Axis Calibration block is connected to an axis that has a “loose” feel near its center point, then the deadband can be increased to give the block a bigger center point. If the block is connected to an axis that always returns to the same center point, then the deadband can be decreased or turned off. The values of the calibrated output range will depend upon how the output of the Axis Calibration will be used.
The values in the calibrated output range can be reversed to cause the output value to decrease as the input value increases. For example, to reverse the operation of a virtual axis, an Axis Calibration can be configured with an output range of 255...0 instead of 0...255. |
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Examples |