How to Troubleshoot I Pro Pet Detection Issues
The pet detection feature on I Pro cameras is a fantastic tool for keeping an eye on your furry family members, whether they're in the garden or you're just checking what they're up to while you're away. However, when it doesn't work as expected—either by missing your pet entirely or sending you false alerts—it can be unreliable.
This guide will help you understand how pet detection works, how to configure it correctly, and what to do when it's not performing accurately.
## Understanding How Pet Detection Works
I Pro's pet detection is an advanced feature that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer vision. The camera doesn't just see motion; it analyses the shape and movement patterns within the video to determine if the object is likely a pet (typically a cat or a dog). This process happens after the initial motion is detected.
For this feature to work, you typically need:
- A compatible I Pro camera model.
- An active I Pro subscription plan that includes smart alert features.
## Steps to Fix Pet Detection Problems
If you're not getting pet alerts, or getting incorrect ones, follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue.
### 1. Check Your Subscription and App Settings
First, let's confirm that the feature is active on your account and in the app.
- Verify Your Plan: Log in to your I Pro account on their website and check that your subscription plan includes smart alerts like Pet Detection.
- Enable the Feature in the App:
- Open the I Pro app and select the camera you want to configure.
- Go to
Settings>Motion Settings. - Look for an option called
Smart Alerts,AI Detection, or similar. - Ensure that
Pet Detectionis toggled on. If it's off, the camera will only send generic motion alerts.
### 2. Optimise Camera Placement and Angle
The performance of the AI detection is highly dependent on the camera having a clear view of the subject.
- Mounting Height: For optimal detection, I Pro cameras should generally be mounted between 7 and 10 feet from the ground.
- Camera Angle: The camera should be angled downwards. If it's pointed too horizontally, a small pet might not take up enough of the frame to be recognised.
- Distance: The detection is most accurate when the pet is within about 15-20 feet of the camera. Pets that are very far away might be too small in the frame to be identified correctly.
- Lighting: Ensure the area is well-lit. While night vision works for general motion, the AI has a much better chance of accurately identifying a pet when there is sufficient light.
### 3. Reduce False Alerts
If you're getting alerts for "pets" that turn out to be shadows, squirrels, or other objects, you need to fine-tune your settings.
- Adjust Motion Sensitivity: A sensitivity level that is too high can cause the AI to analyse non-important motion events. Try lowering the main motion sensitivity slightly. This tells the camera to only send more significant motion events to the AI for analysis.
- Use Activity Zones: This is a crucial step. Create Activity Zones that specifically cover the areas where your pet is likely to be, such as your lawn or patio. Exclude areas that produce false motion, like public footpaths or bushes that sway in the wind. By reducing the number of irrelevant motion events, you give the AI a better chance to perform accurately.
### 4. Keep Your Firmware and App Updated
I Pro regularly releases updates that include improvements to their AI detection algorithms.
- Update the App: Check the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for any updates to the I Pro app.
- Update Camera Firmware: The app will usually notify you if your camera's firmware is out of date. Ensure you are running the latest version for the best performance and accuracy.
By carefully checking your settings and optimising your camera's placement, you can significantly improve the reliability of I Pro's pet detection feature and get the alerts that matter most to you.