Remote cameras in browser calls
Add a registered remote camera to a browser call and bring its primary or secondary view into focus.
What it is
A remote camera adds another device's view to a browser call. You can use it to show a visitor something away from your own camera, such as an item in a store. A configured secondary camera can provide another angle.
Who uses it and why
- Operators invite an available camera and focus the view for the visitor.
- Visitors see the selected camera view within the call.
- Administrators with the Settings role and its Remote Cameras permission register the devices and set their timeout, availability and secondary-camera options.
Where to find it
Use Remote Camera or Remote Cameras in the browser-call interface. With the Settings role and its Remote Cameras permission, manage registrations in Settings › General Settings › Remote Cameras.
How it works
- Start the browser call with the visitor.
- Open the remote-camera selection and choose a ready camera. The list places ready cameras before busy cameras.
- Send the request. The device is reserved while it waits for an answer, so another operator cannot reserve it at the same time.
- The device accepts, declines or misses the request. An accepted device then opens its media connection and joins the call.
- Use the camera view's focus control, labelled Tap to focus, to bring the remote view forward. You can return focus to the operator view.
- Where configured, the primary device can invite a secondary camera. Selecting secondary focus changes the remote view shown in the call.
A desktop-camera setup can also use screen sharing when enabled for that camera. Screen-sharing start and close activity is recorded separately from the camera's call request and connection activity.
Configure it
The Settings role, with its Remote Cameras permission, configures cameras in Settings › General Settings › Remote Cameras. Set Incoming Call Timeout (secs) and Missed Call Limit to match how the device will be staffed.
Use Allow participation of a Secondary Remote Camera(s) on the primary registration to select secondary devices. Enable Screen Share (Desktop Camera Only) controls the desktop-camera sharing option.
Permissions
| Permission | Lets you |
|---|---|
| Video Chat | Access browser video calls in which a remote camera can participate. |
Limits and good to know
- Only a ready camera can accept a new reservation. A pending or active session makes it busy.
- An unanswered request becomes missed after the configured timeout and releases the reservation.
- Repeated misses can take the device offline. Bring it online again when it is ready for requests.
- Acceptance and media connection are separate stages. An accepted request does not by itself prove that the camera video is available.
- Secondary participation belongs to the primary call; it is not an independent visitor call.
Depends on and works with
View all connections as a list
This feature uses
- Roles and permissionsConfigured by
Operator call access is controlled through roles.
- Browser video and audio callsRequires
A browser call provides the session that the remote camera joins.
- Remote camera registration and accessRequires
Cameras must be registered and have suitable availability and call options.
Used by
- Remote camera registration and accessEnhances
Registered cameras can be brought into calls.
- Voice, video and live show reportsEnhances
Remote cameras have their own usage report.
FAQ and troubleshooting
Why does the list say No Cameras Available?
Check that cameras are registered and available for the workflow. Confirm that the intended device is online and connected.
Why can I not invite a busy camera?
The camera already has a pending or active session. Wait until that session closes and the camera becomes ready.
Why did an unanswered request disappear?
It reached Incoming Call Timeout (secs) and became missed. The camera may also go offline if its consecutive misses reach the configured limit.
Why is there no secondary camera option for this device?
Check the primary camera's Allow participation of a Secondary Remote Camera(s) selection and the availability of the selected secondary device.