Why expert installation is vital for back-to-business video

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For intelligent video cameras to truly help organizations get back to business, they must be expertly installed according to specific instructions. In this blog, we explore four key areas that need to be adhered to for an optimal product installation.

As businesses have reopened in the course of the pandemic, there’s been a race against the clock to install supporting technologies – such as AI-powered video – to help people return to work and public life safely.

It’s easy to see why back-to-business video is so valuable. These cutting-edge cameras can effectively detect people’s skin temperatures and check for masks, help to ensure social distancing, and monitor the flow of people through busy locations.

But in spite of the understandable urgency, organizations must observe due diligence when it comes to product installation – or their investment simply won’t work effectively.

While every device should be installed to its own specific guidelines, below we explore four critical considerations for an optimal installation of all AI-powered video security products.

1. Camera positioning and height

First of all, it’s essential that cameras are mounted appropriately to avoid loss of accuracy and performance. For example, the installation height of every camera must be adjusted according to the camera’s resolution and focal length, or the camera will not be able to ‘see’ its target at all.

People-counting cameras, specifically, must always be mounted vertically – with the flow of people passing beneath the camera in a vertical, up-and-down direction – and the width of the passageway beneath should be set as the camera’s counting width.

It sounds simple, but all cameras must also be installed firmly, in a stable location (ideally, directly on a wall or a ceiling), to avoid errors caused by shaking.

2. Ambient conditions

The local environment is also very important: avoid installing devices in hot or changeable conditions. Always choose indoor environments with calm air and consistent temperature, and then you’ll get the optimal results.

For thermal cameras especially, avoid installation in semi-open locations that may be prone to changes in temperature, such as doorways.

Local lighting is also very important. There should be enough stable, visible light, but no direct sunlight in front of the camera. In addition, try as far as possible to avoid backlighting, high temperature targets, and reflections in the field of view.

3. The detection area

A key part of the installation process is determining how people will move into view of the cameras.

When installing Hikvision cameras, our expert technicians often advise our clients to use a rope or barriers to set out a specific route that people should follow. This route must go in one direction and be in clear view of the cameras, to ensure they capture the full faces of everyone passing or stopping by.

For flow control cameras, the installer must make sure the detection area is flat: no uneven ground, slopes or steps. And for all devices, avoid obstacles in the field of view (even transparent ones such as glass doors) as this can block the camera.

4. Device start-up and usage

Assuming your cameras are installed in a perfect location with ideal ambient conditions and no obstacles in view, there are still some key rules to observe after you switch them on.

When using temperature screening devices, the preheating phase is very important. We advise all those using Hikvision thermal cameras to wait at least 90 minutes after initial start-up for the device to preheat, to ensure an accurate thermal reading. Equally, you need to give your visitors some cooling time! Before conducting a thermal scan, give people three to five minutes to allow their body temperature to stabilize.

While Hikvision cameras can offer efficient group screening, we do advise our clients to screen individuals one at a time for optimal results. When using the MinMoe terminal, this is essential: people must stand at a fixed distance, pass one by one, make a short stop, and face directly to the camera for an accurate reading.

Get the full back-to-business picture

We recognize that the devices themselves are only one part of the back-to-business story, which is why we’ve produced a Back-to-Business eBook. This overviews our product portfolio, explains how to install them for the best results, and outlines the health and safety considerations for using them.

*Hikvision’s temperature screening products are designed for the detection of skin-surface temperatures so as to achieve rapid preliminary screening in public areas. Actual core body temperatures should be further confirmed using clinical measurement devices. Under any circumstances, it is highly recommended to use Hikvision’s temperature screening products in accordance with local laws and regulations.