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6. Workspace Management
Workspaces are GUI display templates that can be configured to display the state and/or value of any Input, Output, or Flag
that exists in the Cortex unit. Workspaces can show different content, based on a user’s preferences, or display device. For
example, specific workspaces can be set up for site information display on smartphones, tablets, laptops or large-screen
monitors. Separate tabs can be programmed, for example, to separate HVAC information from RF information from site
access status. Graphics and photos of site equipment can also be integrated into Workspaces.
6.1. Workspace files versus Configuration files
The Workspace is the view or Graphic User Interface (GUI) that is created by users to make the site information easier to
visualize and understand. Workspaces can be saved to your computer with file names like Eagle-Mtn-iPad-View.dvw. When
uploading the Workspace files to a Cortex, they can be sent with the .dvw extension OR with a .zip extension (to save data
bandwidth, if necessary). The Cortex can process both types of files.
The Configuration is made up of the different settings, addresses and commands that tell the Cortex what it has to do and
in what order. It also is saved as a computer file, with a name like Site123.cfg. This file is also downloaded as a .zip file to
conserve bandwidth.
NOTE: In Davicom’s Cortex series, contrary to the previous generation of products, Workspaces can now reside in the
Cortex unit itself. This feature not only eliminates the obligation of managing workspace sharing among users of a unit, but
it also allows any (authorized) user to connect and have a readily-available workspace that can be matched to his
requirements. It is nevertheless strongly suggested to make backup copies of workspaces (and unit configurations) in your
PC to avoid losses in case of unit failure or of a site catastrophe. See Saving Workspaces below for information on saving
workspaces.
6.2. Pre-loaded workspace
The Cortex comes with one pre-loaded workspace that can be used right away to help you get started. It can be used as a
base and modified or cloned to customize your own GUI.
6.3. Editing and creating workspaces
You can create or modify workspaces using the built-in graphic design capabilities of the Cortex. Here are some of the unit’s
capabilities:
- Bulk edit grouped graphic elements
- Rotate graphic elements at 1° increments
- Activate (turn on) or deactivate (turn off) two images based on an I/O’s Normal and Active states
- Set-to-front and Set-to back stack levels for images, graphic elements, and text
- Associate any I/O with any image, graphic element, or text
- Use of the most standard image formats (jpg, gif, png, bmp, svg, etc.)
- Use transparent (“cut-out”) images
- Use a background image
- Resize of graphic elements and images, with no loss of quality (vectorization)
- Simple and easy “Drag & Drop” and “Copy - Paste”
To edit a workspace, you must be logged-in to a Cortex, but it is not required to be in control of the unit.
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