Introduction
Outdoor access control using the Access200w from Princeton Identity (PI) requires good iris and face imagery under all ambient lighting conditions to achieve optimal results. Direct sunlight presents a challenge to any camera. Mounting the Access200w to avoid situations in which the sun degrades iris and face images is essential to getting the best results from the system. In these installation instructions, we provide guidance on ways to avoid mounting problems associated with harshly sunlit areas.
Requirements:
- Direction the mount location is facing. This can be found by using tools such as an orienteering compass or a smartphone app or website (options here: https://www.acscdg.com/ and here: https://www.sollumis.com/) to determine the compass heading. Our convention -- if you stand with your back against a north-facing wall, you will be looking north at 0 degrees. E, S and W are 90°, 180° and 270°, respectively.
This guide will cover the following topics, each addressing different mounting locations:
1. Installing Access200w at an angle to avoid sunlight
2. Installing Access200w in an area with shading to block the sun
3. Installing Access200w in an area that reduces squinting
1. Angling to avoid sunlight
The direction the mount surface is facing can be used to inform how the Access200w will best be mounted to avoid sun shining into it. Different options for different mounting directions are listed below:
1. If the mounting surface faces anywhere from 300 degrees west-northwest (WNW) to 60 degrees east-northeast (ENE), the Access200w can be mounted flush to the surface without any performance impact on matching.
- If not in the angular range that avoids direct sun, then for some part of the year direct sun might affect the performance of the Access200w.
2. If the mounting surface faces a direction outside of the range specified above, consider a different mounting surface, an angled mounting bracket, or installing a post that will reorient the Access200w to face in a direction within the range specified above.
Doorway entrance with Access200w on right, angled to avoid sunlight.
3. If the Access200w cannot be mounted in a direction that avoids direct sunlight, move to the next section to try and address shading.
2. Shading to block sunlight
If the Access200w cannot be mounted at an angle that avoids sunlight, then the device can be shaded from sunlight to achieve the same reliable performance. Options for shading are outlined below:
1. If the mounting surface is shadowed by existing structures including neighboring buildings, canopies or overhangs, it is possible that such structures will shadow the direct sun and provide optimal performance.
2. If the Access200w is not pointed at a structure, consider providing shading (a canopy, sign, or overhang, for example) for the Access200w.
Building with a canopy that shades the entrance from direct sunlight. A darkened floor further reduces glare.
3. If shading is unavailable or not possible, sunlight will impact the Access200w during some times of the day and seasons of the year, varying based on location and direction the Access200w is facing.
3. Areas that reduce squinting
Squinting from bright light directly or on reflective surfaces (such as white stucco) negatively impacts biometric matching, therefore outdoor mounting areas that cause squinting need to be avoided. Check the following to reduce or avoid people squinting while using the Access200w:
1. The surface which the Access200w is mounted to should be minimally reflective. A dark-colored wall will not cause squinting in most users, while a bright-colored, reflective wall will cause squinting.
- If the mounting wall must remain brightly colored, then the wall in the region around the Access200w should be darkened if possible, with a mounting plate, paint, or other method.
2. If the Access200w is mounted facing in the same direction as the sun, the area behind the Access200w (where the user will be facing) should provide shade from the sun in a way to not cause squinting.
Conclusion
Sunlight is a challenge for all camera systems, but the steps outlined above should help to avoid many of the common issues resulting from sunlight. To learn more about sunlight guidelines and considerations when mounting an Access200w, please refer to the attached appendix.