iPhone Motion Detection Surveillance System Setup

Creating a Home CCTV System with Motion Detection and iPhone Alerts

For those residing in areas with heightened security concerns, establishing a home CCTV surveillance system capable of sending alerts to an iPhone upon detecting movement is a worthwhile endeavor.

Leveraging an always-on home server for this purpose offers a robust solution. While achieving optimal functionality necessitates the installation of several free software components, the process isn't overly complex.

Software Requirements and Setup

Be prepared to dedicate some time to downloading and configuring the necessary software. The setup, though involving multiple steps, is straightforward and doesn't require advanced technical expertise.

It’s important to note that alternative, simpler methods exist. For example, a technique discussed in 2007 involved utilizing Skype for surveillance.

Limitations of Alternative Methods

However, it's crucial to understand that the Skype-based approach lacks the crucial feature of motion detection. This means it won't automatically notify you of activity, requiring constant manual monitoring.

Therefore, for a truly automated and responsive system, the server-based solution with motion detection capabilities remains the preferred option.

Benefits of a Dedicated System

Real-time Alerts: Receive immediate notifications on your iPhone when motion is detected.
Continuous Recording: Maintain a constant record of activity around your property.
Remote Access: View live footage and recorded events from anywhere with an internet connection.

While the initial setup may seem daunting, the peace of mind and enhanced security provided by a dedicated CCTV system are significant advantages.

Essential Requirements

To proceed, a consistently powered Windows computer is necessary. This guide focuses specifically on the Windows operating system, though equivalent software may exist for Linux or macOS – please share any discoveries in the comments.

A functioning webcam with installed drivers is also required. A PS3 EyeCam is recommended due to its balance of quality and affordability, but any compatible webcam will suffice.

Additional Hardware

If the webcam will be positioned outdoors, a mounting bracket and USB extension cable will be needed. These ensure secure placement and sufficient reach.

Software Installation

The following software components are crucial for this project:

YawCam software – a review by Mark is available for reference.
Java Runtime Environment – this is a prerequisite for YawCam.
Microsoft .NET Framework v.2 or a later version.
Growl for Windows – used for desktop notifications.
Boxcar App for iPhone notifications, requiring a free account.
Boxcar Growl Plugin – facilitates communication between Growl and Boxcar.

Ensure all software is downloaded and installed correctly before continuing. Proper installation of these components is vital for the system to function as intended.

The YawCam software is central to the operation, leveraging the webcam's feed. The Java Runtime Environment provides the necessary platform for YawCam to execute.

Growl for Windows and the Boxcar App, combined with the Boxcar Growl Plugin, enable real-time alerts to be sent to your iPhone, enhancing the system's responsiveness.

Setting Up Yawcam and Verifying Webcam Functionality

For users intending to utilize the PS3Eye camera, it is necessary to install the CLEye drivers, which can be obtained from the designated source, prior to enabling camera functionality within Windows. Additionally, the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) must be downloaded from Java.com before proceeding with Yawcam installation.

When Yawcam is initiated for the first time, the appropriate camera device should be selected through the Settings -> Device -> Change To option. Successful selection will result in a live preview being displayed in the Yawcam window, confirming webcam operation.

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Initiating the Streaming Function

To begin utilizing the streaming feature, simply activate it by pressing the enable button located on the primary interface.

Following this, navigate to Settings -> Edit Settings to access the configuration options.

Locating Your Stream URL

Within the settings menu, select Connection -> What's my URL? from the left-hand navigation panel.

This action will direct you to a webpage displaying both your internal network and public internet addresses for accessing the webcam stream.

The application is designed to automatically configure your router for optimal performance.

However, manual port forwarding may be necessary in certain network configurations; detailed instructions can be found within the integrated help guide.

Port forwarding ensures consistent connectivity to your stream.

Successful setup allows remote access to your webcam stream.

Configuring Motion Detection

Initiate motion detection by selecting the Enable Motion button within the primary interface. Access the dedicated motion detection panel through the Window menu. The preview display will highlight areas of detected movement in blue.

However, external factors like wind-blown trees can trigger false positives when the camera is focused on outdoor scenes. A solution to this is to refine the motion detection area to a specific zone, such as a patio set, rather than the entire visual field.

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The automated detection feature provides a good starting point for adjusting tolerance and sensitivity. Alternatively, manual calibration, potentially assisted by others, can yield more precise results. Enabling the "show image" option is also beneficial during this process.

The blue bar positioned below the image represents the detection threshold. The green bar above it rises in response to detected movement. A motion event is triggered when the green bar surpasses the level of the blue bar.

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After verifying accurate detection within the event view, configure the system to either save captured images or emit an audible alert for testing purposes. The system successfully identified an individual in my garden, as shown below!

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Setting Up Growl for Windows Notifications

To establish notifications across your devices, the initial step involves installing Growl for Windows. Following this, Growl applications must be installed on each device you wish to receive these notifications on. This guide will demonstrate the configuration process for an iPhone using Boxcar, though the principles apply to other devices as well.

For YawCam to function correctly with Growl for Windows, locate the growlnotify.exe file within your Growl installation directory using My Computer. Subsequently, move this executable to the root of your C: drive. Leaving it in the default location can sometimes cause operational issues.

Return to YawCam’s motion detection settings. Activate the Run .exe action and configure its parameters. The required command is as follows:

c:/growlnotifier.exe "Motion detected" /cu:"http://178.34.54.09:8081"

Ensure you replace the IP address at the end of the command with the URL you previously used to access the video stream.

Upon successful configuration, a Growl notification should appear in the lower-right corner of your screen each time motion is detected. If the URL is correct, clicking this notification will direct your web browser to the live stream page, allowing you to view the detected activity.

The next phase will focus on connecting this system to an iPhone, enabling mobile alerts.

Setting Up Boxcar Growl and Creating an Account

Begin by visiting boxcar.io and registering for a complimentary account. Boxcar functions as a versatile, no-cost notification service, previously detailed, and will be utilized specifically for its Growl capabilities in this setup.

Ensure Growl notifications are activated through the boxcar.io website. Prior to proceeding, download the iPhone application and log in to your account.

The subsequent step involves installing the Growl Plugin to establish a connection between the two platforms.

Alternative notification methods to other devices are available, as demonstrated in a prior tutorial. A Mac OS X version of Boxcar is also accessible.

To activate the notification process, launch the Growl for Windows application. Navigate to the Network settings. Enable the Forward Notifications to Other Devices option and select the green + button.

BoxCar should appear in the list of available options at the bottom. Avoid selecting "iPhone," as this is intended for the paid application, Prowl.

Configure the notifier using your account credentials to finalize the setup.

Creating a Quick Launch Icon for Your Video Stream

Currently, forwarding the stream URL directly to your notifications upon motion detection isn't possible. However, the developers at boxcar.io have indicated they are actively addressing this limitation.

As a temporary solution, accessing your video stream via your iPhone and establishing a quick launch icon on your homescreen provides convenient access when motion is identified.

To create this icon, navigate to your video stream within Safari and select the share button, represented by a plus (+) symbol, located at the bottom of the screen.

Stream Access Simplified

With this quick launch icon in place, responding to motion detection notifications becomes significantly easier.

Simply tap the newly created icon on your homescreen to instantly view the live stream and assess the situation.

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Final Thoughts

Achieving a fully functional setup required considerable adjustment, so persistence is key. Should you encounter any difficulties, please share them in the comments section, and I will endeavor to provide assistance.

While Growl notifications are utilized in this example, numerous alternative methods exist, such as direct file saving or email alerts. Furthermore, Growl offers a wide range of customization options for those interested in exploring its full potential!