picture question

[hadyn]

Happy New Year everyone
Saw a Dj on new Years Eve with a couple of screens showing pictures of punters around the pub in various poses etc and thought to myself how is he doing that.
turns out he had been round the pub earlier taking pictures and then just transferred them to the screens.
This got me thinking about doing this myself but getting the punters to send the picture messages to me on a mobile phone which I receive on another mobile phone connected to a laptop and then just display their own pictures.
I realise this may be a bit risky so would have to incorporate some form of censoring into the mix such as viewing them first and then transferring them to a rotating folder.
is this something that is well old, tried and tested and no good or something that may have legs if I decide to pursue it.
I know about the texting software that allows messages to be received and displayed on a screen and this may be related to that.
appreciate any ideas of how to do it though.

[yourdj]

Happy New Year everyone
Saw a Dj on new Years Eve with a couple of screens showing pictures of punters around the pub in various poses etc and thought to myself how is he doing that.
turns out he had been round the pub earlier taking pictures and then just transferred them to the screens.
This got me thinking about doing this myself but getting the punters to send the picture messages to me on a mobile phone which I receive on another mobile phone connected to a laptop and then just display their own pictures.
I realise this may be a bit risky so would have to incorporate some form of censoring into the mix such as viewing them first and then transferring them to a rotating folder.
is this something that is well old, tried and tested and no good or something that may have legs if I decide to pursue it.
I know about the texting software that allows messages to be received and displayed on a screen and this may be related to that.
appreciate any ideas of how to do it though.

I am doing a test run for a system just like this tomorrow afternoon. :)

Basically the guests send photos on a wifi network to a little hub, this then gets cued to an app or something on my iPad and then during the courses I either delete or show them on the screens around the room. I don't want to get into the realms of printing, but thats an option too. The clients then get the photos on a personalised stick at the end of the night and i may also post them on social media. Its basically a modified interactive Photo Booth, and I think is very relevant and passive form of entertainment. Let me know if you find anything as there is very little about and I happen to be friends with a very early Photo Booth tech pioneer so have nearby support too. :)

[rth_discos]

This works best when using existing technology.

Trying to get someone on to your own WiFi network means giving out lengthy instructions.

The best way to achieve this is through existing social media networks, such as Twitter and Instagram, utilising hashtags.

These video wall feeds have been around a few years now, and people are getting used to using them - post a picture with a hashtag, and it appears on the wall (via your moderation if required)

Here's a few examples:

https://slidesome.com/
https://everwall.com/
https://hootsuite.com/hootfeed

That's just the first few options I've found - there'll no doubt be other options at other prices.

[yourdj]

This all looks intriguing but I feel is quite confusing. Need to spend more time looking at this, there is not a lot on Youtube.

See how I get on today as logging into a private wifi network and downloading a few photos should be an easier option (plus much quicker) when presented with a nice little card on the table with simple instructions. If hosting I can also introduce it prior to the grand entrance. :)

[mbp]

Iphones may have an issue with dedicated Wifi networks as they seem to 'disconnect' if they 'know' there is no internet connection via a specific Wifi network......maybe wrong on that one....it's something I was told about some time ago.

Sending piccies via Bluetooth might be an easier option??

I use text to screen software, but it's one that I programmed and designed.....with great difficulty.
You do need a mobile with a 'modem' option!

[yourdj]

Iphones may have an issue with dedicated Wifi networks as they seem to 'disconnect' if they 'know' there is no internet connection via a specific Wifi network......maybe wrong on that one....it's something I was told about some time ago.

Sending piccies via Bluetooth might be an easier option??

I use text to screen software, but it's one that I programmed and designed.....with great difficulty.
You do need a mobile with a 'modem' option!

Well i tested this system and although the software is still in development for aesthetics, it works like a dream. Took me 5 seconds to find the network and then go to the web address and upload a photo onto the system. I would guess that it would depend on the server its logged into, as it had no issues, but I know that hotel systems and BT for are quite intrusive if your wifi drops out. I can foresee an issue if guests go out of range perhaps??

