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Working with MicroMouse4D C++ Simulator

Here is a step by step guide to install and work with MicroMouse4D C++ Simulator on your computer.

CONTENTS:

NOTE: Click the Images for a larger View


DOWNLOAD

Visit MSRS Download Page and click download.

A Message Box appears allowing you to choose the download location. Select the destination folder for the setup file and click OK.

You can also install without downloading by clicking on open file from current location.

Visit μMouse4D page and and Download "MicroMouse4D_cplusplus.rar" from the downloads section.

A Message Box appears allowing you to choose the download location. Select the destination folder for the setup file and click OK.

You can also install without downloading by clicking on open file from current location. Extract the Setup file from the rar file and Run the Setup

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INSTALLATION

Installation of Microsoft Robotics Studio (1.5)

Run the "Microsoft Robotics Studio (1.5) Refresh.exe". Wait for the installer to be ready.

 
Check the Radio button for accepting the licence agreement, and Click next.
Select 'Complete' Radio Button, for the complete installation. Click next.
Click Install.
Wait till the files are copied, and the installation is completed.
Check all the software which are not installed on your system.
Install AGEA PhysX Technology and Direct X components.

Note:

  1. There may be instances of the setup requiring a network connection to download the latest DirectX runtime components. Connecting to the internet, or, if you have DirectX installed clicking Cancel, will suffice.
  2. Having the latest .NET framework may not be enough for the Setup, you may need to install it again, depending on your system and performance.
  3. If you have Visual Studio installed then, you may or may not need to install .NET 3.0 because it is needed for the Visual Programming Language.
  4. Any Microsoft Compatible Physics software can suffice. You may not need to install the AGEIA Physx component.
  5. Any queries may be put up at Robotix Forum.

Installation of MicroMouse4D Simulator

Run the "MicroMouse4D_cplusplus.exe". Wait for the installer to be ready.

 
Enter the name of the Start Menu Group you want, and Click next.
Ready to Install. Click Install.
Wait till the files are copied, and the installation is completed.
Click Finish

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RUN MICROMOUSE4D SIMULATOR

[NOTE: DOWNLOAD THE LATEST VERSION OF MICROMOUSE4D C++ SIMULATOR FROM THE WEBSITE.]

After installing the software properly by the instructions given above, you can run the Simulatior by using "MicroMouse4D Simulator" icon on your desktop

On opening MicroMouse4D you will find five windows on the screen: Two console windows, a Dashboard, a Microsoft Simulation Environment and mousegui.

  • Console Window: MicroMouse4D is the MSRS console window.
  • Console Window: m4d_ext.exe: This will effectively link your Dashboard with the code you write in C++.
  • Dashboard is the controller of your robot, it contains your code which will eventually control your robot's movement.
  • Microsoft Simulation Environment, is the simulation of your robot solving the maze, you can use up, down, left, right, page up, page down keys to explore the environment. You can also rotate the camera with the help of your mouse.
  • mousegui displays your score and time

In the Dashboard window, Press Connect.
You will now see a list of two services, (P3DXLaserRangeFinder)/... and (micromouse)/...
First double click the (P3DXLaserRangeFinder)/... service.
Now double click the (micromouse)/... service.
Your robot will start moving in the simulation environment. Your time and scoring starts in the mousegui window.

Your bot will complete it's run according to the code you have written, in the default code ( the code that comes with the installer) the bot will move ahead and stop after a small distance. It is just to acquaint you with the working of the simulator. You can edit this code by editing the source of m4d_ext.


The mousegui shows your final score and result.

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WHERE TO EDIT CODE

Go to  the C:\Microsoft Robotics Studio (1.5)\m4d_ext\ Folder.

Click on the m4d_ext Microsoft Visual Studio Solution.

Now  search for main.cpp file in the Solution Explorer.

In main.cpp search for  void usercodecpp(parameter *par) function. This is the Function you have to edit to run your bot.

NOTE: For Instructions Regarding the Template of the Code, i.e., Information about variables,classes,function available refer to our tutorial on "MicroMouse4D Coding Guide"

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If you have any problems, suggestions regarding the tutorial and MicroMouse4D in general, please refer to our forum.