[Mecanum]

Programming the Quarky Mecanum with Python in PictoBlox

Description

In this lesson, learn how to program the Quarky Mecanum robot with PictoBlox and Python in both Stage and Upload modes. Understand the functions provided in the Quarky Mecanum library, and see how to control the robot’s motors, pick-and-place robot, and gripper robot.

Software Used: PictoBlox
Difficulty Level: Beginners
Category: Quarky Mecanum, Tutorial

PictoBlox also provides the ability to program the Quarky Mecanum using Python in Desktop / Laptop versions. Let’s see how you can do it in this lesson.

PictoBlox

With PictoBlox, you can program the Quarky Mecanum!

If you haven’t installed PictoBlox, please follow the instructions:

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isnumberdetected()

The function returns whether the specified number card (0-9) is detected in the analysis or not.

Syntax: isnumberdetected(card_number = 1)

getnumberdetail()

The function returns the specified parameter for the specified number card detected.

Syntax: getnumberdetail(card_number = 1, parameter_value = 1)

isobjectdetected()

The function returns whether the specified object card is detected in the analysis or not.

Syntax: isobjectdetected(object_name = “Pizza”)

getobjectdetail()

The function returns the specified parameter for the specified object detected.

Syntax: getobjectdetail(object_name = “Pizza”, parameter_value = 1)

video()

The function is used to control the state of the camera.

Syntax: video(video_state = “on”, transparency = 1)

enablebox()

The function enables the automatic display of the box on QR Code detection on the stage.

Syntax: enablebox()

disablebox()

The function disables the automatic display of the box on QR Code detection on the stage.

Syntax: disablebox()

analysecamera()

This function is used to analyze the image received as input from the camera, for QR Code.

Syntax: analysecamera()

analysestage()

This function is used to analyze the image received as input from the stage, for QR Code.

Syntax: analysestage()

isdetected()

The function returns whether the QR Code is detected in the analysis or not.

Syntax: isdetected()

xpos()

The function returns the X position of the specified landmark points of the QR code.

Syntax: xpos(landmark_name = “center”)

ypos()

The function returns the Y position of the specified landmark points of the QR code.

Syntax: ypos(landmark_name = “center”)

codedata()

The function returns the QR Code data value detected.

Syntax: codedata()

angle()

The function returns the QR Code angle detected.

Syntax: angle()

setifttt()

The function initialize and sets the event name and API key for the IFTTT webhooks.

Syntax: setifttt(event_name = “event name”, key = “key”)

setvalues()

The function sets the specified parameter (1, 2, or 3) to the specified value.

Syntax: setvalues(value = “your value”, parameter = 1)

triggerevent()

The function triggers the IFTTT webhook event.

Syntax: triggerevent()

clearvalues()

The function clear the parameter values of the IFTTT webhook.

Syntax: clearvalues()

value1()

The function returns the parameter 1 value set during the program.

Syntax: value1()

value2()

The function returns the parameter 2 value set during the program.

Syntax: value2()

value3()

The function returns the parameter 3 value set during the program.

Syntax: value3()

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Connecting Quarky with PictoBlox

Let’s begin by first connecting Quarky to PictoBlox. Follow the steps below for connecting Quarky to PictoBlox:

1. First, connect Quarky to your laptop using a USB cable.
2. Next, open PictoBlox on your desktop.
3. After that, select Python Coding as your coding environment.
4. Then, click the Board button in the toolbar and select Board as Quarky.
5. Next, select the appropriate Serial port if the Quarky is connected via USB or the Bluetooth Port if you want to connect Quarky via Bluetooth and press Connect.
6. Click on the Upload Firmware button. This will upload the latest firmware in Quarky.
  
  Note: If your device already has the latest firmware, then PictoBlox will show the message – Firmware is already updated. For learning more you can refer to this tutorial: https://ai.thestempedia.com/docs/quarky/quarky-toubleshooting/updating-quarky-firmaware-with-pictoblox/
7. Once the firmware is uploaded, Quarky starts the Getting Started program. This runs only for the first time. Run through it.

And voila! Quarky is now connected to PictoBlox.

Quarky Mecanum Python Library for Stage Mode

Stage mode is one of the two modes you can write your programs in PictoBlox. In this mode, you can write scripts for the sprite and boards to interact with sprites in real-time. If you disconnect the board with PictoBlox, you cannot interact with the board anymore.

You can toggle between the upload mode and stage mode using the button on the top right side of PictoBlox.

In Python, use the following object declaration to use Python functions in Stage Mode:

meca = Mecanum(1, 2, 7, 8)

Quarky Mecanum Python Library for Upload Mode

Upload mode allows you to write scripts and upload them to the board so that you can use them even when it is not connected to your computer, for example, you need to upload a script for making moving robots. In this case, Quarky will run offline according to the program and it cannot interact with the stage.

In Python, use the following object declaration to use Python functions in Upload Mode:

from quarky import *
from expansion_addon import Mecanum
meca = Mecanum(1, 2, 7, 8)

Python Functions

The following functions are available for use in the Quarky Mecanum library: