SMART Camfire User manual

User’s Guide
DCi

FCC Warning
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a "Class B" digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception (this can be determined by turning the equipment off and on) the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Any changes or modifications to this "Class B" digital device that have not been expressly approved by SMART
Technologies Inc. could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
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Trademark Notice
Copyright Notice
Camfire is a trademark of SMART Technologies Inc. Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer,
Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Netscape is a registered trademark of Netscape Communications
Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
© 2000–2002 SMART Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language in any form by any means without the prior
written consent of SMART. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of SMART.
U.S. Patent No. 5,528,290. Other U.S. and foreign patents pending.
Printed in Canada 07/2002
At SMART, we’re always working to improve your experience by
offering free software upgrades. In the past, we’ve made new features
such as statusboard available to all customers, new and old alike.
Register your Camfire DCi system to be notified of free upgrades like
these in the future.
We also want to give you the best technical support possible. Please
help us by registering your Camfire DCi system and keeping the
following information available in case you need to contact SMART
Technical Support:
:
:
Register online at:
Serial Number
Date of Purchase
www.smarttech.com/registration
Registration Benefits

Important Information i
Important Information
Please read this manual carefully before setting up and using the SMART CamfireDCi
system. With proper care, your Camfire DCi system should provide years of trouble-free
service.
About This Guide
This guide explains how to use the Camfire DCi system with a camera boom and a control
unit. Refer to the CamFire DCi Installation Guide for installation instructions.
This guide doesn’t cover the Camfire PC system, which is a different product that consists
of a camera boom connected directly to a computer. That product is explained in the
Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide.
Other Warnings and Safety Precautions
For operating safety and to avoid damage to your Camfire DCi system, read carefully and
observe the following instructions.
1 Avoid installing the Camfire DCi system near radio transmitting devices. The
electromagnetic radiation created by radio transmitting devices may reduce the quality
of images saved by the Camfire DCi system.
2 Avoid setting up and using the Camfire DCi system in an area with excessive levels of
dust, humidity or cigarette smoke.
3 As you install the Camfire DCi system, make sure you tighten all of the security hex
screws. There are two security hex screws at the bottom corners of the control unit
and one in the camera boom base. These screws ensure the equipment can’t be
accidentally knocked free from the wall brackets. The screws also help prevent
unauthorized people from removing or taking the equipment.
4 Avoid exposing the Camfire DCi system to extreme heat or cold. The operating
temperature range for the Camfire DCi system is from 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
with up to 90% humidity non-condensing. The shipping and storage range for the
Camfire DCi system is from -13°F to 140°F (-25°C to 60°C) with up to 95% humidity
non-condensing.
5 Don’t block the vents located at the top and bottom of the control unit. For the control
unit to maintain its operating temperature, these vents must remain exposed.
6 This product includes a three-wire grounded plug, which only fits into a grounding-type
power outlet. If you’re unable to insert the plug into the outlet, have an electrician
replace your outlet with a newer model. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
grounding-type plug.
7 Handle the power cable carefully and avoid excessive bending. Route the power cable
so it’s unlikely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against it. Do not
modify the power cable.
WARNING
The Camfire DCi camera boom contains precisely aligned camera units.
Handle it with care. Do not open the camera boom casing.

ii Important Information
Cleaning the Control Unit
Apply a mild detergent cleanser to a soft cloth and wipe the surface clean. Never use
solvents or an abrasive cleanser, as these may damage the surface of the control unit.
Cleaning the Camera Boom
Only clean the lens with a cloth designed specifically for that purpose. Lens-cleaning cloths
are available from most photography stores.

