The App-to-App component

Connect multiple devices and control one or more screens remotely using the App-to-App component, which works via a server that can be online or offline.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and PandaSuite webhook are two options for connecting devices. However, the App-to-App component is the most reactive and powerful to send and receive information between devices.

For example, an Android smartphone can be used to control an iPad Pro to display video thumbnails:

By default, the App-to-App component relies on a server that is accessible via the PandaSuite servers. Its use therefore requires an Internet connection on the devices. However, it is possible to retrieve the code or even an executable to host it yourself, which can be very practical in offline operation, for a museum or an event.

Get the code of the local server

If you want to run the App-to-App component offline, here's how to retrieve and configure the local server. Otherwise, you can go straight to configuring the component.

To configure and start the local server, download the version that corresponds to your device (Windows, MacOS or Linux) from https://github.com/pandasuite/shared-schema/releases.

Open the Shared schema application and retrieve the URLs that will be useful for configuring the component and your actions.

All devices must be on the same network. You are free to build your own scheme.

Configuring the App-to-App Component

If you have two different displays between the controlling device and the displaying one, we recommend creating two separate projects. The App-to-App component will be used in both projects.

From the Controlling App

Insert the App-to-App component. A URL is automatically displayed in the properties. 

• Option 1: if you use the PandaSuite servers, leave the URL unchanged and choose a unique identifier for the Room.
• Option 2: If you use a local server, enter the Server URL.

Next, choose the event that will trigger the action.

From the display app

Add a new App-to-App component to the project. 

• Option 1: If you're using PandaSuite's servers, leave the URL unchanged and enter the same Room as in the other project. 
• Option 2: If you use a local server, enter the Server URL already used for the other project.

Add a Conditions component and define the associated conditions. When the conditions are met, the action will be triggered. For example, when a user clicks on the thumbnail, the video number is associated with the data video. This data will be reused in the other app to display the right video.

Create the associated actions.

New Serial Port Support

The latest update to shared-schema introduces support for serial ports, providing new possibilities for applications requiring serial communication. Here are some practical use cases:

1. Remote Device Control: You can now connect and control devices such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi through serial ports. For instance, a central application can send commands to multiple connected devices, enabling real-time adjustments and monitoring.
2. Sensor Data Collection: Collect data from various sensors connected via serial ports. This can be especially useful in environments like museums or exhibitions where sensor data (e.g., temperature, humidity) needs to be displayed or used to trigger actions.
3. Interactive Installations: Use serial ports to create interactive installations where user interactions with physical devices are captured and processed to control digital displays or trigger multimedia content.

Command Line Options for Serial Ports

To enable and configure serial port inspection, the following command line options are available: