Location-Based Recording (LBR) in SimCapture Cloud is a powerful system that lets simulation centers associate multiple physical spaces—such as rooms or beds—with a single recording device (called a “node”). This optimizes hardware usage and supports dynamic, multi-room simulation environments.

Now, with our latest enhancement, users can name cameras and video feeds independently of LBR settings. This simplifies configuration and provides greater flexibility for workflows where LBR isn’t required, making it easier to manage diverse simulation setups.

Key Features

• Flexible Room-to-Node Mapping: One node can be linked to multiple rooms or locations, rather than requiring a 1:1 relationship.
• Selective Recording: You can choose to record from one location at a time, even if multiple are associated with the same node.
• IP Camera and Audio Integration: Each location can have its own set of IP cameras and audio modules.
• Ideal for Multi-Room Setups: Useful in environments like:
  • Multi-bed nursing skills labs
  • Multiple high-fidelity simulation rooms
  • Separate debriefing rooms

Use cases for location-based recording

Typical use cases for location-based recording are:

• Multi-bed Nursing Skills Lab
• Multiple High-Fidelity Sim Rooms
• Debriefing Rooms

Multi-bed nursing skills lab

You have a 5-bed lab with each bed having 2 cameras and an audio module but, you only want to ever record one bed at a time instead of associating 10 cameras with one node, which is not supported.

Location-based recording would allow the creation of 5 locations in SimCapture, with cameras and audio for each location, and the association of one node with all 5 locations.

Multiple high-fidelity sim rooms

You have four SIM rooms; each has a high-fidelity manikin. But, with current staffing, you can run only one SIM at a time.  

The location-based recording will let you use a single node with all four locations. However, you will be restricted to one SIM at a time. When your staffing levels increase, an additional can be added.

Debriefing rooms

You want to record a session and then record the debrief of that session in a separate location. However, to do this, only one room will ever be recording at a time. 

The location-based recording will allow you to set up two locations in SimCapture and associate one recording device to capture both locations.

Limitations

• No support for hot-swapping feeds during a session: Cameras can be moved between and shared with locations, but cannot be changed in the middle of a recording.
• Maximum of six video/audio feeds per location: If a node has two hardwired inputs plugged into it, only 4 IP feeds will be available to be added to that location.
• Maximum of 10 video feeds per node: Despite the number of locations associated to 1 node, there can only be 10 video feeds associated with one node.
• Exam rooms still require a 1:1 node-to-room setup: Exam rooms must always have a 1:1 relationship between a recording device and a location. 
• Hardwired inputs (like webcams) appear across all associated locations: Because webcams, epiphans, etc., are plugged directly into the node, they will appear for all locations associated with the node.

Steps to Set Up Location-Based Recording in SimCapture Cloud

1. Plan Your Locations and Nodes

• Identify all the physical spaces (e.g., sim rooms, beds, debriefing areas).
• Determine how many recording nodes (hardware devices) you have.
• Decide which locations will share a node.

2. Configure Locations in SimCapture

• Go to Settings.
• Under Locations, click Edit and then click the "+ Add location" button to create a new location for each physical space.
• Assign IP cameras and audio devices to each location.

3. Associate Locations with a Node

• Click the kebab menu to access the Node Configuration, and assign multiple locations to a single node.
• Ensure each location has a unique name (e.g., “Bed 1”, “Sim Room A”).

4. Set Up Recording Preferences

• Only one location can be recorded at a time per node.
• Choose the active location before starting a session.
• You can switch locations between sessions, but not during a live recording.

5. Test Your Setup

• Run a test recording from each location.
• Verify that video and audio feeds are correctly routed and recorded.

Important

• Webcams and hardwired inputs will appear in all associated locations.
• Exam rooms still require a dedicated node.
• Max 6 video/audio feeds per location.

Hardware needed for setup

To set up location-based recording with SimCapture Cloud Pro, you'll need a combination of hardware components that support flexible, multi-location simulation environments. Here's a breakdown of the essential hardware:

Core Hardware Components

1. SimCapture Node

• A micro form factor PC that acts as the central recording device.
• Supports multiple locations (rooms or beds) per node.
• Compact size: approx. 4.5" x 4.5" (11.43 cm x 11.43 cm).
• Automatically uploads recordings to the cloud.
• Requires internet access to communicate with SimCapture servers.

2. IP Cameras

• Each location should have its own IP camera(s) for video capture.
• Compatible with most standard IP camera models.
• Up to 6 video/audio feeds per location are supported.

3. Audio Capture Devices

• Microphones or audio interfaces for each location.
• Can be ceiling-mounted, table-mounted, or wireless depending on room layout.

4. Network Infrastructure

• Stable wired or wireless network with internet access.
• Outbound access to:
  • *.simcapture.com (TCP 443, TCP/UDP 5000–5100)
  • *.amazonaws.com (TCP 443)

5. Displays and Monitors (Optional)

• For live monitoring or debriefing.
• Can be placed in control rooms or debriefing areas.

Optional: SimCapture Mobile Camera App

• Use mobile phones or tablets as additional capture devices.
• Ideal for in-situ or mobile simulations.
• Supports up to 6 mobile devices per session.

Other Accessories

• Mounting hardware for cameras and microphones.
• Cables and adapters (e.g., VGA to HDMI if needed).
• Power supplies and UPS for reliability.