OK, I am trying to craft an interface in XML that lets me control features in home automation devices. The problem I keep running into is the proprietary nature of most of these devices (X11 for instance) that generally seem to require specific applications, and ONLY specific applications to control said devices.
I am trying to develop a "smart home" system where I can completely build the user interface in XML. The XML part I got. The display/control interface I got. What I don't have is the part that goes in between the display interface and the devices, which resides on the server and (basically) provides a bunch of 'hooks' for transferring data and switches from the XML interface.
So, I am still in the planning stages. I plan on running my experiments with an old touch screen PAR register I came across in my travels to be used as a control surface, and a *ux server behind it to actually control the devices, both of which I already have. I can run any known operating system on either (except for MacOS on the PAR register) I have not yet procured any kind of software, or the devices themselves, so I am open to new directions away from what i have already planned if needs be.
Would somebody be willing to postulate, advise, or brainstorm on equipment/software/systems/etc I will need to look at for accomplishing this grand scheme?
In the long run, I plan on running a 1U rackmounted server in a back closet, connected to small wireless control pads running basic XML browser and touch screen around the house. The 1U server will not only run the automation, but will also channel all digital services into the house, act as a local DHCP, local mail server, local usenet server, local file server, and so on. Another 1U unit will eventually run the home media server. All that is at the moment besides the point, however, I am trying to work out the details of the automation. |
