In previous blogs we introduced FileMaker’s support of iBeacons and the PushingBox API. We now cover the integration of a FileMaker App that will make use of the new RangeBeacons Script Step to search for an iBeacons UUID. When the UUID is found, you can use the PushingBox API and Pushbullet to send notifications to both Chrome and iOS devices. This functionality can also be used to send a file or photo to Chrome; it can also be used similarly to perform a script or other actions with the “Insert from URL” script, or to send variables in your notifications that are read from a sensor or device.

First, we will demonstrate sending a notification via the Insert from URL script step with the PushingBox service.

Follow the steps in the previous PushingBox post to set up the scenario and action.

Here we will set up an example that sends notifications on the temperature of a room using Pushbullet and the PushingBox HTTP API method where variables will be used for $room$ and $temperature$. The full message and title are: The $room$ temperature is $temperature$ degrees

Remember that you will need your Pushbullet Token and Pushingbox DeviceID to make this work. This is the unique key that identifies the scenario you want to launch. The DeviceID can be found on the Scenario Page. You can also create more arguments to define custom notifications text using your own variables.

Within FileMaker we can accomplish the notification with a single Insert from URL script step where the details of the script step are:

Below are the results on…

Chrome:

iOS (iPad):

iOS (iPhone):

We will now use the App to scan for an iBeacon and send a push notification and file (to Chrome) when found. The scripts are:

This will search for an iBeacon UUID and perform a script to send the message and file. Since the app uses the RangeBeacons Script, it is performed from FileMaker Go 15 as shown below performing searching for the iBeacon.

The results on Chrome and iOS are featured below. You can see in the desktop notification that a zip file was successfully sent with the notification.

The scenarios and possibilities with PushingBox are vast and when combined with the emergence of connected devices and the support of iBeacons via FileMaker Go 15. Revolution11 staff have been busy coming up with many different scenarios that will fill the needs of our clients!

Go to Part 1 of this subject.

Download a PDF of this blog here: PushingBox API Pt2

 

PushingBox is a cloud service that sends notifications based on API calls — you can trigger the service by HTTP request (GET/POST) or email. PushingBox is called from almost anything, e.g., Arduino, Spark Core, IFTTT, email, SmartThings, an HTTP request or your own script. Dozens of services, such as emails, Tweets, SmartWatch notifications, Push Notifications (iOS, Android, WindowsPhone), Windows8 Notifications and MacOS Notifications can be utilized.

In a previous blog post, Revolution11 introduced iBeacons, Apple’s protocol that allows mobile devices (iOS and Android) to pick up signals from small sensors using the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol. The uses for iBeacons are endless, and as our consumption of “stuff” from mobile devices increases, sensors such as iBeacons will deliver rich contextual content from everyday objects.

In this example, we combine iBeacons with PushingBox API and Pushbullet to send notifications to iOS devices and Chrome browser with a FileMaker solution.

Set-Up:

1. Go to https://www.pushingbox.com/ and sign up for an account. Notifications are created from an API call to the services supported by PushingBox. Next, configure the service you are sending the notification from. You can do it at the My Services page.

2. Add a service:

3.  Select the Pushbullet service:

The Pushbullet Service dialog box will prompt you to name the service and enter the access token used in the API call.

4. Download Pushbullet at this point by clicking on the link (1)

5. Signup for a Pushbullet account and Create an Access Token (2).  You can use a Google account to sign into the PushingBox and Pushbullet accounts making it simple and quick.

a. Enter the access token back in the Pushbullet service.

6. Create a “scenario” and add an action to which the service will use and eventually write the text to send. The action is essentially the customized information you will use in your scenario.

a. Go to “My Scenarios” and give the service a name of your choice and click “Add”

b. This is step is where you will get the DeviceID used in the API call. Select “Manage”

7. Select “Add an Action” and note your DeviceID:

Pushbullet or any other scenario you’ve set up will be available to add an action too.

8. Select “Add an action with this service”

From here you can create the message you want to send or use variables if you want to send some customized information with your scenario.

Here we are creating variables for use in a FileMaker solution, in this example we create variables:

$MessageTitle$

$RSE_Message$

Be on the lookout for our next blog post where we will create the FileMaker solution and integrate it with iBeacons, PushingBox, and Pushbullet Web service. Revolution11 is continually seeking innovative solutions for our clients.

Download a PDF here: PushingBox API