Webcam watched: how it works, advantages, characteristics

With the help of a web camera video surveillance equip in their own home or office. To do this, select the correct hardware, install software and configure your system. Consider how to choose a web camera to track and organize IP-surveillance that should be taken into account and what problems arise in the process.

How does a webcam to track

It works on the same principle as digital camcorders and cameras. Base - embedded analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts a digital input from the analog sensor signals into digital code and produces further color formatting.

Today, it spreads IP-Surveillance, which is in the data transfer of the image from the camera to a PC via Wi-Fi signal.

Video equipment has functional differences from webcams in the image HD-resolution, but the basis remains the same:

• data transfer directly to the computer without recording on the matrix web-cam;
• work in real time;
• HD-resolution images;
• data recording means of specific software, if desired;
• monitoring the image with the computer device, having open access to the data.

In the case of special devices for tracking ip-install additional router recorder with the function Wi-Fi, through which data is exchanged between the camera and the computer.

But the result is the same: the image from the device (or devices) to the PC online, allowing you to monitor the location. The same principle works and monitoring via a standard web-cam, connected via USB-port or Wi-Fi.

In both cases, the use of cloud storage to have access to view recordings or broadcasts with different ip-addresses and devices. This web-store, access to which is open on the basis of a personal account, the volume of data is traditionally limited and depends on the status: paid or free registration.

Manufacturers for ip-tracking hardware and software to take advantage of a specialized offer cloud video storage, but in the case of self-tuning, but their choice is restricted.

The basis for the creation of video surveillance:

• a computer;
• Webcam;
• special software;
• uninterrupted power supply unit;
• access to the Internet.

The overall scheme of observation: web-cam connected to the computer, set the special program registration data, cloud storage is connected and everything is password protected.

Important note: do the selection and setting of the rules of tracking device, so that the image retained image clarity, covered a wide viewing angle, which is important to correctly place the camera in room.

Turn a standard webcam into a means of IP-Surveillance is possible by means of special programs and additional device properties. Consider the example of how to choose a web-camera for tracking.

Advantages and disadvantages

Basis tracking organization - the right choice of device. We recommend to give preference to high-resolution camera picture, pay attention to the speed and type of data transfer.
There are two types of devices:

• transmission of digital code via USB-module;
• a wireless connection using a WI-Fi technology.

USB-camera. This standard devices at low price range, are connected via cable to the computer device. Among the models have a basic SD and HD-quality images with enhanced functionality (lighting, shooting in a dark room, the motion indicator, etc.).

This priority for tracking, m. K. Detail image depends on recognition on the recording offenders.

• Features: With HD-resolution of problems may arise at the stage of video settings in the free program, which set limits on the quality of the image.
• Advantage: The price range for USB-model is much lower than on wireless;
• disadvantages: Restriction of freedom of the camera location is literally tied a cable to the computer.

Wi-Fi web-cam. Price range cameras - above average. On the other hand, it can be positioned in an apartment or office, within the reach of Wi-Fi waves. Lineup is divided into two categories: for standard use and for ip-tracking.

The second variant is characterized by additional features: built-in motion sensors, infrared night vision mode for tracking the use of the camera without any additional software.

The second name of subspecies - network camera, due to the IP-addresses of the personal device, to which open access encryption keys. Connected network webcam on a local network, by analogy with the peripheral. Windows and iOS will automatically recognize the camera, only Linux driver set separately.

Image resolution has traditionally meets the HD parameters. Specialized models are available for installation on the outside: protected against impact, water penetration, and ultraviolet light.

• Features: Required to connect Wi-Fi technology in the computer;
• Benefits: The location of the camera is not tied to the computer's location, ip-model does not require additional software and drivers;
• disadvantages: The cost is higher than that of the wire models.

Consider the example of what the camera functionality is necessary for the organization of monitoring via PC.

