[Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

ALPHA PREVIEW / TECH DEMO!

BRAVE (and skilled) TESTERS WANTED! :)

The N9 has no keyboard. It's not very comfortable while typing sms or mails on the go and it's even worse to work on the shell or to develop directly on this device. In some cases you're at home and you have a keyboard directly in front of you at your desk - but it's connected to your Desktop and for your N9 it is useless. The same takes effect for all MeeGo tablets like at example the ExoPC.

I want to try to make this pain less painful!

TcpIpKeyboard is a Application to share the Keyboard from a Windows or Linux Desktop PC, Netbook or Laptop with the N9 handset thru a simple TCP/IP connection.

http://sites.google.com/site/helexme.../shematics.png

It's seperated in 2 applications. A Sender for your Desktop and a Receiver for your N9, MeeGo Tablet (both still under hard development) or your N900.

It's very simple:
At home you are normally connected with your Mobile via WiFi with your home network. The same network used by your desktop. If you want to use now the Keyboard from your Desktop simply start TcpIpKeyboardReceiver at your Mobile:

http://sites.google.com/site/helexme...d/Receiver.png
(Screenshot from N900 Version)

You can see the IP adress of your Device and a Port Number. You're able to change the Port by pressing the gear wheels Button. Press it again to leave the settings mode.

Now open at your Desktop TcpIpKeyboardSender
https://sites.google.com/site/helexm...nder_ready.png

Go to settings using the gear wheels and enter the IP shown at your Mobile:
https://sites.google.com/site/helexm...r_settings.png
The red background signaled that you're currently in the settings mode. If the background is green TcpIpKeyboard is ready to work.

How to use it:
Just keep the Application at the N900 open and switch to the task you wan't to use. It works at all applications and even at the Desktop.
As soon as you have the TcpIpKeyboard application at your Desktop PC in the foreground all input from the Keyboard will be sent to your Mobile. Switch to a different task to use your Keyboard as usual at your Desktop. Switch back to TcpIpKeyboard to use it again at your Mobile.

It feels so far very good even if there are still a lot of problems:

• only lowercase characters are currently working
• no Enter, no Shift, no Space, no coursor keys, no backspace or Function keys so far - I will work at this at the next update - but I don't know how much will work at the N900
• the N900 version seems to have no easy to use virtual keyboard plugin for Qt - so perhaps the N900 version will stay a tech demo forever and will never get as useful as the version for MeeGo - I wan't to use at the MeeGo Version the virtual Keyboard plugin maliit - this should work a lot better
• currently no confirmation of receipt is sent back to the Sender application
• I expect a BIG problem regarding different language settings (developed using a german keyboard)
• at the moment I have only the N900 maemo build and the windows *.exe file ready - I'm sorry linux guys, I wan't to fix this soon ;)

Where to get it:

Receiver:

• You can find TcpIpKeyboardReceiver currently at Maemo Extra-Devel.

Sender:

• You can download the win32 TcpIpKeyboardSender from here: TcpIpKeyboardSender-Windows32Bit-v0.0.3.ZIP - it's a Zip containing the needed *.DLL and the EXE file.
  No installer, no icon and no Desktop shortcut so far. - it's on my huge to-do-list so be patient. ;)
  
• You can download the MeeGo Tablet Sender version here: TcpIpKeyboardSender-0.0.3-3.i586.rpm

  So, if you have a MeeGo Tablet like the ExoPC or a Lenovo IdeaPad - you are now able to send keystrokes to your N900.
  At the ExoPC you have to connect a USB Keyboard to use my application. The Lenovo IdeaPad has the integrated keyboard as advantage.
  
  If the built in virtual Keyboard doesn't disappear after you have changed the settings, simply close the application and reopen it afterwards. The new settings are applied now and you can start typing. :)

Enjoy but as always at your own risk! :)

The usual warning applies: Reports from different locations would be helpful if your N900 did receive wrong keystrokes:

• Please include the Country Code from your desktop
• the Country Code from your N900 (what kind of keyboard do you have?)
• what button have you pressed at your desktop
• the Keycode (shown in the Status bar at the bottom)
• and finally the received key at your N900

This Application is in early Alpha stage. But the core components are working so far. See it as a preview what is comming to your N9. I announced it now because of the approaching deadline for the MeeGo Coding Competition 2011.
Please test it only if you know what you're doing or wait what will happen in this Thread.
And don't forget to create a backup (just in case). I only want to share my little application. But I hope for a lot of positive feedback! :)

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

shhytt...this means my N900 has a long way to do...

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

There will be a lot of people eager to test this, I'm sure. Clever idea, so long as network latency is low enough for the hci to be acceptable. Can the N900 form an ad-hoc connection with the kb? Nice one!

A question though: keyboards, other than the native one, can have unexpected results with some keys. How do you handle each key-press and can it be altered to give the desired result?

