How to Troubleshoot Inaccurate Person Detection on Netgear Cameras
Netgear and its Arlo brand of cameras have powerful AI-driven features like Person Detection, which are designed to provide you with more meaningful alerts. However, when this feature doesn't work as expected, it can be frustrating. This guide will help you understand why your camera might be making mistakes and how you can fix them.
Why Person Detection Can Be Wrong
Person Detection is a complex technology that uses algorithms to analyse the shape and movement of objects in the camera's view. It's not looking for heat or using a simple motion sensor; it's actively trying to identify a human-like form. The accuracy can be affected by several factors.
- Camera Placement and Angle: This is the most common cause of poor performance. If the camera is too high, people appear too small. If it's at a sharp side angle, the human shape can be distorted.
- Lighting Conditions: Heavy shadows, bright backlighting (e.g., pointing at the setting sun), or lens flare can obscure the details the algorithm needs to see.
- Obstructions: Objects like tree branches, bushes, or garden furniture can partially block the view, preventing the camera from seeing the complete human form.
- Distance: The further away a person is, the fewer pixels they take up in the image, making it harder for the AI to be confident in its detection.
- Firmware: The detection algorithms are constantly being improved. Outdated firmware can lead to less accurate results.
Troubleshooting Steps for Better Accuracy
Follow these steps to diagnose and improve your camera's Person Detection capabilities.
Step 1: Optimise Camera Placement
Review where your camera is mounted. For optimal Person Detection:
- Height: Mount the camera between 2 and 3 metres (7-10 feet) from the ground.
- Angle: Angle the camera slightly downwards, so it's looking at a person's path, not straight out at the horizon. A 15-30 degree downward angle is often ideal.
- Clear Line of Sight: Ensure there are no major obstructions in the key detection areas. Trim back any swaying tree branches or bushes that might interfere.
Step 2: Configure Motion Sensitivity and Activity Zones
Person Detection works on top of the camera's standard motion detection. If the initial motion isn't triggered, the AI won't even analyse the clip.
- Adjust Sensitivity: In your Netgear/Arlo app, go to the camera's settings. If you are missing events, try increasing the motion sensitivity slightly. If you are getting too many false alerts, decrease it.
- Use Activity Zones: This is a crucial step. Create activity zones to focus the camera's attention on specific areas, like a walkway or a driveway. Crucially, you should also draw zones to exclude problematic areas, such as a busy road in the background or a large bush that moves in the wind.
Step 3: Check Your Firmware and Subscription
- Update Firmware: Navigate to your camera's settings in the app and check for any available firmware updates. Always install them, as they often contain significant improvements to detection algorithms.
- Verify Subscription: Person Detection is often a feature tied to a Netgear Smart or Arlo Secure subscription. Log in to your account and ensure your subscription is active. If it has lapsed, the feature will be disabled.
Step 4: Rule Out Environmental Factors
- Lighting: If accuracy is poor at night, ensure the camera's infrared LEDs are working and not being blocked. Avoid pointing the camera directly at a bright security light, as this can create glare and deep shadows.
- Reflections: Be mindful of windows or puddles that might reflect movement and confuse the camera.
By systematically working through these steps, you can significantly improve the accuracy of your Netgear camera's Person Detection and start receiving only the alerts that truly matter.