I have a staff do this Sunday so will give it a test run using one screen. I think this is going to be a very valuable (& relevant) personalisation for weddings as not only can you collate all the photos, but also hand the bride and groom a USB at the end of the day. Better still it can be run fully automated, so it will display all the photos and also fill up a USB stick without me having to worry about anything. The box is about the size of a fag packet and can be powered from the USB out and you can use custom repeaters on the system and add as many screens around the venue. Thats assuming the tech works that is LOL. Looking promising.

When I purchase this I will do a little client demo video and post it up here. :)

[mbp]

Sounds like a good concept.....very interested in the development of it.....what is the "box that's about the size of fag packet".....a gizmo?

[yourdj]

Sounds like a good concept.....very interested in the development of it.....what is the "box that's about the size of fag packet".....a gizmo?

Everything. Its the router, the photo management software/hardware and all the ins and outs that you need, such as USB, VGA and HDMI. The beauty of it is thats all you need! it even supports full automatic printing, so its basically a Photo Booth without the countdown screen and the client takes the photo. It also has in built power UPS so you can undo the supply and it will wait and then shut itself down on its own. Seems foolroof tbh. Just add the TV and cards to tell people what to do. I am testing it pre release, so I don't expect it to be perfect. :)

[mbp]

sounds a lot of stuff in a small space.....have you a piccie of it?

[Nakatomi]

Sounds a lot like it's based on a Raspberry Pi

[mbp]

just realised that.......having a play with one now. using a Bluetooth option instead of wifi

[yourdj]

Sounds a lot like it's based on a Raspberry Pi

Yes i think you are correct, although it must be the 3 with built in wifi. He said any 15 year old could go to marlins and make their own although he said the equipment cost is £200 which sounds like a fib.

Whats the issues with this then? I have my hands on one this weekend so will post up some photos of it. He wants £450 for it, but it includes upgrades and obviously the software etc. Which is what I am paying for really. I know i can charge at least £100 if not £200 for this as an optional extra and the benefits for guest interaction is very good.

I will try and get a repeater for it too for this Saturday, any ideas what he is using for that? He wants £50 a pop for it, so my guess is its only about £15 new LOL.

[Nakatomi]

Well most of the software - if not all of it - is already out there. Vga output isn't really needed these days.

Programs wise... It's anybody's guess what he's using.

Monitoring insta etc for hashtags & pulling pics down really isn't rocket science though. Nor is making a web based management interface.

The hdmi repeater is likely just any old powered hdmi splitter

[hadyn]

All sounds really good though and cant wait to see your Video of it in action

[yourdj]

Yes.

There is nothing to do with social media, which for me is actually a good thing.

people log in, select a photo on their phone and click upload, all in house and no need to go to anything other than a simple webaddress like /photos or /smithwedding. Hey presto its there on the big screen, assuming I have not added any filtering time on the back end first. I kind of want people to wait until the breaks in the meal to let them live, that way they are all streamed at the same time and wont interrupt the day. The rest of the time I can show a monogram of the couple. After the starter i guess i wont have tons, but following that I bet there will be a huge amount. nice for the evening guests to watch when they arrive etc.

[hadyn]

Yes.

There is nothing to do with social media, which for me is actually a good thing.

people log in, select a photo on their phone and click upload, all in house and no need to go to anything other than a simple webaddress like /photos or /smithwedding. Hey presto its there on the big screen, assuming I have not added any filtering time on the back end first. I kind of want people to wait until the breaks in the meal to let them live, that way they are all streamed at the same time and wont interrupt the day. The rest of the time I can show a monogram of the couple. After the starter i guess i wont have tons, but following that I bet there will be a huge amount. nice for the evening guests to watch when they arrive etc.

Hi just wondering how you got on with this?

[Marc J]

This can probably be done for under £150 fairly easily.

Raspberry Pi 3 Starter Kit (around £55) - https://thepihut.com/products/raspberry-pi-3-starter-kit
Any decent travel router to create your own WiFi hostspot (around £45) (e.g. Netgear PR2000 Trek, or https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Companion-10400mAh-External-Battery/dp/B00VBAE5Y0/)
Any HDMI Splitter / Repeater (Under £20?) - e.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Splitter-Adapter-Supports-Blu-ray-DVD-Black/dp/B00LM4IGZ4
Some cables - £10?
Software (free) - http://unixetc.co.uk/2014/08/23/simple-picture-gallery-on-raspberry-pi/ might be a start, looks like this is what Toby's might be using?

