Cohu MPC SERIES Microprocessor Camera Control System

The Microprocessor Camera Control MPC-Series System is designed and manufactured by Cohu to reduce the cost of CCTV system installations and improve command and control for security/surveillance operations.

The MPCSeries can reduce total equipment and installation costs by up to 20% for systems that exceed 1,000 feet in distance (cameras to monitors). For systems that reach 5,000 feet, the savings are 50% or more compared to traditional multi-conductor cable systems. This is accomplished by installing lowercost individual video and control cables and by eliminating separate control units.

The MPC Seriesmakes use of state-of-theart technology with flexibility to fit most users' custom needs. A standard minisystem of one-camera site control is expandable to 223 camera sites, 32 monitors, and 32 multi-operator Master and Remote stations. Larger system configurations are available upon request.

The MPC-Series utilizes a microprocessorbased CPU, and controls the following: camera and monitor selection, lens operation (iris, focus, and zoom functions), and all pan/tilt commands. Digital control signals are transmitted from the MPC Series by one or more of three formats: RS-422 serial-data balanced line, RS-232 serial line, or DTMF signals over a twisted pair. The MPCSeries transmitter is compatible with existing systems where receivers utilize one of these transmission formats.

The MPC Series incorporates the latest technology in surge protection to protect power and data inputs against voltage surges caused by lightning and other sources.

Options available to the user are the Preset Option and the Camera Video Switching Option. The Preset Option controls up to 10 preset positions for each camera. The Camera Video Switching Option allows manual switching or random camera sequencing of up to 16 cameras per monitor for as long as 60 seconds per camera. In addition to these, autoscan, color, and bright light limiter control options are also available. For total flexibility and integration, the MPC can be operated with CAMS software from Cohu. See the data sheet or our website.

For additional information on expansion capabilities, options, and accessories, consult the Cohu Applications Engineering Group in San Diego or your local Cohu representative. THE MPC SYSTEM

The Cohu microprocessor control (MPC) system provides the latest technology in a computer controlled system. Programming and operating the MPC system is simple and requires no special training.

The MPC control system includes master control panels, remote control panels, preset control panels, control receivers, and RS-422 distribution units. Commands to the control receivers at the camera site are via a single twisted pair cable (shielded if preferred) using RS-422 digital data or optional DTMF or by other communication channels if RS-232. All of the units in the system may be connected in a "daisy chain", or by the use of an RS-422 distribution unit, in a "star" pattern with up to ten legs.

Cameras, monitors and limited camera selection access can be assigned to a specific MPC station with our unique systems approach.

The standard control priority is first call up priority. When the camera site is in use, a busy indicator is illuminated on the numeric display readout.

THE MPC MASTER CONTROL PANEL

The MPC master control panel performs as the system CPU.

The functions performed include 1) polling remote control panels for command/camera selection input, 2) routing operator commands to correct control receiver, 3) controlling video switchers, 4) implementing commands received via RS-232, 5) implementing control priority, 6) setting system parameters such as the RS-422 baud rate, 7) non-volatile storage of camera sequence and camera selection data, 8) selection of data transfer (RS-422 2-way, RS-422 1-way, or DTMF) for each camera site, 9) implementing functions unique to a particular system (such as priority lockout or camera/monitor access assignment) that may be defined to implement non-standard requirements on a system by system basis, 10) RS-232 (single or dual), and 11) DTMF control.

Other system options may be tailored as appropriate for any user system.

THE MPC CONTROL PANEL

The MPC master control panel and MPC remote control panels serve as operator control units. The MPC control panel is designed for fast, efficient use with little operator training. The layout and clearly designated functions provide the operator quick command and control.

A digital keypad is used to enter monitor/camera selection, sequence programming, sequence/hold commands, and system parameter programming (master only). A numeric display indicates the camera and monitor selection. The busy LED indicator illuminates if the camera is already under control by another operator.

A joystick is used for pan/tilt control, toggle switches for zoom, focus and iris, and push button switches and LED status indicators for camera power, lens speed, and automatic/manual iris select.

Up to three auxiliary push buttons and LED indicators are also available as options for control of bright light limit on/off, peak/avg adjust, auto color balance, on/off manual white balance, or other user defined controls.

MPC CONTROL RECEIVER

The MPC control receiver receives command data from the MPC master control panel, decodes the command data, performs error checking, and acts on valid data to drive the pan/tilt unit (if applicable) and camera controls.

MPC PRESET CONTROL PANEL

The present control panel installed near the MPC control panel provides push buttons for operator call-up and programming of presets. LEDs display status of preset positions.

MPC RS-422 DISTRIBUTION UNIT

The RS-422 distribution unit provides for ten twisted pair connections for MPC system data communication to control receivers and remote control panels if a single daisy chain is not convenient.