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Onboard Sensors

Import FutureBoard Library​

Import the Library to make use of its functions.

from future import *

02: Onboard Sensors​

1. Buttons​

sensor.btnValue(btn)

Parameter btn represents A or B button, accepted values are a, b.

2. Light Sensor​

sensor.getLight()

Returns a value 0~4095.

3. Temperature Sensor​

sensor.getTemp()

Returns a degree in Celsius, FutureBoard can measure temperatures from -40 to 80 degrees.

Sample Program for 1~3​

from future import *

from time import sleep

screen.fill((0, 0, 0))
while True:
  if sensor.btnValue('a'):
    screen.text(str("Light: ")+str(sensor.getLight()),5,10,1,(0, 119, 255))
    sleep(0.5)
  if sensor.btnValue('b'):
    screen.text(str("Temp: ")+str(sensor.getTemp()),5,30,1,(0, 119, 255))
    sleep(0.5)

4. Accelerometer​

sensor.accX()
sensor.accY()
sensor.accZ()

Returns the accelerometer value of the 3 axis with G as the unit.

5. Tilt Angles​

sensor.roll()
sensor.pitch()

Returns the roll and pitch angle of the FutureBoard.

Sample Program for 4~5​

#The screen displays the readings of the accelerometer.

from future import *

from time import sleep

screen.sync = 0
while True:
  screen.fill((0, 0, 0))
  screen.text(str("X: ")+str(sensor.accX()),5,10,1,(0, 119, 255))
  screen.text(str("Y: ")+str(sensor.accY()),5,25,1,(0, 119, 255))
  screen.text(str("Z: ")+str(sensor.accZ()),5,40,1,(0, 119, 255))
  screen.text(str("Roll: ")+str(sensor.roll()),5,55,1,(0, 119, 255))
  screen.text(str("Pitch: ")+str(sensor.pitch()),5,70,1,(0, 119, 255))
  screen.refresh()
  sleep(0.2)

6. Gesture Detection​

sensor.gesture(gesture)

8 kinds of gesture can be detected by the FutureBoard.

  1. 'shake'
  2. 'freefall'
  3. 'tilt_up'
  4. 'tilt_down'
  5. 'tilt_left'
  6. 'tilt_right'
  7. 'face_up'
  8. 'face_down'

7. Gesture Event Trigger​

sensor.gesTrig[ges] = fn
sensor.startSchedule()

Sample Program for 6~7​

# Futureboard plays a melody on shake.
# Futureboard shows the status of gestures face up and face down.

from future import *

from time import sleep

def onGesture_shake():
  buzzer.melody(JUMP_UP)

sensor.gesTrig['shake']=onGesture_shake
sensor.startSchedule()

screen.sync = 0
while True:
  screen.fill((0, 0, 0))
  screen.text(str("Face Up: ")+str(sensor.gesture('face_up')),5,10,1,(0, 119, 255))
  screen.text(str("Face Down: ")+str(sensor.gesture('face_down')),5,25,1,(0, 119, 255))
  screen.refresh()
  sleep(0.2)

8. Compass Calibration​

calibrateCompass()

Magnetometer and compass requires calibration before using.

9. Magnetic Strength​

sensor.magX()
sensor.magY()
sensor.magZ()
sensor.magStrength()

Returns the magnetic strength detected by the sensor with uT as the unit.

10. Compass Bearing​

sensor.heading()

Returns the compass bearing.

Sample Program for 8~10​

# Simulates a compass

from future import *
import math
calibrateCompass()
screen.sync = 0
ds = ''
while 1:
    d = int(math.fabs(360-sensor.heading()))
    screen.fill(44)
    if (d<20) | (d>340):
        ds = 'N'
    elif (d<70):
        ds = 'NE'
    elif (d<110):
        ds = 'E'
    elif (d<160):
        ds = 'SE'
    elif (d<200):
        ds = 'S'
    elif (d<250):
        ds = 'SW'
    elif (d<290):
        ds = 'W'
    else:
        ds = 'NW'
    screen.text(d, 5,5)
    screen.textCh(ds,5,30)
    screen.text(str('Strength: ')+str(sensor.magStrength()),5,80)
    screen.refresh()