pyVisualStim

Code to generate diverse visual stimulation on a screen.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

To run the code, you need additional packages

Step-by-step package installation.

1. Install anaconda and craete an environment (e.g 2pVStim)

• conda create --name <ENV_NAME> python = 3.9

2. Go inside the environment (activate it)

• conda activate <ENV_NAME>

• check the default (already installed) packages with: >> conda list

2. Install Psychopy3

• pip install psychopy (depending on you OP, other pacakges will need to be install first or use another package platforms like conda-forge. Check errors)
• pip install pyDAQmx (check the versin that is compatible for your OP)
• pip instll h5py
• check the installed packages with: >> conda list

In order to use it together with other devices and project the sitmulation using a Texas Instrument projector, move to HARWARE INSTALLATION section.

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

1. NI-DAQmx installation (drivers for the DAC)
2. DLP gui installation (DLPLCR4500GUI)

RUNNING pyVisualStim

1. Create an output folder somewhere in your PC with a subfolder for an USER (e.g. "C:\Documents\temp_pyVisualStim_OutputFiles\USER_NAME") Here the folder <Temp_pyVisualStim_OutputFiles> contains the user <USER_NAME> For storage and visualization of movie frames (video), is recommended to also have a subsubfolfer named <Last_stim_movie_frames> in the user subfolder
2. In this folder, insert the default "current_recording" file. (see included txt in the files of this code) The variable names there can be modified as wished per every recording
3. Run the stimulation using the terminal

• Activate the proper environment: >> conda activate <ENV_NAME>
• Go to the main code folder (pyVisualStim): cd <CODE_PATH>
• Type to run the code: >> python run.py user <USER_NAME>
• You will be ask to: first, choose the "current_recording", and second, choose the stimulus txt file to run (navigate to those files)

ASPECTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE RUNNING THE CODE

1. Set the refresh rate of yor monitor

• In the config.py file, set the refresh rate of teh monitor / projector being used.

2. PsychoPy Monitor Center

• add your monitor and set the screen size, distacnde to screen and resolution