Motivation
Different peripheral Bluetooth-devices require specific user-interfaces which are tailor-made for the particular hardware of the device. Therefore a purpose-made app is required for each device.
The idea behind the LaRoomy app is to create a tool that can be used for various types of devices with different characteristics.
The LaRoomy app provides a dynamic user-interface and is able to adapt to the capabilities of a particular device. The creation and provisioning of a specific app for a device is not necessary and the implementation and control via Bluetooth can be provided quickly and efficiently.
Concept
Each device serves a specific purpose. Some devices are used to control lighting, others display measured values such as battery voltage or temperature. Whether it is the stepless control of a motor, the setting of a certain operation mode or the display of log data, all this represents a certain feature of the device. Consequently, in the LaRoomy concept, all capabilities of a device are called device properties.
If a device is to be designed for use with the LaRoomy app, certain device properties can be defined, which will be queried when the connection is established. Once the loading process is complete the properties are shown and the user can interact with it.
In order for a device to be used in conjunction with the LaRoomy app, the LaRoomy connection protocol must be implemented. By implementing the LaRoomy transmission protocol, every device with Bluetooth-GATT connectivity can be used in conjunction with the LaRoomy app. The implementation of the protocol could be done from scratch, which involves a lot of development effort. The documentation for the protocol can be accessed here.
It is easier to use a framework that was created specifically for this purpose. This framework is called the LaRoomy Api. It takes responsibility for the whole connection and transmission process.
The framework is available for various platforms and development environments.
Insights
Various device properties can be used with the laroomy app. They can be used as standalone property to fit the general purpose they are made for. But they could also be combined to property groups to cover a very specific purpose. Combining them enables a high versatility in remote control options.
