# PhotoRobot Glossary > Definitions of product photography, 360 spin, 3D, lighting and e-commerce workflow terms, with links to every page of photorobot.com where each term is used. Definitions of the terms used across photorobot.com: robotic photography hardware, PhotoRobot software, photography techniques, 360 and 3D output formats, e-commerce workflows, and lighting and optics. Each term with its own page lists the places on this website where it appears, like the index at the back of a book. For an introduction to the core concepts, start with the Product Photography Glossary article. 213 terms in 6 categories: Hardware, Software, Photography techniques, 360, 3D and output formats, E-commerce and workflow, Lighting and optics. Each term links to its definition; terms with their own page also list the pages of www.photorobot.com where they appear. ## 0-9 - [360 Car Studio](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/car-studio-360) (Software): PhotoRobot Viewer layout for vehicles, combining 360 spins, hotspots, details and interior panoramas. - [360 product photography](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-360-product-photography) (Photography techniques): Capturing a sequence of images around a rotating product to create an interactive 360-degree view. - [360 product video](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/360-product-video) (360, 3D and output formats): A video of a rotating product, optionally with camera movement, produced on an automated turntable. - [360 product viewer](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/360-product-viewer) (360, 3D and output formats): Web software that plays a 360 spin and lets the visitor rotate and zoom a product. - [360 spin](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/360-spin) (360, 3D and output formats): An interactive sequence of images of a rotating product that the viewer can turn with the mouse or a finger. - [3D model](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/3d-model) (360, 3D and output formats): A digital three-dimensional representation of a product, made of geometry and textures, viewable from any angle. ## A - [Alpha channel](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/alpha-channel) (360, 3D and output formats): An extra image channel that stores the transparency of every pixel. - [Aperture](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/aperture) (Lighting and optics): The adjustable lens opening, given as an f-number; smaller openings give more depth of field. - [API (application programming interface)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/api) (E-commerce and workflow): A defined interface through which one piece of software can use the functions or data of another. - [Apple Object Capture](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/apple-object-capture) (360, 3D and output formats): Apple's photogrammetry technology that creates a 3D model from a series of photos. - [Approval workflow](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/approval-workflow) (E-commerce and workflow): A defined step in which managers or clients approve or reject images before publishing. - [APS-C](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/aps-c) (Lighting and optics): A camera sensor format smaller than full frame, which crops the image by a factor of about 1.5–1.6. - [Augmented reality (AR)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/augmented-reality) (360, 3D and output formats): Overlaying digital content, such as a 3D product model, on the live camera view of the real world. - [Auto-centering](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/auto-centering) (Software): Software correction that aligns a product to the centre of rotation in every frame so a spin does not wobble. - [AutoCrop](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/autocrop) (Software): Automatic cropping based on the detected product position, with set aspect ratio and padding. - [Automated image capture](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-automated-image-capture) (Photography techniques): Camera triggering synchronised with studio hardware and software, without manual intervention. - [Automated product content production](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-automated-product-content-production) (E-commerce and workflow): End-to-end automation of generating, processing and distributing digital product assets. - [Automated product imaging](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-automated-product-imaging) (E-commerce and workflow): The automated pipeline that captures, processes and prepares product images for online catalogues. - [Automated product video capture](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-automated-product-video-capture) (360, 3D and output formats): Recording product videos with robotic camera systems and software-controlled studio equipment. - [Automatic publishing](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/automatic-publishing) (E-commerce and workflow): Making finished images available online immediately after capture and processing, without manual upload. ## B - [Background removal](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/background-removal) (Photography techniques): Separating the product from its background so it can be placed on pure white or transparency. - [Backlight](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/backlight) (Lighting and optics): Light from behind the subject, used to brighten the background or outline the product. - [Barcode](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/barcode) (E-commerce and workflow): A machine-readable code on a product or label, scanned to identify items without typing. - [Batch processing](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/batch-processing) (Photography techniques): Applying the same edits to many images at once instead of one by one. - [Bullet time](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/bullet-time) (Photography techniques): Effect in which many cameras around a subject capture the same instant, so a frozen moment can be viewed from a moving viewpoint. - [BYOK (bring your own key)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/byok) (Software): Using your own API key and contract with an AI or cloud provider inside third-party software. ## C - [C-Class turntables (C850, C1300)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/c-class-turntables) (Hardware): PhotoRobot C850 and C1300 glass-plate turntables with a steel frame; the C1300 was previously sold as Case 1300. - [Camera resolution](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/camera-resolution) (Lighting and optics): The number of pixels a camera sensor records, given in megapixels (MP). - [Canon EDSDK](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/canon-edsdk) (Software): Canon's software development kit for controlling EOS cameras from a computer over USB. - [Capture PI Advisor](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/capture-pi-advisor) (Software): PhotoRobot Intelligence tool that checks each capture in real time and suggests camera and light adjustments. - [Capture sequence](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/capture-sequence) (Software): The programmed order of angles, camera triggers and movements a robot performs to photograph an item. - [Carousel 3000](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/carousel-3000) (Hardware): PhotoRobot 3 m rotating platform for cars, furniture and other large objects of up to 2000 kg. - [Carousel 5000](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/carousel-5000) (Hardware): PhotoRobot low-profile heavy-duty turntable for cars and machinery, with a 4000 kg load capacity. - [CASE 850](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/case-850) (Hardware): PhotoRobot's portable motorised turntable with an 850 mm glass plate that folds into its own carrying case. - [CDN (content delivery network)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/cdn) (360, 3D and output formats): A network of servers worldwide that delivers files from a location close to each visitor. - [Centerless Table](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/centerless-table) (Hardware): PhotoRobot motorised turntable with an optical glass plate for shadow-free photography without clipping. - [Centre of rotation](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/centre-of-rotation) (Photography techniques): The axis a turntable spins around; a product placed on it stays in the same spot in every frame. - [Chroma key](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/chroma-key) (Photography techniques): Removing everything of one specific colour from an image, such as a green screen or a coloured stand. - [Clipping path](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/clipping-path) (Photography techniques): A hand-drawn vector outline used to cut a product out of its background. - [Cloud processing](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/cloud-processing) (Software): Running image editing on cloud servers so the studio can keep shooting while images are processed. - [Colour calibration](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary#colour-calibration) (Lighting and optics): Adjusting cameras, lights and screens to a reference so colours are reproduced consistently. - [Colour temperature](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/colour-temperature) (Lighting and optics): The warmth or coolness of white light, measured in kelvin (K); daylight is about 5500–5600 K. - [Continuous light](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/continuous-light) (Lighting and optics): Lighting that stays on constantly, typically LED, so the effect is visible before shooting. - [Control unit](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/control-unit) (Hardware): The computer inside or beside every PhotoRobot that drives its motors, triggers cameras and connects it to the network. - [Conversion rate](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/conversion-rate) (E-commerce and workflow): The share of visitors to a page or shop who complete a purchase. - [CPG (consumer packaged goods)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/cpg) (E-commerce and workflow): Everyday packaged products such as food, drinks and toiletries, sold in large volumes. - [CRI (colour rendering index)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/cri) (Lighting and optics): A 0–100 score of how faithfully a light source reproduces colours compared with a reference light. - [Crop factor](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary#crop-factor) (Lighting and optics): The ratio between full frame and a smaller sensor, used to compare fields of view. - [CUBE](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/cube) (Hardware): Versatile PhotoRobot robot – Cube V5, V6 and V6 RotoPower – used as a turntable, to suspend objects, or as a rotating mannequin holder. - [CubiScan](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/cubiscan) (Hardware): A dimensioning system that weighs and measures items; PhotoRobot records its data with the product images. - [Cyclorama](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/cyclorama) (Lighting and optics): A curved background where the floor sweeps into the wall, giving a seamless, horizon-free backdrop. ## D - [DAM (digital asset management)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/dam) (E-commerce and workflow): Software for storing, organising, searching and distributing images, video and other media files. - [Depth of field](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/depth-of-field) (Lighting and optics): The distance range in front of and behind the focus point that appears acceptably sharp. - [Detail shot](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/detail-shot) (Photography techniques): A close-up photo of one feature of a product, such as a texture, logo or mechanism. - [Diffusion](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/diffusion) (Lighting and optics): Scattering light through a translucent material to make it softer and more even. - [DMX](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/dmx) (Lighting and optics): A standard control protocol for lighting, used to set the intensity and colour of lights remotely. - [DPI (dots per inch)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/dpi) (360, 3D and output formats): A print density value stored in image files; it does not change the pixel resolution of a digital image. - [DSLR](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/dslr) (Lighting