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README.md
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bluetooth_scanner.py
bluetooth_scanner.py
 
 

README.md

Bluetooth Scanner using PyQt5

A Python application that scans for nearby Bluetooth devices using PyQt5's QtBluetooth module. It lists both discovered and connected Bluetooth devices, providing a simple interface to manage Bluetooth peripherals directly from the application.

Features

  • Device Scanning: Searches for nearby Bluetooth devices.
  • Device Filtering: Ignores devices without names or with default naming patterns.
  • Connected Devices: Identifies and lists devices that are already paired or connected.
  • Cross-Platform: Works on any operating system supported by PyQt5 and QtBluetooth.

Requirements

  • Python 3.5+
  • PyQt5
    • Ensure that PyQt5 is installed with Bluetooth support.
  • QtBluetooth Module
    • Some operating systems might require additional packages for Bluetooth functionality.

Usage

Run the Application

python bluetooth_scanner.py

Understanding the Output

  • Discovered Devices: The application will print out all Bluetooth devices found during the scan.
  • Connected Devices: It will list devices that are currently paired or connected to your system.

How It Works

Initialization:

  • Creates an instance of QBluetoothDeviceDiscoveryAgent to manage the scanning process.
  • Connects signals to handle device discovery and completion of the scan.

Device Discovery:

  • The device_discovered method is called whenever a new device is found.
  • Filters out devices without a name or with default naming patterns like "Bluetooth XX:XX:XX:XX:XX".
  • Stores valid devices in a list and checks their pairing status.

Completion:

  • Once scanning is finished, scan_finished is called.
  • Prints out lists of all discovered devices and connected devices.
  • Exits the application gracefully.

Customization

Filtering Devices:

  • Modify the regular expression in the device_discovered method to change how devices are filtered.
  • Currently, it filters out devices matching the pattern: Bluetooth XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX.

Extending Functionality:

  • Implement additional features like initiating pairing, connecting to devices, or handling data transfer.
  • Utilize other classes from the QtBluetooth module as needed.

Troubleshooting

No Devices Found:

  • Ensure that your Bluetooth adapter is enabled and working properly.
  • Check that the devices you're trying to discover are discoverable.

Import Errors:

  • Verify that PyQt5 is installed correctly with Bluetooth support.
  • Some Linux distributions require additional Qt Bluetooth packages.

Permission Issues:

  • On Linux, you might need to run the application with sudo to access Bluetooth hardware.

  • Alternatively, add your user to the bluetooth group:

    sudo usermod -a -G bluetooth $(whoami)

Notes

Cross-Platform Compatibility:

  • While PyQt5 aims to be cross-platform, Bluetooth support might vary depending on the operating system and hardware drivers.
  • Testing has been primarily conducted on Windows 10 and Ubuntu 20.04.

PyQt5 Version:

  • This application requires PyQt5 version that includes the QtBluetooth module.

  • You can check your PyQt5 version using:

    import PyQt5
print(PyQt5.QT_VERSION_STR)

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Acknowledgments

  • Thanks to the PyQt5 and Qt communities for providing extensive documentation and support.
  • Inspired by the need for simple Bluetooth management in Python applications.