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

cool! how about extending this to a mouse as well? :)

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Thanks a lot! :)

After the first problems with network latency (some characters were received in the wrong order) I added a first in-first out stack for the sender and for the receiver module. I will try to add to the communication a response channel if a keycode is sucessfully received or not. But I wan't to use only a single port. Don't know if this could work. I wan't to keep the settings as simple as possible.
If there occurs problems with some fast typers I could bundle some keycodes together in a single packet to minimize the overhead. Currently every keycode is sent seperate. If you type to fast your text appears a little bit delayed. But perhaps this is because of the way I send the keycodes to different applications at the N900.

This creates currently by biggest headache. At MeeGo exists the virtual Keyboard plugin maliit - I will use it for the MeeGo releases end expect less problems.
But at maemo I haven't found something similar to this. I'm currently using the command line tool xdotool to send the keycodes and created manually a table to translate at the N900 the received keycodes in keystrikes.
Have a look at this thread: Best way to send keycodes - emulate keyboard press

It's a pain and feels unprofessional. Any kind of suggestions are welcome! :D

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Mh, doesn't have all MeeGo Devices a Touchscreen? :D

Perhaps possible... I'm able to control my Lenovo IdeaPad with MeeGo using the touchpad and Mousebuttons. But I can't see a the Mousecoursor at the display. So I'm unable to control it and I'm forced to stumble in the dark. :D

So, will it really make sense to have a Mouse at the N9? :)

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

UPDATE v.0.0.4:

• use of capital and small initial letters
• Shift, Coursor (Left / Right) and buttons like space, tab and enter
• some Keycombinations are now working - at example [Ctrl+C] for the Clipboard!
• a lot of minor bugfixes

Enjoy! :)

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

shut a hell up!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :O

great work mate!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

wow, cool!

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

A way to implement Mouse will be awesome. Good Work mate!!! :D

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

I am really having trouble starting application at the Notebook side. I have 64bit windows 7
First i was asked for mingwm10.dll, then for libgcc_s_dw2-1.dll.
I got those but now it says smth like any suggestions?

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

I can't see a reason to use a mouse without mouse cursor... :confused:
There is no mouse at the N9 or MeeGo Tablet visible. So how would you know where you're clicking?!

What you're propably searching for is a VNC server. :)
Something like that is surely soon aviable for MeeGo if not already - I had tried one for maemo5 last summer. At a VNC client you have a Keyboard and a Mouse including the screen on your Desktop. So you're able to see where you pointing at while clicking.
Drawback: It's damn slow and very resource hungry. My N900 got very hot every time!
Normally I'm using it the other way around to control my PC from my N900 while I'm in a different room. And this way it works fantastic.

The scope of my small TcpIpKeyboard application is now to leave out the not needed parts and to use only the keyboard preferably without big latency on your mobile.
Advantage: you're able to type fast a text (I'm still improving the latency) and your battery wouldn't die within a hour. :)


Hmm... okay, I would say this is a problem. I have no 64 bit Windows over here. So I'm unable to test.
Has 64 bit Windows 7 a 32 bit compatibility mode for applications? Otherwise I would say I have to compile a extra version for 64bit. But I haven't found this option at QtCreator so far. Will google tomorrow how this could work. :)

Ah, and you have copied the DLL's from the ZIP File to the same Folder as the EXE?

I guess I would have to create a installer as soon as I got it more in shape. :rolleyes:
Thanks for the feedback and for trying to test my application! :)

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

This app is excellent n_n ; i will try it when come at least beta or final version, cause i like to play with a keyboard instead a controller, i feel i have more precision.

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

As far as I researched now it should work at windows 7 64bit, too. Have you perhaps tried to run the File from within the ZIP File?

I have the suspicion that the exe could perhaps take a existing dll File from your system from a different path. But I don't know why... :confused:

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

I have the folder "@name", where i have
TcpIpKeyboardSender.exe
QtSvg4.dll
QtScript4.dll
QtNetwork4.dll
QtGui4.dll
QtDeclarative4.dll
QtCore4.dll
mingwm10.dll (manually downloaded)
libgcc_s_dw2-1.dll (manually downloaded)

And it still shows that message about entry point.

I am pretty sure it does, because in my Application Manager(The one that shows up upon pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc) there are processes, that look like this where *32 stands for a 32 bit apps.


You know what.
I have a spare 32 bit netbook. i'll try it over there.

