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Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Warning This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures. Manufacturer’s Declaration Of Conformance A Declaration of Conformity in accordance with the following EU standards has been made and is kept on file at the address shown on the last page. The manufacturer declares that the product supplied with this document is compliant with the provisions of the EMC Directive 89/336, the Low Voltage Directive LVD 73/23, the CE Marking Directive 93/68 EEC and all associated amendments. Specifications subject to change without notice. Page 3 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
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EFORE OU EGIN Read these instructions carefully before installing or operating this product. Note: This equipment should be installed by a qualified service person and should conform to local and national regulations. This manual provides installation and operation information. To use this document you must have the following minimum qualifications: · a basic knowledge of CCTV systems and components a basic knowledge of electrical wiring and lowvoltage electrical connections. · NTENDED SE Use this product only for the purpose for which it was designed, as described in this manual. NVIRONMENTAL ONDITIONS Storage: –10° to +60° C (14° to 140°F). The camera should be allowed to acclimatize to its operational temperature range before power is supplied. Additionally, if the camera is moved from a colder area to a warmer area, precautions should be taken to ensure that condensation is prevented. Operational: 0° to +40° C (32° to 104°F). ERIODIC AINTENANCE The camera lens should be cleaned every 6 months with a lint free cloth. The interval between cleaning is dependent on the atmosphere experienced by the camera and cleaning may need to be more frequent. USTOMER UPPORT For assistance in installing, operating, maintaining and troubleshooting this product, please refer to this document and any other documentation provided. If you still require assistance, please contact Videor Technical at the address shown on the last page. Page 4 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
ONTENTS 1 P ......................8 REFACE 1.1 ................. 8 BOUT THIS MANUAL 1.2 ............8 ONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL 1.3 ................... 9 RADEMARKS 1.4 ................9 ELATED DOCUMENTS 2 I ....................10 NTRODUCTION 2.1 ................ 13 HE CAMERA IN CONTEXT 2.1.1 Installing the camera ..............13 2.1.2 Deploying the camera ..............13 2.1.3 Features and benefits ..............14 3 ...
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4.2 DVR Integration ................42 4.2.1 Accessing Camera Menus From A DVR ........42 5 O ......................43 PERATION 5.1 ..............43 ASIC CAMERA OPERATION 5.2 ....................47 ENUS 5.2.1 Menu navigation overview............47 5.2.2 Main menu ................... 48 5.2.3 Presets..................48 5.2.4 Tours.................... 50 5.2.5 Sectors..................53 5.2.6 Motion Detection ................55 5.2.7 Museum Mode ................63 5.2.8 ...
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7 T .................... 82 ROUBLESHOOTING 8 K ....................88 EYBOARD MAPS 8.1 II ..................... 88 ASTRAX 8.2 KBD300A ................... 89 ELCO 8.3 ................. 90 OSCH UTODOME 9 C ..................91 AMERA SPECIFICATION Page 7 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
1 P REFACE 1.1 A BOUT THIS MANUAL This manual includes information for installers and end users of the camera and recorder such as: · installing and configuring the camera using the camera to provide full situational awareness · · motion detection and tracking privacy zones · · presets, preset tours, and learn tours retrospective ePTZ. · This document is intended to provide accurate information. However, the information it contains is subject to change without notice. Videor Technical, in keeping pace with technological advances, is a company of product innovation. This makes it difficult to ensure that all the information provided here is entirely accurate and uptodate. Videor Technical accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions, and specifically disclaims any liabilities, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and/or application of any of the contents of this document. 1.2 C ONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL t means ‘move joystick to the left’ u means ‘move joystick to the right’ p means ‘move joystick up’ q means ‘move joystick down’ P means ‘twist joystick clockwise’ Q means ‘twist joystick anticlockwise’. ...
CAUTION statements identify issues that can cause problems with the normal operation of the equipment. CAUTION: ** You must save all camera settings before using this feature. **this symbol indicates nonelectrical warnings and cautions. TIP statements offer useful advice about operating the equipment. TIP: *** This setting can be individually controlled on each of your two video outputs. ***this symbol indicates important information. Notes: contain important information about a product or procedure. 1.3 T RADEMARKS All trademarks and registered trademarks that appear in this document, including (but not limited to) IMTERA™ are the property of their respective owners, details of which can be supplied by Videor Technical. 1.4 R ELATED DOCUMENTS You may need to read the Quick Start Guide and Recorder Safety and Installation Manual in conjunction with this document. Page 9 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
2 I NTRODUCTION It’s new … The Almira will completely change the way you think about security cameras – and the way you use them. In fact, it’s like no camera you’ve ever seen before. The difference is in the IMTERA™ technology that drives it. Ceilingmounted, the Almira is almost invisible The area below as the Almira sees it – an ultra wideangle view with total situational awareness It’s powerful… The 3megapixel, ultrawideangle Almira camera can see everything in the area below it, giving total situational awareness. In addition, the camera’s builtin IMTERA™ technology gives you up to four separate highresolution views of any selected areas, using what we call ‘virtual cameras’ or VCAMs. Frame by frame, each of these ‘cameras’ displays its own part of the image. The result is like looking at four individual security cameras – and you can pan, tilt and zoom each of them in any way you wish. With the recorder attached you can do this retrospectively, using pan, tilt and zoom to make a detailed examination of anywhere in the camera’s 360° field of view. Each of four PTZcontrollable ‘virtual cameras’ … and the camera’s builtin IMTERA™ technology (VCAMs) can cover any part of the image … processes and displays the result – instantly. Page 10 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
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It’s versatile… How you look at this information is up to you. You can choose a single, 360° panoramic view, combine it with the views from two virtual cameras (VCAMs), split it into two 180° views, look at an individual VCAM, show all four VCAMs on a single screen or view a quad panorama – all at the push of a button. And the same options are all available when you need to look at data stored on the recorder – giving you exactly the same control over recorded material that you have with live views. 360° view plus two VCAMs Two 180° views Single VCAM (with thumbnail) 360° view Four VCAMs Four x 90º panorama Page 11 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
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It’s flexible … That’s not all. The Almira can send all this information to two separate video outputs at the same time – and you can control each video output individually. Effectively, it’s like having two individually controllable Almira cameras, one on each video output. Put the two monitors together, e.g., as inputs to a switcher, or in separate viewing rooms; the choice is yours. That’s only the beginning, because the Almira is all about giving you choices – choices you can program, save, edit, and keep for future use at any time. It’s discreet … It’s hard to believe all this information comes from a single image, in a single unit – but it does. All that functionality is housed inside a case that’s compact and easily concealed. … and it’s reliable The Almira has no moving parts (not even a fan) – and mechanical failure is the most common source of problems for conventional PTZ cameras. With its full 360° view the Almira provides full situational awareness at all times. Replacing up to four ordinary PTZ cameras, it offers a degree of functionality and flexibility beyond the dreams of conventional surveillance systems – and its unique recorder system gives you unparalleled access to stored data that no other system can hope to match. Only IMTERA™ technology can do this. Page 12 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
2.1 T HE CAMERA IN CONTEXT 2.1.1 I NSTALLING THE CAMERA The Almira is designed to be a direct, dropin replacement for any existing analogue camera. In fact it could replace up to four conventional PTZ cameras and still provide full situational awareness, additional information and extra functionality. This is because: it covers 360°, giving complete situational awareness · it can respond intelligently to four external alarms · · all its unique functions are housed inside the camera itself – no extra external equipment is needed it will autodetect and respond to multiple standard PTZ controller protocols · · camera outputs connect directly to existing equipment – no need for special cables or connectors there is no special software to install – existing DVRs can also record camera output as soon as it’s · connected the optional recorder unit allows complete ePTZ of previously recorded data. · 1 The Almira can be connected using your existing cables and operated as part of an existing installation. Its unique design ensures it will do far more than any conventional PTZ camera. In fact it will add significantly to the functionality and efficiency of your security system. 2.1.2 D EPLOYING THE CAMERA The power and flexibility of the Almira makes it suitable for a very wide range of applications. A single ceiling or wallmounted Almira can provide coverage for a small convenience store: equivalent to five conventional PTZ cameras – and far more controllable · each VCAM can be preset on a critical point (such as the cash register) · · easy to program a preset tour that will check every set of shelves and every cabinet in detail – while ...
2.1.3 F EATURES AND BENEFITS The Almira offers an unbeatable set of features and benefits derived from its unique IMTERA™ technology, including: Highvalue installation · wideangle view · unique incamera processing · replaces up to four conventional analogue PTZ cameras · provides valuable extra information when an alarm is triggered · offers complete retrospective analysis of recorded data using PTZ and all VCAM options · improves the productivity and usefulness of your security system. Discreet, intense surveillance · two users can each access the camera using separate keyboards and separate video outputs each has access to full functionality – equivalent to five conventional PTZ cameras · · ideal for difficult locations like an entrance hall with multiple access points “still” option allows user to see everything happening in the camera’s field of view at a given · moment easy switching between live camera view and recorder playback, allowing fast and efficient PTZ · analysis of any recorded event. Detects and tracks motion across the full 360° detects motion anywhere in its field of view – across the full 360° · any combination of the four virtual cameras can be set to detect and track motion anywhere in the · 360° field of view – automatically · can trigger an external device through its alarm output port · motion detection can be turned on and off at a different time each day (Monday to Sunday) ·...
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Pixelperfect privacy zones · up to 75 pixelperfect privacy zones · tight and accurate from all angles, and in all available views can screen out sensitive areas, e.g., keyboards or monitors, without blanking out surrounding · areas. Unparalleled access to recorded data can record data for several months (for eventbased recordings) or several weeks (for continuous · recording) depending on user settings and lighting conditions records full resolution 360º sensor output · choose continuous recording, event recording, or both · · choose frame rates from 1 to 4 frames per second and set image quality separately, as required, for both continuous and event recording separate operating schedules for camera and recorder · · fast zooming timeline and event searching full PTZ access to all recorded data for detailed, accurate analysis · · full camera functionality on all recorded images runs in parallel with conventional video and DVRs. · No moving parts · low maintenance – fewer engineer visits, less disruption · high reliability. Easily linked to other equipment takes signals from up to four external devices, such as proximity or contact alarms, smoke alarms, · heat sensors or IR detectors program the response you need – e.g., the Almira could respond to a fire alarm by pointing a virtual · camera at its source, and triggering a preset tour to search for visual evidence.
