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Configuring Face Recognition Detection Settings and Managing Face Profiles

Updated

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Affected Roles:    End Users, System Administrators

Applies To: DWC-MSDG08MW, DWC-MSDG08BW, DWC-MSBD08MW, DWC-MSTE08BW

Related DW Software:    COVA Web Client, Camera web page

Software Version:    COVA Rev. 1.4.8.90076

Last Edit:    November 2, 2026

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Resolution:

Face recognition settings and face profile management are configured through the camera's local web interface, accessible via the camera's IP address in a browser. This article covers enabling and tuning detection, configuring comparison settings, and managing the Allow List and Block List face profiles used for recognition.

Note: The camera's AI Analytics can only run in one mode at a time — either object analytics (line crossing, perimeter intrusion) or face recognition. Enabling face recognition disables object analytics and requires a camera reboot.

Part 1: Open Face Recognition Settings

  1. Navigate to the camera's local web interface by entering its IP address in a browser, or by clicking the Web link from myDW or COVA.
  2. Click Setup in the left panel.
  3. Under AI Event Options, click Face Recognition.

Part 2: Configure Detection Settings

The Detection Config tab controls whether face recognition is active and defines the detection zone and face size range.

  1. Click the Detection Config tab, then check Enable to activate face recognition.
  2. Optionally check Save Source to SD Card or Save Face Data to SD Card if local recording of events is required.
  3. Open the Alarm Duration dropdown and select the desired duration.
  4. Adjust the Minimum Detection Size slider to set the smallest face size (as a percentage of the frame) that will trigger detection.
  5. Adjust the Maximum Detection Size slider to set the largest face size that will trigger detection.
  6. Click Draw Area to define the detection zone by clicking on the camera view. Click Stop Draw when the area is complete. Click Clear to reset the zone.
  7. Click Save.
Tip: A smaller detection size range (e.g., 3%–35%) reduces false triggers from distant or partially visible faces. Adjust based on the camera's mounting height and expected subject distance.
 

Part 3: Configure Comparison Settings

The Comparison tab controls how face recognition matches detected faces against stored profiles.

  1. Click the Comparison tab.
  2. Enter a value in the Similarity Threshold field (range: 1–100). A higher value requires a closer match before triggering a recognition event.
  3. Check Push Unregistered Face Event to receive alerts when a face is detected that does not match any profile in the Allow or Block lists.
  4. Open the Interval of Detection dropdown and select how frequently detection events are generated for the same face.
  5. Configure any additional trigger options as needed (Trigger Audio Alarm, Trigger SD Card Snapshot, Trigger SD Card Recording, Trigger Email, Trigger FTP, Trigger Alarm Out1).
  6. Click Save.
Note: Audio alarm is enabled by default. Disabling audio via the video/audio settings will result in loss of audio alarm functionality.
 

Part 4: Manage Face Profiles

Face profiles are stored in Allow Lists (recognized, permitted individuals) and Block Lists (flagged individuals). Profiles must be added before face recognition can identify individuals by name.

  1. Click the Face Profile Management tab.
  2. Use the Block and Allow Lists dropdown, Gender filter, and Name search field to filter the profile list, then click Search.
  3. To add a single face profile: click Register, then click the Add Face icon to upload a face image (JPEG, 1KB–70KB, minimum 50×50 resolution, maximum 1280×720). Set the List Type (Allow list or Block list), Name, Gender, and an optional Remark, then click Save.
  4. To modify an existing profile: locate the profile and click Modify. Update fields as needed and click Save.
  5. To delete a profile: select the profile checkbox and click Delete. To delete multiple profiles at once, select all applicable checkboxes and click Batch Delete, then confirm.
Important: Deleting a profile removes all matched recognition history associated with it. This action cannot be undone.
 

Part 5: Batch Register Face Profiles

Use Batch Register to import multiple face profiles at once from a CSV file and associated image files.

  1. Click Batch Register.
  2. Click Example to download the CSV template. The required format is: (01) Name, (02) Gender, (03) List Type, (04) Remark, (05) Picture Name. Gender: 0 = Male, 1 = Female. List Type: 0 = Allow list, 1 = Block list.
  3. Complete the CSV file and place it in the same folder as the corresponding face image files.
  4. Click Browse, select the CSV file, then click Start to begin the import.
Tip: The CSV file and all image files must be in the same directory for batch import to succeed.
 

Part 6: Review the Face Log

The Face Log records all face detection events, including matched and unregistered detections, with snapshot images and comparison data.

  1. Click Data Record to open the Face Log.
  2. Set the Start Time and End Time for the search period, then click Search.
  3. Click any face detection result to view Comparison Information — including similarity score, snapshot time, face ID, profile name, list type, and remark.
  4. To add an unrecognized face to a profile from the log: open the detection result, click Add Face, set the List Type, Name, Gender, and optional Remark, then click Save. Click OK on the success message.
Face recognition is now configured. The camera will detect faces within the defined area, compare them against stored profiles, and trigger events based on the configured comparison and alarm settings.
 

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