HELIOS Companion

HELIOS Companion automatically maintains synchronization between HELIOS EtherShare/PCShare volumes and Cumulus catalogs. When users store new files or make changes to existing files on the HELIOS server, their Cumulus catalogs are updated automatically—no manual cataloging or asset-record updating is required. This is great time saver that helps ensure Cumulus catalogs remain in tight synchronization with the files on the HELIOS server.

Use the HELIOS Companion Setup window to choose which folders are "watched" on the HELIOS Server.

You can also define options for each folder, including which file formats are cataloged.

HELIOS Companion also enables users to convert cataloged assets into all file formats, color spaces and compressions supported by HELIOS ImageServer. ICC profiles are also supported. The Cumulus Web Access Clients makes this image-processing power available over the Internet too

The cataloging process—including the reading of metadata and the creation of thumbnails—is performed directly on the server, reducing network traffic that would otherwise come from moving files to the client machine

When used in conjunction with the Cumulus Web Access Clients, HELIOS Companion enables HELIOS users to publish their files online, offering customers easy access to their production files. E-commerce solutions can be created that enable customers to download individually converted, rotated or cropped files directly to their machine, without the need for manual work on behalf of the service bureau or printer.

How It Works

HELIOS Companion works by intercepting OPI messages transmitted by the HELIOS ImageServer and performing corresponding actions on a Cumulus catalog. The process is performed by four different modules:

• HELIOS Filter
• HELIOS AssetProcessor
• HELIOS Companion Setup

HELIOS Synchronizer    The HELIOS Synchronizer interprets messages from the HELIOS ImageServer regarding changes made to the files on the HELIOS file system. It then performs corresponding Cumulus actions based on those changes, as defined by each folder’s specific cataloging configuration. Files that are newly added to the HELIOS file system are automatically cataloged into Cumulus catalogs. Cumulus Categories that represent new folder structures are created, if necessary. When directories or files are changed, renamed, moved or deleted, the related Cumulus records and categories are updated accordingly. HELIOS Synchronizer can be started and controlled by HELIOS Companion Setup or via shell commands.

HELIOS Filter   Working inside the Cumulus Server, the HELIOS Filter creates thumbnails and previews for all file formats supported by HELIOS ImageServer and extracts further metadata, when available.

HELIOS AssetProcessor   This module enables users to convert cataloged assets between the file formats, color spaces and compression types supported by the HELIOS ImageServer. Additional processing options include rotating, flipping and cropping.

HELIOS Companion Setup   This is the module used to control all features of HELIOS Companion. Setup of monitored folders and specific cataloging preferences is handled by this module. Preferences and configuration files are stored in text format and can be modified with a text editor, even from remote machines.