SFC Keio University, Japan

With automatic tracking function, there is no need for personnel to operate the camera

The camera lens can not only automatically track the process of the teacher's lecture, but also automatically switch to the preset shooting point by pressing a button on the remote control, allowing the teacher to focus on the lesson without operating the camera.

Permanently installed in classroom ceilings to save space by hanging upside down

PTC310U upside down on the ceiling, but we could also fix it on the wall with a wall mount, making PTC310U very flexible to be installed at schools.

Simplified usage of multiple functions, making user operation easier

There is absolutely no need to install additional teleconferencing systems or camera operating equipment. Simply connect the PTC310U to a laptop to get started and use the remote control to adjust the shooting angle and range.

Traditional equipment requires significant installation costs

Each of the six campuses of Keio University has a media center (library), which is mainly responsible for the operation and maintenance of the library, but the Shonan Fujisawa Media Center is slightly different from other campuses and is responsible for maintenance work.

SFC has been actively promoting distance learning long before the outbreak of the new coronavirus. The media center is also preparing the necessary environment but requires a complete set of equipment, including cameras, operators, video conferencing equipment, and screen switchers for filming the course. The AVer PTC310U does not need any of the external equipment listed above, so this time we decided to install it in 7 classrooms that have yet to be equipped with distance teaching equipment.

Find a way that everyone can use without incurring operating costs

From being a student to now as a researcher at SFC, I have been consistently working in the field of electrical communication such as distance learning and telemedicine. In the past 20 years, SFC has continued to promote distance-related applications, such as long-distance communication with other universities, and long-distance connections between SFC and other campuses, etc. Among these applications, I experienced several problems, including the cost of operating personnel, cameras for remote classes, setting machines and the time required to do so, the complexity of equipment operation, and the difficulty of usage, etc. There are only a few people who can teach remotely without the trouble of preparing and operating equipment in advance, hence, it is only after we solve these problems that we can teach through high-quality distance teaching cameras.

In addition, besides hardware devices, various software applications such as H.323/SIP, Zoom, Webex, MS Teams, etc. are also increasing. The important thing is that they can be used in a variety of ways and do not require special equipment.

The product display process is very good, so I decided to import

When I saw the press release of the PTC310U, I was very interested and immediately asked AVer to come to the school to demonstrate how it operates. After seeing the demonstration and getting my questions answered, I decided to import it. Later, AVer’s display machines were quickly rented out, and users’ questions about the products were fully answered. The officially purchased products also arrived quickly. Luckily, they were used in time for the start of school in October.

Distance learning can bring new value to the field of education

With distance learning, teachers can not only teach at home, but also virtually anywhere through distance collaboration, providing students with subjects that are not available in our school and the opportunity to become first-class academic experts or overseas researchers. When conducting remote guest lectures, you can also simultaneously find online materials that cannot be obtained in face-to-face courses, allowing distance teaching to bring new values to education. Therefore, I think it is very important to improve the course’s content by utilizing the perfect equipment like the telephoto cameras.

The cameras originally used for distance teaching at Shonan-Fujisawa Campus required various external equipment, such as: camera operators, image switchers, image distributors, and of course, the course photography team. With the adoption of PTC310U in schools, there is no longer a need for a fixed resident photographer to attend classes. As a result, the distance learning system is simplified and the operating costs are reduced, creating an environment where anyone can easily conduct distance teaching.

Installation and configuration of PTC310U

The PTC310U was introduced into 7 classrooms: 4 with 70-80 people, 1 with 126 people, and 2 with 192 people. All of the cameras were fixed onto the classroom ceiling and required the hanging arm and the included bracket. When classes are taught using Webex or Zoom, PTC310U can automatically track and focus on the teachers. The benefit of mounting the camera on the ceiling is so that it saves not only the hassle of connecting and setting up the camera for each class, but also the installation space.

The PTC310U hanging upside down from the ceiling is powered by LAN (PoE+ power). Since the PTC310U and the connected computer are separated by a certain distance, the HDMI cable connected to the camera is extended through the HDBaseT extender and connected to the HDMI splitter, in which the output from the branch end of the HDMI splitter is connected to the computer via the USB adapter, while the other end is connected to the monitor. In addition, since there is some distance from the teacher's desk to the camera, an infrared receiver is used to extend the reception area of the remote control.