Skip to main content

FTP Image Export

FTP Image Export Setup

This page provides step-by-step instructions for configuring the OV80i camera to automatically send captured images to a remote FTP server for archival, analysis, or integration with external systems.

Use Case: FTP export is ideal for sending inspection images to network storage, cloud services, or third-party analysis systems that support FTP file transfer.

Prerequisites​

Before configuring FTP export, ensure you have:

  • FTP server details - Host address, credentials, and folder path
  • Network connectivity - Camera and FTP server on same network or routable path
  • Sufficient storage - FTP server has adequate space for image files
  • Firewall configuration - Ports 20-21 open for FTP communication

Step-by-Step Configuration​

1. Access FTP Configuration​

  • Navigate to the camera's web interface
  • Go to Settings → FTP menu
  • Click Configure FTP to open the configuration modal

2. Enable FTP Communication​

Toggle FTP Status:

  • Enable - Turn on FTP communication
  • Disable - Turn off FTP communication (default)

Tip: Leave disabled during initial setup, then enable after testing configuration.

3. Configure Server Connection​

Server Host Settings:

FieldDescriptionExampleServer HostNetwork address of FTP server192.168.1.100 orftp.company.comFTP Remote PathSubfolder on server for images/inspection_images/line_1/

Example Configurations:

  • Local NAS: 192.168.1.50 with path /camera_data/ov80i/
  • Cloud FTP: files.cloudprovider.com with path /production/quality/
  • Root Directory: Leave FTP Remote Path blank to save to server root

4. Set Authentication Credentials​

Login Information:

FieldRequiredNotesFTP User✅ YesUsername for FTP server accessFTP Password✅ YesPassword for FTP authentication

⚠️ Security Note: Credentials are stored locally on camera. Use dedicated FTP account with limited permissions.

5. Configure Output Options​

Filename Customization:

OptionPurposeExample ResultAdd Trigger ID to FilenameUnique identifier for Library searchimage_T001234.jpgAdd Timestamp to FilenameDate/time informationimage_20250620_143052.jpgBoth OptionsMaximum traceabilityimage_T001234_20250620_143052.jpg

Recommended Settings:

  • Add Trigger ID - Essential for tracking specific inspections
  • Add Timestamp - Helpful for chronological organization

6. Configure Firewall Settings​

Passive Mode Selection:

ModeWhen to UseFirewall CompatibilityPassive Mode ONCamera behind firewallBetter compatibilityPassive Mode OFFDirect network connectionMay require port configuration

Default Recommendation: Enable Passive Mode unless you have specific network requirements.

Testing Your Configuration​

1. Test Image Capture​

  • Manual Trigger: Use camera interface to capture test image
  • Digital Trigger: Send trigger signal if using external triggering
  • Verify Capture: Confirm image appears in camera's local storage

2. Verify FTP Transfer​

Check FTP Server:

  • Navigate to configured FTP Remote Path
  • Look for recently transferred image file
  • Verify filename includes configured options (Trigger ID, Timestamp)

Expected Filename Format:


image_T001234_20250620_143052.jpg
└─────┘ └────┘ └──────────────┘
  Base  Trigger     Timestamp
        ID         (YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS)

3. Test Multiple Captures​

  • Capture several images in sequence
  • Verify all images transfer successfully
  • Check for any file naming conflicts or overwrites

Troubleshooting Common Issues​

Connection Failed​

Symptoms:

  • Images capture but don't appear on FTP server
  • Error messages in camera logs

Solutions:

  1. Verify Network: Ping FTP server from camera network
  2. Check Credentials: Test login with FTP client software
  3. Firewall Settings: Enable Passive Mode if behind firewall
  4. Server Capacity: Ensure FTP server has available storage space

File Permission Errors​

Symptoms:

  • Connection succeeds but files don't save
  • "Permission denied" in error logs

Solutions:

  1. User Permissions: Verify FTP user has write access to target folder
  2. Folder Creation: Ensure FTP Remote Path folder exists on server
  3. Disk Space: Check available storage on FTP server

Intermittent Transfers​

Symptoms:

  • Some images transfer, others don't
  • Sporadic connection issues

Solutions:

  1. Network Stability: Check for network congestion or connectivity issues
  2. Server Load: Verify FTP server isn't overloaded
  3. File Size: Large image files may timeout on slow connections

FTP Export Best Practices​

File Organization Strategy​

Folder Structure Examples:


/inspection_data/
├── line_1/
│   ├── 2025/06/20/
│   └── defects/
├── line_2/
└── archive/

Naming Convention:

  • Include Recipe Name in FTP Remote Path: /quality_control/pcb_inspection/
  • Use Trigger ID for traceability to specific inspections
  • Add Timestamp for chronological sorting

Performance Optimization​

Network Considerations:

  • Image Quality: Balance file size vs. inspection requirements
  • Transfer Frequency: High-speed production may require dedicated FTP server
  • Batch Processing: Consider local buffering for intermittent network connectivity

Security Recommendations​

FTP Account Setup:

  • Create dedicated camera user account on FTP server
  • Limit permissions to specific folders only
  • Use strong, unique passwords
  • Consider FTPS (FTP over SSL) for encrypted transfers

Advanced Configuration​

Custom File Processing​

Node-RED Integration:

  • Use Node-RED flows for custom filename logic
  • Add metadata to transferred files
  • Implement conditional FTP transfers based on inspection results

Reference: Node-RED Basics

Backup Strategies​

Redundant Storage:

  • Configure multiple FTP destinations
  • Local storage retention as backup
  • Automatic cleanup of old files

Reference: Storage Management

See Also​