3 I NSTALLATION This chapter gives you a stepbystep guide to installing the camera. 3.1 R EQUIREMENTS Operation requirements The Almira is designed as a dropin replacement for any conventional analogue PTZ camera. For control it requires a suitable keyboard to be connected. Any keyboard supporting Fastrax or PelcoD RS485 protocols or the Bosch Autodome RS232 protocol can be used with the Almira. Note that controllers based on RS232 will require a thirdparty RS232RS485 converter. Cable requirements The Almira requires one (or optionally two) video cables, and a power cable. The video cables should be standard 75 Ω coaxial cable · · The 12VDC cable powers the Almira – 1814 AWG RS485 control protocol wires (twisted pair) – 2016 AWG · dedicated cable for connection to the recorder (supplied with the recorder – see separate · installation guide for the recorder) Note: The Almira will also require one cable for each external device (e.g., fire alarms, smoke alarms, klaxons or lights) that needs to be connected to the camera. Power requirements For optimal performance all Almira cameras should be powered from an isolated 12VDC source (using a cable shorter than 10 metres/33 ft in length), providing at least 2 Amps – fused outputs are not adequate. WARNING Do not connect the camera directly to the mains: this will damage the camera and could result in severe injury. Location requirements The ceiling mount supplied is intended for concealed mounting in ceilings with removable ceiling panels either 24 in × 24 in (or 600 × 600 mm) or 24 in × 48 in (or 600 × 1200 mm), provided there is sufficient clearance for the unit – refer to Fig. 3.3), page 19. Page 16 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
3.2 B EFORE INSTALLING THE CAMERA · Check the components supplied with your camera against the list below. Be sure nothing is missing. · Make sure you have all the tools needed for the installation (not supplied, but listed below). CAUTION: Camera Orientation The camera must be installed in a horizontal orientation with the lens facing downwards, or vertically at a maximum angle of +/60° from the vertical (“wallmount”) with the cooling fins in a vertical orientation. Failure to comply with these instructions will invalidate the warranty. 3.3 C AMERA INSTALLATION CHECKLIST Inside the box you will find the following items. See 3.4.2 Surfacemounting the camera for details of optional accessories for surface mounting. Quantity Item 1 Camera including lens 2 Metal ceiling braces 2 BNC adaptors 2 6mm/0.24in M3 Pozidriv screws 1 Plastic connector cover 1 Metal camera bracket 2 10mm/0.39in M5 button head screws 2 6mm/0.24in M3 countersunk screws 1 Allen key 1.5mm/0.06in AF 3 Cable Tie 3.5mm/0.14in ...
3.4 I NSTALLING THE CAMERA The camera is supplied as standard with a bracket for flushmounting behind suspended ceiling tiles. As an option, an adjustable surfacemounting bracket is available for walls and solid ceilings. For mounting behind ceiling tiles, read section 3.4.1, followed by section 3.4.3 For surfacemount applications, read section 3.4.2, followed by section 3.4.3 CAUTION: You must complete steps 1) to 8) of section 3.4.1 [or steps 1) to 6) of section 3.4.2] and steps 1) to 9) of section 3.4.3 before supplying power to the unit. The camera requires a 12V DC power supply – this is not the same as the recorder, which requires a 24V AC or DC power supply. Applying the wrong voltage to the camera will damage it, and will also invalidate the warranty. 3.4.1 I NSTALLING THE CAMERA IN A CEILING The concealed ceiling mounting kit supplied is intended for ceilings with removable ceiling panels either 24 in × 24 in (or 600 × 600 mm) or 24 in × 48 in (or 600 × 1200 mm), as shown in Figs. 3.1) and 3.2). Fig. 3.1) Concealed ceiling mount viewed from above Fig. 3.2) Concealed ceiling mount viewed from below Page 18 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
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CAUTION: Ventilation Clearance Ensure camera has sufficient clearance when installed. Refer to Fig. 3.3) Fig. 3.3) Ventilation clearances Refer to Fig. 3.4) for steps 1) to 3). 1) Take the camera unit and unscrew the three screws mounted around the lens. 2) Use these three screws to attach the metal camera bracket to the camera unit. Use only the screws supplied, and be sure to fit all three screws. Note: some lens types must be removed to enable fitment of the camera bracket. The lens focusing process is described in section 4.1.2. 3) Fit supplied M3 pillars as indicated. Fig. 3.4) Mounting the camera bracket TIP: The camera is correctly focused in the factory, but it is a good idea to test configure it and test the focus at this point, before fitting the camera to the ceiling tile. See section 3.4.3 for instructions on fitting the power, video output and keyboard connections. To set up and focus the camera please see Focus Aid on page 29. Disconnect again before proceeding with mounting the camera. Page 19 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
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4) Prepare a ceiling tile by cutting a 100mm/3.94 in hole exactly in the centre as shown in Fig. 3.5), using the template supplied at the rear of this user manual. Fig. 3.5) Ceiling tile preparation 5) Attach the two ceiling mounts to the sides of the camera unit using the two 10mm/0.39in M5 button head screws and shakeproof washers supplied. Do not fully tighten the screws. Fig. 3.6) Fitting the ceiling mounts Fit safety lanyard through holes provided 6) Position the camera with its lens centred in the hole in the ceiling tile. Invert the ceiling tile, taking care to support the camera. Position the trim plate and fasten it in place with the two 6mm/0.24 M3 countersunk screws supplied, as shown in Fig. 3.7). 7) Raise the camera unit so that the trim plate is flush with the ceiling tile, and then tighten the securing screws, as shown in Fig. 3.6). Fig. 3.7) Fitting the trim plate 8) We strongly recommend that you fit a safety wire or lanyard (not supplied). You can do this by looping it through an attachment point in the ceiling and the two holes on the ceiling mounts, as indicated in Fig. 3.6). 9) Now proceed to section 3.4.3 Page 20 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
3.4.2 S URFACE MOUNTING THE CAMERA An optional adjustable bracket is available for surfacemounting the camera on walls or ceilings. The bracket kit consists of the following items: Description Quantity M5 shakeproof washer 4 Adjustable camera bracket 1 M5 x 6mm pan head pozi screw 4 5 x 30 thread woodscrew 4 Wall plug 4 BNC adaptor (right angle) 2 Connector cover (short) 1 Cable tie 3.5mm 3 Screw pan head M3x8mm 2 You will also need: 1 drill with 7mm drill bit 1 small hammer Note that an optional lens shroud is also available for surfacemounted installations. It can be seen in Fig 3.9). To secure the bracket to the wall or ceiling: Place the bracket on the wall/ceiling in the required location. Alternatively, you can use the template provided at the back of this user manual. See the wall mount bracket on page 93. 1) Mark the positions of the fixing holes shown in Fig 3.8) for a solid wall/ceiling. ...
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Fig 3.9) Fixings for wallceiling junction. 2) Remove the bracket and drill a 7mm hole in each of the marked positions. 3) Gently tap a wall plug into each hole using a small hammer. 4) Secure the bracket to the wall/ceiling using the four M5 woodscrews. Prior to fixing the camera to the bracket, you will need to connect all required cables, set the DIP switches and fit the connector cover. These operations are described in 3.4.3 Connecting, configuring and powering the camera. You can then carry out the remaining 3 steps, described here: 5) Fix the flat bracket plate to the main part of the bracket. This is done using one of the M5 pan head screws and shakeproof washers. It is shown in Fig 3.9) 6) You can now present the camera to the bracket and secure it using the three remaining M5 screws as indicated in Fig 3.10) Fig 3.10) Fixing the camera to the bracket 7) Finally, you can adjust the camera to the required angle as indicated in Fig 3.11) Fig 3.11) Adjusting the camera angle Page 22 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
TIP: The camera is correctly focused in the factory, but it is a good idea to test configure it and test the focus at this point. See section 3.4.3 for instructions on connecting the power, video output and keyboard, which will be required for focussing. To set up and focus the camera please see Focus Aid on page 29. 3.4.3 C , ONNECTING CONFIGURING AND POWERING THE CAMERA 1) Strip and tin any new wires that you 2 wish to connect to the camera . Refer to Fig. 3.12) for steps 1) to 6). 2) WITH POWER OFF remove the camera’s power connector (above the Power 12VDC label), attach the wires from the power supply unit (ensuring they are connected with the correct polarity) and replace the power connector in the camera unit. Do not power up the camera at this point. 3) Connect the RS485 wiring to the RS485 terminals on top of the camera (top left on this diagram). Ensure they are Fig. 3.12) Rear connector panel connected with the correct polarity (+ and –) to KBD and KBD+. 4) If you have a recorder it needs to be connected to the Hires video terminal at bottom right: please refer to the manual supplied with the recorder. 5) Attach the two BNC elbow adaptors supplied, and use them to connect the two video outputs from the camera (A and B, bottom left on the diagram). 6) Connect any external devices you wish to link to the camera to the correct terminals on top of it. For external alarms connecting into the camera (Alarm in), make sure the input leads are ...
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7) Set the dip switches on the top of the camera unit, using a small screwdriver. ON ON Refer to Fig. 3.13). 1 1 Switches 1 and 2 should be ON to · enable RS485 biasing, or OFF to 2 2 disable RS485 biasing. Biasing should normally be set to ON. 3 3 · Switch 3 is used to enable the 4 terminator. It should be ON if the Rocker switches Slider switches Almira is the last camera in the RS485 chain or OFF if it is not. Fig. 3.13) Dip switches – supplied Switch 4 must be set to OFF. · either with rocker or slider switches Thread cable ties through Refer to Fig. 3.14) for steps 8) to 9). holes as indicated 8) Fit the plastic connector cover using the two 6mm/0.24in M3 Pozidriv screws supplied. 9) ...
4 C ONFIGURATION For a quick guide to finding and navigating the menu system, see 5.2.1 Menu navigation overview. Now you have installed and focused the camera, you can configure it to suit your own individual needs. This chapter tells you how to do this. CAUTION: If you are installing more than one camera on the same network, power up the first camera and change its camera IDs before powering the next camera and so on. Alternatively, unplug the RS485 cable to all but the camera you are changing the ID on. You can work through the menu items in any order. However, if you are adding the camera to an existing network you should probably start by changing its ID (see 4.1.4 Camera ID configuration below). This ensures it can be controlled uniquely, without affecting other cameras in your network. Note: When the camera is switched on for the first time, it will use Camera IDs one (1) and two (2). Camera ID 1 will show the camera menu on Analogue Video Output A; Camera ID 2 will show the camera menu on Analogue Video Output B. To enter the menu system, press MENU. If a password has been set, and is active (see 4.1.6 Menu Password on page 37), you will be asked to enter it on the first screen. Use u and t to find the first number you need to enter, and p to enter it – a * will appear on the line above. Repeat until you have entered all four, when you will be taken to the main menu screen. For installations where the camera is being integrated with a thirdparty DVR, please see 4.2 DVR Integration. Note: The default menu password is 1234. We recommend that you change this as soon as possible. 4.1.1 C ONFIGURATION MENU To go to the Configuration menu, press MENU, use p and q to highlight , then use u. Using the Configuration menu, you can quickly and easily set up the camera as a key component of your network. Once you have programmed the camera IDs (see 4.1.4 Camera ID configuration below) you can work through this menu a step at a time to have your camera up and running in a few minutes. Page 25 ...
4.1.2 P ICTURE ONTROL The most frequently used items in the Picture Control menu are on the first page. Correctly set, the AWB (Auto White Balance), Auto Gain, Exposure and Target Gain controls will give you a clear, usable image. The Advanced settings allow you to further refine the results you get from the Almira. You can also use this menu to override Auto settings, allowing custom control in special situations. In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. CAUTION: Opening the menu will temporarily disable VMD. This means that neither the camera nor the recorder will respond to VMD events until you leave the menu. Auto White Balance (AWB) This setting automatically compensates for different types of lighting conditions e.g., daylight, artificial light etc. If AWB is switched , the image may appear too red in artificial light or too blue in daylight – though you can compensate by adjusting the colour temperature (see below, page 30). 1) Use p and q to highlight AWB, then use u to move to the options. 2) Use p and q to select or , then press u to confirm your choice. Auto Gain automatically adjusts the output from the sensor to respond to changing light conditions frame by frame. In low light conditions it boosts the video signal – in bright conditions it cuts the video signal. ...
