Theory & Explanation behind converting NVIDIA's laser crosshair to a laser cursor.
[size="6"][b]Goal[/b][/size]

To be able to use the NVIDIA laser crosshair as a mouse cursor as well as a crosshair using a hotkey to toggle between both modes.

Youtube video demonstrating intended functionality: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPbp_PHpbto"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPbp_PHpbto[/url] (Make sure you do not stop watching, watch it for at least four to five seconds to see the laser crosshair actually move).

[img]http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/5320/lasercrosshaircursor.jpg[/img]

[size="3"][b]FACTS[/b][/size]

1. NVIDIA Laser Crosshair has been set in a fixed position at the center of the screen.

CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.X = ScreenWidth / 2
CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.Y = ScreenHeigh / 2

2. If you can set the X & Y of the nivida laser crosshair then you should be able to set it dynamically based upon mouse cursor movement with a callback function of some kind. You'd then achieve the following logic:

CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.X = MouseAbsPosition.X
CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.Y = MouseAbsPosition.Y

This should deliver the same results in the youtube video. You can get the mouse cursor position in many ways, the NVIDIA devs would know. GetCursorPos API for example or there are ways in Directx.

[size="3"][b]Theory[/b][/size]

* You simply press CTRL-ALT-T and it switches from crosshair mode to cursor mode.

* The crosshair follows the mouse or it remains in a fixed position.

* You could even make it so the color of the laser crosshair changes upon a left click.

* It is possible to remove an in game mouse cursor image by locating the .CUR files in the games directory. (For example this is possible with Dragon Age).

C:\Program Files (x86)\Dragon Age\packages\core\data\cursors

[size="3"][b]Summary[/b][/size]

My gut tells me this can be done and if you guys did it I would forever be in your debt. I love RPG games but the one thing that hampers the experience is their 2D mouse cursor. Since NVIDIA's laser crosshair is pretty much a mouse cursor anyways a few slight modifications to their code could give us a 3D mouse cursor. I predict 1-2 hours of work to get this functionality done if everything goes smooth.
Goal



To be able to use the NVIDIA laser crosshair as a mouse cursor as well as a crosshair using a hotkey to toggle between both modes.



Youtube video demonstrating intended functionality: " rel="nofollow" target = "_blank"> (Make sure you do not stop watching, watch it for at least four to five seconds to see the laser crosshair actually move).



Image



FACTS



1. NVIDIA Laser Crosshair has been set in a fixed position at the center of the screen.



CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.X = ScreenWidth / 2

CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.Y = ScreenHeigh / 2



2. If you can set the X & Y of the nivida laser crosshair then you should be able to set it dynamically based upon mouse cursor movement with a callback function of some kind. You'd then achieve the following logic:



CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.X = MouseAbsPosition.X

CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.Y = MouseAbsPosition.Y



This should deliver the same results in the youtube video. You can get the mouse cursor position in many ways, the NVIDIA devs would know. GetCursorPos API for example or there are ways in Directx.



Theory



* You simply press CTRL-ALT-T and it switches from crosshair mode to cursor mode.



* The crosshair follows the mouse or it remains in a fixed position.



* You could even make it so the color of the laser crosshair changes upon a left click.



* It is possible to remove an in game mouse cursor image by locating the .CUR files in the games directory. (For example this is possible with Dragon Age).



C:\Program Files (x86)\Dragon Age\packages\core\data\cursors



Summary



My gut tells me this can be done and if you guys did it I would forever be in your debt. I love RPG games but the one thing that hampers the experience is their 2D mouse cursor. Since NVIDIA's laser crosshair is pretty much a mouse cursor anyways a few slight modifications to their code could give us a 3D mouse cursor. I predict 1-2 hours of work to get this functionality done if everything goes smooth.

#1
Posted 03/07/2011 06:13 AM   
Oh how thrilling!

Yet another new thread on the same topic...from the same author...

Oh how thrilling!



Yet another new thread on the same topic...from the same author...


