Unmasking threats: introducing Superior MotionCam AM (PhOD) Jeweller

Vacant property and public spaces are prime targets for vandalism, theft, and other malicious activities. Traditional motion detectors may fall short in securing such areas. With this challenge in mind, Ajax Systems has developed Superior MotionCam AM (PhOD) Jeweller, which debuted at Ajax Special Event: Multiverse.

This new wireless motion detector is already available for order. It features an advanced optical system, lightning-fast photo verification, and a strengthened anti-masking system, providing robust protection for property with a higher risk of sabotage. Let’s explore how this detector meets the challenging security needs of vacant property.

From market needs to security solutions

Market landscape and preconditions

The security market has seen a significant shift in demand, particularly in regions such as Spain, where vacant property faces the risk of occupation by squatters. Institut Cerdà reports that over 78,000 families live in illegally occupied real estate as of 2023. Securing vacant property comes with unique challenges, such as unpredictable protection periods, the need for quick setup and relocation, and a high risk of tampering or masking. These facilities require reliable, battery-powered wireless solutions that can be quickly installed, relocated, and removed as needed. At the same time, such solutions will provide enhanced sabotage protection with a minimum number of devices installed on site.

Meeting new challenges

Ajax motion detector product group has grown to meet diverse security needs. At Ajax Special Event: Multiverse, the company introduced several new detectors, namely Curtain Outdoor Jeweller for perimeter protection, MotionCam Outdoor HighMount (PhOD) Jeweller offering flexible installation at height, and Superior MotionCam HD (PhOD) Jeweller for HD photo verification.

While anti-masking systems were previously available for outdoor detectors, market demand for this feature has also risen in indoor models. Superior MotionCam AM (PhOD) Jeweller addresses these arising needs by combining photo verification with enhanced anti-sabotage features. The new detector is specifically engineered for:

• vacant property requiring temporary but robust protection, 
• сommercial spaces requiring advanced security, 
• public facilities with high intrusion risks,
• any indoor spaces where enhanced anti-sabotage measures are critical.

Unlike traditional motion detectors, this new device does not have the Pet immunity feature. However, this is not an issue for vacant property and public spaces where such functionality is unnecessary. Instead, the detector offers advanced capabilities such as a reduced blind zone¹ and detection² of a crawling person to counter common bypass techniques. What other innovations make this detector stand out? Let’s take a closer look.

Core features and technologies

Advanced photo verification

When every second counts, a single image can help make the difference between a costly false alarm and a real threat. Superior MotionCam AM (PhOD) Jeweller enhances visual verification with two new features: automatic photo capture during masking attempts and tamper alarms. This brings the detector’s photo verification capabilities to six types:

• Photo by alarm: photos are instantly taken when movement is detected
• Photo by schedule: automated monitoring at set intervals
• Photo by scenario: photos are taken when a specific device alarm is activated in the system
• Photo on demand: remote visual verification whenever needed
• Photo by tamper alarm: photos are taken if someone attempts to remove the device from the mounting panel or tear it off the surface
• Photo by masking: photos are taken automatically if a masking attempt is detected

If someone tries to mask the detector, the system sends an alarm and provides visual evidence of the sabotage attempt. Monitoring company operators can assess whether it’s a real threat or just a harmless trigger, such as a spider, and ensure an accurate and quick response. The same applies to tamper alarms. Operators can immediately verify if someone is trying to remove or damage the detector.

The detector provides exceptional image clarity with its new optical system and CMOS sensor, HD³ resolution, and advanced HDR technology, which balances exposure in challenging lighting conditions. Installers can configure the photo resolution up to 960×720 pixels³ via Ajax apps.

Superior MotionCam AM (PhOD) Jeweller takes 1 to 3 images per event (or up to 5 if 640×480 resolution is set), providing a dynamic view of the on-site situation. The camera’s wide-angle optics extend beyond the movement detection zone, capturing incidents even if they briefly occur at the edge of the range.

While primarily designed for vacant property and public spaces, the device maintains GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance and provides flexible privacy settings to adapt to various use cases.

