ioBridge: A complete end-to-end solution for remote monitoring and control of devices
The technology behind ioBridge allows you to interact with, control, and monitor any device via the Internet. We have created a platform for the Internet of Things that is easy-to-use, low-cost, and secure. You can get started right-now with our off-the-shelf products or build custom applications, products, and services on top of our platform. We emphasize complete solutions - everything from embedded devices to a scalable software platform.
Bridging the gap between the virtual world and real worlds
Web-based controlling or monitoring devices used to require circuit design, network architecture changes, scripting languages and website design proficiency. Even when all requirements were met, connectivity issues between local network devices and the Web could render many projects impractical. ioBridge removes all of the hurdles encountered during DIY project and commercial product Web connectivity.
Rapid idea prototyping
At ioBridge, we’re keenly aware of the novelty and utility involved in connecting real world devices to the Web. We also understand the difficulties most face when trying to accomplish this goal. After extensive study, ioBridge has developed a patent pending platform that seamlessly connects real world devices to Web users around the world. Now you can convert ideas into completed projects faster than ever before possible.
You supply the project. We supply the infrastructure.
ioBridge Web Services
With or without ioBridge hardware, our Web services platform is readily available for use with any free user account. This powerful Web platform brings our hardware and your projects to the Web. The easy-to-use online interface has been designed to support rapid implementation without the steep learning curve. Platform features include fully customizable widgets, data logging, real-time alerts and actions. Please see our complete list of features for more information on ioBridge Web services. This web platform may be licensed for enterprise applications and products. Contact us to learn more.
Application Notes
Web-enable anything
Trust ioBridge to web-enable your next project or product, allowing for seamless Internet interactivity. ioBridge has partnered with some of today’s leading businesses and developers to bring their products online. Services include custom hardware engineering, portal design, integration and web application, with each built upon our real-time Web platform. Contact us to learn more.
Extending ioBridge technology
Extend your possibilities by bringing ioBridge technology into your applications and projects. ioBridge cross-browser widgets enable drop functionality and monitoring within your own website, blog or application, capable of working on all major Web browsers and smart mobile devices including the Blackberry and iPhone. We also offer a suite of Open APIs to extend your data and controls to server- and client-side scripting, desktop applications, social networks and mobile applications.
Widgets
- Javascript-based
- Cross-browser compatibility
- iPhone, Android, and Blackberry enhanced
- Remote Controls
- Monitoring of Analog Sensors, Digital I/O, and Serial Data
- Easily customizable with HTML, CSS, and Javascript
Data Feed API (Wiki)
ioBridge developers have created a new way for integrators, developers and hackers to access module live feeds and easily incorporate those results into desktop, web and social network applications.
- Lightweight, standards-based API
- JSON Objects
- JSONP for Client-side Applications
- Cross-browser compatibility
- Server scripting with Perl, Python, Ruby, and PHP
- Fully documented with an example application
Data Feed API v2.0 Documentation [PDF]
Example Client-side Application (Google Charts, jQuery, JSON, and ioBridge Data Feed integration)
ioBridge Projects (Explore our community-inspired projects, share ideas and submit your own project details.)
ioBridge Support (Find ways to get support)
Open Widget API (Wiki)
The Open Widget API allows you to interact with your widgets via static HTTP POST/GET calls vs. dynamic scripting. This facilitates direct and open access to your widgets and supports third-party desktop and mobile applications. The API is simple enough so mobile phones can control and monitor widgets and robust enough to support LabVIEW applications.
The Open Widget API supports the following native formats:
- Plain Text
- HTML GET/POST
- WAP/WML for cell phone/mobile browsers
- XML
- Voice XML (VXML)
- JSON, JSONP, and Callback
ioBridge solves your most common project challenges.
Challenge: Converting electrical inputs and outputs into network protocols
ioBridge Solution: Meet the IO-204 Monitor and Control Module, a device connecting to your home network and providing a means for both electrical signal monitoring and controlling. Most DIY projects boil down to either digital or analog signals. The IO-204 has four independently controlled I/O (input/output) channels for project interfacing. Because we are not all electrical engineers, ioBridge was designed with several plug-in interface boards to help you get started. Boards handle everything from monitoring temperature and ambient light condition to more advanced functions like R/C servo or electrical outlet controls throughout your home.
Challenge: Overcoming Dynamic IP Addresses and Firewalls
ioBridge Solution: Until now, every system designed to get real world devices onto the Web has required that a server run on your local network. This might be a software-installed server on a computer or an embedded program running on the device itself. But this strategy creates a major challenge: How does one deal with network configuration or a dynamic IP address?
Most home networks rely on dynamically assigned IP addresses, so a user's Internet address is always changing and difficult to track. Yet it's not easy to connect to a device without knowing its address. Network architecture poses the second hurdle, with various levels of firewalls and proxy servers between a web user and the device with which they intend to interact. Opening firewall ports may be trivial for some, but others may not know how to create a firewall exception for a particular TCP port. Further, some might not have access to networking equipment, as is the case with some port-blocking ISPs or shared broadband arrangements.
But ioBridge has solved both challenges. Because of the unique way in which the IO-204 module communicates with the Internet, ever-changing dynamic IP addresses are no longer an issue. Further, network configuration changes are not required to get the IO-204 module or, more importantly, your project online. If you can see this website from your Internet connection, you can most likely use the ioBridge platform on your network without any modifications.
Challenge: Designing and integrating controls into a website
ioBridge Solution: AJAX has become an important tool for creating useful and interactive web applications. Using AJAX, websites can deliver features and content in ways similar to desktop applications. But development requires expertise in scripting languages for both web servers and browsers. With just a small subset of individuals proficient in both, ioBridge can eliminate most customizable widget software hassle. The ioBridge widget editor lets users create various widget types for controlling and monitoring their project without typing a single line of code. The widget can then reside indefinitely within the walls of ioBridge.com or be moved to an external website by simple copy/paste of a single line of HTML. The best part is that the customizable widget library is continually growing. If you don't find the particular widget you need for your project, let us know.
Challenge: Making connections secure
ioBridge Solution: Security is always a challenge when running a server on your local network to get a device online. If that server controlling the device is open to accept communication from you, it can also accept communication from someone else. Given this security threat, it can be unsettling to connect home devices to the Internet. But ioBridge has gone to great lengths to ensure the link between the module on your local network and the widget within your web browser is secure. We protect the end-to-end communication link with an encryption algorithm comparable to that used for Internet banking transactions.
