Control Panel Data Routing Using Address System

[jtsteph]

Overview

Implement a new system for routing data between actors and control panel items using an address-based approach, similar to the recently implemented SHOW/HIDE control functionality. This would complement the existing CTL# system while providing flexible and programmatic control panel data routing.

Current Control Panel Data Routing

• Users manually assign CTL# values to inputs/outputs of actors to connect with control panels
• In complex patches (especially those using many nestled User Actors or state changes like controlling layer or channel based media mixing), assigning and managing CTL# assignments becomes challenging
• The current system makes it complex to implement dynamic routing or state-based control panel configurations

Proposed Solution

Introduce two new actors that leverage the existing controller address system:

1. Send Controller Data
   • Sends data to control panel items using an address-based system
   • Uses the same addressing syntax as SHOW/HIDE controls
   • Allows for programmatic assignment of data routes
2. Receive Controller Data
   • Receives data from control panel items using the same addressing system
   • Enables dynamic routing of control panel data to different parts of the patch

Key Benefits

1. Programmatic Control
   • Enable dynamic assignment of control panel connections
   • Allow for programmatic state change and lookup table-based routing systems
2. Flexible State Management
   • Enable the same controls to serve different functions based on patch state
   • Facilitate easier management of multi-layer/multi-track systems

Technical Considerations

• The system would maintain compatibility with the existing CTL# functionality
• Implementation would leverage the established osc-like show/hide controller address syntax
• Support for wildcards and pattern matching in addresses

Impact

This feature could significantly improve workflow for:

• Complex performance systems
• Multi-layer video setups
• Installations requiring dynamic control routing
• Projects using extensive nestled User Actor networks
• Systems requiring monitoring of multiple parameter sets using the same control panels

Compatibility

• Maintains backward compatibility with existing CTL# system
• Builds upon familiar OSC-style addressing already implemented in SHOW/HIDE controls

[DusX]

@jtsteph

Thank you for the comprehensive write-up, as you might have gathered the current/new addressing is the first step towards a system much like this. We have exciting plans for this and intend to base it somewhat on osc.

For now that's probably all I should say ;)

[jtsteph]

@dusx, oh very cool. This sounds amazing. Working with actors using text addressing could open all kinds of possibilities!