Solving slowdowns in the Depth Controller web interface

– Mike Bourgeous

Lately I've been working on adding some new features to the Depth Camera Controller. Unfortunately, I found that with these new features and xAP enabled, the controller's frame rate would gradually decrease, its responses would become significantly delayed, and eventually the entire system would grind to a halt.

With a bit of profiling I discovered that the controller's web server was spending all its time in the xAP support code, specifically the Treetop-based xAP parser.

HOWTO Video: Turn the Automation Controller into a Serial Port Server

– Mike Bourgeous

I've created a new video demonstrating how to use a Nitrogen Logic Automation Controller as a single-port or multi-port serial-to-Ethernet adapter.  The Automation Controller's ability to handle multiple USB-to-RS-232 (or RS-422 or RS-485) adapters and TCP/IP network connections allows it to replace expensive serial port servers in new system designs and expand I/O on existing systems, while still leaving ample headroom for running custom automation logic.

New Automation Controller Firmware

– Mike Bourgeous

I've just finished a new build of the Nitrogen Logic Automation Controller firmware.  This new version, 0.8.9, adds several fixes and new features.  There is a corresponding update for the Palace Designer software as well.

New Depth Camera Controller Firmware - xAP Support

– Mike Bourgeous

I'm pleased to announce a new firmware version for the Nitrogen Logic Depth Camera Controller.  This new version adds support for the xAP Basic Status and Control protocol.  When xAP is enabled, the Depth Camera Controller will announce changes in each zone's occupied state via xAP on UDP port 3639.  xAP protocol support allows the basic functionality of the Depth Camera Controller to be used with existing home automation systems that support xAP (e.g. HomeSeer).

One Customer's System

– Mike Bourgeous

One of Nitrogen Logic's customers sent in this video of what he's doing with his Nitrogen Logic system.  It's a work in progress, but he's already using his Nitrogen Logic controller and the Palace Designer software to control his lights with the Kinect.  The lights are connected to "Klik aan klik uit" switches, controlled using an Arduino Nodo connected to the Nitrogen Logic controller.


On SOPA, PIPA, and Internet Censorship

– Mike Bourgeous

You might not think that a hardware/software company like Nitrogen Logic would care about a web-focused set of laws like the Stop Online Piracy Act and PROTECT IP Act in the US House of Representatives and Senate.  However, we all depend on a thriving and free Internet for commerce and learning.  Laws like SOPA and PIPA would have a chilling effect on user participation on the Internet as well as new startups.  They would also send a message from the USA to the rest of the world that it's OK to censor the web.  As such, Nitrogen Logic will be joining the Jan. 18th blackout in protest of SOPA, PIPA, and similar laws.  If you visit the Nitrogen Logic site on or around Jan. 18th, 2012 you will see a message about the proposed laws with links to more information.

What would make your automation system rock?

– Mike Bourgeous

Since I have far more ideas than time to implement them, I'm asking you to help prioritize them.  You can help shape Nitrogen Logic's products into the system of your dreams by answering the questions below.  Any feedback provided will be greatly appreciated.

The survey is now closed. Thanks to those who participated.