Raptor Center
The Challenge
The UMN Raptor Center was established in 1974 as part of the UMN’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The Raptor Center rehabilitates about 800 sick and injured raptors each year. This includes eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons.The also help identify environmental issues related to raptor health and populations. The Raptor Center educates and trains veterinary students and veterinarians from around the world in the fields of raptor medicine and conservation.
The University of Minnesota Raptor Center is a world-renowned medical institution designed for the care, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts for birds of prey. When they needed a video system for their remote learning program, they chose Z-Cart by Z Systems – A High-Definition mobile video production system.
The Solution
As part of a remote learning initiative at the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Raptor Center required a solution that would allow them to capture surgical procedures on video and stream them live. What made it difficult was that they had to use a propietary software specified from the university.
The web-based software suite utilized by the University learning system was designed to work with standard PC webcams, so the Z-Cart was outfitted with a Sony SRG-120DU PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom). This camera features USB 3 connectivity, allowing the user to plug it into their computer like a normal webcam. Because it’s made by the experts at Sony, it’s able to provide a much crisper image then most consumer cameras. This made it exceptional at broadcasting the specific moves needed to keep raptors across the world safe and sound.
The Outcome
One of the primary requirements of this live production system was portability. The procedures could take place in various locations, so Z-Cart fit the bill, with its design based on a sturdy adjustable-height cart, manufactured by Ergotron.
Another one of the requirements of this system is that the camera had to be elevated fairly high above the subject, so that students could see an unobstructed image of procedures taking place. Once again, Z-Cart was the right choice, as it includes a 36-inch double-reinforced articulating arm that easily supports weight of the camera. A lightweight accent light provides a soft light for more balanced and clear video images.
Finally, Z-Cart features an uninterruptible power supply to insure that in the event of a power failure or spike, the equipment would be unaffected, and there would be enough time to power the system down and prevent hardware damage or data loss.
Partners
