Dynamic User Variables

There are several ways to change the values of User Variables in an interactive presentation. See the Variables page for more information about creating User Variables and setting default values.

Web Browser

You can view and update User Variables using a web browser. To do this, your computer must be connected to the same local network as the BrightSign player, and you must enable the Local Web Server on the player:

1. Navigate to Tools > Setup BrightSign Unit.

2. Check the Enable local web server box.

3. Enter a user name and password for the web server if desired.

4. Set the rest of the options in the BrightSign Unit Setup window and complete the unit configuration process (see the Setting up BrightSign Players for more information).

5. Wait for the player to complete the entire boot process.

6. Use the address bar of a web browser to navigate to device IP port 8008. For example, if the IP address of your BrightSign player is 192.168.1.2, then you would enter 192.168.1.2:8008. You will be provided with a web page that lists all User Variables and allows you to modify them.

UDP, Serial Input, and Plugin Message Events

You can change the value of User Variables using the input from a UDP Input, Serial Input, or Plugin Message event:

1. Create a new UDP Input, Serial Input, or Plugin Message (or edit an existing one).

2. If using a UDP Input event, type <any> into the Specify UDP input field. The field can contain either the wildcard designator by itself or additional text with the wildcard designator (e.g. "message_<any>").

3. If you are using a Serial Input or Plugin Message event, enter the <*> wildcard designator into the Specify serial input or Plugin message field. The field can contain either the wildcard designator by itself or additional text with the wildcard designator (e.g. "message_<*>").

4. Check the box labeled Assign input to variable.

   1. Select Specify fixed variable if you want to choose a fixed User Variable in the BrightAuthor presentation. Use the dropdown list to choose which User Variable the UDP input will modify. The UDP/serial string must be input in the form of <variable value>.

   2. Select Input specifies variable if you want the UDP/serial input string to dynamically specify which User Variable is being modified. The UDP/serial string must be input in the form of <variable name> : <variable value>.

5. Check the box labeled Assign wildcard to variable to specify the value of a User Variable using the <any> or <*> wildcard designator. Select the User Variable to modify using the dropdown menu to the right.

6. Press OK to save the settings.