Contents 1
Contents
Important Information............................................................................ i
About This Guide ................................................................................................. i
Other Warnings and Safety Precautions ............................................................. i
Cleaning the Control Unit ....................................................................................ii
Cleaning the Camera Boom ................................................................................ii
Camfire DCi Whiteboard Camera System ........................................... 1
Camera Boom..................................................................................................... 1
Control Unit......................................................................................................... 1
Stand-Alone Control Unit.................................................................................... 2
Networked Control Unit ...................................................................................... 3
Image-Saving Software for PCs ......................................................................... 3
Image-Saving Software for Networks................................................................. 4
Using the Camfire DCi System at a Whiteboard................................. 5
Reactivating the Camfire DCi System ................................................................ 5
Creating a New Folder........................................................................................ 6
Saving Whiteboard Notes................................................................................... 7
Printing Whiteboard Notes.................................................................................. 8
Deleting Whiteboard Notes................................................................................. 9
Initiating Sleep Mode .......................................................................................... 9
Changing the Camfire DCi System at a Whiteboard ........................ 11
Adjusting Screen Brightness ............................................................................ 11
Activating/Deactivating the Statusboard Option at the Control Unit................. 12
Assigning a New Control Unit Password at the Control Unit............................ 13
Numbering Whiteboards................................................................................... 15
Refining Image Alignment ................................................................................ 17
Changing the Camfire DCi System at Your Desk ............................. 22
Determining the IP Address of Your Control Unit............................................. 22
Activating/Deactivating the Statusboard Option Using a Web Browser........... 23
Assigning a Control Unit Password Using a Web Browser .............................. 24
Working with Whiteboard Notes at Your Desk ................................. 26
Using a Removable USB Storage Device ........................................................ 26
Using Image-Saving Software for PCs............................................................. 26
Using Image-Saving Software for Networks..................................................... 28
Customer Support............................................................................... 30
Contacting SMART Technical Support............................................................. 30
Other SMART Contacts.................................................................................... 30
Product Warranty.............................................................................................. 30
Index..................................................................................................... 32

SMART Camfire DCi User's Guide 1
Camfire DCi Whiteboard Camera System
The Camfire DCi system works with your existing whiteboard and markers, enabling you
to save the notes on your whiteboard as a high-resolution, color image. You can print this
image to a local or network printer. You can also save the image on a personal computer,
network server or removable USB storage device.
The system consists of three parts: a fixed camera boom, control unit and Image-Saving
Software. Image-Saving Software for PCs is used for saving images to a personal
computer, but you can also order Image-Saving Software for Networks to save images to
a network server. We include Image-Saving Software for PCs at no cost when you
purchase the Camfire DCi system. However, you must order Image-Saving Software for
Networks separately.
Control
Unit
Whiteboard
Camera Boom
Image-Saving Software
for PCs included for free.
Image-Saving Software
for Networks available
on request.
Computer within
Same Network
as Control Unit
Camfire DCi System for Saving Whiteboard Notes
Camera Boom
You can mount the camera boom above any standard whiteboard. This boom includes
two digital cameras, each with fixed focus and auto exposure. The two cameras together
are capable of saving an image from a whiteboard as large as 4' x 8' (1.22 m x 2.44 m).
Each digital camera takes a color photograph of a portion of your whiteboard. Before your
whiteboard notes are saved, the photographs taken by the two cameras are stitched
together and the image is enhanced.
Control Unit
The control unit includes an embedded processor with software for enhancing images of
whiteboard notes. Whenever you save your whiteboard notes, this software automatically
corrects the perspective, whitens the background, sharpens the writing and improves the
color. The control unit includes a small screen that displays easy-to-follow instructions
and buttons you can use to configure the control unit, save whiteboard notes and perform
various other functions.
You can connect the control unit to a network or use it as a stand-alone device.
Depending on the configuration you choose, you have the option of saving your
whiteboard notes to a removable USB storage device, a personal computer running
Image-Saving Software for PCs or a network server running Image-Saving Software for
Networks. You can also print your whiteboard notes to a local or network printer.

2SMART Camfire DCi User's Guide
If you like, the Camfire DCi system can be used with multiple whiteboards. As many as
four camera booms can be controlled by one control unit. Additional camera booms can
be ordered as Camfire XC (SMART order # SCF-XC).
Camera Boom
IEEE 1394 Port
Network
Port
Power
Socket
Parallel Printer
Port
Bottom View of
Control Unit
USB Port
Control Unit Ports in Use
Stand-Alone Control Unit
You don’t need a network connection to use the Camfire DCi system. All you need is a
camera boom and control unit, plus a removable USB storage device or a printer. To save
whiteboard notes to a removable USB storage device, simply insert the device in the
control unit and begin saving images.
You can use the USB storage device (SMART order # SCF-USB16) available from
SMART Technologies Inc. or one from a different source. However, before using a USB
storage device other than the one we provide, make sure it's compatible with your
Microsoft® Windows® operating system.
When a removable USB storage device is connected to the control unit, a USB icon
appears in the status area of the screen.
Memory Usage:
Saving to:
Dec 12 2001
16:55 PM
Ready to Save
FULL
USB
Storage
Device
Options Delete Print
No Images
NOTE:
The serial port on the
control unit is currently
not used.

