ioBridge Wiki

Server-based Actions

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:05:04 -0400

Server-based Actions

If your IO-204 module is set to a messaging mode, the ioBridge Server can cause actions and events to happen in the background.

Actions are your link to messaging, web services, events, and other channels and modules. Actions open up so many possibilities for Internet enabled projects such as micro-processor collaboration via the web, third-party API integration, data logging, and automation – both free and premium services in the future.

There are two types of actions. Actions that are server-based and actions that reside onboard the module. Onboard actions all the module to process it's own logic without having to have a connection back to a server.

Message Actions

Digital Input Messaging - Receive a message on digital state changes
Analog Input Messaging - Receive a message when analog input passes a set trigger and/or reset point

Input to Output Actions

Digital Input to Output Link - Control an output with a digital input on the same module or a different module
Analog Input to Output Link - Control an output with an analog input on the same module or a different module

Serial Actions

Serial Link - Link any two serial smart boards together
Input to Serial Message (Serial Smart Board) - Send input-based messages to a serial smart board
Input to Serial Message (Digital Output) - Send input-based messages using the serial out on a digital output pin

Stacking Actions

You have the ability to use multiple actions creating a stack. One switch on a digital input can cause a servo to move to a fixed position, turn on an X10 light, and send an email or post a Twitter message all at the same time.

Action-based Projects

There is so much to explore in the actions area of development and we look forward to seeing the projects that result.

The most simple project is digital input messaging. You can cause a Twitter to be sent when a digital input is set high or low. More intriguing scenarios are inter-module communication with serial smart boards. It's possible to link two modules together using the Serial Link action. The two modules can be anywhere on the Internet forming a virtual connection between them, making it possible to relay messages back and forth and having the ability to access the resources of ioBridge.

Channel Messaging

All ioBridge actions are based on channel messaging. By default the IO-204 does not relay input data to ioBridge. Set the channel messaging mode to cause the related action to execute.

Under the Module Configuration section, you can select the following channel messaging options:

Send Message on Digital State Change
Send Message on Analog Trigger
Auto Message Digital Input
Auto Message Analog Input

Data received by the Serial Smart Board is automatically messaged.

Email Accounts

Before you can receive a message about an event you have to add an email account under the Actions page of your ioBridge account. The Add Account button can be found below all of the currently active actions. Action messages are sent as emails.

Text Messaging

You can also receive notifications to an event as a text message by entering your cell phone's email address. Your cell phone number can be converted to an email address based on your service provider.

AT&T: yournumber@txt.att.net
Verizon: yournumber@vtext.com
T-Mobile: yournumber@tmomail.net

Note: ioBridge Corporation is not responsible for charges incurred by text messaging. Your standard text messaging rates apply with your mobile carrier.

Twitter via Ping.fm

Ping.fm allows you to update multiple social networks via email. Ping.fm is recommended to update your Twitter, Facebook, and GTalk status. Once you sign up at Ping.fm, you will have an email address that is linked to your social networks. Add that email account to your ioBridge.com account and now your ioBridge actions can tweet, update Facebook, etc.

Ping.fm

UberNote

UberNote is free note taking service that is a replacement for Google Notes. UberNote allows email access to post new notes. Once you setup and account, an email that is linked to your account is created and listed under your settings page. If your action sends a message to the UberMail address, it will be automatically posted to your account. UberNote also supports tagging and public RSS feeds of notes.

UberNote

Application Programming Interface (API)

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:10:23 -0400

Application Programming Interface (API)

The open ioBridge APIs are ways for you to extend the ioBridge technology and create new applications for desktops, web browsers, and mobile devices.

Data Feed API - Retrieve your module data in XML and JSON formats for server and client side applications

JavaScript Widget Control API - Extend your widgets with AJAX and JavaScript from a web browser or mobile client

Static Widget API - Interact with your widgets without JavaScript - use HTTP POST/GET from scripting languages, web pages, web services, flash, and desktop and mobile applications

PHP Widget Control API - Access and control widgets using a PHP proxy script

Shell Script Widget Control API - Access and control widgets using Shell Scripting / Bash, Serial LCD control

Serial API - Access every byte of data received by a Serial Smart Board

Serial Web Services API - Connect micro-controllers to web services via ioBridge, stock quotes, network time, weather, data logging, and Google Calculator

Circuits

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:04:07 -0400

Circuits

Pull-Up Circuit

A digital input can use a pull-up resistor for true 1's and 0's and stop a pin from floating. All you need is a single resistor to make sure the digital input is either at 0v or 5v. Without the resistor, the input signal would float because it wouldn't actually be connected to anything when the switch is in the open state.