Enhanced motion detection system

The optical system of Superior MotionCam AM (PhOD) Jeweller is optimized for highly accurate detection. With a PIR sensor and Fresnel lens, the detector captures thermal radiation patterns, distinguishing human movement from thermal interference. The lens is segmented to focus on different areas. Upper sections detect an adult’s head and torso, while lower sections capture movement close to the ground, identifying crawling² intruders at a distance of 6.56 feet. The new optics minimize blind spots directly below the detector at a distance¹ of 2.6 feet, enabling it to respond quickly to low-level movement.

The detector provides four sensitivity levels (low, normal, high, and very high) to ensure precise detection and adaptation to different environments and reduce the likelihood of false alarms. The SmartDetect software, combined with temperature compensation, filters out non-human alarms by analyzing thousands of thermal patterns. The algorithm dynamically adjusts to ambient temperature to maintain the contrast of thermal signatures, ensuring reliable detection across a wide temperature range. Sensitivity can be remotely adjusted through Ajax apps, which makes real-time optimization simple and efficient.

Anti-masking technology

When it comes to protecting property, intruders often attempt to sabotage security systems before breaking in. For instance, some potential burglars pose as buyers during property viewings, distract the real estate agent, and mask the detector’s lens. This is a tactic that many systems struggle to prevent.

Superior MotionCam AM (PhOD) Jeweller features an advanced anti-masking system that stays active even when the system is disarmed. The system detects various sabotage attempts, such as:

• Applicating stickers or tape
• Covering the lens with paint 
• Blocking the detector’s view
• Covering the lens with semi-transparent material, for example, a plastic bottle.

If the detector is compromised, whether by masking the lens or changing its viewing angle during property showing, it immediately activates a masking alarm, takes a photo, and notifies both the security company and property owners.

Superior MotionCam AM (PhOD) Jeweller offers three sensitivity levels for masking detection (low, normal, and high), enabling security professionals to adapt the system to specific conditions while minimizing false alarms.

Advanced sabotage protection

In addition to the advanced anti-masking system, Superior MotionCam AM (PhOD) Jeweller provides vast anti-sabotage measures to ensure maximum security. If someone attempts to dismantle or detach the device, the built-in tamper immediately notifies users and security personnel of the incident. At the same time, the detector will take a photo to confirm the event. Additionally, the detector is securely attached to the SmartBracket mounting panel with a screw, which ensures stable installation.

All data is protected by block encryption featuring a dynamic key, which makes unauthorized access virtually impossible. The system performs regular authentication checks and maintains constant communication with the hub, detecting connection loss within 36 seconds⁶. Real-time notifications provide precise information about all incidents and device states.

Watch the full unveiling and product details in our Ajax Special Event: Multiverse video on YouTube.

Additional features

Stable performance in heat and cold 

Superior MotionCam AM (PhOD) Jeweller is designed for reliable, long-term performance in various environments. Enhanced pre-installed batteries provide up to 4 years⁴ of uninterrupted device operation and help reduce maintenance costs.

The detector operates reliably in the temperature range from 14 °F to 104 °F, which makes it suitable for public sites and unheated vacant property. The wide temperature range has minimal impact on battery life, so the detector operates reliably year-round.

Reliable communication

The device communicates with the hub through Ajax proprietary protocols, namely Jeweller and TurboWings. Jeweller transmits alarms, events, and all sensor readings, while TurboWings⁵ transmits photos and doubles the transfer speed. With TurboWings, the photo delivery time is reduced from 9 to 4.5 seconds⁷, which enhances the response time during security events.

This dual-protocol system ensures reliable data delivery even in challenging conditions, with automatic backup transmission after any connection restoration.

Easy installation and setup

Superior MotionCam AM (PhOD) Jeweller is easy to install and configure. The device comes with the SmartBracket mounting panel for quick wall installation without disassembling the detector.

Integration into the Ajax ecosystem is equally simple. To pair the device with the hub, just scan the QR code via an Ajax app. The system supports remote configuration, which eliminates the need for on-site visits.

Learn more about Superior MotionCam AM (PhOD) Jeweller: