topic Re: Privacy masking in Features

Privacy masking

choruslive — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 02:07:18 GMT

Is it possible to do a privacy masking for the motion control feature. So that I can define an area (mask a zone) which will not trigger any recording even if there is a motion (supposing a curtain or fan).

Please suggest.

Re: Privacy masking

Hula_Rock — Thu, 21 May 2015 17:11:00 GMT

It does not have that feature. Maybe its in the works in the near future.

Re: Privacy masking

Schorschi — Thu, 28 May 2015 15:47:24 GMT

choruslive wrote:
Hi
Is it possible to do a privacy masking for the motion control feature. So that I can define an area (mask a zone) which will not trigger any recording even if there is a motion (supposing a curtain or fan).

The motion detection on the Arlo system is utilizing an infrared sensor that is outside of the camera's lens embedded in the front panel of the camera.

So, unless Netgear design and market new hardware for the Arlo system, it will be technically impossible to implement zone-detection in your existing Arlo gear like you described above. In other words, even a firmware update some time in the future wouldn't be able to provide your desired functionality, since it's technically impossible to do so.

But, even a moving curtain or fan should not trigger motion events since they don't emit infrared light by themselves. Human and (most) animal bodies do, for instance; or the sun. Only, if the fan and curtain were to reflect infrared light (and were moving, of course) could they trigger an Arlo camera. So, you should position your cameras such that reflections of IR light on moving objects are avoided when those objects must be in the field of view of an Arlo camera.

The advantage of an infrared sensor is, that in most cases, (most) moving (non-living) objects will not trigger a motion detection event in an Arlo camera. So, you could place a camera such that bushes or trees are in the field of view. Even when windy, the moving branches and leaves should not trigger a motion event, since these objects don't emit infrared light.

Re: Privacy masking

Hula_Rock — Thu, 28 May 2015 16:08:11 GMT

"The advantage of an infrared sensor is, that in most cases, (most) moving (non-living) objects will not trigger a motion detection event in an Arlo camera. So, you could place a camera such that bushes or trees are in the field of view. Even when windy, the moving branches and leaves should not trigger a motion event, since these objects don't emit infrared light."

I have ENDLESS video captures that proves this wrong......

Re: Privacy masking

TomMac — Thu, 28 May 2015 16:45:45 GMT

I would think its more of a reflection of IR

Re: Privacy masking

jguerdat — Thu, 28 May 2015 17:18:24 GMT

TomMac wrote:
I would think its more of a reflection of IR

Yup, exactly. I have a camera that gets all sorts of reflected IR in the afternoon, triggering videos. Doesn't happen often at any other time. I'm trying out a new mount location...

Re: Privacy masking

Hula_Rock — Thu, 28 May 2015 19:12:35 GMT

So am I safe to "Assume" that moving braches DO in fact set off Motion alerts?

Arlo and Moving tree branches video

The camera which recorded this video is more sensitive to tree branches moving than a human walking from the street > onto the driveway > to the frnt door.

Re: Privacy masking

TomMac — Thu, 28 May 2015 19:39:40 GMT

The sun is a great source of IR... be it direct or reflected.

If the sun is reflected off objects ( like leaves ) , yes it can set off a trigger event. It could also be as simple as the sun moving across the sky and refection is enough to trigger the sensor. ( btw, pretty bright driveway can reflect sometimes )

Re: Privacy masking

StuBee — Sun, 31 May 2015 20:49:14 GMT

choruslive wrote:
Is it possible to do a privacy masking for the motion control feature. So that I can define an area (mask a zone) which will not trigger any recording even if there is a motion (supposing a curtain or fan).
Please suggest.
SD

I may have had success trying this.....I put a short wide tube (maybe an 1.5 inches long) around the black ball on the Arlo. I believe this limits the motion sensor to a more central area of vision (ie looking through the tube), thus ignoring the plant I have that sways in the wind to the side.
The good part of this is that although it limits the field of motion, it still records the entire area...since you are not limiting the Lens..just the motion sensor.

I can post a pic if interested.

Re: Privacy masking

T9001 — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 00:03:23 GMT

I can post a pic if interested.

Late reply, but a pic would be useful if you have one!