Or...last year Dropbox introduced File Requests (https://www.dropbox.com/requests) which might be ideal for this...if paired with some RPi / Dropbox slideshow trickery (e.g. https://github.com/8BitAce/PiShow). If doing it this way, though, everyone (inc. the Rasperry Pi) would need a decent internet connection...

[hadyn]

This can probably be done for under £150 fairly easily.

Raspberry Pi 3 Starter Kit (around £55) - https://thepihut.com/products/raspberry-pi-3-starter-kit
Any decent travel router to create your own WiFi hostspot (around £45) (e.g. Netgear PR2000 Trek, or https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Companion-10400mAh-External-Battery/dp/B00VBAE5Y0/)
Any HDMI Splitter / Repeater (Under £20?) - e.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Splitter-Adapter-Supports-Blu-ray-DVD-Black/dp/B00LM4IGZ4
Some cables - £10?
Software (free) - http://unixetc.co.uk/2014/08/23/simple-picture-gallery-on-raspberry-pi/ might be a start, looks like this is what Toby's might be using?

Or...last year Dropbox introduced File Requests (https://www.dropbox.com/requests) which might be ideal for this...if paired with some RPi / Dropbox slideshow trickery (e.g. https://github.com/8BitAce/PiShow). If doing it this way, though, everyone (inc. the Rasperry Pi) would need a decent internet connection...

This is what I call a great post lots of info with links and prices etc great post thanks
Is there any reason to use a raspberry PI why not just another laptop etc?

[hadyn]

thinking about it a bit more
if you have windows 10 on a laptop you can make it a wifi hotspot which you can then allow guests to connect to and send pictures to a shared folder that rotates and sends the pictures to the large screen
or something along those lines but you may need to purchase one of those wifi dongles or something.

[Marc J]

Is there any reason to use a raspberry PI why not just another laptop etc?

They're £30, and if using only one screen you can easily use cable ties to strap one to the back of it.

[yourdj]

Hi just wondering how you got on with this?

Yes it all works fine and some of the party people got involved but I don't think I made it clear enough. We also had a Photo Booth to confuse things and the TV was being used for a strictly come dancing slideshow. Its something that certainly needs introducing and managed to get things going, bit like the photo booths in the early days. it was a staff party in a restaurant with a lot of different alcoves and areas, so it was really not suited for it. Much better for a wedding in one big room. As I say it worked fine although on my phone it took ages (5-10 seconds) for the photos to upload. If it is a raspberry 2 would it make much difference if I asked for a 3 as i know the processor is faster one that. It may also relly largely on the wifi speed, which I doubt is quite up to the standards of my BT hub?

Yes its just a box strapped to the back of the TV, just needs additional power as the USB supply has not enough amps. Looks well tidy though with my gravity plate and distance pole. All in all Yes i would invest in this, but I want to insist that I can get free support (he wants £100 a year subscription) and the software is made cleaner and I can edit out his logo. After all he is probably making at least £350 profit if we ignore development time and intercellular rights. I shall do a proper test this week, but I want to wireless DMX my lighting first so I can program that at the same time in a local venue.

[Marc J]

If it is a raspberry 2 would it make much difference if I asked for a 3 as i know the processor is faster one that. It may also relly largely on the wifi speed, which I doubt is quite up to the standards of my BT hub?

RPi 2 or 3 won't matter for this speed, that's purely the WiFi speed.


just needs additional power as the USB supply has not enough amps.

This suggest a Raspberry Pi 3, which (I think) needs more power than most TV USB slots supply...whereas a Raspberry Pi 2 usually gets by OK with these.

[yourdj]

RPi 2 or 3 won't matter for this speed, that's purely the WiFi speed.



This suggest a Raspberry Pi 3, which (I think) needs more power than most TV USB slots supply...whereas a Raspberry Pi 2 usually gets by OK with these.

Yep its a 3.

