Batch processing for Gigapan timelapse

[Sam Livingstone]

Is it possible to batch process stitching of multiple frames to make a timelapse? I'm working on a project where we wish to create a timelapse with each frame being either a 2x2 or 3x3 stitched image grid. An example of what I mean is here: 

https://fstoppers.com/video/gigapixel-timelapse-videos-are-remarkable-7405

The main issue we would like to solve is how to automate PTGui to process thousands of images in a single folder that contain a series of 2x2 (or 3x3) image grids, such that we end up with another folder with an image sequence where each image is a stitched 2x2 (or 3x3) grid.

Any assistance would be appreciated!

[Erik Krause]

Am 24.03.21 um 13:10 schrieb Sam Livingstone:

> https://fstoppers.com/video/gigapixel-timelapse-videos-are-remarkable-7405
>
> The main issue we would like to solve is how to automate PTGui to process
> thousands of images in a single folder that contain a series of 2x2 (or
> 3x3) image grid

That's easy using the Batch Builder and templates (pro version only).
Just stitch one panorama. Before you save as a template check the
Project Settings tab, where the behavior of the template is controlled.
Then use the Batch Builder to set up project files for all images using
that template.

There is some more information in the FAQ:
https://www.ptgui.com/support.html

--
Erik Krause

[Sam Livingstone]

Hi Erik, thanks for that. Once you set up a template in the Batch Builder as you describe is it possible to then just have the software automatically trawl through the thousands of other images in the folder stitching the images for each frame, or do the images for each frame still need to be manually selected for this to work. The time lapses we have in mind and going to contain thousands of frames so it will be key to automate.

Also, before I buy the Pro version, it would be good to know how a timelapse video created using PTGui looks like and how well it handles things like matching features in overlapping frames, temporal consistency (especially at the stitch points) etc. Are there any examples available that can be seen?

[Erik Krause]

Am 24.03.21 um 14:02 schrieb Sam Livingstone:

> Hi Erik, thanks for that. Once you set up a template in the Batch Builder
> as you describe is it possible to then just have the software automatically
> trawl through the thousands of other images in the folder stitching the
> images for each frame, or do the images for each frame still need to be
> manually selected for this to work. The time lapses we have in mind and
> going to contain thousands of frames so it will be key to automate.

If they are shot in the same sequence lets say 9 images each, PTGui will
create project files for any subsequent 9 images using your template and
pass the project files to the Batch Stitcher. You should familiarize
yourself with the stitching process to avoid any errors before you
process a large amount of images of course. There are some pitfalls and
caveats you might or might not encounter, so better practice a bit.

> Also, before I buy the Pro version, it would be good to know how a
> timelapse video created using PTGui looks like and how well it handles
> things like matching features in overlapping frames, temporal consistency
> (especially at the stitch points) etc.

All depends on how your images are shot. If the image sequences are 100%
repeatable (like from a sturdy, fixed rig) you probably can use a
template that doesn't create control points any time but simply
positions the images and creates the panoramas.

I assume in your case you shoot them using one camera that is moved in
between shots and hence PTGui would need to find the correct positions
any time you might run into problems, since it can not be guaranteed
that PTGui finds the correct feature points any time and hence stitches
the images slightly different. Objects could move, slight errors could
add up etc. This could result in a lot of work...

> Are there any examples available that can be seen?

I got no examples, but there sure are some. However, the trial version
should be fully functional (it only outputs a watermark). Hence I
recommend to use it until you are sure you can process all of your images.

--
Erik Krause