Summary: You'll need some tools to get yourself started, but it is possible to use a webcam as a motion detector and security monitor.
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I just read about a guy who caught a burglar in his house by having his webcam turn on when it detected motion, and having it take pictures and email the pictures somewhere. How can i set this up myself? |
The email part is a little unusual, but webcams are inexpensive these days and so is the software to monitor them. Several software packages support motion detection as well as publishing the results in different ways.
Let's review the pieces you need.
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First, of course, you need a webcam. That's nothing more than a video camera attached to your computer. Many digital video cameras, for example, can be used as webcams. More realistically, webcams from popular manufacturers like Logitech are not only inexpensive, but often come complete with the drivers and software required to do everything you need.
Once you have a webcam, the next step is software. Most will actually come with software that will allow you some sort of webcam functionality, but possibly not motion detection. It's often an option - the default might be the more common behavior of taking a picture every so many seconds. Look for options under surveillance or motion detection to see if the accompanying software has this feature. If it does, you're almost done.
If not, there are some very good packages out there. One I've used in the past is ISpy. A quick search also turns up WebCam Monitor - while I've not used this product, it promises to do pretty much everything you might want. In fact, quick search for "webcam motion detection software" turns up many possibilities. If you're on a budget, "free webcam motion detection software" also has several hits, but I'm always very cautious downloading so-called "free" software.
Finally, there's what to do with the motion captured images. Realize, of course, that your computer needs to be on and connected to the internet in order for you to be able to view your web cam remotely. The most common approach is to have the webcam take a snapshot every few seconds and automatically upload that to a website. With motion detection involved, the cam might only upload the snapshot if, or when, motion has been detected. You would then simply visit the website periodically to see what your cam's been looking at. (If you don't already have a website of your own, check with your ISP. You may already have space available from them that you can use for things like this.)
The scenario mentioned in the original question is an interesting one: once motion is detected, take a snapshot and immediately email them to you. Not all webcam software supports this, so make sure to check for the feature as you evaluate what package to use. The aforementioned WebCam Monitor, for example, lists email as one of its options.
All in all, using a webcam for some simple surveillance is fairly inexpensive, quite possible, and quite popular.
Related:
Article C2284 - February 17, 2005
Good program, I am using it to monitor my daughter while she is sleeping!
Posted by: Sam at August 22, 2008 2:30 AMFor me best and simplest motion detector software is from this site http://noeld.com/programs.asp?cat=video#mdetect
Posted by: smarkies at September 4, 2008 7:55 AMwith a File Size: 187 KB ZIP file
excellent ! I looked and looked and everything i downloaded got uninstalled immediatly till i got the one above by noel. Exactly as smarkies said "best and simplest motion detector software". It recods and save any motion in a video file and stops recording as soon as motion is stopped. so even if there are 100 clips after a day of motion detecting you end up with one video file with all events on it. Super simple to use. I had it working in seconds and totally figured it out in about 2 minutes. Fantastic, thanks !!!
Posted by: dale at February 17, 2009 9:21 PMAs to mt review above, forget what i said. I have nothing against paying for software if i like it, but this fake freeware doesn't tell you that it is limited to 1 hour then shuts off. I had it all set up for a day when i suspected something would happen and when i checked my PC later that day it has a message sayi ng it stopped after 1 hour because the app hasn't been registerd. (payed for) Well, i would have bought it because i loved the simplicity and it did just what i needed. But i wouldn't pay a cent for it now because the lie about it being freeware ruined a chance for me to catch someone who i supected in the act. I suggest those who write software be up front about it. Don't call it freeware if it is not, and make it obvious that if it's limited you have to register it. I will look elsewhere for another motion detection amp. this guy lost my business. I HATE shareware disguised as freeware,. Don't even use the word "freeware" if it's not !!!!!
Posted by: dalw at February 18, 2009 9:02 PMDear Sir,
i am using Boss linux in which i am developing application in Java (JMF) using Netbeans 6.5
Posted by: Yagnesh at February 28, 2009 10:03 AMfor Motion Detection through webcam of logitech quickcam connect model.
(clone reference of camorama tool which u have developed).
my jar files are compiled successfully but my device is not being detected programmatically even if the webcam is detected through terminal.
i have sent my code and screenshot of error.
i have much less of the time as i have to submit my work on monday. so please try to solve my error or else guide me.
waiting for ur kind responsive reply asap.
OS: BOSS and Fedora10
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Thanks & Best Regards,
Yagnesh Vyas
INDIA
I purchased a Logitech webcam, connected it to my Ubuntu 8.10 server. I downloaded the MOTION pkg and had it recording and saving pictures in about half an hour. A link between my jpg's and web server allows me to see what is recorded from any internet access computer. ...Denis
Posted by: Delight at March 23, 2009 5:13 AMHere is a list of all popular applications that turn your PC to motion detection system. http://www.ugolog.com/pages/25-applications-to-turn-your-webcam-into-home-security-system
Posted by: samtel at March 31, 2009 9:46 PMhow do i get sound 4 my logitech motion detector 1.0.0.0 please help
Posted by: ianbarber at May 4, 2009 1:32 AMYou can also try 'RiseSun'. It's not bad but doesn't allow web access. Also, it seems to have a memory flaw whereas in that it's not completely out of the memory when you close the program.
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Video/Other-VIDEO-Tools/Rise-Sun.shtml
Posted by: Bob at September 7, 2009 11:48 AMWe just got laptops from our school with web cams on them. Does that mean that they could be recording everything we do on the web cams? I haven't done anything inappropriate but that's a little much isn't it?
Posted by: Dylan at September 20, 2009 9:08 AM