SMART Camfire DCi User's Guide 3
If you only need a paper copy of your whiteboard notes, attach a printer to the stand-
alone control unit, but do not attach a removable USB storage device. Then press Save
and your whiteboard notes will be printed. This setting is indicated by a printer icon in the
status area of the screen.
Printer:
Saving to:
Dec 12 2001
16:55 PM
Ready to Save
Printer
Options Delete Print
Canon BJC 3000
Networked Control Unit
A control unit that has been connected to a network can do everything a stand-alone
control unit can do and more including:
•save to a removable USB storage device
•print to an attached printer
•automatically save whiteboard notes to a personal computer running Image-Saving
Software for PCs
•automatically save whiteboard notes to a network server running Image-Saving
Software for Networks
NOTE: Image-Saving Software for PCs comes with the Camfire DCi system. Image-
Saving Software for Networks must be ordered separately from SMART Technologies
Inc.
Image-Saving Software for PCs
The Camfire DCi system comes with Image-Saving Software for PCs, which you can use
to automatically save whiteboard notes on a personal computer within the same network
as your control units. In order to use this software, your control unit must be connected to
a network. You can register as many as three control units to this computer. This is the
easiest way to distribute whiteboard notes in an organization with fewer than three control
units.
When you save whiteboard notes to a computer, images of your notes are stored in
folders. Image-Saving Software for PCs generates an HTML index of the notes in each
folder. You can post this index to your intranet or simply open it using a Web browser.
This index enables you to view, copy and print whiteboard notes at your desk.
NOTE:
Currently both types of
Image-Saving Software
only work on Windows
computers and are not
available for Macintosh
computers.

4SMART Camfire DCi User's Guide
The control unit displays an icon of a computer in the status area of the screen when
Image-Saving Software for PCs is active.
Folder:
Saving to:
Jan 18 2002
14:02 PM
My Images
Personal
Computer
Options
\Program Files\Cam...for PCs\My Images No Images
Ready to Save
Delete Print
Image-Saving Software for Networks
Alternatively, you can order Image-Saving Software for Networks (SMART order #
SCF-1SSNT) to save whiteboard notes on a network server. Image-Saving Software for
Networks is ideal for organizations that have more than three control units. In order to use
this software, your control unit must be connected to a network.
When you save whiteboard notes to a network, images of your notes are stored in folders.
Image-Saving Software for Networks generates an HTML index of the notes in each
folder. You can post this index on your intranet so others can view, copy and print the
notes.
The control unit displays a network icon in the status area of the screen when Image-
Saving Software for Networks is active.
Folder:
Saving to:
Jan 18 2002
14:02 PM
My Images
Options
Ready to Save
Delete Print
Network
\Program Files\Cam...Networks\My Images No Images
This guide explains how to use whiteboard notes saved by Image-Saving Software for
Networks. For information about installing and configuring this software, refer to the
Camfire Image-Saving Software for Networks System Administrator’s Guide.

SMART Camfire DCi User's Guide 5
Using the Camfire DCi System at a Whiteboard
Using the Camfire DCi whiteboard camera system at a whiteboard is simple. Just follow
the instructions displayed on the control unit screen. You can scroll, save, create a new
folder, initiate sleep mode and activate a range of other commands with the press of a
button. Depending on your current task, the functions of the command buttons vary. Refer
to the control unit screen for the current function of each command button.
Process Control Flow Chart
Legal
Department Marketing
FORM
A-1
Options
\Program Files\Cam...Networks\My Images Image 1 of 1
Delete Print
New Folder Sleep
Folder:
Saving to:
Dec 12 2001
17:06 PM
My Images
Power
Indicator Light
New Folder Button
Scroll Button
Command Buttons
Functions of
Command Buttons
Control Unit
Screen
Sleep Button
Save Button
Save
Network
Status Area
For best results when writing on the whiteboard:
•Use regular dry-erase markers and not fine-point markers.
•Although the Camfire DCi system successfully captures a full range of colors, you
may prefer using darker colors because they are easier to read.
•Do not use excessively small print. Make each letter at least 1/2" (1.27 cm) in height.
Remember, the Camfire DCi system creates the image of your whiteboard notes from
photographs. If your writing is messy on the whiteboard, it’ll be messy in the image.
Uneven lighting conditions at the whiteboard can create unwanted color variance in the
saved image. For best results, use even lighting.
Reactivating the Camfire DCi System
After an extended period of inactivity, the Camfire DCi system automatically goes into
sleep mode. You can also put the system into sleep mode by pressing the Sleep button.
In sleep mode, the control unit screen appears blank. To reactivate the system, press any
button. If you assigned a control unit password, you’ll also need to enter it as explained
below. For instructions on assigning a control unit password, refer to pages 13−15.

