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Improtech PhotoRobot - Industry 4.0 Readiness
PhotoRobot Controls App (further referred to as “CAPP”) is designed to automate content production processes (images, videos, 360s, and 3D models). This guide consists of 4 sections, each representing the process:
To install PhotoRobot Controls App on your computer, login to your PhotoRobot account and go to Downloads:
Important: To ensure CAPP communicates with the camera properly, please close all other programs that connect to the camera. Also, be sure to use a compatible camera from the list of PhotoRobot compatible camera models.
Note: As of the release PhotoRobot Controls App 2.5.4, any camera can now be supported via third-party camera integration. However, for automated photography, the latest DSLR and mirrorless Canon camera models are the most reliable and efficient.
Although it is possible to use PhotoRobot suggested handheld cameras over Wi-Fi or cable connection, doing so can create issues.
For iPhone connection via the PhotoRobot Touch App, note that none of these issues occur. The iPhone will be capable of handheld photography in a setup using continuous lighting. However, if flash photography is necessary, compatible handheld cameras can serve as an alternative to the recommended DSLR / mirrorless cameras. Just keep in mind the issues that may arise with Wi-Fi and cabled handheld models.
For CAPP to communicate with lighting, be sure to use compatible lights. These include two types of lights: strobe lights from FOMEI and Broncolor, and any type of LED lights with DMX support.
After opening CAPP, typically the first thing a user does is create a workspace. A workspace is a list of hardware that is being used for a particular photoshoot. It can include various PhotoRobot modules, cameras, lights, and other accessories.
For demo purposes, users can work with a predefined, Sample Workspace, which is configured to use virtual hardware. In this way, users can still experiment with various features of CAPP by selecting virtual robots and cameras.
To start using actual (as opposed to virtual) hardware, first ensure the hardware is connected to the same computer network (or a sub-network) as the computer you are using to control your PhotoRobot.
Note: As of PhotoRobot Controls version 2.5.4, any camera can now be supported through third-party camera integration. Meanwhile, compatible cameras include the latest DSLR and mirrorless Canon camera models, our recommended Wi-Fi-enabled Canon cameras, and also iPhone cameras if using the PhotoRobot Touch App.
Important: For automated photography by robotic workstation, PhotoRobot suggested DSLR and mirrorless Canon Camera models are the most reliable. While there is support for handheld cameras over Wi-Fi or cable connection, their use can create issues. These include frequent Wi-Fi disconnections (primarily due to timeout), complications with cable lengths, and the risk to connections.
To connect a camera, it must be connected to the same local computer network as the robot in one of three ways:
After connecting a piece of hardware (or camera) to a workspace, you can then check whether it is online (recognized by CAPP). To do this, inspect the dot to the left of the name of the given piece of equipment. If the device is recognized, the dot will be green:
A gray color signalizes that the hardware was not recognized or is not turned on. For possible causes of this, please refer to the Troubleshooting PhotoRobot Manual.
If using a Robot Arm in the workspace, note that there will likely be additional setup required. This is because the robotic arm is an independent machine, and one of the functions of controlling it via CAPP is that the elevation movement aligns the rotation axis to the midpoint of the photographed object’s height.
The height of the robot arm’s rotational axis is determined by the workstation machine type, and at the same time by the adjustment of the leveling feet, which compensate for any unevenness of the floor. If everything is set up correctly, the machine is level, and the rotation center is at a specific height above the floor. However, the total height will also depend on the height of the turntable surface, which varies between different robots. This means that there might be a discrepancy in the height reference, as there is a height adaptor under the column of the robot arm so that it roughly aligns.
To ensure perfect alignment, it then becomes necessary to enter the height difference between the arm and the turntable into CAPP. The height difference measures the exact distance between the robotic arm’s rotation axis and the height at which the turntable surface is positioned (including any additional board placed on top of it). This provides the exact dimensions from which the system calculates half of the object’s height, and the position where the arm should move. It also ensures the system is set to automatically and correctly operate.
Also note: The system is set to reject values that fall outside the valid range for a given setup.
In order to set the Robot Arm to zero level, first open the local version of CAPP, and access Workspace settings in one of two ways:
1. Open the local version of CAPP, click Settings at the top of the interface, and select Workspaces from the left-hand menu options. In this menu, find the workspace in operation, and click the edit icon next to the workspace title to open the Edit workspace settings:
2. Alternatively, it is possible to access the Edit workspace menu by opening an Item in Capture mode in the local version of CAPP, and then clicking the edit icon next to the Workspace title on the right side of the interface:
Either method will open the Edit workspace settings. Then, to configure the Robot Arm, find the device under the Robots menu, and click the 3 vertical dots next to the Robot Arm name.
Next, select the menu option Set corrections to open the Set elevator correction function:
In the Set elevator correction menu, adjust the number in the top field Elevator deviation (mm) to set the elevation of the camera to the appropriate zero level. For example, if the camera is off center by 10 mm above the table, set Elevator deviation to -10 mm to center the camera.