Note: The IO-204 module, Rev.C circuit includes 25k pull-up resistors on board.

Compatible Hardware

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:49:40 -0400

Compatible Hardware

EasyDAQ Relay Controllers

Microcontrollers

Arduino Microcontroller

Relays

PowerSwitchTail

Data Logging

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:17:35 -0400

Data Logging

Included for free with your user account is the ability to create four data logs per module that log digital and analog input at 10 to 60 minute intervals. You can set the frequency at which the data is log, view historical graphs, and download the log file.

Types of Logs and Requires Settings

Analog Input Logging

Log an analog input at a specific interval.

I/O channel settings
Channel Push Update Mode: Push Analog Input Value Periodically
Auto Message Period: greater than zero and less than or equal to the data log frequency

Analog Input Averaging

Average the analog inputs collected over a period of time. This is similar to Analog Input Logging except multiple data points received within a specific period will be averaged together and recorded as a single data point.

I/O channel settings
Channel Push Update Mode: Push Analog Input Value Periodically
Auto Message Period: greater than zero and less than or equal to the data log frequency

Digital Input Logging

Log a digital input at a specific interval.

I/O channel settings
Channel Push Update Mode: Push Digital Input State Periodically
Auto Message Period: greater than zero and less than or equal to the data log frequency

Digital Input Counting

Count the number of digital state transitions.

I/O channel settings
Channel Push Update Mode: Push Update on Digital State Change

Pulse Count Logging

Log the pulse count from a module channel via the digital input pin.

I/O channel settings
Pulse Count Type: Negative Edge Counting

Pulse Count Type: Positive Edge Counting

Pulse Count Type: Both Negative and Positive Edge Counting

Onboard Action
Add Rule »

Push Update Rule »

Pulse Count (Push at Interval and Reset Count) »

Select Channel »

Enter a push interval in seconds

Setup

To create a log, select the Modules tab and click “Add Log”. You get to choose the log type, module, channel, frequency, analog scale, and digital state options.

Viewing Data Log

Once your log starts to fill up with data you can view a chart and the ability to download the log from any given time period.

Function Boards

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:05:58 -0400

Function Boards

Function boards are small plug-in circuits that use an I/O channel in it's native I/O mode. The function board may use one or more signal lines (digital in, digital out, analog in). The module has no way of knowing which function board is plugged in and the usually the matching widget need to be tailored to suit the function. For example, when a Temperature Probe function board is attached, a user will need to set the Scaling for that channel's analog input to Temp F or Temp C. This will convert the normal raw value, 0 to 1023, in to a temperature that can be displayed.

Channel Tester (FB-1) - used to test all the I/O channel signal lines
Temperature Probe (FB-2) - measures temperature
DPDT Relay Board (FB-3) - actuates a relay from the digital output
Ambient Light Sensor (FB-4) - measures light
Terminal Board (FB-5) - provides screw-terminal style attachment points
Buzzer Board (FB-6) - emits a 2kHz tone at 85dB
Serial LCD (FB-7) - display messages using any serial connection

Installation

On the Modules tab, find your module and verify that the channel mode is set to “I/O” and connect function board to that channel. The default channel mode is “I/O” after a hard-reset.

ioBridge.com Interface

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:51:53 -0400

ioBridge.com Interface

The way you setup, monitor, and control your module is through the ioBridge Interface. The interface is accessible by web browser and mobile devices. SSL is used to secure connections back to the ioBridge server.

Link to ioBridge Interface: https://www.iobridge.com/interface

Sign Up

Once you have purchased one of the ioBridge Modules, you need an interface account to access your module. You will need a valid email address to sign up. Once you have an account, you link your module to the account to unlock all of the features of the interface for that device. There are some features that you can gain access to that does not require a module.

