Document Camera

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Overview

This document discusses the educational tool referred to as a Document Camera. This input device is also sometimes called a Digital Presenter, Visual Presenter or Video Presenter.

Features

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to use this tool which allows viewers a large, illuminated image of any object that can be viewed, including transparencies, pages from books, 3D objects, or loose-leaf paper. The camera is mounted at the top of an arm, and can be rotated up to point at the instructor or the class, or the whiteboard. The base of the device contains the control buttons to turn it on and off, change settings, and select additional options. The arm also contains an LED to further illuminate the device, but this is an option that can be turned on or off with a button, based on the user's preference.

What are the benefits of Document Cameras?

Much like a traditional overhead projector was used to enlarge a transparency sheet for multiple viewers, a document camera enlarges text on paper or other physical objects, allowing them to be viewed on the projection screen or TV. This allows participants at all positions in the classroom or meeting room to view a bright, vivid representation of any object. Another benefit is the ability to capture photos of the displayed objects, and save them as jpeg files in software, for later display or for posting online.

Where can I find a Document Camera?

These Document Cameras are installed in nearly all classrooms on the Marion campus, and in all of IWU's regional education centers. They will usually be positioned on a side shelf of the teaching station, close enough for easy accessibility.

How can I use the Document Camera?

The most frequent use of a document camera is to capture a document or 3D object that is resting on a table surface, and show it on a larger display so everyone in the room can see it. To use the document camera in this scenario, locate and press the "Doc Cam" button on the teaching station control panel. The button will illuminate to show that it is selected. Turn on the projector or flat panel display, by pressing the "On" button on the teaching station control panel. Then press the document camera's power button, which will illuminate (or turn from red to blue). Remove the lens cap from the bottom of the overhead camera, if necessary. Aim the camera at the image you want to show on the screen. You may need to focus, zoom, or correct the white-balance on the camera to provide better image quality. These buttons are located on the base of the device. If using a transparency sheet (acetate), place a bright solid colored paper beneath it.

Is a Document Camera the same as Webcam?

Another way to use the document camera, is to use it's webcam feature in a video-conferencing or lecture capture scenario. This requires having the document camera connected to the PC with a USB cable. See the table below to learn which document cameras can function as webcameras. On the computer, open an application that can use a connected webcam, such as Zoom, Teams, or Windows Camera app. In the camera selection menu, select the name of your document camera (HoverCam, Samsung, etc.). Maximize the application to fill the screen and make the image as large as possible. It is also possible to select the HoverCam document camera as a microphone source (in Zoom or Teams) even if you are not using its video camera feature. For instance, you could share your screen, rather than turning on a camera, and turn on the microphone and select HoverCam as the microphone source. In some rooms, it may be possible to unplug the doc cam's USB cable from the desktop PC and plug it into your laptop instead. Just remember to return the USB cable to the PC when you are done using it with your laptop. If this is not possible in a room where you would like to use a document camera with your laptop, there are document cameras available for checkout at the Jackson Library Media Services desk.

What kinds of Document Cameras are available in IWU classrooms?

HoverCam Solo8+	Connects via USB 3.0 cable to a computer's USB type-A jack. Can be used as a webcam. Includes internal microphone Recommended software: HoverCam Flex 11, Zoom, Teams, or Microsoft Camera app. To use this device in a classroom with Extron control panel, select PC (or laptop) and verify that the HoverCam is connected via USB cable to that PC (or laptop)	Nearly all IWU Marion classrooms which have a desktop PC have a HoverCam document camera. They are also available for check out from the Media Services desk in Jackson Library. Cincinnati, Greenwood, Kokomo, Lousiville, and Indianapolis.
WolfVision vSolution Cam	Connected to WolfVision Cynap control system as a video-only input source. Cannot be re-aimed	Maxwell Center 124 Ott Hall 151, 157, 163
Samsung SDP-860	Connected to a teaching station as a video-only input source.	CLEC 106 FWEC 212 GREC 104 KOEC 102 MVEC 132
Samsung UF-80DX	Connected to teaching station as a video-only input source. Cannot connect to a PC.	National and Global regional Education Centers

What can I do if my room doesn't have a Document Camera installed?

If you would like to use a Document Camera in your classroom or conference room please let us know by contacting the Support Center. While we don't have these devices in all classrooms yet, it is quite helpful to know the demand for this and other educational technology equipment. If a device isn't being used in one room, it may be available for installation in a room where the demand is greatest.

The Media Services desk, in the lower level of the Jackson Library has a few document cameras that can be checked out for a short duration of time, for use in your classroom or meeting space. You may want to examine the video signal connections available in the room where you wish to use it, since there are some document cameras that only output video signal over a USB cable, while others connect using HDMI.

Why a Document Camera? Can I use an Overhead Projector instead?

All classrooms and conference rooms should have ceiling mounted digital projectors or wall mounted flat panel displays, to which a document camera can be connected. For the few remaining rooms that do not have this equipment installed, faculty may check out similar equipment from the Jackson Library Media Services desk.

Most of the functions that can be accomplished by a traditional overhead projector can be done with a document camera, tablet PC, or other technology. Media Services, in the Jackson Library, has an opaque projector for use in the Production Room. Beyond that, please contact the support center to see what options may be available to meet your needs.