Using voice-controlled interfaces via Amazon Alexa
Control Program
Since the running Ngrok server is now blocking the current terminal, it makes sense to open a second terminal window. In it, create a text file named house.py
with the contents from Listing 2. This Python program calls the Alexa skill later on. The program provides a server that controls three devices: a TV set, a lamp, and a socket outlet.
Listing 2
house.py
For each of the three devices, the program has what is known as an intent, which controls exactly this one function. The corresponding decorators @ask.intent()
define the functions that the intent then executes as an action when called.
Say Hello!
The @ask.launch()
decorator displays a friendly greeting text. In this example, the Australian "Gooday" is used, a greeting that would be appropriate at any time of day.
In the functions, the commands necessary for controlling the GPIOs are executed. The Flask framework abstracts the complexity behind a skill very well. Further data can be found in the templates.yaml
resource file. The file must reside in the same directory as the Python program that communicates with the skill. This file contains texts that the skill will use. This makes it easier to adjust the speech output if necessary, for example to change the greeting or to enter other devices. The quite compact resource file for the example from this article is shown in Listing 3.
Listing 3
templates.yaml
§§number 01 greeting: Gooday 02 TV: TV is {{status}} 03 light: Light is {{status}} 04 socket: Socket is {{status}}
The shell python house.py
command starts the Python server. Ngrok and the Python program simply keep running after that. Of course, you cannot close any of the terminal windows afterwards. You need to make sure that Ngrok is running when the Python server enters the scene, otherwise the connection between the Echo skill and the server program cannot be established.
Setting up an Alexa Skill
For the next step when programming an Alexa skill, the Echo device you use must be activated. You first need an Amazon Web Services (AWS) account, which can be obtained free of charge on the AWS homepage. All you need is a credit card and a mobile phone connection.
You can now create a new Alexa skill via the AWS account. The easiest way to get there is via the list of current Alexa skills, which is empty for a new user account (Figure 4). There the user clicks on the Create Skill button to create a new skill.
The skill should then be given a descriptive name and a desired language. A mouse click on the Next button takes you directly to the next step of choosing the Custom model: it offers the highest degree of flexibility.
Another click on the button Create Skill closes the wizard. Now the homepage belonging to the new skill appears (Figure 5). Here you can set further parameters of the skill. The video under "How to get started" at the top of the page helps you to get started with the subtleties of skill creation.
« Previous 1 2 3 Next »
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you've found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
elementary OS 7.1 Now Available for Download
The team behind elementary OS has released the latest version of its operating system with a focus on personalization, inclusivity, accessibility, and privacy.
-
The GNU Project Celebrates Its 40th Birthday
September 27 marks the 40th anniversary of the GNU Project, and it was celebrated with a hacker meeting in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.
-
Linux Kernel Reducing Long-Term Support
LTS support for the Linux kernel is about to undergo some serious changes that will have a considerable impact on the future.
-
Fedora 39 Beta Now Available for Testing
For fans and users of Fedora Linux, the first beta of release 39 is now available, which is a minor upgrade but does include GNOME 45.
-
Fedora Linux 40 to Drop X11 for KDE Plasma
When Fedora 40 arrives in 2024, there will be a few big changes coming, especially for the KDE Plasma option.
-
Real-Time Ubuntu Available in AWS Marketplace
Anyone looking for a Linux distribution for real-time processing could do a whole lot worse than Real-Time Ubuntu.
-
KSMBD Finally Reaches a Stable State
For those who've been looking forward to the first release of KSMBD, after two years it's no longer considered experimental.
-
Nitrux 3.0.0 Has Been Released
The latest version of Nitrux brings plenty of innovation and fresh apps to the table.
-
Linux From Scratch 12.0 Now Available
If you're looking to roll your own Linux distribution, the latest version of Linux From Scratch is now available with plenty of updates.
-
Linux Kernel 6.5 Has Been Released
The newest Linux kernel, version 6.5, now includes initial support for two very exciting features.