The default account is a free, standard user account. When premium services become available, your account can be upgraded to get access to the features.

https://www.iobridge.com/interface

Dashboard

Once you have signed in, the home screen is your Dashboard. From here you have secure access to the system and also you can show widgets and have direct links to your modules.

Navigation

Depending on your user access level, you will have a series of tabs across the top of your interface.

Here are the most section tabs of the ioBridge Interface:

Dashboard - customizable home screen for quick access to modules and widgets

Modules - table of your linked modules for access to configuration, monitoring, control, and linking new modules

Widgets - links to your created widgets for editing and the ability to create new widgets

Actions - access to your system actions and events and links to create new actions and add messaging accounts

Profile - find your account number, change email or password, and edit your ioBridge user information

Procedures

Linking a Module

If you have a new module, the first step is to link the module to your account. You will have to have physical access to the module and know the serial number.

Under the Module tab, click “Link Module”
Enter Serial Number (found on top label of module) and click “Next”
Press and hold the “Link” button on module and click “Next”
Enter the numbers that appear on the module

Password Recovery

One day you might forget your password and can't sign in to the interface. There is a password reset feature available to you. We can't recover your password, but we are able to reset your password. We do this by first sending you a confirmation email to the email address registered to the account. Then, you click on the confirmation link and a new password is sent to you.

On the Sign In Screen, click “Reset Password” on the right-hand side of the page.

Enter either your Account Email Address, User Alias, or Account Number and click “Send Reset Request”

Check your email and confirm the password reset request by clicking the link

Enter and confirm new password

Change your password

JavaScript

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:42:35 -0400

JavaScript

Integers

Some JavaScript commands require integers and not strings. The parseInt() function parses a string and returns an integer.

Here is an example:

distance = parseInt(distance);

Increment / Decrement Servo Position

If you want to create buttons or links to increment or decrement the current servo position, you can add some JavaScript to your application.

What you need is a Variable Servo Widget to start. Get the embed code and copy-and-paste it into the body of an HTML web page. You can hide the widget and use the JavaScript API to send positions to the widget.

In the following source code, replace the “widgetID” of “k7bgNMyCTW9b” with your actual “widgetID” of the variable servo position widget created on the ioBridge.com Interface.

<html>
<title>Servo Control Example</title>
<head>
 
<script type="text/javascript">
 
function moveServo(widgetID, direction, distance){
 
  distance = parseInt(distance);
  current = parseInt(widgetGetString(widgetID));
 
  if (direction == "CCW") {
       distance = current-distance;
  }
  else {
       distance = current+distance;
  }
 
   widgetSetString(widgetID, distance);
 
}
 
</script>
</head>
 
<body>
 
Click the arrow buttons to move the servo Clockwise or Counter-clockwise.
 
<br /><br />
 
<form><input type="button" Name="CounterClockWise" Value="<-" onClick="moveServo('m1tbq9qLgqFO', 'CCW', '40')"><input type="button" Name="ClockWise" Value="->" onClick="moveServo('m1tbq9qLgqFO', 'CW', '40')"></form>
 
<div id="ioWidgets" style="display:none;">
<script type="text/javascript">document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + "http://www.iobridge.com/widgets/io.js?m1tbq9qLgqFO' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));</script>
</div>
 
</body>
</html>

Special Characters

If you want to send special characters and bytes using JavaScript, use URL encoded characters.

For example, if you wanted to break a message into two lines with a carriage and linefeed, issue this JavaScript command:

widgetSetString('Q6Vs3RepsH6I','This is line 1.%0D%0AThis is line 2.');

The result will be:

This is line 1.

This is line 2.

%0D = carriage return

%0A = linefeed

Here is a table that lists all of the URL codes:

URL Codes

Additional Resources

JavaScript Widget Control API

Module Configuration

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:12:43 -0400

Module Configuration

The IO-204 is configured via a web browser supporting IE6+, Firefox, Opera, Chrome, and Safari on computers and mobile devices. Once a module is linked to your user account on ioBridge.com, you can access your module from the “Modules” tab.

