izzy-devices 0.2.0

Client and Server classes for the IZZY Project.

izzy-devices

The izzy-devices package provides the Client and Server classes that are part of the IZZY (Intelligent Scenery Simulation Project) as well as enumerations for statuses for both client and server devices.

Installation

Use the package manager pip to install izzy-devices.

pip install izzy-devices

Background

"IZZY," or the Intelligent Scenery Simulation Platform, is an ongoing research project in applied robotics and control systems for moving scenery in live entertainment. Computerized control of scenery is not new; technologies for controlling both simple and complex movement of scenery in multiple axes have been around for decades. Many traditional approaches borrow heavily from industrial automation systems, employing programmable logic controllers (sometimes with more-user-friendly PC-style front-end interfaces), roller switches, high-powered motors, and cable winches. However, because of the very real safety concerns related to hauling scenic units weighing as much as a couple of tons across the stage at relatively high velocities, typical automation systems rely heavily on highly-choreographed movements and attentive operators to ensure safety. Additionally, traditional approaches often require the construction of expensive subfloors and decking systems to provide pathways for winched cables and tracks for scenic units to follow.

IZZY and Mother

The IZZY (Intelligent Scenery Simulation Platform) project software is built around two software objects: a client and a server. An implementation of IZZY is a client; the offstage control and programming interface server has been affectionately dubbed "Mother" (a not-so-subtle nod to Alien). A client stores information about an IZZY device, including physical dimensions, network information installed sensor packages, and position and movement information. A server stores network information and a collection of client instances--one instance for each physical IZZY device on the network.

[!NOTE] When instantiated in software on an IZZY device, a server instance should not be used to hold a list of client devices as remote devices should not communicate to each other. A server instance on an IZZY device should only be used to store network information about the Mother device.

The izzy-devices package provides the Client and Server classes as well as enumerations for statuses for both client and server devices.