I’m starting to think that one of the most important camera features is missing from Vera. Scene triggering involving cameras right now requires a motion detector of some kind. Most cameras have built in motion detection software. If it was possible to provide broader support for camera motion detection as a trigger, it would open the doors to much greater security sophistication.
So far, my searching seems to indicate that only four consumer grade WiFi cameras support motion detection triggering within Vera;
VistaCam Classic, VistaCam PT, Foscam FI8918W, Apexis APM-J011-WS
Consider a few scenarios;
Outdoor rated cameras, where their motion detection software is able to influence external lighting, VeraAlerts, other notifications, etc. Currently for this interaction, you’d need a motion detector outside as well.
Interaction with alarm systems. Although one couldn’t make a camera act as an alarm zone, it could be set on notification only when an alarm is armed… This simplifies notification routines, as who actually lives on strict schedules for such things? Currently the internal camera motion detection options usually provide hard schedules for it’s use. Why not have the camera ‘armed’ for action, along with the alarm system?
Integration with security / professional grade camera systems. Most of the newer ones are straight IP. This means Power over Ethernet based cameras, being recorded by some NVR or NAS style computer systems. Their alarms, and motion detection routines are usually exposed such that NVR or NAS computers can take advantage of the camera’s features. There is often nothing stopping the Vera to take advantage of the live feed simultaneously to the NVR/NAS.
The difficulty I suspect is that plugins are needed as a result of these cameras likely all working differently. I wonder whether or not the easier way to go is to simply add a routine to the Vera UI where the Vera discriminates the data feed, and conducts it’s own motion detection. This would standardize support for the feature, and significantly expand the possibilities for camera systems.
I also wonder whether or not the Vera has the horsepower for this idea. If not, plugins might be the only way to go, and that means a massive haul of work on the part of the community. That would probably make this a non-starter.
Forgive my musings. I just feel that without this feature, a major aspect of camera integration is missing.