and optics): A digital camera that uses a mirror and optical viewfinder, with interchangeable lenses. - [Dynamic range](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/dynamic-range) (Lighting and optics): The range between the darkest and brightest tones a camera can record with detail. ## E - [E-commerce product imaging](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-ecommerce-product-imaging) (E-commerce and workflow): Creating product images optimised for online retail platforms, catalogues and product information systems. - [ERP (enterprise resource planning)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/erp) (E-commerce and workflow): Business software that manages core processes such as inventory, orders and finance. - [Export feed](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/export-feed) (Software): A machine-readable XML or JSON list of items and image URLs that other systems read automatically. - [Exposure](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/exposure) (Lighting and optics): The amount of light that reaches the sensor, set by aperture, shutter speed, ISO and light output. ## F - [Fast Spin](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/fast-spin) (Software): PhotoRobot capture mode that photographs during continuous turntable rotation instead of stopping at each angle. - [File naming convention](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/file-naming-convention) (E-commerce and workflow): A rule for naming image files so systems can match them to products and views automatically. - [Flag](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/flag) (Lighting and optics): An opaque panel that blocks light from reaching part of the scene or the lens. - [Flash duration](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/flash-duration) (Lighting and optics): How long a flash burst lasts; a very short flash freezes a moving subject sharply. - [Flat lay](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/flat-lay) (Photography techniques): Photographing products laid flat on a surface from directly above. - [Flying camera effect](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/flying-camera-effect) (Photography techniques): Video in which the camera seems to fly around the product, made by combining rotation with camera movement. - [Focal length](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/focal-length) (Lighting and optics): The lens property, in millimetres, that sets the angle of view and magnification. - [Focus stacking](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/focus-stacking) (Photography techniques): Combining several photos focused at different distances into one image that is sharp throughout. - [FRAME](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/frame) (Hardware): PhotoRobot all-in-one machine combining a glass-plate turntable with a robotic camera arm, built for 3D modelling. - [Freemask](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/freemask) (Software): PhotoRobot background removal from a front-lit and a back-lit silhouette shot of the same angle. - [FRP (fibre-reinforced plastic)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/frp) (Hardware): A composite of plastic resin and reinforcing fibres, used for light, durable mannequins. - [Full-frame sensor](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/full-frame-sensor) (Lighting and optics): A camera sensor the size of 35 mm film (36 x 24 mm), preferred for product photography. ## G - [Geo-redundant storage](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/geo-redundant-storage) (E-commerce and workflow): Storing copies of data in several distant locations so it survives the loss of a data centre. - [Ghost mannequin](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/ghost-mannequin) (Hardware): A mannequin with removable parts, used to photograph garments so the mannequin can be made invisible in the image. - [Ghost mannequin effect](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/ghost-mannequin-effect) (Photography techniques): An editing technique that makes the mannequin disappear so the garment looks worn by an invisible body. - [GIF](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/gif) (360, 3D and output formats): An old image format limited to 256 colours, still used for simple animations. - [glTF / GLB](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary#gltf) (360, 3D and output formats): Open Khronos standard for transmitting 3D models efficiently on the web; GLB is its single-file binary form. - [GS1 image standards](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/gs1-image-standards) (E-commerce and workflow): GS1 guidelines for how product images are captured, named and exchanged in retail supply chains. - [GTIN](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary#gtin) (E-commerce and workflow): GS1's globally unique product number behind EAN and UPC barcodes. ## H - [Hero image](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/hero-image) (Photography techniques): The main product photo shown first on a product page or listing. - [Highlight clipping](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/highlight-clipping) (Lighting and optics): Overexposed areas that are recorded as pure white and have lost all detail. - [Histogram](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/histogram) (Lighting and optics): A graph of how many pixels in an image have each brightness value. - [Hotspot](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/hotspot) (360, 3D and output formats): A clickable point on a product image or spin that opens a detail image, zoom or annotation. - [Hybrid version](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/hybrid-version) (Software): PhotoRobot Controls set-up combining a local workstation with the cloud, synchronised in both directions. - [Hyperfocal distance](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/hyperfocal-distance) (Lighting and optics): The focus distance that gives the maximum depth of field, extending sharpness to infinity. ## I - [Image compression](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/image-compression) (360, 3D and output formats): Reducing the file size of an image, either without loss of data (lossless) or by