GENERAL CONTENTS
Chapter 1 - DCN Automatic Camera Control
- 1.1 About DCN Automatic Camera Control
- 1.2 Stand-alone and DCN system versions
- 1.3 Overview of DCN Automatic Camera Control in DCN conference systems
Chapter 2 - Getting Started
- 2.1 Starting DCN Automatic Camera Control
- 2.2 Installing stand-alone DCN Automatic Camera Control
- 2.3 Using Help
Chapter 3 - Using DCN Automatic Camera Control
- 3.1 The 'Camera Installation' main window
- 3.2 Assigning cameras to seat numbers
- 3.3 System settings
- 3.4 The 'File' menu
- 3.5 Exiting DCN Automatic Camera Control
Appendix A - Reference Guide
- A.1 Control menus
- A.2 Accelerator keys
- A.3 Index
EXPLANATORY NOTES
This user manual is divided into three chapters. Chapters 1 and 2 provide background information and chapter 3 provides detailed user information.
About this manual's chapters:
- Chapter 1 - DCN Automatic Camera Control: General information about the software and its two versions.
- Chapter 2 - Getting Started: Details on installing the stand-alone version, starting the application, and using the Help facility.
- Chapter 3 - Using DCN Automatic Camera Control: Details on configuring the software, assigning cameras to seat/unit numbers, specifying camera type, editing camera IDs, importing/exporting camera settings, and printing Camera Installation files.
An appendix provides additional reference information:
- A.1 - Overview of DCN Automatic Camera Control menus
- A.2 - Short-cut (accelerator) keys
- A.3 - Alphabetic index
DCN AUTOMATIC CAMERA CONTROL
1.1 ABOUT DCN AUTOMATIC CAMERA CONTROL
What is DCN Automatic Camera Control?
The DCN Automatic Camera Control software is designed to interface DCN congress systems with Philips Allegiant switchers or a single AutoDome camera. It selects fixed or pre-positioned cameras to be activated to display the current active speaker at a conference.
Camera Control in congress applications
When a chairman's or delegate's microphone is activated on the DCN equipment, the camera assigned to that position is activated. When no microphones are active, an overview camera is automatically selected. The image can be displayed on hall displays or other monitors together with information about the current speaker if required (such as delegate identification). The system operator has a monitor, which also displays information about which camera is active. This system provides an extra dimension to congress and conference proceedings.
1.2 STAND-ALONE AND DCN SYSTEM VERSIONS
There are two versions of DCN Automatic Camera Control software available:
- LBB 3588: For DCN systems with a CCU and a control PC. Camera activation and installation are integrated into the DCN PC control software.
- LBB 3562: For DCN stand-alone systems without PC control.
The user manual primarily references the LBB 3588 version, with differences for LBB 3562 noted as they occur.
Differences between stand-alone and DCN system versions
The main difference is that the stand-alone version operates without a control PC connected after initial programming of the CCU, while in a DCN system with control PC, the PC remains connected to the CCU.
Both software versions can be used in single CCU or multi CCU systems. The maximum number of seats which can be linked to cameras or camera prepositions is 1500.
1.3 OVERVIEW OF DCN AUTOMATIC CAMERA CONTROL
Systems using DCN Control PC
The software is installed on the DCN control PC, connected to the CCU and either a single AutoDome camera or an Allegiant video switcher. The control PC remains connected to the CCU during system use.
Stand-alone systems
Require a temporary PC connection for camera installation. After configuration, the PC is disconnected, and a direct connection from the CCU to the AutoDome camera or Allegiant video switcher is made.
GETTING STARTED
2.1 STARTING THE DCN AUTOMATIC CAMERA CONTROL SOFTWARE
The DCN Startup screen
The DCN Automatic Camera Control module is started from the DCN Startup screen. For stand-alone versions, it's started from the 'Programs' option of the 'Start' menu on the Windows desktop.
The DCN Automatic Camera Control icon
Provides details on how to start the software from Startup.
2.2 INSTALLING THE STAND-ALONE DCN AUTOMATIC CAMERA CONTROL SOFTWARE
PC requirements and settings
Refer to the DCN Installation and Operating Manual for details. Specific settings for multi-CCU systems and Allegiant Video Switcher communication ports are mentioned (SERIALPROTOCOL1 CAMERA, SERIALSPEED1 19200).
