Database Users

Can Himalayas control each other using bluetooth?

Hi,
I did ask about this on Networking but no replies. Think its more of a development issue.. there's potentially money to be made if someone comes up with a solution for this, I think, because of its film/tv industry applications....
I'm looking for a way to synchronize video playing on two Himalayas, presumably using Bluetooth. Although there are plenty of apps that let you control a media player on your pc using a Himalaya, I can't see anything that lets two phones control each other. Is it possible? It must be. I'm reasonably technically savvy (hardware and software) and am looking into developing something that does this, for my work in sound design and foley for films.... where having a mini, portable, silent-operating video player as a reference is a great advantage - nothing like that exists at the moment that has the capability for one person to control the video starting on another handheld player. Film industry has a lot of money to spend compared to consumers so a developer coming up with an app that does this might be able to market it!
Anyone interested in looking into this please post and I'll share the ideas, details etc that I've come up with so far...
Thanks!

Someone to write a program

I know this is for programmers only but since I am looking for a programmer I figured it would be okay for me to post this here.
MODS - If it belongs someone else then please feel free to move it...
I own a HTC Universal (Cingular 8125) and I am also a diver. For a few years I looked at various Palm based dive logging software (when I had a Palm) but never bought one because I like to write longish descriptions of the dive and didn't want to do that in Graffiti or bring both a Palm and a portable keyboard on a dive trip. The desire to minimize electronic gadgets (and weight) is also why I never bring a laptop along with me. However, with the 8125 I have one device that I can bring with that lets me watch movies on the plane, listen to music on the beach, check my e-mail if I find find a wifi hotspot, and has the full keyboard and can use as a phone since it is GSM!
That being said, most dive comptures have the capacity to download information about the dive (depth, temperature, etc) to a computer. This information is very useful when you combine it with a log since it allows you to see what is called your dive profile and if you have the right logging software you can then combie this profile with your comments and create a really neat electronic log book.
However, the logging software for my computer, and I believe most computers, will not download to my device to any device running WM5. I had pretty much given up and figured I would have to wait awhile until these silly companies ralized there was a demand for WM5 and hopfully created software so you could download your computer information directly into your phone. However I recently found this device http://reefnet.ca/products/sensus/ which is very different. It is more of a logger than a dive comuter in that you do not interact with it during the dive and it does not give you any guidance about dive limits. One of the biggest things that makes it different is that they, "realizes the benefits of publishing the technical details of its data recording devices. If you're a software developer, dive organization, or just curious, you may download our free Developer's Guides. In them we carefully detail everything you need to know to be able to download data from Sensus recorders. The Sensus Ultra Developer's Guide is AVAILABLE NOW!"
So what I was thinking is that someone might be able to create software for WM5 so that we could download the information directly into a Pocket PC. This could then perhaps be combined with a program like this
http://blackwave.com/products/DiveAssistantPocketPC/index.aspx or this http://www.dreamdives.org/en/products/products1.htm to create the full package.
I think this would be a killer app that could make someone a few bucks. All I would ask for would be a free copy. I will even do the testing for free. the only big hurdle that I know of, and why they currently do not support download to WM5 is that the downloader uses serial ports.
Here is the link to their developers guide
https://secure.reefnet.ca/downloads/public/doc/sensus_devguide_ultra.pdf
If any one has any questions please feel free to PM or e-mail directly at bigcatdiving at gmail dot com

dcdivenut: why do they sell Palm software? What does the Palm software do? Presumably it doesn't link directly to the logger? Although, IIRC, the Palm does have a kind of serial port built in.
Your biggest hurdle here clearly is the physical lack of a serial port.
Basically you've got a logger, and want to connect it to the phone? Converting the data into a universal format should be straight forward, most logging is done in clear and easy to manipulate text.
So, how do you get around the hardware limitation? You could wire together a serial to IRDA converter and blast the logs directly into the infra red port. But is that the kind of thing you want or need?
V

