Fine-Tuning Your Aqara Camera for Accurate Person Detection
One of the most powerful features of your Aqara smart camera is its ability to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to specifically identify people. This helps to reduce the number of unnecessary notifications you receive from things like moving cars or swaying branches. However, when this feature isn't working correctly—either missing people entirely or sending false alerts—it can undermine your home security.
If you're finding that your Aqara camera's person detection is wrong, don't worry. This guide provides practical solutions to help you calibrate your camera and improve its accuracy significantly.
Common Person Detection Accuracy Issues
First, let's pinpoint the problem you're experiencing. Most issues fall into one of two categories:
- False Positives: This is the most common issue. You receive a "Person Detected" notification, but the recorded clip shows something else entirely.
- Shadows moving across a wall.
- Headlights from a passing car.
- Trees, bushes, or flags blowing in the wind.
- Large pets walking past the camera.
- False Negatives (Missed Detections): This is more serious. A person clearly walks through the camera's view, but you only receive a generic motion alert or, in some cases, no alert at all.
How to Fix Inaccurate Person Detection
Improving your camera's AI performance involves a combination of physical adjustments and software settings.
1. Optimise Camera Placement and Angle
Where your camera is positioned has the biggest impact on its accuracy.
- Avoid Obstructions: Ensure a clear, unobstructed line of sight to the area you want to monitor.
- Height and Angle: Mount the camera 2-3 metres high, angled slightly downwards. A camera that is too low may mistake pets for people, while one that is too high may not see enough detail. Avoid pointing the camera straight at the sky.
- Eliminate Backlighting: Do not point the camera directly at a strong light source, like the sun or a security light. Intense backlighting creates silhouettes, making it nearly impossible for the AI to identify a human shape.
- Do Not Place Behind Glass: Placing your camera indoors to look out a window is a major cause of inaccuracy. Reflections on the glass during the day and glare from the infrared (IR) lights at night will severely confuse the detection algorithm.
2. Update to the Latest Firmware
Aqara constantly refines its AI models. Ensure your camera is running the latest software to benefit from these improvements.
- To check for updates, open the Aqara Home app.
- Select your camera from the device list.
- Go to Settings (the three dots '...') > Firmware Update.
- If a new version is available, proceed with the installation.
3. Calibrate Your In-App Detection Settings
The Aqara Home app gives you powerful tools to control what the camera looks for.
- Adjust Motion Sensitivity: A setting that is too high can lead to false alerts from minor movements. One that is too low might miss actual events. Go to Settings > Detection Settings > Motion Detection Sensitivity. Start with 'Medium' and adjust as needed based on your results.
- Set Up Activity Zones: This is one of the most effective tools. Create activity zones to tell your camera to only pay attention to motion within specific parts of the frame. For example, draw a zone around your garden path and driveway, but exclude the public pavement and road. This stops alerts from passing cars and pedestrians.
- Ensure 'Person Detection' is Enabled: Double-check in the detection settings that the specific toggle for 'Person Detection' is turned on, not just general motion detection.
4. Improve Lighting Conditions
The AI needs to see clearly to make an accurate judgment.
- For outdoor cameras, ensure the area is reasonably well-lit at night. While IR night vision is effective, supplementary lighting can improve detection range and accuracy.
- For indoor cameras, be aware that complex shadows cast by indoor lighting can sometimes be misinterpreted.
By carefully considering your camera's environment and fine-tuning its settings, you can dramatically reduce incorrect person detection alerts and build a more reliable and intelligent home security system.