Features Web camera for tracking

• sensor Resolution. It affects the image quality, so important in the registration image data. Dependence is: the more, the more detailed the image sharper fine details visible, face and text. Minimum our case - 680h480 VGA, with a clear image of it, and the load on the computer's memory is not hinders the work. With an increase in the CPU load PC slowed down, if the data transfer rate over the Internet no more than 20 MB / s, it is necessary to limit this permission. PC with 2GB of RAM, two processor cores and are more suited for connection web-cam c High Definition resolution 1280x720 (HD 720p abbreviation) and above. You can pick up and higher, but the requirements for the computer system parameters increase. This detailed video quality, contrast, allows you to see on the record fine text and details of a person's appearance.
• Wi-Fi-connection. Camera with remote installation for covert surveillance: they are mounted at the room with wide viewing angle, not striking and traditionally work in the resolution starting from 720p.
• Personal IP-address. Simple installation and monitoring of the premises.
• Night Vision mode. All standard models work in the traditional ISO range (sensitivity) and does not recognize the image in the dark. infrared sensor built into the camera detects objects without additional lighting for night surveillance. Alternative: purchase ordinary webcam with integrated lighting or arrange additional LED lighting in the room.
• The number of frames per second. The indicator is referred to as the FPS, the more it is a numerical value, the better the video quality. The lowest figure in our case - 40.
• Motion Sensor. It is present in the IP-wise models for tracking. It allows a PC to serve not only the video recorder but also an alarm system in combination with the software installed.
• The sensitivity matrix. The higher it is, the lower the coverage of the camera will remain active and useful, continuing to withdraw. Pay attention to when choosing a figure LUX, give preference to models with the highest levels.
• universal mounting. Choose a model with a comfortable and durable fasteners that will attach the device to your computer, furniture, wall or ceiling, put on a flat surface.
• The "fish-eye". BEAMS view in 3600, it allows you to record all the corners of the room.
• uninterruptible power supply device. Using a standard web cam, you need to work around the clock to ensure your PC without disruptions. Breaking in the room can cut communications, including electricity. UPS will allow to register breaking and send data from the camera to the cloud storage server.

How to use

For competent settings, use the installation algorithm:

• Define the monitoring area in the room. Highlight milestones safe, cash, working space and the like. Position the camera so that you can view all the zones simultaneously.
• Connect the camera to a computer or to the registrar, depending on its type.
• If you connect a device via a cable, the length should not exceed 300 m., Or loss of data and noise is inevitable.
• Perform initial configuration of drivers and software, if necessary.
• Adjust power, in this case, connect your PC to an uninterruptible power supply.
• Check interent connection.
• Using a standard web camera, set on a PC dedicated software for video surveillance.
• Adjust the sensitivity, the number of frames per second color profile, resolution, and additional functionality (motion sensor, infrared radiation).
• Connect cloud service video recording data.
• Check the image quality and speed of information transmission.

Pay attention to the viewing angle and the lighting in the room. With a lack of provide additional light sources, we recommend to use LED bulbs saving power consumption.

Compare species

• Standard web-cam connected via USB-port are shown in lower price ranges. Consume less power and do not depend on other sources of supply as a battery. Disadvantage - the restriction of location.
• Model with wi-fi mobile module, operate within a radius of network coverage, does not require additional software to connect. Presented in resolution over 720p: detailed picture, contrast and bright. Disadvantage - the need for additional instruments such as the router and the registrar.
• IP-cam designed for tracking different additional functionality like night vision, motion sensor and direct connection to the server cloud storage. Control the order in the room at night: when connected to a dedicated software warning system gets home alarm.

Problems

A typical problem of video through a standard web camera - power supply. When you turn off the computer and ends the session.

The second problem is low image quality. The complexity lies in the inherent manufacturer settings and data computer. For trouble-free operation suitable PC with 2GB of RAM and two processor cores. The above data, the less interference in operation.

The third problem: data hacking. Create accounts in certified programs, IP-models are available with built-in data encryption.