From the configuration screen you can configure the module, view channel inputs, and control channel outputs.

Configuration of the module is three parts:

META Data - Latitude/Longitude, Labels, Tags

Module Settings - MAC Address, Host Name

Channel Settings - Channel Mode, Messaging Options, Failsafe, Triggering, Labeling, Scaling

Modules

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:54:05 -0400

Modules

ioBridge Modules are I/O routers that sit in a network allowing for control and monitoring of digital inputs, analog inputs, serial data, servos, relays, and digital outputs using web-based services and applications. ioBridge's flagship product is the IO-204 which was released commercially in November 2008. The technology behind the module is patent-pending and integrateable into third-party hardware ans systems.

IO-204 - Monitor and Control Module

The IO-100 and the IO-208 are modules intended for private and closed system networks and will not be discussed on our Wiki at this time. For more information about integration services, please contact ioBridge Support.

Additional Resources

ioBridge Support

ioBridge Store

Onboard Rules and Actions

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:40:42 -0400

Onboard Rules and Actions

Firmware version C4 for the ioBridge IO-204 module includes onboard program space for you to create rules and actions. The onboard rules and actions operate when the module is online or offline. They also let you create some very complex logic to control X10, servos, outputs, serial devices, etc without having a connection to a server. All of the “programming” is done thru web-based wizards on the ioBridge.com Interface.

Getting Started

Onboard Rules and Actions require that the module has the C4 firmware or better. To access the Onboard Rules and Actions for your module, follow these steps:

Sign into ioBridge.com at https://www.iobridge.com/interface

Select Actions

Choose the module you want to program under the Onboard Rules and Actions section

What is a Rule?

A rule is essentially an if/then statement. “If the temperature is too high, then turn on the fan.” You can break that rule down into two distinct parts: a condition and an action. Onboard rules for the IO-204 follow the same pattern. You can create multiple conditions and multiple actions under each rule. If there are multiple conditions for a rule, all the conditions must be true for the action(s) to be executed. In rules with multiple actions, all of the actions will be execute when the rule is true.

Adding Rules

To add a rule, click Add Rule on the Onboard Rules and Actions part of the ioBridge.com Interface.

The IO-204 support three types of rules:

Standard Rules - logic that is continually checked to be true

Periodic Rules - logic that is checked to be true periodically

Push Update Rules - logic that allows you to push updates to the server when true

Standard Rules

A standard rule is a set of conditions that are continually checked and when they are all true, the associated actions are executed.

Periodic Rules

A periodic rule is a set of conditions that are checked periodically and at that time if they are all true, the associated actions are executed.

Push Update Rules

A push update rule allows you to push updates to the server. The updates can contain the state of a digital input, the value of the analog input, and the pulse count of a particular module channel. Once the server has the updated value, you can created server-based actions to push messages to web services like email, RSS, Twitter, and web application APIs.

There six types of push update rules:

Analog Input (Push on Condition) - Push an analog input value to the server when the value hits a defined condition

Analog Input (Push at Interval) - Push an analog input value to the server periodically

Digital Input (Push on State Change) - Push the digital input state to the server when the digital input state changes

Digital Input (Push at Interval) - Push the state of a digital input to the server periodically

Pulse Count (Push at Limit) - Push the pulse count to the server when a limit is reached

Pulse Count (Push at Interval) - Push the pulse count to the server periodically

Adding Conditions

Once a base rule is added, you can add conditions to the rule by clicking “Add Condition” under the rule. A rule with no conditions is always true. You can add more than one condition and in this case all conditions must be true in order to execute the associated actions.

There are 6 conditions that you can add to a standard or periodic rule:

Digital Input - Base condition on status of a digital input (On / Off)

Digital Output - Base condition on status of a digital output (On / Off)

Analog Input - Base condition on analog value (0 - 1023)

Pulse Count - Base condition on pulse count (0 - 4294967295)

Variable Value - Base condition on variable value (0 - 255)

Module Status - Base condition on module status (Online / Offline)

Variables

Included in the onboard rules program space are four variables that you can set using the rules. Each variable is designated by a letter, namely A, B, C, D. Each variable can hold a number from 0 - 255. Use variables to check whether or not an action has executed. Variables also help coordinate conditions from multiple rules.

