Work with CCTV camera

Practical information at a glance

1. In typical applications, a CCTV camera with an integrated infrared illuminator is a good choice for preparing an interactive floor with Motioncube.
2. When planning to build the device, you can mount the camera and the infrared illuminator separately.
3. Match the focal length of the camera lens to the projector's projection ratio so that the camera sees more than the projector can show. You can also use a camera with a vari-focal lens and fine-tune its parameters manually.
4. Cover the camera lens with IR filter (blocking visible light) for the system to work properly.
5. Use a USB grabber or capture card to connect the camera to your computer. Install the appropriate drivers to make the camera available in the operating system.

Additional explanations

Why CCTV cameras are suitable for preparing an interactive floor with motion interaction?

1. These cameras usually have an integrated infrared illuminator that provides the necessary illumination of the interaction area on the interactive floor regardless of the time of day or other light sources.
2. In the night mode, these cameras have an unlocked ability to observe light in the infrared range, thanks to which it is possible to observe the movement on the interactive floor

Additional conditions necessary to adapt the CCTV camera to work on an interactive floor:

1. Switch the camera to night mode by covering the twilight sensor (photoresistor) integrated on the camera or check if the camera allows you to force this mode using the built-in control panel.
2. Make sure no visible light enters the camera by covering the camera lens with a filter that lets infrared through and blocks visible light.

How to receive a signal from a CCTV camera?

1. Depending on the type, CCTV cameras send images to recording devices in different ways. However, it is important that the video signal finally goes to the computer and there is access to read this signal.

   • Analog cameras may require a video grabber to convert the analog signal to digital.
   • IP cameras may need to be connected to a router-type network device. Ask a technician from your local CCTV equipment store about the possibility of plugging such a camera directly into the Ethernet socket on your computer or about other forms that allow you to receive video signal on your computer.

2. From the point of view of the interactive floor, the most important thing when choosing a CCTV camera is to choose a technology that will ensure a stable signal with the lowest possible delays in the transmission of the signal from the camera to the computer.

Guide on how to prepare a CCTV camera

Select a camera

Call your local CCTV dealer or use the search option on the CCVT store pages to find the right camera and accessories.

Please note the following (ask your CCTV dealer/consultant):

• Cameras with the option of manually switching on the night mode.
• When choosing the camera, make sure that it can be unscrewed so that you have access to the dusk sensor (in order to cover it if the camera does not offer the option of forcing the night mode) and cover the lens with a filter to block visible light.
• Check what video interfaces the camera has or just ask the seller how to connect the camera to the computer in the most convenient way. If you decide on an analog camera, ask for a USB grabber that will allow you to easily connect the camera to your computer.
• Select a camera whose angle of view is slightly larger than the area projected by the projector. If you are not sure how to choose such a camera, you can choose a camera with adjustable zoom (usually using a dedicated knob).
• Select accessories (power adapter and cables) to ensure stable video signal quality. Lower quality products reduce the quality of the entire device.

Select video grabber (for analog cameras)

Order several models of different types of grabbers for testing to experimentally assess which of the grabbers offers the highest quality of work.

Test the video signal from the camera

• Connect the camera in such a way that you can watch the image preview on the computer.
• Observe the image and evaluate the latency. Evaluate visually whether what you see on the monitor image is consistent with what is actually happening in front of the camera.
• Observe the signal stability for blank (black) frames, flashes or banding in the image. Any such artifacts will later interfere with interaction in interactive applications.
• Connect the camera to software other than the hardware manufacturer's software to make sure that there is free access to the video signal (more information).

Adjust the camera to work with the interactive floor

See how to prepare a sample camera so that it is suitable for use on an interactive floor.

(guide under development ...)