Accessing A Model In Form Recognizer Sample Labeling Tool By A Different Machine Or In Different Browser (Resuming The Project)

Introduction 

 

If we use the Web Application of the Sample Labelling Tool, we may come across some cases where we need to access the tool from a different machine. Sometimes, we won't be able to complete the modeling in a single session. We may need to update the model after a while. For knowing how to handle this use case, please continue reading this article.

 

Prerequisites

• Security Token or a Connection String. 
• SAS URI you received from Azure Portal when you created a Shared Access Signature (SAS).

How to get a Security Token?

 

If you are using v2.1 of the Labelling Tool, I personally recommend going for the Connection string, which is much simpler.

 

We are taking the Security Token from the browser/machine where we are currently working on modeling.

1. Go to "Settings" (gear) on the bottom-most part of the left pane. A screen similar to that in the bottom will be displayed.
   
   
   
   
2. Copy the Name and Key from this tab. The Key is called the Security Token.

How to get a Connection String?

 

We are taking the Connection from the browser/machine where we are currently working on modeling.

1. Go to the Home Page of the application and click the "Share" button on the top right corner. This is highlighted with the red square in the below screenshot.
   
   
   
   
2. The connection string is copied into the Clip Board. You can paste it where we need it.

How to Do It?

 

Step 1 - Create a Connection to Blob

1. Go to the web application using the URL. You will see a screen similar to the below screenshot.
   
   
   
   
2. Click on the "Plug" button which is marked with a red square on the above figure. The screen should be similar to the one below.
   
   
   
   
3. Give a "Display Name" which is a name you would like to refer to this connection in Labeling Tool. Here I give "OCR TEST"
4. (optional) Give a project "Description".
5. Paste the SAS URI you have got from Azure Portal when you create Shared Access Signature (SAS). It should have the form: https://<storage account>.blob.core.windows.net/<container name>?<SAS value>.
6. Click on "Save Connection".
7. You will get a notification "Successfully Saved **".

Now your tool is connected to your Blob Storage.

 

Step 2 (If you have a Connection String) - supports v2.1 and above

1. Go home by clicking the "Home" button on the left pane.
2. Click on "Open Cloud Project".
3. Paste the Connection string.
4. Click the "OK" button.
   Your project should be available to you.

Step 2 (If you have the Security Token) - supports v2.0 and above

1. Click "Settings" (gear) on the bottom most on the left pane. A screen similar to that of the one in the bottom will be displayed.
   
   
   
   
2. Click the "Add Security Tokens" button on the page (Highlighted with red rectangle on the above screenshot).
3. Paste the "Token Name" and "Token Key" and click the "Save Settings" button. (which is also highlighted with a red rectangle in the above screenshot)
4. Go to the Home page by clicking "Home" on top of the left pane.
5. Click on "Open Cloud Project".
6. Select the Connection by "Connection Name" from the connection list.
7. Select the .fott which refers to the projects in the blob.
8. Click the "OK" button.
   
   Your project should be available to you.

I hope you loved this article. Please comment if you faced any difficulties while following this. I'm also waiting for your valuable feedback.