Adding Actions

Once a base rule is added, you can add actions to the rule by clicking “Add Actions” under the rule. You can add more than one action to a standard or periodic rule.

Any of the functions of the module can be an action. There are 8 differnt action types possible to add to standard or periodic rule:

Set Digital Output State

Set Pulse Count

Set Variable Value

Pulse Digital Output

Send Serial Out with Digital Output

Send Serial Out with Serial Smart Board

Set Servo Position

Send X10 Command

Synchronization

There is program space onboard the IO-204 module that stores the rules and actions that you create. You design the set of rules using the ioBridge.com Interface and when you are all finished, you then synchronize the rules to the module by clicking “Sync Rules”. The server responds with the percentage of the program space used when synchronization is successful. The interface warns you when the rules are out of sync - you want to sync after you have completed all of your changes. The module will display a ”-” briefly when it receives the new rules.

Clearing Rules from Module

To clear the actions from the module, click Clear Rules. This does not delete your rules but clears them from the module's memory space. The module will briefly display a ”-” when the module has cleared its rules.

Deleting Rules, Conditions and Actions

To delete a rule, condition, or action from the ioBridge.com interface, click the “X” and confirm that you want to delete that item.

Projects

Servo Controlled by Switch

This mini project involves moving a servo between two set positions based on the state of a button.

Part List

IO-204 - Monitor and Control Module with C4 firmware or better
Servo Controller Smart Board (SB-1)
Servo at ioBridge Store
Button or Switch

Procedure

Connect Servo Smart Board to an open channel
Set channel to Servo Mode
Connect servo to open servo smart board channel
Connect button to open channel set to I/O mode
Add standard rule
Add Digital Input and Variable Value conditions
Add Set Servo Position and Set Variable Value actions
Click Sync Rules

Rules Explanation

Rule 1: Conditions are true when the switch is off and variable is not equal to 0. The actions that execute are setting the servo to position 1000us and setting the variable to 0. This lets the rule only execute once vs. sending the position to the servo over and over. The position is set once since the we set the variable to 0.

* Rule 2: Conditions are true when the switch is on and the variable is not equal to 1. The actions that execute are setting the servo to position 2000us and setting the variable to 1. This lets the rule only execute once.

Router Watch Dog

The IO-204 knows if the network connection is up or down. You can created a very quick project that reboots your router when ever it locks up or signal an alarm when the module is offline.

Part List

IO-204 - Monitor and Control Module with C4 firmware or better
DPDT Relay Board (FB-3)
Buzzer Board (FB-6)

Procedure

Connect Buzzer board to Ch 2 set to I/O mode
Connect Relay board to Ch 1 set to I/O mode
Connect power lines of router through the relay board terminals
Add rules based on Module Status condition
Add Pulse Output actions to both the buzzer board and relay board channels
Click Sync Rules

Rules Explanation

Rule 1 - This will beep the buzzer every 10 seconds when the module is offline

Rule 2 - This rule will run every 120s when the module is offline. The action pulses the relay board for 10 seconds turning the router off for 10 seconds and then back on.

Projects and Tutorials

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:03:28 -0400

Projects and Tutorials

Our users from the ioBridge Community, have been fantastic about sharing their ideas and projects with others. We are excited to see the dynamic range of projects everything from beer pouring robots to iPhone controlled dog feeders. Our projects have been featured all over the Internet. On the Wiki, we will share some of the project to help you get started with ioBridge hardware and software.

iTurn - Servo Widget Control - Control ioBridge Widgets with Orientation of iPhone / iPod Touch

Serial Data Logging of RFID Tags - Reading RFID tags with the IO-204 and Serial Smart Board

Google Desktop Gadget - Create a gadget to display ioBridge widget info inside of a Google Desktop Gadget

Windows Gadget - Create a gadget to display ioBridge widget info inside of a Windows Desktop or Sidebar Gadget for Windows Vista and Windows 7

HomeWatch - iPhone App - Third-party iPhone app used to aggregate web cam video feeds with ioBridge Widgets

PowerSwitchTail - Safely control AC powered devices with a digital output pin

Resources

ioBridge Projects Blog

ioBridge Forum - Projects Section

Quick Start Guide

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:50:47 -0400

Quick Start Guide

So, you just got some hardware from ioBridge or perhaps you are wondering what you can do with the IO-204 Monitor & Control Module. On this section of the wiki, we are putting together quick start guides, projects, and ideas so you can get started quickly with ioBridge technology.

