Somfy Cameras: Understanding Missing Package Detection
In an age of frequent online shopping, receiving a notification that a package has been delivered is a highly sought-after feature in a security camera. Some smart cameras use artificial intelligence (AI) to specifically identify a box being left in their field of view. If you have a Somfy camera, you may be wondering why you can't find the option to enable this specific type of alert.
This guide explains why the package detection feature might be missing from your Somfy camera and shows you how to use other features to effectively monitor your deliveries.
Why Package Detection is a Special Feature
Package detection is not a simple motion alert. It requires sophisticated onboard or cloud-based AI software that has been trained to recognise the specific shapes, sizes, and appearance of parcels and boxes.
Here's why this feature is limited to certain models:
- Hardware Requirements: Analysing video in real-time to identify objects requires significant processing power. Only newer, more advanced camera models are equipped with the necessary processors to run these AI algorithms effectively without causing performance issues.
- Software and AI Development: Creating and maintaining an accurate AI detection model is a complex and ongoing process. Companies often reserve these premium features for their higher-tier products.
- Subscription-Based Feature: In many smart camera ecosystems, advanced detection types (like person, vehicle, or package detection) are part of a paid subscription plan. The free service tier may only include generic motion alerts.
Therefore, if you can't find a "Package Detection" toggle in your Somfy Protect app, it is almost certainly because your specific camera model or subscription level does not support this advanced feature.
How to Effectively Monitor Deliveries Without Package Detection
Even if your Somfy camera can't specifically identify a box, you can still configure it to reliably notify you of all delivery activity. The key is to optimise your motion detection settings.
1. Create a Custom Motion Zone
This is the most powerful tool at your disposal. An "Activity Zone" or "Detection Zone" allows you to tell the camera to only pay attention to motion within a specific area that you define.
- Open the Somfy Protect app and go to the Settings menu for your camera.
- Find the "Detection" or "Motion Detection" settings.
- Select the option to create or edit your detection area.
- Draw a precise zone that covers only your doorstep, porch, or the exact area where a delivery person would place a package.
- Exclude high-traffic areas. Make sure the zone does not include a busy pavement, road, or swaying trees, as this will prevent false alarms.
By doing this, you ensure that you will only receive a notification when there is movement in that very specific spot.
2. Adjust Motion Sensitivity
After setting up your zone, you may need to fine-tune the sensitivity.
- If you're getting too many alerts from small things like leaves blowing into the zone, decrease the sensitivity.
- If you find that it's missing some deliveries, increase the sensitivity.
Finding the right balance may require some testing, but it will result in highly accurate delivery alerts.
3. Review Your Notification Settings
Ensure that your general motion detection notifications are enabled in the Somfy Protect app and that your smartphone has granted the app permission to send you push notifications.
While your camera may not be able to send an alert that says "Package Detected," a well-configured motion zone will send you an immediate "Motion Detected" alert right as the delivery happens, which is just as effective at letting you know your parcel has arrived safely. Always check the official Somfy website for your camera's specifications to confirm its AI capabilities.