Core Concepts
Grid Studio combines several different systems to build complex control, automation, and visualization environments.
These systems work together to process data, control devices, visualize spatial setups, and create user interfaces for interaction.
Understanding the core concepts of Grid Studio helps explain how projects are structured and how different parts of the system interact with each other.
The following sections introduce the most important building blocks used throughout a Grid Studio project.
Every Grid Studio project is organized using a hierarchical project structure.
All elements—such as objects, connections, timelines, or workflows—exist within this structure. The Project Tree acts as the central place where these elements are created and organized.
Understanding the project structure is essential for navigating and managing complex projects.
Objects are the fundamental building blocks of a Grid Studio project.
Each object represents a system component, such as a device, tracking system, camera, sensor, or logic container. Objects can contain parameters, data mappings, workflows, modifiers, and other functionality.
Objects can also be organized hierarchically to structure complex systems.
Entities represent structured data stored inside objects.
They behave similarly to value trees and can contain multiple related values. Entities are commonly used for storing device states, system information, or dynamically changing data sets.
Entities allow different parts of the system to share and react to structured information.
Data Sources provide a way to generate and access structured datasets within Grid Studio.
They are commonly used in workflows and user interfaces to query information such as objects, parameters, or system data.
Data Sources make it possible to build dynamic systems that react to changing project data.
User Parameters allow users to create custom parameters on objects.
These parameters can store values that are used throughout the project and can be accessed by workflows, modifiers, scripts, or user interfaces.
User Parameters are often used to create configurable controls within a project.
One of the core programming models in Grid Studio is object-based data processing.
In this model, objects receive data through Map Inputs, optionally process it using Filters, and send the result through Map Outputs.
This system is commonly used for real-time data pipelines such as camera tracking, sensor data, or spatial transformations.
Sensor-based tracking systems often generate dynamic datasets rather than fixed object streams.
In this workflow, sensor objects generate tracking data that can be processed, clustered, or interpreted by other systems such as volumes or interaction logic.
This model is commonly used for LiDAR sensors, depth cameras, or spatial detection systems.
Workflows provide an event-driven programming system used to control logic inside a project.
Workflows react to events such as button presses, incoming network messages, device states, or system triggers.
They allow users to build complex automation logic by connecting actions and conditions together.
Grid Studio provides two different node-based systems: Workflows and Modifiers.
Workflows are event-driven and are typically used for control logic and automation.
Modifiers are data-driven and operate on continuously changing values, making them suitable for high-frequency data processing such as tracking or signal manipulation.
Modifiers provide a node-based data processing system designed for real-time value manipulation.
Instead of reacting to events, modifier nodes update automatically whenever their input values change.
This makes modifiers ideal for transforming tracking data, performing mathematical operations, or generating derived values.
Grid Studio allows users to build interactive control interfaces using Artboards and Widgets.
These dashboards can control objects, trigger workflows, and visualize system data.
Interfaces can be used directly inside Grid Studio or deployed externally using Grid Viewer.
Grid Studio also provides additional tools for managing complex system behavior.
These include systems such as timelines, cue lists, calendars, and state machines, which provide structured ways to control events, sequences, and scheduled actions.
In addition to node-based systems, Grid Studio also supports Python scripting.
Scripts can be used to implement custom logic, interact with system data, or extend functionality beyond the built-in node systems.
Scripting provides an additional layer of flexibility for advanced workflows.
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