Introduction
The Capture App offers a more friendly interface that is aligned with capturing of construction projects.
The app solves the following issues:
Configuration - The camera is always configured to the correct settings required by Buildots
Clarity - The app conveys the camera status in a straightforward manner
Structure - Videos captured are grouped together into batches, similar to how they are uploaded
User Flow
The app interface follows this user flow:
Install (one time only) - download the app from the app/play store
Pair Camera (limited frequency) - pair a GoPro Max camera with the app via bluetooth
Connect Camera - connect to a paired camera via bluetooth
Select Building/Level - select a specfic level (in a building) that will be captured
Record - initiate a timelapse video
End Recording - end and save the timelapse video
View Batch - view all videos captured on a date
Steps 4-6 repeat based on the scope to be captured
User Guide
Install
Capture App is available for download in the AppStore and PlayStore - search for ‘Buildots Capture’
Pair Camera
The GoPro MAX/MAX2 camera needs to be paired with the phone and app in order to use them to manage the capture process. Follow this steps to pair a camera.
[Expand below based on camera model]
Max
Max
Open the Buildots app, if no camera has been paired yet , you will be prompted to connect one - tap 'Set Camera'
You will be prompted to select your camera model, based on the logo that appears on its side, select 'Max'
The pair camera flow will initiate, you will be asked to power on your GoPro MAX camera - once powered on, tap 'Next'
Now you will be asked to enter the camera's Preferences menu by swiping down on the camera's touchscreen and tapping 'Preferences' . Once completed tap 'Next' on the app
Camera touchscreen will look like this after swiping down:
Tap 'Preferences' to enter the preferences menu
Next, you will need to enter the 'Connections' option in the preferences menu.
In Connections, select 'Connect Device'
In Connect Device, select 'Remote'
The camera will enter pairing mode
Once camera is in pairing mode, on the app screen click next to pair with the camera
Approve any requests by the mobile device OS to connect and pair with nearby devices , app will enter pairing mode
Once the GoPro camera is detected , its ID will be displayed in a black button, tap it to proceed with pairing
You will be prompted to name this camera for identification purposes in the app - this is optional. Tap 'Done' to complete pairing
Camera is now paired and ready to connect
Max2
Max2
Open the Buildots app, if no camera has been paired yet , you will be prompted to connect one - tap 'Set Camera'
You will be prompted to select your camera model, based on the logo that appears on its side, select 'Max2'
The pair camera flow will initiate, you will be asked to power on your GoPro MAX2 camera - once powered on, tap 'Next'
Now you will be asked to enter the camera's Preferences menu by swiping down on the camera's touchscreen . Once completed tap 'Next' on the app , then swipe left for more options and tap 'Pair Device'.
Camera touchscreen will look like this after swiping down:
Swipe left for more options:
Next, tap 'Pair Device'. Camera will standby for a pairing request:
Once camera is in pairing mode, on the app screen click next to pair with the camera, your mobile device will request your permission to pair
Approve any requests by the mobile device OS to connect and pair with nearby devices , app will enter pairing mode
Once the GoPro camera is detected , its ID will be displayed in a black button, tap it to proceed with pairing
You will be prompted to name this camera for identification purposes in the app - this is optional. Tap 'Done' to complete pairing
Camera is now paired and ready to connect (note: it may already connect as well)
Connect Camera
Tap the 'Connect' button to connect with a paired camera (after you have turned it on).
Once connected, the camera battery and memory status will show
Select Building/Level
Before recording starting a capture, select the building and level you will be capturing by tapping the Building and Level selectors, respectively
Record
Once Building and Level are selected the Record option will be enabled. Slide the control to the right to start recording
The Record screen will appear displaying the Building/Level being captured and the elapsed duration of the video.
Note: Do not close/minimize the app before the recording timer starts.
End Recording
Once the capture of a specific level is complete, slide the control to the right to end the recording, app will return to home screen
View Batch
In order to review all captures performed tap the 'Log' option on the bottom navbar of the home screen. By default, the latest capture date will appear, previous dates can be viewed by tapping 'Capture History'.
Once a date is selected, all captures will appear in a list with the start time of each video and its duration. The logs can be exported in JSON format by tapping 'Send Log' (you would only be requested to do this by your CSM)
FAQ / Troubleshooting
Q: Does the capture app work with all camera makes and models?
A: The capture app only supports the GoPro Max2 and Max360 Cameras - which are Buildots recommended and 'go-to' cameras
Q: Can I still capture without the app?
A: Yes, however our official recommendation is to use the app, it also ensure that captures taken are compatible with Buildots and can be processed without any issues
Q: Do I still need to upload videos via desktop if I'm using the capture app?
A: Yes, the capture app doesn't handle video uploads to Buildots, it only manages the capture process.
Q: Does the app have to remain open in order for it to work?
A: No, once in recording mode (timer running), you can close the app and keep it in the background. Once you are ready to stop the recording , just open it again and it will open in recording mode.