Telehash has been waiting for the right time to get focus again. We've been very busy with our other work currently, but it is in no way forgotten. We're hoping to come back around to it soon. Message us on our Slack if you'd like to chat more.
Hey, I'm working with Filament and wanted to give you some info.
1) Our basic Tap has USB and a few analog/digital pins exposed externally for this type of control. We expect USB to be one of the larger factors down the road and are looking at ways to simplify that path.
2) You sir, are thinking well ahead and in the right places.
Feel free to email us with any direct questions! hello@filament.com
rb01usa has the right of it. One of our (locker project) goals is definitely to enable applications like yours. Have a community that's focussed on tracking and adding all these new digital data sources. I'd love to have you email or stop by IRC (freenode #lockerproject) to hear about your project.