This week, Mike and I discussed the implementation of the Prime Lines function. We came up with a strong design for how it will work. It will basically consist of a few lines of php that will call the serial driver using different argument strings. The Prime Lines screen will have two separate areas, one for priming the entire system, and one for priming a single line. Each will call the serial driver using a string of arguments similar to the Pour Drink function. Using this, the system will open the valves for the lines to be primed just long enough to bring the liquid to the very end of the line. This function has been proven in concept, but cannot be fully coded until the length of the lines has been determined. This will be completed when we have cut the lengths of tubing for the system.
We also spent time working with a bug from a previous implementation that surfaced recently. This bug was in the Add Drink subsystem. It was allowing drinks to be added with incorrect liquids (or no liquids at all). We changed it so that it will work with all of the liquids.
Most of the primary functions are coming together. For the rest of the system, we need to have the parts arrive before we can really develop the software. A lot of the configuration can only occur after we have constructed the system.
~ Written by Dave Freitag and Mike McLain