SFC Keio University - Enhancing Distance Teaching with AVer PTC310U AI Auto Tracking Camera

The Challenge of Constructing the Best Environment for Distance Teaching

  • Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus
  • Keio University Shonan-Fujisawa Campus (SFC) was established in 1990 and has a student population of 5,103 (as of May 2021). It consists of 3 departments, including the Department of Environmental Information, Department of Policy Management, and Department of Nursing and Healthcare, along with 2 Institutes comprising one of Media and Management and one of Health Management. SFC enrolls students in a wide range of fields, engages in a wide variety of research fields, and actively participates in the "GIGA Program", which allows non-Japanese-speaking international students to earn English credits.
  • Website: https://www.sfc.keio.ac.jp/

Creating the Optimal Environment for Remote Learning

Keio University’s Shonan-Fujisawa Campus (SFC) was founded in 1990 with a mission to integrate technology, science, and policy to address societal challenges. SFC hosts three departments—Environmental Informatics, Policy Management, and Nursing and Medical Sciences—and two institutes focused on Media and Management and Health Management. With a student body of 5,103 as of May 2021, SFC has long been a pioneer in utilizing the internet for remote education, fostering online teaching, inter-university collaboration, and telemedicine projects.

Over the past two decades, SFC has continuously explored tele-related research and practices, striving to create an accessible environment for distance education to enhance the learning experience for students.

Addressing Three Key Challenges in Distance Learning

1Reducing Costs for Environmental Maintenance and Implementation

Traditional classroom cameras at SFC are costly and require additional peripherals like controllers. Teachers often need to assign staff to operate these cameras, leading to increased labor costs and distractions from teaching.

2Streamlining Pre- and Post-Class Procedures

Teachers frequently need to transport and connect cameras for each class, extending preparation time and risking damage or loss of equipment. Permanently installed cameras in classrooms can significantly reduce setup time and effort, ensuring classes start punctually.

3Simplifying Complex Systems for Ease of Use

Previous distance learning systems involved multiple pieces of equipment like video switchers and controllers, making them user-unfriendly. A solution that is easy to operate without extensive setup or software installation is crucial.

The AVer PTC310U AI Auto Tracking Camera: A Comprehensive Solution

Automated Tracking and Switching

The AVer PTC310U AI Auto Tracking camera eliminates the need for manual operation. It can automatically follow the teacher’s movements and switch to preset positions with a remote control, allowing instructors to focus entirely on teaching.

Space-Saving Ceiling Installation

PTC310U can be installed upside down on classroom ceilings or mounted on walls, providing flexibility and saving space.

User-Friendly Operation

No additional teleconferencing systems or camera operating equipment are required. The PTC310U connects directly to a laptop, and the remote control adjusts the shooting angle and range, simplifying the user experience.

Decisive factors for choosing the AVer PTC310U

1Automatic Teacher Tracking

We have been looking for a camera that could focus on the teacher and automatically follow along when they move around so that the camera operator wouldn't have to be in the classroom.

  • The AI auto-tracking function can track via human body recognition. Even if the person is wearing a mask or writing on a blackboard while facing away, auto-focus tracking will still work seamlessly.
2Ease of Use

We needed a system that can be easily operated without the need to log in, install special programs, or read the manual.

  • Just connect the PTC310U and the computer with a USB cable and you will be ready to go. The only thing you need to press is the remote control to change the camera angle to your liking.
3Non-Intrusive Installation

By installing the PTC310U on the ceiling, it remains out of the teacher’s way and eliminates the need for repeated setup. The included bracket allows for flexible installation options.

  • We used the included bracket to mount the PTC310U upside down on the ceiling, but we could also fix it on the wall with a wall mount, making PTC310U very flexible to be installed at schools.

Client’s Experience

Tanaka Maki
Multimedia Service Manager
Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Media Center

Traditional Equipment vs. AVer PTC310U

Keio University's campuses each have media centers responsible for library operations and maintenance. The Shonan-Fujisawa Media Center also handles maintenance work for distance learning equipment. SFC has promoted distance learning well before the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring comprehensive setups including cameras, operators, and conferencing equipment. The AVer PTC310U simplifies this by eliminating the need for multiple external devices, leading to its installation in seven classrooms previously unequipped for distance teaching.

SFC has been actively promoting distance learning long before the outbreak of the new coronavirus. The media center is also preparing the necessary environment but requires a complete set of equipment, including cameras, operators, video conferencing equipment, and screen switchers for filming the course. The AVer PTC310U does not need any of the external equipment listed above, so this time we decided to install it in 7 classrooms that have yet to be equipped with distance teaching equipment.

Kudo Noratsu
Senior Staff
Keio University SFC Institute

Making Distance Learning Accessible and Cost-Effective

From a student to a researcher at SFC, there has been a consistent effort in the field of electrical communication, including distance learning and telemedicine. Over 20 years, SFC has addressed various challenges such as high operational costs, complex equipment, and the time needed for setup. The PTC310U addresses these issues, enabling high-quality distance teaching with minimal preparation.

Additionally, the versatility of software applications like H.323/SIP, Zoom, Webex, and MS Teams enhances their usability without requiring specialized equipment.

Successful Implementation of the PTC310U

Upon seeing the PTC310U’s capabilities, Keio University promptly invited AVer for a demonstration. The positive response and quick delivery ensured the cameras were ready for the new school term in October.

The Impact of Distance Learning on Education

Distance learning allows teachers to conduct classes from anywhere, providing students access to subjects and experts worldwide. Remote guest lectures and online resources unavailable in face-to-face settings bring new value to education. Utilizing advanced equipment like the PTC310U enhances course content and overall educational quality.

How Keio University SFC uses PTC310U

The cameras originally used for distance teaching at Shonan-Fujisawa Campus required various external equipment, such as: camera operators, image switchers, image distributors, and of course, the course photography team. With the adoption of PTC310U in schools, there is no longer a need for a fixed resident photographer to attend classes. As a result, the distance learning system is simplified and the operating costs are reduced, creating an environment where anyone can easily conduct distance teaching.

Installation and configuration of PTC310U

The PTC310U was introduced into 7 classrooms: 4 with 70-80 people, 1 with 126 people, and 2 with 192 people. All of the cameras were fixed onto the classroom ceiling and required the hanging arm and the included bracket. When classes are taught using Webex or Zoom, PTC310U can automatically track and focus on the teachers. The benefit of mounting the camera on the ceiling is so that it saves not only the hassle of connecting and setting up the camera for each class, but also the installation space.

The PTC310U hanging upside down from the ceiling is powered by LAN (PoE+ power). Since the PTC310U and the connected computer are separated by a certain distance, the HDMI cable connected to the camera is extended through the HDBaseT extender and connected to the HDMI splitter, in which the output from the branch end of the HDMI splitter is connected to the computer via the USB adapter, while the other end is connected to the monitor. In addition, since there is some distance from the teacher's desk to the camera, an infrared receiver is used to extend the reception area of the remote control.