"AIO": Intel Xeon E5-2690 v2 @ 103.2 MHz BCLK | ASUS X79-Deluxe | SwifTech Apogee Drive II Pump and Block | 120 mm + 240 mm Push-Pull | 64 GB G.Skill PC3-12800 @ 1924 MHz | NVIDIA RTX 2070 FE | LG 25UM56 UW Monitor | Plextor 1TB PX-1TM9PeY PCIe NVMe (Windows 10 Pro x64 1809) | Plextor 1TB PX-1TM9PeY PCIe NVMe (UserData) | 4x SanDisk 500 GB SSDs in Marvell SATA3 RAID0 (C:\Games) | 2x WD 250 GB SSDs and WD 3 TB RED HDD in Marvell HyperDuo RAID (Media) | 16 GB RAMDisk (Temp Files) | WD My Book Essentials 3 TB NAS (Archives) | LG BP50NB40 ODD | eVGA Supernova G+ 1000 W PSU | Cooler Master HAF-XB

"Gaming": Intel Xeon E5-1650 v2, Turbo 44x (5-6), 45x (3-4), 46x (1-2) | ASUS Rampage IV Extreme | SwifTech Apogee Drive II Pump and Block | 120 mm + 240 mm Push/Pull | 32 GB G.Skill PC3-12800 @ 1866 MHz | NVIDIA GTX 1080 FE | NVIDIA GTX 970 RE | Samsung U28E510 UHD | 2x PNY 480 GB SSDs in Intel SATA3 RAID0 (OS) | Plextor 1TB PX-1TM9PeY PCIe NVMe (Disk Games) | 4x PNY 240 GB SSDs in Intel SATA2 RAID0 (On-Line Games) | eVGA Supernova G+ 1000 W PSU | Cooler Master HAF-XB | Windows 10 Pro x64 1809


Stock is Extreme now

#2
Posted 03/07/2011 08:33 AM   
I have the nvidia cursor enabled in the CP, but there is no cursor on the screen. How do I get it?
I have the nvidia cursor enabled in the CP, but there is no cursor on the screen. How do I get it?

#3
Posted 03/07/2011 04:56 PM   
I think you need to modify some dlls for that to work.
I think you need to modify some dlls for that to work.

#4
Posted 03/07/2011 06:27 PM   
[quote name='roller11' date='07 March 2011 - 04:56 PM' timestamp='1299517006' post='1203689']
I have the nvidia cursor enabled in the CP, but there is no cursor on the screen. How do I get it?
[/quote]

If you're talking about the normal NVIDIA laser crosshair you can enable it in game by pressing the proper hotkey.

1. NVIDIA Control Panel
2. Click --> Setup Stereoscopic 3D
3. Click --> Set Keyboard Shortcuts

There you can see what hotkey is used and you can press it while stereo mode is on in game.

Now if you're talking about it being a "mouse cursor" that isn't implemented, it's just an idea of mine that should be easy to implement but I guess NVIDIA says it's not possible.

[quote name='jaafaman' date='07 March 2011 - 08:33 AM' timestamp='1299486812' post='1203510']
Oh how thrilling!

Yet another new thread on the same topic...from the same author...
[/quote]

Do you not play any RPG or similar games in stereo 3d that would benefit from a 3D mouse cursor?
[quote name='roller11' date='07 March 2011 - 04:56 PM' timestamp='1299517006' post='1203689']

I have the nvidia cursor enabled in the CP, but there is no cursor on the screen. How do I get it?





If you're talking about the normal NVIDIA laser crosshair you can enable it in game by pressing the proper hotkey.



1. NVIDIA Control Panel

2. Click --> Setup Stereoscopic 3D

3. Click --> Set Keyboard Shortcuts



There you can see what hotkey is used and you can press it while stereo mode is on in game.



Now if you're talking about it being a "mouse cursor" that isn't implemented, it's just an idea of mine that should be easy to implement but I guess NVIDIA says it's not possible.



[quote name='jaafaman' date='07 March 2011 - 08:33 AM' timestamp='1299486812' post='1203510']

Oh how thrilling!



Yet another new thread on the same topic...from the same author...