Getting Started Out of the Box

Connect Power Adapter

Connect to Network

Sign Up for ioBridge.com User Account

Sign In

Link Module

IO-204 Module Uses

The IO-204 does not require any additional function or smart boards to get started. You might already have electrical components, sensors, and microcontrollers that you want to control or monitor from a web interface or remotely. The module has 4 channels with standard pitch connectors like you would find on a breadboard. 22 AWG (gauge) wire works perfectly to connect to the IO-204 connectors.

The IO-204 is equipped with 4 channels. On each channel you have access to an Analog Input, Digital Input, Digital Output, +5VDC Power, and Ground. From this point you can connect sensors, switches, LEDs, buzzers, relays, serial LCD's, and microcontrollers directly to each channel. You can control a digital output (ex. LED light), digital input (ex. push button switch), and an analog input (ex. IR distance sensor) simultaneously on each channel.

Analog Input

Each I/O channel’s analog input pin is connected to a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter. The voltage input range is 0V to +5V. Avoid input above +5V or below 0V. If your sensor outputs a voltage between 0V to +5V - it is already compatible with the IO-204's channel.

ioBridge Temperature Sensor - Pre-made by ioBridge, measure temperature - trigger a relay to turn on when a temperature gets high

ioBridge Ambient Light Sensor - Pre-made by ioBridge, measure light level - get a TXT when your light turns on in your room

IR Range Sensor - Adafruit has an IR range sensor that detects distance 4” (10 cm) away and 32” (80 cm) away - voltage varies from +3V to +.4V respectively

Humidity Sensor - HIH-4000-001 - Measure humidity, get an email when it's time to fill your cigar humidor with water

Digital Input

Each I/O channel’s digital input pin is capable of accepting a digital signal of 0v (Off) and +5v (On). A digital input is useful for switches and “counting” - you can data log the number of times a switch opens and closes.

Magnetic Switch - Detect door and window closings with a magnetic switch

Digital Output / Serial Out

Each I/O channel’s digital output pin is capable of supplying a voltage level of 0v or +5v with a maximum current draw of 20mA per digital output. A digital output can drive LEDs, Relays, etc. The IO-204's digital output can also pulse on or off for a specified length of time or send serial data out. These functions are useful to control Garage Door Openers, send text to a microcontroller, serial LCD screen, and ZigBee / XBee wireless modules.

ioBridge Relay - Developed by ioBridge, control a 5A rated DPDT relay - control isolated motors, replace switches to control remotely

ioBridge Serial LCD - Use the serial out function to control a LCD screen, designed by ioBridge to support serial data and commands

SparkFun LEDs - Connect LEDs to blink when a visitor shows up on your website (use a resistor to protect your LED)

Digital Servo - Use the pulse out function to set a servo position on a digital servo - only pulse it once to set a position

Adafruit XBee Modules - Send serial data over a wireless connection using ZigBee / XBee radios

Smart Boards

The default channel mode for the IO-204 is “I/O” supporting Digital Input, Analog Input, and Digital Output. Each channel also supports a “Smart Mode” - which supports smart boards that extend the core functionality of the IO-204. You can control Servos, send X10 commands, and send and receive Serial data.

Smart Boards

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:29:33 -0400

Smart Boards

Introduction

An ioBridge Smart Board extends the functionality of the host module and provides more complex functionality than function boards.

The following smart boards are currently available:

Servo Controller Smart Board (SB-1)

X10 Smart Board (SB-4)

Serial Smart Board (SB-5)

There are other smart boards in development including Infrared and Frequency/Counting.