Or you could use a bluetooth to serial converter. It may actually be more stable and easier to use than IrDA.
J-Man5

vijay555 said:
dcdivenut: why do they sell Palm software? What does the Palm software do? Presumably it doesn't link directly to the logger? Although, IIRC, the Palm does have a kind of serial port built in.
Your biggest hurdle here clearly is the physical lack of a serial port.
Basically you've got a logger, and want to connect it to the phone? Converting the data into a universal format should be straight forward, most logging is done in clear and easy to manipulate text.
So, how do you get around the hardware limitation? You could wire together a serial to IRDA converter and blast the logs directly into the infra red port. But is that the kind of thing you want or need?
V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I !think! the palm software allows you to download directly to the Palm via the serial port.
As far as an infrared port to get the data into the PC that is more or less exactly what I am looking for. Here is a long discussion on a scuba forum that involves a programmer from the company that might gove some additional information.
http://scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=140213&highlight=sensus+ultra
I guess there are two challenges
1. Getting the data from the logger to the device either via some sort of serial/USB converter or serial/IRDA converter. I found this out there which would "seem" to work http://www.usbgear.com/IR-210S.html
2. Then having a program to take that data and with a decent GUI turn it into something displayable a la the palm and windows software on their website. Then possibly taking it a step further and integrating that into "dive log" software so that in addition to the profile information gathered from the logger you can record where you were, who you were with, what you saw, what equipment you had, etc. a la the blackwave or sharkpoint software.

Why not try styletap to run the palm software on the pocketpc windows mobile?
J-Man5

[ ]Video Security - Can i be a remote spy???

so i have been thinking about my homes security and i have some questions...
i have collected quite a few expensive gadgets and they need protection!
So, i have been tinkering with my **** logitech orb web cam and it now supports motion detection. now call me crazy but i would like to be able to receive on my diamond, the video that has been recorded by a motion detection enabled web cam set up in my home. i'm trying to get my logitech web cam to save on my HP media smart server, running windows home server, not default on my laptop, and be notified by either sms that there is new video on my server or the video itself sent to my diamond. i would also like to be able to connect remotely to my laptop and be able to activate the camera software from a desktop link or something like that.
now i swear this is diamond related in the fact that i would like to use the device as a controller.
i have not used remote desktop on my diamond yet, i could not get it working.
i'm not sure if this is a app request, idea, or util so ill follow the forum template rules once this thread takes shape.
please shed some light on how one could make this happen. i think it could be useful to all of us, at home or place of business or your just want to bust your stupid parents snooping around your room.

so you are looking for an app that does the following:
act as webcam streaming server, but only when motion is detected, and when it does detect motion, it must notify you via sms, plus: you need a simple app for youre diamond to vie the stream..
i dont think I would be able to do this, but if you can clarify exacly what you want thinking WITH you is more easy...
on the other hand, i am sure the pc part has already some usefull apliactions wich are able to act as a server. but im not sure about the notification sms..
it would be ideal if that sms contained a link that you follow to open youre browser to view the stream...
what i know what is possible, there are apps for the pc that record video and send it via e-mail...
just use google for webcam security..
maybe there are pplz around here that can adapt software for u...
but i u seach im sure there are apps out there wich can do that... the only app you need is a browser capable of viewing video streams..

Would be good an app who detect movement, and then make several actions:
- Upload a photo/video on an FTP
- Save photo/video
- Play an AUDIO alarm
- Send an mms with the photo/video
- Send a warning sms
- Make a call (and let you listen what's happening)
....all when Movement is detected via the pda camera

Improvise
What you are trying to accomplish is mostly already possible. You'll need to do some research and some creative thinking to get it to work though. You will most likely not get an all-in-one solution to this issue.
It sounds to me like the motion detection and subsequent video capture is already taking place via the software you have installed for your web cam.
Basically you need two things: A way to be notified of a new video file and a way to view it.
I'm not aware of any existing application which will send an email (which can arrive as an SMS) based on a new file being created in a directory, but as a programmer I can asure you there's not much to it.
There are however many solutions which would allow you to view a video file on your WM device from you computer at home and remote desktop is not the way to go here. Your best bet is probably good old http since most video applications will handle "streaming" to file to you as you watch. You'll need to familiarize yourself with IIS (Internet Information Server; I'm assuming you're using Windows) and create a "virtual directory" pointing at the folder where the video files arrive. You'll also need to take the necessary steps to open port 80 so that your computer at home can host via http (this means configuring your router and your computer's firewall). Once this is done just pick your favorite video player and choose "open URL" or something similar and type in http://YourExternalIP/YourVirtualDirectory/YourVideoFile.
I'll leave it up to you to figure out how to best make yourself aware of new files.

