There are several ways to approach this problem, depending on the complexity of your project, the external device you're planning to use, and the environment (like MATLAB/Simulink) you're comfortable with. Simulink is powerful for model-based design and can interact with hardware.
1. MATLAB Script with Hardware Support Package - If your external device is supported by MATLAB (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, webcams, etc.), you can use MATLAB directly to listen for the trigger and then execute your script. MATLAB supports various hardware through its support packages, allowing for direct communication with the hardware.
- Install the appropriate support package for your device (via Add-Ons > Get Hardware Support Packages).
- Use the device's API within MATLAB to poll or listen for the trigger event.
2. Simulink Model with External Device - Simulink can also be used, especially if your project involves real-time systems or complex signal processing before triggering the script. Simulink supports various hardware devices and can be used to create a model that responds to external inputs.
- Open Simulink and create a new model.
- Install the necessary hardware support package for your device.
- Use the blocks provided by the support package to interface with your device.
- Implement logic to detect the trigger event.
- Once the event is detected, you can use the MATLAB Function block to run your MATLAB script.
For example, to use webcams with MATLAB script, refer the following documentation. If you want to use your simulink model to interact with android devices, you can go through the link.