[Request] Add setting to take multiple snapshots per layer

[ansonl]

Add setting to take multiple snapshots per layer

Some of my prints are topo maps which are very wide but only 30-40 layers tall. Currently 1 snapshot per layer produces a very short timelapse with the printhead jumping everywhere in "printing" positioning mode due the way some topo maps have individual peaks.

If an option was added to increase the number of snapshots taken per layer, users with wide, low layer prints would be able to make longer timelapses that appear smoother and the "printing" positioning might be able to select better locations for snapshots with more chances per layer.

Version of Octolapse

Octolapse Version: 0.4.1

Version of OctoPrint

OctoPrint Version: 1.7.3

When you ran into the problem, did you have diagnostic logging enabled?

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Operating System running OctoPrint and Octolapse

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Printer model & used firmware incl. version

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[FormerLurker]

You can use the 'Timer' trigger. This is what I use when I have a very short print. It has an interesting effect.

FYI, I'm planning to add a 'length' trigger that would take a snapshot after so many mm of filament is extruded. This has the benefit of working with the new 'smart' trigger types, and would also solve your issue. Look for this in the next version of Octolapse.

[ansonl]

Thanks, I'm in the middle of a printer rebuild and will try out the Timer trigger once everything is back together!

[ansonl]

@FormerLurker I tried your suggestion to try the Timer trigger and realized that the constant timer between snapshots favors screen time for layers that take longer to print (naturally). I was actually wondering if Octolapse is able to take a set number of snapshots evenly spread out at each layer so every layer gets the same number of snaps (ex: 5) and the final render will appear as if the print "progressing" up through the layers at constant speed.

For example if a model has a wide bottom, narrower middle, and wider top looking like below from the side:

    |     _________
    |     \       /
    |      |     |
Z   |     /      \
    |   /__________\
    | ----------------
              X

With a timer, the bottom and top layers will appear slower in the timelapse render because more snapshots are being taken of them (because longer time to print bigger layer). And the timelapse will appear slow at beginning, "speed up" as the middle is printed and slow down back towards the top.

The Layer trigger favors each layer evenly so the model appears to print at a constant speed vs height as each layer gets only one snap. However, I'm printing lower, flatter models which don't have many layers (about 20-50) and 1 snapshot per layer makes for too short of a timelapse. Since Octolapse already preprocesses the file, it would be great if a constant number of snapshots spaced out at different points within each layer was available and I think it would make for a cool new effect with minimal processing.