Thoughts on things I'd like to see in CP or I am exploring building with CP in 2022

CircuitPython_2022.md

CircuitPython 2022

2022_1: Snakes in the #%*$& Van

Goal: Layout the requirements and design of a system to use CircuitPython as a basis for a Camper Van (or RV or Boat) monitoring, tracking and alerting system.

NOTE: This may never be built on CP but I'd like to go through the thought experiment.

2022_2: 3D Mouse Project

Goal: Document requirements and design a 3D CAD mouse which will work with Fusion 360. This might also be called a Jog Wheel.

NOTE: It is very likely this will work with other programs, but my needs are for it to work with Fusion 360.

Review of 2021

2021_1: CircuitPython Secrets This is still a valid discussion. What is not clear is how we could expose a CPython os.getenv, os.environ, etc. interface without it just being a wrapping around a text file. If that is true, why not make a loadenv like library?

2021_2: Package Management for CircuitPython Circup made big leaps this year and is working well-enough. I do think long-term the download the zipfile approach become too fragile and too hard to centrally manage, but it works great for now. ;-)

2021_3: CirctuiPython Cameras The notes I put together focused on the higher-end camera capabilities. Adafruit did create camera libraries which work for the lower resolution cameras, but nothing high resolution that I'm aware of. With CP on the Raspberry Pi I wonder if it can find a path forward. Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera with 12.3 megapixel Sony IMX477 sensor

Current CP Camera Libraries

• https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_OV5640
• https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_VC0706
• https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_OV7670
• https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_OV2640

Notes on 3D Mouse Project

Mouse Links

• https://www.instructables.com/3D-Mouse/
• https://hackaday.com/2016/11/21/diy-optical-sensor-breakout-board-makes-diy-optical-mouse/
• https://ploopy.co/ - Open Source Hardware mouse and thumbwheel but not 3D versions
• Open 3D Mouse working with Spacenavd on Ubuntu 20.04 (FreeCAD Forum)
• DIY 3D CAD SpaceMouse for 20€ - 3Dconnexion alternative??? (YouTube) -- Uses an accelerometer to track the movement.
• What's Inside a Space Mouse? (YouTube) -- Uses 3 pairs of 2 Infrared LEDs each projected through a vertical or horizontal slit onto a light sensor.
• FaqT0tum/Orbion_Space_Mouse -- Based on ARDUINO PRO MICRO with ATMEL32U4 processor
  • Orbion Video
  • Uses several Adafruit Libraries depending on the display option including Busio, GFX, SH1106, SSD1306.
• Adafruit Learn Guide for a CircuitPyton Media Dial -- Basedon the Trinket M0 and uses the HID Library.
• DIY 3D CAD Spacemouse V2 - SpaceRat / Getting closer to 3Dconnexion - GitHub for KikiHobbyRepair/SpaceRat — Based on the Pro Micro Arduino and an accelerometer w/ gyroscope.

Questions

1. Does the Adafruit HID Library support all the needed Mouse commands for 3D mouse movement?
   This need a good long read and comparison to the Arduino code in the Orbion. I'm guessing yes. https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_HID/blob/main/adafruit_hid/consumer_control_code.py#L17
2. Is BLE an option? Yes. You can do BLE HID for sure. This is a keyboard example BLE HID Keyboard Buttons with CircuitPython, but the adafruit_ble and adafruit_hid libraries do enable this.

Rough Attempt At a Parts List

• Microcontroller
  • If Espressif, S3 is more interesting because it has BLE, although dual core not needed.
    S2 not so much with WiFi not really needed.
  • Adafruit QTPY-S3 is not out yet but coming soon
  • BlueMicro840 by JPConstantineau tindie-- Based on nRF52840, has BLE, and Same footprint as ARDUINO PRO MICRO
• Joystick
  • Analog 2-axis Thumb Joystick with Select Button + Breakout Board: 512
• Display
  • Monochrome 1.3" 128x64 OLED graphic display - STEMMA QT / Qwiic: 938
• Button
  • momentary button

Notes on the Van Concept

Van Automation - Ford TransitUSA Forum

3D Mouse -- someone built it !!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHBgNGnTiK4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3HOFJEZwfs

https://hackaday.io/project/187172-os3m-mouse