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Target Gain/Brightness If is , you can make your screen image brighter or darker by adjusting . If is , you can adjust to achieve a similar effect. Again, aim for the best possible results in the areas you need to see most clearly. To change the setting, use p and q to highlight or , use u to move to the slider, and then use p and q to adjust the setting up or down. Press u to confirm. Camera Location Operating the camera indoors, with fluorescent lighting, may result in a flickering display. This is caused by short exposure times, so Camera Location is normally set to to suppress this. If the camera is deployed in particular situations such as a very brightly lit area, or · outdoors · you will want to set Camera Location to so the camera can use shorter exposures to reveal more detail. Setting Camera Location to will give you seven additional options under in the main menu – and . These options will also be available to the camera on automatic settings, allowing it to select exposures as fast as 1/18200 sec. 1) To change this setting, use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the options. 2) Use p and q to switch this setting between or ...
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Advanced This menu gives you access to additional picture controls that will help you tailor the camera settings for more specialist installations. These settings are factory preset and will not normally need adjustment. However, you may wish to check the focus setup at the time of installation. To change advanced settings, use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the next page. Calibrate You need to calibrate the camera when it is first set up, to ensure that you achieve the optimum settings for total situational awareness. Before calibrating the camera, check that any setting changes you have made are saved to the system (see 4.1.10 Save/Reset). 1) To calibrate the camera, use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the calibration screen. 2) A red circle indicates the outer edge of the lens image; the yellow circle shows the area available for navigation by a virtual camera. Use pqtu to move the circles as needed – this tells the camera how the image from the lens will be projected onto the sensor. Aim to line up the red circle as closely as possible with the outer edge of the image. 3) When you are satisfied with your settings, press ENTER to recalibrate the camera. This may take a number of seconds to complete. 4) The camera will then carry out a system restart and display a splash screen during this time. Camera Orientation CAUTION: Changing this setting will reset the camera. This will remove any presets, preset tours or learn tours you have programmed into it, and any sectors, privacy zones and motion detection regions you have set up. 1) The camera defaults to assuming that it will be ceiling mounted, but this option makes it possible to mount it on a wall should you wish to do so. If this is done, you will need to change the camera orientation setting. 2) To change camera orientation, use p q to highlight , then use u to move ...
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6) When you have finished use p q to select the final menu option , and press ENTER to confirm. The camera will restart. Note: the camera will take a few moments to adapt to any changes made in this menu. TV Output (PAL/NTSC) This setting matches the output from the camera to your video input. 1) To change this setting, use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the next screen. 2) Use p and q to highlight or , then press ENTER to confirm your choice. Note: the camera will perform a restart and take a few moments to adapt to any changes made in this menu. Mains Freq (50/60Hz) You should match this setting to the mains frequency used for the lighting (50 Hz or 60 Hz). This will ensure there is no ‘beating’ effect in vision when the camera is in use. 1) To change this setting, use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the options. 2) Use p and q to highlight or , then press u to confirm your choice. Focus Aid TIP: If VMD is active, you will need to temporarily disable this before focussing the camera. Now your camera is producing a clear image, you can check the focus. To switch on this feature, use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the options. 1) Use p and q to highlight , then press u to confirm your choice. 2) With Focus Aid switched on, move out of the menu system (by pressing the MENU key). Select a fullscreen virtual camera by using the FAR key (see 5.1 Basic camera operation). ...
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Note: the software used for the function is sophisticated and sensitive to changes in the real world, so it is quite normal for the number to change slightly even when the lens is not being moved. 6) Return to the menu system and remember to turn off Focus Aid. Note: The focus aid facility will automatically turn off after 30 minutes. 7) Now save your settings. In the main menu, use p and q to highlight , press u, then use p and q to highlight Press ENTER to confirm. CAUTION: If Focus Aid is not turned off after use, it will noticeably slow the camera’s response to other menu commands and reduce the frame rate. More To go to the next page, use p and q to highlight , then use u to move on. The settings here will allow you to make further refinements to the image appearing on your video output, as required. Colour Temperature These settings allow you to adjust the amount of red and blue in the camera image to give a clearer and/or more realistic rendition of the area covered by the lens, or to match the output from other cameras. 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the menu (right). 2) In the menu use p and q to select , then press u to select the slider. ...
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Contrast The setting adjusts the range of shades available between the brightest and darkest parts of the image. Increasing contrast will make dark areas appear darker and light areas appear lighter, but intermediate shades will be less accurate. This can be useful in evenly lit areas where detail might otherwise be lost. Decreasing contrast can help to resolve more detail when there are both very dark and very light areas within view of the camera. 1) In the menu use p and q to select , then press u to select the slider. 2) Use p to increase the contrast value anywhere up to 7 (the default is 3), or q to lower it anywhere down to 0. 3) Press u to confirm your choice. Saturation The setting adjusts the richness and depth of colour displayed on the monitors: useful if you need to match output from other equipment. A high setting will give very strong, rich colours – a low setting will produce very muted colours. In the menu use p and q to select , then press u to select the slider. 1) Use p to increase the contrast value anywhere up to 40 (the default is 20), or q to lower it anywhere down to 10. 2) Press u to confirm your choice. Gamma Adjust gamma upwards to bring out more detail in dark areas. Only dark areas will be affected by this setting. The default setting is 0.45. 1) Use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the options. 2) Use p and q to change the value up or down, then press u to confirm your choice. Black level ...
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The lowest available setting is 55, and the highest 208. 1) Use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the slider. 2) Use p and q to change the value up or down, then press u to confirm your choice. CAUTION: Changing this setting will take the camera outside normal PAL/NTSC specifications. This will make it unsuitable for broadcasting, and could also have the effect of shortening monitor life. Suppress Blur When lighting conditions are poor the camera will set longer exposures to capture as much detail as possible. This will tend to cause motion blur as people or objects move past the camera. Switching to will reduce blurring by setting shorter exposures (which will give you crisper images in return for less brightness and more noise). 1) To change this setting, use p and q to highlight , then u to move to the options. 2) Use p and q to switch this setting or , then press u to confirm your choice. TIP: If you have a recorder attached to your camera, we recommend that you set to . This will give you crisper images on playback. More To go to the next page, use p and q to highlight , then use u to move on. The settings here will allow you to make further refinements to the image appearing on your video output, as required. Window Scale Use this setting to adjust the size of the video image as it appears on your video output. Move the values up or down until the image is as large as possible without crowding out the menu titles. Page 32 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
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TIP: This setting can be individually controlled for each of two video outputs connected to the camera. So if, for example, video output 1 is linked to Video ID 01 (see 4.1.4 Camera ID configuration) then you should select this Video ID by pressing 1 and then CAMERA. Press MENU, go to the menu and then follow the steps below. When you have finished programming Video ID 01 press MENU to leave the menu system, press e.g., 2 and then CAMERA to select Video ID 02, and then reenter the menu system to set the window scale for this Video ID. 1) Use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the slider. 2) Use p and q to change the value up or down, then press u to confirm your choice. Edge Enhance This setting changes the way the camera operates at high zoom settings. If Edge Enhance is switched off, closeup images are smoothed. With Edge Enhance switched on, the edges appear sharper, helping to resolve detail in critical areas. Before changing this setting, you should choose a fullscreen virtual camera and zoom fully in on an area that shows plenty of fine detail to see the difference. 1) Use p and q to highlight Edge Enhance, then use u to move to the options. 2) Use p and q to select or , then press u to confirm your choice. Sharp Zoom This setting changes the way the camera operates at high zoom settings. If Sharp Zoom is switched on, individual pixels become visible. If it is switched off the image is smoothed, and will therefore appear to be less sharp. Before changing this setting, you should choose a fullscreen virtual camera and zoom fully in on an area that shows plenty of fine detail to see the difference. 1) Use p and q to highlight Sharp Zoom, then use u to move to the options. 2) Use p and q to select or , then press u to confirm your choice. Moiré Filter ...
4.1.3 C : ONFIGURATION OPERATION This menu deals with the operation of the camera, and some of the additional features available on the Almira. In the menu, use p and q to highlight and then use u. Clock/Title This option sets the display at the bottom of the monitor screen to show the time, the camera title, or neither. The title is set using the option (see 4.1.5 below). 1) Use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the setting. 2) Use p and q to select , or , then press u to confirm your choice. TIP: This setting can be individually controlled for each of two monitors connected to the camera. So you could have the time on one video output and a title on the other. Thumbnails Switching on places a small image showing a full 360° view at the bottom and centre of your screen when you have any individual VCAM selected. This can be extremely useful if you want to maintain full situational awareness at all times. Use p and q to highlight , then u to move to the options. Use p and q again to turn thumbnails or . Press u to confirm your choice. TIP: ...
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VCAM Pointers If VCAM pointers are turned on, then small + signs will appear on all 360° and 180° formats to indicate where the VCAMs are pointing. Each VCAM is colourcoded, and each pointer will show the appropriate colour as follows. VCAM 1 – green VCAM 2 – cyan VCAM 3 – magenta VCAM 4 – yellow Use p and q to highlight , then u to move to the options. Use p and q again to turn pointers or . Press u to confirm your choice. Select Format This control can be used to change screen formats (e.g., if FAR is not available on your keyboard). Use p and q to highlight , then u to move to the options list. Use p and q again to choose the format you want. Press u to confirm your choice. Lock Screen This control can be used to lock an output to the current format. Use p and q to highlight , then u to move to the options list. Use p and q again to select or . Press u to confirm your choice. Language Use this menu option to select the language for configuration and operation of the camera. Use p and q to highlight , then u to move to the options list. Use p and q again to choose the language you want. Press u to confirm your choice. Your language choice will be adopted immediately by the menu system. Versions Versions gives you a screen display showing the various version numbers of key software within the camera. You will need this information if you are calling the service helpline (see page 4). Use p and q to highlight , then u to display your version numbers.
4.1.4 C ID AMERA CONFIGURATION CAUTION: If you are installing more than one camera on the same network, power up the first camera and change its camera ID before powering up the next camera, and so on. Unlike conventional cameras, this camera can be controlled by two users at the same time, each with their own individual video output. For example, if user ‘Andy’ wants to look at VCAM 1 and user ‘Rachel’ wants to look at a panorama, each can do so at the same time without affecting the image on the other’s video output. To achieve this functionality, the camera can be programmed with two unique IDs: Screen 1 ID and Screen 2 ID. These represent video outputs A and B respectively. In multiAlmira installations you need to set the IDs before the cameras are added to the network. Alternatively you can switch off all the cameras, then switch them back on, one at a time, starting with the Almira that will have the highest ID number. Set its ID, and then switch on the next Almira. CAUTION: When you change the camera ID, be sure to switch the keyboard over to the new ID after leaving the menu system by keying in the new value for the Video ID followed by CAMERA. 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight and then use u. 2) Use pq to highlight the Video ID you want, then use u to select it. 3) Now use pq to change the Video ID to a new value. This value must be the same as the number you normally key in to control this camera output. 4) To accept the new ID, use u. To cancel, use t. 5) Repeat steps 2) to 4) for the other Video ID. 6) Use t again to leave this submenu. 7) ...