As LucidObscurity says there already are several solutions available to this through the combination of existing discrete applications, although .
My setup does does what you desire although goes quite a bit further so it may be overkill for your requirements. However, as food for thought it may still be of interest. It consists of:
- A series of Panasonic BL-C1 IP cameras distributed around my house (running on the wired house network, although wireless versions are available) - these are quite discrete cameras and don't have the typical 'camera look' hence are aesthetically compatible with partners, guests etc (most people I've pointed them out to hadn't noticed them and then didn't believe they were cameras)
- The motion detection/analysis software ZoneMinder - the 'brains' - this monitors the cameras, detects motion (in zoned areas) and records the events as required (it buffers the images so you can capture what happened before the trigger too)
- The SMS tool MercurySMS (and VGSMail gateway) used to alert me via text when motion has been detected (the texts contain various event-related details/stats and a link to the recording)
- A handful of other scripts used for small housekeeping tasks e.g. scheduling the starting/stopping of the system, realtime offsite backup of recorded material (there's no point me capturing a thief on video if he then goes an nicks my PC!), etc
- My Diamond, or any other device with a web browser, used to interface with the system - controlling/configuring it, accessing live/recorded video etc. A web front end is essential in my opinion - you don't want to tie access down to a single platform/device.
Whilst it's not a setup that is up-and-running out of the box now that's it's fully configured it works well - very well. False alarms are practically nill and it doesn't miss a thing. Remote access via the web is powerful and as simple/complicated as you want - on holiday my girlfriend regularly fires up the quick 'snapshot' montage to keep an eye on our cats (we do have a dedicated 'catcam' monitoring the catflap so we can see the history of who came in/out and when).
I'm sure there are some all-in-one solutions available but they likely come at a cost and perhaps do not have the power and flexibility of a modularised solution - it'd be worth seeing what's available though.
Mathew

thanks for all your replies. great read.
i just want all my systems, Windows Home Server, Vista Home Pro and WM6.1 to come together. i will take a look into the apps you have linked to and see whats what.
i already have the ability to record with motion detection. when a new file is created in a folder on my home server, i want to be notified and linked to or streamed. i have remote access to my file via browser [ blazeitup123.homeserver.com ]. i can't get the logitech software to actually save to the server because it says i dont have the rights. i'll try and fix that tonight after dinner, but saving to the server is very improtant because my laptop could be stolen and then the whole setup was pointless. i want to incorperate my diamond into this process as much as possible, like with the remote activation and so on.

Wooow this is one of the coolest threads I read in a long time.
Although I'm not as advanced as some of the members regarding computing, I was thinking:
-Cam software streaming to remote address.
-When motion is detected, cam starts recording, thus creating movement in the remote address.
-When new connection(movement) is detected, you activate a new RSS feed.
-You get RSS notification on phone.
-Connect to remote address and check the stream.
What about:
A spy cam on the Diamond, I mean that you could hide your phone somewhere and point it at a certain spot you want to view. Then remotely access the phone and view the live stream?
Since the phone is so small its an easy hide.
Greetings to all and luck in all your great projects!

you should actually look here...
http://www.incax.com/

Looks good. I've also found Wapcam
(Seems to alert via e-mail to you could use either push e-mail or an email-to-SMS gateway for instant alerts)
Mathew

shogunmark said:
you should actually look here...
http://www.incax.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looks like great software. ill try the trail and it only 20 dollars to buy . seems very simple to. i want something more server based because my laptop would be the first thing out the door.

Security
Blazeitup123 said:
looks like great software. ill try the trail and it only 20 dollars to buy . seems very simple to. i want something more server based because my laptop would be the first thing out the door.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps you should invest in a big dog.

I m using this one:
http://www.accordiva.com/
U have there SecuRanger 2 Support 4 video channels
or one Camera only: SecuExpress 2
SecuExpress 2
both come with WM application for remote / viewing etc..

Take a look at orb.com. It has the ability to sms or email you if it detects movement. You could then connect to your home webcam through the phone's' browser.

...a good spy, like a 007 , should be able to SPY also without his PC
The only one that i've found is Invisible Shooter... for symbian os there are a lot of those apps (no pc needed), but for the pda there aren't many... (see the post #3)

Sweet App Idea

Now I haven't done a ton of development, only real basic stuff only to tinker and learn, but I had an idea for what I would imagine would be a pretty sweet app for WM Phones.
An XBox Interface Application, that would offer a bunch of features for people with XBox Live. What I was thinking was:
Ability to see XBL buddy list
Ability to read and respond to mail
Ability to use the keyboard on the phone to communicate with people on XBL (like the little MS keyboard for XBL)
Ability to use the phone as a "headset", to talk to people on XBL out loud
Access the XBL Marketplace, to purchase items to be downloaded to your XBox the next time it connects (as you can do over the internet now)
I was thinking that it would interface to the XBox using Bluetooth, as I believe that is what their controllers use to talk right now. I think MS could throw their weight behind it and develop this App as it could probably convince some people to look at WM phones over competitors. I don't care about iFart apps, I just want good usable apps that people will want!
And sorry if this is the wrong section to post. It seemed correct to me, but if it isn't please move and I won't be a repeat offender!
Jason

