User interface

Introduction

We provided several user interface in OpenBlimp to satisfy different needs. Our user interface includes:

  • Blynk App

Our user interface is using Blynk app for any users who have cellphone to download.

Blynk platform powers low-batch manufacturers of smart home products, complex HVAC systems, agricultural equipment, and everyone in between.

  • Game Controller

Game controller provides lots of physical joystick and buttons which is good for controlling without seeing. The physical feedback from joystick will help in better control. Therefore, this method is most recommended.

  • Keyboard

For those who doesn't want to use Game controller and Blynk App, keyboard is also another available option that we provide.

Blynk App

Installation

To download Blynk mobile app, please check their website

blynk_apps

Control interface

Our recommended Blynk interface is shown as below:

You can also customize your own interface as long as you have the following functionality:

  • Control panel: your control panel should include two joystick and one slider to give you the ability to control motion primitives(horizontal, vertical and rotation) and all motor propellers speed.
  • Configuration commands: this will be the terminal widgets in the Blynk. This is for sending to correct configuration commands to configure the hardware mapping.

Usage

Game Controller

Installation

Git clone the repository:

Navigate to the following directory:

Control interface

The illustration figure of game controller is shown in the figure:

The corresponding mapping between game controller and function of the airship is in the following table:

Game controller Airship functions
Left stick (\(\uparrow,\downarrow,\leftarrow,\rightarrow\)) forward, backward,turn left, turn right
Right stick (\(\uparrow,\downarrow,\leftarrow,\rightarrow\)) Go up, go down, head up, tail up
left bumper (LB) 50% speed
Right bumper (RB) 100% full speed
Y To set searching camera back to forward position
X,Y To turn the searching camera to the left or right

Usage

The format of the command:

python game_controller.py --sys [OS] --sim
  • ​

Example:

Depends on different Computer OS your are using, you can type the following different commands

  • For Windows:

python game_controller.py --sys win

  • For Ubuntu:

python game_controller.py --sys lix

  • For Mac

python game_controller.py --sys mac

Keyboard

Installation

Navigate to the target directory:

cd

running as simulator option:

Control interface

[Some pictures here]

Usage