Is Package Detection Missing on Your Avigilon System?
Avigilon's advanced analytics are a cornerstone of its security solutions, with features like package detection providing critical intelligence for businesses and property managers. This feature, technically known as "object left behind" or classified event analytics, is designed to alert you when a package is delivered or an item is left unattended in a monitored area. When this feature is missing or fails to work, it creates a significant gap in your security awareness.
This guide is for Avigilon operators and administrators who are trying to enable or troubleshoot the package detection feature within their Avigilon Control Center (ACC) environment. We will cover the necessary requirements and configuration steps to ensure this vital analytic is functioning correctly.
Common Symptoms of Missing Package Detection
You might be facing this issue if you're observing the following:
- No Analytic Event: A courier delivers a package in full view of the camera, but no "object left behind" or "package" event is generated in ACC.
- Feature Not in List: You cannot find the option to create a rule or alarm based on package detection for a specific camera.
- Inconsistent Performance: The feature works for some packages but completely misses others.
- Incorrect Classification: The system misidentifies other objects (e.g., a bag, a toolbox) as packages.
- No Notifications: An event is logged in the timeline, but you do not receive a push notification or email alert as configured.
- Analytic Scene Issues: You are unable to properly configure the analytics scene to monitor the correct area.
How to Enable and Troubleshoot Avigilon Package Detection
Resolving this issue involves verifying three key areas: camera compatibility, system configuration, and environmental factors.
1. Verify Camera Compatibility and Firmware
Not all Avigilon cameras support the advanced analytics required for package detection.
- Check Your Camera Model: This feature is typically available on Avigilon cameras with Self-Learning Analytics or Classified Object Detection. This includes the H5A and H6A camera lines, among others. Entry-level cameras or older generations may not have the onboard processing power for this feature. Consult the camera's official datasheet to confirm its analytic capabilities.
- Ensure Latest Firmware: Avigilon regularly refines its analytic algorithms. Ensure your camera's firmware is updated to the latest version. This is done from the ACC Client by navigating to Site Setup > [Your Camera] > Firmware. The system will indicate if an update is available.
2. Configure Analytics in Avigilon Control Center (ACC)
The feature must be correctly enabled and configured for each camera.
- Enable Analytics: In ACC Client, go to Site Setup, select your camera, and click on Analytics. Ensure that analytics are enabled and that the camera is set to the "Classified Object" or relevant analytics mode.
- Configure the Analytics Scene: This is a critical step. Go to the Analytics Scenes tab. You must define the specific area of interest.
- Draw a precise bounding box around the exact location where packages are left (e.g., your doorstep).
- Set the "Time in State" parameter. This tells the system how long an object must be stationary before it's flagged as "left behind." For package delivery, a short duration like 5-10 seconds is usually appropriate.
- Adjust the object size parameters to match the typical dimensions of packages you expect.
3. Create a Rule for Notifications
Simply enabling the analytic will log events, but it won't notify you. You need to create a rule.
- Go to Rules: In ACC, navigate to Site Setup > Rules.
- Create a New Rule: Click "Add" to create a new rule.
- Set the Event: For the event that triggers the rule, select "Analytic event". Choose the specific event, which will be named something like "Object appears or is left behind". Select the specific camera(s) this rule applies to.
- Define the Action: Choose what you want to happen when the event occurs. This could be "Send email notification", "Send push notification", or "Trigger an alarm" in the ACC monitoring view.
- Schedule: Set the rule to be active during the hours you expect deliveries.
4. Assess Environmental and Placement Factors
The physical environment can significantly impact analytic performance.
- Camera View: The camera must have a clear, stable, and unobstructed view of the delivery zone.
- Lighting: Good, consistent lighting is essential. Poor lighting or heavy shadows can prevent the analytics from accurately identifying objects.
- Object Contrast: The system works best when the package has a good contrast with the background surface. A brown box on a brown doormat can be challenging.
By methodically checking your hardware's capabilities, carefully configuring the analytics scene and rules in ACC, and ensuring an optimal physical environment, you can restore the missing package detection feature and enhance the intelligence of your Avigilon security system.