Synology Camera FC600: Placement and Image Optimization Guide

Introduction

Good image quality is required to take advantage of Synology Camera FC600 features such as people and vehicle detection, intrusion detection, and Instant Search. This guide aims to introduce key factors and best practices to consider when placing a Synology Camera FC600, as well as how to configure your camera for the best image quality.

Camera Placement

Placing the camera in the optimal location and angle is crucial for obtaining the best image quality to meet your purposes.

Determine Camera Objective

Before installing the camera, first determine its main objective and the area you want to capture. This will help you position the camera in the right spot and configure the appropriate settings. For full coverage of an area, make sure to position the camera correctly for optimal coverage. If the objective is to detect people or specific events in an area, you may need an additional camera to monitor a specific capture point that allows for clear capture of the intended objective.

Position the Camera

Place the camera where you want to capture the image. You can mount the camera on a wall or ceiling or place it on a flat surface. Ensure the camera is pointing in the right direction and the angle of view is correct. To check if the camera's position meets your purpose and captures the desired area, check the camera's DORI.

Camera DORI

DORI stands for "Detection, Observation, Recognition, and Identification." It is an industry standard used to specify the performance of surveillance cameras in terms of the level of detail they can capture at specific distances. For more information about Synology Camera DORI, check your camera's datasheet.

• Detection: The detection level that allows for reliable and easy determination of whether a person or vehicle is present.
• Observation: The observation level that gives characteristic details of an individual, such as distinctive clothing, while allowing a view of the activity surrounding an incident.
• Recognition: The recognition level determines with a high degree of certainty whether an individual shown is the same as someone that has been seen before.
• Identification: The identification level enables the identification of an individual beyond a reasonable doubt.

Positioning the Camera for Detection

To detect people, Synology recommends positioning the camera at the following heights:

• Wall mounts: Up to 2.5 meters
• Ceiling mounts: Between 2.4 and 4.5 meters

Maximum Detection Radius: Refer to the following table for recommended mounting heights and the corresponding maximum detection radius. For example, to detect a person with a height of 170 cm, the optimal distance for detection is within 10 meters.

Triggering Mechanism

After verifying the height and angle, triggering mechanisms for People Detection, Intrusion Detection, and Counting are important for obtaining accurate detection results.

Detection Zone Settings

Fisheye cameras may experience edge distortion, making detection difficult. To optimize accuracy, set the detection range within 70% of the camera's field of view diameter. The detection range should be within the designated area for optimal accuracy.

People Detection

Each person entering the camera's field of view is marked with a reference point, which is adjusted according to the relative distance between the center of the bounding box and the center of the camera's field of view. The system dynamically adjusts this point to keep it as close to the center as possible. Bounding boxes near the center allow for detection even in smaller zones. However, if the detection zone is configured farther from the center, a larger zone will be required for detection.

People detection events are triggered when the reference points of bounding boxes enter the detection zone and meet one or more of the following pre-configured conditions:

• When at least one person is detected.
• When the number of people detected reaches the set number.
• When the occupancy time of at least one person reaches the set time.

Intrusion Detection

When a person enters the camera's field of view, the system marks a reference point on the background within the bounding box. This reference point is continuously tracked. Intrusion detection events are triggered when reference points inside the bounding boxes cross the detection fence.

Counting

Events for counting tasks are triggered differently depending on the detection method chosen. When a person enters the camera's field of view, the system marks a reference point on the background within the bounding box.

• Line Crossing: The count changes when the reference point crosses the detection line, based on the specified entry or exit direction.
• Area: The count changes when the reference point of a person's bounding box enters and exits the detection area.

Prepare Suitable Lighting

While Synology Cameras are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, additional lighting may be necessary to achieve optimal image quality in low-light environments. Test the camera in various lighting conditions and adjust settings as needed.

Avoid Backlight

Backlighting can cause the subject to be underexposed and difficult to see. Position the camera so the subject is not directly facing bright light sources.

Consider the Direction of the Sun

When mounting cameras outdoors, consider how light changes throughout the day. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can blind the camera and reduce image sensor performance. Position the camera so the sun is behind it.

Other Considerations

Avoid direct reflections from nearby objects and direct the IR beam away from walls, ceilings, windows, and other highly reflective surfaces. External light, such as from another camera or a white light lamp, pointed towards the camera can cause reflections. Small water droplets, dust, or objects like spider webs on the lens can significantly deteriorate image quality by reflecting IR light. If possible, mount the camera in a location less exposed to the weather. Regularly check and clean the camera lens to prevent contamination and dust accumulation.

Image Optimization

Adjusting the following settings can enhance the visual quality of your images. All adjustments can be verified using the "Show pre-edited image" function.

Brightness

Brightness refers to the lightness or darkness of an image. Increasing brightness can help illuminate dark areas, while decreasing it can darken overly bright areas.

Contrast

Contrast determines the variation between bright and dark areas. Higher contrast creates a clearer and more lively image, while low contrast results in a flatter, softer appearance. Note: Increasing contrast in a very dark image may increase noise or graininess.

Sharpness

Sharpness pertains to image clarity. Higher sharpness results in more distinct subject contours.

Saturation

Saturation affects color intensity. Higher saturation makes colors appear more vivid and deep.

White Balance

To achieve natural-looking colors, set white balance to a fixed color temperature that matches the lighting conditions (e.g., fluorescent lamps or tungsten bulbs). If an image appears unnaturally blue, switch white balance to manual and try lowering the blue balance value.

HDR

HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology captures a wider range of colors and brightness levels by combining multiple frames with varying exposures. This produces an image with more detail and better lighting balance.

Noise Reduction

Digital noise, common in low-light scenes, results in a grainy or pixelated look and sometimes discoloration. Image noise reduction (denoising) removes digital noise to produce more natural-looking scenes.

Exposure Mode Control

Synology Cameras offer modes like Outdoor, Flicker-free, and Manual. For outdoor locations, select "Outdoor" and configure shutter and gain as needed.

Shutter

Shutter speed determines how long light enters the camera. In bright light, a faster shutter speed is sufficient. Slower speeds are needed in low light. If the shutter speed is too slow, movement in the scene will appear blurred, negatively impacting image quality.

Flicker-free

In indoor environments with fluorescent lighting, power frequency can cause flickering at certain shutter speeds. Enabling flicker-free reduces this effect by matching the camera's FPS to the lighting frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz, depending on region). For 50 Hz, a shutter speed of 1/100 is recommended. For 60 Hz, 1/120 is recommended. If flickering persists, disabling HDR may help.

Gain

Synology Cameras allow internal signal boost gain to capture images in low light without affecting shutter speed or depth of field. This electronic amplification brightens the image but can also amplify imperfections, leading to noise.

Day / Night Mode

Synology Cameras support Day (color), Night (black and white), Auto, and Schedule modes to react to brightness changes. Day mode provides color images in daylight. In low light, switch to Night mode for high-quality black and white images using infrared (IR) light. Auto mode allows specifying an illuminance threshold (lux) for automatic mode switching. Schedule mode allows setting specific times for mode changes.

Defog

Enable the defog feature to improve image clarity in foggy or hazy conditions. Synology Cameras use image processing algorithms to enhance visibility in low-visibility environments.