Motion Detection Configuration
Motion detection is the foundation of intelligent video monitoring, triggering recordings and alerts when activity occurs.
Detection Zone Setup
Define detection zones to focus on areas of interest while ignoring irrelevant motion. Draw zones around entry points, restricted areas, and valuable assets. Exclude areas with constant motion like trees, traffic, or HVAC equipment. Most systems allow multiple zones per camera with independent sensitivity settings.
Sensitivity Tuning
Balance sensitivity to capture real events while minimizing false alarms. Start with medium sensitivity and adjust based on results. Higher sensitivity catches subtle movements but increases false positives. Test during different lighting conditions - sensitivity may need adjustment for day vs. night.
Object Size Filtering
Configure minimum and maximum object sizes to filter relevant motion. Small object filtering ignores insects, birds, and debris. Maximum size filtering can exclude large environmental changes like shadows or lighting shifts. Size thresholds typically specified as percentage of frame or pixel dimensions.
Alert Configuration
Effective alerting ensures security events receive timely attention without overwhelming operators with noise.
Alert Triggers
Configure multiple trigger types beyond basic motion detection. Video analytics can detect specific events like line crossing, loitering, or object removal. Camera health alerts notify of offline cameras, storage issues, or tampering. Combine triggers with scheduling to reduce off-hours noise.
Notification Channels
Email notifications provide detailed alerts with snapshot attachments. Push notifications to mobile apps enable immediate response. SMS alerts ensure delivery even without data connectivity. Integrate with security operation centers for 24/7 professional monitoring.
Alert Routing
Route alerts to appropriate personnel based on event type and location. Critical alerts may notify multiple recipients simultaneously. Implement escalation procedures for unacknowledged alerts. Consider time-based routing directing after-hours alerts to on-call personnel.
Mobile App Integration
Mobile applications extend monitoring capabilities beyond the control room.
App Installation and Setup
Download official manufacturer app from authorized app stores. Configure connection to NVR using server address and credentials. Enable push notifications in both app settings and device operating system. Test connectivity on both WiFi and cellular networks.
Live Viewing
Access live camera feeds from anywhere with network connectivity. Use secondary stream for efficient mobile bandwidth usage. Enable adaptive streaming to adjust quality based on connection speed. Bookmark frequently accessed cameras for quick access.
Mobile Alerts
Receive instant push notifications with event snapshots. Review events and acknowledge alerts directly from mobile device. Access recorded footage for complete event context. Share clips with relevant personnel for coordination.
Video Analytics
Advanced video analytics provide intelligent event detection beyond simple motion sensing.
Line Crossing Detection
Draw virtual tripwires that trigger alerts when crossed. Configure direction sensitivity for one-way or bidirectional detection. Useful for perimeter monitoring and traffic flow analysis. Combine with counting analytics for occupancy monitoring.
Intrusion Detection
Define zones where presence triggers immediate alerts. Configure dwell time to distinguish passing traffic from loitering. Set up multiple zones with different sensitivity levels. Integration with access control validates authorized vs. unauthorized presence.
Object Detection
Train systems to recognize specific objects like vehicles, people, or packages. Vehicle detection can capture license plates for parking management. People counting supports occupancy monitoring and social distancing. Abandoned object detection alerts to potential security threats.
Monitoring Best Practices
Effective monitoring combines technology with proper procedures and trained personnel.
Viewing Station Design
Size monitors appropriately - minimum 1080p resolution for detail review. Multi-monitor setups allow simultaneous viewing of multiple areas. Ergonomic positioning reduces operator fatigue during extended shifts. Adequate lighting prevents eye strain while maintaining screen visibility.
Alert Response Procedures
Document standard response procedures for different alert types. Train operators on proper verification before escalation. Establish clear communication channels with response teams. Log all alert responses for analysis and training purposes.
System Health Monitoring
Implement automated monitoring of camera connectivity and health. Schedule regular checks of recording system status. Monitor storage capacity and configure alerts before reaching limits. Review system logs regularly for error patterns or security concerns.