Do you not play any RPG or similar games in stereo 3d that would benefit from a 3D mouse cursor?

#5
Posted 03/07/2011 11:29 PM   
He may post a lot about it and be a little too passionate but at least he is trying something and contributing. If he is one step back by complaining and trying to fix something your two steps back by finding his posts and always commenting. This is third time you picked a fight with him. He kept complaining about the 3d crosshair message, no one did crap and he made a script. Kept complaining about 3d mouse, no one did crap and now he's trying to work it out. I see that you helped people out jaafa and the community appreciates it but leave the guy in peace you are not a moderator. Your principles are sound in theory jenson but tbh I can't imagine nvidia doing it just because they would have to say for each game to find cursor and delete it. This sounds like something that someone in the community will have to work on. I wish you good luck.
He may post a lot about it and be a little too passionate but at least he is trying something and contributing. If he is one step back by complaining and trying to fix something your two steps back by finding his posts and always commenting. This is third time you picked a fight with him. He kept complaining about the 3d crosshair message, no one did crap and he made a script. Kept complaining about 3d mouse, no one did crap and now he's trying to work it out. I see that you helped people out jaafa and the community appreciates it but leave the guy in peace you are not a moderator. Your principles are sound in theory jenson but tbh I can't imagine nvidia doing it just because they would have to say for each game to find cursor and delete it. This sounds like something that someone in the community will have to work on. I wish you good luck.

Co-founder of helixmod.blog.com

If you like one of my helixmod patches and want to donate. Can send to me through paypal - eqzitara@yahoo.com

#6
Posted 03/08/2011 12:27 AM   
[quote name='jenson' date='07 March 2011 - 06:29 PM' timestamp='1299540594' post='1203923']...[i]Do you not play any RPG or similar games in stereo 3d that would benefit from a 3D mouse cursor? [/i][/quote]
FPSs and simulators.

[quote name='eqzitara' date='07 March 2011 - 07:27 PM' timestamp='1299544055' post='1203940'][i]He may post a lot about it and be a little too passionate but at least he is trying something and contributing...[/i][/quote]
Fine line between spamming a topic and being passionate. Or being patient enough to see what comes of the next driver update.

[quote][i]...leave the guy in peace you are not a moderator...[/i][/quote]
Considering everything that's on nVidia's "bug plate", try instead to wait for a driver release or two. I doubt they make last-minute changes to a driver before releasing it just so they can immediately jump onto every little suggestion.

As to his scripts — that's still the area he can be of most benefit, so why waste energy on this? Would not a script that does this be enough to both help those wanting the feature while throwing out the simplicity of its mechanics to public view? If enough interest forms around the scripts, then their popularity might sway the argument and the option becomes a feature.

But it's not a case of one hand washing the other, either. Look around at the Forums and see what gets the most real attention - the fixes and work-arounds, or the wish/demand lists?...
[quote name='jenson' date='07 March 2011 - 06:29 PM' timestamp='1299540594' post='1203923']...Do you not play any RPG or similar games in stereo 3d that would benefit from a 3D mouse cursor?

FPSs and simulators.



[quote name='eqzitara' date='07 March 2011 - 07:27 PM' timestamp='1299544055' post='1203940']He may post a lot about it and be a little too passionate but at least he is trying something and contributing...

Fine line between spamming a topic and being passionate. Or being patient enough to see what comes of the next driver update.



...leave the guy in peace you are not a moderator...


Considering everything that's on nVidia's "bug plate", try instead to wait for a driver release or two. I doubt they make last-minute changes to a driver before releasing it just so they can immediately jump onto every little suggestion.



As to his scripts — that's still the area he can be of most benefit, so why waste energy on this? Would not a script that does this be enough to both help those wanting the feature while throwing out the simplicity of its mechanics to public view? If enough interest forms around the scripts, then their popularity might sway the argument and the option becomes a feature.



But it's not a case of one hand washing the other, either. Look around at the Forums and see what gets the most real attention - the fixes and work-arounds, or the wish/demand lists?...

