How does a Video Analytics clip get classified as other?
Video Analytics uses machine learning to classify each clip that is uploaded as a person, animal, vehicle. The classification happens in two phases. If the location of the object identified in each phase does not match, the clip is classified as other.
Clip classifications
| Detection scenario | Classification |
|---|---|
| The camera and Alarm.com both identify objects in the same location | Person, animal, or vehicle |
| The camera and Alarm.com both identify objects but in different locations, or only the camera identifies an object | Other |
Clip classification phases
Phase one - Detection by the camera
Video Analytics triggers an Alarm.com camera to record a clip. The camera identifies the object in the clip locally and uploads the clip along with information about the detected object to Alarm.com.
Phase two - Verification by the platform
Alarm.com receives the clip and identifies the object a second time independently from the camera.
If the camera and Alarm.com identify objects in the same location, the clip is classified as a person, animal, or vehicle. Otherwise, the clip is classified as other.
A clip is classified as other when
The camera and Alarm.com both identify objects but in different locations
- The camera records a clip and identifies an object on the left side of the field of view (e.g., the yard).
- Alarm.com receives the clip but does not identify any object on the left side of the field of view. Instead, Alarm.com identifies a car on the right side of the field of view (e.g, the driveway).
Because the camera and Alarm.com have each identified the object in different locations, the clip is classified as other.
Only the camera identifies a clip
- The camera records a clip and identifies an object on the left side of the field of view (e.g., the yard).
- Alarm.com receives the clip but does not identify any object in the clip at all.
Because the camera has identified an object but Alarm.com has not, the clip is classified as other.
Where to find clips classified as other
The first time a user receives a clip classified as other, a notice appears the next time they log in to the Customer Website. The notice tells the user they now have a clip classified as other and advises them to select the filter to view those clips going forward.
Clips classified as other are only available on the saved video pages on the Customer Website and app — they do not appear on other parts of the account (e.g., Highlights, the Home or Activity pages, etc.).
For more information about finding clips classified as other, see Configure a Video Analytics rule - View uploaded video clips.
Important: Clearing the browser's cache/data/cookies may remove saved filter preferences which would then need to be reselected.
Provide feedback about classifications
Customers using Video Analytics can let Alarm.com know whether the content captured in specific saved clips was useful or not by providing video feedback.
Sharing clips and feedback helps fine-tune Alarm.com's technology to benefit all Video Analytics customers by providing even more accurate and meaningful alerts. For more information about sharing clips see, Leave feedback on saved video clips.
Important: Only users in the United States, except Illinois and Texas, are able to leave video feedback/donate clips.
Reduce the number of clips classified as other
Most clips should be able to be categorized, but if it appears that there are too many clips being classified as other, verify that the camera's rule setup and physical position meets the recommendations for Video Analytics. For more information about the recommendations, see Video Analytics best practices.