Survey of signals travelling from the stage to the board

[glopesdev]

Decide which signals can/need to go on the platform versus outside. Decide whether the computer driving the VR is on the platform.

• Harp [platform]:
  • lick detection
  • reward delivery
  • optogenetic laser (power, trigger)
• probe insertion manipulator (New Scale Technologies)

If computer is outside:

• HDMI
• USB3Vision cameras

[RoboDoig]

Options for signal setup (assuming static screen configuration):

1. USB camera, onboard optical sensors

   • Camera (USB)
   • Optical sensors (mouse 2x USB)
   • Lick sensor (2x analog)
   • Reward delivery (2x trigger, 2x power)
   • Frame trigger / frame signal from camera (optional)

2. Wireless IMU inside the ball to measure motion

   • Camera (USB)
   • Lick sensor (2x analog)
   • Reward delivery (2x trigger, 2x power)

3. MiniCam via ONIX commutator

   • Lick sensor (2x analog)
   • Reward delivery (2x trigger, 2x power)
   • Optical sensors (2x USB)

[ederancz]

@RoboDoig Re option 2. I really like the option of IMU inside the ball. When exploring this option years ago, I couldn't find a robustly working option. Do you know of any or it would need development?

[RoboDoig]

@ederancz Bruno is looking into this at the moment, there is an existing project at Champalimaud that has some available units that we could try out if you're interested.

The issue with that project is that it is no longer officially supported and the units are no longer being manufactured - so it may not work as a long-term solution without additional development on our end in future.

[ederancz]

OK, given that the optical sensors can work perfectly well and are much simpler both for us and others who may want to build a similar setup, I prefer to stick with them for now.

[RoboDoig]

Full survey of signals is included in the current design document in the main repo.

[RoboDoig]

Closing issue as signal design finalised and boards produced.