Flash player 11 + Flash builder 4.5 + Flash CS5

Finally managed to get flash builder 4.5 to publish SWF for flash player 11. 

specifically using Stage3D

1. Download the PlayerGlobal SWC and debugger player from http://www.adobe.com/support/flashplayer/downloads.html
2. go to flash builder installation path: "Adobe Flash Builder 4.5\sdks\4.5.1\frameworks\libs\player"
3. create a new folder "11.0"
4. copy the SWC into this folder. 
5. install the debugger player for your browser
6. Create a new ActionScript project
7. Go to project properties > Flash Player version > 11.0.0
8. Add "-swf-version=13" under Compiler Arguments
9. Add code. eg.: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/FlashPlatform/reference/actionscript/3/flash/display3D/Context3D.html#drawTriangles() 
10. Run the application. 

should work now.

for Flash CS5

1. Do the same as above for step 1
2. go to flash cs5 installation path: "\Adobe Flash CS5\Common\Configuration\ActionScript 3.0"
3. create a new folder "FP11"
4. copy the SWC into this new folder
5. go to: "Adobe Flash CS5\Common\Configuration\Players" folder
6. copy the old "FlashPlayer10_1.xml" to paste as a new "FlashPlayer11.xml"
7. Edit the XML using NotePad
   Change the following:
   'player id="FlashPlayer11" version="13" asversion="3"'
   '<name>Flash Player 11</name>'
   'as3="$(AppConfig)/ActionScript 3.0/FP11/playerglobal.swc" '
8. Save and close the XML. 
9. Go to folder: "Adobe Flash CS5\Players\Debug"
10. copy the debugger EXE into this folder. change the original FlashPlayerDebugger.exe to  FlashPlayerDebugger_OLD.exe and change the name of the copied EXE to  FlashPlayerDebugger.exe 
11. Close Flash CS5 and restart. 
12. Create a new Actionscript 3 FLA.
13. In Profiles > Version > Flash Player 11
14. Change rendering to "Direct"
15. Run the movie by using the Debug movie. Ctrl+shift+enter

Android phone: cannot send sms & make outgoing call

What an experience i have with an Android phone. Samsung Nexus S in particular.
1) cannot charge to 100%. had switched batt and sent to change motherboard. known problem in forums
2) found out later that this is different from Google Nexus S with AMOLED display
3) battery drains pretty fast, comparing to previous experience with iPhone 3G
4) recent encounters: SMS cannot be sent out and cannot make outgoing call when 3G data network is switched on. when switched to GPRS, it's ok. changed SIM card, sent phone for change of motherboard, still same problem. finally saw one suggestion in forums, clear data for the stock "Dialler" and "Messaging" apps. been working well so far.
Steps: Settings > Applications > Manage applications > All > "Dialler" AND "Messaging" > Clear Data

Afternote: the above does not solve the problem with 3G and SMS and voice calls (item 4). in the end, have to wait til M1 and Samsung to resolve this issue from their side. I'm just glad this saga is over and hope that it is the last of this phone. enough of bad experience.

BitmapData: histogram

public function histogram(hRect:Rectangle = null):Vector.<Vector.<Number>>

Computes a 256-value binary number histogram of a BitmapData object. This method returns a Vector object containing four Vector. instances (four Vector objects that contain Number objects). The four Vector instances represent the red, green, blue and alpha components in order. Each Vector instance contains 256 values that represent the population count of an individual component value, from 0 to 255.

var hist:Vector.<Vector.<Number>> = bmpData.histogram();
// RGBA order
hist[0][9] = number of pixels having the red color component 9. eg.: 0x093366
total of hist[0][0-255] = total number of pixels in hRect region of bmpData.

flash + webcam + color tracking

Created pixel bender shaders to convert RGB to HSV
Used probability densities to back project histogram
using camshift algorithm

http://psalmhundred.net/experiment/webcam/webcam_demo_color_detect.html

Android AVD error

after installing eclipse, JDK, ADT, created AVD
created project
run and experience the following error

emulator: ERROR: unknown virtual device name

gotta add environment variable "ANDROID_SDK_HOME"
and set it to "D:\Users\{username}"
or where the ".android" is.

restart eclipse
and run again.
should be ok now.

render 2011: ddm & dmat graduation show

finally website done (Oct 2010 - Mar 2011). for Dip in Digital Media & Dip in Music and Audio Tech
www.render.sg

mobile site: http://2011.render.sg


Thanks to the following DDM IA students:
Shihui (actionscript), Meixian (backend), Bryan (flash), Mira (design)

& colleagues: Leon Lim (music), Leon Chua (graphic)

Ctrl Fre@k website completed on 5 Jan

finally finished the website on 5 Jan. Used wordpress and customised the theme for Ctrl Fre@k.
Visit Ctrl Fre@k at http://ctrlfreak.sg

Flash: Inverse kinematics in external AS class

realised the following in IKManager reference: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/FlashPlatform/reference/actionscript/3/fl/ik/IKManager.html?filter_flash=cs5&filter_flashplayer=10.1&filter_air=2#eventSummary

Note: When referencing IKArmature objects within a document class, be sure to first check the frameConstructed event to ensure that all objects have been populated.

else IKManager.numArmatures = 0 and IKManager.trackAllArmatures(false) will not work.

the bad thing is frameConstructed runs every frame. so one way is to use a boolean variable to track and run the code once.

can also use ENTER_FRAME

eg.:

public function IK_MC() // constructor
  {
   trace("start ik");   
   
   IKManager.trackAllArmatures(false); // will not work
   this.addEventListener(Event.ENTER_FRAME, constructed);
  }
  function constructed(e:Event):void
  {
   //trace(IKManager.numArmatures);
   if(IKManager.numArmatures > 0 && !init)
   {
    IKManager.trackAllArmatures(false);
    
    var arm:IKArmature = IKManager.getArmatureByName("Armature_2");
    trace(arm);
    var arm2:IKArmature = IKManager.getArmatureAt(0);
    trace(arm2);
    init = true;
   }
  }

OpenGL: intro program

first program from red book chapter 1

create a new empty project in VS C++
download the GLUT headers + binaries. http://www.xmission.com/~nate/glut.html

#include <Windows.h>
#include <GL/gl.h>
#include <GL/glu.h>
#include "glut.h"
#include <stdlib.h>

static GLfloat spin = 0.0;

void init(void) 
{
   glClearColor (0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0);
   glShadeModel (GL_FLAT);
}

void display(void)
{
   glClear(GL_COLOR_BUFFER_BIT);
   glPushMatrix();
   glRotatef(spin, 0.0, 0.0, 1.0);
   glColor3f(1.0, 1.0, 1.0);
   glRectf(-25.0, -25.0, 25.0, 25.0);
   glPopMatrix();
   glutSwapBuffers();
}

void spinDisplay(void)
{
   spin = spin + 2.0;
   if (spin > 360.0)
      spin = spin - 360.0;
   glutPostRedisplay();
}

void reshape(int w, int h)
{
   glViewport (0, 0, (GLsizei) w, (GLsizei) h);
   glMatrixMode(GL_PROJECTION);
   glLoadIdentity();
   glOrtho(-50.0, 50.0, -50.0, 50.0, -1.0, 1.0);
   glMatrixMode(GL_MODELVIEW);
   glLoadIdentity();
}

void mouse(int button, int state, int x, int y) 
{
   switch (button) {
      case GLUT_LEFT_BUTTON:
         if (state == GLUT_DOWN)
            glutIdleFunc(spinDisplay);
         break;
      case GLUT_MIDDLE_BUTTON:
         if (state == GLUT_DOWN)
            glutIdleFunc(NULL);
         break;
      default:
         break;
   }
}

/* 
 *  Request double buffer display mode.
 *  Register mouse input callback functions
 */
int main(int argc, char** argv)
{
   glutInit(&argc, argv);
   glutInitDisplayMode (GLUT_DOUBLE | GLUT_RGB);
   glutInitWindowSize (400, 400); 
   glutInitWindowPosition (100, 100);
   glutCreateWindow (argv[0]);
   init ();
   glutDisplayFunc(display); 
   glutReshapeFunc(reshape); 
   glutMouseFunc(mouse);
   glutMainLoop();
   return 0;
}

python: lists

to use data structures
list
http://docs.python.org/tutorial/introduction.html#lists
a = [1, 3,4,2]
names = ['BY', 'jon']
#access individual items
eg.: a[2]
cannot use index beyond list range
so gotta use
methods: append, insert
(http://docs.python.org/tutorial/datastructures.html)
eg.: a.append(1000)
to find size of list: len(a)

