Help with loads/eventghost, for changing cable TV channels

[fudgeypants]

I have eventghost set up with USB-UIRT with a key sequence for each channel.

I am using EventGhostSend (keystroke) to eventghost, where that keystroke executes and IR blast for that channel.

I need to be able to set up a command that works like this.

System Cable Change Channel 0-9 0-9 0-9.

So essentially the command needs to capture the entire channel, for examplle 31, and then be able to instruct Eventghost to send a 3, and a 1 in sequence.

Is this possible to do with loads? If so can someone provide an example?

I am working on this for a paralyzed person, who is in bed full-time, so am interested in getting this working.

Today he has to say "System change channel 3" "System change channel 1" to put the channel on 31, for example.

[jitterjames]

Yes, absolutely this can be done.  You can also specify channels by name.

Can you please post the XML you are currently using for both VoxCommando and event ghost, and I will modify and send something back to you.

We can also use team viewer and I can assist you directly.  Given that you are helping someone who is paralyzed, I am at your disposal.

What range of channels are you accessing?

[fudgeypants]

Thanks James,

Both files are attached. They aren't fully cleaned up. I'll do a solid write up when I've got it tuned out, so others might benefit. I'm not sure how many people are out there like my bro (quadrapalegic), but I'm glad you built this software instead of me learning to code to get it working with WSR.

I just need some examples. I'm betting I could solve part of it with learning eventghost a bit more, but it would be nice if I could solve it with Voxcommando. For example, if possible, send the entire load (e.g. channel 113), and then have eventghost fire off 1,1,3 in sequence. I'm not sure what is the best angle to solve it.

Another issue I've had is I programmed a list of volume up/down commands.

Tv Volume up 10, etc... While I was able to get the volume bumped correctly on my Samsung TV, his seems slightly different. Is there a specific amount of data transmitted in each IR blast? I'm guessing I'd have to figure out the exact amount of data blasted/required, and tailor the repeat count basted on that formula. Any advice is appreciated there. I can't allow it to scroll slowly and then quit with a stop command. Too risky because the volume could hit 100, and he'd have no way to drop it down due to the audio overpowering his mic commands.

Regards

[jitterjames]

I'll try to send you something to test tomorrow.  We are actually heading out soon to commence New Years Eve festivities.

Usually with the IR blasting in EventGhost the repeats are used to make sure the signal gets through once.  So to increase volume 4 times, you would send the command 4 times with whatever repeat is required to make it increase the volume by one.  This would be done 4 times, with a short pause between each set.  Typically a repeat of 2 or 3 works on my MCE blaster to raise the volume once but I guess it will vary from one TV to another and might be different on USBUIRT.

What I suggest is that you figure out the minimum repeats to raise the volume by 1 reliably using eventGhost.  Then trigger that volume-up EventGhost event multiple times from VoxCommando.  This can be done by using a payload and putting {1} in the repeat field for the action in the LCB editor.  I'll send you an example of this tomorrow along with whatever I come up with for changing the channels.

I think you forgot to tell me what the range of channels is that you brother will need access to.  Do they go from 1 to 300, for example?  Would he also like to be able to call his favourite channels by name, without having to remember the channel number?

[jitterjames]

Try to replace your TV group with this one.  Look at the volume up and down commands.

I am using a payload range, and looping.  The commands will loop {1} times and each time it will delay by 100 milliseconds.  You may need to adjust this to get the best results.  You will also need to adjust the repeats in EventGhost to the minimum.  Try with only 1 or 2 repeats and see if it works.

I have to go for today...  Good luck with this part for now.

Your brother is lucky to have you!

Happy New Year to both of you. 

[fudgeypants]

Yep. Just noticed I dodged that Q. I believe it's 1-300, but can verify. I'll take a look at what you attached when I free up.

[jitterjames]

Here we go.  Let me know if you have any questions.  You can remove all your old channel commands in VC and then import this group.

You don't need to change anything in EventGhost.

[fudgeypants]

Hi James,

Sorry for the slow reply. I just got it tested/tuned on my system, and will fire it up on his this weekend. The payload ranges work great. Thank you for the assistance.

[fudgeypants]

I got this working. Only adjustment I needed was changing the delay on the volume up/down loop to 500ms to work with USBUIRT/Eventghost properly.

Thanks for the help, James.

Out of curiosity, is there any information out there on the most uncommon or least likely sounds/words to be accidentally misinterpreted from the environment? For my brother, leaving the Mic/Voxcommando on is a must, and using more complex sentences can cut down the misinterpretation from environmental sources.