4.1.5 C AMERA ITLE The camera title will appear on screen if you have chosen this option in the menu (see 4.1.3 above). A title can help identify the Almira in a large bank of monitors, and in installations using different camera types. 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then u to go to the next screen. 2) Use t and u to move the pointer left and right along the existing title (if there is one) and place it under the character you want to change, or the space where you want to add a new character. Press q. 3) Use p q t u to find the character you want to insert, then press ENTER to add or change your chosen character. The title cursor will automatically move to the next position. 4) Repeat steps 2) and 3) for all the characters in your chosen title. 5) When you have finished, use q to highlight (bottom of screen), and press ENTER to confirm. This takes you back to the menu. 4.1.6 M ENU ASSWORD Refer to 8 Keyboard maps or the manual supplied by your keyboard manufacturer to find out how to call up the Menu screen. ...
5) Use p and q to highlight , u to move to the options, and p and q to select or . Press u to confirm your choice. If you select , a password will not be required to get into the camera’s menus. Note: Recorder passwordprotection also follows these settings (see 6.6.1 The Playback Screen). 4.1.7 T IME AND DATE Use this function to set the correct time and date. These will be displayed on screen if you have switched on the Clock Display (see 4.1.3Configuration: operation). NOTE: The time and date cannot be edited if NTP time support has been enabled. The camera will display a message to this effect if you attempt to do this. In order to edit the time and date, first disable NTP time support. See Network settings on page 76. 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then u to go to the next screen. 2) Use p and q to select , then u to move to the option menu. Use p and q to select EU date format (DD:MM:YY), US format (MM:DD:YY) or ASIA format (YY:MM:DD). Use u to confirm your choice. 3) Use p and q to select , then u to move to the next screen. 4) Dates are in the format you chose in the previous menu, and time is shown as HH:MM:SS using a 24hour clock. Use p and ...
It is also possible to change the time zone settings for the camera. This will automatically change the time and date settings as necessary. To change the time zone settings from the Date/Time menu: 1) Use p and q to select , then u to move to the next screen. 2) Use p and q to select , then u to move to the option menu. Use p and q to select the correct region then u to confirm your choice. 3) Use p and q to select , then u to move to the option menu. Use p and q to select the correct city or area then u to confirm your choice. 4) If the time zone details are correct, use p and q to select , then u to save your new settings. 4.1.8 A LARMS This menu lets you configure the way the Almira connects to external alarms and other devices such as DVRs. In the Configuration menu, use p and q to highlight , and then u to go to the next screen. Use p and q to select or , and then u to go to the next screen. Alarm Inputs The Almira can detect its own internal alarms and up to four external alarms. When setting alarm inputs, it’s important to understand how the Almira deals with different types of alarm. · If an internal alarm is triggered (e.g. by motion detection), the camera will give this priority over any other alarm.
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4) Use p and q to highlight , u to move to the options, and p and q to change the value up or down. Then press u to confirm. The other settings on this page apply to each of the four available external alarm connections. They tell the camera how the external alarm is configured, and how the available virtual cameras should respond to a signal from this alarm. 5) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , u to go to the options, and p and q to select the input you want to program. Press u to confirm your choice. 6) Now use p and q to highlight and u to go to the options. If the contacts on this external alarm are normally open, select . If they are normally closed, select . Select if nothing is connected to this input. 7) Next use p and q to highlight and u to go to the options. Use p and q to select the virtual camera you want to program. Press u to confirm. 8) Now use p and q to highlight and u to go to the options. · Choose to move the camera to a selected preset when the alarm is raised. · Choose to start a preset tour when the alarm is raised. · Choose to start a learn tour when the alarm is raised. · Choose if you do not wish this virtual camera to respond to the alarm. ·...
Recorder Fault In the event that the recorder becomes disconnected or faulty, the camera will report the fault on the video output. If you normally have an unmanned or unviewed video output the camera can also trigger its alarm output if you wish. Use p and q to select and then u to go to the options. Select to be alerted on the video output only or select to be alerted on the video output and for the camera to trigger the alarm output. Press u to confirm your choice. 4.1.9 D EFAULT ACTIONS You can program each of the four virtual cameras to carry out various tasks when the camera first powers up, or when it has been idle for a length of time of your choosing. 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , and use u to go into the menu. 2) Use p and q to select , use u to move to the options, then use p and q again to choose the virtual camera you want to program. Press u to confirm your choice. 3) Now use q to highlight , u to go to the options, and p and q to choose the delay time before your program starts. Press u to confirm your choice. 4) Next use q to highlight , use u to go to the options, and use p and q to choose the response you want. You can select , , or . Press u to confirm your ...
1) In the main menu, use p and q to highlight , and u to go to the next screen. 2) If you want your menu changes saved whenever you leave the menu, use p and q to highlight , u to go to the options, and p and q to select . Press u to confirm. There will be a short delay when exiting the menus while the camera commits this information to permanent storage – this is quite normal. 3) If you want your menu changes saved immediately, use p and q to highlight , and ENTER to confirm – will appear at the bottom of the screen. 4) If you want to restart the camera without saving your latest menu changes, use p and q to highlight and ENTER to confirm. The camera will restart using the last previously saved settings. 5) If you want to restore the factory defaults, use p and q to highlight , and ENTER to confirm. You will be shown a confirmation screen asking you to confirm your choice. The Camera ID and Date/Time settings will not be affected by this operation. CAUTION: If you restore the factory defaults you will lose all your configuration settings, as well as all your presets, preset tours and learn tours. You will also lose any privacy zones, motion detection regions and sectors that you created, and the camera will default to its ceilingmounted mode. If you do not want to do this, press t, ESC or MENU. If you are happy to continue, press ENTER again. 4.2 DVR I NTEGRATION ...
5 O PERATION This chapter explains how to operate the camera, and how to use and activate its main features. 5.1 B ASIC CAMERA OPERATION Unless you are using the menus, the camera will be in operating mode. While it is in operating mode, you can use the following controls: Key Effect in Operating Mode MENU Enter or leave Menu. p Tilt Up q Tilt Down t Pan Left u Pan Right P Zoom In (or compress 180º views) Q Zoom Out (or expand 180º views) OPEN Temporarily brightens the picture. The picture brightness is reset on any PTZ or by pressing RESTORE. CLOSE Temporarily darkens the picture. The picture brightness is reset on any PTZ or by pressing RESTORE. RESTORE Press to restore normal picture brightness settings. CAMERA After entering a number, press CAMERA to move control from one video output to the other. STILL Freezes the image on a selected VCAM. While the image is frozen most features are still available: you can PTZ and look at any of your presets, and tours will still run. Press STILL again to go back to normal operation; NEAR ...
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Changing views on your video output Press the FAR key to move from one view to another on your video output. Note that this is subject to the status of the Lock Screen feature, described on Page 35. The following views are available: 360° view plus two VCAMs Two 180° views Single VCAM (with thumbnails) 360° view Four VCAMs Four x 90º panorama You can pan and tilt (using pqtu) and zoom (using P Q) in most formats. Page 44 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
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The pan controls (tu), tilt controls (pq) and zoom controls (P Q) work a little differently in the 2 x 180º, 360º panorama, 4 x 90º panorama and thumbnail view. In 2 x 180º view there is no need to pan because you can see the camera’s entire field of view already. Zooming out will stretch both images vertically, so you can see more detail in areas of interest; zooming in compresses them, to give you the widest possible view; and tilting allows you to look at parts of the image that are out of view when it has been stretched. On the 4 x 90º panorama all cameras move together in response to the pan and tilt controls. To switch between VCAMs, use the NEAR key. You can identify each VCAM by the number on the coloured u sign at top left. The screen shot below shows what you might see on your video output. Thumbnails are shown at bottom centre, the clock display appears at the bottom of the screen, and warnings appear at top right. Press STILL to freeze the image at any time – the flashing warning will appear at top left. Press STILL again to go back to normal operation. Still mode will automatically time out after two minutes. Press FLIP when looking at any individual VCAM to rotate it instantly through 180º. If you press UNATTENDED MODE the camera will immediately begin its preprogrammed default actions (see 4.1.9 Default actions) Screen shot showing a typical display from a selected VCAM. Page 45 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
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Using the recorder To look at recorded data, simply press PLAYBACK/LIVE. Press it again to return to the normal (live) camera view. Note: If the menu password is activated, you will need to enter it here. See section 4.1.6 Menu Password for instructions on setting and disabling the password. If playback is selected, and two monitors are connected to the camera, the playback image will appear on both. The output where playback was selected will show the full playback menu (see below). The other output will simply show a status bar. Remember that anything you can do in live mode you can also do in playback mode. The interactive menu on the playback screen The interactive menu on the playback screen is divided into three areas. The selector bar at the top allows you to choose an recording, or a section of continuous recording, watch it, lock it to ensure · it is not erased, or unlock it if it is no longer required and can safely be erased. choose the playback mode (fast reverse or forward; reverse or normal play; pause; and forward or · backward a frame at a time). · choose PTZ mode (to see other parts of the recorded image), hide all but the status bar, or return to the current camera view. The timeline at the centre can be used to find recordings made on a particular day and at a particular time as well as graphically show information such as events that have occurred. The interactive status bar at the bottom shows the date, time and playback speed of the recording you are watching. You can also use it to select a specific date and time to examine. Use pq to move between these three areas. TIP: When the camera first goes into playback mode the timeline may appear to be blank. Usually this is simply because it is waiting for data, or retrieving frames for display. Page 46 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
5.2 M ENUS 5.2.1 M ENU NAVIGATION OVERVIEW It’s very easy to use the menus. You can make most of the choices you need simply by using the joystick and keys shown in this table. Key Effect in Menu Navigation MENU Enter or leave the menu system (hold for at least 3 seconds on some keyboards) p Up / Increase value q Down / Decrease value t Left / Cancel edit / Exit submenu and main menu u Right / Edit value / Accept value / Enter submenu ENTER Select ESC Exit submenu or main menu / Cancel edit FAR Toggle camera in and out of PTZ (Pan, Tilt and Zoom) mode behind the menu display Note: When in certain menu pages, VCAM 1 is locked on the other video output to prevent another user from moving the VCAM whilst, for example, drawing a region or recording a learn tour. Navigating When you are navigating through a menu page, use pq to place the cursor next to an item, u to select the item. Press t or ESC to move back from a submenu to return to the main menu. Press the MENU key to leave the menu system altogether. Editing a value Some menu pages will let you edit values that affect the camera’s operation. (For example, you can turn the auto flip feature on or off.) To edit a value, use pq, as usual, to find the item you want to change, and then use u. The cursor will move to the value. Use pq to change the value, u to set the value or t to ignore your changes and restore the previous value. Adjusting the camera view ...
Timing out If you leave the camera in menu mode without doing anything for more than 5 minutes, it will return to normal operation automatically. 5.2.2 M AIN MENU To access the camera’s main menu, press the MENU key. pq highlights your chosen menu item u selects your chosen menu item t or ESC or MENU leaves the main menu Choose , , or to set up and edit camera features. Choose to set up and edit recorder features (see 6 The Recorder). Choose to set up the camera and program its features. Choose to save your personal settings, or to reset the camera to its factory defaults. 5.2.3 P RESETS A preset is a preprogrammed view of a particular area. You can view it yourself, using the keyboard (key in the preset number followed by PRESET), or include it in a programmed sequence called a preset tour (see 5.2.4 Tours). You can program and save up to 128 different presets, which can be accessed by any VCAM. To go to the Presets menu, press MENU, use p and q to highlight , then use u. Add a new preset 1) In the menu, use p and q to ...
