Latest revision as of 00:29, 25 July 2018

mDesigner in Live mode.

The primary methods of using Microduino modules with mDesigner is with Live and Arduino mode. Each mode as it own pros and cons. Determining the right mode is up to the user per use case. Although, it is recommended to start with "Live" mode for testing then switching to "Arduino" mode later.

Live mode is regular Scratch, but with added blocks which are designed to interact with Microduino modules. This means the user has access to the stage and actor blocks. Projects (hardware) need to be connected to the computer running mDesigner. mDesigner communicates with the project (hardware), namely the Core module, in "real time" over the USB connection by sending commands for the Core module to perform. This means that "Live" mode requires a constant connection with the computer running mDesigner.

Arduino mode acts as a "visual" drag and drop coding editor. The script (code) is converted to "Arduino" code and then compile and uploaded to the attached Core module. This means that code can run even when detached from the computer. The stage and actor are disabled in this mode since the code runs independent of mDesigner.

Capability	Live Mode	Arduino Mode
Drag & Drop programming	Yes	Yes
Supports Microduino modules	Yes	Yes
Stage and actor enabled	Yes	No
Real time code testing	Yes	No
Code compiled and uploaded	No	Yes
Can run WITHOUT being connect to computer	No	Yes

Overview

Live mode is the default mode when using mDesigner. It allows the user to use mDesigner as if it was Scratch, but with the ability to use Microduino modules. The user must upload a special firmware on the Core / Core+ module first in order to use this mode. A firmware is code that runs on the core module itself. This special firmware is designed to accept commands from mDesigner directly and performs the requested commands.

Live mode is a mode which requires a special piece of code to be uploaded onto the Core module or mCenter+. This special code is designed to receive commands from mDesigner and performs said commands. This means the user's script (program) actually resides in mDesigner. The execution of the user's script (program) occurs in real time when mDesigner sends commands over the USB connection to the Core module or mCenter+. None of the user's script (program) actually exists directly on the Core module or mCenter+. As a result, a user's script (program) cannot be executed if the Core module or mCenter+ is disconnected from the computer running mDesigner.

Scripts can be edited on mDesigner and immediately tested without having to compile and upload new code onto the Core module or mCenter+. This is possible because mDesigner can run the new script (program) by sending the appropriate commands in real time. This saves time by not having to compile and upload a new or modified script.

Live mode also supports all of Scratch 3.0's default blocks which includes those that control the actor, stage and many more.

Interface

Toolbar

The Tool Bar in mDesigner provides many useful functions and configuration options.

New Project - creates a new blank project.
Open Project - open a saved project.
Save / Save As (arrow) - save / save as the current project.
Undo - undo the most recent change int the project.
Redo - redo the most recent undo in the project.
Serial Port - select serial port that the Microduino hardware (mBattery / mCenter+) is connected to.
Mode Selection - select different usage modes for mDesigner.
- Live mode - control Microduino hardware in real time using mDesigner blocks. Microduino hardware requires a constant connection to the computer running mDesigner in order to function.
- Arduino mode - complies and uploads script onto Microduino hardware. Microduino hardware can be ran independently without a computer after the script has been compiled and uploaded.
- Python mode - python (langauge) based programming. Currently under development.

Stage

mDesigner (based on Scratch) can be though as a school play. The Stage is where the viewer sees the play. Sprites can be thought as actors or characters in a play. The Backdrop is the background. Together they make the Stage. Below is a quick overview.

Green Flag - when clicked, all (When Green Flag clicked blocks activate).
Stop Sign - when clicked, stops all blocks that are running. Blocks that are running have a yellow "glow".
Sprite - sprites can be thought as actors or characters. There can be multiple sprites on the Stage. It is possible to customize unique sprites.
Backdrop - is the background of the Stage. There can only be one backdrop active at a time. It is possible to customize or create backdrops.

The Stage includes Sprite(s) and a Backdrop.

Sprites & Backdrops

This section allow selecting, editing, or creating sprites and backdrops. Selecting a sprite or backdrop is done by clicking on it from this section. Below is a quick overview.

Palettes & Panes

This section of the interfere contains the Sprite Pane, Costume Pane / Backdrop Pane, and Sound Pane. Switch between the panes by clicking on the appropriate tabs.

Script Pane

The Script pane contains the tools needed to make sprites and backdrops to do things. A Script can be thought of as the instruction your sprite or backdrop follows. Similiar to a school plays' script which instructs the actor what to do.

Blocks - Blocks are instructions for sprites and backdrops to follow. There are many blocks each with their own type. Blocks are categorized into different categories based on their functionality or purpose.
Block Categories - Blocks are sorted into different categories for quicker access and organization. Each category has its own color and blocks contained within are the same color. For example, "Motion" blocks are all purple.

