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 ? April 2012, Mshs, University of Poitiers, France 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. 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.

10-12 April 2012, Mshs, University of Poitiers, France Eye and Pen 2 dongle (15 network clients licence) External hard disk (data backup) WiFi router: creates a private network. Only selected computers can join in (static DCHP) Master runs Eye and Pen 2 (File/Acquisition/NetSync) Clients runs “EP2.exe NetSync” (our) WiFi network setup 1 Gb Ethernet link

3. In reply to client request, Master sends stimuli and scripts files update 1. Client announces itself to the Master April 2012, Mshs, University of Poitiers, France NetSync: clients connection 2. If the option is selected, client demands stimuli and scripts update 4. Master displays client information This client is updating This client is ready

10-12 April 2012, Mshs, University of Poitiers, France NetSync: script selection or selected in a list of scripts that all clients have in common Scripts can be individually selected (client by client)

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 Client receives:  session name  (Master) current time and date  participant name  script name Master creates a folder in Data named _ _ [ 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 ] Client creates a folder in Data named _ _ to store recordings Example: session name:TS-Adults (master) date:11 April 2012 (master) time:14:21:06 Folder name: TS-Adults_ _142106

10-12 April 2012, Mshs, University of Poitiers, France NetSync: session runs… Script command WaitForNetSync pauses script execution Selected script is started on clients Script command SendMessageToNetSync example: SendMessageToNetSync(Item 3/12) Click on Go button Script execution resumes

10-12 April 2012, Mshs, University of Poitiers, France NetSync: session ends Script execution is over Clients ready for a new session Clients data copy is in progress Clients script is over, but session is not finished When all clients are finished, end session data copy details are reported here