DashBoard is a free and open platform from Ross Video for facility control and monitoring that enables users to quickly build unique, tailored Custom User Interfaces that make complex operations simple. Its ability to craft application specific solutions across this breadth of products is what makes DashBoard so special. The power of DashBoard is that it can be tailored to control a large array of devices using standard protocols supported on a PC – IP, Serial, OSC (Open Sound Control) etc. So while DashBoard was originally developed to control broadcast equipment there is no reason it cannot also be used to manage and control other non-broadcast devices. You may also choose to integrate sensors into your designs, motion control, gestures, etc.

The challenge here is to use DashBoard to create a user experience in the STEM main floor. DashBoard will be the user interface, but the device(s) under control and the functionality that will be controlled will be up to you.

The devices in scope for the challenge can either be ones with or without existing protocol interfaces.

If a device already has a protocol interface (e.g. via SOAP, http, REST, IR repeaters etc) then a wrapper can be implemented in DashBoard to control it. If the device you want to control does not have electronic interface you can also consider using some sort of intermediary device (i.e. an arduino or raspberry pi) that can be controlled by DashBoard which will then physically interact with the ultimate end device(s) you want to control. A simple example would be an old-fashioned toaster. Most toasters are not wifi enabled and so don't have a way to be controlled directly through DashBoard. You could, however, create a robotic lever depressor that would push down the plunger on a toaster. It would just have to have a micro-processor with the ability to connect to DashBoard.

In the spaces of the first floor of STEM there are many aspects that can be automated. For example a surveillance system for theft prevention, a reminder system to warn users how much time is left in the day or to sign in could be useful in many spaces. The Makerspace would be more efficient with a laser monitoring system to know when it is busy and a system that can accurately measure the angle for bending sheet metal or a 2D plotter to mark hole locations would be of great help in Brunsfield or MTC.

Your task would be to make a useful and fun experience for users in STEM while thinking about creating a simple and user friendly interface with DashBoard that will interact with the physical world.

See the DashBoard product webpage for more information:

https://www.rossvideo.com/products-services/management-systems/automated-production-control/dashboard/

The DashBoard platform can be downloaded at:

https://www.rossvideo.com/support/software-downloads/dashboard/

https://www.rossvideo.com/support/software-downloads/dashboard-beta/

There is a support community for DashBoard users at the link below. Note that you will have to create a user account to be able to access the forum, but it will be worth it!

https://support.rossvideo.com/hc/en-us/community/topics/360001072612-DashBoard