55dots

Usage

Recommended Cameras:

Any Camera with 640x480 Resolution, a good image quality and high frame rate. Specifications often don't say much the more expensive ones are likely to be better. Good cameras are:

• Intel PC630 PocketCam - Available on Ebay only.
• Logitech Quick Cam Pro 3000
• Philips Philips ToUcam Pro

To buy, I recommend shopping.com and Ebay.

Recommended Usage:

55dots works best where people can see themselves and interact with the camera. Place it far or high enough so the camera captures a person or scene. Filters work best with good light and high contrast. Low light conditions will also slow down the frame rate.

Use a computer with a good processor, the frame rate will be better, however, slow motions might also be due to the camera or computer settings. Don't operate on energy save mode for laptops and turn off the screen saver :)

Make sure the camera setting is put to 640x480. Lower resolution is possible and will speed up things but the image quality usually is really poor.

Development:

The application can be set up o incorporate 3rd party development on filters. Please contact me for details. Custom development is also possible to incorporate all thinkable features.

Fine Tuning:

Edit FilterConfig.txt to modify filter settings. See description of filters for more info.
See logfile.txt if you encounter errors.

Directories and Files:

• Sample.avi: Loaded and played if no webcam is connected
• ff_plugins: Directory with free frame plugins, can be updated if new freeframe versions come out.
• AppImages: Contains Application images to overlaid a filter
• SubImages: Tile images for image composition by the MetaImage filter
• 55StillImages: Can be used to store images, for documentation or timelapse videos.

This software uses the IJG code © Thomas G. Lane that is based in part on the work of the Independent JPEG Group.

55Dots can be used with filters created to the freeframe standard.