Premise Automation Browser intercom allowing client to client and client to SYS communication?

[etc6849]

Is an automation browser intercom possible? I'm assuming such a device would require the use of minibroker. The functionality is described below.

It would work like this. A user would talk into automation browser client's microphone to:

A. talk to another client assuming that client has an open automation browser session via the clients speakers OR

B. send a page (one way transmission) to a particular room via mSense; the signal would go through the output of the SYS server's soundcard to a matrix switcher, receiver, or even into a real intercom system... Perhaps the SYS server's microphone jack along with it's output could be used to interface with an existing intercom system allowing for two way functionality...

Once communication was initiated, all automation browser session screens would go to the home screen allowing any users to join the conversation. Additionally, a message could be sent to a particular room, logged in user, or to all internal or external ip addresses.

Any thoughts?

 

[123]

The intercom in our home is inexpensive and very effective; it works like this: we shout. It really works and, bonus, I didn't have to write a driver.

Have a look at this document. A Premise user documented his Home Automation adventure with Premise and mentioned (albeit briefly) how he added intercom functionality.

 

[etc6849]

Shouting is a simple and effective intercom system! Perhaps I should try two cups and a string in order to save my voice though?

The main use I would get out of a software based intercom system is when I travel I could either listen to different rooms or make announcements.

The speak option mentioned in the example sounds useful, but I'd have no idea how to implement it... It sounds like the author attempted something very similar to what I was thinking of, but had echoing so communications was implemented as one way... Perhaps push to talk would solve this type of echo problem?

"The more problematic part is the ‘Speak’ button. Wow, I spent so much time there and I couldn’t have my design work:: I wanted to create a real Intercom between the rooms. For that I put microphones next to each TouchScreen and on all computers. However, I couldn’t find a way to create intercom communication without delay and echo that can be integrated into Premise. At one point I thought that because my sound cards are built-in on the motherboard I need better sound cards. I purchased several and I still had echoes and delays. I finally gave up and made it one way (still have delay but have no echo). I use Microsoft NetMeeting. They have an ActiveX which exists on the page but is hidden. Therefore, when I press the ‘Start Speaking’ I actually dialing to the Premise NetMeeting which is then connects to the Speakers System and announce it in the relevant Zone/s.
Also, in order for this to work, the NetMeeting in the Premise Server needs to be in ‘automatic accept calls’. NetMeeting is not supported anymore by Microsoft (even that it comes part of XP…) and you cannot set this flag on automatically. Therefore, after booting the Premise Server, you need to remember to set it on manually. I might use Girder for that…"

 

[chucklyons]

A Premise Skype module. I was in the Outback and talked with my wife daily using Skype.

How to do it, no idea.

Would it work? Yes.

Do I know how to do it?

Nope.

Just let me know when its done....


(that's the manager in me talking...)

 

[etc6849]

Skype is a great idea! I think there is a Skype API that would work well for this, but I don't know enough programming to actually use it

 

[tomsmoot]

Hi,

I know this might not be what you are looking for, but I was looking into something similar and found a program called LANIC. It's supposed to allow intercom-type communications over a LAN. I never used it so I can't promise anything. Maybe I will set it up and see how it goes. Maybe it's possible to integrate this into the premise UI or call it via a script or something.

Tom