On this page you will find answers to frequently asked questions about SMOWL webcam monitoring.SMOWL.
CAMERA FAQ
How do I know if the camera is recording?
The system starts recording the moment that, within the activity, you can see yourself correctly in the SMOWL block and the legend “Recording” appears below your image. You can read more about it in our article: Camera Monitoring
What do I do if SMOWL says I don’t have a webcam installed?
Check your device to see if the camera is working properly. To do this you just have to look for the camera application inside your computer. On MacOS you can review with the PhotoBoot app. In case there is no camera installed you can connect an external webcam via USB to your device.
Why isn’t the webcam activated when I do the activity?
In case the SMOWL block shows a gray image with the symbol of a crossed-out camera you will have to check the camera permissions of your browser. To do this, follow the instructions in the following article: Check the browser permissions
How do I activate the external camera?
To link the external camera to your exam you must scan the QR code shown on the SMOWL block before the activity. You can read more about it in the following article: Check the external camera
Can I wear a mask to carry out my activity?
SMOWL, following health recommendations, recommends the use of masks within closed environments in which more people are coincided with than living people. In case you cannot perform the monitored activity in an environment where you cannot ensure your safety, you can perform the activity with a mask covering the areas of the nose and mouth.
CAMERA AND AUDIO PERMISSIONS IN YOUR BROWSER
Our webcam monitoring system works using the browser to monitor the user during the activity. For this reason, it is important that you give the camera the correct permission to use SMOWL during your monitored activity.
Camera permissions
Dependiendo de tu navegador, estos permisos pueden ser configurados desde diferentes sitios. En caso de que tengas dudas sobre cómo configurar correctamente los permisos de cámara en tu ordenador sigue las instrucciones proporcionadas por los principales desarrolladores:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Safari
Microphone permissions
Depending on your browser, these permissions can be configured from different sites. In case you have doubts about how to correctly configure the microphone permissions on your computer follow the instructions provided by the main developers:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Safari
CHECK YOUR CAMERA
To ensure that webcam monitoring is done with the greatest possible guarantees, SMOWL will capture images for the duration of the activity.
Before the activity:
Before starting the activity, it is important that you check that you do not have any program open such as: Skype, Hangouts, zoom … Etc. that you are using your webcam.
You can check the operation of your camera in the following link (you must click on “Allow”):
CHECK YOUR CAMERA HERE
If your camera isn’t working, restart your computer and access the link again. If you can’t see your image, you’ll need to check the drivers or try another webcam. In case you try a new or different camera you should check on your computer which camera is the default.
CHECK THE AUDIO
In order for SMOWL to access audio capture, all you have to do is allow it to use your microphone.
SMOWL DURING THE ACTIVITY
During the activity you must make sure that you are being monitored with a webcam correctly at all times. To do this you can check in the SMOWL block that everything is going correctly. Check that you can see yourself in real time in the image.
Remember:
- Your image should appear inside the SMOWL box.
- Make sure you have adequate light conditions and that your face is clearly visible.
- Make sure your camera is not covered.
- Don’t use anything that covers your head or face. Only reading glasses are allowed.
- You must be alone in the room where you perform the activity. If there are more people, this will be reported.
- It is not allowed to use the mobile phone or any computer program or application.
If the camera is working properly, you’ll see your image in the box.
If not, an icon similar to this will appear in the block. Check how to grant permission to the camera in the Chamber Permissions section.
You should not close the window or cover the camera until you have finished and sent the activity.
Remember to enable camera permissions in your browser.
AUDIO CAPTURE
In order for SMOWL to access audio capture, you must allow it to use your microphone.
If you do not grant permissions in your browser, an alert message will appear and the SMOWL block will not see the moving bars.
To check that it is working correctly you must display the strip with gray bars in your image.
If SMOWL detects sound these bars will move. Remember to perform the activity in a room where there are no more people and have the electronic devices in silent mode.