Tracking Saves Space

Vaddio, the leading manufacturer and OEM distributor of specialty PTZ cameras and high-end camera control systems, equipped Canadian-based Applied Electronics with a TrackVIEW automated camera tracking system to record class lectures and presentations for remote viewing at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

Objective
Investigate alternatives in curriculum delivery outside the traditional bricks and mortar lecture theatre classroom.

Queen’s University Principal, Dr. Thomas R. Williams, created several different taskforces throughout the university with the direction to "explore, review and make preliminary recommendations on key issues facing the university, both in short term and long term". One of these taskforces focused on alternatives in curriculum delivery outside of the classroom. Video streaming would allow students to access classes from another room on campus or even from their own living room. Thus, eliminating the need for more classroom space. "We were looking for a solution that would help automate the capturing of lectures and presentations," explained Luc Wauters, Analyst, ITServices at Queen's University, who specializes in Teaching & Learning Support. "We needed a scalable solution that was worry free and did not necessarily require a camera operator."

Solution
With the guidance of Wauters, Vaddio’s TrackVIEW system was installed in the Faculty and Staff Learning Facility in Mackintosh-Corry Hall, a 65-seat tiered lecture theatre. TrackVIEW is a presenter-controlled camera system that incorporates both monitor-based tracking and camera preset tracking in one package.

Each TrackVIEW system installed includes two Sony EVI-D70’s - for both the reference and tracking camera, a TrackVIEW Controller with built-in EZCamera Cable System, a Vaddio IR Remote Commander, power supply, a dual camera mount rack ears and system setup software. The systems are set up with two StepVIEW mats, used as preset triggers allowing the presenter to stay on-camera while walking between preset camera shots. The StepVIEW mats come in a rubberized, non-slip exposed auto locator mat for permanent installation.

TrackVIEW doesn’t eliminate the option of using computers, whiteboards or document cameras - rather it complements them using different preset trigger options.

"The camera is completely unobtrusive," says Nancy Owen, Coordinator, Support Services, ITServices, Queen’s University. "It doesn’t blink. It doesn’t buzz and you can focus on your presentation while being oblivious to the technology. All in all, it provides a very nice lecture package."