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Document Camera Overview

Document Camera Overview

Audience: Staff

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to show staff the features of a document camera, as well as how to use it.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

  • The document camera can be connected to display on the projector in two ways:

    • Via the HDMI port on the classroom wall. 

    • Via your computer’s USB port while the computer is connected to the projector

      • Either wired or wireless connection.

  • In general, you will likely use the document camera via the HDMI port on the wall.

    • The USB connection to your computer works well if you’d like to operate the document camera from a place in the classroom that isn’t near the HDMI wall port. 

 

Using the Document Camera

  1. Place an object to be displayed under the camera.

  2. Turn on Power

  3. Adjust the gooseneck and lens to the appropriate positions.

  4. Press Auto to optimize the image. 

  5. Each time the camera head is moved, press the Focus button on the side of the camera head to refocus the lens.

 

 

  • Additional buttons and their functions are listed below:

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Connecting via HDMI

  1. Connect the HDMI cable from the HDMI out port on the document camera to the DOC CAM port on the wall.

    1. See photos below:

 

HDMI cable
Document camera wall port

  1. Turn the projector on. 

  2. Press Source Search on the upper right of the projector remote.

    1. This should automatically connect the projector to the document camera. 

    2. If Source Search does not automatically connect the projector to the document camera, press HDMI/Video near the top of the projector remote to manually select the document camera input. 

  3. The document camera can then be operated using the labeled buttons on the base of the camera. 

 

Connecting via USB

  1. In order to use the document camera via USB connection to your computer, you must have the Ladibug software installed.

    1. To do this, select the software called Ladibug in the Applications section in your Software Center.

    2. Once you click Install, the software will automatically begin installing on your computer even if it looks like nothing is happening. 

  2. Once the Ladibug software is installed, connect the USB cable from the document camera to your computer’s USB port.  

  1. Launch the Ladibug software on your computer. 

    1. This will open the document camera software, which should resemble the below image.

    2. This allows you to view and control the document camera from your computer. 

  • Because connecting to the document camera via USB only allows you to see the document camera image on your computer, you must connect your computer to the projector in order for your students to view the image as well.

    • For details on how to wirelessly connect to a projector, see the guide called Wirelessly Connecting to a Projector.

  • Another advantage of using the document camera via USB is the ability to control the document camera from your computer as well as record and save still images and videos. 

 

Using the Ladibug 3.0 Software

 

Left Side Navigation Functions

  • Search for Devices:

    • Since you are already connected to the document camera via USB

      • This button should not be necessary to use. 

  • Power:

    • Turn the document camera on/off

  • Auto Tune:

    • Press to optimize the document camera image

  • Freeze:

    • Temporarily pause the image

  • Capture still images:

    • Take and save a photo

  • Time lapse capture:

    • Allows you to enter settings to capture a time lapse

  • Annotation settings:

    • Adjust settings for annotating camera image

  • Clear all:

    • Erase all annotations

  • Undo:

    • Undoes action 

  • Redo:

    • Redoes action

 

Right Side Navigation Functions

  • Next:

    • Takes you to an additional annotation menu

  • Camera settings:

    • Adjust exposure, white balance, etc.

  • Lamp:

    • Turn on the document camera light and adjust brightness

  • Zoom:

    • Magnify the image

  • Brightness:

    • Adjust sliding scale for brightness

  • Record video:

    • Click this icon then the red dot to record

  • Free hand:

    • Annotate using free hand drawing 

  • Arrow:

    • Annotate by drawing an arrow

  • Ellipse:

    • Annotate by drawing a circle

  • Eraser:

    • Erases annotations

  • The left and right vertical navigation menus can be collapsed and un-collapsed by clicking the turquoise tabs. 

 

Top Navigation Functions

  • Document camera mode:

    • Displays what the camera sees

  • Library:

    • Displays photos and videos that have been captured

  • Settings:

    • Displays more advanced document camera settings

  • Information:

    • Links to updates and support

  • Fullscreen:

    • Toggle to maximize screen size

  • Exit:

    • Click to exit out of the Ladibug software

 

Microscope Adapter

  • The microscope adapter accessory can be used for displaying microscope images on the document camera by connecting the document camera to the top of your microscope.

    • If you use a microscope with your document camera but do not have the microscope adapter available, contact the Help Desk to get one.