The CircuitPython_textMap library is working out well… really well. Freeing up so much RAM is giving me a chance to really go all out with the software part of the Psychic.
Speaking of software, here's some achievements since the last time:
- Transparent bitmaps! - I finally sat down, went through some learn guides, and downloaded GIMP. Now I understand how to make 'transparent' bitmaps in CircuitPython… which means I can do cool things like summon a Weeping Angel over the top of the current ID.
Screenshot of some of the images loaded into the flash memory of the Psychic ePaper. The images are black and white with a bright green background. The green background is used almost as a green-screen in the CircuitPython code, allowing the green portions to be transparent based on the displayio.Palette. Check out this learn guide about Indexed BMP graphics for more info. Embedded YouTube video, which shows the Psychic displaying a library card for the 10th Doctor. After entering the command [blink] via Bluetooth, the screen refreshes to show a Weeping Angel superimposed over the library card.
Going on from this, I'd love to make a regeneration like effect, with one doctor superimposed over the other. Something to look into! - Make a donation to the Black Hills Bail and Legal Defense Fund and the NDN Collective, to "decolonize and transform systems while providing tools and strategies for Indigenous self-determination and movement-building."
- Commands - I've been adding to the ever growing list of 'Commands' that can be sent via a Bluetooth LE to control and change aspects of the Psychic. My favourite is [blink] (to summon a Weeping Angel) and [mischief managed] (to wipe the psychic, because who doesn't like to mix universes?).
- Customisation - I started out with a few IDs that looked pretty much the same, just with different text and symbols. I'm upending things a bit so IDs can follow different base templates. The end goal is to give people the ability to customise IDs a lot more via BLE, an input file, or maybe even some kind of GUI application. There's still a bit of time until I can get to that stage, but it's exciting working it out!
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