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Getting started ENG

Authors: David Parein, LudoTech

WARNING

At present, this tool is still in a very early version, the interface is not particularly easy to use and the Bluetooth connection sometimes has difficulty being established.

Important tools are not yet open to the public:

  • Tool for faster downloading of assets (loading is extremely slow over Bluetooth)
  • Game upload and distribution tool
  • Mobile interface authoring tool

To reduce the likelihood of connection problems with OLEM:

  • Don't touch anything during the scan and bluetooth connection - even changing tabs can prevent the connection.
  • Don't forget to pair up the first time you connect.

Command Center is the name given to the internal tool for interacting with OLEM. It was initially created to automate OLEM testing, and has evolved over time. In particular, it enables you to :

  • Connect to OLEM from a PC
  • Use the OLEM terminal
  • Prepare commands for use in playtests, videos, etc.
  • Bring together graphical tools for creating games: animation editor, level editor, etc.

I. Getting and starting the Command Center

The tool is distributed as an executable that does not require installation. It can be downloaded here.

To start it, simply extract the zip and run the executable command_center.exe.

II. Using the Command Center

Interface overview :

ENG_command_center.png

1. Connection between robot and computer (Serial)​

  1. Turn on OLEM and wait until its LEDs are BLUE.

  2. Check that the computer's Bluetooth is activated.

    connexionrobot.PNG

  3. Press the Auto connectbutton in the Serial tab.

  4. The robot's LEDs will turn GREEN when the connection is established. The command_center will display a series of information.

    appairage.png

Important

The first time you connect, Windows displays a popup in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen asking you to pair OLEM. Pairing is essential for a stable connection.

connectionrobotOK.PNG

The MTU display confirms that the connection is complete.

2.Using CLI commands​

You can list the commands you'll be able to use directly in the input field with the instruction help then click on Send

help.PNG

To get more information about a command, you can use the command help <command> replacing <command> by the desired command. For example, help leds displays :

Untitled

To turn all the LEDs red, you would use the command leds 3F #FF0000

3. Memorize CLi commands (Playground)​

The Playground tab lets you save commands and use them over and over again without having to rewrite them.

NB: At LudoTech, we use it in two cases:

  • To test a game in the “wizard of oz” mode, where the game designer plans commands to move OLEM or display information, and triggers them manually to test a game without having fully developed it.
  • During development, to test a game more quickly.

3.1 Add a command field​

you can add a command field by pressing Add command field . In the example below, 3 commands are created to quickly change the color of the OLEM LEDs.

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3.2 Reusing commands for future use​

Commands entered in the Command Center are not saved. However, it is possible to load a file containing several commands using theLoad command file.

Command files are text files containing one command per line (the extension doesn't matter).

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Run command Fieldbutton allows you to execute all the commands in a command file in succession.

4. Loading and executing a python script (Scripting)​

This feature is used to quickly test a python script. In this mode, only builtins can be imported.

testsript.PNG

To run a script :

  • Select the file using the Browse
  • The second field determines its name in the OLEM memory. chargementfini.PNG
  • Use the Upload button to upload the file to OLEM and wait for the upload to complete (the blue bar below the button fills up).
  • Use the Run button to run the script.

5. Loading files into OLEM​

The Upload tab lets you load files into OLEM with greater control than the Scripting tab. It is particularly useful for developing games.

For a game to be executed by OLEM, it must :

  • A folder must exist at the root of the folder visible with the ls command.
  • The contents of the folder must respect the folder architecture defined for games.
  • Contain a main.py script at the following path: /game_id/app/main.py.

For more information on creating a game in OLEM : github

5.1 Loading a file into OLEM​

As with the scripting tab, you must first select the file on your computer and specify its path in OLEM's memory. The path is not created automatically during this operation; you must first create the folders with the mkdir command

6. Controller​

The last tab lets you control the robot live. It lets you transmit commands for steering, sound, lights, etc. These commands let you quickly test OLEM's basic functions.

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