Building a Video Telematics Test Lab: Key Components and Considerations

When setting up a test lab specifically focused on video telematics, it’s important to keep in mind certain limitations. Many cameras rely on speed and movement data as fundamental parameters to capture video correctly. In other words, the camera “expects” a change in coordinates and velocity to understand that the vehicle is in motion. However, some models allow this functionality to be disabled, which makes it possible to run tests in static environments.

With that in mind, here’s a proposal for a simple yet effective lab setup, along with the core components you’ll want to include:

• Image Projector Essential for projecting routes, driving footage, or even gaming consoles. The projector simulates motion by displaying road scenarios—whether from YouTube videos or driving simulators—so that the camera “sees” it as a real trip.

• Windshield A must-have for realism. Since almost all telematics cameras work through a windshield, adding one allows you to test how reflections, glare, and transparency affect video quality.

• Table More than just a surface—it’s the foundation for holding the windshield, DMS devices, steering wheel, and other components in a stable, reproducible setup.

• Cameras A mounting rig above the windshield ensures any test camera stays fixed in place without swinging or vibrating. Pro tip: don’t stick cameras directly to the windshield—use mounts instead for consistency for easy swapping.

• Chair with Seatbelt Not just any chair. Outfitted with a seatbelt, this lets you simulate safety events related to seatbelt detection and driver monitoring.

• Steering Wheel Ideally connected to a gaming console, it allows for realistic driving actions, recreating driver movements and interactions during tests.

• Dimmer / Lighting Control Light management is critical. With a dimmer, you can darken or brighten the room to replicate day, night, or transitional lighting conditions. This is invaluable for checking how cameras react to sudden light changes.

  

Why It Matters

This lab design provides a controlled way to evaluate how cameras perform in different telematics scenarios: from ADAS and DMS events to general video capture quality. Of course, there are limits—some events like G-sensor triggers (rollovers, harsh braking, or aggressive cornering) are harder to replicate in a static lab. Still, for many critical use cases, this environment makes it possible to run consistent, reproducible, and insightful tests.