DTMF Macro Triggers

An alternative to using voice commands for Macro triggers is the use of DTMF touch-tone numbers. This is an often overlooked option. Careful use of DTMF commands can add significant usefulness to HAL.

Voice Recognition may confuse similar commands, and may miss the command entirely ("Please Repeat") and in general take several seconds to issue, while DTMF commands can be entered quickly and more accurately.

If you know the proper DTMF sequence, you need only pick up the phone and hit '#', wait for HAL to answer and then enter the 3 digit command.

However, this is still not a perfect way to trigger Macros. Noise in the local environment can confuse the recognition. When this happens, HAL will usually respond "Invalid macro Code". Rarely, HAL might misunderstand the code and execute the wrong macro, but this is far less likely than mis-recognizing voice commands. On the balance, DTMF commands are faster and more reliable than VR.

The major problem with DTMF codes is the challenge of remembering which code does what. If commands follow a consistent and predictable systematic scheme, or template, for command format, it is much easier to remember. The followingtemplate is used at Stonybrook.

1xx = Room number 900 = media room, including home entertainment system

800 = unassigned

700 = Whole House functions, security system, etc.

600 = Outside devices, lights and sprinklers, pool, etc.

500 = unassigned

400 = Dining Room

300 = Common Areas, living room, entryway, stairway, atrium

200 = Bathrooms, Bedrooms

100 = Kitchen)

x1x = Device number 0 = all devices. If more than 9 devices in a group

then may overflow to another group or invoke custom

units digits usage.

xx1 = Device State.. 9 = ON

0 = OFF

1 = Status Request.

Other digits reserved for custom meanings)

Thus the command '100' turns off all kitchen lights/devices, while '119' turns on kitchen ceiling light.

Macros