iphone + flash cs4 + AIR 2.5 SDK

1) downloaded AIR 2.5 SDK
2) followed instructions on forum: http://forums.adobe.com/thread/745398
/******************************
Quit Flash CS4 Professional if it is open.
Navigate to the Flash CS4 installation folder. The default location on Windows is "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Flash CS4\" and on Mac OS "/Applications/Adobe Flash CS4/"
Within the "Adobe Flash CS4" folder you should see a folder called "AIK1.5". If this folder is not present repeat step #1.
Rename the folder "AIK1.5" to "AIK1.5 OLD" or delete it if you do not need to save a copy of it.
Make a new folder called "AIK1.5"
Download the Adobe AIR 2 SDK from the labs website and uncompress the contents of the folder to the new "AIK1.5" folder you just created.
Copy the "airglobal.swc" file located within the "Adobe Flash CS4/AIK1.5/frameworks/libs/air/" folder into the "Adobe Flash CS4/Common/Configuration/ActionScript 3.0/AIR1.5/" folder.
**************************************/
3) File > New > Actionscript 3 (AIR)
4) Save and Ctrl + Enter
5) Properties > AIR settings > Use custom application descriptor file. point to generated app.xml in folder where FLA is saved
6) modify app.xml:
namespace 1.5 to 2
<application xmlns="http://ns.adobe.com/air/application/2.0">
add "autoOrients", "icons" tags, etc
7) Ctrl + Enter again to run the application
8) use PFI to create IPA.
9) Install on iphone and test.

tested working.

iphone + air 2.5 sdk + Flash Builder

File > New > Flex Project
Next > Next > last dialog
Main application file > replace .mxml with .as
Finish
.as created. class extends Sprite
open app.xml
set visible to true:
<application><initialWindow><visible>true</visible></initialWindow></application>
F11 to debug
empty window should appear
Project > Properties > Flex Compiler > options/arguments: -default-size 320 480

3dsmax: COM classes

create .NET classes
register assembly (DLL) to COM

Python:
reference:
http://techarttiki.blogspot.com/2008/03/calling-python-from-maxscript.html
http://oreilly.com/catalog/pythonwin32/chapter/ch12.html

python COM server

class PythonUtilities:
    _public_methods_ = [ 'AreaOfCircle' ]
    _reg_progid_ = "PythonDemos.Utilities"
    # NEVER copy the following ID 
    # Use "print pythoncom.CreateGuid()" to make a new one.
    _reg_clsid_ = "{968B74C1-5B12-47CE-93DF-EE2C1418A542}"


    def AreaOfCircle(self, radius):
        return 3.14159 * radius * radius

 
# Add code so that when this script is run by
# Python.exe, it self-registers.
if __name__=='__main__':
    print "Registering COM server..."
    import win32com.server.register
    win32com.server.register.UseCommandLine(PythonUtilities)

then compile and run this class...

in 3DS max > MAXScript Listener:

comObj = createOLEObject "PythonDemos.Utilities"  
a = comObj.AreaOfCircle(10)

but have to reload 3DS max whenever the COM class is changed

3dsmax: UI

-- UI
rollout addition "Addition of two numbers"
(
 -- UI elements
 edittext text1 "First number"
 edittext text2 "Second number"
 button b "Add"
 label lbl "Result"
 -- event handlers
 on b pressed do
 (
  a1 = text1.text as float
  a2 = text2.text as float
  c = a1 + a2
  lbl.text = c as string
 )
)

in MAXScript listener:

-- create a dialog 320 x 240
createDialog addition 320 240 

math operator: +, -, *, /
% = mod number1 to number 2
+=, -=, *=, /=

3dsmax: loops, array, struct, as

-- do-while loop
i = 0
do
 (
  b = box()
  b.pos.x = i * 10
  --print i
  i = i +1
 )while (i <a)

-- while loop
i = 0
while(i < a) do
 (
  print i
  i = i+1
 )

-- array
arr = #(1, 2, 3, 4)
 -- one-based index
 print arr[3]

-- struct
struct Fan
(
 -- member variables
 speed,
 radius,
 isOn,
 -- member function
 function setSpeed spd=
 (
  speed = spd
 ),
 function getSpeed=
 (
  return speed
 ),
 -- special: calling function when object is constructed
 -- can only call function AFTER it is created. eg.: setSpeed()
 speed = setSpeed(1)
)
-- initiating structure
f = Fan()
f.radius = 10
f.setSpeed(3)

-- using "as" command
str = "The fan speed is " + fan.getSpeed() as string

3ds max: MAXScript basics

comments:
-- single line comment
/* multi-line comment */

variables. simple. no need to declare. eg.: a = 3

F11 - Script listener. something like Output panel in flash. but it allows u to key in scripts directly

