Catching The Future C2A6 User manual

Webcam installation and operation manual
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2010-06-02
Sopot 2010-06-02
Andrzej Poszewiecki
University of Gdansk
Part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund)

C2A6 - Webcam installation and operation manual
2010-06-02
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Part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund)
Content
What is a webcam? ................................................................................................................................. 3
What can you do with a webcam? .......................................................................................................... 4
How to connect and operate a webcam? ............................................................................................... 4
1ST METHOD......................................................................................................................................... 4
1st Step............................................................................................................................................. 4
2nd Step ............................................................................................................................................ 5
3rd Step............................................................................................................................................. 5
4th Step............................................................................................................................................. 5
5th Step............................................................................................................................................. 5
2nd METHOD......................................................................................................................................... 5
1st Step............................................................................................................................................. 5
2nd Step ............................................................................................................................................ 5
3rd Step............................................................................................................................................. 6
How is a camera designed?..................................................................................................................... 6
Matrix .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Additional comments .............................................................................................................................. 6
Software .............................................................................................................................................. 6
Additional functions ............................................................................................................................ 7
Varia .................................................................................................................................................... 7

C2A6 - Webcam installation and operation manual
2010-06-02
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Part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund)
What is a webcam?
A webcam is a digital camera connected directly to a computer, usually via a USB connection. A
webcam may transmit images statically (single images at intervals called the refreshing time) or its
transmission may be continuous. The simplest models are based on CMOS, a small matrix with the
640x480 resolution that will be suitable for users who have no great expectations and operate with a
low-efficiency Internet connection. Such webcams fulfil their general function, however the quality of
images, the performance and speed of operation leave much to be desired. Their work is much
worse in poor light conditions. Models that operate with the speed of 30 frames per second and the
resolution of 800x600 pixels are becoming more and more popular.
A webcam usually has a spherical shape and the diameter of about 7 cm. A variety of types is
available on the market, for example webcams installed on a PC monitor, on a laptop or on a desk.
Most new computers are fitted with an integrated webcam and loudspeakers.

C2A6 - Webcam installation and operation manual
2010-06-02
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Part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund)
What can you do with a webcam?
A webcam can be used to have a videoconference. During conversation with a webcam, you can see
an interlocutor in a small window, just as if you were talking to him/her directly. Such a conversation
is possible with an Internet communicator that is fitted with the videoconference function, e.g.
Skype. A webcam makes it possible to have a free-of-charge video call with any user of the
communicator anywhere in the world.
Moreover, webcams are used to make amateur films.
You can use a webcam to send photos or to chat. Most video transmissions contain sound, which can
be added by connecting an external microphone. A microphone is integrated in some webcams.
How to connect and operate a webcam?
The connection of a webcam may vary from the following procedure in some cases, but the
differences should not be significant. The following description presents two methods of installing a
webcam.
1ST METHOD
1st Step
Insert a webcam installation CD into the drive and follow the instructions to install the software. If
your camera requires an external cable, connect it to the required output port. When a message is
displayed, connect it to the computer. Most cameras are connected via a USB port, however some
need different formats, for example Firewire connections.

C2A6 - Webcam installation and operation manual
2010-06-02
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Part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund)
However, for instance the Skype communicator usually detects a new webcam automatically after it
is connected to the PC and makes the video service possible immediately during calls.
2nd Step
Install the camera to provide the optimum image. If you use it for video-chats, the best location will
be the upper part of a monitor. Avoid installations opposite the source of light and surfaces that
reflect it, such as mirrors, as they may cause interference and poor quality of images.
3rd Step
Configure the settings of a webcam. Set the suitable sharpness, brightness and sound (if a micro-
phone is built-in). After you finish, a window will be displayed that the camera is on. You usually have
to start a special programme to make the camera work. If necessary, you may minimise the window.
4th Step
Check if the installation is complete –you may use special applications, for example Skype. Even if
your webcam is on, it may be necessary to add it by selecting camera settings in the software. Click a
relevant icon and the imaging should commence. After that, check the quality of images. If you want
to improve it, return to the webcam settings and adjust them.
5th Step
Use as much light as possible, if you film an interior. During a video conversation, focus light on
yourself. Although more and more cameras can be used in the dark, the insufficient lighting will
lower the quality of images and transmission speed.
2nd METHOD
1st Step
After connecting a webcam to a PC with a USB cable, the operating system will detect the new
appliance automatically and display consecutive massages of the installation process (it may be
necessary to use a CD enclosed to the webcam or to have an Internet connection to install the
required drivers).
2nd Step
After installing the drivers, it may be necessary to start the Setup.exe file and follow the displayed
instructions.

C2A6 - Webcam installation and operation manual
2010-06-02
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Part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund)
3rd Step
After the installation, it may be necessary to reset the computer. The camera should operate after
restarting the PC.
How is a camera designed?
Matrix
The heart of every camera (not only a webcam) is a matrix, i.e. an element that is responsible for
processing recorded images into the digital form. There are two types of popular matrixes:
appliances fitted with a CCD matrix offer better image quality but are more expensive; and
webcams with a CMOS matrix are cheaper, however they do not guarantee the image quality
as good as CCD matrixes.
As regards image quality, two parameters are important:
the maximum resolution of images and the video transmission (the two parameters may
differ)
the number of frames processed by a camera per second. A decent webcam will transmit the
image of the 640 x 480 pixels fluently (the speed of about 30 frames per second).
Additional comments
Software
A webcam box usually contains a dedicated programme, which facilitates the use of all the functions
of a model.

C2A6 - Webcam installation and operation manual
2010-06-02
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Part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund)
Additional functions
Depending on a model, a webcam may be used for functions other than image transmission:
it may record sound, owing to the built-in microphone;
the lens with the manual and automatic sharpness adjustment function may zoom the
image;
some appliances are fitted with a special sensor that recognises a face of a user; and
apart from the typical video recording, such appliances may record single frames of a film
with photos.
Varia
The camera is to be applied indoors.
Install a camera at a location that provides the best quality of photos in the monitored
premises.
Avoid exposing a matrix of a sensor to bright light.
It is recommended that air is to be clean and the webcam should not be placed near sources
of heat or appliances that generate electromagnetic interference.