Webcam Surveillance?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Der Alta
  • 13 comments
  • 1,072 views
Der Alta

Der Alta

Official GTP Bouncer
Staff Emeritus
Messages
9,209
Messages
DerAlta
I'm hoping some of you might have a link or two for me.

The gym I go to has a problem with longtime members availing themselves to "free" stuff when the manager or trainers aren't looking. Nearly a case of Protein Drinks walked off over a week period. Also, waters and other things disappear.

So, in an effort to help out, I am doing a bit of research for the Owner. I'm trying to find and get recommendations for an inexpensive (Free?) software package for his web cam that can record images or short video of the area behind the counter. Currently the main computer sits behind the counter, and the Web cam is already attached for Member photos. So its just a matter of installing the software and making sure it functions easy enough for a caveman to use.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

No, it doesn't have to load up to the web or transmit pics anywhere. They'd be stored on the local machine and accessed from the local machine.
 
I just found out about Camstudio not too long ago.
I think it could be used for what you want it to be used for, Provided theres enough space on the computer to allow for massive files. I've recorded 20 minute clips that end up being 1 gigabyte. Its opensouce and free. And as long as the manager knows how to operate it it could be used for the purpose he needs. http://www.camstudio.org/
 
Conditionorange.com has a walk through for setting up Dorgem, provided still shots, as opposed to true video, is acceptable - bonus - images keep the storage size down.

Edit: I haven't compared the two sets of instructions, but instructables.com has a walk through, too.
 
I had a Creative webcam a few years ago that came with software that enabled you to record video when the webcam detected movement. The good thing is that it didn't do anything when there was no movement.

I can't recall what the program was called though...
 
For the price, this is an excellent system. I have installed a couple of these already. I have 6 camera's on one system and 3 camera's on another. The cameras feed video back to a PC from the 120v circuit so a video cable doesn't need to be installed. The base system supports 4 cameras.

Logitech recently bought them out but they are still going by the same Wilife name.

I can offer further information if you need it. Not sure if they want a completely "Free" solution, but a case of protein disappearing could have paid for a base system.

http://www.wilife.com/Default.aspx
 
Last edited:
I picked up a Logitech Quick Cam Express (~$20) and have downloaded the Dogrem software. Haven't had a chance to test it out yet though.

I'm hoping to give it a run this afternoon but the honeydew list is long. When I get this up and running, I'll post up thoughts and actions about it.

Thanks all for your input.
 
Theres some microsoft powertoy that was made that takes a photo through the webcam at regular intervals which you can set, just search for microsoft powertoys and choose the obvious one from the list (i cant remember what its called) I'm not sure however if it can be set up properly to use it the way you want to.
 
Microsoft Powertoy timershot.

Thanks Risei! its exactly what I was looking for. I'm having difficutly with it loading to the web, but thats a problem I can work on later.

For now, it is perfect. I can set the interval, and its really simple to use.

Thanks!
 
I just wanted to update you all on this. The webcam has been in operation for about a week now, and the owner has caught two people already. He's quite happy about it, as the two that he busted were people that he had previously told to stay out. Now that he has prooof, he just pulled them aside, and asked them if theyd abided by the rules. They denied having done wrong, and the owner then handed them a picture of them behind the desk.

Thanks guys for helping me out.
 
Great job in lending a helping hand to a place that you appriciate, We need more people like this today...

Also, my Creative webcam does this, but I set it to Motion Detect. The only thing is I regularly get pictures of my dog running around my bedroom rather then my little siblings stealing my stuff...
 
The owner of the Gym is getting less happy about the results of the webcam. He's realizing that far more people were abusing the rules than he had inclined. I got to the gym last night and he was sitting outside with a rough look on his face. One his really good friends/workout buddy was helping himself to more than just the use of a weight belt or a water. He was making Protein shakes for himself and not cleaning the Blender afterwards. Just rinsed it out and set it back. Not good in a place that has be inspected by the Health Dept. as it does serve "prepared food".

The guy had been a member since the gym had opened.

The owner was thinking yesterday he'd almost not like to have installed the cam, as he's finding out about alot of stuff that goes on behind his back.

That's the problem with running a business. Your friends think its OK to get some "perks" for being your friend.
 
He should put up a sign that states explicitly that any violation of this nature is considered theft and will result in whatever form of strict punishment he choose (revoked membership? legal action?) and have a huge heading that says "Video Surveillance" at the top.

This is assuming the webcam is in a place that makes it very difficult to tamper with. If it isn't, even without a sign, I suggest finding a way to do that. As he begins cracking down on this stuff the more stubborn members may try to disable or block the camera.

Hopefully the situation with his friend can be resolved with a small conversation.
 

Latest Posts

Back