discarding detail (lossy). - [Image consistency](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/image-consistency) (E-commerce and workflow): All product images in a range sharing the same angles, framing, lighting and background. - [Image hosting](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/image-hosting) (Software): Storing images on a server and delivering them to websites on request. - [Image metadata (EXIF, IPTC, XMP)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/image-metadata) (360, 3D and output formats): Information stored inside an image file, such as camera settings, copyright, keywords and description. - [In-house photo studio](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/in-house-studio) (E-commerce and workflow): A company's own product photography studio, as opposed to outsourcing to an agency. - [Industry 4.0](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/industry-4-0) (E-commerce and workflow): The connected, data-driven automation of production: networked machines, sensors and remote control. - [ISO sensitivity](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/iso) (Lighting and optics): The camera's sensitivity setting; low ISO gives the cleanest images and widest dynamic range. - [Item export](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/item-export) (Software): PhotoRobot Controls function that exports items to local disk or cloud in chosen formats, sizes and file names. - [Item status](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/item-status) (E-commerce and workflow): The production state of an item in PhotoRobot Controls, such as Received, Captured, Edited or Published. ## J - [JPEG](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/jpeg) (360, 3D and output formats): The most common lossy image format for photographs; small files, no transparency. ## K - [Kiosk mode](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/kiosk-mode) (Software): A locked-down, simplified interface that shows an operator only the controls an administrator allows. ## L - [Laser positioning](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/laser-positioning) (Hardware): Lasers projected onto the turntable that show where to place a product so it sits at the centre of rotation. - [Lifestyle photography](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/lifestyle-photography) (Photography techniques): Product photos showing the product in use or in a real-world setting. - [Light-wrap](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/light-wrap) (Lighting and optics): Background light spilling around the edges of a product, softening its contours. - [Live View](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/live-view) (Software): A real-time preview of the camera image on a computer screen, used to frame and focus before capture. ## M - [Macro](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/macro) (Software): A stored sequence of PhotoRobot Controls commands that automates multi-step capture across folders. - [Macro photography](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/macro-photography) (Photography techniques): Photographing small subjects at close range so that they appear life-size or larger on the sensor. - [Macro PI Action](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/macro-pi-action) (Software): Runs PhotoRobot Intelligence steps such as Metadata Suggest and Ask PI automatically inside macros. - [Marketing angle](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/marketing-angle) (Photography techniques): A predefined, commercially attractive view of a product used in listings and campaigns. - [Mirrorless camera](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/mirrorless-camera) (Lighting and optics): A camera with interchangeable lenses but no mirror; the sensor feeds an electronic viewfinder. - [Modelling light](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/modelling-light) (Lighting and optics): A continuous lamp built into a strobe that previews where the flash light will fall. - [Motor driver](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/motor-driver) (Hardware): Electronics that supply power to a robot's motors; it determines how fast and precisely each axis can move. - [MTL](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary#mtl) (360, 3D and output formats): Companion file to OBJ that describes materials, colours and texture maps. - [Multi-angle product photography](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-multi-angle-product-photography) (Photography techniques): Photographing a product from multiple predefined camera positions and elevations. - [Multi-row 360](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/multi-row-360) (360, 3D and output formats): A 360 spin captured at several camera elevations, so the viewer can rotate the product horizontally and vertically. - [MultiCam](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/multicam) (Hardware): PhotoRobot multi-camera arch that captures several elevations at once for multi-row 360 and 3D photography. ## O - [OBJ](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/obj) (360, 3D and output formats): A widely supported, text-based 3D model format storing geometry and UV mapping, with materials in an MTL file. - [OCR (optical character recognition)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/ocr) (Software): Technology that converts text in an image into machine-readable text. - [On-model photography](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/on-model-photography) (Photography techniques): Photographing garments or accessories worn by a live model. - [Online marketplace](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/online-marketplace) (E-commerce and workflow): A platform where many sellers list products, such as Amazon, usually with strict image requirements. - [Optical glass plate](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/optical-glass-plate) (Hardware): A turntable top made of optical glass that can be lit and photographed through, giving shadow-free images. ## P - [Packshot](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/packshot) (Photography techniques): A clean, standardised product photo, usually on a white background, often showing the packaging. - [Panorama](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/panorama) (360, 