The concept of the ‘intelligent home’ is becoming increasingly popular with a particular focus on user-friendliness. Bang & Olufsen is one of the market leaders for high-end audio and video home entertainment and the TwinCAT Bang & Olufsen Server is a software interface between Beckhoff controllers and B & O products. The controller is coupled with the B & O master link gateway via Ethernet. In this way, a single operating device, e.g. a Bang & Olufsen remote control unit or a Beckhoff control panel, can be used to control audio-visual equipment and make home automation easy.
Virtual buttons are stored in the master link gateway for executing predefined actions in B & O devices. Commands can be sent to devices by activating the virtual buttons from the PLC via the TwinCAT Bang & Olufsen Server. TwinCAT PLC variables can be modified via so-called custom strings, which are also defined in the master link gateway.
Operations affecting both automation and audio/video products can be combined via this bidirectional communication. In this way, the lighting and TV in a kitchen, for example, can be switched on with a single touch of a button if desired. For this purpose, a Beo6 remote control unit, smartphone, touchscreen or a keypad connected with the TwinCAT controller can be used depending on user preferences.
With the TwinCAT Bang & Olufsen Server, Beckhoff now offers a software solution that enables seamless communication between audio/video products and the Beckhoff control system. As a result, a single operating device can be used to control multiple home devices.
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