"AIO": Intel Xeon E5-2690 v2 @ 103.2 MHz BCLK | ASUS X79-Deluxe | SwifTech Apogee Drive II Pump and Block | 120 mm + 240 mm Push-Pull | 64 GB G.Skill PC3-12800 @ 1924 MHz | NVIDIA RTX 2070 FE | LG 25UM56 UW Monitor | Plextor 1TB PX-1TM9PeY PCIe NVMe (Windows 10 Pro x64 1809) | Plextor 1TB PX-1TM9PeY PCIe NVMe (UserData) | 4x SanDisk 500 GB SSDs in Marvell SATA3 RAID0 (C:\Games) | 2x WD 250 GB SSDs and WD 3 TB RED HDD in Marvell HyperDuo RAID (Media) | 16 GB RAMDisk (Temp Files) | WD My Book Essentials 3 TB NAS (Archives) | LG BP50NB40 ODD | eVGA Supernova G+ 1000 W PSU | Cooler Master HAF-XB

"Gaming": Intel Xeon E5-1650 v2, Turbo 44x (5-6), 45x (3-4), 46x (1-2) | ASUS Rampage IV Extreme | SwifTech Apogee Drive II Pump and Block | 120 mm + 240 mm Push/Pull | 32 GB G.Skill PC3-12800 @ 1866 MHz | NVIDIA GTX 1080 FE | NVIDIA GTX 970 RE | Samsung U28E510 UHD | 2x PNY 480 GB SSDs in Intel SATA3 RAID0 (OS) | Plextor 1TB PX-1TM9PeY PCIe NVMe (Disk Games) | 4x PNY 240 GB SSDs in Intel SATA2 RAID0 (On-Line Games) | eVGA Supernova G+ 1000 W PSU | Cooler Master HAF-XB | Windows 10 Pro x64 1809


Stock is Extreme now

#7
Posted 03/08/2011 01:00 AM   
[quote]CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.X = MouseAbsPosition.X
CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.Y = MouseAbsPosition.Y[/quote]
You forgot a line: CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.Z = FirstItemInZOrder(CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.X,CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.Y).Z

I sure hope that FirstItemInZOrder function returns something sane when the pointer is over some 2D interface. If it goes to the depth of an object behind the interface, it's going to be a mind bender.

Deleting a game's cursor is a rather dubious plan. The game is liable to interpret that as damage and try and fix itself unless it's specifically set up for moddifications. Then there's the fact that those cursor files are meant to impart information. That's why there are SEVENTY of them in Dragon Age: Origins. Finally, there are the games that don't have .cur files, which seems to be a lot of them. The only other game I've got besided DA:O and DA2's demo that has them is Zeno Clash, and that doesn't need this fix.

You would probably be better off just leaving the game cursor there. It will look ugly when you pick objects near screen depth but at least you won't have to guess whether you are going to chat with the object you are clicking or shoot exploding arrows at it.

The proper fix, though, is to make the pointer a 3D object and make it go to the depth of the thing you are about to click on. You might need to change the pointer object's size, too, to keep it from getting too tiny/huge. Go pester the game companies for a 3D pointer object. Or maybe pester Microsoft to add it to DirectX.

[quote]I predict 1-2 hours of work to get this functionality done if everything goes smooth.[/quote]
ROFL!!! Maybe they could write up the test plan for this change that fast.
CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.X = MouseAbsPosition.X

CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.Y = MouseAbsPosition.Y


You forgot a line: CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.Z = FirstItemInZOrder(CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.X,CurrentNVIDIALaserCrosshair.Y).Z



I sure hope that FirstItemInZOrder function returns something sane when the pointer is over some 2D interface. If it goes to the depth of an object behind the interface, it's going to be a mind bender.



Deleting a game's cursor is a rather dubious plan. The game is liable to interpret that as damage and try and fix itself unless it's specifically set up for moddifications. Then there's the fact that those cursor files are meant to impart information. That's why there are SEVENTY of them in Dragon Age: Origins. Finally, there are the games that don't have .cur files, which seems to be a lot of them. The only other game I've got besided DA:O and DA2's demo that has them is Zeno Clash, and that doesn't need this fix.



