Capture2Web is a set of technologies that allow screenshot captures to be sent to any web application that can accept images. It consists of several components all of which can be customised to fit an application’s need.

Screen Capture Software Engine and Annotation Tools

This captures what is on the desktop screen whether it is the whole screen, an application, the content of an application or a user selectable area. It can be trigger by the PrintScreen key or by a user click from the tray icon.

Once a user has captured a screen, they can add further information by drawing, writing or stamping on the image. Tools are available through a customisable tool-bar with further options available for image stamps.

All of this is packaged up into a bespoke application which is distribute as a single executable that can be run from a network drive. A further executable can be included in the installation which provides automatic updates and is run as a service on the client machine.

Options for the application are controlled from the server application which means that once an executable is created it is unlikely that any further changes are required. For example, if you need to add an additional web site to send information to, this is configured at the server side and would automatically be available to the client application.

Currently the screen capture tools can be plugged into Windows (XP, Vista & 7), Internet Explorer (6, 7 & 8 ) and Firefox (all platforms).

Web Service

The web service handles the communication of images around the web. The web service is split into 3 components.

1. Image Upload

The desktop application validates itself against the service to find the configuration options that should be set. When the desktop application sends an image, the web service validates the communication, uploads the image and assigns it to the project selected by the desktop application.

2. Work Flow

Once the image has been confirmed as uploaded, the work flow for the project starts. This could be an export to another web application and keep the image for records. The work flow is highly customisable and has been used to created bespoke applications for customers as well as three different products by Tiller Software.

3. Export to another web application

Each web application has a different method of receiving information. A modular system has been created so that it is easy to add a new system into the growing list of compatible websites. This can be done through an API or using straight HTTP/HTTPS communication depending on what is available by the other application.