Package Alerts are part of our Awareness service, which requires a paid subscription and is available exclusively on battery-powered camera models. Plug-in (always-powered) cameras do not support this feature, even with a subscription.
This feature uses advanced AI to notify you whenever a package is detected within your camera's field of view. With real-time notifications, you can check the status of a package directly from your notification bar.
Setting up Package Alerts
- Go to "Camera Settings".
- Select "Notification Settings".
- Scroll down to the "Classification".
- Toggle "Package" on or off.
Once enabled, tap "Package Detection" to access the User Guide for optimizing accuracy. Below, you can customize notifications for specific package activities:
- A new package seems to be delivered
- A package seems to be taken away
- A package is delivered
Each option has an on/off toggle, allowing you to choose which package events to be notified about.
Optimizing Package Detection
- Camera Position and Distance
Place your camera at a height of about 8 feet (2.5 meters) and angle it to clearly view the package area. Keep the distance between the camera and the package location within 10 feet (3 meters) for optimal detection.
Tip: After moving or recharging the camera, double-check that it still accurately captures the package area.
- Camera View
Ensure the package area is unobstructed and clearly visible in the camera's view. Detection may be reduced in low-light conditions or at night, so rely primarily on daytime or well-lit results.
- Select Package in Notification Settings
In "Notification Settings" > "Classification", select "Package" to enable alerts. To improve accuracy, go to "Notification Settings" > "Activity Zone" and define the detection area on-screen, aligning it with the spot where packages are typically placed.
Tip: For reliable detection, packages should be at least 8 x 10 x 1 inches (20 x 25 x 2.5 cm) in size; smaller items may not be detected as effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't my camera always detect packages?
Package detection relies on advanced algorithms and may occasionally have a lower detection rate due to various factors. Here are some common reasons:
- Low Light Conditions: Detection accuracy decreases significantly at night or in dim lighting.
- Irregular Package Shapes: Unusually shaped packages may be harder to recognize.
- Shadows and Interlaced Lighting: Mixed lighting, especially at night, can reduce detection accuracy.
- Distance Issues: If the package is too close or too far from the camera, detection may be impacted.
- Prolonged Package Presence: If a package remains in view for a long time, detection may be less reliable. To ensure continuous accuracy, consider retrieving packages soon after receiving notifications.
What types of packages can be detected?
Package Detection works best with standard box shapes and sizes. For reliable detection, packages should be at least 8 x 10 x 1 inches (20 x 25 x 2.5 cm). Irregular shapes or very small packages may not be consistently detected.
How do I enable or disable Package Alerts?
To enable or disable Package Alerts, go to "Camera Settings" > "Notification Settings". Scroll down to "Classification", select "Package", and use the toggle to turn it on or off.
Why are Package Alerts only available on battery-powered cameras?
The Package Alerts feature is optimized for battery-powered models due to their specific field and motion capabilities. Plug-in (continuous-powered) cameras do not support this feature, even with a subscription.
What are Package Alerts?
Package Alerts are push notifications you receive when your camera detects an object that, through AI analysis, is identified as a package. When a package is recognized within the camera's field of view, a Package Alert is sent to keep you informed.
What should I do if Package Alert isn't working consistently?
Check that your camera is positioned correctly, with a clear view of the package area, and that Activity Zone is set to the intended package location. Ensure lighting is sufficient, especially at night, and confirm that the package meets the minimum size requirements.