Script Area

The Script Area is one of the most important parts of the mDesigner interface. It is the place to create and assemble the script for the currently selected sprite or backdrop. Dragging a block from the "Script Pane" into the "Script Area" duplicates that block into the script. Each sprite or backdrop has its own personal "script area". A script can be thought of as the instructions that your sprite or backdrop follows.

Communication Overview

The communication between mDesigner running on a computer and the project (hardware) is outlined below.


Computer: Computer running mDesigner sends commands or receives data with mBattery/mCenter+ over USB.	mBattery/mCenter+: mBattery/mCenter+ acts as a communication bridge with the Computer (running mDesigner) and the Core/Core+ module.	Core/Core+: The Core/Core+ module must be programmed with a special firmware designed to work with mDesigner. See Section Preparation The Core/Core+ module receives commands from mBattery/mCenter+ which originate from the Computer running mDesigner. Core/Core+ performs the requested commands. The Core/Core+ module can send back information (if requested) back to mBattery/mCenter+ which ends up at the computer running mDesigner.

Connected to Computer Requirement

In this mode, to control the modules, the user will need to have their project (hardware) connected to the computer sending commands in real time.

Note: If the project (hardware) is disconnected from the computer running mDesigner, then the project (hardware) will stop receiving commands and thus does nothing.


Computer: Computer running mDesigner cannot send commands or receive data with mBattery/mCenter+ over USB since it is disconnected.		Core/Core+: The Core/Core+ module is no longer receiving commands and does nothing.

Preparation

A firmware is a program that runs on core modules such as the Core and Core+. Live mode requires a special firmware to be uploaded prior to use.

Note: The special firmware only needs to be programmed once unless it is overwritten. Using Arduino mode and uploading a program will overwrite the special firmware, thus a re-programming of the special firmware will be necessary in order to use Live mode again.

Hardware Preparation

Ensure drivers are properly installed by following the mDesigner getting started guides.
Connect to the computer with a USB cable with either a:
- mBattery with a stacked Core / Core+ module.
- mCenter+
Ensure that mBattery / mCenter+ is powered on.

Upload the Firmware

Open mDesigner.
:
Select the port mBattery / mCenter+ is connect to.
:
Under Settings (gear icon) select Flash firmware and select mCookie. Uploading will start.
:
Once complete, select the port mBattery / mCenter+ is connected to again to begin using mDesigner with Microduino modules.
:

Note: Ensure the top says Ready when using Live mode. This means that the hardware and mDesigner are ready. The COM port must be re-selected if restarting mDesigner or when re-connecting the mBattery / mCenter+.

Usage

Once your script is assembled and ready. To start your script simply click on the block set to activate it. (A block set is a connected set of blocks.)
If your block set has a When Green Flag Clicked block on top of it, then the block set can be activated by the green flag on the top right of mDesigner.

A: Click anywhere on the block set to activate it.
B: Click on the Green flag to activate ALL block sets which start with the block (When Green Flag click block).

To stop all currently running blocks, click on the Stop Sign on the top right of mDesigner.