If the camera is off center by 10 mm below the table, set Elevator deviation to +10 mm. This will correctly align the elevation of the mounted camera on the Robot Arm to the appropriate zero level in the software.
Note: The lift can reach a maximum of 330 mm. Thus, if adjusting the zero level by +30 mm, the maximum lift can only reach 300 mm. This means the system will only be able to capture products that are smaller by this margin, 30 mm or less.
In CAPP, images are organized into projects, items, and folders.
To start shooting, you must first add a new project (unless you already have one that you would like to use), as well as at least one item.
( ! ) - If experiencing issues, find additional support for connecting cameras, robots, lights, and editing in the PhotoRobot Troubleshooting Manual.
In the local desktop version of CAPP, there are 3 general settings to toggle on or off:
By default, the local app will be set to Upload images automatically to PhotoRobot Cloud. This feature automatically saves a backup of captured images to your cloud server for later export.
To disable Upload images automatically to PhotoRobot Cloud, toggle the option off in the local version of CAPP’s General Settings. This will instead save captured items to your local app or to your own cloud account.
Use the toggles also to enable or disable the Process images in PhotoRobot Cloud feature. When on, this feature automatically post-processes images according to presets in the PhotoRobot Cloud after capture.
If using the PhotoRobot Touch Mobile Application for iPhone, toggle on Enable Controls Touch Mobile Application Extension.
Note: For technical instructions on the installation and operation of PhotoRobot Touch, see the PhotoRobot iPhone Touch App User Manual.
After clicking on an item, you will be taken to a capture/edit interface. The controls available to you change based on whether the capture mode is active, or the edit mode. The capture mode is used to control the photography sequence, while the edit mode controls all post-processing performed within CAPP. The active mode will be highlighted at the top of the screen:
Before any photoshoot, you must create at least one folder. The main types of folders are spin (used for 360° presentations), stills (for still images), and video (for videos).
When adding a spin folder, CAPP will automatically add stops (also called “frames”) based on how many images per spin you select. The default number is 36, and this can be changed in the bottom left corner. With a higher number of stops, the rotation will be smoother, but it will also take up more storage space.
If you select a stills folder, you must add your stops manually. This will include a turn angle (the rotational angle) and a swing angle (the vertical position of the camera along a circular trajectory). The swing angle is important if you are using our Robotic Arm or another module that can change the horizontal position of the camera.
When using lights compatible with CAPP, you are able to select lights in the bottom right corner of the edit mode window.
The central part of the capture mode interface includes the preview window, which either displays the currently selected image (if you have already taken some) or the live view streamed from the camera.
Live View, which is useful if you want to check composure and focus, can be toggled in the camera control area in the central part of the control bar on the right-hand side of the screen.
Before taking final images, it is a good idea to take one or more test shots. The easiest way to do this is by pressing the T key on your computer keyboard. This will help you check whether you should change the settings of your lights, camera, etc. Test images are stored in the “test shot” folder, which you can access in the bottom left part of the screen.
When satisfied with the settings, which were verified by taking a test shot, it is time to run the photography sequence. This can be triggered by pressing the space bar on your keyboard or by clicking the “start” button shown in the picture below.
If you have a barcode scanner, you can also trigger the sequence by scanning a special “start” bar code, which you can download here.
You will know that the sequence has finished successfully if all thumbnails on the left-hand side have been filled with images. It is a good practice to pay attention to any potential misfires of the strobe lights.
If any of the thumbnails are darker compared to the others, lower the rotation speed or, if necessary, check the condition of your lights. You can then mark these images and reshoot them without having to run the entire sequence again.
Once the capture sequence is complete, you can switch to edit mode, which is where you will perform post-processing.
Wizards mode in CAPP functions as an alternative to manual hardware, camera, and sequence configuration. In use, this mode enables an administrator or photographer to create different Wizards to simplify capture mode for production-line operators.
On creation, a Wizard stores Presets and Workspace configurations, as well as predefined steps operators must follow. Operators cannot adjust any settings, and they must complete the instructions in each step before they can move onto the next process.
Note: Wizard steps are defined in a JavaScript-like language format, and scripted by PhotoRobot consultants for custom functionality. Users can also script basic functions for initial experiments or simple setups. For technical documentation on configuring Wizard Steps, see the Wizard Mode Configuration Support Manual.
To access Wizards mode, open the Settings menu in the local app. Here, users can load Wizards via the left-hand side menu, or create a new wizard using Add Wizard in the top-right part of the interface:
Options to create, edit, or customize a Wizard include Wizard name, Item name, Notes, Presets, Workspace, and Wizard steps:
Note: In order to launch a Wizard, it must contain valid Presets, all Workspace configurations, and most importantly the number and names of directory folders. Each of these will then have to match the steps defined in the Wizard for its proper operation.
