EDDI: The Elite Dangerous Data Interface
EDDI is an innovative companion application for the popular space simulation game, Elite: Dangerous. It enhances the player's experience by providing responses to in-game events using data from both the game and various external tools. This versatile tool is designed to enrich gameplay through additional information and interactive features.
How EDDI Works
EDDI gathers data from multiple sources to offer players extra details and the ability to trigger events such as spoken responses or VoiceAttack actions. Here's a simplified overview of how EDDI operates:
- Monitors: These are pieces of code that look out for specific information, such as a new Galnet article or changes in Elite's journal. Monitors relay this data to EDDI.
- Events and Operations: EDDI processes these events and performs tasks based on them. For instance, if a player changes their game system, EDDI fetches the latest system details from EDDB and informs the player.
- Responders: Responders handle events and execute actions. For example, the EDSM responder logs player's jump details, creating a permanent flight log. The speech responder vocalizes events, while the VoiceAttack responder provides variables for scripts, executing specified actions during certain events.
Monitors and responders are configurable via the EDDI user interface, allowing users to enable or disable them as needed.
Installing and Configuring EDDI
EDDI can be installed as a standalone application or as a VoiceAttack plugin. To install EDDI, download the installer from GitHub. By default, it installs in the C:\Program Files (x86)\VoiceAttack\Apps\EDDI directory, although you can choose a different location. Note that for use as a VoiceAttack plugin, it must be installed within the subdirectory of VoiceAttack's Apps directory.
For those interested in development, EDDI can also be compiled from source.
Once installed, EDDI presents a window containing several tabs, each detailing its function and configuration options. Users are encouraged to explore these tabs and adjust settings to their preference.
Integrating EDDI with VoiceAttack
Initial integration with VoiceAttack occurs automatically. However, users can further customize the integration with their own VoiceAttack scripts. Detailed instructions are available on the VoiceAttack EDDI integration page.
Upgrading EDDI
For users upgrading from EDDI 1, it's advisable to uninstall the existing version and remove the %APPDATA%\EDDI directory before proceeding with the new installation. This ensures a clean upgrade and minimizes potential issues. If upgrading from another version of EDDI 2, simply running the installer will manage the necessary updates.
EDDI Voices
EDDI uses standard Windows Text-to-Speech (TTS) voices. For use within EDDI, a voice must be recognized by Windows' TTS system. If a voice does not appear in EDDI, users should check their Windows TTS settings. High-quality voices are available for purchase from providers like Ivona or Cereproc, both offering excellent choices, with Ivona known for adhering closely to SSML standards.
Troubleshooting and Support
Problems with EDDI? Begin with the troubleshooting page. If the issue persists, users are encouraged to report it.
Uninstalling EDDI
To uninstall EDDI, use the Windows control panel. Additionally, delete any data created by EDDI located in the %APPDATA%\EDDI directory.
Acknowledgements
The EDDI project owes its existence to several products, services, and APIs, including Elite Dangerous, EDSM, Inara, VoiceAttack, Microsoft, and various others. Their support and tools are invaluable to EDDI's development.