He's paralyzed at C6-7, which means totally quadriplegic, but with the ability to use arms (but no hands). I'm wondering if I can get a Microsoft Kinect, and tie it into eventghost somehow so that if he waves his arm, he can turn off on/off the microphone, and shut down the TV volume. Do you know if that or something similar is possible?

If he had a gesture kill switch, I could shorten the voice commands, and incorporate many more useful functions, like surfing youtube, and some basic computing.

[Kalle]

I got this working. Only adjustment I needed was changing the delay on the volume up/down loop to 500ms to work with USBUIRT/Eventghost properly.

Thanks for the help, James.

Out of curiosity, is there any information out there on the most uncommon or least likely sounds/words to be accidentally misinterpreted from the environment? For my brother, leaving the Mic/Voxcommando on is a must, and using more complex sentences can cut down the misinterpretation from environmental sources.

He's paralyzed at C6-7, which means totally quadriplegic, but with the ability to use arms (but no hands). I'm wondering if I can get a Microsoft Kinect, and tie it into eventghost somehow so that if he waves his arm, he can turn off on/off the microphone, and shut down the TV volume. Do you know if that or something similar is possible?

If he had a gesture kill switch, I could shorten the voice commands, and incorporate many more useful functions, like surfing youtube, and some basic computing.

Hi fudgeypants, you can use the prefix mode in VC, so you must say for each command a prefix before VC execute the command.
Example: prefix "computer" -> command "switch TV on"
Take a look in the "Options->Generals tab" to setup the prefix-mode.
A other solution is a remote from www.amuletdevices.com that use a tilt "lift" function to activate the mic and switch VC in "ON-mode". Here is a very good review from James with a youtube video http://voxcommando.com/forum/index.php?topic=324.0

I hope it helps
Kalle

[jitterjames]

Out of curiosity, is there any information out there on the most uncommon or least likely sounds/words to be accidentally misinterpreted from the environment? For my brother, leaving the Mic/Voxcommando on is a must, and using more complex sentences can cut down the misinterpretation from environmental sources.

He's paralyzed at C6-7, which means totally quadriplegic, but with the ability to use arms (but no hands). I'm wondering if I can get a Microsoft Kinect, and tie it into eventghost somehow so that if he waves his arm, he can turn off on/off the microphone, and shut down the TV volume. Do you know if that or something similar is possible?

If he had a gesture kill switch, I could shorten the voice commands, and incorporate many more useful functions, like surfing youtube, and some basic computing.

There is no such info.  Really short phrases obviously are at a higher risk.  Prefix mode can help a lot as Kalle suggests.  I think results will vary from one person to the next, one mic to the next, and one configuration to the next.  There are so many variables.  Obviously a command like "up" is going to get triggered all the time by most any kind of sound.  The best way to avoid false positives though is with a good noise canceling microphone as close to your mouth as possible.

I would not bother with Kinect unless you can get one for free to play with, and have a lot of time to kill.  For one thing, it doesn't really work unless you are standing... also the microphones on Kinect are crap.

I think the best thing to do in your case would be a big red button type of thing.  If you are using usbuirt anyway, I bet you could rig something up by modifying an existing remote control or by buying some kind of RF remote and finding a way to make the button easier to push just by moving your arm or even head.  There are most likely some existing products of this type that could be modified to work with a PC somehow.  Sorry I don't have any specific experience here but I am happy to help you pursue the subject if you can provide me with more information about what you think would work best.  One think I can tell you is that with USBUIRT and eventghost you can turn VC on and off, with any IR remote and the customization possibilities are vast.

What kind of microphone are you using?  For someone that is immobile anyway, I think a headset is the best option, or a mic that is within one or two feet of his mouth, possibly using a USB extension cable if needed to reach the PC.

[jitterjames]

Depending on your budget you can probably find something perfect at this or a similar site:

http://www.enablemart.com

[jitterjames]

or you could probably modify a joystick etc.

[fudgeypants]

Thanks guys.

I'm super busy as usual, but will try what is mentioned here when I have more time.

[fudgeypants]

Hi all. I'm back working on this again. Could I modify a click button on a USB mouse without affecting the function of the primary mouse on the computer? I've been looking for economical programmable USB buttons, and there is very little for sale. I could buy something way overpriced from enablemart, or possibly modify a footpedal. A mouse would be easiest if I can differentiate it with the mouse hooked up to the PC.

I've got one of those half decent cheap logitech USB Desktop Microphones that hangs from the ceiling. I'm looking for a way to mount a spare mouse, or button to kill the mic or kill the volume.

Question on Vox. Is it possible to set up command dependencies? For example, could I disable page up/page down unless the system menu command was initiated within the last 10 seconds?

Dependency constraints could easily minimize false positives.