Swan Solutions proposes secret knocks as a means for smart home control through Knocki-- a device able to translate taps or knocks on any surface, be it a wall or a table, into commands for connected devices.
The Knocki is a small device installers can mount on tables, countertops or walls. It recognises up to 10 unique tapping and knocking patterns and promises easy setup via companion smartphone app. One simply need to select a connected device on the app before defining the unique gesture to trigger a particular action (such as a two knocks to switch connect lights on/off or three taps to dim the lights and switch the TV on).
The company adds the Knocki recognises deliberate taps and knocks from random environmental vibrations through non-acoustic sensors-- meaning multiple Knockis can be used within the same home, with knocks affecting only the Knocki in question. The device is low-power, and promises to run for up to 12 months on regular AAA batteries.