For reference, the following is a generic script for initial experimentation and setup by a customer. Customers can use this code in the Steps section to test its functionality and run a basic script:
[
{
"type": "select-item",
"fields": [
{
"name": "name"
},
{
"name": "note",
"optional": true
}
],
"design": {
"bgImage": "https://hosting.photorobot.com/images/-ML2QkR2lrhwn5SVMaEu/-Nehz_ciyDihw90EgNuy/FINAL/tqZxrqbKZ4exH6y2LFPWUw?w=1200"
}
},
{
"type": "liveview",
"title": "Check the position",
"note": "Check that person is in view.",
"cameraAngle": 15
},
{
"type": "capture-folder",
"title": "Capture spin",
"dirName": "spin"
},
{
"type": "capture-folder",
"title": "Capture stills",
"dirName": "stills"
}
]
To start a Wizard, first assign it to a project and click Save:
After assigning the Wizard to a project, it is possible to launch the Wizard in 2 ways:
On successful launch, the first screen of Wizards mode displays the Project name at the top, and the Wizard name below. Click Create to launch the Wizard:
After the start screen, the Wizard displays the first stage in the predefined operation steps. From this point on, the operator must complete instructions for each stage of capture, and click Next at the bottom of the Wizard interface to move onto subsequent steps:
Usually, the first step will instruct the operator to configure the camera (or cameras) that will be in use. Here, the operator also checks that the product is positioned correctly and in view of the camera(s).
Subsequent steps then direct the operator according to Presets to capture given angles into a specific folder. These steps may also include instructions to photograph different product configurations, such as a car with its doors open, closed, or shot from the interior:
Further, Wizards can display notes for clearer explanation of individual stages. Notes are located on the left-hand side of the interface, below the step title:
In some cases, the Wizard may also instruct the operator to take photos for example with a handheld camera, and then import the images before the Next option is available.
When complete with each stage, New item at the bottom of the interface completes the Wizard:
When finished, the user is returned to the Wizard start page. Here, they can exit the Wizard, or continue to the next item.
To exit the Wizard, click on the Account Icon in the top-right part of the interface, and click Exit wizard:
If continuing to another item existing in the system, it is also possible to load items to capture via Wizard settings by changing the first step to “type”: “select-item”:
After configuration of “type”: “select -item”, users can then select items by entering the item name on the Wizard startup screen:
Finally, it is also possible to enable password protection for Wizards mode, or to designate a Project that will start by default in the Wizard. Find these options on startup of CAPP by navigating to Settings, and clicking on Wizards.
The top of the menu options provide a toggle on / off to enter wizard mode automatically after starting CAPP. Below this, users can click Set password to enable password protection.
On the right side of the screen, you can add any number of editing operations:
Some of the most common editing operations are listed at the top: crop, center, and background.
Crop - when cropping images, there are three main controls: the toggles for automatic cropping, aspect ratio, and padding (which controls how much space there is around the photographed object).
Center - even though most PhotoRobot machines are equipped with lasers that help with positioning objects on the surface, most images will need additional software centering. This is especially important for 360° spins. When getting started, it is recommended to keep the “auto center” function on, as seen in the picture below:
Background - this operation is used to adjust the background of the image, completely removing it if desired. Different results can be achieved by selecting the level method of background removal, the flood method, or freemasking.
With background removal by level, users utilize an RGB (red, green, blue) color of each pixel to remove colors above a certain threshold. This is advantageous when shooting products with a white backdrop, and for making an off-white background disappear.
To use the flood method, you must select at least one point outside the photographed object. Experiment with the settings until you are satisfied with the results.
Freemasking requires more configuration than level or flood methods, but can be one of the quickest and most exact methods. It does however require additional configuration of your lights to create main and mask images for background removal.
Remember that whether or not CAPP will be able to remove the background depends mainly on how the scene is lit. If you are unable to find settings that work to satisfaction, reshoot the images with different light settings.
When you are satisfied with your edit settings, apply the parameters by clicking the “apply” button, located where previously the “start” button appeared.
Once the progress bar reaches its end, your edits have been successfully applied to your images. If you are using CAPP without PhotoRobot Cloud services, your resulting images are stored in a folder structure on your local drive.
If using PhotoRobot Cloud hosting, files can also be found in the PhotoRobot cloud storage. To access these, click Open in the cloud in the Photos section at the top-left part of the screen.
To export an item from CAPP, users can export to a local disk, or export to the PhotoRobot Cloud. Item export makes it possible to define items with custom naming conventions, specify image format, resolution, and various filename template variables.
To access Item export settings, go to the Items section, and click Export in the menu above the item list:
The following window will open, allowing you to change export settings:
Run the export process by clicking the Export button in the bottom right corner of this window.
When the export progress bar has reached its end, you can click Open folder to access your exported images.
If publishing via PhotoRobot Cloud services, first open the item in the cloud. The interface displays the captured image. Click Codes & Links button:
Copy the Direct link and paste it into your browser to view the image or spin. If satisfied, copy the Embedded spin HTML code. Paste this code onto your page to embed the spin for display.
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