 void openDoor() { // only open the door if it wasn't already opened
   if (!isDoorOpen) {
     isDoorOpen = true;
+    BleOpenCharacteristic.setValue((unsigned char) isDoorOpen);
     printlnIfDebug("Door open");
   }
 }

  displayMessage(message);
}

void updateBleCharacteristics() {
  BlePopulationCharacteristic.setValue(population);
  BleOpenCharacteristic.setValue((unsigned char) isDoorOpen);
  // BleOrientationCharacteristic.setValue((unsigned char) enterFromLeftToRight);
}

void incrementPopulation() {
  population++;
  updatePopulation();

      printInfoIfDebug(doorAngle, ping_1, ping_2);
    }

    // CURRENT CONTROL SCHEME: left and right buttons make the entering direction in the orientation specified by the button.
    // select buttons always toggles the orientation.
    uint8_t buttons = lcd.readButtons();