6SMART Camfire DCi User's Guide
To enter a control unit password:
If your system administrator assigned a control unit password, the Enter Control Unit
Password screen will appear whenever the control unit is reactivated.
Enter Control Unit Password
OK Cancel
Folder:
Saving to:
Dec 12 2001
17:39 PM
My Images
Control Unit Password:
Network
1 Use the scroll button to move up or down to select each character.
2 Scroll right to advance one space. The maximum number of characters allowed in a
password is 16.
To delete the previous character, scroll left.
3 When you finish entering the password, press OK.
Creating a New Folder
When whiteboard notes are saved to a USB storage device, personal computer or network,
the images are stored in a folder named by the date and time at which it was created. To
begin saving images under a new date and time, press the New Folder button.
To create a new folder for a USB storage device:
Press the New Folder button and your images will be stored in a separate folder.
To create a new folder for a personal computer or network:
1 Press the New Folder button on the control unit.
The Location of New Folder screen will appear.
Location of New Folder
Options Cancel
My Images
OK
Folder:
Saving to:
Dec 12 2001
17:14 PM
My Images
Network
Back
English
French
\Program Files\Cam...Networks\My Images No Images
NOTE:
This feature does not
apply to saving
whiteboard notes to a
printer.

SMART Camfire DCi User's Guide 7
2 Use the scroll button to select a directory for the new folder and press OK.
The directories listed in the Location of New Folder screen must be previously
created on the computer running Image-Saving Software for PCs or the network
server running Image-Saving Software for Networks. You can't create directories
using the control unit.
Saving Whiteboard Notes
1 Press the Save button on the control unit. Stand away from the whiteboard and clear
of the cameras while your whiteboard notes are being saved.
Then stand clear of the cameras.
Press the Save button.
Save Button
DeleteOptions Print
Sav e
SleepNew Folder
2 If you’re using multiple camera booms with the control unit, the following screen will
appear when you press Save. Press the button for the whiteboard you want.
Whiteboard 2
Whiteboard 1
2.5 x 10 - .96 = x

8SMART Camfire DCi User's Guide
If you’re using a USB storage device, your notes will be saved on that device.
If you’re running Image-Saving Software for PCs or Networks, a screen will appear
that shows your current save directory.
If you connected a printer to a stand-alone control unit (without a USB storage
device), the notes will automatically print when you press Save.
Printing Whiteboard Notes
If you configure a local or network printer to work with the control unit, you can print an
individual image or all of the images currently on the control unit. To configure a printer,
refer to the Camfire DCi Installation Guide.
To print whiteboard notes:
1 Press the Print button on the control unit.
Saving to:
Dec 12 2001
17:30 PM
Options Print
Delete
Memory Usage:
FULL
USB
Storage
Device
Image 2 of 2
The following screen will appear.
Memory Usage:
Saving to:
Dec 12 2001
17:35 PM
FULL
USB
Storage
Device
Options Current Image Cancel
All Images
Print?
Image 2 of 2
2 To print the current image, press the Current Image button.
or
To print all of the images within the current folder, press the All Images button.
However, this alternative isn’t available if you’re using only a printer to retain images.

SMART Camfire DCi User's Guide 9
Deleting Whiteboard Notes
1 Press the Delete button on the control unit.
Saving to:
Dec 12 2001
17:30 PM
Options Print
Delete
Memory Usage:
FULL
USB
Storage
Device
Image 2 of 2
The following screen will appear.
Memory Usage:
Saving to:
Dec 12 2001
17:35 PM
Current Image CancelAll Images
FULL
USB
Storage
Device
Delete?
Image 2 of 2
2 To delete the current image, press the Current Image button.
or
To delete all of the images in the current folder, press the All Images button. However,
this alternative isn’t available if you’re using only a printer to retain images from a stand-
alone control unit.
A confirmation message will appear.
3 Press OK.
If you’re using Image-Saving Software for PCs or Networks, the image on the computer
or network server will also be deleted.
Initiating Sleep Mode
After an extended period of inactivity, the Camfire DCi system automatically goes into sleep
mode. You can also initiate sleep mode at any time.

10 SMART Camfire DCi User's Guide
To initiate sleep mode:
1 Press the Sleep button.
Proces s Control Fl ow Cha rt
Legal
Department Marketing
FORM
A-1
Options
\My Documents \My Images\Camfi re Image 1 of 1
Delete Print
New Folder Sleep
Folder:
Saving to:
Dec 12 2001
17:06 PM
My Images
Sleep Button
Save
Network
A confirmation message will appear.
2 Press OK.
The screen will appear black.
To reactivate the system later:
Press any button and enter the control unit password as explained on page 6.

