Welcome to the final article in our three-part series on how to install and optimize cameras for DISPL’s AI-powered audience analytics. You’ve already learned about core AI principles (Article 1) and common pitfalls in camera placement (Article 2). Now we’ll walk you through a practical, step-by-step checklist that covers hardware setup, basic environment considerations, and final testing—with just enough extra notes to ensure success in real-world environments.
1. Pre-Installation Essentials
1.1 Hardware Overview
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Camera Options
- USB Cameras: A standard USB webcam (or built-in module) without autofocus is the easiest option. It should offer at least 720p (1280×720) resolution at 25–30 FPS.
- IP Cameras: Our software also supports IP cameras on both Windows and (via HTTP) Android devices, though we won’t dive into the full technical steps here. If you prefer IP cameras, see our dedicated guide or consult your camera vendor’s documentation for RTSP/HTTP URLs, ports, and authentication details.
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System Requirements
- Make sure your device meets the minimum CPU, RAM, and OS standards.
- No local license storage is available—licenses are managed online.
- For complete details, please check our System Requirements article.
1.2 Environment Considerations
- Lighting: Aim for consistent, even lighting. Avoid strong backlight or direct sunlight.
- Placement & Traffic Flow: Identify the spot where visitors will pause for 2–5 seconds, ensuring faces are within about 4 meters of the camera for standard HD devices.
- Obstructions: Plan ahead if shelves or signage might change—keep your camera’s line of sight clear.
2. Physical Installation Steps
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Mount the Camera
- Height: 1.5–2.5 meters from the floor (eye-level).
- Angle: Within ±30° of direct frontal view, so the AI can reliably detect faces.
- Stability: Use a secure mount or enclosure if tampering is a concern.
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Cabling & Network
- USB Cable (for USB cameras): Confirm a stable connection with no tension or risk of disconnection.
- IP Camera Network (if using IP cameras): Ensure the camera and the device running DISPL software share the same local network. Keep login credentials and IP addresses on hand if you plan to add them in the DISPL interface.
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Lighting Check
- Test the lighting conditions at different times of day, if applicable.
- Add soft ambient lighting if the environment is too dim or if heavy shadows exist.
3. Basic Software Configuration
For a comprehensive look at initial software setup, please refer to these full guides:
- Initial connection and configuration of the DISPL-KIT
- Initial configuration guide of DISPL on devices
They’ll walk you through:
- Installing the player
- Signing in and linking your device to the DISPL platform
4. Final Testing & Verification
4.1 Live Preview & Dwell Time Check
- Open a live preview (if your device/software version supports it) to confirm you see a clear, stable video feed.
- Have someone stand 2–5 seconds in front of the camera to ensure the system detects and tracks their face.
4.2 Distance & Angle Validation
- Test various distances (1 m, 2 m, ~4 m) to ensure faces remain large enough (≥60 pixels tall) for detection.
- If detection drops off at certain angles or distances, adjust the camera height or angle accordingly.
4.3 IP Camera (Optional Check)
- If you’re using IP cameras, confirm your camera’s RTSP (Windows only) or HTTP (Windows/Android) stream URL is entered correctly.
- Make sure you’re using the correct stream format: H.264 for RTSP or MJPEG for HTTP.
4.4 Data & Analytics
- Look for actual face detection events in your reporting or logs (depending on your DISPL configuration).
- If you suspect face counts are too high (e.g., posters with human faces are getting detected), consider repositioning the camera or using software-based exclusion zones (where available).
5. Ongoing Maintenance
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Periodic Camera Checks
- If store layouts change (new displays, shelves), verify the camera’s field of view.
- Confirm lighting remains consistent.
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License & Software Updates
- Since licenses are online, ensure your device has internet access so it can periodically confirm license validity.
- Install new DISPL software versions to benefit from improvements in face detection and performance.
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Staff Awareness
- Train onsite staff to recognize whether the camera feed is clear. Encourage quick checks if the environment shifts or if analytics dip unexpectedly.
6. Key Takeaways
- Choose the Right Camera: USB or IP is fine, just follow the basic specs (≥720p, 25–30 FPS, stable focus).
- Mount at Eye-Level: Typically 1.5–2.5 meters high, angled so faces are frontal within ±30°.
- Keep It Clear & Well-Lit: Avoid obstructions, harsh backlights, or dim spots.
- Enable Face Recognition settings: Reference our initial configuration guides for a step-by-step approach to enabling FR in the software.
- Validate & Maintain: Test dwell times, angles, and streaming format. Conduct periodic checks if your environment changes.
By following this checklist—from initial planning and physical mounting to software setup and final testing—you’ll be well on your way to reaping the full benefits of DISPL’s AI-driven audience detection.
If you need more advanced details (like configuring IP camera streams on Windows vs. Android or troubleshooting network issues), refer to the relevant guides or contact us directly for personalized support.
That’s it! You now have a holistic view of installation, configuration, and testing. We hope these three articles give you the confidence to deploy DISPL’s audience detection technology effectively.
Need Help?
- System Requirements: View them here
- Complete Setup Guides:
- Contact DISPL Support: Reach out anytime for personalized assistance or advanced troubleshooting. We’re here to ensure your in-store analytics succeed!
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