So I thought I had this Webcam thing all worked. Had the software running properly, though a little overly sensitive to movement. Actually not movement so much as change of content. The software captures a reference image every so many seconds or minutes. After that it compares each subsequent frame for a difference. Images are saved to a predetermined target if they have a significant amount of change. You can set thresholds and sensitivity, but its a balancing act. The flickering shadows of tree leaves on the deck in the afternoon sun is pretty significant compared to a cat walking across the deck.
A further problem turned out to be maintaining a connection. For what ever reason, the webcam software won’t initiate a network connection if there isn’t a connection active. A real problem with cell phone type connections, as a tower may “go down” for any number of reasons. The software that I’ve been experimenting with is Yawcam, available for free download from the author. At this time I don’t believe there is any further development.
The final problem is more of a limitation of the hardware and setup. Most of the action in the field of view of the camera happens at night. There is a motion sensitive security light in the same area, but the illumination isn’t enough to trigger the software, on most occasions. The security camera has its on camera, which stores to a SD card that can be removed, so I know that the webcam is missing a lot.
A collection of still images. The individual appearing in a few of the frames is dropping off a flyer for a religious group famous for its door-to-door activities. Notice the vehicle.