Some of those can be achieved (viewing achievements, buddies), but i dont think that you could use your device as a keyboard without modifying the software on the xbox too (doing that probably gets you banned from XBL). Voice chat would be impractical as you would have to hold the phone whilst playing, which is why a headset is a better idea.
Maybe you can look for it in windows 7, but for the time being, i would suggest just bookmarking the MS website where i beleive you can log in and do everything except use the device as a keyboard or voice chat.

i Like the heaset idea, but it would be better if your not there and can join a party and talk to them while your not at your console.

Another awesome idea:
Make my phone cook for me
Too bad both my idea and your idea can't happen.

I dunno, I think Microsoft could make it work if they decide to put it to the effort. And what I meant by the voice chat is having the phone wirelessly connected to the XBox, then using a headset attached to the phone to voicechat on (since I have all of these old handfree kits floating around that I rarely use, they fall out too easily when I'm walking my dogs, but while sitting there playing rockband I could get one of those to stay in).
Jason

[MOD REQUEST] launcher-type "dashboard" via gamepad?

Wow, I haven't been on XDA forums since forever!
Sorry if this is not in the right thread, but I really am not sure where to start for this, but XDA-Developers is an awesome and active community, and you guys usually get the job done. If no one here can help, perhaps someone could point me in the right direction of a website or forum to request for this sort of thing?
Ok, What I am looking for is someone willing to create a program that acts as sort of a launcher/dashboard type thing for windows. This program would basically be launched at the push of a button, and allow for a customizable set of options to appear anywhere within windows, most notably in games, and to be navigated via controller. I am thinking of something similar to the Xbox 360 controller's "guide" button, or PS3's "PS" button. both bring up a menu with options for convenience, and I am surprised to have not found anything like this for PC Gamers. I personally have an HTPC setup where my machine is hooked up to my tv, and having this sort of feature would be a great addon for my setup!
So basically, pressing the "home button" on said controller, would bring up a pop up menu, allowing options such as launching a customized program/utility/etc (perhaps a quick way to launch steam, or even steam big picture mode); being able to shutdown, restart, or even sleep PC; shutting off controller (if its a wireless controller of course); or even an option to reassign controller inputs, similar to how PS3 allows (probably again specifically for wireless controllers); or even allowing quitting of the currently running game/program. Of course these are just some options that could be done, as I'm sure others could think of even better ideas than myself.
Obviously, I know nothing about programming myself, so I have no real skill to do this sort of thing, but if a developer or someone willing were to be able to make something like this, and it work pretty good, id be more than happy to donate to the person. I know PC gamers can be vastly different from one another, so someone else's need (including myself) would probably seem rather silly and pointless to another. Im sure desktop gamers would not find much use for this. But then again I think there are others that would, and I personally think HTPC gamers specifically would appreciate a program like this. Again, I don't know much about programming, but I would assume creating a simple but customizable pop up menu would not be too difficult. I think the hardest part would be finding the function call for the xbox guide button, and whatever commands to call to turn off said controllers. But creating options like custom program launcher, shutting off pc, etc, are probably a lot easier. I personally use PS3 controllers via Bluetooth, but they just emulate a xbox 360 controller on my pc, so I think my only difference would be a command specific to PS3 controllers to turn off said controller.
Anyone else think this is a good idea? I've asked several of my gaming peers whom all seem to agree this would be a cool idea to be able to have. This could technically bring a more console-like experience to PC gaming as well. If no one here is interested, or able to help, I would much appreciate anyone willing to direct me to another website or forum that possibly could help me? Much thanks guys! Let me know what you think.

Any takers? Anyone? Someone at least give me an idea of where else I could go to request something like this? thanks

I don't think there is a way to intercept the guide button being pressed on an Xbox controller easily, but steam big picture somehow does it so it must be possible.
Otherwise it wouldn't be the hardest thing in the world to do.

There's a program called "xboxext" by a djpety that utilizes the guide button by popping up a window allowing you to turn off your Xbox controller.
I haven't had any luck in getting a reply from him, but it seems he has managed to figure out how to get the guide button to work. Apparently its an undocumented API call, which is probably the same thing big picture mode in steam uses.
Either way, if someone were able to create this particular utility using another button, it would be a great start. Long term goal would be to allow function via guide button, but it could be any button for the time being.

Hmmm.... Anyone?