Would adding a separate plug in router be a massive improvement or not worth the hassle? My TP LINK one is splendid for the DMX system i have and will sit behind the TV on a 3 gang extension. Regarding the time it uploads, he is looking at a way to resize on the clients end, but has rightly said they will be bad enough quality to start with as people just don't get the concept of good lighting and composure. Makes me laugh at weddings when they are shooting into the light (usually on a terrible camera phone) especially when there is a professional photographer stood right next to them! I guess its subjective and the main draw of this is the fact that 'my photo' is being shown live (regardless of the quality)!! :)

[mbp]

what does it look like, Toby, when all set up?

I'm near completion with a Bluetooth version using a Pi3

[Nakatomi]

what does it look like, Toby, when all set up?

I'm near completion with a Bluetooth version using a Pi3

By all accounts it probably looks like a big telly on a pipe stand. The gubbins mounts on the back out of sight :)

[yourdj]

By all accounts it probably looks like a big telly on a pipe stand. The gubbins mounts on the back out of sight :)

Yes plate, distance pole, 2 truss half couplers and a TV mount. Nice and clean and not a trip hazard, especially in wedding breakfasts. Accident waiting to happen that was.

[yourdj]

Here we go. this stupid forum package does not acknowledge the existence of Vimeo, but you should still see it. :)
I had a much longer video, but I was using my leg to initiate talking and it looks silly, so used the second part.

I ended up smashing the TV on the way back, so need a new one! It was a bit old and heavy anyway. ;)

https://vimeo.com/250867418

http://yourdj.co.uk/memory-share-selfie-photo-collection/

18518

[yourdj]

On youtube now. Can we get a plug in on this forum for this for Vimeo Marc?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CGZf5xdcig&feature=youtu.be

[Marc J]

Can we get a plug in on this forum for this for Vimeo Marc?

No :p

[Marc J]

On second thoughts, yes.... ;)

Use the 18521 icon on the bottom toolbar, and enter the video number, NOT the full URL.

250867418

[Excalibur]

Call me a Sceptical Old Git, but is there accountability/traceability/screening built in? What's to stop a guest uploading an obscene piccy of their genitalia? :eek::eek:

A lot of the weddings I've done, if the groom's mates thought they could get away with it, they'd be on it like a shot.

[Marc J]

Call me a Sceptical Old Git, but is there accountability/traceability/screening built in? What's to stop a guest uploading an obscene piccy of their genitalia? :eek::eek:

Common decency? :coat:

But I'm with you...very dangerous to have this unmoderated. I'd have the submissions going to one dropbox folder, with the slideshow running from another. Have a laptop accessing both and every now and then drag the acceptable ones across....job done.

[rth_discos]

Absolutely all pictures need to be moderated and approved before being displayed.

All commercial products that offer this based on a Twitter feed hashtag for example have an approval process built in to them.

Once someone realises, you've lost control of it! And of course, anyone can upload any photo already on their phone (and it looks pretty anonymous too...)

[Marc J]

From http://yourdj.co.uk/memory-share-selfie-photo-collection/: -


Don’t worry about inappropriate photos showing live as they can be held back until they are checked by us.

So looks like that's covered...

[Excalibur]

From http://yourdj.co.uk/memory-share-selfie-photo-collection/: -



So looks like that's covered...

I got a 404 from that link. :confused:

And while I appreciate the ease with which this may work, I'm still sceptical.

And probably a Luddite, too. :)

[Nakatomi]

I'm currently pondering making one of these things myself (yuh like I've not got enough side projects going on) & I've already worked out how moderation will work via the admin interface.

The hardest part for me anyway will be making the device side of it look nice. Ie what the guests see.

The trick is simply not just to slideshow the uploaded photos. Nope they go to a holding folder on the box file system. The admin interface instigates a file move once the pics are approved. Simple

[DJWilson]

I got a 404 from that link. :confused:

And while I appreciate the ease with which this may work, I'm still sceptical.

And probably a Luddite, too. :)


Try this: http://yourdj.co.uk/memory-share-selfie-photo-collection/

: seemed to be added to the end of the URL.

[Excalibur]

Try this: http://yourdj.co.uk/memory-share-selfie-photo-collection/

: seemed to be added to the end of the URL.

Many thanks, Nathan. :thumbs_up:

[Marc J]

I'm currently pondering making one of these things myself (yuh like I've not got enough side projects going on) & I've already worked out how moderation will work via the admin interface.

