Programmable IoT buttons

Programmable IoT buttons


The “Internet of Things” devices shipped to you are made by Seeed Studios, and are simply battery operated buttons capable of connecting securely to a WiFi network to initiate a series of instructions that can result in emails and text messages being sent to a list of recipients, products ordered, lights turned on and off, and other useful functions. Our development team have leveraged this technology by layering custom programming on top of the existing hardware to create useful features for the industries in which we operate.

Out of the box, pressing the button does nothing except light a small LED. Not overly exciting. Our initial goal for this configurable button is to have it send emails and SMS text messages quickly to a list of recipients when pressed.  The framework provided by Amazon gives a foundation upon which additional functionalities can be imagined. This system can provide powerful features to improve the efficiency and safety of your business. Here are some of the capabilities available, depending on how the buttons are configured:

SUMMON HELP:

  1. A front office agent at a hotel wants to notify all available managers to assist with check-ins
  2. A HR manager requests security to be present for an employee termination
  3. A vendor requesting access to a controlled area of your property, like the loading dock
  4. A staff member wants to notify maintenance of an item that requires service
  5. An employee wants to notify purchasing of an item that is running out of stock
  6. A restaurant patron wants to notify management that the restroom requires service

Getting Started:

Powering Up

Remove the back cover of the Seeed button using the included tool. Insert the pointed end in the slot near the USB port, and slide the tool around the side to release the tabs allowing the two halves to separate. There are two tabs on each side, and one at each end.


Setting up Wi-Fi on the Button

1. Download the latest AWS IoT 1-Click App from Apple App Store or Google Play Store

2. Launch the AWS IoT 1-Click App and tap the circular icon at the top right

3. Tap Configure Wi-Fi

4. Locate the barcode for the button, which is on the outside of the battery cover, or under the battery. Tap Scan
 
5. Aligh the barcode on the button inside the white square. After the beep, tap Stop Scanning

6. Your serial number is shown. Tap Configure Device

7. Allow Bluetooth if needed

8. Press the button on the device for 6 seconds until the blue light flashes

9. Choose your preferred Wi-Fi from the dropdown, enter your Wi-Fi password and tap Confirm

10. The app will start configuring Wi-Fi on the device. When you see a green icon with Device Configuration Success, your device is ready for use and you can safely click the Finish button to exit out of device configuration. If you see a failed message, simply try again. Check your Wi-Fi credentials if you get an error that those credentials were not accepted. If you don't succeed after several attempts, try removing the battery and configuring with AC power instead.

11. Update to the latest firmware by performing an OTA Update.

OTA Update

1. Press and hold the button for a full 15 seconds to check for new version upgrades
2. After 7 seconds, the Wi-Fi configuration LED will begin flashing blue. DO NOT release the button just yet
3. After 15 seconds, the Event Status LED (other side of your finger) will begin flashing blue. You can release the button now
4. The OTA update should take approx. 15 seconds. When the button has updated to the latest firmware version, the Event Status LED blinks from blue to green. For more information, please refer to the table below:


Event LED StatusIndication
Blue flashes -> GreenUpdate sent successfully
Blue flashes -> RedUpdate sent failed
Blue flashes -> OrangeWi-Fi connection failed, please check router or change network configuration
Blue flashes -> PurpleThe server connection failed, please check the network environment


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