Camera fails to launch in PHSA plate-scanning app: white/black screen instead of camera preview on Impark patroller devices

Android

If the camera fails to launch in your PHSA (Parking/Highway Safety Application) plate-scanning app—showing a white or black screen instead of a camera preview—follow these steps to restore camera functionality on your Impark patroller devices.

Before you begin

You need administrator access to the Esper Console to make these changes. If you don't have console access, contact your Esper account administrator or contact Esper Support.

Step 1: Update the Esper Agent

To update the Esper Agent, go to Esper Software Updates in the Esper Console and select Esper Agent. You can deploy the update to individual devices, selected groups, or your entire fleet. For step-by-step instructions, see Deploying Esper Software Updates.

For detailed instructions, see Deploying Esper Software Updates.

Step 2: Verify camera permissions in your Blueprint

1. Go to Blueprints and select the Blueprint assigned to your device group.
2. Navigate to Apps & Configuration and find the PHSA application.
3. Select the PHSA app and open the Permissions section.
4. Confirm the Camera permission is set to Allow.
5. If it's set to Deny or Ask, change it to Allow.
6. Publish the updated Blueprint to your device group.

Step 3: Check managed app configuration

1. Go to Devices & Groups and select the affected device.
2. Open the Apps tab and select the PHSA application.
3. Open Managed Configuration.
4. Review any key-value pairs that might restrict camera or scanning functionality.
5. Compare the settings against your app configuration specification to ensure camera access is not blocked.

Step 4: Reinstall the PHSA application

1. Go to Devices & Groups and select one affected device to test.
2. Open the Apps tab.
3. Uninstall the PHSA application.
4. Reinstall it at the latest available version.
5. After installation completes, test the camera by opening the PHSA app, entering your credentials, and tapping Scan.
6. Verify that the camera preview launches without displaying a white or black screen.

Still need help?

If you've completed all the steps above and the camera still fails to launch, contact Esper Support. Have the following information ready:

• The affected device names (for example, VANHP01, VANHP03, VANHP04)
• The PHSA app version and your device's Android OS version
• A bug report from the affected device (available under Devices & Groups → select device → Actions → Request Bug Report)