Push a button to switch between programs (Like Alt+Tab in windows)

[dasstrum]

I am currently planning a project for a picture frame with a 9 inch LCD screen. I want to install a couple buttons at the top of the picture frame to do certain task. I want to run Chromium browser in kiosk mode pointing to an IP address for my camera system running Blue Iris (I have this already figured out and is running on another Pi) I want a button on the top of the picture frame for when pressed, it switches between Chromium in Kiosk mode to a picture slideshow program (Similar to pressing Alt+Tab in windows)

Button 1: When pressed switches between Chromium and picture slideshow

Button 2: Power toggle for the picture frame- shutdown and or boots up raspberry Pi (I have this one figured out already)


I've done a lot of research and found that you can program a button to launch a certain program however I haven't found anything to toggle between programs (like a windows Alt+tab keystroke) Any pointers would be great!

[klricks]

Try installing xdotool. This program will allow you to send keystrokes or mouse move/ clicks etc. by command line or bash files.

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sudo apt update
sudo apt install xdotool

Add the following code to your button press code:

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xdotool key alt+Tab

You probably want to open your 2 (or more) applications and your button code automatically on boot using autostart.

Another option would be to install obconfig and make multiple desktops. Then open one application in each desktop.... then use xdotool -OR- wmctrl to switch between desktops.

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sudo apt install wmctrl

[KLL]

to install obconfig and make multiple desktops

sudo apt-get install -y obconf
Menu / Preferences / Openbox Configuration Manager / [Number of Desktops] 2 ( and give some name )
i not find any working key combination to use it??
but mouse wheel turn / while mouse over desktop background /
works, even via realVNC
menu and application bar and desktop settings are same for ALL desktops,
but if you have 2 programs running they can be in different displays/workspace as open window.
window header line allow right mouse click new menu option "send to desktop ..."
as the mouse wheel thing only works on desktop background, the program window can NOT be in fullscreeen.

[PiGraham]

Maybe xdotool will be useful.
http://www.semicomplete.com/projects/xdotool/
It's in the official repository but experimenting with it briefly the windowraise and other control functions didn't seem to work
It you can solve that riddle it should allow you to move, set focus, minimise etc any window from a bash script. It looks like it can also send keyboard and mouse events to windows.

[klricks]

...
i not find any working key combination to use it??
....

Sorry I said wrong tool.
To switch between desktops install wmctrl

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sudo apt install wmctrl

to switch to first desktop use

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wmctrl -s 0

to switch to 2nd desktop etc......

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wmctrl -s 1

See this for more details: viewtopic.php?f=29&t=206538
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Edit: Actually xdotool does have commands to switch desktops.

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xdotool set_desktop 2

Also I think xdotools can send mouse roller and clicks.

[dasstrum]

Perfect! Thanks for the suggestions... I'll have to give them a try!

[dasstrum]

So I was able to get it working using python and pynput to simulate the key presses! Woohoo

[CarlosRoberts]

Congratulations dasstrum!!!
I was inspired by your project and had to start my own. Came up with my scripts, but sharing yours would be a good idea.
For everyone else, checkout his work at:
https://ipcamtalk.com/threads/blue-iris ... ion.26894/
Keep up with your great ideas!!!
CR

So I was able to get it working using python and pynput to simulate the key presses! Woohoo