Installation

Installation with the ioBridge IO-204 Module involves two steps:

Connect the smart board to an open channel
Select the corresponding channel mode on the “Modules” tab of the Interface

Once the proper mode is selected, the module should restart and sync with the smart board. There is a green LED on the smart board. When the LED is illuminated, the smart board is connected to the module properly.

Configuration

Use the “Modules” tab on the interface to configure the settings for the smart board. Settings will vary by smart board type.

ioBridge Wiki

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:08:40 -0400

ioBridge Wiki

Welcome to the ioBridge Wiki. This wiki is intended to be a comprehensive resource for ioBridge developers and users regarding ioBridge hardware, software, and projects.

Hardware

Software and Web Services

Resources

Hot Topics

Tutorials

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:33:09 -0400

Tutorials

HomeWatch - iPhone App

Widgets

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 02:05:44 -0400

Widgets

Widgets are simple function script objects that either control outputs or monitor inputs. Widgets are used on the user's dashboard or can be dropped into a website using the embed code.

Javascript-based
Cross-browser compatibility
iPhone and Blackberry enhanced
Remote Controls
Monitoring

Here are the current widget types that you can create using the ioBridge.com Interface…

When your channel is set to “I/O Mode”:

* I/O Monitor - Shows the state or value associated with and I/O line

Analog Input - value is updated by periodic polling
Digital Input - state is updated by periodic polling
Digital Input (Real-time) - state is updated real-time, I/O channel messaging mode must be set to “Send Message on Digital State Change”
Digital Output - state is updated by periodic polling
Digital Output (Real-time) - state is updated real-time
Output Control - Toggle digital output for a channel on or off
Digital Output Pulse - Send a pulse at a specific pulse width either in milliseconds or microseconds
Serial Out - Send serial data out of the digital output

When your channel is set to “Servo Mode”:

Servo Single Position Control - Set a specified servo to a predetermined position
Servo Variable Position Control - Allow user to set servo position with input box

When your channel is set to “X10 Mode”:

X10 Control - Control power outlets and brightness setting with the X10 protocol

When your channel is set to “Serial Mode”:

Send Serial Message (Fixed Message) - Send predetermined serial message
Send Serial Message (Variable Message) - Allow user to send serial message with input box
Monitor Serial Messages (Real-Time) - Monitor a serial smart board in real-time

Create Widget

Widgets are created by following easy to follow wizards under your Widget tab by clicking “Create Widget”.

Show Widget on Dashboard

A widget can be added to a user's dashboard by clicking the ”+” sign by the widget.

Widget Embed Code

You can place the widget inline into your blog or website, by using the automatically generated embed code.

Here is an example embed code:

<script type="text/javascript">
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + "http://www.iobridge.com/widgets/io.js?Q6Vs3RepsH6I' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script>

Customizing Widgets with CSS

If you want to customize the look and feel of a widget with CSS for your website, select “Plain Text” as the style of your I/O monitor widgets. This option is under the widget editor.

The “Plain Text” style gives you the widget data as plain text inside of a <span> HTML element. This style also inherits styles that are on the page already.

Here are the two classes that you can customize:

Default class: ioData_(widgetID)

Mouse Over class: ioData_(widgetID)_over

Replace (widgetID) with the widgetID of the widget you want to stylize.

Example CSS for a widgetID of “xGTjqVMJvp”:

<style type="text/css">
 
    .ioData_xGTjqVMJvp {
 
        background-color: blue;
        font-size: 100px;   
 
    }
 
    .ioData_xGTjqVMJvp_over {
 
        background-color: green;
        font-size: 100px;     
    }
 
</style>

Customizing Widget Background

If you want to change the background color, add a background image, you can use CSS and the DIV tag. Simple wrap the widget with the DIV tag and set the style thru a style-sheet or embed styles into the tag.

Here is an example:

<html>
 
<head>
    <title>Widget Background</title>    
</head>
 
<body>
 
<div id="ioWidgets" style="background-color:red;">
    <script type="text/javascript">document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + "http://www.iobridge.com/widgets/io.js?SVTwVdVUZRg3' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));</script>
</div>
 
</body>
</html>

Additional Resources

JavaScript Widget Control API