Lighting Conditions & Environmental Constraints
Accurate video analytics depend heavily on adequate and stable lighting. When specifying devices for a site, lighting level (measured in lux) is one of the most critical environmental factors affecting counting accuracy, tracking stability, and overall SLA performance.
This section defines the supported lighting ranges for each device category and outlines recommended deployment practices.
1. Minimum Lighting Requirements (Non-IR Models)
The following models do not include built-in infrared (IR) illumination:
- FootfallCam Pro1 Fisheye
- FootfallCam 3D Pro2
- FootfallCam Pro3
These models rely on ambient visible light.
Operational Requirement:
- Recommended minimum: ≥ 1 lux
- Optimal performance: Retail-standard indoor lighting (300–500 lux typical)
- Below 1 lux: Accuracy will drop significantly
When lighting falls below 1 lux (e.g. dimmed stores, after-hours shutdown, nightclub settings), image quality deteriorates. This leads to:
- Reduced object detection reliability
- Inconsistent tracking continuity
- Increased false negatives (missed counts)
- Reduced SLA compliance for accurate counting
For this reason:
❗ Non-IR models are NOT recommended for installations where accurate counting is required during low-light or no-light conditions.
They are suitable only where lighting is consistently maintained above minimum thresholds during operational hours.
2. Infrared-Supported Model (Dark Environment)
FootfallCam Pro1 Dome includes integrated infrared (IR) illumination, enabling operation in:
- Complete darkness (0 lux)
- Nightclubs
- After-hours security monitoring
- Warehouses with lights off
- Perimeter or restricted areas
The IR system emits invisible infrared light, allowing the sensor to capture depth and movement even when the human eye cannot see.
Example – Complete Darkness (0 lux)
In such environments, non-IR devices will not function reliably. The Pro1 Dome, however, maintains detection capability using IR projection.
Example – IR-Illuminated Scene
The IR image appears monochrome but remains analytically usable for counting and tracking.
3. Practical Deployment Guidance
When designing a deployment, always assess:
- Operational hours lighting – Will lights remain on at counting zones?
- Energy-saving schedules – Are lights dimmed automatically after certain hours?
- Emergency / security scenarios – Is counting required when lights are off?
- Outdoor transition zones – Are there shadowed or fluctuating lux conditions?
If counting accuracy is required during low-light periods, the IR-capable model must be specified.
If counting is required only during business hours with stable retail lighting, non-IR models remain fully suitable.
4. SLA & Environmental Responsibility
Lighting conditions are part of the environmental assumptions under the counting SLA.
Deployments outside recommended lux thresholds may result in:
- Reduced counting accuracy
- Inconsistent KPI performance
- Non-compliance with expected accuracy benchmarks
Ensuring adequate lighting is therefore a site-level responsibility and should be validated during installation and commissioning.
Summary Table
| Model | IR Support | Minimum Lux | Suitable for Darkness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro1 Dome | Yes | 0 lux | ✔ Yes |
| Pro1 Fisheye | No | ≥ 1 lux | ✖ No |
| 3D Pro2 | No | ≥ 1 lux | ✖ No |
| Pro3 | No | ≥ 1 lux | ✖ No |
If there is uncertainty about site lighting conditions, a lux measurement should be conducted during installation planning to confirm suitability before deployment.