How to Use a Visual Script Builder to Automate Underwater Data Capture
Setting up a script for an autonomous underwater camera can be a complex, time-consuming process. Writing scripts for image capture, managing lighting, and ensuring efficient battery use required coding knowledge and manual testing—until now.
With the SubC Visual Script Builder, available on all SubC Imaging Rayfin cameras and imaging systems, including the Autonomous Timelapse System, you can quickly create custom imaging routines using a simple drag-and-drop interface. Whether you're a marine researcher, environmental scientist, or offshore operator, this tool eliminates frustration and helps you get better results with less effort.
What Is a Script?
A script is a set of pre-programmed instructions that tells your camera system what to do and when to do it. In underwater imaging, a script controls:
When and how often the camera captures images or video.
Lighting settings, such as LED activation or strobe timing.
Sensor triggers, like starting a recording when a depth sensor detects a change.
Battery conservation, using hibernation mode to extend deployment time.
Traditionally, scripting required manual coding, but with the SubC Visual Script Builder, you can create these automation sequences using an intuitive, no-code interface.
Streamlining Your Imaging Workflow
The SubC Visual Script Builder simplifies complex imaging operations, allowing you to automate key tasks with ease. From scheduling captures to integrating lighting and sensor controls, this tool eliminates the need for manual scripting, making deployments more efficient and reliable.
Watch How Easy It Is to Automate Underwater Imaging:
How Can a Visual Script Builder Make Underwater Imaging More Efficient?
1. Save Time with an Intuitive, No-Code Interface
Instead of writing complex code to define capture schedules, lighting controls, and camera settings, you simply build a visual sequence. This means faster setup, fewer errors, and more time to focus on your research.
Old way: Manually writing scripts, troubleshooting errors, and testing before every deployment.
New way: Drag and drop commands to create custom scripts in minutes.
2. Automate Imaging Without Constant Supervision
✔ Set capture intervals (e.g., every 10 minutes, hourly, or daily).
✔ Define custom recording triggers based on time, sensor data, or external inputs.
✔ Activate hibernation mode to extend battery life while maintaining a steady data flow.
Challenge: Long-term underwater studies require frequent, scheduled imaging without human intervention.
Solution: The Visual Script Builder lets you pre-program your entire deployment so the system runs autonomously.
Once your script is uploaded, the system runs hands-free, collecting data for hours, days, weeks, or months.
3. Easily Integrate Lighting, Lasers, and Sensors
Problem: Inconsistent lighting and improper settings can affect image quality.
Solution: Built-in controls allow you to sync LEDs, lasers, and sensor triggers. Instead of juggling multiple devices, everything is controlled in one streamlined script.
With a few clicks, you can:
✔ Control subsea lighting (timed activation, intensity adjustment, strobe vs. continuous).
✔ Use lasers for measurement and scaling.
✔ Trigger recording based on depth, movement, or external sensor input.
4. Eliminate Guesswork with Pre-Deployment Testing
Risk: Deploying a camera without knowing if it’s set up correctly.
Fix: Use the built-in preview mode to verify your script before deployment. This removes uncertainty and ensures your system is ready to collect reliable data.
With this feature, you can:
✔ Test capture timing and sequence flow.
✔ Simulate hibernation mode to confirm power savings.
✔ Validate that images and video will be captured as expected.
5. Spend Less Time Managing Data Post-Mission
Issue: Sorting and organizing thousands of images and videos after retrieval.
Solution: Automated file naming and metadata tagging simplify organization. Instead of manually sorting through disorganized files, you’ll have structured, searchable data from the start.
✔ Custom directory structures keep mission data neatly organized.
✔ EXIF metadata logs every file's timestamp, depth, and sensor readings.
✔ Faster data transfer with streamlined download and review tools.
The Bottom Line: Work Smarter, Not Harder
The SubC Visual Script Builder eliminates unnecessary complexity so you can focus on getting the data you need. Whether you're monitoring marine life, conducting offshore inspections, or gathering environmental data, this tool. Instead of struggling with manual scripting, let the system do the work for you.
✔ Saves time by simplifying setup.
✔ Increases reliability with automated scheduling and pre-testing.
✔ Optimizes battery life for long-term deployments.
✔ Improves data organization with structured storage and tagging.
