Camera Settings
Introduction¶
GuacamoleID relies on camera input for facial recognition. The application supports multiple camera types, including standard RGB webcams, infrared (IR) cameras, and virtual cameras. Proper camera configuration ensures reliable face recognition and optimal performance.
Camera Types¶
RGB Primary Camera¶
Your main webcam used for standard face recognition. This is typically the built-in laptop camera or an external USB webcam.
Best for: General use in well-lit environments
RGB Secondary Camera¶
An additional webcam that can be used as a backup or alternative. Useful if you have multiple monitors with different cameras.
Best for: Multi-monitor setups, backup camera
Infrared (IR) Camera¶
A specialized camera that captures infrared light. Many modern laptops include IR cameras for Windows Hello compatibility.
Best for: Low-light environments, enhanced security, anti-spoofing
Virtual Camera¶
A software-based camera that can be used for privacy or testing purposes.
Best for: Privacy mode, development testing
Selecting Your Camera¶
- Go to Settings > Camera
- Under Primary Camera, select your preferred webcam from the dropdown
- If available, configure a Secondary Camera as backup
- Click Apply to save changes
The camera preview shows what GuacamoleID sees. Ensure your face is clearly visible and centered in the frame.
RGB Camera Settings¶
Primary Camera Options¶
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Camera Selection | Choose which webcam to use |
| Resolution | Video resolution (higher = better quality, more CPU) |
| Frame Rate | Frames per second (30 FPS recommended) |
| Mirror Mode | Flip the video horizontally |
Secondary Camera Options¶
Enable a secondary camera for: - Automatic fallback if primary camera fails - Different viewing angles - Multi-monitor setups
To configure: 1. Go to Settings > Camera 2. Enable Secondary Camera 3. Select the camera from the dropdown
Infrared Camera Settings¶
IR cameras provide significant advantages for face recognition:
- Works in darkness: No ambient light required
- Better anti-spoofing: Harder to fool with photos
- Consistent lighting: Not affected by room lighting changes
Enabling IR Camera¶
- Go to Settings > IR Camera
- Toggle Enable IR Camera on
- Select your IR camera from the list
- Configure exclusive control if needed
Exclusive Control¶
When Exclusive Control is enabled, GuacamoleID takes exclusive access to the IR camera, preventing other applications from using it. This improves performance but may conflict with other applications (like Windows Hello).
Enable Exclusive Control when: - You only use GuacamoleID for face recognition - You want maximum IR camera performance
Disable Exclusive Control when: - You also use Windows Hello - Other applications need IR camera access
Virtual Camera¶
GuacamoleID includes a virtual camera feature that can:
- Provide a privacy-preserving video feed to other applications
- Show a custom image when face recognition is active
- Display a loading image during startup
Virtual Camera Settings¶
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Enable Virtual Camera | Turn the virtual camera on/off |
| Off Custom Image | Image shown when virtual camera is disabled |
| Loading Custom Image | Image shown while GuacamoleID is starting |
Using Virtual Camera for Privacy¶
When video conferencing, you can use the virtual camera to: 1. Show a custom avatar instead of your face 2. Indicate your presence without showing video 3. Maintain privacy while still using face authentication
Video Display Settings¶
Control how camera feeds are displayed within GuacamoleID:
Display Options¶
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Show Video | Display live camera feed in the main window |
| Show on Block Screen | Show camera preview on the block screen |
| Debug Mode | Display technical information overlay |
Debug Mode¶
When enabled, Debug Mode shows: - Face detection boxes - Recognition confidence scores - Frame rate information - Processing times
Useful for troubleshooting recognition issues.
Camera Positioning Tips¶
For best recognition results:
- Distance: Position yourself 1.5-3 feet (45-90 cm) from the camera
- Angle: Camera should be at eye level, facing you directly
- Lighting: Ensure your face is evenly lit, avoiding backlighting
- Background: A plain, uncluttered background helps recognition
- Obstructions: Remove items that might block the camera's view
Troubleshooting¶
Camera Not Detected¶
- Ensure the camera is properly connected
- Check Device Manager for camera drivers
- Restart GuacamoleID after connecting a new camera
- Try a different USB port (for external cameras)
Poor Recognition Quality¶
- Clean the camera lens
- Improve room lighting
- Adjust camera resolution settings
- Check for software using the camera simultaneously
Camera Lag or Freezing¶
- Lower the camera resolution
- Close other applications using the camera
- Check CPU usage - reduce if high
- Disable secondary camera if not needed
IR Camera Not Working¶
- Verify your device has an IR camera
- Check Windows Hello settings for conflicts
- Disable exclusive control if other apps need access
- Update camera drivers
Virtual Camera Not Appearing in Other Apps¶
- Restart the application that needs the virtual camera
- Ensure virtual camera is enabled in GuacamoleID settings
- Some applications may not support virtual cameras