Sensors

Sensors are interfaces for reading data from physical hardware. Simmate provides built-in support for common lab hardware like temperature probes and cameras.

Temperature (DS18B20)

The DS18B20 class provides a simple interface for 1-wire temperature probes. It handles file I/O automatically and supports both single-reading and continuous logging.

Basic Use

from simmate.apps.lab_automation.sensors import DS18B20

# Auto-finds the first connected sensor
sensor = DS18B20()

# Get temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit
temp_c, temp_f = sensor.get_temperature()
print(f"Current Temperature: {temp_c}°C")

Logging to CSV

You can log temperature data directly to a CSV file for long-term monitoring.

sensor.start_logging(
    output_file="lab_monitor.csv",
    interval=60,  # seconds
    total_hours=24,
)

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Camera (OpenCV)

The Camera class uses OpenCV to interface with USB cameras. It supports capturing single frames, running timelapses, and compiling videos.

Basic Use

from simmate.apps.lab_automation.sensors import Camera

# Access the first USB camera (index 0)
cam = Camera(camera_index=0)

# Capture a frame and save it
cam.capture_frame("latest_capture.jpg")

Timelapse & Video

You can automate image capture over time and compile the results into a video.

# Capture a frame every 5 minutes for 12 hours
cam.start_timelapse(
    output_dir="reaction_timelapse",
    interval=300,
    total_hours=12,
)

# Compile images into an MP4 video
Camera.create_timelapse(
    image_folder="reaction_timelapse",
    output_video="reaction_video.mp4",
)

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Context Managers

Both DS18B20 and Camera support "lazy" connections (opening/closing on every call) and explicit context managers (keeping the connection open). Use context managers for high-speed captures or frequent readings.

with Camera(0) as cam:
    for i in range(100):
        cam.capture_frame(f"burst_{i}.jpg")