EDIT:
This became a freakin' maze.
On 32 bit i had to get also QtSql4.dll (apparently because it is a Windows 7 Starter), but anyway. Then it shows
I know i shouldn't be, but i am giving up:(

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Okay, this is clearly wrong. You shouldn't need to download additional libraries. It's hard to test for myself because I don't have a Windows installation without Qt over here. :(

I uploaded a new version with this files included to ensure its exactly the same release my binary needs. :)

TcpIpKeyboardSender-Windows32Bit-v0.0.2.ZIP

GREAT! :)

I understand your pain. The procedure to publish Qt applications feels currently very unpolished. I can't understand why there is no simple app installer and packaging module included. :(

I hope you will find again some patience to test my new Zip File. :)

TcpIpKeyboardSender-Windows32Bit-v0.0.2.ZIP

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Such a brilliant idea. I am willing to be a tester.

I downloaded the file onto my Windows 7 (32bit) computer and ran the file TcpIpKeyboardSender.exe and immediately get the following error
http://www.mynokian900.com/wp-conten...-Windows-7.jpg

Any ideas? Are there meant to be any other files to download or some software prerequisites?

Edit: I found the file online and after downloading it and adding it to the folder where all my other files were, I now see the following error:
http://www.mynokian900.com/wp-conten...tern4.dll_.jpg

Any ideas?

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Thanks! :)
It still needs a lot of work and polishing but hopefully we get in the end a great working solution.

If the keyboard at the N900 is closed the onscreen keyboard gets really annoying. I have to integrate my app definitively somehow into the maliit system to make it more useable. If this works it would feel more natural across all MeeGo devices. :rolleyes: - sadly except our beloved N900 - but luckily we have a decent keyboard and don't rely on this application at our small micro computer. :)

I have not really more ideas except including also this file into my zip. :confused:

I have to apologize. I have zero experience publishing Windows *.exe files compiled using Qt and I still have to learn what is needed to get it running on every target.
I guess I can't reproduce this error because of the installed Qt environment on my desktop. But I don't own a bounch of different Desktop PC's. I have only my old Windows XP Desktop and a small Lenovo Ideapad with Windows 7 32bit on it. But there I have the MeeGo Qt SDK installed and my zip works over there also without problems. I guess my exe gets the not included dll files there somewhere out of the system.

So we have to sort this pain together out somehow. The strage thing is currently with all those errors: I don't use SQL in this project and I don't use XML Patterns. Nevertheless those DLL's seems to be needed on your system. :(

I uploaded a new ZIP. The same exe, but it includes the missing QtXmlPatterns4.dll:

TcpIpKeyboardSender-Windows32Bit-v0.0.3.ZIP

LETS HOPE THE BEST! :D


Edit:
Perhaps the QtXmlPatterns4.dll you've found online is a minor different version compared to mine I have used for my project. Because of this QtNetwork4.dll (perhaps) can't work together with this file. Please delete all files you have and download the new Zip v0.0.3 and try it.

I would love to see a solution to create a exe file using Qt that don't need any kind of runtime libraries. [sigh] :(

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Where can i get this full QT environment?

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Ouh, hunting baby flies with a nuclear bomb! Great attitude but not a long-term-solution! :D

I'm using this one: Qt SDK version 1.1.2 - Offline installer - 1.7 GB

You still need at minimum the *.dll files from my first *.zip file in the same directory you stored the exe. But it seems there are several others traceable on the system after the installation. - Or other installed applications on my system like google earth (its also created using Qt) are the reason - I'm still guessing - so if you try it using the large SDK and it still doesn't work don't surrender. I hope we are together able to find the fault. :)

Perhaps you could copy my exe to this folder (if you use the default path):
C:\QtSDK\Desktop\Qt\4.7.3\mingw\bin\
There should reside all needed dll files.

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

I'll try that on my 32 bit machine

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Update: I compiled now a MeeGo Tablet version and created a *.rpm package for the Sender Application: TcpIpKeyboardSender-0.0.3-3.i586.rpm

So, if anyone has a MeeGo Tablet like the ExoPC or a Lenovo IdeaPad - you are now able to send keystrokes to your N900.
At the ExoPC you have to connect a USB Keyboard to use my application. The Lenovo IdeaPad has the integrated keyboard as advantage.

If the virtual Keyboard doesn't disappear after you have changed the settings, simply close the application and reopen it afterwards. The new settings are applied now and you can start typing. :)

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

That works - wow wow wow! as a concept work in progress idea, It works great! If it's this good on my Nokia N900, I can't wait to see it on my Nokia N9 (when I win a chance to test pilot one from Nokia Sweden). ;)

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Ah, great news! :D

I really hope to get something at the N9 working until you have received this device. I would need a eager betatester. ;)
At the moment I'm still reading the MeeGo related documentation and have currently no working code at this construction zone. It's currently mainly theory based on the API documentation.

Currently my most complex project. Wish me luck! ;)

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Yes, i can confirm the version 3 works great!
Funny how the standart vkb shows up if you press ENTER, although i have fastsmsevo installed.