The hardest part for me anyway will be making the device side of it look nice. Ie what the guests see.

The trick is simply not just to slideshow the uploaded photos. Nope they go to a holding folder on the box file system. The admin interface instigates a file move once the pics are approved. Simple

With a QR code for connecting to the WiFi (https://qifi.org/) (worked for ages on Android, now works on iOS 11 too), and another for the upload URL?

[rth_discos]

I'm still confused why you want to work with a system that requires the customer to connect to your own wi-fi. My fear is that the uptake will be low.

Let's not forget that your wi-fi doesn't provide them with any internet access, so you'll soon have people complaining that you've broken their phone because their Facebook doesn't refresh...

For me, it would be logical to make sense of an existing platform such as Instagram or Twitter. Many brides already create a hashtag for the day where their friends can upload photos to Instagram. You just ride off the back of that.

The fact you need written instructions concerns me - whereas 'Instagram a photo with hash tag daveandjennywedding' is all that's required, and can be easily announced.

I've also heard that sites like WedPics.com don't actually get much response on the day itself - although that's anecdotal. But worth checking out the take up of such a service at a wedding, as it may be an indicator of the success of this type of service.

I hate being negative about this great concept, but when you charge for a service, brides build a level of expectation, and I fear they would be disappointed to receive 3 photos at the end of it...

[Nakatomi]

I'm still confused why you want to work with a system that requires the customer to connect to your own wi-fi. My fear is that the uptake will be low.

Let's not forget that your wi-fi doesn't provide them with any internet access, so you'll soon have people complaining that you've broken their phone because their Facebook doesn't refresh...

For me, it would be logical to make sense of an existing platform such as Instagram or Twitter. Many brides already create a hashtag for the day where their friends can upload photos to Instagram. You just ride off the back of that.

The fact you need written instructions concerns me - whereas 'Instagram a photo with hash tag daveandjennywedding' is all that's required, and can be easily announced.

I've also heard that sites like WedPics.com don't actually get much response on the day itself - although that's anecdotal. But worth checking out the take up of such a service at a wedding, as it may be an indicator of the success of this type of service.

I hate being negative about this great concept, but when you charge for a service, brides build a level of expectation, and I fear they would be disappointed to receive 3 photos at the end of it...

You know, if the local environment allows it, why not set up a wifi point with mobile internet as well? It should also be quite easy to set a cap on usage or download rates on each wifi user too with an open source access point solution. You could potentially be sneaky & 'borrow' venue wifi too if it's free.

[yourdj]

On youtube now. Can we get a plug in on this forum for this for Vimeo Marc?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CGZf5xdcig&feature=youtu.be


What's to stop a guest uploading an obscene piccy of their genitalia? :eek::eek:


Absolutely all pictures need to be moderated and approved before being displayed.

Good job its not just me that does not read/watch the posts. As per the video and webpage links, the Photos are withheld (often why i am playing an interactive slideshow/monogram) and only shown when approved. This function can be switched on and off. :)


Let's not forget that your wi-fi doesn't provide them with any internet access, so you'll soon have people complaining that you've broken their phone because their Facebook doesn't refresh...

I hate being negative about this great concept, but when you charge for a service, brides build a level of expectation, and I fear they would be disappointed to receive 3 photos at the end of it...

I shall look into a the internet issue, Tapping into a venues supply or using bluetooth would be the obvious option. I don't know if phones can somehow use 4g and closed internet at the same time? The beauty of the system is it does not rely on internet. Being based in the forest, the supply in many venues are rather ropy and my main venue does not have an mobile signal at all.


Call me a Sceptical Old Git,

You are a Sceptical Old Git. :omg:


I hate being negative about this great concept

Its like moving to digital from CD, there are always teething problem and good to embrace any potential issues, so being subjective is part of developing any product or service. Might be that using social media is the easiest option especially in the future when internet is everywhere, but this system works well at the moment. :)

[rth_discos]

Being based in the forest, the supply in many venues are rather ropy and my main venue does not have an mobile signal at all.

That's a fair, and important point, and good reasoning for using your non-internet required system.