SMART Camfire DCi User's Guide 11
Changing the Camfire DCi System at a
Whiteboard
While working at the whiteboard, you can:
•adjust the brightness of the control unit screen (pages 11−12)
•activate or inactivate the Statusboard option. Activate this option to automatically
update a single image of your whiteboard at a regular interval (pages 12−13).
•assign a password to reactivate the control unit after it has gone into sleep mode
(pages 13−15)
•assign numbers to multiple whiteboards (pages 15−17)
•refine image alignment (pages 17−21)
Adjusting Screen Brightness
If you’re having problems reading the information on the control unit screen, try adjusting
the screen brightness.
To adjust screen brightness:
1 Press the Options button on the control unit.
The Options screen will appear.
Folder:
Saving to:
Dec 11 2001
17:11 PM
My Images
Options
OK Cancel
Help
Screen Brightness
Statusboard
Administration
Network
2 Use the scroll button to select Screen Brightness and press OK.
NOTE:
You must have an
administrator
password to activate
the Statusboard
option, assign
numbers to
whiteboards or refine
image alignment.

12 SMART Camfire DCi User's Guide
The following screen will appear.
Adjust Screen Brightness
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
OK Cancel
Folder:
Saving to:
Dec 11 2001
17:15 PM
Network
My Images
3 Use the left and right functions of the scroll button to adjust the brightness of the
display and press OK.
Activating/Deactivating the Statusboard Option at the
Control Unit
By default, whiteboard notes are only saved when you press Save and new images don’t
replace previous ones. However, if you prefer, you can use the statusboard option to
automatically update a single image of your whiteboard notes at a regular interval.
Suppose your company uses a whiteboard to keep track of customer orders and your
office is in a different room than the whiteboard. The Statusboard option would enable you
to keep pace with the changes noted on the whiteboard without ever leaving your office.
NOTE: For you to use this option, Image-Saving Software for PCs or Networks must be
active. This option is not available for multiple camera booms.
To activate/deactivate the Statusboard option:
1 Press the Options button on the control unit.
The Options screen will appear.
Folder:
Saving to:
Dec 11 2001
17:11 PM
My Images
Options
OK Cancel
Help
Screen Brightness
Statusboard
Administration
Network
NOTE:
You can also set
this option at your
desk as explained
on pages 24–25.

SMART Camfire DCi User's Guide 13
2 Use the scroll button to select Statusboard and press OK.
A screen will appear, asking if you want to activate/deactivate the statusboard option.
Folder:
Saving to:
Dec 11 2001
17:16 PM
OK Cancel
Activate Statusboard?
My Images
Network
3 Press OK.
Assigning a New Control Unit Password at the Control
Unit
After an extended period of inactivity, the Camfire DCi system automatically goes into
sleep mode. You can also put the system into sleep mode by pressing the Sleep button.
By default, a password is not required to reactivate the control unit. However, if you want
to restrict access, your system administrator can assign a password that users must enter
before the control unit will reactivate.
To assign a new control unit password:
1 Press the Options button on the control unit.
The Options screen will appear.
Folder:
Saving to:
Dec 11 2001
17:11 PM
My Images
Options
OK Cancel
Help
Screen Brightness
Statusboard
Administration
Network
2 Use the scroll button to select Administration and press OK.
The Enter Administrator Password screen will appear.
NOTE:
You can also set
this option at your
desk as explained
on pages 25–26.

14 SMART Camfire DCi User's Guide
Enter Administrator Password
CancelOK
Folder:
Saving to:
Dec 11 2001
17:17 PM
My Images
Administrator Password:
Network
3 If you haven’t assigned an administrator password yet, leave the password blank.
Otherwise, enter the previously assigned Administrator Password:
a Scroll up or down to select each character.
b Scroll right to advance one space. The maximum number of characters allowed in
a password is 16.
To delete the previous character, scroll left.
c When you finish entering the password, press OK.
The Administration screen will appear.
Folder:
Saving to:
Dec 11 2001
17:19 PM
My Images
OK Exit
Administration
Image Alignment
Time and Date
Network Connections
Printer
Whiteboard Numbering
Administrator Password
Control Unit Password
Network
4 Use the scroll button to select Control Unit Password and press OK.
The Set Control Unit Password screen will appear.