The use of video cameras is one of the most effective methods of protecting city apartments, suburban private estates and production facilities. Modern technologies allow us to organize this process in various ways, differing in the set of tools used and the cost of their acquisition. The cheapest option is video surveillance via a webcam.
Component systems
To equip the simplest complex of video surveillance from a web camera, the following components are required:
- the webcam itself (sometimes they are put a few pieces), which now can be purchased very cheaply;
- a working personal computer (PC) or laptop to which it connects;
- drivers for the device and software that allows you to organize surveillance on the video channel;
- A USB adapter that allows the use of a video camera at a remote distance (via the Internet, for example).
When using several such devices, an additional connector for an appropriate number of inputs is required.
How to turn a webcam into a surveillance device
To conduct daily hidden video surveillance through a laptop camera, you can use any model of a classic webcam, in which most often there is an audio channel. In this case, you can see the picture and listen to what happens in the controlled area. At a relatively low cost, this approach is characterized by increased functionality.
Special software
Webcams, unlike special video surveillance tools, do not have features such as responding to movements or sending notifications by e-mail. To expand their functionality, you will need specialized software designed specifically for such devices. Installing such applications on a personal computer or laptop will allow:
- use webcams connected to them to transmit sound and images online (taking into account the capabilities of the Internet);
- configure the basic parameters for recording video and audio information;
- to ensure the safe operation of the used technical means.
In the domestic market there are many programs designed specifically for home monitoring. Among them, Webcam XP, Globoss and AbelCam deserve special attention.
Webcam XP is a free utility through which it is possible to implement video surveillance through a single camera. Despite the fact that the interface is English-speaking, understanding it is not very difficult. The paid version provides the ability to configure motion recordings. In order to save memory, the function of viewing the image on other devices is not provided in this program.
Globoss - This is a multifunctional program that also supports working with IP video surveillance cameras. In the free version of this application, only 2 pieces are allowed, and when purchasing a paid version, 12 units can be used. The program allows you to work with a complete set of components, including acoustic sensors and motion sensors. The system provides the ability to remotely broadcast video images through a webcam.
application Abelcam In addition to viewing the image from the video surveillance object, it is able to edit saved files.Its disadvantage is the admissibility of using only one camera, although in most cases this functionality is enough. The program is designed to connect a motion sensor and supports all known types of video surveillance devices.
Advantages and disadvantages of webcam surveillance
The advantages of using webcams as technical components that allow you to organize video surveillance through a laptop:
- the comparative cheapness of the arrangement of the complex;
- ease of installation and maintenance of video cameras;
- the ability to expand the system and organize monitoring directly via the Internet;
- the presence of an audio channel in some samples of webcams;
- minimum applied technical means.
The disadvantages of video surveillance through a webcam are manifested in the low quality of the image transmitted along the image path and in the need to install a special adapter for communication with the DVR. Devices are limited in use - it is not recommended to install them on the street. This is explained by a low level of protection from climatic conditions and manifestations of vandalism.
System installation and setup
Cameras are mounted above the door at the entrance of a residential building or in a place that is invisible to outsiders. To connect it to a PC and then configure the broadcast, you will need to do the following:
- Connect the cable from the camera to the USB input of a laptop or personal computer.
- Install the main and additional software.
- Programmatically configure the broadcast on the local communication line.
The adjustment procedures also include the establishment of remote video surveillance.
Organization of remote monitoring
Often, just recording video from the camera to a PC or laptop disk with the subsequent ability to view it is not enough. Many users prefer to view what is happening in a controlled space online. Thus, they plan to make an IP camera from a webcam.
Properly organized remote video surveillance provides the following features:
- access to the webcam and viewing what is happening through any recording devices;
- recording archival information to the developer's server with further selective viewing via the Internet - thanks to this, it is possible to save on the occupied space in the user equipment;
- remote listening and sound recording.
Direct connection over the Internet will allow you to configure the system for sending alarm notifications to a mobile phone or to the user's electronic mailbox. The latter are transmitted when the picture is changed or if a background noise is detected against the general background.
Application area
It is possible to use webcams for video surveillance at a wide variety of facilities, including production facilities, indoor trading floors, museums and offices of organizations. Most often, these devices are used in everyday life, where with their help the control of the following zones is organized:
- access doors of multi-unit urban buildings;
- protected areas of country houses and summer cottages;
- entry areas in front of the central gate and garage;
- emergency entrances (gates), always available in large out-of-town farms.
To expand the scope of the cameras allow the capabilities of the Skype service. With its help, it is possible to quickly obtain information from the object of interest to the user. To implement this function, you will need to work out the issue of automatically connecting remote equipment with subsequent configuration and control.