Note: Running blocks will be highlighted in yellow.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-The primary methods of using Microduino modules with mDesigner is with '''Live''' and '''Arduino''' mode. Each mode as it own pros and cons. Determining the right mode is up to the user per use case. Although, it is recommended to start with "Live" mode for testing then switching to "Arduino" mode later.<br><br>
+[[File:MDesigner_Flash_Firmware_1.png|thumb|600px|mDesigner in '''Live''' mode.]]
+The primary methods of using Microduino modules with mDesigner is with '''Live''' and [[MDesigner:_Arduino_mode|'''Arduino''' mode]]. Each mode as it own pros and cons. Determining the right mode is up to the user per use case. Although, it is recommended to start with "Live" mode for testing then switching to [[MDesigner:_Arduino_mode|"Arduino" mode]] later.<br><br>
 '''Live''' mode is regular Scratch, but with added blocks which are designed to interact with Microduino modules. This means the user has access to the stage and actor blocks. Projects (hardware) need to be connected to the computer running mDesigner. mDesigner communicates with the project (hardware), namely the Core module, in "real time" over the USB connection by sending commands for the Core module to perform. This means that "Live" mode requires a constant connection with the computer running mDesigner.<br><br>
-'''Arduino''' mode acts as a "visual" drag and drop coding editor. The script (code) is converted to "Arduino" code and then compile and uploaded to the attached Core module. This means that code can run even when detached from the computer. The stage and actor are disabled in this mode since the code runs independent of mDesigner.<br>
+[[MDesigner:_Arduino_mode|'''Arduino''' mode]] acts as a "visual" drag and drop coding editor. The script (code) is converted to "Arduino" code and then compile and uploaded to the attached Core module. This means that code can run even when detached from the computer. The stage and actor are disabled in this mode since the code runs independent of mDesigner.<br>
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
@@ Line 7: / Line 9: @@
 ! scope="col"| Capability
 ! scope="col"| Live Mode
-! scope="col"| Arduino Mode
+! scope="col"| [[MDesigner:_Arduino_mode|Arduino Mode]]
 |-
 | '''Drag & Drop programming'''
@@ Line 35: / Line 37: @@
-=Live Mode=
+=Overview=
 '''Live''' mode is the default mode when using mDesigner. It allows the user to use mDesigner as if it was Scratch, but with the ability to use Microduino modules. The user must upload a special firmware on the Core / Core+ module first in order to use this mode. A firmware is code that runs on the core module itself. This special firmware is designed to accept commands from mDesigner directly and performs the requested commands.
+Live mode is a mode which requires a special piece of code to be uploaded onto the Core module or mCenter+. This special code is designed to receive commands from mDesigner and performs said commands. This means the user's script (program) actually resides in mDesigner. The execution of the user's script (program) occurs in real time when mDesigner sends commands over the USB connection to the Core module or mCenter+. None of the user's script (program) actually exists directly on the Core module or mCenter+. As a result, a user's script (program) cannot be executed if the Core module or mCenter+ is disconnected from the computer running mDesigner.
+Scripts can be edited on mDesigner and immediately tested without having to compile and upload new code onto the Core module or mCenter+. This is possible because mDesigner can run the new script (program) by sending the appropriate commands in real time. This saves time by not having to compile and upload a new or modified script.
+Live mode also supports all of Scratch 3.0's default blocks which includes those that control the actor, stage and many more.
+=Interface=
+[[File:MDesigner_Live_Mode_Interface.png|800px]]
+==Toolbar==
+The Tool Bar in mDesigner provides many useful functions and configuration options.
+*New Project - creates a new blank project.
+*Open Project - open a saved project.
+*Save / Save As (''arrow'') - save / save as the current project.
+*Undo - undo the most recent change int the project.
+*Redo - redo the most recent undo in the project.
+*Serial Port - select serial port that the Microduino hardware (mBattery / mCenter+) is connected to.
+*Mode Selection - select different usage modes for mDesigner.
+**Live mode - control Microduino hardware in real time using mDesigner blocks. Microduino hardware requires a constant connection to the computer running mDesigner in order to function.
+**Arduino mode - complies and uploads script onto Microduino hardware. Microduino hardware can be ran independently without a computer after the script has been compiled and uploaded.
+**Python mode - python (langauge) based programming. Currently under development.
+==Stage==
+mDesigner (based on Scratch) can be though as a school play. The '''Stage''' is where the viewer sees the play. Sprites can be thought as actors or characters in a play. The '''Backdrop''' is the background. Together they make the '''Stage'''. Below is a quick overview.
+*Green Flag - when clicked, all (When Green Flag clicked blocks activate).
+*Stop Sign - when clicked, stops all blocks that are running. Blocks that are running have a yellow "glow".
