[PictoBloxExtension]

IoT House (Quarky)

Extension Description

Connect with the world & automate.

Available in: Block Coding, Python Coding
Mode: Stage Mode, Upload Mode
WiFi Required: No
Compatible Hardware in Block Coding: Quarky
Compatible Hardware in Python: Quarky
Object Declaration in Python: Not Applicable
Extension Catergory: Quarky

Introduction

The IoT House kit is perfect for those looking to explore the Internet of Things world. With 15+ activities, this kit will guide you through the basics of IoT and help you better understand how these systems work.

The Quarky IoT House kit has the following sensors/actuators:

Motor with Fan
Flame Sensor
Infrared Distance Sensor
Gas Sensor
Humidity and Temperature Sensor
Light Sensor
Soil Moisture Sensor
Motion Sensor
RFID Sensor
Servo Motor for Door Operation
Relay module

Links for Assembly Instructions

You can follow the tutorials to assemble the IoT house and drip irrigation:

IoT House – Assembly Guide: This tutorial will guide us through assembling the IoT House for Quarky.
1 Plant Drip Irrigation Assembly: This tutorial will show you how to put together the Quarky IoT House Addon kit to make a 1 plant drip irrigation system.
2 Plants Drip Irrigation Assembly: In this tutorial, you will be provided with instructions on how to use the Quarky IoT House Addon kit to assemble a drip irrigation system for two plants.

Python Object Declaration 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. In this mode, you can make games and animations interacting with Quarky.

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

Note: You have to upload the firmware into the device before interacting with it. Please refer to this doc: https://ai.thestempedia.com/docs/updating-quarky-firmaware-with-pictoblox/

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

iothouse = IoTHouse()

Upload Mode

Upload mode is one of the two modes you can write your programs in Pictoblox. This 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 can not interact with the stage.

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

import iothouse

PictoBlox Blocks

The block is used to change the color of the entire TFT screen of evive. You can select the color from the color picker.

The block allows the user to control the brightness of LED connected to digital pins of the device using Dabble app. You can enter the pin number to which your device is connected and vary the brightness in the app.

The block reports the distance of the nearest object from an ultrasonic sensor. It returns distance in cm. The trigger pin and echo pin are connected to a digital pin of evive which can be selected from the drop-down menu.

This block initializes motor and assigns the motor its direction 1, direction 2 and PWM control pins.

To work in the stage mode, we have to upload firmware in evive which can communicate with PictoBlox in real-time. With the help of this block, we will use the upload stage mode firmware to the robot.

The block moves its sprite forward the specified amount of steps in the direction it is facing. A step is equal to one-pixel length. The block actually uses Trigonometry to move in the proper direction, as that is how a computer handles it.

The block displays a speech bubble with the specified text for the sprite that runs it, which appears on the screen for the specified amount of seconds.

The block will play the specified sound, pausing its script until the sound has finished playing.

The block pauses its script for the specified amount of seconds — the wait can also be a decimal number.

Scripts that wear this block will activate once the Green Flag has been clicked — these scripts can activate other scripts and enable the entire program. Without this block, the only way a project could run would be that it would sense the pressing of a key or clicking a sprite; the project would only last until all scripts depending on the starting scripts have ended.

The block checks if its sprite is touching the mouse-pointer, edge, or another sprite. If the sprite is touching the selected object, the block returns true; if it is not, it returns false.

turn () video on stage with () % transparency block controls the control the camera feed on the stage.

The block checks if the first value is less than the second value. If it is less, the block returns true; if not, it returns false. This block works with letters too, as well as numbers. In Scratch, letters at the top of the alphabet (e.g. a, b, c) are worth less than letters at the end (e.g. x, y, z).

The block will set the specified variable to the given value: a string or number.

turn () video on stage with () % transparency block controls the control the camera feed on the stage.

The block sets a loudness filter threshold to remove the background noise from the audio file which is being analyzed.

The turn () video on stage with () % transparency block controls the control the camera feed on the stage.

The block adds the specified text data to the specified class for the training.

The turn () video on stage with () % transparency block controls the control the camera feed on the stage.

The speak () block uses the text-to-speech tool to speak the given text. It will speak the selected voice with the chosen language in the set language to () block. Usage of the block is limited to 128 characters. If a string longer than 128 characters is given, then only the first 128 characters will be spoken.

The block translates a string from the automatically detected language to the chosen language using Google Translate.

The turn () video on stage with () % transparency block controls the control the camera feed on the stage.

The block runs an API call to get the weather data of the location specified with the Longitude and Latitude. The API call can be done only 2 times per minute. If the user wants to have the data more frequently, they have to add the custom API using set Weather API to () block.

The block will play the specified instrument for the specified amount of seconds using a sampled percussion instrument. Even though the block uses the word “drum”, the choices in the drop-down menu are many different percussion instruments including drums, triangles, bongos, cowbell, vibraslap, and various idiophones.

