Rx.Net How can I emit an element when a source sequence has been idle for a time?

Question

I want to create a sequence that emits a value (let's say 'true') whenever a source sequence emits a value. Then, when the source sequence is idle for a period of time, emits 'false'. Essentially, I need to know when the source sequence is 'idle' for some time.

Source: ---1-----5-------2-------(timeout)--------8-----3------>  
           |     |       |       |                |     |  
Output: ---true--true----true----false------------true--true--->

In actual fact, I don't need the repeated occurrences of true, so this would be even better:

Source: ---1-----5-------2-------(timeout)---------8-----3------>
           |                     |                 |
Output: ---true------------------false-------------true--------->

I've seen this answer, but to be honest I don't really understand how it's working. It seems like there should be a simpler answer.

What's worse is that I'm sure I have solved this exact problem before, but I can't remember how! Can anyone help out here?

The linked answer is correct. Hopefully it's easier to see how it works in my answer. — Enigmativity, Jul 06 '20 at 01:38

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 06 '20 at 01:36

1

It's quite simple with a Switch. Try this:

var source = new Subject<int>();

var query =
    source
        .Select(x =>
            Observable
                .Timer(TimeSpan.FromSeconds(1.0))
                .Select(y => false)
                .StartWith(true))
        .Switch();
        
query.Subscribe(Console.WriteLine);

source.OnNext(1);
Thread.Sleep(TimeSpan.FromSeconds(0.5));
source.OnNext(5);
Thread.Sleep(TimeSpan.FromSeconds(0.5));
source.OnNext(2);
Thread.Sleep(TimeSpan.FromSeconds(1.5));
source.OnNext(8);
Thread.Sleep(TimeSpan.FromSeconds(0.5));
source.OnNext(3);

That gives me:

True
True
True
False
True
True
False

answered Jul 06 '20 at 01:36

Enigmativity

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Thanks for this @Enigmativity. I find the Rx operators really hard to get my head around for some reason, but it is usually well worth persevering with. – Tim Long Jul 06 '20 at 14:20
@TimLong - Yes, I agree. I'm still trying to work out someone of them... – Enigmativity Jul 06 '20 at 23:38

Rx.Net How can I emit an element when a source sequence has been idle for a time?

1 Answers1