+*Sprite - sprites can be thought as actors or characters. There can be multiple sprites on the Stage. It is possible to customize unique sprites.
+*Backdrop - is the background of the Stage. There can only be one backdrop active at a time. It is possible to customize or create backdrops.
+The Stage includes Sprite(s) and a Backdrop.
+==Sprites & Backdrops==
+This section allow selecting, editing, or creating sprites and backdrops. Selecting a sprite or backdrop is done by clicking on it from this section. Below is a quick overview.
+==Palettes & Panes==
+This section of the interfere contains the Sprite Pane, Costume Pane / Backdrop Pane, and Sound Pane. Switch between the panes by clicking on the appropriate tabs.
+==Script Pane==
+The Script pane contains the tools needed to make sprites and backdrops to do things. A '''Script''' can be thought of as the instruction your sprite or backdrop follows. Similiar to a school plays' script which instructs the actor what to do.
+*Blocks - Blocks are instructions for sprites and backdrops to follow. There are many blocks each with their own type. Blocks are categorized into different categories based on their functionality or purpose.
+*Block Categories - Blocks are sorted into different categories for quicker access and organization. Each category has its own color and blocks contained within are the same color. For example, "Motion" blocks are all purple.
+==Script Area==
+The Script Area is one of the most important parts of the mDesigner interface. It is the place to create and assemble the script for the currently selected sprite or backdrop. Dragging a block from the "Script Pane" into the "Script Area" duplicates that block into the script. Each sprite or backdrop has its own personal "script area". A script can be thought of as the instructions that your sprite or backdrop follows.
+=Communication Overview=
+The communication between mDesigner running on a computer and the project (hardware) is outlined below.
 {| style="width: 1000px; text-align:left"
 |-
-| scope="row" colspan="3"| [[File:MDesigner_Live_Mode.png|650px]]
+| scope="row" colspan="3"| [[File:MDesigner_mBattery_Live_Mode.png|650px]]<hr width="650px">[[File:MDesigner_Live_Mode.png|650px]]
 |- style="vertical-align:top;"
-| style="width:25%; text-align:left;" | '''Computer:'''<br>Computer running mDesigner sends commands or receives data with mCenter+ over USB.
+| style="width:25%; text-align:left;" | '''Computer:'''<br>Computer running mDesigner sends commands or receives data with mBattery/mCenter+ over USB.
-| style="width:25%; text-align:left;" | '''mCenter+:'''<br>mCenter+ acts as a communication bridge with the Computer (running mDesigner) and the Core+ module (inside mCenter+).
+| style="width:25%; text-align:left;" | '''mBattery/mCenter+:'''<br>mBattery/mCenter+ acts as a communication bridge with the Computer (running mDesigner) and the Core/Core+ module.
-| style="width:50%; text-align:left;" | '''Core+:'''<br>
+| style="width:50%; text-align:left;" | '''Core/Core+:'''<br>
-*'''The Core+ module must be programmed with a special firmware designed to work with mDesigner.''' [[#Preparation | See Section Preparation]]
+*'''The Core/Core+ module must be programmed with a special firmware designed to work with mDesigner.''' [[#Preparation | See Section Preparation]]
-*The Core+ module (inside mCenter+) receives commands from mCenter+ which originate from the Computer running mDesigner. Core+ performs the requested commands. <br>
+*The Core/Core+ module receives commands from mBattery/mCenter+ which originate from the Computer running mDesigner. Core/Core+ performs the requested commands. <br>
-*The Core+ module can send back information (if requested) back to mCenter+ which ends up at the computer running mDesigner.
+*The Core/Core+ module can send back information (if requested) back to mBattery/mCenter+ which ends up at the computer running mDesigner.
 |}
-In this mode, to control the modules, the user will need to have their project (hardware) connected to the computer sending commands in real time. If the project (hardware) is disconnected from the computer running mDesigner, then the project (hardware) will stop receiving commands and thus stop running.
+==Connected to Computer Requirement==
+In this mode, to control the modules, the user will need to have their project (hardware) connected to the computer sending commands in real time.
+{| class="wikitable" style="background-color:#FEF9E7;"
+|'''Note:''' If the project (hardware) is disconnected from the computer running mDesigner, then the project (hardware) will stop receiving commands and thus does nothing.
+|}
-==Communication==
+{| style="width: 1000px; text-align:left"
-#mDesigner running on a computer communicates with mBattery or mCenter+ over a USB connection.
+|-
-#mBattery or mCenter+ acts as communication bridge between the computer and the Core module. (Core+ module is embedded inside an mCenter+).
+| scope="row" colspan="3"| [[File:MDesigner_mBattery_Live_Mode_Disconnected.png|650px]]<hr width="650px">[[File:MDesigner_Live_Mode_Disconnected.png|650px]]
-#The Core module receives and performs the commands. The core module can also send data back.
+|- style="vertical-align:top;"
+| style="width:25%; text-align:left;" | '''Computer:'''<br>Computer running mDesigner cannot send commands or receive data with mBattery/mCenter+ over USB since it is disconnected.
