Document camera

Document cameras, also known as visual presenters, visualizers, digital overheads, or docucams, are real-time image capture devices used to display an object to a large audience, such as in a classroom. They can also serve as replacements for image scanners. Similar to opaque projectors, document cameras can magnify and project the images of actual, three-dimensional objects, as well as transparencies. In essence, they are high-resolution web cams, mounted on arms, allowing them to be positioned over a page. The camera connects to a projector or similar video streaming system, enabling a teacher, lecturer, or presenter to write on a sheet of paper or display a two- or three-dimensional object while the audience watches. Different types of document cameras and visualizers offer flexibility in object placement. Larger objects, for instance, can be positioned in front of the camera, which can then be rotated as needed. Alternatively, a ceiling-mounted document camera can be used to create a larger working area.

Uses

Typical uses:

• In a lecture hall or classroom
• Presentation of material in conferences, meetings, and training sessions
• Videoconferencing and telepresence
• Presentation of evidence in courtrooms
• Various medical applications (telemedicine, telepathology, display of radiology images)

Document cameras replaced epidiascopes and overhead projectors, which were formerly used for this purpose. By means of the zoom feature, a document camera can enlarge the small print in books and project a printed page as if it were a traditional transparency. Also, the room lighting does not have to be darkened to operate a document camera; in a classroom setting, this is an asset. Most document cameras can also send a video signal to a computer via USB cable. Sometimes document cameras are connected to an interactive whiteboard instead of a standard screen.

History

Video Lupe 1974, manufactured by Wolf Audio Visuals - document camera prototype model

A Video Lupe AV installation (1975) prototype document camera

ELMO releases its first Visualiser EV-308

Document cameras were developed to meet an increased demand for the ability to project and present original documents, plans, drawings, and objects directly. Rather than necessitating the prior preparation that would be required for their use as part of an overhead projector-based presentation. The first Visualizer/document camera was developed by the companies WolfVision and Elmo and was launched at the Photokina Trade Fair in 1988.

The widespread use of computers, projectors, and popular presentation programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint in meeting rooms meant that overhead projectors became less frequently used. Document cameras continue to provide a convenient and flexible way of allowing documents, books or slides to be spontaneously displayed during presentations as required.

The first attempts and prototypes were mostly simple video cameras on a copystand. During the mid-1970s these were assembled and equipped with additional lighting to ensure that they were able to operate in darkened rooms, and also to provide a consistent quality of projected image.

At the end of the 1990s progressive scan cameras were introduced. Many visualizers available on the market today are capable of at least 30 frames per second output, which ensures high-quality imaging and smoothness of motion in all resolutions and aspect ratios.

Technology

The design and specification of a document camera are a combination of several different technologies. The quality of the recorded image is dependent on the primary components, which are: optics, camera, lighting system and motherboard with appropriate firmware (software). The finished product is then realized by the production of different mechanical designs by individual manufacturers. Today High-Definition Document cameras are available with HDMI output, Audio/Video recording and playback are possible, and some High-Definition document cameras are also using high-speed WIFI technology to eliminate the need for cables.

Optics

Optics are one of the most critical components relating to image quality, and the quality of the optical system used will largely depend on the planned cost of the device. Simple or highly complex optical systems can be used, which can differ significantly in both quality and size. The iris or aperture is another important component of the optics. The iris controls and regulates the amount of light that passes through the lens onto the image sensor. A lens will focus on exactly one point of an object to be imaged onto the sensor. However, there is also an area in front of and behind the point of focus that will be perceived as being in sharp focus by the human eye. This is called the depth of field, and it is dependent upon the size of the iris or aperture. The smaller the aperture, the greater the depth of field.

Camera

Progressive scan cameras use either CCD sensors or CMOS sensors. The general advantage of progressive scanning over the interlaced method is the much higher resolution. A progressive scan camera captures all scan lines at the same time, whereas an interlaced camera uses alternating sets of lines.

Image sensors provide only monochrome images. With a 1-chip camera, colour information can be easily obtained through the use of colour filters over each pixel. With 1-chip cameras, the so-called Bayer filter is very common. Red, green and blue filters are arranged in a pattern. The number of green pixels is twice as large as that of the blue or red; thus, the higher sensitivity and resolution of the human eye is replicated. To get a colour image, different algorithms are then used to interpolate the missing colour information.

A 3CCD camera module is another way to produce colour images. A prism is used to split white light into its red, green and blue components, and a separate sensor is then used for each colour. This complex camera technology is used in 3-chip cameras and allows for excellent colour reproduction at very high resolutions.

Modern camera systems used in a document camera are able to provide high-resolution colour images at 30 frames per second. In a 3-chip camera, the measured resolution may be up to 1500 lines. In addition, the image can be adapted to fit common display aspect ratios of 4:3, 16:9 and 16:10.