(.) dot operator = object properties
($) superscript = can use it to reference an object using pathname. eg.: $Sphere01.

point3 data type
eg.:

newpos = point3 10 0 0
b.pos = newpos

function parameter in any order
FunctionName keyword1:value1 keyword2:value2

5 /9 = 0. so if need decimal place, must use 5.0/9 or 5 / 9.0 or 5.0 / 9.0

custom function:

function celsiusToFahrenheit celsius =
(
 fah = 5.0/9 * (celsius - 32)
 return fah
)

returns fah automatically if without 'return fah'

pass by value default
pass by reference using (&) symbol

if-then-else
eg.:

if(zz > 100) then messagebox "hot"

example 2

function testIF a=
(
 if(a > 0) then
 (
  messagebox "more than zero"
 )
 else if(a == 0) then
 (
  messagebox "equal to zero"
 )
 else
 (
  messagebox "less than zero"
 )
)

and, or operator. literally use "and" and "or"

for loop
eg.:

function testFor a=
(
 for i=1 to a do
 (
  b = box()
  b.pos.x = i * 10
 )
)

do-while loop
do
(
statements(s)
)
while(conditions)

while-do loop
while(conditions) do
(
statement(s)
)

CSS: clear:both

assume using a container,

inside it a header,

then a left content, right side bar

then a footer

"

Clearing Method

Because all the columns are floated, this layout uses a clear:both declaration in the .footer rule. This clearing technique forces the .container to understand where the columns end in order to show any borders or background colors you place on the .container. If your design requires you to remove the .footer from the .container, you'll need to use a different clearing method. The most reliable will be to add a <br class="clearfloat" /> or <div class="clearfloat"></div> after your final floated column (but before the .container closes). This will have the same clearing effect.

"

Sample:
with CLEAR:BOTH

container

header

left content

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum

right sidebar

footer

without CLEAR:BOTH (Different browsers, eg.: IE, safari, chrome, firefox, will have different rendering)

container

header

left content

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum

right sidebar

footer

Flash Builder 4 + iphone packager

1) create actionscript project
2) code AS
3) compile > test > SWF
3a) Create application.xml (refer to below)
4) PFI + .mobileprovision + .p12 + all necessary files > IPA
eg.:
pfi.bat -package -target ipa-test -provisioning-profile "MyApp.mobileprovision" -storetype pkcs12 -keystore "iphone_dev.p12" HelloWorld.ipa application.xml MyApp.swf
Default.png icons [and other files or folders]
5) install .mobileprovision in itunes if not done so. File > Add to library. sync iphone
6) add IPA to itunes. sync.

application.xml:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<application xmlns="http://ns.adobe.com/air/application/2.0">
<id>com.myDomain.MyApp</id>
<filename>HelloWorld</filename>
<name>HelloWorld</name>
<version>1.0</version>
<initialWindow>
<content>MyApp.swf</content>
<fullScreen>true</fullScreen>
<autoOrients>false</autoOrients>
<aspectRatio>portrait</aspectRatio>
<renderMode>cpu</renderMode>
</initialWindow>
<icon>
<image512x512>icons/icon512.png</image512x512>
<image57x57>icons/icon57.png</image57x57>
<image29x29>icons/icon29.png</image29x29>
</icon>
</application>

iPhone development: Objective C

hmm.. property has to be defined after interface

eg.:

@interface MyViewController : UIViewController {
UITextField *textField;
UILabel *label;
NSString *string;
}
@property (nonatomic, retain) IBOutlet UITextField *textField;
@property (nonatomic, retain) IBOutlet UILabel *label;
@property (nonatomic, copy) NSString *string;

- (IBAction) changeGreeting: (id) sender;


NOT

@property (nonatomic, retain) IBOutlet UITextField *textField;
@property (nonatomic, retain) IBOutlet UILabel *label;
@property (nonatomic, copy) NSString *string;

- (IBAction) changeGreeting: (id) sender;
@interface MyViewController : UIViewController {
UITextField *textField;
UILabel *label;
NSString *string;
}


to use these in the .m files
must use @synthesize
eg.:
@synthesize textField;
@synthesize label;
@synthesize string;

Flash: RSS + spring model

RSS:
http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIFILES/rss/break_lifestyle.xml
http://feeds.feedburner.com/StraitsTimesInteractive-Lifestyle

Demo: http://psalmhundred.net/experiment/rss_elastic.html