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TIP: You can also use keyboard shortcuts to set up a preset more quickly. 1) Use pqtu P and Q to move the camera to the preset you want to record. 2) Press FN, key in the number for your new preset, then press PRESET. The system will create your new preset automatically. A message will appear on screen to tell you that your preset has been created. 3) To test your preset, move the camera, then key in the number of your preset and press PRESET. The camera will move to the preset position, and the preset title will appear on screen. Note: presets created in this way will not be saved to permanent memory until you go into menus and save them either by selecting from the menu or by exiting menus, assuming you have turned on. View an existing preset Key in the number of your preset, and then press the PRESET button. The camera will move to your chosen preset, and the title will appear on screen. Delete an existing preset 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 2) Use p and q to select the preset you want to delete, then press ENTER to confirm your choice. 3) Use p and q to highlight , then use u. 4) Press ESC to cancel, or ENTER to delete the preset. appears at the bottom of the screen. 5) Press ESC to go back to the Presets menu. Create or edit a preset title 1) In the menu, use p and q to ...
(bottom of screen) using pqtu, then press u. Your preset title will now be saved 5) Choose to the camera’s memory, and you are taken back to the previous screen. You can now choose where the title appears on screen. 6) To move this title up or down the screen, use p and q to highlight , use u, then use pq to select the row number where you want the title to appear. Press u to confirm your choice. 7) To move the positions of the title across the screen, use p and q to highlight , use u, then use p and q to set your title to the right, the left, or the centre of the screen (or choose to stop displaying it) – again, press u to confirm your choice. 8) Press ESC to return to the Presets menu, or press MENU to return to normal operation. Note: All preset titles remain on screen for 5 seconds. 5.2.4 T OURS The Almira allows you to program a complex set of movements called a tour. Tours can move between existing presets (preset tours), or duplicate a set of joystick movements (learn tours). and then use u to go to the Tours menu. In the main menu, use p and q to highlight In the Tours menu, use p and q to highlight or , then u to go to the next screen. Preset Tours Once you have set up the presets you need (see 5.2.3 Presets above) you can create a preset tour. A preset tour is a programmed series of camera movements from one preset to another. You can add up to 64 presets to the tour, and you can program and save up to four different tours. To go to the menu, use p and q in the Tours menu to highlight , then use u. ...
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5) Now use u to select the column, and press ENTER. Use p and q to set the time, in seconds, that the camera will stop at the preset. Press ENTER to confirm. 6) Use u to select the column, then press ENTER. Use p and q to choose how quickly the camera will move from this preset to the next. You can choose between slow, medium, fast and instant. Press ENTER to confirm. 7) Use q to move down to the next step. Repeat steps 4) to 6) until your tour is complete. 8) Press ESC to return to menu. Start a preset tour In any VCAM, key in the number of your tour, and then press the TOUR button. The camera will begin your chosen tour. To stop the tour, use pqtu P or Q. Note: all tours will stop automatically if an alarm is triggered and the camera is programmed to do something else in response to that alarm. Edit a preset tour 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 2) Use p and q to select the tour you want to edit, then press u to confirm your choice. 3) Use p and q to highlight , then use u. A new menu appears. 4) Use u to select any item you want to change, and press ENTER. Then use p and q to change the setting, and press ENTER to confirm. Repeat until all your changes have been made. ...
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Learn tours A learn tour is a series of camera movements which you create with the joystick. All these movements are recorded and saved in the camera’s memory. The camera supports four learn tours of up to three minutes each. Learn tours can be played at any time using keyboard shortcuts. If you make a mistake, or need to make a change, you can edit an existing tour at any time. To go to the menu, use p and q in the Tours menu to highlight , then use u. Create a new learn tour 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 2) Use p and q to select an unused tour number, then press u to confirm your choice. 3) Use p and q to highlight , then use u. A new menu appears. 4) Use pqtu P and Q to move the camera to the place where you want the tour to start. Press ENTER to start recording. 5) Now use pqtu P and Q to guide the camera through your tour. Don’t worry if you make a mistake – you can correct it later. Your tour can last for up to 180 seconds. 6) To stop recording, press ENTER. This takes you back to the menu. Start a learn tour In any VCAM, key in the number of your tour, and then press the LEARN button. The camera will begin your chosen tour. To stop the tour, use pqtu P or Q. Note: all tours will stop automatically if an alarm is triggered and the camera is programmed to do ...
4) Press ENTER to start the tour, and then use pqtu P or Q when you reach the point where you want to edit the tour. Continue using these controls to guide the camera through the rest of your tour. This will replace any moves you recorded earlier. 5) When you want to stop, press ENTER to return to the previous screen. Reset an existing learn tour Note: Resetting a tour will permanently remove it from the camera’s memory. 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 2) Use p and q to select your chosen tour number, then press u to confirm your choice. 3) Use p and q to highlight , then use u to go to the next screen. 4) Press ENTER to remove the tour from the camera’s memory, or ESC to cancel. Edit a learn tour title 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u to go to the Learn Tour Title menu. 2) Refer to the instructions for editing a preset title on page 49. 5.2.5 S ECTORS You can select any area in the camera’s field of view to be a sector, and give it a label. This label will appear on screen when any camera is pointing at the sector. Suppose, for example, that the camera covers a retail area comprising similarly merchandised departments (e.g., menswear, ladieswear, childrenswear). By making each department a separate sector, and labelling it, you can instantly see where an event is happening. You can then tell other staff, or the emergency services, exactly where they need to go. The Almira uses sophisticated electronics to ensure that any sector you define remains pixel accurate, even when you pan, tilt or zoom across the virtual cameras. A sector can be as large or as small as you need it to be – it can cover a large area, a single desk, or a ...
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Add a sector 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the options. 2) Use p and q to find an unused sector number, and then use u to confirm your choice. 3) Use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the next screen. 4) Move the camera’s view until you can see the area you want to define as a sector. 5) When ready, press ENTER. 6) A pointer appears on screen. Use pqtu to move it to the top lefthand corner of the area you want within the sector. When the pointer is in the correct position, press ENTER. 7) Now use pqtu again to move the pointer to the bottom righthand corner of the sector area. A bounding box will be drawn as the pointer is moved. Make sure the outline covers the entire sector. 8) When you are happy with the position of the pointer (and outline box), press ENTER. 9) The sector will be shown on screen. 10) Press ESC to go back to the menu. Delete a sector 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the options. 2) ...
5.2.6 M OTION ETECTION The camera can be programmed to detect movement anywhere in the area it covers. If it does detect movement, it will trigger an alarm inside the camera itself. This can be linked to an external alarm output (see 4.1.8 Alarms). You can also program the camera to move to any area that triggers a motiondetection alarm, and set the VCAMs to track the movements of objects or people who have triggered the motion alarm. Suppose you set up an area near an outside door that is normally kept locked. If an intruder enters through that door then: The virtual camera will automatically follow their movements, so they can be clearly seen on the · video outputs. Any linked device will be triggered. · You can create up to 75 different motiondetection regions. Motiondetection regions are very flexible. You can set them to cover a large area (e.g., in front of main entrance doors) or a much smaller one (e.g., a particular door or window). When you have set up one or more motion detection areas, you can choose the times when they trigger an alarm – on any day of the week, at any time of the day or night. You can also choose whether the camera will respond by: · triggering an alarm triggering an alarm and tracking the movement as well. · Motion tracking can be enabled and disabled individually within each VCAM. This means that this camera is unique in enabling up to four moving independent objects or individuals to be tracked simultaneously and recorded on a DVR connected to the camera. Even in unmanned installations, you have the security of knowing that this functionality will protect your site around the clock. An icon is provided on screen to indicate the status of VCAMs which have motion detection enabled: This is shown when a VCAM has motion detection enabled and is tracking an object. A tracking ID for the object is shown next to the icon. ...
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If multiple VCAMs are enabled, then the logic for determining which moving object appears in which VCAM is described here. The assignment of VCAMs is constantly evaluated and adjusted by the camera. As soon as a tracking VCAM stops tracking, the assignments adjust accordingly. In the following illustrations, it is assumed that all four VCAMs are set to track and four people enter VMD regions as described below. They will be assigned to VCAMs as follows: Track Object = First Track Object = Last Each time an object enters a motion detection region, it The last object to trigger motion detection is allocated to will be tracked by the lowestnumbered VCAM which is the lowestnumbered VCAM and the object that was not already tracking another object. being tracked there is shuffled up to the next VCAM. 1 – John enters the room and is tracked on VCAM 1 (tracking ID = A) 2 – David enters the room while John is still being tracked: VCAM 1 – John (tracking ID = A) VCAM 1 – David (tracking ID = B) VCAM 2 – David (tracking ID = B) VCAM 2 – John (tracking ID = A) VCAM 3 – Waiting VCAM 3 – Waiting VCAM 4 – Waiting VCAM 4 – Waiting 3 – Robert enters the room while the other two are being tracked: VCAM 1 – John (tracking ID = A) VCAM 1 – Robert (tracking ID = C) VCAM 2 – David (tracking ID = B) VCAM 2 – David (tracking ID = B) VCAM 3 – Robert(tracking ID = C) VCAM 3 – John (tracking ID = A) VCAM 4 – Waiting VCAM 4 – Waiting 4 – Andy enters the room while the other three are being tracked: VCAM 1 – John (tracking ID = A) ...
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The following diagrams help to explain how the VCAMs adjust when objects are being tracked in the different modes. This assumes, again, that all four VCAMs have tracking enabled: Track Object = First Track Object = Last Objects start being tracked ● New object goes to lowest VMDenabled VCAM ● New object goes to lowest available VCAM ● Objects previously being tracked shuffle up ● Objects already being tracked don’t move In both cases Objects stop being tracked Objects shuffle back to fill the ‘gap’ created CAUTION: Opening the menu will temporarily disable VMD. This means that neither the camera nor the recorder will respond to VMD events until you leave the menu. To go to the menu, press MENU, use p and q to highlight , then use u. When you go into this menu all detection regions that have already been programmed will become visible as coloured areas on the video output. Create a detection region 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 2) Use p and q to highlight , then use u. ...
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6) Now use pqtu again to move the pointer to the bottom righthand corner of your chosen area. A bounding box will be drawn as the pointer is moved. Make sure the outline covers the entire region where you want motion detection to operate. 7) When you are happy with the position of the pointer (and outline box), press ENTER. 8) The motiondetection region will appear on screen. 9) Press ESC or t to go back to the menu. Activate motion detection 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 2) Use p and q to select , then press u. Activate motion tracking 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 2) Use p and q to select , then press u. Turn off motion detection/tracking 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 2) Use p and q to select , then press u. View a detection region 3) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 4) ...