3D and output formats): A wide or fully spherical image of a space that the viewer can look around in. - [PDP (product detail page)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/pdp) (E-commerce and workflow): The web shop page dedicated to one product, with its images, description and buy button. - [Photogrammetry](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-photogrammetry-in-product-imaging) (360, 3D and output formats): Generating a 3D model from many overlapping photographs of an object. - [Photography turntable](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/photography-turntable) (Hardware): A rotating platform that turns a product in front of a fixed camera so it can be photographed from every side. - [PhotoRobot Academy](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/photorobot-academy) (E-commerce and workflow): PhotoRobot's official training and certification programme for operators, managers and integrators. - [PhotoRobot Account](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/photorobot-account) (Software): The customer portal for PhotoRobot users, licences, billing, downloads, API keys and support. - [PhotoRobot Cloud](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/photorobot-cloud) (Software): PhotoRobot's cloud platform for storing, processing, hosting and distributing product images. - [PhotoRobot Cloud API](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/cloud-api) (Software): PhotoRobot's REST API for integrating the studio with catalogue, DAM, PIM and e-commerce systems. - [PhotoRobot Controls](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/photorobot-controls) (Software): PhotoRobot's software suite for capture, editing, digital asset management, studio workflow and publishing. - [PhotoRobot Developer Portal](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/developer-portal) (Software): PhotoRobot's documentation site for the Cloud API, with interactive endpoint references. - [PhotoRobot Intelligence (PI)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/photorobot-intelligence) (Software): The AI layer in PhotoRobot Controls for capture quality control, metadata, visual questions and edits. - [PhotoRobot Locator](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/photorobot-locator) (Software): App that finds PhotoRobot control units on the local network and opens their web interface. - [PhotoRobot OS](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary#photorobot-os) (Hardware): Linux-based real-time operating system of PhotoRobot control units from generation 6 onwards. - [PhotoRobot Studio](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/photorobot-studio) (E-commerce and workflow): PhotoRobot's own studio in Prague that produces photos, spins, 3D models and video for customers. - [PhotoRobot Touch](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/photorobot-touch) (Software): PhotoRobot's iPhone app for handheld product photos, detail shots and simple 360 spins inside the PhotoRobot workflow. - [PhotoRobot Viewer](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/photorobot-viewer) (Software): PhotoRobot's hosted viewer for image galleries, 360 spins, hotspots and panoramas on websites and e-shops. - [PI Profiles](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary#pi-profiles) (Software): Industry-specific profiles in PhotoRobot Intelligence that fine-tune or suggest presets for different product types. - [PIM (product information management)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/pim) (E-commerce and workflow): A system that stores and distributes product data, such as descriptions and attributes, to all sales channels. - [PINK (PhotoRobot Medical)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/photorobot-pink) (Hardware): PhotoRobot clinical photography system that photographs the upper body of a standing patient from defined angles. - [Planogram](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/planogram) (E-commerce and workflow): A diagram of how products are placed on retail shelves; planogram images show the product face-on for it. - [PNG](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/png) (360, 3D and output formats): A lossless image format that supports transparency; larger files than JPEG. - [Polarising filter](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/polarising-filter) (Lighting and optics): A lens filter that cuts reflections and glare from non-metallic surfaces. - [Polygon mesh](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary#polygon-mesh) (360, 3D and output formats): The surface of a 3D model, built from connected vertices, edges and faces (usually triangles). - [Post-production](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/post-production) (Photography techniques): Everything done to images after capture: editing, background removal, cropping, export. - [Preset](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/preset) (Software): Saved PhotoRobot Controls settings for capture and editing, applied automatically to similar products. - [Product animation](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/product-animation) (360, 3D and output formats): A short looping sequence of product frames, often exported as an animated GIF or video. - [Product imaging workflow](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-a-product-imaging-workflow) (E-commerce and workflow): The sequence of steps that turns a physical product into finished digital image assets. - [Product ingestion](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/product-ingestion) (E-commerce and workflow): Receiving and registering products in the studio before photography: scanning, measuring, sorting. - [Product photography automation](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-product-photography-automation) (Photography techniques): Software-driven workflows and automated hardware that standardise image capture and processing. - [Product returns](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/product-returns) (E-commerce and workflow): Goods sent back by customers; inaccurate images are a common cause. - [Product styling](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/product-styling) (Photography techniques): Preparing and arranging a product so it