Many of today’s security cameras have something called a motion detector installed. This is as it sounds a device that's capable of detecting movement. What kind of motion it detects depends on the user's custom settings. In the case of a home security camera, this will typically include any moving objects, and people in particular. The great feature of motion detection home security camera is its ability to send alerts the second it begins to record movement based on its settings. One of the great things about motion detection is that your camera still works for you in the background even when you're away or logged out of the system.
Motion detectors are a critical component in two areas of home security, which include:
1. Cameras (indoor and outdoor)
2. Automated security lighting
Some of the more sophisticated, next generation camera systems, even have unique object tracking using smart, complex algorithms. These are generally more useful for commercial premises though.
How Motion Detection Works？
The best way to understand how motion detection works is to first look at how a camera functions. Inside every camera is the image sensor which the lens of the camera directs light to. The moment light reaches the image sensor, pixels then record how much light they receive. These dark and light areas then form the video images that we see. Motion detection works by comparing successive video images. So if the pattern of light changes between frames (a change in pixels) the smart camera concludes that something has moved and starts to record. As it begins to record, it also sends you an alert. The camera determines when enough has changed based on the motion detection settings (see below). There are different methods of motion detection, i.e. infrared (heat vision) and microwave. We won’t get too much into the deeper technical aspects in this piece.
Trouble Shoot Motion Detection
One of the early gripes with motion detection security cameras was that they picked up too much. In other words they were too sensitive and sent alerts out for things people didn’t need alerts for. They still can do, but you’re not stuck with it. Fortunately, this is a problem of the past as today’s cameras give you easy configuration options. They allow the end user to adjust the motion sensitivity in a few easy steps. What you have to do is go to the camera’s settings and find the motion detection test.
Setting Motion Sensitivity
The basic principle is the same for most cameras. The first thing you need to do is position the camera where you intend to keep it. It’s a good idea to start the motion detection at a low setting on your smart phone. All you have to do then is walk in front of the camera and check to see if the device’s LED comes on. If not, increase the motion detection setting and try again. Continue like this until the LED flashes. That’s it. The camera has detected your motion so you can set (save) the settings right there. You may have to play around with the motion sensitivity a bit until you find your optimal setting.
Not Receiving Alerts
Another problem people report is that they don’t receive email alert notifications even though their camera detects motion based on their settings. There are usually three reasons for this:
1. Your email address is wrong (check again carefully)
2. You have not confirmed your email address in the setup procedure
3. The alert setting has been accidentally disabled