Background

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Learning Center (USACE ULC) serves as the training institution for Army Corps of Engineers employees and manages the Proponent-Sponsored Engineer Corps Training (PROSPECT) Program. This program delivers specialized technical and professional training to meet the needs of both USACE and other government agencies. To expand distance learning capabilities, the Corps sought to upgrade four large classrooms (60’ x 60’) at the Distance Learning Center on the University of Alabama Huntsville campus.

The Challenge

The USACE needed to upgrade four large-scale training classrooms (60’ x 60’) to expand their distance learning capabilities. Their primary requirement was an advanced camera system that could automatically track instructors and students as they moved and spoke. In 2015, existing commercial tracking systems required presenters to wear restrictive lanyards and were ineffective beyond 20 feet, making them useless in these large spaces.

The Solution

Transource engineers designed an innovative, first-of-its-kind automated speaker tracking system. Instead of relying on wearable devices, the system utilized ceiling array microphones to detect the active speaker’s location. This audio signal was then used to trigged 20 pre-programmed camera presets, allowing the camera to automatically focus on the speaker.

Key equipment deployed in each classroom:

• Polycom video conferencing codec tested by the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) and certified for use on Department of Defense networks.
• Two wall-mounted 12x zoom pan/tilt cameras: one focused on the presenter, the other on students.
• Dual ceiling-mounted projectors with 12-foot-wide screens for viewing near-end and far-end video sources.
• Lectern housing audio amplifiers, processors, video distribution, and control system equipment.
• Touch screen control panel for simplified system operation, including enable/disable of the camera tracking.
• Wireless microphones providing presenter mobility while maintaining camera tracking.
• Interactive pen display for annotation and for saving presentations.

The Result

Transource successfully delivered a scalable and highly functional distance learning environment that exceeded USACE requirements. For the first time, instructors gained the ability to move freely and naturally across the large classrooms and students could participate in video training sessions. The system enabled reliable, secure video conferencing across Defense Department networks and provided an enhanced, interactive training experience.