Released Date: 11/10/2016
Revision Date: 07/17/2019
Applied to
GV-IP Cameras with IR LED
Contents
1. Summary
2. Possible Causes and Solutions
2-1. IR reflections from nearby objects
2-2. The obstruction on the camera cover
3. Recommended Cameras for a Dusty Environment
1. Summary
The IR reflection is a common issue among manufacturers of surveillance cameras, which can be caused by multiple factors. The document is dedicated to addressing two situational factors: nearby light sources and barriers reflect IR light, and a variety of environmental conditions result in obstructions on the camera cover.
2. Possible Causes and Solutions
For the IR reflection problem, please proceed to identify the causes and adopt the suggested solutions.
2-1. IR reflections from nearby objects
Any nearby light sources and objects, such as walls, ceilings, cables, branches, may reflect IR light back into the camera.
In the example below, IR light was reflected from the top-right walls into the camera, causing dust and dirt on the camera cover visible in nighttime images.
- nearby objects.png (511.27 KiB) Viewed 1805 times
This is a common issue of Vandal Proof Dome. To avoid direct reflections from nearby light sources and objects, take precaution of the following minimum distances when installing the camera:
- 25 cm (0.82 ft) to the sides
- 200 cm (6.56 ft) right below the IR LED (when installing on the wall), or the rear of the IR LED (when installing on the ceiling)
- IR reflection.jpg (18.31 KiB) Viewed 1845 times
2-2. The obstruction on the camera cover
Any debris on the camera cover, such as fingerprints, oil, stains, wet spots, dust, dirt, and cobwebs, will dramatically reduce image quality by reflecting IR light. Even the protective film attached to the camera cover will cause a foggy image and should be removed once the installation is completed.
- debris on the cover.png (436.7 KiB) Viewed 1805 times
Users are advised to take extra precautions not to leave fingerprints on the camera cover during installation and to keep the plastic protective film on the camera until the end.
If possible, the camera should not be directly exposed to weather conditions.
If the camera is installed in a dusty and moist location, it may require regular maintenance. The tips below may be useful for cleaning the camera cover on a regular basis.
- Use compressed air or an air blower to remove any dust or debris on the cover.
IMPORTANT:- Screenshot_3.jpg (6.27 KiB) Viewed 1916 times
When using compressed air, be sure- not to use any type that will emit any chemical substance since they may damage the cover coating.
- to read the precautions labeled on the bottle before use. With some compressed air brands, shaking the compressed air bottle before spraying, holding the bottle too close to the target, or spraying for a long period of time can damage the cover coating.
- Clean the cover with lens cleaning cloth in one direction to avoid any possible scratch.
- If the cover is still dirty, spray small amount of clean water on the cover and use lens cleaning cloth to clean the cover again.
IMPORTANT:
- Do not use clothes or any ordinary material to clean the camera cover since they may result in scratches.
- Do not use alcohol-based cleaner to clean the camera cover since it may damage cover coating.
- Micro fiber Cloth, e.g. Giottos CL3612
- Screenshot_4.jpg (5.05 KiB) Viewed 1916 times
- Non-abrasive Wipes, e.g. PEC-PAD Non Abrasive Wipes
- Screenshot_5.jpg (8.63 KiB) Viewed 1916 times
- Chamois Skin Cleaning Cloth
- Screenshot_6.jpg (6.17 KiB) Viewed 1916 times
GeoVision's Bullet, Vandal Proof Dome, and Eyeball Dome cameras are highly recommended for dusty locations since the first's flat camera cover and the final two's exterior IR LEDs help to solve IR reflection. For the recommended models, see the full document.