Improvements to SHINS, the SHARK-NIR Instrument Software, during the AIT phase

TL;DR

This paper discusses improvements to the SHINS control software for the SHARK-NIR instrument, focusing on API development, web-based control interfaces, and a software collision protection system tested during the AIT phase.

Contribution

Development of a web-based API and control system for SHINS, including a software collision protection layer, during the AIT phase of the SHARK-NIR instrument.

Findings

Successful implementation of web-based control APIs

Effective software collision protection system tested

Enhanced control and monitoring capabilities during AIT

Abstract

In the context of SHARK-NIR (System for coronagraphy with High Order adaptive optics in Z and H band), we present the development of SHINS, the SHARK-NIR INstrument control Software, in particular focusing on the changes introduced during the Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) phase. SHARK-NIR observing sessions will be carried out with "ESO-style" Observation Blocks (OBs) based on so-called Templates scripts that will be prepared by observers. We decided to develop Templates also for the large number of AIT tests (flexures, coronagraphic mask alignment, scientific camera performances...). Here we present the adopted HTTP API for the OBs generation and a web-based frontend that implements it. Taking advantage of this approach, we decided to expose APIs also for individual device movement and monitoring, as well as for general status. These APIs are then used in the web-based instrument control and synoptic panels. During the recent AIT phase, a potential collision issue between two motorized components emerged. While we are exploring the possibility of a hardware interlock, we present a software solution developed at the Observation Software level, that is also available while using other software such as engineering panels. The system is based on three protection layers and it has been successfully tested.