Introduction: FaceBooth - One Button to Facebook Photobooth
There are three parts to this solution:
- The Photobooth software
- The Button
- Software for the button to talk to the software
Step 1: The Photobooth Software
It can:
- Print directly to a printer
- Post to facebook (Pro version only)
- Generate a QR code for guests to scan and retrieve their photos
- Email guests a copy of their photos
- SMS (Twilio account needed)
- Has a range of templates that you can overlay images etc... These can be customised as well.)
The trial version runs for 7 days and gives you all premium features. If you plan on using this software, download it within 7 days of your event. Or pay for it.
Step 2: The Button
Materials
- Red Button (http://jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SP0757&form=CAT2&SUBCATID=978#1)
- MDF wood or project box (mine was made out of scrap MDF. Rough dimensions 8cm3
- Arduino duo (or in my case - Freetronics Eleven)
- Wire
- Prototype Shield (http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=XC4214)
- Solder
- 3 spade terminals to fit button pins
- Hot Glue
- Large Screen TV or monitor (optional)
Tools
- Soldering iron
- Wire Strippers/pliers
- Crimping tool
- Saw
- Hot Glue Gun
Step 3: Button - Protoboard Setup
Follow the schematic to solder up you protoboard.
I soldered some pins to the board so I could piggyback my arduino. See image above.
Step 4: Button - Arduino Code
DSLRBooth asks you to click to begin. Below the serial is sending an "s". I'll explain in the next section.
const int buttonPin = 3; // the pin that the pushbutton is attached to
void setup() { // initialize the button pin as a input:
pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT);
pinMode(lightPin, OUTPUT); // initialize serial communication:
Serial.begin(9600);
digitalWrite(lightPin, HIGH); }
void loop() {
if (digitalRead(buttonPin) == HIGH) {
Serial.print("s");
delay(5000); //delay 5 seconds so only one command is given
}
}
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Step 5: Download and Install AAC Keys
AAC Keys is a serial reciever. Designed for mobility computing, it responds to commands and keystrokes given over serial connections. This piece of software is needed to decode what the arduino sends into something that the dslrBooth can understand.
I had enormous trouble getting the AAC Keys to accept my mouse click command (as dslr Booth wanted me to do). In fact it almost went in the bin!... until I discovered that pressing 's' on the keyboard also initiated the booth and thus send the 's' keystroke from the arduino.
AAC Keys download can be found at http://www.aacinstitute.org/Resources/ProductsandServices/AACKeys/AACKeys.exe
Step 6: Assembly and Making It Look Good
After I put it together the first time, I thought a plain MDF box just wasn't going to cut it. I made a template and printed it to wrap around the box. I have included that file on this page.
To assemble:
- Insert the arduino / protobard into the back of the box.
- Place the locking nut of the button over the connector wires
- feed wires through the hole (22mm) and connect the button
- Screw the locking nut up to secure button.
- Attach the USB serial cable to the arduino.
Attachments
Step 7: Putting It All Together
- Attach your SLR camera to a tripod or similar and connect it to your computer
- Connect the button assembly to your computer
- Connect your computer to your monitor or TV (optional)
- Run AAC Keys and set it to the serial port of your arduino
- Run dslrBooth (set up your settings - I had it to automatically post to facebook)
- Click button and your away.
I intend on hiding the laptop under the bench so that all guests can see is the camera, button and TV. As an afterthought, I could make a box to house the camera as well so that is party proof too.
Participated in the
Hardware Hacking