You would probably be better off just leaving the game cursor there. It will look ugly when you pick objects near screen depth but at least you won't have to guess whether you are going to chat with the object you are clicking or shoot exploding arrows at it.



The proper fix, though, is to make the pointer a 3D object and make it go to the depth of the thing you are about to click on. You might need to change the pointer object's size, too, to keep it from getting too tiny/huge. Go pester the game companies for a 3D pointer object. Or maybe pester Microsoft to add it to DirectX.



I predict 1-2 hours of work to get this functionality done if everything goes smooth.


ROFL!!! Maybe they could write up the test plan for this change that fast.

#8
Posted 03/08/2011 01:28 AM   
[quote name='jaafaman' date='08 March 2011 - 01:00 AM' timestamp='1299546045' post='1203952']
FPSs and simulators.


Fine line between spamming a topic and being passionate. Or being patient enough to see what comes of the next driver update.


Considering everything that's on nVidia's "bug plate", try instead to wait for a driver release or two. I doubt they make last-minute changes to a driver before releasing it just so they can immediately jump onto every little suggestion.

As to his scripts — that's still the area he can be of most benefit, so why waste energy on this? Would not a script that does this be enough to both help those wanting the feature while throwing out the simplicity of its mechanics to public view? If enough interest forms around the scripts, then their popularity might sway the argument and the option becomes a feature.

But it's not a case of one hand washing the other, either. Look around at the Forums and see what gets the most real attention - the fixes and work-arounds, or the wish/demand lists?...
[/quote]

I'm done feeding you.
Good Luck to you in your future negative ventures
[quote name='jaafaman' date='08 March 2011 - 01:00 AM' timestamp='1299546045' post='1203952']

FPSs and simulators.





Fine line between spamming a topic and being passionate. Or being patient enough to see what comes of the next driver update.





Considering everything that's on nVidia's "bug plate", try instead to wait for a driver release or two. I doubt they make last-minute changes to a driver before releasing it just so they can immediately jump onto every little suggestion.



As to his scripts — that's still the area he can be of most benefit, so why waste energy on this? Would not a script that does this be enough to both help those wanting the feature while throwing out the simplicity of its mechanics to public view? If enough interest forms around the scripts, then their popularity might sway the argument and the option becomes a feature.



But it's not a case of one hand washing the other, either. Look around at the Forums and see what gets the most real attention - the fixes and work-arounds, or the wish/demand lists?...





I'm done feeding you.

Good Luck to you in your future negative ventures

Co-founder of helixmod.blog.com

If you like one of my helixmod patches and want to donate. Can send to me through paypal - eqzitara@yahoo.com

#9
Posted 03/08/2011 03:14 AM   
[quote name='eqzitara' date='07 March 2011 - 10:14 PM' timestamp='1299554054' post='1203988'][i]I'm done...[/i][/quote]
Good. You can probably use the extra time to...

[quote name='eqzitara' date='07 March 2011 - 07:27 PM' timestamp='1299544055' post='1203940'][i]...This is third time...[/i][/quote]
...find the third instance...
[quote name='eqzitara' date='07 March 2011 - 10:14 PM' timestamp='1299554054' post='1203988']I'm done...

Good. You can probably use the extra time to...



[quote name='eqzitara' date='07 March 2011 - 07:27 PM' timestamp='1299544055' post='1203940']...This is third time...

...find the third instance...

"AIO": Intel Xeon E5-2690 v2 @ 103.2 MHz BCLK | ASUS X79-Deluxe | SwifTech Apogee Drive II Pump and Block | 120 mm + 240 mm Push-Pull | 64 GB G.Skill PC3-12800 @ 1924 MHz | NVIDIA RTX 2070 FE | LG 25UM56 UW Monitor | Plextor 1TB PX-1TM9PeY PCIe NVMe (Windows 10 Pro x64 1809) | Plextor 1TB PX-1TM9PeY PCIe NVMe (UserData) | 4x SanDisk 500 GB SSDs in Marvell SATA3 RAID0 (C:\Games) | 2x WD 250 GB SSDs and WD 3 TB RED HDD in Marvell HyperDuo RAID (Media) | 16 GB RAMDisk (Temp Files) | WD My Book Essentials 3 TB NAS (Archives) | LG BP50NB40 ODD | eVGA Supernova G+ 1000 W PSU | Cooler Master HAF-XB

