Struggling with Yi Camera Vehicle Detection?
The vehicle detection feature on Yi and Yi Kami home security cameras is a powerful tool designed to provide you with specific, relevant alerts. However, when it fails to work as expected—either missing cars entirely or sending false alarms—it can undermine your sense of security. If your Yi camera's vehicle detection isn't performing reliably, you've come to the right place.
This guide will walk you through the common causes of vehicle detection failure and provide a clear, step-by-step process to troubleshoot and fine-tune your camera's settings for accurate and dependable performance.
Why Vehicle Detection Might Be Failing
Artificial intelligence (AI) detection is a complex process, and its accuracy can be affected by various factors. Here are the most common reasons your Yi camera is struggling:
1. Poor Camera Placement and Angle
If the camera is positioned too high, too low, or at a sharp angle, it may not get a clear view of the vehicle's shape, preventing the AI from identifying it correctly.
2. Incorrect In-App Settings
The feature might be disabled, the detection sensitivity could be set too low, or the activity zone may not be configured to cover the area where vehicles appear.
3. Obstructions and Environmental Factors
Objects like tree branches, fences, or even heavy rain can partially block the camera's view. Additionally, lens flare from the sun or glare from streetlights at night can interfere with the AI's ability to analyse the scene.
4. Outdated Firmware or App Version
Performance improvements and bug fixes for the detection algorithms are regularly released through firmware and app updates. Running an older version can lead to suboptimal performance.
How to Fix and Optimise Vehicle Detection
Follow these instructions to resolve the issue and improve detection accuracy.
### Step 1: Optimise Camera Positioning
The physical placement of your camera is the most critical factor for accurate AI detection.
- Height: Mount your camera between 7 and 10 feet (2-3 metres) from the ground. Mounting it too low can lead to obstructions, while mounting it too high can make vehicles appear too small for the AI to recognise.
- Angle: Angle the camera downwards so it has a clear, unobstructed view of the driveway, street, or area you want to monitor. Avoid pointing it directly at the horizon.
- Clean the Lens: Use a soft, microfibre cloth to clean the camera lens. A smudged or dirty lens can significantly impair the AI's performance.
### Step 2: Configure Settings in the Yi Home App
Fine-tuning the software settings is the next crucial step.
- Enable Smart Detection: Open the Yi Home app, select your camera, and go to Settings. Find the Smart Detection or AI Detection menu and ensure that Vehicle Detection is toggled on.
- Adjust Sensitivity: Within the detection settings, you will find a sensitivity slider (e.g., Low, Medium, High). If you are missing events, try increasing the sensitivity. If you are getting false alarms, decrease it.
- Set an Activity Zone: Use the Activity Zone feature to draw a specific area on the screen where you want the camera to look for vehicles. This is highly effective for ignoring irrelevant movement on a busy pavement or neighbouring property.
### Step 3: Update Everything
Ensure both your camera's firmware and your mobile app are up to date.
- Update the Yi Home App: Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and check for any available updates for the Yi Home app.
- Update Camera Firmware: In the app, navigate to your camera's Settings and look for a Firmware Update option. Install any available updates to ensure you have the latest detection algorithms.
### Step 4: Reduce Environmental Interference
Minimise factors that could be confusing the camera's AI.
- Check for Obstructions: Trim any tree branches or bushes that might be moving in the wind and partially obscuring the detection zone.
- Manage Lighting: If strong sunlight or headlights are pointing directly into the lens, it can cause glare. If possible, adjust the camera's angle to minimise this. For night-time issues, ensure the area is reasonably well-lit by the camera's infrared LEDs or external lighting.
By carefully working through these steps, you can significantly improve the accuracy of your Yi camera's vehicle detection and start receiving the alerts that truly matter.