Prerequisites

This project assumes you are familiar with the basic functionality of Unity. You should also review the following before moving on:

• Getting Started Kit - Advanced Lessons - Data Interval

Setup

Note: You can use any Phidget capable of sensing distance for this project.

Attach your Distance Phidget to your VINT Hub as shown:

Configure Unity

In order to use Phidgets with Unity, you have to configure your project. Follow the instructions below.

Create Environment

Now that your project is configured, you can create your environment.

Write Code (C#)

Copy the code below into your BallScript file.

  
using UnityEngine;
using Phidget22;

public class BallScript : MonoBehaviour
{

    private Rigidbody rb;
    DistanceSensor distanceSensor;

    // Start is called before the first frame update
    void Start()
    {
        //Connect Rigidbody
        rb = GetComponent <Rigidbody>();

        //Create
        distanceSensor = new DistanceSensor();

        //Open
        distanceSensor.Open(1000);

        //Set data interval to minimum | This will increase the data rate from the sensor and allow for smoother movement
        distanceSensor.DataInterval = distanceSensor.MinDataInterval;
    }

    // Update is called once per frame
    void Update()
    {

        //Use your Phidgets
        float y = mapDistance();
        rb.position = new Vector3(rb.position.x, y, rb.position.z); 
    }

    float mapDistance(){
        try{
            float val = distanceSensor.Distance;
            float minD = distanceSensor.MinDistance;
            float maxD = distanceSensor.MaxDistance;
            maxD /= 5;
            float temp = ((val - minD)/(maxD - minD)) * 10.0f; 
            Debug.Log(temp);
            return  temp;
        }catch(PhidgetException ex){
            return 0.5f;
        }
    }

    //Required for Unity and Phidgets
    private void OnApplicationQuit()
    {
        distanceSensor.Close();
        distanceSensor.Dispose();
    }
}
  

Run Your Program

When you move your hand above the Distance Phidget, the movement will be mapped to the sphere.

Code Review

When using the Distance Phidget, it's important to set the data interval to the minimum as shown in the code above. This will ensure your sensor is as responsive as possible.

Practice

1. Try modifying the definition of maxD in the mapDistance method. Instead of diving by 5, try using 1, 2, and 10. What are the results?