Troubleshooting Geeni Vehicle Detection Failures
The vehicle detection feature on Geeni smart cameras is a powerful tool, designed to provide you with specific, relevant alerts when a car enters a monitored zone like your driveway. When it fails, you might miss important events or be forced to sift through countless generic motion alerts. This guide will help you understand why your Geeni camera isn't detecting vehicles and how to fix it.
By correctly configuring your camera's settings and optimising its placement, you can ensure you receive timely and accurate alerts every time a vehicle is present.
Why Is My Geeni Camera Not Detecting Vehicles?
Geeni's vehicle detection relies on an AI algorithm that analyses the video feed to recognise the distinct shape of a car, lorry, or van. When detection fails, it's usually due to one of the following reasons:
- Feature Is Disabled: Vehicle detection is a "smart" detection feature that often needs to be manually enabled in the app settings.
- Poor Camera Angle or View: If the camera's view of the vehicle is partial, obstructed, or from an unusual angle, the AI may not recognise it.
- Inadequate Lighting: At night or in low-light conditions, the camera needs sufficient light to see the vehicle's shape. Headlight glare or deep shadows can also confuse the algorithm.
- Incorrect Motion Zone: The detection area might not be drawn over the location where the vehicles are, or it might be too large and cluttered with other objects.
- Distance and Speed: If a vehicle is too far away or moving too quickly through the frame, the camera may not have enough time or detail to analyse and identify it.
- Outdated Firmware: The AI models used for detection are constantly being improved. Older firmware may be less effective.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Reliable Vehicle Alerts
Follow these steps in sequence to diagnose and solve the problem.
1. Confirm Camera Compatibility and Update Everything
First, double-check that your specific model of Geeni camera supports vehicle detection. This feature is not available on all models. Once confirmed, ensure both the Geeni app and your camera's firmware are fully updated to the latest versions. App updates are found in the App Store/Play Store, while firmware updates are checked from within the camera's settings menu in the Geeni app.
2. Enable Vehicle Detection in the App
This is the most common oversight. Dive into your camera's settings to make sure the feature is active.
- Open the Geeni app and select the camera you wish to configure.
- Tap the settings icon (often three dots or a gear) in the top right corner.
- Find and tap on Detection Settings or Smart Detection.
- You should see a list of detection types. Locate Vehicle Detection and make sure the toggle switch next to it is ON.
3. Configure the Activity Zone
Tell the camera exactly where to look for vehicles.
- Within the same Detection Settings menu, find the Activity Zone or Motion Detection Area option.
- You will be shown the camera's live view. Draw a zone that specifically covers your driveway, parking space, or the part of the street you want to monitor.
- Pro Tip: Make the zone as tight as possible. Avoid including swaying trees, bushes, or busy public footpaths, as this can confuse the system.
4. Optimise Camera Placement and Lighting
The physical setup is just as important as the software settings.
- Placement: Mount the camera so it has a clear, unobstructed view. An ideal position is 7-10 feet high, angled slightly downwards, providing a clear overview of the detection area.
- Lighting: Check the live view at night. Is the area well-lit by a porch light or streetlights? If not, the camera's IR night vision may not be enough on its own. Consider adding a motion-activated floodlight to improve visibility. Ensure the camera lens is not aimed directly at a bright light source, as this can cause glare.
5. Adjust Motion Sensitivity
If detections are still being missed, a sensitivity adjustment may be needed.
- In the Detection Settings, find the Motion Sensitivity slider.
- It's likely set to "Medium" by default. Try increasing it to "High".
- Note: Increasing sensitivity may lead to more false alerts. It may require some testing to find the right balance for your specific environment.
By methodically checking these settings and optimising your camera's view, you can resolve most vehicle detection issues and restore this valuable security feature.