RoboticApp - Apps for your Robots
RoboWebCam

RoboWebCam 2.0 User's Guide

Content

  1. Introduction
  2. WebCam Setup
  3. Getting Started
  4. Controls
  5. Trademarks

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Introduction

RoboWebCam is a webcam for your robot. It allows you to see what your robot sees. It is an iOS application that can be used on an iPod touch mounted on your robot. It can be accessed by other RoboticApp applications such as RoboControl and iRoboControl as well as a Web browser from any computer or device. No homemade electronics or programming is required. Basic computer skills are required.

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide users with a step-by-step guide on how to setup and use RoboWebCam.

Scope

The scope of this document is limited to providing guidance on RoboWebCam. For assistance on the hardware required by RoboWebCam, contact the manufacturers of this hardware.

Architecture

Architecture

Features

RoboWebCam provides the following features:

  • Native iOS graphical user interface.
  • Monitor remotely using the front camera of an iPod touch mounted on your robot.
  • Password protected.
  • Client and server running on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and iPad mini with front camera and Internet connectivity (optimized for iPod touch).
  • iOS native application.

Requirements

RoboWebCam requires the following components:

  • iPod touch 4th generation with mounting device.
  • Solar charger with adhesive Velcro.

To view the robot components.

Hardware Components

The robot components required by RoboWebCam can be ordered from the following links:

Limitations

RoboWebCam has limitations relative to response time and battery autonomy of the iPod touch:

  • Response time: There can be a perceivable delay between sending images and the reception of these images when RoboWebCam sends them through the Internet.
  • iPod touch battery autonomy: The iPod touch and solar charger fully charged can provide autonomy of your mounted iPod touch for up to 10 hours.

Assistance

If you need assistance in setting up or using RoboWebCam, visit www.roboticapp.com/support.html or send us an email at info@roboticapp.com.

Overview

This document is organized into the following sections:

  • Introduction: Introduction to this document.
  • WebCam setup: Steps to setup RoboWebCam on your robot.
  • Getting started: Steps to start RoboWebCam.
  • Controls: Instructions on how to use RoboWebCam.
  • References: Useful references.
  • Trademarks: Trademarks used thoughout this document.

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WebCam Setup

To setup your webcam:

  1. Setup WebCam Hardware.
  2. Install RoboWebCam on iPod touch.
  3. Configure RoboWebCam.
  4. Configure Auto-Lock.

1. Setup WebCam Hardware

RoboWebCam uses an iPod touch mounted on your robot as a wireless camera to provide remote monitoring. The iPod touch is mounted on your robot using a standard car dashboard mount. The iPod touch is connected to a solar charger to increase the autonomy of its battery using a standard iPod touch USB cable. The solar charger is mounted on your robot using adhesive Velcro.

To setup your webcam hardware:

  1. Attach the iPod touch mount to your robot using the suction cup (use an adhesive base if necessary).
  2. Attach the iPod touch to mount.
  3. Put one Velcro adhesive strip on your robot.
  4. Put another Velcro adhesive strip on the back of the solar charger.
  5. Attach the solar charger to your robot.
  6. Connect the solar charger to the iPod touch.

To view the procedure with screenshots.

2. Install RoboWebCam on iPod touch

RoboWebCam provides mobile remote monitoring with your robot and an iPod touch.

To install RoboWebCam on your iPod touch:

  1. Start the iPod touch mounted on your robot.
  2. Press the "App Store" app.
  3. Press "Search".
  4. In the search field, enter "RoboWebCam" and press "Search".
  5. Press the "RoboWebCam" app.
  6. Press "$9.99".
  7. Press "BUY APP".

To view the procedure with screenshots.

3. Configure RoboWebCam

RoboWebCam needs to have its port and password set before being used. The default port is "12346" and the default password is "password". The modified port and password will persist even after shutting down RoboWebCam or turning off your iPod touch.

To configure RoboWebCam:

  1. Start the iPod touch mounted on your robot.
  2. Press the "RoboWebCam" app.
  3. Press the "Settings" button to navigate to the "Settings" panel.
  4. Press the "WebCam" button.
  5. Set the port number to be used to connect to RoboWebCam and press "Continue".
  6. Press the "Padlock" button.
  7. Set the password to be used to connect to RoboWebCam and press "Continue".

To view the procedure with screenshots.

4. Configure Auto-Lock on iPod touch

Auto-Lock must be set to "Never" on the iPod touch when using RoboWebCam.

To configure auto-lock on your iPod touch:

  1. Start the iPod touch mounted on your robot.
  2. Press the "Settings" app.
  3. Press "General".
  4. Press "Auto-Lock".
  5. Press "Never".
  6. Press "General".

To view the procedure with screenshots.

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Getting Started

To get started:

  1. Start RoboWebCam.

1. Start RoboWebCam

RoboWebCam needs to be started prior to being used by such RoboticApp applications as RoboControl and iRoboControl.

To start RoboWebCam:

  1. Start the iPod touch mounted on your robot.
  2. Press the "RoboWebCam" app.

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Controls

RoboWebCam is organized in 3 different panels:

  • Video: Video capture.
  • Flashlight: Light for moving your robot in the dark.
  • Settings: Settings and instructions.

To view the list of all valid controls.

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Trademarks

  1. RoboWebCam, RoboControl and iRoboControl are trademarks of Xelaration Software Corporation.
  2. Xelaration is a registered trademark of Xelaration Holding Corporation.
  3. iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and iPad mini are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.

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