Mobotix Guide: Eliminating False Positive Alerts

Mobotix Guide: Eliminating False Positive Alerts

Mobotix cameras are not typical consumer-grade devices; they are powerful, decentralised computers with highly advanced image analysis capabilities. While this offers incredible flexibility, it also means that a poorly configured system can be prone to false positive alerts. A false positive is when the system reports an event that is not a genuine security concern.

This technical guide is for installers and advanced users who want to move beyond basic settings and leverage Mobotix's professional features to achieve highly accurate, reliable alerting.

Beyond Simple Motion: Understanding Mobotix Event Logic

The key to eliminating false alerts is to stop thinking about "motion" and start thinking about "events." A true event should be a combination of factors, not just a change in pixels. The most common causes of false positives are relying on a single, poorly configured Video Motion Detection (VMD) window.

We will focus on three core concepts:

1. Using the Right Sensor: Primarily, the ActivitySensor.
2. Applying Event Logic: Combining sensors for confirmation.
3. Filtering by Object Characteristics: Defining what to look for.

All configuration is done in the camera's web interface. Navigate to the Setup Menu.

Configuration Steps for High-Accuracy Alerting

1. Prioritise and Calibrate the ActivitySensor

The ActivitySensor (AS) is an intelligent video motion sensor that is robust against most environmental disturbances. It should be your default choice for motion-based alerting.

• Navigate to ActivitySensor Settings: Go to Setup Menu → Event Sensor Settings → ActivitySensor Settings.
• Enable and Observe: Ensure AS is enabled. It learns the scene over time, so let it run for at least 24 hours to calibrate to normal conditions.
• Fine-Tune the Profile: The default profile is excellent, but you can adjust it. For example, you can specify the primary direction of movement to ignore passing traffic while detecting objects moving towards the camera.

2. Combine Sensors with Meta-Events

A single trigger is prone to errors. The most powerful feature of Mobotix is its ability to logically link multiple triggers in an "AND" condition. An alert is only generated if all conditions are met.

• Go to Event Logic: In the Setup Menu, navigate to Event Control → Event Logic.
• Create a Meta-Event: You can create a logic gate that combines multiple inputs.
• Example Scenario: Imagine you want to detect a person entering a secure room.
  • Trigger 1: ActivitySensor (AS) detects movement in the room.
  • Trigger 2: A door sensor (connected to the camera's input) signals the door is open (SI1).
  • Logic: Create a Meta-Event (ME) where the logic is AS & SI1.
  • Action: Configure your message profile to be triggered by ME, not AS alone. Now, you will only get an alert if the door is open AND there is movement, eliminating alerts from motion seen through a window.
• Other Logic Combinations: Consider AS & AM (ActivitySensor and Audio Level) to detect a person moving and making noise.

3. Refine VMD with Object Size and Masking

If you must use standard Video Motion Detection, it needs to be configured with precision.

• Navigate to VMD: Go to Setup Menu → Event Sensor Settings → Video Motion Detection.
• Use Multiple, Small Windows: Do not use one large window. Create several small, targeted windows on critical points (doorways, pathways).
• Define Object Size: For each VMD window, you can set a minimum pixel size for what constitutes a valid object. Measure a person in the scene and set the minimum accordingly. This is a highly effective way to filter out birds, insects, and weather effects.
• Use Reference Windows: A powerful technique is to use a reference window. You can define a VMD window that triggers an event, but only if there is no motion in a corresponding reference window. This is useful for ignoring headlights, where the light source (the car) is in a predictable location.

By adopting this event-driven mindset and using the powerful logical tools inside your Mobotix camera, you can build a security system that is not only vigilant but also intelligent, providing you with alerts that are consistently accurate and actionable.