The when video motion > () block activates when the current video motion on the stage is greater than the number entered.

When used in a script, the sprite will produce a bitmap image of itself which is stamped onto the stage. (Because it is merely a picture of the sprite and not a sprite itself, it cannot be programmed.) Like other Pen blocks, the Stamp block will not draw over sprites. The erase all block removes all stamped images.

when Quarky starts up block is a Hat block. Scripts that wear this block get converted into Python code when you are in Upload Mode. This block is used when one has to upload a code into Quarky.

The block displays the specified emotions on the Quarky RGB LED. These emotions are static and predefined in the code.

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Block Coding Examples

Dance Motion With Humonoid

Dance Party

The example demonstrates how to run different actions with the Quarky touch sensor to make a disco party in PictoBlox.

Dance Party – Python

The example demonstrates how to run different actions with the Quarky touch sensor to make a disco party in Python Coding Environment.

Dance Sequence with Quadruped and Music

Learn how to create a dance sequence with Quadruped and Music using PictoBlox in this tutorial. With this tutorial.

Definition with ChatGPT

Discover an interactive way to get word definitions using ChatGPT and text-to-speech. Prompt users to choose a definition, generate it with ChatGPT, and have the sprite speak it out using the text-to-speech extension.

Definition with ChatGPT

Different Motions (Square and Axe)

Learn to move your Quarky Mecanum Wheel Robot in a square and make an axe figure with PictoBlox. Use the arrow keys to activate the custom movements and watch your robot move in the desired direction!

Display a String in Reverse Order

This Python program allows users to enter a string and displays it in reverse order starting from the last character.

Display Mixed Fraction for an Improper Fraction

Display a mixed fraction for an improper fraction. Check if the input fraction is improper and call the mixedFraction() function for display.

Display Number 1 to 9 on Quarky

The example demonstrates how to implement a while loop running from 1 to 9 and show it on the Quarky display.

Display Temperature Data from ThingSpeak Cloud

In this example, we will learn how to retrieve the temperature data from the ThingSpeak channel and display it on the Quarky display.

Dodge the Ball Game

This example demonstrates the use of Physics simulation in a game where Tobi has to dodge the random ball coming towards it by jumping.

Drip Irrigation System

In this example, we will look into the basics of a Drip Irrigation System using the IoT House. With IoT House, you get 2 plant drip irrigation raw equipment.

Drip Irrigation System Using the IoT House

Learn how to assemble a Drip Irrigation System using the IoT House. This tutorial covers the assembly, circuit, and Python code for 1 or 2 plants. Also, find out how to calibrate the flow of water with the loosening and tightening of the emitter.

Explicit type casting | Pictoblox

Learn how to use explicit type casting in Python to calculate the total price by adding two price variables. Example code included

Explicit Type Conversion & String Concatenation | Pictoblox

This Python code demonstrates explicit type conversion and string concatenation using the variables 'icecream' and 'brownie'.

Explicit type conversion from float to int | Pictoblox

Convert a float to an integer in Python using explicit type conversion. Explore output and the difference in data types after the conversion.

Explicit Type Conversion Int to Float | Pictoblox

Convert integer to a float using explicit type conversion which convert the result to a float, also check types before/after the conversion.

Face Detection – Camera (Python)

The example demonstrates how to use face detection with a camera feed.

Face Detection – Face Counter

The project detects the number of faces detected on the stage.

Face Detection – Stage (Python)

The example demonstrates the application of face detection with a stage feed.

Face Detection – Confidence (Block Coding)

The example demonstrates how to use the confidence threshold in face detection (Block Coding).

Face Detection with Humanoid Robots

Incorporate a fun activity into your artificial intelligence learning journey by using Humanoid robots to learn about face detection.

Face Expression Controlled Humanoid – Python

Learn about AI-based face expression detection, computer vision techniques to analyze images or videos of human faces and recognize emotions or expressions.

Face Expression Detection

Learn about AI-based face expression detection, a technology that uses artificial intelligence algorithms and computer vision techniques to analyze images or videos of human faces and recognize emotions or expressions.

Face Expression Mimic

The project makes the Quarky display the expression according to the expression identified from the Face Recognition.

Face Expression Mimic Quarky

The example displays how to detect expression using face detection and mimic the expression on Quarky. The expression is detected by the camera.

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Python Functions

analysebackdrop()

This function is used to analyze the image received as input from the current backdrop, for the handwritten and printed text.

Syntax: analysebackdrop()

setarmangle()

The function sets the current servo motors to the specified angle for the pick and place robot.

Syntax: setarmangle(angle = 90)

cap.read()

The function returns a tuple. The first element is a boolean and the second is the frame of the video.

Syntax: cap.read()

action()

The function performs the selected action for the quadruped. The action runs for the specified times and at the specified speed.

