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Rolf Camera/Camcorder with Pan, Tilt, and Zoom Functionality I’m not exactly sure what you are looking for but I’ve had some success with devising a versatile system using relatively cheap off-the-shelf products utilising infrared (IR) control with a variety of access methods including single switch. We were looking for motivating activities when assessing older children and to provide a means of creativity and self expression; I have also helped a special school set-up the camera system and have received great feedback from the arts, media and design teacher. Before I go on to describe the system there is some bad news, the key component (Automatic Pan/Tilt Head) is no longer manufactured (as of a few weeks ago), however, I’m looking into an alternative that should do the job equally as well, or better, but it does need some intervention i.e. not quite off-the-shelf. I am just about to purchase it, so is not yet proven. System Components (details and links at bottom) 1. Motorised Pan Tilt Head with IR remote unit 2. Camera or camcorder with IR remote unit 3. IR enabled control device with appropriate access method 4. Optional auxiliary items such as portable 7” LCD for improved view of framed image 5. Mounting equipment if necessary e.g. Manfrotto Magic Arm By combining IR enabled devices with a motorised IR controlled camera pan/tilt head it is possible to configure a camera control system to meet a variety of access needs, including single switch users. For people without existing IR enabled devices or have changing access needs then an IR controller system can usually be configured from say a simple scanning device such as a Mini Relax for a single switch user or AdVOCAte to a much more versatile computer based system than enables many different access methods. Using the IR enabled camera pan/tilt head with a camera or camcorder that has an IR remote unit, it is possible to capture all the required IR codes on to a single accessible device such as a VOCA or IR enable laptop to control a camera to move it up & down, right & left and even zoom in & out with some cameras. The camera shot/image can be viewed on the cameras built-in LCD or, if necessary, on a larger detached LCD mounted nearer to the user via an AV lead to enable a clearer view of the framed shot (even view on a classroom Smartboard). Battery powered options also allow the system to be wheelchair mounted and completely mobile, independent of mains power. 1. Motorised Pan Tilt Head After an extensive internet search the eBenk Automatic Pan Tilt Head with IR Control was the only low cost (less than £100) device available that is both battery and mains powered and gives flexibility in mounting and positioning due to its lightness. Unfortunately this is no longer manufactured so will now use the Hague Pan and Tilt Power Head http://www.b-hague.co.uk/hague_pan_and_tilt_powerhead_ph.htm This is NOT infrared controlled but has a wired remote control. I plan to modify the wired remote capability with a number of options including IR. a) Use existing computer USB Pan Tilt Controller http://www.b-hague.co.uk/usb_pan_tilt_controller_usb.htm b) Make a switch interface so can be used with a switch joystick such as Moozi c) Install an IR multi channel remote controller module in place of the wired remote – this is where I will have to employ my electronics knowledge to construct module. The PWBAs can be bought but will need external battery power to make portable. This should then function as the existing eBenk Pan Tilt Head. 2. Camera or camcorder with IR remote unit Fewer cameras and camcorders are now available that have IR remote units than in the past, and the ones that do tend to be more expensive such as HD Camcorders e.g. Canon HFM 31. If price is an issue then second hand devices may be an option such as a Sony Handycam that uses Mini DV tapes, most mini tape camcorders tend to have IR remotes as standard and can take single shot photos. It is even more difficult finding a camera with an IR remote, however, one robust and innovative camera is the new Pentax Optio W90 costing approximately £220. For other cameras without IR shutter control it may be possible to modify it to be switch adapted; QED sell one for £210. I have not yet tried the Pentax Optio W90; I believe that the IR sensor is at the front of the camera so may need to employ one or two tricks if not in line-of-sight of the IR transmitter such as using a mini mirror! Note: most camcorders can take still photos. 3. IR enabled control device with appropriate access method If the user has a IR enabled VOCA such as Dynavox or PowerBox then all that is needed is to make the grids and learn the IR codes, the same is true if using devices such as the GEWA Prog, AdVOCAte or similar. The school I helped install the system also wanted laptop computer control, as they already had a licence for Grid2 all I had to do was to buy a USB UIRT from SmartBox at £100 (can be half that price if bought on line) this IR transmitter is compatible with the Grid 2 but can also be used with other software such as Girder for those without a Grid2 licence. 4. LCD Monitor Most of the children we work with benefit from a larger LCD screen to display the real-time camcorder image/shot via the AV lead. I used the Coby 7” Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Player from Halfords costing £90. This is design as a car entertainment system and has its own rechargeable battery, AV in/out and remote control. The added benefit is that the user can show family and friends the photos and video they take via its SD card or DVD. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_750403_langId_-1_categoryId_165743 5. Mounting equipment Chose mounting as required. Wheelchair tray, tripod, magic arm… Please contact me on my work email below if you require any further information or if you want me to let you know how I get on with the modifications to the Hague pan tilt head. I will be very interest in what other people have come up with as there are great benefits from been in control own your own camera! Nigel Wilson Clinical Technologist (NHS) Kent Communication & Assistive Technology Service The Old Railway School Wainwright Place Newtown Ashford Kent TN24 0PF Email: [log in to unmask] Tel: 01233 629859 ----- Start Original Message ----- Sent: Thu, 28 Oct 2010 22:14:24 +0100 From: Rolf Black <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Accessible Video Camera > > Dear all, I am looking for a switch accessible video camera, something like the Flip cameras (http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/flip-ultra-ii-pocket-camcorder-black-03431967-pdt.html). Can anyone point me in the right direction? Many thanks! Rolf *** Visit our project pages: http://howwasschooltoday.computing.dundee.ac.uk/ --- Dipl.-Ing. Rolf Black MSc Contact: phone: +44 (0)1382 386530, mobile: +44 7958807545, skype: rolfblack School of Computing, University of Dundee, Scotland mail: [log in to unmask] Motico - Motion & Communication, Rehabilitation Engineering & Publishing mail: [log in to unmask] The University of Dundee is a Scottish Registered Charity, No. SC015096. ----- End Original Message -----