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Schedule motion detection/tracking The camera allows you to specify when motion detection/tracking will operate automatically, so you never need fear forgetting to activate it. For example, if monitoring a convenience store, you might elect to turn motion tracking off whilst the shop is open and turn it on overnight, when the shop is closed. 1) In the menu, ensure that is set to , then use p and q to highlight , then use u to go to the menu. 2) Use p and q to find the day you want to program, t and u to reach the setting you want to change, and press ENTER to edit it. 3) Use p and q to change values, and press ENTER to confirm each choice. Cancel scheduled items by turning to , Change times by editing hours and minutes. If you advance the point beyond 00.00 the display will add +1 (as shown here), showing that it occurs on the following day. Note: if you want a schedule to be active for a given day, make sure is set to for that day. 4) If you set up two overlapping schedules, the offending schedules will turn red and you will see the message at the bottom of the screen. You should change the settings that are causing the conflict or alternatively press ESC to leave the screen, ignoring all the changes you made. 5) When you are ready, use p and q to move to , then press ENTER to save your settings and go back to the Motion Detection menu. ...
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Modify the behaviour of motion detection and motion tracking In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. The menu appears, providing several different ways to modify the behaviour of motion detection and motion tracking. Sensitivity The camera detects motion by using a sophisticated motion detection algorithm. The setting determines how sensitive this algorithm is to motion. At the lowest setting (1), the camera is very insensitive. At the highest setting (100), it is extremely sensitive to motion. Note: Naturally the camera’s ability to detect motion is affected by prevailing light levels. 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to the slider. 2) Use p and q to adjust the value between 1 and 100. Press u to confirm. Size The Size setting gives the camera an indication of how large an object needs to be in order to trigger an alarm. The setting relates to the size of an object as the camera sees it in the full 360° view. At the lowest setting (1), even a very small moving object will trigger an alarm. At the highest setting (100), only an object that almost fills the camera’s field of view will trigger an alarm. 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u to move to a new screen showing the 360° view. 2) Use p and q to adjust the value between 1 and 100. A coloured square on the screen will change size to show you the size of area you have set as the camera sees it. Press u to confirm and then press ESC to go back to the menu. TIP: ...
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Zoom Level When a motion detection alarm is triggered, the camera will automatically pan and tilt to follow the moving object. determines how much the camera will zoom in to get a closer view of the moving object. If is the camera will maintain its current zoom setting. At it will usually zoom in until the object fills roughly onethird of the screen. The camera will automatically adjust its zoom level to compensate for motion towards or away from the lens. 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 2) Use p and q to select the value you want, and then press u to confirm. Advanced In the menu, use p and q to highlight , and then use u to move to the next menu page. Latency Adjust this setting to determine how long the camera will wait before triggering a motion detection alarm on screen. Any movement in a motion detection region will alert the camera at once, but if is set to e.g., 3 seconds, the camera will not put up an onscreen alarm until it has detected continuous movement for at least 3 seconds. 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 2) Use p and q to select the value you want (between ...
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At the lowest setting (1) only very large changes in light level will trigger an alarm (e.g., if the lighting changes from total darkness to full light). At the highest setting (10), very small changes (e.g., a desk lamp) will be enough to trigger an alarm. 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 2) Use p and q to select the value you want (between and ), and then press u to confirm. Tracking In the menu, use p and q to highlight , and then use u to move to the next menu page. Track object When the camera is set to track anything that triggers a motion detection alarm it will show on screen and track either the first person that triggered the alarm or the last. You can choose which is more important to you by changing this value. 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 2) Use p and q to choose either or , and then press u to confirm. Note: the camera combines elements of motion tracking and object tracking to achieve the best possible results. However, if e.g. two people cross each other’s paths in a motion detection zone the camera will choose one person at random to follow after they part company. If you have the recorder attached you can, of course, review multiple motion to your heart’s content using the playback feature and follow the motion as though it were happening now. Track All If is turned ...
Light Change Adjust this setting to program how long the camera will wait before triggering an alarm based on changes in light levels. For example, you may want to filter out the light change that occurs when staff enter an office in the morning. A set of fluorescent lights might take 3 seconds to achieve full brightness – so if is set to seconds, this will not generate a false alarm. 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 2) Use p and q to select the value you want (between and seconds in quartersecond steps), and then press u to confirm. VCAM Number 14 This setting allows you to decide which of the camera’s VCAMs will carry out motion tracking. Using this feature, you can make the camera track 1, 2, 3 or 4 objects at the same time. Tracking then operates according to the logic detailed in section 5.2.6 Motion Detection 3) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 4) Use p and q to select or and then press u to confirm. Ensure that motion tracking is enabled as required (see Activate motion tracking on page 58) 5.2.7 M USEUM ODE Using the Museum Mode feature, you can choose to use the detection regions to trigger an alarm if an object is deposited, removed or changed position for longer than a given period of time. For example, you could place a detection region over a single painting, and the camera will alarm if the painting is ...
Note: when Museum Mode is first switched on, the system will need a minute to analyse information in the scene. You will see the message on screen. Once the message disappears, the camera is actively monitoring for new objects, object removal and scene change. The same process takes place: when an alarm is reset by an operator · when a user enters the menu system and changes certain settings. · In both cases the system needs approximately a minute to analyse the scene before the programmed response is restored, and during this period no alarms will be reported. 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u to enter the menu. 2) Use p and q to highlight , then use u to enter the menu (right). 3) Use p and q to highlight then use u. Use p and q to move the value up and down between 1 (fastest response) and 40 (slowest response). 4) Use u to confirm your choice. then use u. Use p and q to turn User Acknowledgement 5) ...
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Turn on privacy zones 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. Use p and q to turn the zones or . 2) When is set to , areas programmed as privacy zones will be blanked out on both video outputs and on recorded data that is played back. You can reveal these areas both on live output and on recorded data by setting to . Add a privacy zone 1) In the menu, use p and q to highlight , then use u. 2) Move the camera’s view until you can see the area you need to blank out. When ready, press ENTER. 3) A pointer appears on screen. Use pqtu to move it to the top lefthand corner of the object to be blanked. When the pointer is in the correct position, press ENTER. 4) Now use pqtu again to move the pointer to the bottom righthand corner of the object to be blanked. A bounding box will be drawn as the pointer is moved. Make sure that the outline covers the entire region to be blanked. 5) When you are happy with the position of the pointer (and outline box), press ENTER. 6) The privacy zone will be shown on screen. 7) ...
6 T HE ECORDER Before disconnecting the recorder, refer to section 6.2 Disconnecting the recorder below. 6.1 O VERVIEW With the recorder attached you can capture and keep the 360° field of view of the camera continuously (i.e. 24 hours a day), according to a schedule (programming the times when it records data every day, or on selected days) or in response to an event (see below). What makes this device unique is that the whole area covered by the camera is recorded at high resolution. In effect this means you can go to any recorded point in time and use PTZ to check areas that might not have been seen by operators – or recorded on conventional video or DVRs – at that time. Because the information is stored in high resolution, it means that you can go back in time and carry out retrospective optical equivalent zooming as well. Perform a zoom operation on previously recorded data at up to approximately 4x zoom. The camera does not have to interpolate or “guess” information – it knows because it has captured it! The recorder will also respond to an event, such as an external alarm or an internal motion detection alarm, if you set it to do so. It can, for instance, preserve high quality recordings of the camera’s output not only during an alarm, but also for as much as 30 seconds before the alarm was triggered and after it 3 was shut off . If the camera has been programmed to respond to an event, this takes priority over any continuous recording settings. You can choose the frame rate and image quality of both continuous recordings and event recordings. Each can be configured separately. In addition, the recorder will record the entire field of view even when you are playing back. During the setup process the camera will indicate how much data you can store on the recorder’s hard drive at the frame rate and quality settings you have chosen. Even if you record continuously in good lighting at the highest quality settings you should be able to store at least four to five days of data. With intelligent use of scheduling, quality settings and eventbased recording you can extend this to several weeks or months depending on your chosen settings. Once the drive is full, the recorder will begin to overwrite the oldest data. You can also choose to protect recordings that are particularly important and these will not be deleted. TIP: If you wish to extend recording duration, consider reducing the frame rate and quality ...
6.2 D ISCONNECTING THE RECORDER WARNING: You must follow the correct sequence when disconnecting or powering down the recorder. If the unit is recording or playing back, the power connector and HiRes Video connection between the camera and recorder must not be removed. Failure to observe the correct procedure will invalidate the warranty (power cuts and blackouts excepted). Refer to Shutting down the Recorder on page 74. 6.3 S WITCHING BETWEEN LIVE AND RECORDED VIEWS 1) In the main menu, use pq to go to then use u. This will take you to a new screen (right). 2) Normally the camera operates in mode, showing the scene in the camera’s field of view as it is at the moment. To play back recorded material, use pq to go to , and then Press u to confirm your choice. Finally press MENU to leave the menu system and show the playback interface. 3) Alternatively, when not in menus, use the PLAYBACK/LIVE key to toggle between the normal (live) camera view and the playback screen. If the menu password is active (see section 4.1.6 Menu Password) you will be prompted for the password when changing from Live to Playback. Note: If the camera has been set for continuous or scheduled recording, this will continue even when you are playing back recorded data. The system can record and play back at the same time, with no loss of data. Note, however, that event based recording will be disabled whilst playing back. Page 67 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
6.4 C ONFIGURING THE ECORDER Note: Most menu items are only available when the recorder is powered up, connected and recording. If the recorder has been shutdown or disconnected then only a few of the menu options described in this section will be available. In the main menu, use pq to go to and then use u. This will open the main menu. Here you can: · Set the display mode (either , to see what is being recorded, or , to see previously recorded material). Set up how the recorder will operate during · normal (continuous) recording. Set up how the recorder will respond to · events such as an external or internal alarm. · Set other, Advanced options (see section 6.5 Advanced options) Below the menu items is the display. This always shows you whether data is being recorded ( ) or not ( ). 6.4.1 C ONTINUOUS ECORDING Continuous recording can be , or . If it is data is recorded 24 hours a day, every day. If it is ...
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Frame rate Use pq to go to then use u and pq to set the recording rate in frames per second. Choose between 1, 2 and 4 frames per second. Higher frame rates will obviously record more of what takes place within the camera’s full field of view. Press u to confirm your choice. Quality Use pq to go to then use u and pq to set the image quality of your stored recording, ranging from (least detail) to (most detail). Press u to confirm your choice. To verify if the quality setting is enough for your purpose, use Preview below. Preview When you have set the frame rate and quality you can preview how your recording will look. The preview page also makes the advanced setting available, which you can change if required (see below). Use pq to go to , then use u. This will take you to a new screen (right). This shows the appearance of a recording made with the settings you have chosen. The display at the foot of the screen shows how much data the disk can store with these settings in place. As a general guide you can store about 45 days of data at the best possible quality. You can store much more data by using lower frame rates and/or quality settings. To see the precise effect of changing these settings, use pq to select , or on this screen, then press u. Use pq to change the values shown and ENTER to confirm your choice. The camera will show its output at the settings you have chosen. It will also recalculate the disk capacity and display the new figure after a few moments. If you wish to use your new settings, use pq to select and then press ENTER. This will take you ...
