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SPL HD videoconferencing Camera Mount 

2001 (David Carroll Associates)

As an example of our fearless willingness to step where no other systems integrator will go, we were requested by Signal Perfection LTD (one of the country's premier systems integrators) to help them out with a mechanical design and implementation for a high definition videoconferencing job they were integrating for a large financial client in New York City. The consultant on the job had placed 11 fixed focus HD cameras in a very tight space, underneath the main picture rear projection screen. SPL was unsure if the cameras would fit in the space and still allow look angles to the seating as required. DCA was contracted to model the room/camera combination to confirm clearances and view. This confirmed the design was workable, and then we were contracted to build the actual mounting system. In addition to the criteria of maximum packing density, we contributed to the design requirements that each camera had to be manually adjustable for pan/tilt and to be easily removable for service. The entire assembly had to prevent light spill from the projectors behind. We were able to complete the project in a little under 6 weeks and it was completely successful. 

In addition to the camera mount we provided a custom, high finish rack cabinet for the master control room, consisting of 7 rack bays, designed for easy disassembly. Check out SPL's video promo that they did on the job which features prominently our console. 

Customer: Signal Perfection, LTD.
Project Engineer:  Max Rossmassler (Solidworks designer)
Scope of work: Mechanical design and layout, fabrication 
Subcontractors: Cabinetmaker (RC), machinist, finisher

SPL_model_wide.jpg (22568 bytes) First we modeled the room, screen aperture, and seating, and confirmed that we could achieve the sight lines we needed for 11 two-shots of the 22 seats. SPL_model_closeup.jpg (21808 bytes) At this point the camera models were just envelopes of the Sony HD CAMs, including the camera cable we knew would be a space consideration.
SPL_model_POV.jpg (24774 bytes) The 3d Model which we developed in SolidWorks 3D, allowed us to "see the shot" that each camera was going to achieve. Here you are looking from just behind one of the cameras. Galler2.jpg (16223 bytes) From there the 3D model was refined, and the Pan/Tilt "camera shoe" was developed.
 AUT_1116.JPG (41224 bytes) After design approval based on emailed 3D view files, all parts went to fab. Thanks to 3D modeling, everything went together perfectly. Here's the shoe on the mounting plate.   AUT_1112.JPG (32520 bytes) Final Assembly by the designer
 AUT_1103.JPG (37008 bytes)  Completed assembly, with light spill curtain fitted, rear view.  AUT_1102.JPG (39709 bytes) Completed assembly, front view (no cameras mounted). The opening in front presses up directly behind the projection glass. 
DSCN1660.JPG (25044 bytes) Here's the finished room. The camera mount is located behind the glass underneath the main screen. DSCN1661.JPG (29483 bytes) The horseshoe seating layout. The idea is that the glass is an extension of the room, and remote participants are present in life-sized HDTV.
gs_big_10.jpg (50955 bytes) As a separate part of the same project, we designed and fabricated a large control console. The end user wanted a nice wood console and they got it.