SUMMARY
Use this guide to connect, configure, and adjust an AI Visual Counting camera for optimal image quality. A correctly configured video stream is essential for accurate AI model training and reliable production counting
When to use this
Use this guide if:
- You are installing a new AI Visual Counting camera.
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You need to reposition or readjust an existing camera.
Prerequisites
Before starting:
- A Factbird EDGE has been installed.
- The AI Visual Counting camera is available.
- A PoE injector is available.
- You need to be able to access the device sensor with the stream.
- The camera mounting location has been prepared.
Steps
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Choose how you want to view the live camera stream
There are two ways to view the live stream while adjusting the camera.
Option 1 – Hikrobotics (Recommended)
This method provides a real-time stream with virtually no delay, making it easier to adjust the camera.
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Install the Hikrobotics software.
- Connect the camera using the supplied PoE injector.
- Connect the other end to your computer. If your computer does not have a physical ethernet port you will need a converter (Ethernet -> USB-C or similar).
- Open StViewer.
- Select the STC-MCE132POE camera.
- Click the Play button to begin streaming.
Note: If the stream appears completely black, increase the brightness on the camera lens.
Option 2 – Factbird application
This method uses the stream available through the Factbird application.
- Open Administration.
- Navigate to Devices.
- Search for your Factbird EDGE using the device ID.
- Open the Camera sensor.
Note: The stream shown in Factbird has a delay of at least five seconds, making camera adjustment less responsive than StViewer.
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Install the Hikrobotics software.
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Connect the camera
Connect the camera using the supplied PoE injector.
Important
- The Factbird EDGE does not provide Power over Ethernet (PoE).
- The camera must be powered using the supplied PoE injector.
- Do not connect the camera directly to the EDGE or your computer without a PoE injector.
- If your computer does not have an Ethernet port, use a suitable Ethernet adapter.
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Adjust the camera
Once the live stream is visible:
- Position the camera so the counting area fills the image.
- Adjust the field of view.
- Adjust the brightness.
- Adjust the focus.
Always adjust the field of view before adjusting brightness and focus.
Recommended starting values
- Brightness: Between 1.3 and 4
- Focus: Approximately equal to the distance from the camera to the products being counted (in metres)
Adjust one setting at a time until the image is clear.
- Position the camera so the counting area fills the image.
EXPECTED RESULT
After completing these steps:
- The camera is connected correctly.
- A live video stream is available.
- The counting area fills the image appropriately.
- Focus and brightness have been optimized.
- The camera is ready for AI model training and remote configuration.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Issue: The camera does not appear in StViewer.
Try: Verify the PoE injector is connected correctly.
- Try: Wait approximately one minute for the camera to appear.
Issue: The stream is completely black.
- Try: Increase the lens brightness.
- Try: Confirm the lens cap has been removed
- Try: Confirm the camera lens is unobstructed.
Issue: No stream appears in Factbird.
- Try: Verify the Factbird EDGE is online.
- Try: Check the EDGE LED status.
- Try: If the LED is solid green but no stream appears, contact Factbird Support.
Issue: The image is blurry.
- Try: Adjust the focus slowly.
- Try: Set the focus to approximately the distance between the camera and the objects.
STILL NEED HELP?
Contact Support and include:
- Device ID
- Camera model
- Whether you are using StViewer or Factbird
- A screenshot of the live image
- A photo of the camera installation
RELATED ARTICLES
- How to Connect and Mount a Factbird EDGE Device
- Which Ethernet port should I use on the Factbird EDGE?
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