EDIT:
BOTH 32 and 64 bit WIndows 7

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

You have my best wishes and I would be happy to be a tester if I have the Nokia N9 after 21st August. I am 4th out of 30 in the running to get a Nokia N9. So wish me good luck!

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Great works helex, just a quick query.

Wont this sexy application work if I have 2 different net connections (i.e) Say Data package in mobile and a LAN in PC!

I c it is just wifi viz wifi based on your notes. Correct me if am wrong

Thanks.
KAG

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

I tried it and it was not working - and I haven't spent much time digging out why it doesn't work.

My desktop is behind a NAT-Firewall. But since my desktop prefaces the connection it should work as long as my N900 is not behind a other NAT-Firewall. But I don't know anything about the infrastructure at my cell phone carrier... so...

If you try it yourself, please write if you could get it working outside of your home w-lan. :)

But mind, this application needs a fast connection (ping time) to deliver a good feeling while typing.

Okay, I was unable to understand this sentence. I would need a more exact typing of it to make a statement. :) I hope it is already answered at my first paragraph. ;)

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Just a quick thought.
If i will be getting n9, i would like to use my n900's keyboard maybe.
You know what i mean?
Yes, use n900 as a TcpIpkeyboard sender...

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Yes, tested Wednesday with two N900. :D

Even better, you wouldn't need a W-Lan infrastructure since the N9 could act as a accesspoint.

In the best case:

• Simply start the accesspoint mode for the W-Lan at the N9
• Start the receiver at the N9 (or the corresponding virtual keyboard - I'm still not sure how to implement it)
• Start the Sender at your N900 and start typing as soon as you're connected to your N9 WiFi Network

A case I have to prevent: Never start a sender and receiver at the same Device by accident. (no, don't try) :D
This results in a very bad loop and keyboard buffer overflow. It is typing and receiver and typing and receiving and typing and receiving the same Button... funny the first time... but only the first! ;) :D

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

I'm interested in this kind of use as well. I'd like to be able to use my n900 with an Ubuntu box (my HTPC) without having to VNC into it.

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Hmm... ooookay, I guess this should work at some point... :rolleyes: I'm currently experimenting with some X11 Libraries to emulate a keyboard.

It works very fast and reacts perfect. But compared to my current implementation at the TcpIpKeyboard receiver (the one you're currently able to test) I have a lot more truble translating the certain codes from the windows to the maemo platform and modifer keys like shift are with this method currently not working. (I don't know why and to sware didn't help... ;)) And at some point my code gets confused by some strange behavior and stopps reacting as designated.
So I need some more time until it works with a potentially Ubuntu compatible method.

But if I get it running using the X11 libs it should work exactly the same way at your Ubuntu box - perhaps except some language specific keys. :confused:

Sadly I don't have a Linux Desktop with Ubuntu. And I'm currently far away to get it in a state stable enought to test it. So, perhaps you will become my human guinea pig later this year! Congratulations! :D
What keyboard layout do you use? :p ;)

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Thanks! I'll be your guinea pig :). I'm using the UK keyboard layout (I presume).

I think this kind of use could also be handy on the n9, using the virtual keyboard to enter text on another device.

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Ooookay. This is a usecase I never have thought about. There is at the moment nothing at my Sender part that could trigger the virtual keyboard to appear. Hmm... okay, will put it on my list of stuff to try. But I will put it at the lower end... ;) There are currently to much to fix before. :rolleyes:

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

I guess it is now official and I just wan't to say thankyou. :)

I ran into some serious problems while developing TcpIpKeyboard (a small dead end because of a small discrepancy between my Windows developing machine and the maliit virtual keyboard at the N9) but there are indications that those are getting solved soon. So there is hope to get this prove of concept polished once upon a time. :)

Despite the slow developing my small Application TcpIpKeyboard participated at our Community Coding Competition and won the 4th place! Yay! :D

THANKS A LOT FOR ALL VOTERS! ...and stay tuned... :)

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

thanks for your work, it seems very useful, but could you release a *.deb package for the sender?

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

It's still in the Alpha state and since I spent a lot of my free time for other projects this one is a little bit behind the schedule. :(
The N900 sender is currently not very well working and I can't advice to use it in the current state. Sorry. I changed some parts at the receiver but the N9 version is still not working properly. :(

But I will continue to work on this since it is a good learning project to know more about network communication. I need this knowledge anyway for my DreamRemote application and my new, secret idea. ;)

But I can't give any promises about how long you have to wait for this. Sorry. :(

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

ok, it's doesn't matter, thanks you anyway for the work you've done, and good luck for your secret idea! (I'm learning programming too)

Re: [Announce] TcpIpKeyboard (in development preview) ALPHA-release
 

Wish me luck to find enought time... :)

You have sometimes a hard time during learning programming and later even more. Keep on trying, I hope we will see soon something great from you. ;)