looks its best before it is photographed. - [Production line](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/production-line) (E-commerce and workflow): Several connected workstations that process products in stages, like an assembly line for images. - [Production workflow](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/production-workflow) (E-commerce and workflow): The stages a product passes through in a photo studio, from intake to delivery and return. - [PWS (PhotoRobot support programme)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/pws) (E-commerce and workflow): PhotoRobot's support programme providing a single point of technical responsibility for the imaging workflow. ## Q - [QR code](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/qr-code) (E-commerce and workflow): A two-dimensional barcode that stores text or a URL and can be read by phone cameras. - [Quality control](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/quality-control) (E-commerce and workflow): Checking images against requirements before they are published, and sending failures back. - [Quick mannequin exchange](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/quick-mannequin-exchange) (Hardware): CUBE system for swapping mannequins in seconds, so the next garment can be styled while the current one is shot. ## R - [RAW file](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/raw-file) (360, 3D and output formats): The unprocessed sensor data saved by a camera, with maximum editing latitude. - [Reflector](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/reflector) (Lighting and optics): A surface that bounces light back onto the subject to fill shadows; also the dish fitted to a light. - [Remote support](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/remote-support) (E-commerce and workflow): Diagnosing and fixing a system over the internet, with the customer's consent, instead of on site. - [Retouching](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/retouching) (Photography techniques): Manual correction of an image, such as removing dust, blemishes or unwanted elements. - [RMA (return merchandise authorisation)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/rma) (E-commerce and workflow): The authorised process for returning faulty equipment to the manufacturer for repair or replacement. - [Robotic Arm](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/robotic-arm) (Hardware): PhotoRobot motorised camera arm that moves the camera vertically around a product for multi-row and 3D capture. - [Robotic camera control](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-robotic-camera-control) (Software): Automated coordination of camera triggering, movement and positioning by motorised devices and software. - [Robotic product photography](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-robotic-product-photography) (Photography techniques): Product photography in which robotic hardware and control software position products and cameras and capture images. - [Robotic Turntable](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/robotic-turntable) (Hardware): PhotoRobot heavy-duty motorised turntable for machinery, engines and automotive parts, in 40 kg and 200 kg versions. - [Robotic workstation](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/robotic-workstation) (Hardware): One complete automated photography station: robot, cameras, lights and controlling software. - [Rotary encoder](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/rotary-encoder) (Hardware): A sensor that reports the exact angular position of a rotating part, such as a turntable plate. - [RotoPower](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/rotopower) (Hardware): PhotoRobot option that brings mains power into the rotating part of a robot, so a product can stay switched on while it turns. ## S - [Scalable product photography](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-scalable-product-photography) (E-commerce and workflow): Using automation and standardised workflows to photograph large catalogues efficiently. - [Shadow-free photography](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/shadow-free-photography) (Photography techniques): Lighting a product so that it casts no visible shadow on its background or support. - [Shooting list](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/shooting-list) (E-commerce and workflow): The list of items to be photographed in a project, usually imported from a spreadsheet. - [Shutter lag](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/shutter-lag) (Photography techniques): The delay between triggering a camera and the moment the image is actually exposed. - [Shutter release cable](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/shutter-release-cable) (Hardware): A cable that fires the camera from an external device, such as a robot's control unit. - [Shutter speed](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/shutter-speed) (Lighting and optics): How long the camera shutter stays open; with flash, the flash duration usually freezes the motion instead. - [SKU (stock keeping unit)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/sku) (E-commerce and workflow): A retailer's internal code for one distinct product variant. - [SLA (service level agreement)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/sla) (E-commerce and workflow): A contract that defines the service levels a provider commits to, such as response times. - [Slip ring](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/slip-ring) (Hardware): Rotary electrical joint that passes power and signals from a fixed part of a machine to a part that turns without limit. - [Smart Links](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/smart-links) (Software): PhotoRobot page of stable URLs for the latest PhotoRobot Controls version, changelog and installers. - [SmartCodes](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/smartcodes) (Software): Printed PhotoRobot trigger codes that start software actions when scanned, such as starting a capture sequence. - [Softbox](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/softbox) (Lighting and optics): A light modifier: a fabric box with a diffuser front that turns a small light into a large, soft source. - [Sort to