6.4.2 E VENT BASED ECORDING If the camera has been set to record events, it will do so even if continuous recording has been turned off. You can choose which events to record, and how much data before and after each event you want to store on the disk. Setup 1) In the menu, use pq to go to and then use u. 2) Use pq to go to then use u and pq to set how the camera will respond to an external alarm. Choose if you want the recorder to operate whenever an external alarm is triggered. Choose if you do not want recordings of external alarm incidents. Choose if you only want recordings of external alarms at particular times and/or on particular days. If you choose you will need to set times and days using the option (look at Schedule motion detection/tracking on page 59 to see how to program schedules). 3) Press u to confirm your choice. 4) Set up how the recorder responds to a motion detection alarm in the same way, using pq to go to then u and pq to set the response to , ...
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Preview When you have set the frame rate and quality you can see how your recording will look. Use pq to go to , then use u. This will take you to a new screen (right). This simulates the appearance of a recording made with the settings you have chosen. The display at the foot of the screen shows how much material the disk can store with these settings in place. However, the calculation assumes that all your recordings will be made at these settings. If you have programmed continuous recording as well, this will normally be set to a lower frame rate and/or lower quality, allowing far more data to be stored on the disk. To see the precise effect of changing these settings, use pq to select , or on this screen, then press u. Use pq to change the values shown and ENTER to confirm your choice. The camera will simulate its output at the settings you have chosen. It will also recalculate the disk capacity and display the new figure after a few moments. If you wish to use your new settings, use pq to select and then press ENTER. This will take you back to the previous menu, and change the recorder settings to the new ones you have chosen. Otherwise press ESC or use pq to select and then press ENTER. This will take you back to the previous menu without changing the recorder settings. TIP: If you wish to change the camera position (e.g. to see how someone’s face might look in closeup) press FAR to enter PTZ mode and move the camera as you wish. Press FAR again to reenter the preview menu (e.g. if you want to alter the , and settings). Schedule recordings You can make more economical use of the recorder by setting the days, and the times of day, when you ...
6.5 A DVANCED OPTIONS This menu gives you access to additional options that you may need to maintain and service the recorder. To change advanced options, use p and q to highlight in the menu, then use u to move to the next menu (right). In this menu you can: · Specify if a recorder is supposed to be fitted or not. · Choose whether or not to show the Recording Status on screen. · Use advanced disk operations, such as clearing the disk, formatting the disk and so on. Set the compression mode (to , to ensure the best possible image quality on playback, or · to , if you need to conserve space on the storage disk). You can also enable/disable a noise filter here. Edit network settings and activate NTP time support. · Check software and hardware versions. · Recorder This option lets you specify whether or not a recorder is supposed to be connected to the camera. If you choose , and the recorder is not correctly connected, the camera will warn you of the problem (the camera will warn you visually and, optionally, via the alarm output of the camera; see Recorder Fault on page 41). If you need to disconnect the recorder – perhaps to connect it to a different camera – then you can choose to prevent unnecessary warnings. If you choose when the recorder is, in fact, fitted again in the future, it will automatically correct this setting back to ...
6.5.1 D ISK OPERATIONS If the data on the recorder somehow becomes corrupted – e.g., because the recorder suffered a fall from a significant height or you need to move the recorder to another camera or disconnect it altogether, then the disk maintenance operations offered in this menu will be very useful. Naturally, the recorder will not record anything whilst any of the below operations are being carried out. Check Disk Use this option if you suspect that data on the recorder’s hard drive has become corrupted. It will check the integrity of the files on the disk, and ensure that the recorder avoids using any segments on the hard drive that may be damaged. Note: this operation can take several hours. 1) To check the disk, use pq to go to then u to go to the next screen. Once you have read the message, you need to indicate whether you wish to go ahead with the check disk operation. 2) The default response is : press ESC to return to the previous menu (and cancel the check disk operation) or use pq to choose , then press ENTER to confirm. 3) After a few moments the camera will display a message saying . The recorder will now check its disk. This will take around 6 hours for the 400GB recorder version. 4) Once the check disk has completed, the recorder will restart; approximately two minutes later you will see another message saying . 5) The disk has now been checked and is ready to record new data. Repair Database If you experience a problem whereby the timeline seems to be empty, or that recordings are shown on the timeline that you cannot access / play, you can restore the recordings by using this option. Note: due to the inherent nature of the repair database process (the database is assumed to be wrong and is erased), some information cannot be recovered. Therefore, events previously shown on the timeline (such as a restart or a gap in the recording) will be shown as time synchronisation marks after the process has completed. 1) ...
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Format disk This option will erase all data from the disk and leave it completely free for new recordings. Note: this can take several hours as the recorder will perform a complete format of the entire drive. If you just want to erase the recordings, use Delete All Recordings (below) instead as this is much faster. 1) To format the disk, use pq to go to then u to go to the next screen. Once you have read the message, you need to indicate if you wish to carry out the format disk operation. 2) The default response is : press ESC to return to the previous menu (and cancel the format disk operation) or use pq to choose , then press ENTER to confirm. 3) After a few moments the camera will display a message saying . Messages at the top right of the screen will report progress on formatting the hard drive. 4) Once the recorder has finished formatting the drive you will eventually see the icon in the top right (assuming you have set to , see page 72 and that you have set the recorder to record). 5) The recorder has completed formatting the drive and is recording new data. Restarting the Recorder If for any reason you need to restart the recorder, e.g., after having performed a shut down (see below), you can restart the recording using this menu option. 1) Use pq to go to then u to go to the next screen. Once you have read the message, you need to indicate if you wish to carry out the restart operation. 2) The default response is : press ESC to return to the previous menu (and cancel the restart operation) or use q to select and press ENTER to confirm. ...
4) The message appears on screen. At the top right you will then see the status messages showing the progress of shutting down. When you see the message , you can remove the power. Delete All Recordings This option is much faster than as it will only delete the recordings rather than physically formatting the drive. Note: this operation logically deletes the information from the drive rather than physically overwriting it. If you need to physically erase the recordings, you should use Format Disk instead – although this takes much longer. 1) To erase all recordings, use pq to go to then u to go to the next screen. Once you have read the message, you need to indicate if you wish to go ahead with the delete operation. 2) The default response is : press ESC to return to the previous menu (and cancel the delete operation) or use pq to choose , then press ENTER to confirm. 3) The camera will display a message saying . In the top right hand corner you will see messages showing the progress of the deletion. 4) Once all recordings have been cleared the recorder will restart. Further progress messages will be displayed followed by the message saying . 5) The recorder is now ready to record new data. 6.5.2 C OMPRESSION SETTINGS Compress Mode Use this option to choose the way in which the recorder stores the recordings it has made. There are two options available: ...
Noise Filter Digital sensors inherently become noisy under certain lighting conditions (e.g., very low light). The recorder employs a noise filter that can be turned on to combat noise produced as a result of these conditions. Images will appear smoother and less noisy. However, if you wish you may turn the noise filter off to preserve the original images as seen by the camera. The noise filter is turned on by default. 1) In the menu, use pq to go to and then use u to go to the next screen. 2) Use pq to select . Press u to move to the options. 3) Use pq to choose either or . Press u to confirm your choice. 6.5.3 N ETWORK SETTINGS To check or alter the recorder’s network settings and configure or enable NTP (network time protocol) support, use the Network Settings menu. To get to this menu, navigate to the menu and use pq go to then use u to go to the next screen. The recorder has an Ethernet port which allows you to connect it to your local Ethernet network. The default IP address of the recorder is which assumes you are using the standard IP addresses reserved for private networks. To use some other address range or integrate with a DHCP server, change the recorder’s network settings using this menu page. To configure the recorder to acquire its network settings from your DHCP server, use pq to go to then press u and use pq to switch it . Press u to confirm. If you wish to manually configure the recorder, set ...
is the IP address of your Ethernet network’s gateway to the outside world. To save your settings use q to highlight (bottom of screen), and press u to confirm. The message will appear and you will be returned to the previous menu page. If you have turned NTP on, the camera will attempt to connect to the NTP server. If it is unable to do so, you will see the message after a short while. To exit without saving, use q to highlight and press u to confirm. You will be taken back to the previous menu. 6.5.4 V ERSIONS Versions gives you a screen display showing the various version numbers of key software within the recorder. You will need this information if you are calling the service helpline (see page 4). Use p and q to highlight in the menu, then u to go to the next page. Use p and q to highlight to display the version numbers. 6.6 P LAYING BACK RECORDED MATERIAL 6.6.1 T HE LAYBACK CREEN To enter the playback mode and show the playback user interface, simply press the PLAYBACK/LIVE key. If the menu password is active (see section 4.1.6 Menu Password ), you will be prompted to enter it here, unless you are already in the menu. If you are in the menu, you can alternatively use the menu option, see section 6.3 Switching between live and recorded views. You should then see a view similar to this on screen: The interactive menu on the playback screen is divided into three areas: the selector bar at the top, the ...
To zoom out (so that, for example, you can find another day in the sequence) use Q. To zoom into the display (e.g. to find a particular frame) use P. Twist slowly to make a small adjustment, quickly to make a larger one. The timeline uses colour coding to help you find particular areas of interest: · A pale cream area represents recorded material. · A beige (darker cream) area represents a time period that has not been recorded. · A pale blue area represents a part of the timeline that has been locked. · A black vertical line marks the frame you are looking at. · A red vertical line marks the frame currently being recorded. A pink area shows the prealarm buffer – these are the frames that will be recorded at your event · frame rate and resolution before an event occurs. Special colour codes are also used to indicate what happens when there are unusual events, such as changing the time or restarting the recorder: A green vertical line shows the point at which the clock was changed. · Oliveshaded areas either side of the line show the total time discrepancy. When the clock changes · (e.g. at the end of Summer Time / Daylight Savings) the timeline will show an olivecoloured area from 01.00 to 02.00, a green vertical line, and then a second olivecoloured area also labelled from 01.00 to 02.00. Even though there appear to be two recordings for the same time period, nothing is lost and everything is easily accessible. A yellow vertical line depicts when the recorder has been restarted for some reason. · Horizontal lines indicate the types of recording available to look at, which you can choose using on the selector bar. · A dark blue line represents continuous recording. A red line represents an external alarm event · · A yellow line represents a motion detection alarm event A green line represents a museum mode alarm event. ·...
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Select Once you have chosen an event, use the button to highlight that event (or continuous recording) on the timeline. A black frame will appear around the recording you have chosen. You can then use (see below) to protect that recording from being erased. Press ENTER again to cycle between the events currently underneath the black vertical line on the timeline. Lock Note: locking a large recording (e.g., over a day’s worth of recording) can take several minutes. Locking the entire timeline can take up to 30 minutes. If you lock the entire timeline you will no longer be recording any new material! Note: the recorder employs a special filesystem to enhance its performance, based on blocks of video. Hence, if you choose to lock a section of the recording it is quite normal for a bit of recording either side of the event or marked time to be locked as well. To lock part of a continuous recording: 1) On the timeline, use tu to move the vertical black cursor to the point where you want your locked recording to start. 2) Use p to move up to the selector bar. 3) Use tu to highlight and then press ENTER. 4) Use q to move down to the timeline, and use tu to move the cursor to the end point of your locked recording. The section you have selected will be highlighted in pink. 5) Use p to move back up to the selector bar and tu to highlight again. Press ENTER again. The chosen section on the timeline will change colour to a pale blue. When this happens, your sequence is locked. To unlock part of a continuous recording: 1) On the timeline, move the vertical black cursor to the point where you want the unlocked section to start. 2) Use tu to highlight and then press ENTER. 3) Use q to move down to the timeline, and use tu to move the cursor to the end point of your unlocked recording. The section you have selected will be highlighted in pink. ...
