DCam User Guide-Image Capture Equipment, Environment, and Related Processes

Sections:

The Workstation
The Archive’s Workstation Site
Setting Up the X-Keys

The Workstation

The camera workstation is the center of image-capture activity. It is where Camera Operators first set up documents for an efficient workflow, capture the documents photographically, evaluate the images they have taken, and load the images onto the hard drive that carries them to an ingest center for processing. Each of the components of the workstation are critical to the process. They are listed below according to the corresponding numbers on the image shown.

1. Camera: Use the camera to capture digital images of archive records. There are 4 types of cameras currently in service to capture images: 2 types of Nikon, 1 type of Illunis, and 1 type of Redlake.
   
2. Lights: The lights provide an even amount of light on the imaging surface so that the camera can capture high quality images. 
   
3. Copy board: The copy board is where documents are placed below the camera. 
   
4. X-Key Stick: An optional X-Key stick allows you to complete a variety of capturing functions by pressing a single programmed key.  
   
5. Touch Switch: Using an optional touch switch, you can quickly capture images by simply touching the touch pad. 
   
6. Computer: The computer contains the DCam software and temporarily stores the images. The DCam software automates the process of capturing images. 
   
7. Hard Drive (HD): The hard drive is used to transfer captured images to headquarters, where they are audited and processed. 
   
8. Document: The document to be captured is placed on the copy board, directly below the camera

The Archive’s Workstation Site

The record custodian has final word on the choice of the imaging site. However, to the extent possible, follow these guidelines:

• Light: Avoid rooms where light changes during the day. Large windows or strong direct light can be covered if needed. Avoid setting up directly under overhead lights. 
• Temperature: Avoid places that get too hot or too cold. 
• Vibration: Avoid rooms where vibrations are felt, such as near loading docks or next to elevator shafts. Room vibrations can blur the images. Tables provided by the archive should be solid and stable. Floor space closer to walls often transmit with less vibration. 
• Security: Keep camera equipment in a secure location, protected against theft. 
• Electricity: Electricity is needed to operate the equipment. Avoid long extension cords, and use universal power supplies if electricity is unreliable. 
• Internet: When working in online mode, internet connectivity is needed at least some of the time. 
• Access to Records: It is usually better to be physically located close to the records. 

To set up the workstation, see the section titled Assembling the Workstation. After that, set up the DCam software with the appropriate preferences for the equipment and the environment you are using.

X-Keys let you quickly do common tasks, like capturing, retaking, or inserting images. Along with the 8 keys that are preprogrammed, you can assign the other 8 X-Keys to additional tasks. The X-Key stick should only be programmed under the direction of a field supervisor

Setting Up the X-Keys

On the X-Key stick, there are 16 X-Keys that correspond to the 16 X-Key buttons at the bottom of the DCam capture screen. The first 8 preprogrammed key actions are shown below. Notice that the first 8 (the preprogrammed X-Keys) require use of the control key (Ctrl) while the X-Keys that are available for you to program make use of the shift key.

Note: First, assign X-Keys 9–16 to keyboard commands. Then, assign actions to each. We recommend using X-Keys 9–16 for quick access to the templates that you use most commonly.

Note: Although you can physically change the programming of the first 8 keys, others will be using the equipment and will rely on the current programming. For that reason, do not change their programming.

Programming X-Keys

To program X-Keys, follow these steps:

Step 1: To access the X-Keys stick programming tools, on your Windows desktop, right-click the X-Keys icon, and select X-Keys Stick. The X-Keys stick program screen displays.

Note: To open the X-Keys stick program, you can also move the small switch on the left side of the X-Keys Stick or double-click the MacroWorks icon on the desktop.

Step 2: On the program screen, verify that software mode is selected. From the application drop-down, verify that DCam is selected.

Step 3: On the X-Key stick, click the 9th X-Key, or double-click the image of the 9th X-Key on the program screen. The macro dialog displays.

Step 4: On the keystrokes tab, place your cursor in the press macro event field, and press the keyboard command Shift+F1 for the 9th X-Key. Notice that the macro event is recorded. Click Save.

Step 5: Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for X-Keys 10–16.

Note: You can use X-Keys 9–16 for image templates or assign them to work with the Shift + function number keyboard keys and then add DCam shortcut keys as needed.

Step 6: To save the programmed X-Key settings or script, do the following:

• Click File, then Save Copy.  
• Enter a name for the script. 
• Click Save. If you lose your settings, you can click File, then Load Script to retrieve them. You can save multiple scripts.

Step 7: To close the X-Keys stick program, click File and then Close GUI

Programming an X-Key for Multiple Functions

You can program X-Keys (9–16) to perform multiple functions. For example, to program the 9th X-Key to capture in left-page capture mode, complete the following steps:

Step 1: With the X-Key stick program screen open, on the X-Key stick, click the 9th X-Key.

Step 2: In the Press Macro Event field, enter Shift+1 (to identify the 9th X-Key).

Step 3: Press Ctrl+3 (left-page capture mode).

Step 4: Press F2 (capture).

Step 5: Click Save.

Note: Refer to the complete key and command list in the section titled Shortcut Keys