Syntax: action(action = “dance1”, time period = 1000, cycle = 1)

irstatus()

The function reports the state of the IR sensor connected to the selected pin. The function returns 1 when it is HIGH (or 3.3V) or 0 when it is LOW (or 0V).

Syntax: irstatus(pin = “D3”)

adaio.deletefeed()

The function deletes the feed with the specified name in the Adafruit IO account.

Syntax: adaio.deletefeed(feedname = “feed name”)

setleftturnangle()

The function makes the servo motors connected to the wheels orient towards the left. This orientation is used for making the robot turn left in a circle.

Syntax: setleftturnangle(Angle = 40)

move()

The function performs the selected motion for the humanoid. The motion runs for the specified times and at the specified speed.

Syntax: move(motion = “forward”, time period = 1000, cycle = 1)

stoprobot()

The function allows the robot to cease all activity by stopping all its motors.

Syntax: stoprobot()

setanalogoutput()

The function sets the analog state of the specified pin to the specified value between 0 to 255.

Syntax: setanalogoutput(servo port = 1, PWM = 50)

math.asinh()

The function is a unary operation that calculates the inverse hyperbolic sine of a given value.

Syntax: math.asinh(x)

roboticArm.movetoxyz()

This function moves the end-effector of a robotic arm to a desired point in 3-dimensional space. The X, Y, and Z coordinates must be specified, as well as a parameter to set the time of movement. The function takes these inputs and sends commands to the robotic arm to move to the specified location in the desired time period.

Syntax: roboticArm.movetoxyz(XPOS = 0, YPOS = 150, ZPOS = 70, TIME = 1000)

setturingspeed()

This function sets the motor speed for the robot’s turns.

Syntax: setturingspeed(turn_speed = 50)

analysecamera()

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

Syntax: analysecamera()

goto()

The function sets its sprite’s X and Y position to that of the mouse-pointer or another sprite — in other words, it moves the sprite to a random position, the mouse-pointer, or another sprite.

Syntax: goto(moveto = “_random_”)

switchbackdrop()

The function changes the Stage’s backdrop to the specified one.

Syntax: switchbackdrop(backdrop_name = “backdrop1”)

setsoundeffect()

The function changes the specified sound effect to the value. The input is for selecting how much the sound will be changed. A positive number will make the sound effect have more effect, while a negative number will make it smaller.

Syntax: setsoundeffect(effect_name = “PITCH”, effect_value = 100)

answer()

The function returns the most recent text imputed with the input() function. When nothing has been inputted yet, the value will hold nothing.

Syntax: answer()

iskeypressed()

The function checks if the specified key is pressed. If the key is being pressed, the block returns “true”; if it is not, it returns “false”.

Syntax: iskeypressed(key = “space”)

setcolor()

The function sets the pen’s color to the given color – (R, G, B).

Syntax: setcolor(color = [0, 0 , 0])

showemotion()

The function sets the RGB LED display matrix to the emotion specified: “happy”, “angry”, “crying”, “super angry “, “surprise”, “basic”, “love”, “nerd”, “reject”, “wave”, “thinking”, “giggle”, and “disco”.

Syntax: showemotion(pattern = “happy”)

ispadtouched()

The function returns the state of the specified touch sensor of Quarky. If the touchpad is touched it will return True, else False.

Syntax: ispadtouched(touch_pin = 1)

dolinefollowing()

The function performs the automatic line following logic with the parameters specified in the initializelinefollower() function.

Syntax: dolinefollowing()

analysecostume()

This function is used to analyze the image received as input from the current costume, for the feature.

Syntax: analysecostume()

analysecostume()

This function is used to analyze the image received as input from the current costume of the sprite, for the handwritten and printed text.

Syntax: analysecostume()

pick()

The function moves the servo motors of the pick and place robot to the pick angle specified by the user.

Syntax: pick()

cv2.flip()

The function flips a 2D array around vertical, horizontal, or both axes.

Syntax: cv2.flip(input_array, flip_code = 1)

cv2.resize()

Resizing an image means changing its dimensions of it, be it width alone, height alone, or changing both of them. Also, the aspect ratio of the original image could be preserved in the resized image. To resize an image, OpenCV provides cv2.resize() function.

Syntax: cv2.resize(image_array, dsize = (224,224))

moveall()

The function sets the servo motors of the quadruped to the specified angles at the specified speed.

Syntax: moveall(servo angles = [90,90,90,90,90,90,90,90], time = 1000)

dhtmeasure()

The function reports the temperature or humidity from the DHT sensor connected to the selected pin.

Syntax: dhtmeasure(parameter = “temperature”, pin = “D3”)

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IoT House (Quarky)

Introduction

Links for Assembly Instructions

Python Object Declaration for Stage Mode

Upload Mode

PictoBlox Blocks

Block Coding Examples

Python Functions

Python Coding Examples

Company

Community

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