NetSync: script-based acquistion managed in
a network environment
NetSync was devised to solve a simple problem:
how to manage an experiment with two or more participants ?
Response was to design a “mixed” system: a script is executed locally on each
participant’s computer, but some Stop and Go can be centrally managed by
the experimenter from his (her) computer.
The system was refined to be able to send script and stimuli to each participant’s
computer and to get a copy of recorded data files at the end of the experiment.
10-12 April 2012, Mshs, University of Poitiers, France
(our) WiFi network setup
WiFi router: creates a
private network.
Only selected computers
can join in (static DCHP)
Clients runs “EP2.exe NetSync”
1 Gb Ethernet link
Eye and Pen 2 dongle
(15 network clients licence)
External hard disk
(data backup)
Master runs Eye and Pen 2 (File/Acquisition/NetSync)
10-12 April 2012, Mshs, University of Poitiers, France
NetSync: clients connection
1. Client announces itself to the Master
2. If the option is selected, client demands
stimuli and scripts update
3. In reply to client request, Master sends
stimuli and scripts files update
4. Master displays client information
This client is ready
This client is updating
10-12 April 2012, Mshs, University of Poitiers, France
NetSync: script selection
Scripts can be individually selected (client by client)
or selected in a list of scripts that all clients have in common
10-12 April 2012, Mshs, University of Poitiers, France
NetSync: session startup
1. Give a (significant) name
to this recording session
2. Click here to start session
Master creates a folder in Data named
<session-name>_<date>_<time>
Client receives:
 session name
 (Master) current time and date
 participant name
 script name
[ At session end (if the option was selected),
each client’s data recorded in this session will
be copied into a sub-folder named from the
client’s host name ]
Example:
session name: TS-Adults
(master) date: 11 April 2012
(master) time: 14:21:06
Folder name: TS-Adults_11042012_142106
Client creates a folder in Data named
<session-name>_<(master)date>_<(master)time>
to store recordings
10-12 April 2012, Mshs, University of Poitiers, France
NetSync: session runs…
Selected script is started on clients
Script command WaitForNetSync
pauses script execution
Script execution resumes
Click on Go button
Script command SendMessageToNetSync
example:
SendMessageToNetSync(Item 3/12)
10-12 April 2012, Mshs, University of Poitiers, France
NetSync: session ends
Script execution is over
When all clients are
finished, end session
Clients ready for a new session
Clients data copy is in progress
Clients script is over, but session is
not finished
data copy details are reported here
10-12 April 2012, Mshs, University of Poitiers, France