Installing the stand-alone software
Insert installation disk (LBB 3562/0x), select 'Run...' from Windows 'Start' menu, type 'a:setup', and follow instructions. A 'Standalone Camera Control Installation' program group is created.
2.3 USING HELP
The Help menu
Contains commands for an on-screen help facility, covering commands, keyboard keys, software usage, index, and glossary.
- Index: Alphabetical list of subjects.
- Keyboard: Information on keyboard keys for software interaction.
- Commands: Details on options in the menu bar ('View', 'Print', 'Settings', 'Help').
- Procedures: Information on how to use the DCN Automatic Camera Control software.
- Glossary: Alphabetical list of terms.
- Using Help: Information on using the help facility itself.
- About...: Displays software release information.
USING DCN AUTOMATIC CAMERA CONTROL
3.1 THE CAMERA INSTALLATION MAIN WINDOW
Used to assign fixed cameras and camera positions (on preposition cameras) to DCN units.
Recognizes two types of cameras:
- Fixed cameras: Positioned before and remain during the conference.
- Dome cameras: Adjust position automatically, typically with several prepositions per delegate/group.
The window displays assignment elements like Camera nr, Camera ID, Fixed status, Number of prepositions, Selected preposition, Unit nr, Unit text, and the Assignments list.
Requires an installation file to be open for camera installation (for software-controlled DCN systems).
3.2 ASSIGNING CAMERAS TO SEAT/UNIT NUMBERS
Steps to start the camera installation process, including a warning about stopping conference activities.
Specifying the overview camera
Camera 1 is always reserved for the overview in AVS systems. For DCC, the highest pre-position is reserved. The overview camera provides a general view when no microphones are active. It can be fixed or dome.
Selecting a seat (or unit) number
In DCN systems with PC control, seat numbers come from the installation file. Stand-alone CCU systems use 'unit' numbers. Seat/unit numbers can be selected manually or by activating a microphone/soft key on a contribution unit.
Editing camera ID
Each camera can have a descriptive ID (max 16 characters) for identification on the operator monitor (not audience monitors).
Specifying camera type
For AVS, cameras can be specified as fixed or preposition type. Fixed cameras have a 'Fixed' checkbox. Preposition cameras show 'Number of Prepositions' and 'Selected preposition' fields.
Entering seat (or unit) text
One or two lines of text can be entered for each seat/unit, appearing on both operator and audience monitors. This can be configured via 'Double Seat Text' in 'Settings'.
Inserting seat (or unit) numbers and camera settings
After correct settings, click 'Insert' to assign the camera to the seat/unit. The data appears in the 'Assignments' list.
Editing entries in the 'Assignments' list
Double-click an entry to recall and change its settings.
Deleting a camera assignment from the 'Assignments' list
Select an entry and click 'Delete', or use the 'Camera List!' option in the menu bar.
3.3 SYSTEM SETTINGS
The DCN Automatic Camera Control module has several system settings:
- Screenline usage: Uses screenline text from Delegate Database (enabled by default).
- Double seat text: Allows two lines of text per seat/unit (not enabled by default).
- Camera override: Determines if a switched-on microphone automatically activates its camera.
- Camera movement time: Hides camera movement by showing the overview camera (0.5 to 60 seconds).
- Number of audience monitors: Sets the number of audience monitors (1 to 4, default 1).
Settings are enabled via the 'Settings...' menu.
3.4 THE FILE MENU
Contains options for file management:
- Camera Activity: Transmits control commands to AVS/DCC. Can be disabled.
- Clear all: Resets the complete Assignment list.
- Print...: Prints a hard copy of the Camera Installation file, including seat assignments and camera definitions.
- Import...: Imports configuration files (.txt or .csv) into the software.
- Export...: Exports configuration files to a chosen location. Useful for backups and retrieving settings in stand-alone systems.
- Exit: Closes the Camera Installation program.
3.5 EXITING DCN AUTOMATIC CAMERA CONTROL
- Minimizing: Iconizes the program to the Windows desktop, remains active.
- Exiting: Click 'exit' in the 'file' menu or the 'close' button. All settings are automatically saved. If 'Camera activity' is enabled, camera control remains active even after closing the software.