To find the latest project updates on GitHub, click here or visit our project website here.
Open-source control software for museum exhibits
Constellation operates using a server-client model. Only the central Control Server requires a static IP address; client devices contact the server at that address and identify themselves with an id and type, as well as their current network address.
A responsive web console provides system administrators with an easy way to control both the Control Server and various client components. The server caches these commands, which are passed on to the client when they next check into the Control Server.
Note: At this time, Constellation operates with unsecured HTTP connections. If you plan to deploy on a wireless network, make sure the network is secured.
Constellation provides a number of component types, enabling the creation of a diverse array of digital exhibit pieces.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Flexible Tracker | Build simple touch interfaces to help evaluators or other staff collect information. Distributed as part of Control Server. |
| Heartbeat | Provides basic Constellation monitoring for clients not running another component. |
| Media Browser | Browse and view a collection of images and videos with a touchscreen interface. |
| Media Player | Robust digital signage solution with an optional kiosk for interaction. |
| SOS Kiosk | A public-facing interface for NOAA Science on a Sphere for use on an iPad or other touchscreen. |
| SOS Screen Player | Display additional images or video corresponding to the current dataset displayed on NOAA Science on a Sphere. |
| Voter | Collect visitor feedback with a voting kiosk. Distributed as part of Control Server. This component is in progress |
| Word Cloud | Display a word cloud with an optional user input kiosk. This component is in progress |
In addition to full-fledged components, Constellation provides utilities for interacting with other common hardware types.
| Utility | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| iPlayer 3 Control | Interface with the Color Kinetics iPlayer 3 DMX controler. | iplayer3_control/iplayer3_control.py |
| Projector Control | Control projectors using PJLink or serial commands. | control_server/projector_control.py |
| SOS Plot Tools | Python library for creating datasets to display on Science on a Sphere | sos_plot_tools/SoS_plot_tools.py |