Feel like you are entering the bridge every time you come into your office by reproducing the Star Trek “swooshing” door sound.  This trick uses a Webcam that sense motion, which triggers a script that plays the sound file.  If you want something more professional looking, check out the Star Trek Door Panel on ThinkGeek.

What You Will Need

• EvoCam 4 (or a similar alternative that has motion sensing and triggers for actions)
• A compatible Webcam (I used an Apple FireWire iSight camera)
• Speakers
• The swoosh sound (or other great Star Trek sound effects)

Set Up The Webcam And Speakers

Below is a picture of the setup I use.  I have a tall filing cabinet that the speakers and camera can sit on.

Configure EvoCam 4

Add A Motion Detecting Sensor

Add a new sensor from the menu bar.

Move and adjust the sensor to where the threshold of the door is.

Configure The Sensor To Trigger A Script

On the left side of the window, add this condition: When any sensor detects motion.

Then, add this action: Run shell script.

Your script can contain just one line:

afplay /path/to/door-shoosh.mp3

Save your work and let the fun begin.  Anytime motion is detected, the door swoosh will play.  Now you can feel like you live onboard an Intrepid-class starship.