Lens Calculator is a free online tool for CCTV design. It allows you to select a video surveillance camera’s characteristics for the different operator’s tasks, such as detection, observation, recognition, and identification.
Lens Calculator
How to use a lens calculator?
- Set the field of view:
- target distance
- observation target height
- width of the observation area in the area of the observation target
- camera installation height
- Set the main camera parameters:
- sensor format
- camera resolution
- focal length
- Check the criteria for operator’s task:
- pixel density is shown in the upper right window. Target resolution is in PPM (pixels per meter) or PPF (pixels per foot) at the target distance.
- pixel density distribution on the top view is shown graphically by colored areas: Red – identification 250 PPM/76 PPF or higher, Yellow: recognition 125 PPM / 38 PPF, Green: observation 62 PPM/19 PPF, Light green: Detection 25 PPM/8 PPF, Blue: monitoring 12 PPM/4 PPF.
- the angle of tilt of the camera to the horizon
- the dead zone or blind spot under the camera
- Select a camera model:
- choose a manufacturer
- select a model with parameters close to the design parameters
- Agree on a technical solution:
- view areas in two planes (top, side)
- 3D view area
- “Camera view”
If necessary, return to steps 2 (change the camera resolution or focal length) or 1 (choose a different location for the camera)
Download a trial version of IP Video System Design Tool software; download a project file for this article [1 MB] , and try to find an optimal camera locations yourself.
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