In the Media Player Mixer Express™ (MPMe), the combination of situational awareness logic and its related media player automation capabilities comprises, in part, a system of patent pending Codentity software designs known collectively as SmartFocus™ technology.**
The MPMe can actually guide the DJ from one player to the next as he steps through a music set. This bit of magic is accomplished through intelligent programming that effectively allows each player to know what each OTHER player is doing; and therefore, suggest and execute actions based on that information. That’s SMART.
Because it is smart, the interface automatically understands where to direct the DJ's attention for execution of audio and screen events. It sets the next ready player for one key-press activation, trims levels and controls fades, and visually cues the DJ—so he (or she) can make the right decision for the next player event. That’s FOCUS.
Using SmartFocus™, the MPMe delivers a very handy dose of live-assist automation to the working DJ. Generally, by automation, we mean the ability of the software product to assist the DJ or live sound producer with the real-time execution of his tasks. The SmartFocus™ automation controls player physical properties, event-keyed messages, and the application of significant colors and three-dimensional effects to screen objects (such as media player object lights and borders).
Click here to see Java™-based animation of SmartFocus™ in action in the Media Player Mixer Express™. (Animation requires browser-installed Java™. If your browser cannot show the Java™ animation, click here for static shots.
Collectively, these screen objects are designed to visually communicate event status to the DJ, and to prepare the virtual mixer to help execute DJ commands. This SmartFocus™ automation assistance comes in the form of several methods:
Situational Awareness Logic — This intelligent programming gives the product the ability to KNOW what each player object is doing in relation to each other player object. It also provides a programmed method to communicate player state status (Not Loaded, Ready To Load, Now Playing, etc.) to the DJ while it readies each player object's physical properties (audio level, message content, border lights, etc.) for its participation in a practical sequence of ordered events (workflow).
Next Event Auto-Focus — This is how the software prepares itself for the next logical event, and is part of the workflow execution process. Auto-focus actually highlights the player that is READY TO PLAY and then, after execution, moves forward to the next ready event so that a DJ can literally use one key press to trigger a series of audio events.
Ready Player Visual Cues — This feature uses Auto Focus to trigger a combination of screen messages, border lights, color codes, and 3D extrusion, which together, create a bold visual signal designed to guide the DJ as he chooses which media player, from among multiple media players, should kick off the next logical player start event.
Auto Fade — This feature can be used for ONE button segues. Thanks to situational awareness logic, auto-fade knows which player to fade and does it automatically (unless the DJ turns auto-fade off)
Auto Flash — This feature clearly identifies which media player has been started. This is part of the visual design philosophy intended to make it easy for the DJ to understand product status at a glance. (If desired, auto flash can be turned off.)
Track Load Lockout (TLL) — This feature uses the "situational awareness" logic in the MPMe to make sure that a DJ cannot inadvertently overwrite a music track while it is playing—and thereby invoke the wrath of everyone on the dance floor. (If he wants to do so, the DJ can turn TLL off).
Volume Level Auto Load (VLA) — This feature uses "situational awareness" logic in the MPMe to make sure that a track is never loaded with the fader at zero. VLA can even store the desired optimum audio level for each track on your system—and that level travels with the track when it is inserted (loaded) into an available player.
Audio File Class (AFC) — This feature uses situational awareness logic and catalog content to change screen messages (and search filter behaviors) based on the type of audio track loaded in a player.
Using the SmartFocus™ automation in the Media Player Mixer Express™, a DJ can manage a complete segue with one-click, and keep the other hand free to scratch turntable vinyl or ride microphone levels. The MPMe always "knows" its LOAD / READY / PLAY state, and the current state of each other player in the mixer configuration... that's SMART. And the MPMe uses its bold design elements to clearly communicate player object status to the DJ by directing his eye to the next ready player... that's FOCUS.
**Some technologies in the Codentity Media Player Mixer Express™ are protected by pending patent applications. For legal information, send a message to legal@codentity.com.
Click here to see Java™-based animation of SmartFocus™ in action in the Media Player Mixer Express™. (If your browser cannot show the Java™ animation, click here for static shots.)
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