Pi-top[4] miniscreen buttons as input

pi-top [4]
#1

I’ve looked around in the docs and also example code and not finding anything yet. I’m wondering if there would be a way to use the buttons on the pi-top[4] as input for Python code.

For example, the input() method waits for user input from a keyboard.

Ideas on how the up button or down button to send response to as input.
Thanks in advance.

#2

@Tom-B could you just use the when_pressed function of the miniscreen buttons and in the callback send a character to the terminal?

I also found this which might be useful:

https://pypi.org/project/python-uinput/

#3

I’m sure I’m just over-thinking it in general. Python’s input() waits for a keyboard input but I hadn’t found a way for the when_pressed function to wait like Python’s input() does. I will check out the python-uinput. Thank you.

#4

This will help you, the info you need is in the SDK docs

https://pi-top-pi-top-python-sdk.readthedocs-hosted.com/en/latest/api_pitop_device.html#class-reference-pi-top-4-miniscreen-button

#5 
from pitop.miniscreen import Miniscreen
from signal import pause

def do_up_thing():
    print("Up button was pressed")

miniscreen = Miniscreen()
miniscreen.up_button.when_pressed = do_up_thing

pause()

Something like this?

#6

Thank you all for the assistance.

So, for example, I have code in my Python script:

direction_choice = input("Which direction: U (up) or D (down): ")

User input “U” or “D” from the keyboard would proceed. – However, I’m looking for a way to have the miniscreen up or down button process this input instead.

I’m showing off my fairly amateur skill at Python code here. LOL

#7

User input “U” or “D” from the keyboard would proceed.

This is not correct - input() will capture any string from the user, which could be any length! I don’t think you have understood this function quite right. It is capturing user input and storing it as a variable. This is nothing to do with buttons.

However, I’m looking for a way to have the miniscreen up or down button process this input instead.

This also does not make sense, unfortunately. A button cannot “process input” - it is an input!

What you are actually trying to achieve? Perhaps then we can more easily provide you with a solution.

#8

Thank you. I am sure I’m not understanding the miniscreen buttons well enough. Sorry for asking something clearly by someone still trying to learn.

I’m looking for a way to have the up button (for example) update a variable “direction_choice” to be equal to “u” as if the user typed “u” on their keyboard. I know I can do that in an if block. I’m confident my approach is way off and I’ll keep working at it.

I am sure times like this is what makes or breaks someone who is still learning Python. :smiley:

Thanks again.

#9

@Tom-B send us a GitHub repo to look at and we can offer some more advice on how to structure your code to work best with the miniscreen buttons :+1: