From ITS Wiki - Information Technology Services - University of Rhode Island

Document Camera

Classroom Media Assistance provides a modern version of the traditional Overhead Transparency Projector. Instead of using a series of mirrors and optical lenses, Document Cameras employ a digital video camera to capture documents, both paper and transparency, and projects the image in real time using a digital projector installed in capable classrooms.

Document cameras have 2 sets of lights, one in the base of the writing area for transparencies, and the other set of lights are 2 lights on movable arms that light paper, or non-transparent documents or objects from the top.

Document Camera Use

If the Document Camera in your classroom is on a movable cart, make sure the VGA cable is plugged into the back of the unit.

If your classroom has a Media Control Rack make sure the Source Button for the Document Camera is selected as the current input source.

To turn on the Document Camera, first locate the gray On/Off switch in the upper right hand corner of the base of the unit. Turn the Document Camera on.

Once the Digital Data projector is turned on (if it has not already) you should see whatever is on the base of the Document Camera.

The Document Camera auto-focuses, so at times the image displayed on the screen might momentarily go in and out of focus. This is normal.

If you wish to use transparencies with a Document Camera, press the "Base" button on the left most column of 2 buttons on the front of the unit.
If you wish to use non-transparent media, press the "Upper" button on the left most column of 2 buttons on the front of the unit.

There are several buttons on the front of the unit that control which light is on, zoom, focus, black and white/color switching, color inversion, as well as other controls for attached devices.