Purpose

The purpose of this article is to clearly define the differences between Camera Obstructed (CAMO) and Suboptimal Camera Position (SUOP) evaluations. These definitions ensure reviewers apply labels consistently and help customers understand what each evaluation means, why it occurs, and how to resolve it.

Who is this for?

Fleet managers and admins
Installers and technicians
Drivers using vehicles equipped with VEDR cameras

Quick Summary

CAMO = Something is blocking the lens (temporary and fixable by removing the obstruction).
SUOP = The camera is mounted or angled incorrectly (persistent and fixable by repositioning/reinstalling).

Definitions

Camera Obstructed (CAMO)

What it means:
The camera’s view is physically blocked, fully or partially, by an unintended, temporary, or correctable obstruction. The camera itself is positioned correctly, but it cannot see because something is in the way.

Common causes:

Dirt, dust, mud, snow, ice, water droplets, condensation/fog
Hair, clothing, or body parts covering the lens
Hanging items or dash accessories sliding in front of the lens
Severe glare that completely washes out the image
A hand or tool covering the lens during service

How to fix it:
Clean or remove the obstruction (see Fix Steps below).

Suboptimal Camera Position (SUOP)

What it means:
The camera is mounted or angled in a way that inherently limits the field of view—even if the lens is clean and unobstructed. The image is clear, but it’s framed incorrectly (e.g., pointed too high, low, left, or right).

Common causes:

Camera mounted too high/low, left/right on the windshield or pillar
Camera tilted upward/downward too much
Camera rotated (horizon slanted) beyond acceptable tolerance
Mounted behind tints, stickers, mirror housings, or curved glass that distorts view
Camera facing cabin when road view is required (or vice versa)

How to fix it:
Reposition/reinstall the camera to achieve the intended field of view (see Fix Steps below).

Decision Guide

Is something physically blocking the lens?
→ Yes: CAMO
→ No: go to step 2
Would cleaning/removing something immediately fix it?
→ Yes: CAMO
→ No: go to step 3
Is the image clear but framed wrong (angle/position)?
→ Yes: SUOP
→ No: Not CAMO/SUOP

Tip: If cleaning doesn’t help and the same issue appears across trips, it’s almost always SUOP.

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

Category	CAMO	SUOP
Root Cause	Physical obstruction in front of the lens	Incorrect mount location, angle, or rotation
Duration	Temporary/intermittent	Persistent/consistent
Image	Blocked, washed out, or largely unusable	Clear but poorly framed (e.g., too much dash/sky)
Fix	Clean/remove obstruction	Reposition/reinstall camera
Examples	Object on lens, jacket sleeve covering lens	Camera aimed at dashboard or ceiling

Fix Steps

CAMO (Clean/Remove)

Inspect the lens area (outside and inside if applicable).
Remove any hanging items near the lens.
Clean the lens with a soft microfiber cloth; remove dirt or moisture.
Check glare conditions. If sun washout occurs:
- Verify visor placement isn’t blocking lens.
- Consider an anti-glare film or slight angle adjustment only if glare fully washes out the image.
Confirm the view in the app/portal after cleaning.

Expected result: Video view is restored immediately.

SUOP (Reposition/Reinstall)

Before you start: Refer to your vehicle/camera mounting guide for the approved mount zone, height, and angle.

Review example images of the intended field of view (road and/or cabin).
Power off the device.
Remount within the recommended mounting zone on the windshield.
Align horizon level (avoid tilt/rotation).
Aim to include the correct framing (e.g., road center, lanes, hood line; or driver’s upper torso and head for inward‑facing).
Avoid tints, frit bands, mirror housings, stickers, and curved glass edges.
Secure the mount firmly to prevent vibration or drift.
Power on and verify framing in the app/portal.

Expected result: Clear, stable framing across trips without recurring issues.

Examples

CAMO (temporary blockages):

Snow or mud on the windshield covers the camera field of view → after cleaning, view returns to normal.
A hanging badge swings in front of the lens → removing it restores the view.
Condensation/fog on the lens → drying or warming clears the view.

SUOP (position/orientation issues):

Camera shows mostly dashboard or sky on every trip.
Horizon is tilted in all videos.
Camera is mounted behind a tint strip or sticker that partially masks the scene.
Camera is mounted in a location where fixed interior components—such as the rear‑view mirror housing, pillars, or installed equipment—permanently block part of the camera’s field of view.

FAQs

Q: How can I tell if glare is CAMO or SUOP?

If glare completely washes out the image and changes with sun angle/time, treat as CAMO.
If glare is caused by improper placement (e.g., behind a reflective tint or too close to a light source) and persists, treat as SUOP.

Q: The image is blurry. Is that CAMO?

If blur is due to smudges or moisture → CAMO.
If blur is consistent despite cleaning (e.g., protective film left on lens or focus issue) → address as hardware/installation; may be categorized under SUOP if due to mounting.

Q: What if the view is occasionally good but often bad?

Intermittent with cleaning fixes → CAMO.
Intermittent but cleaning doesn’t help → likely SUOP (loose mount drifting, vibration, or poor placement).

Q: Does SUOP include inward‑facing cameras?

Yes. If the driver view misses the intended framing (e.g., only torso, no head/face; or only headrest), it’s SUOP.

Best Practices to Prevent Issues

For CAMO:
- Keep microfiber cloths in vehicles.
- Avoid hanging objects near the camera.
- Clear snow/ice from windshield before trips.
- Periodically check for moisture/condensation.
For SUOP:
- Follow the official mounting template and angle guidance.
- Level the horizon; verify framing in the app/portal.
- Avoid tinted or curved areas that distort or darken the view.
- Ensure adhesive and mount hardware are fully secured.

When to Contact Support

Cleaning does not restore visibility (possible hardware issue).
You cannot achieve the correct field of view after repositioning.
The camera drifts or vibrates during normal driving.
You see repeated CAMO/SUOP flags across multiple vehicles after proper install.

Please include recent sample videos, vehicle ID, and a photo of the camera placement when contacting support. This speeds up resolution.

Reviewer‑Facing (FYI for Customers)

CAMO label is applied when an obstruction prevents usable video.
SUOP label is applied when the camera’s placement/angle prevents correct framing, even with a clean lens.
These labels help you take the right corrective action quickly (clean vs. reposition).

Need more help?

If you have questions or need assistance, contact GroundCloud Support at (218) 864-7900 (option 2) or email servicedesk@descartes.com.

VEDR - Camera Equipment Evaluations Explained