+| style="width:25%; text-align:left;" |
+| style="width:50%; text-align:left;" | '''Core/Core+:'''<br>
+The Core/Core+ module is no longer receiving commands and does nothing.
+|}
-==Preparation==
+=Preparation=
 A '''firmware''' is a program that runs on core modules such as the Core and Core+. Live mode requires a special firmware to be uploaded prior to use.
-===Hardware Preparation===
+{| class="wikitable" style="background-color:#FEF9E7;"
-*Ensure drivers are properly installed by following the [[mDesigner getting started guides]]
+|'''Note:''' The special firmware only needs to be programmed once unless it is overwritten.<br>Using '''Arduino''' mode and uploading a program will overwrite the special firmware, thus a re-programming of the special firmware will be necessary in order to use Live mode again.
-*With a USB cable, connect to the computer -- either an:
+|}
+==Hardware Preparation==
+*Ensure drivers are properly installed by following the '''[[Software_Setup:_mDesigner | mDesigner getting started guides]]'''.
+*Connect to the computer with a USB cable with either a:
 **'''mBattery''' with a stacked '''Core''' / '''Core+''' module.
 **'''mCenter+'''
 *Ensure that mBattery / mCenter+ is powered on.
+[[File:MDesigner_mBattery_Live_Mode_Hardware_Preparation.png|550px]]<br>
+<hr width="550px">
+[[File:MDesigner_Live_Mode_Hardware_Preparation.png|550px]]
-===Upload the Firmware===
+==Upload the Firmware==
-#Select the port mBattery / mCenter+ is connect to.
+#Open mDesigner.<br>:[[File:MDesigner_Flash_Firmware_1.png|400px]]<br><br>
-#Under '''Settings''' select '''Flash firmware''' and select '''mCookie'''. Uploading will start.
+#Select the port mBattery / mCenter+ is connect to.<br>:[[File:MDesigner_Flash_Firmware_2.png|400px]]<br><br>
-#Once complete, select the port mBattery / mCenter+ is connected to again to begin using mDesigner with Microduino modules.
+#Under '''Settings''' (gear icon) select '''Flash firmware''' and select '''mCookie'''. Uploading will start.<br>:[[File:MDesigner_Flash_Firmware_3.png|400px]] [[File:MDesigner_Flash_Firmware_4.png|400px]] [[File:MDesigner_Flash_Firmware_5.png|400px]]<br><br>
+#Once complete, select the port mBattery / mCenter+ is connected to again to begin using mDesigner with Microduino modules.<br>:[[File:MDesigner_Flash_Firmware_6.png|400px]] [[File:MDesigner_Flash_Firmware_2.png|400px]]<br><br>
-==Usage==
+{| class="wikitable" style="background-color:#FEF9E7;"
-Once your script is assembled and ready. To start your script simply click on the Block set to activate it. If your Block set has a '''When Green Flag Clicked''' block on top of it, then the Block set can be activated by the '''green flag''' on the top right of mDesigner.
+|'''Note:''' Ensure the top says '''Ready''' when using Live mode. This means that the hardware and mDesigner are ready.<br>The COM port must be re-selected if restarting mDesigner or when re-connecting the mBattery / mCenter+.
+|}
+::[[File:MDesigner_Live_Mode_Ready.png|400px]]
-To stop all currently running Block, click on the '''Stop Sign''' on the top right of mDesigner.
+=Usage=
+Once your script is assembled and ready. To start your script simply click on the '''block set''' to activate it. (A '''block set''' is a connected set of blocks.)<br>If your block set has a '''When Green Flag Clicked''' block on top of it, then the block set can be activated by the '''green flag''' on the top right of mDesigner.<br>
+*'''A:''' Click anywhere on the '''block set''' to activate it.
+*'''B:''' Click on the '''Green flag''' to activate '''ALL''' block sets which start with the [[File:When_Green_Flag_Clicked_Block.png|x40px]] block ('''When Green Flag click''' block).
+[[File:MDesigner_Live_Mode_Usage_1.png|650px]]
+<br>
-=Arduino Mode=
-'''Arduino''' is a special mode which can be enabled. It acts as a drag and drop editor for programming. The Stage and Actor is disabled and many Block Categories cannot be used. <br>
-The main advantage of using Arduino Mode is that code is geennerated, compile, and uploaded. This means that the user can disconnect the project (hardware) from a computer and it can still work.  Whereas, during '''Live Mode''' the user needs to have the project (hardware) connected in order to receive commands from mDesigner.
-Arduino Mode can be accessed by click on the '''Arduino Mode''' button.
+To stop all currently running blocks, click on the '''Stop Sign''' on the top right of mDesigner.
+{| class="wikitable" style="background-color:#FEF9E7;"
-==Usage==
+|'''Note:''' Running blocks will be highlighted in yellow.
-Once your script (code) is assembled and ready. Click on the "upload" on the top right of the mDesigner window [image].
+|}
-mDesigner will now attempt to compile the script. If not successful, mDesigner will inform of an error. If successful, the compile script will be uploaded onto the core module.
+[[File:MDesigner_Live_Mode_Usage_2.png|650px]]<br>

Difference between revisions of "MDesigner: Live mode"

Latest revision as of 00:29, 25 July 2018

Contents

Overview

Interface

Toolbar

Stage

Sprites & Backdrops

Palettes & Panes

Script Pane

Script Area

Communication Overview

Connected to Computer Requirement

Preparation

Hardware Preparation

Upload the Firmware

Usage

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