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Playback The playback section of the selector bar includes the familiar playback operations, reading from left to right: fast reverse, fast forward, play backwards, play forwards, pause, single frame backwards and single frame forwards. To select and activate a playback control, use the keyboard joystick tu controls to highlight the desired control and press ENTER to activate it. The current playback mode in operation is highlighted in green. If the video is paused, for example, the pause button will have a green background. Use fast forward and fast reverse to watch video at higher speeds. The playback speed is shown · in the bottom right hand corner of the playback user interface (on the interactive status bar) as (for example for twice playback). Press ENTER again to increase the playback speed, all the way up to 32x either forwards or backwards. Note: to achieve higher speed playback, the recorder skips frames, rather than speeding up the output. Therefore if you want to implement retrospective features such as motion detection/tracking or museum mode, this is best done at normal speed (i.e., play forwards: · Use play forwards and play backwards to playback video at normal speed either forwards or backwards. The display on the interactive status bar (bottom right) will change to . Note: when playing backwards, only 1 frame per second will be shown, regardless of the number of frames per second that have been recorded. If you need access to a given frame when playing backwards, use single frame stepping described below. · Use pause to pause the video playback. You can also use the STILL key to pause playback. The display on the interactive status bar (bottom right) will change to Use single frame forwards and single frame backwards to advance and step backwards one · frame with each activation of the feature. PTZ mode ( Ê ) · Choose this button to switch to PTZ mode (or you can use the FAR key), allowing you to explore a particular still frame, or PTZ around a moving sequence as though it was happening right now. Press ESC to return to the menu (or GUI MODE if you are using the Pelco keyboard). Hide ( _ ) Choose this button to temporarily hide the selector bar and the timeline display. This can be helpful · if you are trying to look at something in the lower part of the picture. Press ESC to restore the ...
6.6.4 T HE NTERACTIVE TATUS AR The interactive status bar is the bottom part of the playback user interface, displaying the date and time of the currently viewed video and the current playback speed. In addition to indicating the date and time of the currently viewed video, you can also use the status bar to select a date and time for playback. If you want to select a date or time for playback use tu to select the date or the time (a selected item appears as white text) and then press ENTER. Alter the value using pq and then press ENTER again to confirm your choice and move on to the next element (e.g. from hours to minutes). Repeat for each element. When you press ENTER for the last time your changes will be accepted and if a recording exists at the time and date you have chosen, video will be shown at the current playback speed. 6.6.5 R ETROSPECTIVE FEATURES In addition to providing the ability to pan, tilt and zoom retrospectively anywhere within the 360 field of view, the camera / recorder combination also allows you to carry out any of the camera’s features retrospectively. For example, it is possible to carry out motion tracking and museum mode analysis after the fact. If something has gone missing or was stolen within the camera’s field of view, simply go back in the recording to find the item, draw a motion detection region around the item, place the camera into motion tracking mode and press play. As soon as the camera notices someone interact with the motion detection region, it will alarm, activate the alarm output (if enabled), PTZ the VCAM to show and track the interaction. In short, the camera will do all of the detective work, leaving you free to do other things. Note: motion detection / tracking / museum mode of the live image will cease when playing back. However, the camera will always be recording the live image even when you are playing back. Presets, preset tours, learn tours, sectors, privacy zones, motion detection, motion tracking and museum mode can all be used retrospectively when playing back. Use them exactly as you would in live mode. Note: privacy zones are not recorded. Privacy zones from the live mode are, however, applied to the playback video, maintaining any privacy issues. This does, however, allow you to remove privacy zones after the fact (assuming you know the password) just in case something vital to the investigation happened behind a privacy zone. Page 81 ...
7 T ROUBLESHOOTING If the camera is not behaving as anticipated, try looking through this troubleshooting guide which might save you having to call technical support for help. Problem Possible explanations Remedy No blue light No power or not enough power reaching the camera Check power is being supplied; check that you are using correct AWG for power cable; check the voltage at the camera, whilst the camera is on and drawing power – you must see an absolute minimum of 11.5V. Blue light is on, but not flashing Too much or too little power, or camera is not Check cabling and AWG rating, then reset the camera functioning properly Not enough power to camera Blue light is flashing, but no picture Check AWG power cable rating and check the voltage at the camera, whilst the camera is on and drawing power – it must be at least 11.5V. Monitor not switched on. Turn on the monitor. Monitor not plugged in. Plug in the monitor. Monitor on, but switched to incorrect video input. Switch the monitor to the correct input. Camera powered, but booting up. Wait for camera to complete boot process (allow up to two minutes). Analogue video cables not connected / faulty. Check cabling / try a different cable. Page 82 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
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Problem Possible explanations Remedy Light is flashing and picture is visible, but you have Camera has not autosensed the keyboard yet Move the joystick left and right several times and then no control try to control the camera again. Unsupported keyboard has been connected Check that keyboard can output a supported protocol (i.e., Fastrax II, PelcoD or Bosch Autodome). The screen does not accept PTZ input. Press the FAR key repeatedly until a full screen VCAM appears. If, after 10 presses, the screen mode does not change, then something else is wrong. Keyboard not on / broken / wired incorrectly Check keyboard power, installation, configuration and wiring (refer to keyboard manufacturer’s manual). The wrong ID is selected, or the wrong output is being Check that camera ID matches keyboard ID, and that viewed. you are viewing the correct ID. Camera is on, producing a picture, but control is Camera DIP switches set incorrectly. If you are using the camera in an RS485 network (i.e., intermittent or “sluggish” RS485 wiring goes into the camera and then out again) check that DIP switch 3 is OFF. If the camera is the last camera in the RS485 chain (i.e., RS485 wiring goes into the camera but not out again) check that DIP switch 3 is ON. If the above does not solve the problem, also invert DIP switches 1 and 2 to their alternative position. ALWAYS LEAVE DIP SWITCH 4 OFF. Page 83 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
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Problem Possible explanations Remedy Camera menu doesn’t appear Pressing wrong key or not pressing key for long enough. Check instructions to make sure the correct key is being pressed. Some keyboards need the MENU key to be Able to see camera output on screen; however, pressing pressed and held for a period of time (e.g., 3 seconds). the MENU key doesn’t show the menu. Keyboard set to control a different camera ID. As the camera has two individually controllable outputs, make sure the keyboard is set to control the right one. If unsure, try setting the keyboard to the other camera ID and press MENU again. Menu controls do not work Camera is in PTZ mode, not menu mode Press FAR to restore menu mode. Lighting is low, but camera doesn’t go into night Night mode not switched on. In the menu, set to mode Camera is in menu mode. Press MENU to leave menu mode. Threshold value is set too low In the menu, set to a higher value. Lighting is good, but camera goes into night mode Threshold value is set too high In the menu, set to a anyway lower value. Motion detection alarm is not working Motion detection regions not created. ...
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Problem Possible explanations Remedy Motion tracking is not working Motion detection regions not set up. Create one or more motion detection regions using the menu. Motion tracking turned off. In the menu, select and then choose the option. Camera responds very slowly Focus Aid has been left switched on. In the menu, choose , then select and turn it Cannot play back recorded data or error message Recorder is not connected, or not running. Check connections to the camera and to the power supply and reconnect as required, following the instructions in this manual and the installation manual very carefully. When the recorder is back on line the message will appear at the top right of the screen (if enabled by the user) Timeline is visible but recorder will not play back Database may have become corrupted. Use in the recorder’s any recordings menu. Timeline appears empty even though recordings Database may have become corrupted. Use in the recorder’s ...
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Problem Possible explanations Remedy Events not being recorded Recorder has not been set to record events In the menu, set to and use and to choose the frame rate and image quality you require. Page 86 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
8 K EYBOARD MAPS 8.1 F II ASTRAX Keyboard control Assigned key CAM CAMERA MENU MENU FAR NEAR u Joystick right t Joystick left p Joystick up q Joystick down P Joystick clockwise Q Joystick anticlockwise OPEN CLOSE ENTR ENTER ESC ESC N + PRST NUMBER KEY + PRESET N + CTRLPRST FN + NUMBER KEY + PRESET N + PTRN NUMBER KEY + TOUR N + TOUR NUMBER KEY + LEARN ...
8.2 P KBD300A ELCO Note: the Pelco keyboard cannot accept numbers above 99. This will limit the number of presets that can be programmed from this keyboard. Keyboard control Assigned key CAMERA CAM 95 + PRESET (hold for at least 3 MENU seconds) FAR FAR NEAR NEAR u Joystick right t Joystick left p Joystick up q Joystick down P Joystick clockwise Q Joystick anticlockwise ENTER and OPEN OPEN ESC and CLOSE CLOSE NUMBER KEY + PRESET N + PRESET FN + NUMBER KEY + PRESET N + ON NUMBER KEY + TOUR N + PATTERN N + PATTERN (hold for at least 3 NUMBER KEY + LEARN ...
8.3 B OSCH UTODOME Note that this RS232based controller requires a thirdparty RS232RS485 converter. Keyboard control Assigned key CAMERA Camera MENU Set + 95 + Enter FAR NEAR u Joystick right t Joystick left p Joystick up q Joystick down P Joystick clockwise Q Joystick anticlockwise ENTER and OPEN ESC and CLOSE NUMBER KEY + PRESET Shot+ N + PRESET FN + NUMBER KEY + PRESET Set + N + Enter NUMBER KEY + TOUR On + N + Enter NUMBER KEY + LEARN Off + N + Enter RESTORE Set + 99 + Enter UNATTENDED MODE Set + 98 + Enter FLIP Set + 97 + Enter ...
9 C AMERA SPECIFICATION Sensor Resolution 3 megapixel (2048 x 1536) Virtual cameras 4 fully independent ePTZ – full resolution including thumbnail Frame rate ~12 frames per second Motion detection and tracking Variable sensitivity, selectable regions of interest Video Output 2 x analogue 75 Ohm BNC coax, PAL / NTSC selectable Control Protocol (Autosensing) RS485: Fastrax II, PelcoD. 4 RS232 : Bosch Autodome Alarm Inputs 4 Normally open or normally closed contact inputs Alarm Output 1 Momentary or transparent, 30V (max) ½ Amp (max) 10W (max) Power Supply (external) 11.5 – 16 VDC; cable 1814 AWG Weight 1.5kg Sensor Responsivity 1.0V/Luxsec (550nm) Operating Temperature Range 0 – 40°C (32° to 104°F) Storage Temperature Range 10 – 60°C (14° to 140°F) Lens – Fujinon 185° FOV, ftheta projection, 158° – 170° navigable by VCAMs Processor IMTERA ™ 3D Visual Processor Unit Approvals EMC CISPR Class A, FCC Class A, CE Refer to Safety and Installation Manual for Recorder Specification 4 Thirdparty RS232RS485 converter required Page 91 ...
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Ceiling tile cutting template Use the supplied cutting template to cut a 100mm/3.94in diameter hole in the centre of the ceiling tile. Mark centre of tile Page 97 Almira Manual V3.34 ...
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