app-inventorusb-otg

Communication between App inventor 2 and Raspberry pi via usb?

I plan to create an android app that can take pictures and send them to a Raspberri pi 2.

Even if I can use a Raspberri pi 3 or connect a bluetooth usb or wifi, I prefer to have a communication via usb only.

What is the best option for a simple html, css and js based application like App inventor?

I tried some app supposed to communicate by OTG cable but not working, may be my phone (chinese one) is not compatible.

I was thinking connecting rj45 to android, but look complicated.

Solution

  • I know most people will use wifi but for special projects we may need to communicate via usb. I've finally found, for those who are looking, here are the steps:

    1. ssh on the raspberry pi or use screen and then:
      Make the ip static:

      sudo nano /etc/network/interfaces
      add:

      allow-hotplug usb0
iface usb0 inet static 
address 192.168.42.75
netmask 255.255.255.0
network 192.168.42.0
broadcast 192.168.42.255
gateway 192.168.42.1

      And/Or: ............// for me work with both
      sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf
      add:

      interface usb0
static ip_address=192.168.42.75/24
static routers=192.168.42.1
static domain_name_servers=192.168.42.1

      Replace the IP address (change 75) with a free IP address between the range 2-254.

    2. Reboot and connect the Pi to the Android phone.

    3. On the phone activate USB Tethering:
      Settings> Network & Internet > Tethering & Mobile Hotspot

    4. Use SSH_CLIENT extension in App Inventor to send your commands:
      https://github.com/aluis-rcastro/AI2_ANDROID_SSH_CLIENT_EXTENSION