In which case, if there is any way of enabling some internet access via your wi-fi hotspot, you'll soon find everyone has joined the 'free wifi' hotspot the moment they know they have no signal - which gets them halfway to being able to upload photos!

[yourdj]

That's a fair, and important point, and good reasoning for using your non-internet required system.

In which case, if there is any way of enabling some internet access via your wi-fi hotspot, you'll soon find everyone has joined the 'free wifi' hotspot the moment they know they have no signal - which gets them halfway to being able to upload photos!

Yes exactly. I was referring to the venue supply being ropy as they don't have fibre or its just rubbish. My other main venue has actually barred any non guests using it, or guests without a voucher using it now. I am guessing they have been hit with a huge bill and want to curb the bandwidth. I am unsure how to achieve this when I don't have a mobile signal 4G at least I would say, or decent venue internet really? You are right people will already be logged in and using the service and i could include a little explanation on the log in page. Plus I gather all the guests personal details for post event marketing and photo sharing (they click on terms and conditions), which in effect would pay for the cost of the internet as it can lead to other bookings.

[Marc J]

Yes exactly. I was referring to the venue supply being ropy as they don't have fibre or its just rubbish. My other main venue has actually barred any non guests using it, or guests without a voucher using it now. I am guessing they have been hit with a huge bill and want to curb the bandwidth. I am unsure how to achieve this when I don't have a mobile signal 4G at least I would say, or decent venue internet really? You are right people will already be logged in and using the service and i could include a little explanation on the log in page. Plus I gather all the guests personal details for post event marketing and photo sharing (they click on terms and conditions), which in effect would pay for the cost of the internet as it can lead to other bookings.

Don't give them your own 4G....that'll use a lot of bandwidth quickly. Travel routers (like the one I linked to earlier) can be used to take a WiFi that's available but then create their own hotspot using that internet but connecting devices to their own LAN IP range, so guests connecting to that will have internet, and also be able to use you "local" stuff. That's if the venue has a free WiFi.

I think if phones are connected to WiFi that doesn't have internet, they'll stay connected (maybe after a prompt) and use mobile data for anything online. So, connecting to your hotspot (if it doesn't have internet) won't necessarily kill their internet...

[Nakatomi]

With the right 4g router you can stifle their bandwidth to stop them abusing it.

Also, you can quite easily do a mix of grubbing insta for a hashtag and still do local uploads. Win win win! (with a bit of coding)

Re phones & no Internet over wifi... My experience is that a phone will always prefer wifi to mobile data, internet or not. iDevices may differ.. I dunno. Never owned one

[hadyn]

so if we go down the route of Instagram with #daveandjenny'sweddingday is it easy to run Instagram on a laptop and display the pics on a screen or would you have to use a tablet or something and find some app that will scroll the pics etc and also let you add pics advertising your own set up etc.

[yourdj]

I think if phones are connected to WiFi that doesn't have internet, they'll stay connected (maybe after a prompt) and use mobile data for anything online. So, connecting to your hotspot (if it doesn't have internet) won't necessarily kill their internet...

Apparently a venue wifi connection button is already initiated, its just not on the front end of the software, so that solves that one.

I would rather that they use the mobile data (best option) if the connection is not great. A lot of venues don't have fibre connections in the forest as they are in the middle of knowehere.

[hadyn]

update
this is where I am at the moment
large screen at the front of booth on overhead gantry showing pictures from a dedicated folder on connected laptop by HDMI
every now and then one of the pictures advertises the fact that guests can Bluetooth their pictures to a certain name such as wedding couple, birthday girl/boy etc
laptop is renamed to party person or couple and then guests choose picture or take picture on phone and then choose share and send via Bluetooth to laptop.
laptop folder which holds the pictures is linked to fast stone image viewer (freeware) which performs the slideshow on big screen.
laptop displays folder and all images coming in as thumbnails and allows you to censor anything undesirable before it hits the big screen.
all ok so far as I can see but only stumbling block is you have to watch laptop folder for incoming signals from phones etc that have to pair first with laptop before they can send pics.
once initial pairing is done then no problem but I don't think you can do it with out pairing first.
if anyone knows any different then let me know
also been trying similar software from martin which is through Bluetooth and seems quite good as well.