WHAT IS API?
“API” stands for Application Programming Interface and represents an interface between a programme, an operating system or a library.
With the help of API developers can quickly and easily integrate functions of an existing system into a new application. By using the API programming interface, a developer is flexible in exchanging the data between the data acquisition system (or any application) and any optional system. The developer uses the database of one programme (the programme which API he/she is using) to transform the collected data into a new application with various additional functionalities.
API is also called application program interface or user-system interface.
VIA’S APPLICATION PROGRAMMING INTERFACE
The programming interface for the application VIA za upravljanje zgradb in energije zgradb was designed for developers, technically advanced integrators of building automation and for third parties, e.g. for:
companies, offering their clients custom developed automation,
building automation or smart home experts,
experts with their own application for home, building or facility automation, who would like to use an existing application in order to acquire any data from standard controllers from best known producers, that support KNX, Modbus or BACnet protocol,
companies, seeking to integrate the VIA functionality into their existing products.
By using the VIA API programming interface, the above mentioned clients can save months or even years of development and realize their automation products faster and more efficient. What is more, they do not need to invest into hardware development. When using the VIA API, they simply make use of the existing and affordable VIA mServer2.
POSSIBILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN BUILDING AUTOMATION – WHAT DOES VIA API DO?
The VIA interface makes it possible for developers to create applications for direct interaction with the VIA server.
Functions that can be called with the help of VIA API:
real and desired value for all rooms or one room,
variables: temperature, humidity, lighting (illumination), fan level, regime, water temperature … in variables, which can be defined freely,
data history for individual variables,
various alarms or notifications for specific variables.
With the help of VIA API, developers have access to the mentioned types of variables for every building. However, the use of these variables and their integration as well as their further processing depends on the creativity of the innovator. This also applies to the graphic user interface, which can be planned by clients according to their wishes and can be completely adapted to their needs and the desired platform (tablets, phones, computers, TV, panels with touch-screens, etc.).
HARDWARE AS A BASIS FOR YOUR PROJECTS AND APPLICATIONS
With API you can also use the VIA mServer2 hardware. This key advantage helps you save time and money for months of hardware development and developers.
The advantages of VIA mServer2:
performance – one VIA mServer2 can without difficulty process data for more than 100 hotel rooms in real time and can control lighting, blinds, temperature, blowing range, the »do not disturb« function and the call maid service,
compactness – the VIA mServer2 is small and compact with a strong protective housing and can be placed anywhere in the building, while it must only be connected to the local network,
affordability – the VIA mServer2 offers an above average price-performance ratio.
EXAMPLE: INTELLIGENT HOTEL ROOM – INTEGRATION VIA TV
The VIA API in combination with the VIA mServer2 hardware enabled our costumer to integrate the following data into the TV hospitality system with smart TV functions, offered in his hotel rooms:
existing and desired temperature (from 18°C to 24°C),
fan blowing levels (level I, level II, level III, automatic and switch-off),
room regime (Comfort or Economy).
With “raw” data, gathered from the VIA API, the client designed his own graphic user interface and integrated it into his product – smart hotel television, which provides information on the hotel, offers movies on demand, access to internet and also enables temperature and fan blowing regulation.
INQUIRY FOR API ACCESS TO VIA
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