Resources

Resources

Every component of a system is mapped to a resource.

All resources have the following parameters:

  • Zone: Where the resource belongs. This is used for setting up BeoLiving Intelligence and for generating user interfaces.
  • Name: Resources should be given a name for easy identification.
  • Type: The types of resource available depends on the actual system. For example, a button, a dimmer or an A/V product.
  • Address: A unique identification of the resource. The actual format depends on the system.

The most convenient way of adding resources is by using the capture functionality. All recent activitiy on a system is recorded by BeoLiving Intelligence, and the Capture button will show that activity.

Selecting a resource on the capture list will automatically add it to the table of defined resources.

Most systems support the capture functionality.

Standard resource types

While each system has its own features and details, most resources from all supported systems fall into a few groups: buttons, dimmers, shades, thermostats, etc.

BeoLiving Intelligence defines a set of standard resources with a basic functionality.

For example, a standard button supports PRESS, HOLD and RELEASE actions plus a status indication (an LED that can be ON or OFF).

Some systems can extend the standard button to provide extra features.

The purpose of having standard resource types is that there is a common set of features shared by most supported systems.

This standardization allows to set up generic macro programming; for example:

  • When a button named “LIGHT” is pressed in any zone,
  • Set the dimmer named “MAIN” on that same zone to 90% intensity.

The home may have several heterogeneous lighting systems. Having a common feature base (for buttons and dimmers in this example) allows to program actions for all the house with just a single macro.

This is called Generic Programming.

Importing resources

Some drivers allow to import resources from a project file.

In these cases, an Import Resources button is available at the bottom of the resources screen.

This button will open up a dialog with an option to select a project file to import, and then a list of all imported resources.

The resources read from the file must then be added into zones. First select a zone and then click on the Add option for all desired resources.

If the table is too long, use the filter field for easier searching.