AutOKfe version 3.0 specification

From AutOKwiki

This is a functional description for the autOKfe v3.0 Terminal Program. It will describe the following.

• General Purpose and Goals of the Terminal Program
• Expected behavior of the Terminal Program
• Expected interactions with the Server

Note this is not a detailed specification, the programmer is responsible for writing a program that adheres to this description. The programmer is also encouraged to write a true specification of the program and enter it into the autOKwiki pages.

General Purpose and Goals

The purpose of the 3rd generation of the autOKfe Song Queue Terminal program is based on the foundations of previous versions - to offer a simple use user or "customer" interface to the AutoKDJ song queue mechanism, that does not have the EUE limits or security risks imposed by a pure web front end run by a standard web browser. The goal for the 3rd generation of this software will be to provide a visually modern and rich user interface, advanced hardware support (kiosk bill validators), and features such as user ID card / keytag support, incorporate a direct interface for customers to purchase new songs for the venue on-spot, as well as advanced security in the communications between the server and kiosk application.

The 3rd generation will be built specifically around the usage of a 15" or larger touch-screen compatible interface (although a standard keyboard/mouse can be used just as easily), with 'buttons' and selections appropriately sized for such an interface. Support for standard (keyboard emulation)barcode scanner equipment, as well as DBV (dollar bill validator with USB/RS232 interface - manufacturer / comm rountine extent TBD) for advanced user automation will also be incoporated. Support for advanced features such as customer song purchase support, ID card & credit accounting, self queue advancement (through useage of ID card "credits"), etc. will be incorportated.

Development Guidelines

The Song Queue Terminal Program will be developed using the following general guidelines:

• Enhanced User Interface: Flash/Animated GUI with user guidance (AI to detect level of guidance required?), self advancing wherever possible to minimize EU interaction.
• Reskinnable: Allow KJ's to customize the look and feel of the UI - flash programming knowledge may be required (or make it less customizable and more along the lines of "skinnable")?
• Written in VB/Flash (Or C#?): A ground up re-write implementing a modern RAD language that requires more overhead than previous versions, but this price comes with the benefit of a significantly more advanced multimedia rich UI and fast feature implementation (with the price of hardware, avaialability of 2nd hand hardware, etc. there is no need to make the target machine a P200). Windows XP will be the target platform, with possible ports to *nix & OSX.
• Minimize the use of prompts: Visual cues and guidance for "touch-and-go" advancement to and from each step in the queue process. Use of ID cards to minimize need to "type" on the on-screen keyboard - ideally the only need for a OSK for song entry / CD-ID.
• Intuitive Behavior: Keep "options" to a minimum, and make it a very simple self-advancing (where possible) interface - keeping in mind that customers using the kiosk may not be at their full mental capacity when using it. Offer an option in the beginning for a quick overview 'movie' (15-30 seconds) to show the complete song queue process.
• Appropriate for a Kiosk: Should be a fullscreen application, blocks alt-tab, task manager, Start bar and and any other attempts to get to underlying O/Sinterface. Access to the Windows interface will be permitted only with a password.
• ID Card Integration Support: Option for KJ's to make it mandatory for customers to obatin a user-ID card. The cards should be serialized & pre-printed to save costs / maintenance hassle for the KJ. Automation of 'registration' of ID card / keytag done at first scan at Kiosk.
• DBV(dollar bill validator) support: Add suport for specific DBV hardware (RS232/USB interface) to allow ID card users to purchase songs, add 'credits' to access advanced services (queue bumping, self-serve effects, CD/song burning), tipping the KJ, etc.