"Gaming": Intel Xeon E5-1650 v2, Turbo 44x (5-6), 45x (3-4), 46x (1-2) | ASUS Rampage IV Extreme | SwifTech Apogee Drive II Pump and Block | 120 mm + 240 mm Push/Pull | 32 GB G.Skill PC3-12800 @ 1866 MHz | NVIDIA GTX 1080 FE | NVIDIA GTX 970 RE | Samsung U28E510 UHD | 2x PNY 480 GB SSDs in Intel SATA3 RAID0 (OS) | Plextor 1TB PX-1TM9PeY PCIe NVMe (Disk Games) | 4x PNY 240 GB SSDs in Intel SATA2 RAID0 (On-Line Games) | eVGA Supernova G+ 1000 W PSU | Cooler Master HAF-XB | Windows 10 Pro x64 1809


Stock is Extreme now

#10
Posted 03/08/2011 03:29 AM   
[quote name='jaafaman' date='08 March 2011 - 03:29 AM' timestamp='1299554952' post='1203991']
Good. You can probably use the extra time to...


...find the third instance...
[/quote]
http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php?showtopic=193649&st=0&p=1196737&fromsearch=1&#entry1196737
Here you go doll

Enjoy your day.
[quote name='jaafaman' date='08 March 2011 - 03:29 AM' timestamp='1299554952' post='1203991']

Good. You can probably use the extra time to...





...find the third instance...



http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php?showtopic=193649&st=0&p=1196737&fromsearch=1&#entry1196737

Here you go doll



Enjoy your day.

Co-founder of helixmod.blog.com

If you like one of my helixmod patches and want to donate. Can send to me through paypal - eqzitara@yahoo.com

#11
Posted 03/08/2011 04:13 AM   
Two...
Two...

"AIO": Intel Xeon E5-2690 v2 @ 103.2 MHz BCLK | ASUS X79-Deluxe | SwifTech Apogee Drive II Pump and Block | 120 mm + 240 mm Push-Pull | 64 GB G.Skill PC3-12800 @ 1924 MHz | NVIDIA RTX 2070 FE | LG 25UM56 UW Monitor | Plextor 1TB PX-1TM9PeY PCIe NVMe (Windows 10 Pro x64 1809) | Plextor 1TB PX-1TM9PeY PCIe NVMe (UserData) | 4x SanDisk 500 GB SSDs in Marvell SATA3 RAID0 (C:\Games) | 2x WD 250 GB SSDs and WD 3 TB RED HDD in Marvell HyperDuo RAID (Media) | 16 GB RAMDisk (Temp Files) | WD My Book Essentials 3 TB NAS (Archives) | LG BP50NB40 ODD | eVGA Supernova G+ 1000 W PSU | Cooler Master HAF-XB

"Gaming": Intel Xeon E5-1650 v2, Turbo 44x (5-6), 45x (3-4), 46x (1-2) | ASUS Rampage IV Extreme | SwifTech Apogee Drive II Pump and Block | 120 mm + 240 mm Push/Pull | 32 GB G.Skill PC3-12800 @ 1866 MHz | NVIDIA GTX 1080 FE | NVIDIA GTX 970 RE | Samsung U28E510 UHD | 2x PNY 480 GB SSDs in Intel SATA3 RAID0 (OS) | Plextor 1TB PX-1TM9PeY PCIe NVMe (Disk Games) | 4x PNY 240 GB SSDs in Intel SATA2 RAID0 (On-Line Games) | eVGA Supernova G+ 1000 W PSU | Cooler Master HAF-XB | Windows 10 Pro x64 1809


Stock is Extreme now

#12
Posted 03/08/2011 04:15 AM   
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