Mechatronik Stativ Control Software

Overview

This Python program controls a 2-axis stand (ESP32-based) and synchronously reads measurement data from a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer. The goal is the automated measurement of displays or test charts in a defined grid.

Core Functions

Main Module (main.py)

• Entry point of the application (QApplication).
• Initializes the main window (HauptFenster), which combines two main areas:
  • Left: Motor Control (MotorSteuerung Widget from esp32_module.py)
  • Right: CS-2000 Control & Visualization (CS2000GUI from cs2000_module.py)

Motor Control (esp32_module.py)

• Connection: Establishes a serial connection to the ESP32 (or uses MOCK mode).
• Control: Allows manual movement (arrow keys, buttons) and setting boundaries (Top-Left, Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right).
• Calculation: Determines the necessary steps per field and the overall geometry based on the corner points and the number of boxes (X/Y).
• Worker: Uses SerialWorker in the background for non-blocking communication.

CS-2000 Module (cs2000_module.py)

• Measurement: Controls the spectroradiometer via serial commands (MEAS, MEDR).
• Automation (MesstafelWorker):
  • Automatically traverses the grid (Snake-Path).
  • Uses scipy.interpolate to interpolate positions between corner points (correcting mechanical inaccuracies).
  • Performs a measurement at each point and saves spectral data as well as color values (x, y, Y).
• Visualization (MesstafelVisualization): Graphically displays progress (color codes for Open, Measuring, Finished, Error).

Program Flow (PAP)

Setup & Installation

The application runs on Windows but typically requires some setup if moved to a new environment.

Prerequisites

1. Python 3.x: Ensure Python is installed.
   • Download from python.org.
   • Important: Check the box "Add Python to PATH" during installation.

Installation Steps

1. Open Command Prompt (cmd)

   • Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
   • Navigate to the project folder:

     cd path\to\Mechatronik_Stativ

2. Create a Virtual Environment (Recommended)

   • This keeps your system clean.

   python -m venv venv

3. Activate the Environment

   .\venv\Scripts\activate

   (You should see (venv) at the start of your command line now.)

4. Install Dependencies

   pip install -r Python/requirements.txt

Usage

Running the App

1. Make sure your virtual environment is activated ((venv) is visible).
2. Run the main script from the Python directory:

   cd Python
   python main.py

Using the Interface

• MOCK-Mode: If no hardware is connected, "MOCK" can be selected in the port dropdown to simulate the process.
• Interpolation: For precise positioning, manual correction points can be set, which are included in the path calculation by scipy.

Dependencies

Package	Purpose
PyQt5	Creation of the graphical user interface (windows, buttons, signals/slots).
pyserial	Serial communication with the stand (ESP32) and the measuring device (CS-2000).
numpy	Numerical calculations, especially for arrays and matrices in data processing.
scipy	Scientific calculations. Specifically scipy.interpolate.griddata for spatial interpolation of target positions.
pyinstaller	(Optional) Used to compile the Python script into an executable .exe or .app file.

Build Standalone .exe

If you want to run the app on a Windows PC without installing Python, you can build an executable file.

1. Install PyInstaller

   pip install pyinstaller

2. Build the EXE Run the following command in the Python directory:

   cd Python
   pyinstaller --noconfirm --onefile --windowed --name "Messtafel_App" --add-data "config.json;." main.py

   • --onefile: Creates a single .exe file.
   • --windowed: Hides the black console window when running the app.
   • --add-data: Includes the config file.

3. Result

   • The Messtafel_App.exe will be in the dist folder.

License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPLv3).
See the LICENSE file for details.

Permissions of this strong copyleft license are conditioned on making available complete source code of licensed works and modifications, which include larger works using a licensed work, under the same license. Copyright and license notices must be preserved. Contributors provide an express grant of patent rights.