shelves](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/sort-to-shelves) (Software): PhotoRobot Controls feature that assigns workspace and preset to an item by scanning a shelf code. - [SpinViewer](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/spinviewer) (Software): PhotoRobot's embeddable 360 product viewer for spins, adjustable in real time on any device. - [Still image](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/still-image) (360, 3D and output formats): A single photograph of a product, as opposed to a spin, video or 3D model. - [STL](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/stl) (360, 3D and output formats): A simple 3D format describing only surface geometry as triangles, standard for 3D printing. - [Strobe](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/strobe) (Lighting and optics): A studio flash that emits a very short, powerful burst of light, freezing motion. - [Style guide](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/style-guide) (E-commerce and workflow): A document that defines how products of a brand are to be photographed and presented. - [Suspension mode](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/suspension-mode) (Hardware): CUBE configuration that hangs a product in the air and rotates it, for items that cannot stand on a plate. - [SynchroBox](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/synchrobox) (Hardware): PhotoRobot multi-camera controller that fires each camera with its own advance; up to 8 cameras per unit, units can be linked. ## T - [Takt time](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary#takt-time) (E-commerce and workflow): The available production time divided by the required output, i.e. the pace one product must be finished at. - [Tethered shooting](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/tethered-shooting) (Photography techniques): Shooting with the camera connected to a computer, which controls settings and receives every image directly. - [Throughput](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/throughput) (E-commerce and workflow): How many products a studio or workstation finishes per hour or shift. - [TIFF](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/tiff) (360, 3D and output formats): A flexible, often uncompressed image format used in print and archiving. - [Time to market](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/time-to-market) (E-commerce and workflow): The time between a product arriving and its listing going live online. - [Top view](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/top-view) (Photography techniques): A photo taken from directly or steeply above the product. - [Transparent background](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/transparent-background) (Photography techniques): An image whose background pixels are transparent, so the product can be placed on any colour or layout. - [Transparent mannequin](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/transparent-mannequin) (Hardware): A clear acrylic mannequin that interferes little with the colour of garments and is easy to remove in editing. - [Turn and swing angles](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/turn-and-swing-angles) (Photography techniques): PhotoRobot terms for the rotation angle of the product (turn) and the vertical angle of the camera (swing). - [Turning Platform](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/turning-platform) (Hardware): PhotoRobot heavy-duty turntable for furniture and machinery, with plates up to 280 cm and a 1500 kg load capacity. ## U - [Unwrap](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/unwrap) (Software): PhotoRobot Controls tool that flattens text wrapping around cylindrical packaging so OCR can read it. - [USDZ](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/usdz) (360, 3D and output formats): Pixar-developed packaged 3D format with native support on Apple devices, widely used for AR. ## V - [Vignette](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/vignette) (Lighting and optics): Darkening or lightening towards the edges of an image, either a lens fault or a deliberate effect. - [Virtual Catwalk](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/virtual-catwalk) (Hardware): PhotoRobot rotating platform with a treadmill belt that lets models walk an infinite runway for 360 fashion video. - [Virtual reality (VR)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/virtual-reality) (360, 3D and output formats): A fully computer-generated environment experienced through a headset. - [Visual product configurator](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/visual-product-configurator) (360, 3D and output formats): An interactive tool that shows a product changing in real time as the shopper chooses options. ## W - [Webhook](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/webhook) (Software): An HTTP request one system sends to another automatically when an event happens. - [WebP](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/webp) (360, 3D and output formats): Google's web image format with efficient lossy and lossless compression and transparency. - [WebXR](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary#webxr) (360, 3D and output formats): Web standard that lets browsers display AR and VR content without a separate app. - [White background](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/white-background) (Photography techniques): A background of pure white (RGB 255, 255, 255), standard for e-commerce product images. - [White balance](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/white-balance) (Lighting and optics): Adjusting an image so neutral whites and greys show no colour cast under the given light. - [Wizard mode](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/wizard-mode) (Software): PhotoRobot Controls mode that guides an operator through predefined capture steps one at a time. - [Workspace](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/workspace) (Software): In PhotoRobot Controls, the list of hardware (robots, cameras, lights) used for a specific photoshoot. ## Z - [Zero-clearance transmission](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/zero-clearance-transmission) (Hardware): A drive without mechanical play between motor and plate, so the plate stops exactly where commanded.