Lighting system

Lighting is an essential part of a document camera. To ensure good colour rendition, the lighting system used to illuminate the image capture area should be as uniform as possible.

• The greater the light intensity, the more independent the document camera is from ambient light sources.
• Using powerful lighting systems enables smaller apertures to be used, and this, in turn, provides a significant increase in the depth of field that can be achieved by the document camera.
• Also, the higher the quality of the light source, the more light will reach the camera sensor, and this results in less noticeable noise, and therefore, the quality of the image will not be degraded.

Some document camera models integrate additional functionality into the light system, such as a synchronized light field that clearly indicates to the user at all times, by way of an illuminated image capture area or laser markers, the size and position of the imaging area, which adjusts simultaneously as the lens zooms in or out.

Motherboard and firmware

The motherboard plays an important role in image processing and it has a major influence on the quality of the eventual image that is produced. Larger and larger resolutions and high refresh rates generate large amounts of data that must be processed in real time.

Document cameras have a wide variety of sophisticated automated systems that are designed to make the user experience as easy as possible. Permanent autofocus detection, for example, automatically adjusts the focus settings when a new object is displayed, with no need for user intervention. Other important features include automatic auto iris, auto exposure, auto white balance, and automatic gain control.

Modern motherboards have a variety of connections to ensure flexibility of use. In addition to HDMI, DVI and VGA ports for connecting to displays, (projectors, monitors and video conferencing systems) there are also several interfaces provided to facilitate connection to a computer or interactive whiteboard. These interfaces are most commonly USB, Network (LAN) and serial.

In addition, an external PC or laptop can be connected to the document camera to allow for switching between a Power Point presentation and a live demonstration. Some models can also handle external storage devices and play files directly from a USB flash drive, or save images taken during the presentation onto it.

Some document camera manufacturers also provide for regular firmware upgrades, allowing users to have the opportunity to be equipped with, and benefit from new features as they become available.

Document camera types

Document cameras are generally divided into three groups:

• Portable: Smaller, lightweight models.
• Desktop: Larger, sturdier, and more stable units.
• Visualizers: Ceiling-mounted above a tabletop or podium.

Portable and desktop models

Portable and desktop models allow a similar working environment to that of an overhead projector. Many document camera users appreciate the added flexibility in terms of the variety of objects that can be displayed to an audience. Portable devices can be used in multiple locations without requiring any prior special installation.

Ceiling models

Ceiling visualizer in use in a typical Telepresence installation

Ceiling-mounted document cameras/visualizers are a variation from the traditional desktop models and allow for larger objects to be displayed. There is no desktop technical equipment to restrict the views of the speaker and audience, as the technology is installed unobtrusively in the ceiling. Ceiling models are often used to support videoconferencing or telepresence systems to further enhance the immersive experience for participants.

Document camera scanners

SceyeX document camera

Document cameras have also been used as replacements for image scanners. Capturing images on document cameras differs from that of flatbed and automatic document feeder scanners in that there are no moving parts required to scan the object. Conventionally either the illumination/reflector rod inside the scanner must be moved over the document (such as for a flatbed scanner), or the document must be passed over the rod (such as for feeder scanners) in order to produce a scan of a whole image. Document cameras capture the whole document or object in one step, usually instantly. Typically, documents are placed on a flat surface, usually the office desk, underneath the capture area of the document camera. The process of whole-surface-at-once capturing has the benefit of increasing reaction time for the workflow of scanning. After being captured, the images are usually processed through software that may enhance the image and perform such tasks like automatically rotating, cropping, and straightening them.

It is not required that the documents or objects being scanned make contact with the document camera, therefore increasing the flexibility of the types of documents that are able to be scanned. Objects that have previously been difficult to scan on conventional scanners are now able to be done so with one device. This includes, in particular, documents that are of varying sizes and shapes, stapled, in folders, bent, or crumpled which may get jammed in a feed scanner. Other objects include books, magazines, receipts, letters, tickets, etc. No moving parts can also remove the need for maintenance, a consideration in the total cost of ownership, which includes the continuing operational costs of scanners.

Increased reaction time whilst scanning also has benefits in the realm of context-scanning. ADF scanners, whilst very fast and very good at batch scanning, also require pre - and post - processing of the documents. Document cameras can be integrated directly into a workflow or process, for example, a teller at a bank. The document is scanned directly in the context of the customer, in which it is to be placed or used. Reaction time is an advantage in these situations. Document cameras usually also require a small amount of space and are often portable.

Whilst scanning with document cameras may have a quick reaction time, large amounts of batch scanning of even and unstapled documents are more efficient with an ADF scanner. There are challenges that this kind of technology faces regarding external factors (such as lighting) which may have an influence on the scan results. The way in which these issues are resolved strongly depends on the sophistication of the product and how it deals with these issues.

See also

• Planetary scanner