Subscriber Discussion

Auto-Tracking Possibilities From Your Experience Please

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Richard Brady
Mar 27, 2017

 

I am familiar with Axis' Digital Auto-tracking from a fixed Lens sensor on specific mega-pixel camera lines "P" for example.

I guess the term Mechanical Auto-tracking applies to a similar function using a PTZ camera.  I'm interested in this solution, where the PTZ is config'd to a default or 'home' view (the gate entrance for this example) where I want the camera to zoom-in and follow the object as it approaches the camera and continue to follow the object zooming as necessary when the object turns right and eventually disappears about 350' away, at which time the camera returns to the 'home' view

This is an add-on to a Milestone platform.

 

Your recommendations are appreciated. Note: Functionality, durability, ease of deployment are favored over cost.

Thank you in advance 

MM
Michael Miller
Mar 27, 2017

Will there be single or multiple people in the area?  If there is only going to be one person at a time auto tracking will work.  If you have multiple people in the area the camera isn't going to know which person to track. 

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Richard Brady
Mar 28, 2017

Yes I understand.  There "should be" just a single target.  I'm sure on occasion there might be multiple targets but this will b e seldom at best.  

SR
Samuel Rodgers
Mar 27, 2017

In my experience it can be programmed through the camera (regardless of VMS). I've used the axis digital autotracking for fixed domes, that seems to work better for multiple people since it's always "watching" the larger wide angle view and will automatically zoom out when it detects multiple objects.

For PTZ auto tracking, if there are multiple objects at a time as stated by Michael, it will have a hard time since it typically won't get that overview angle. I've only tested it never used in a live environment since most of our PTZs are in crowded areas so not much use. 

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Richard Brady
Mar 28, 2017

Thanks Samuel,  You know the solution I'm requesting info. about is not essential.  My client loves his system, appreciates and embraces technology and cost is not a factor.  I am merely trying to expand his tools so he has more toys to play with and brag about.

 
In an effort to keep things simple, effective and user friendly, I think an Axis fixed lens with Digital Auto Tracking at the entry and the turn plus a motorized zoom for the straight run is ample in this situation.
 
I guess I was expecting this discussion to yield a well known solution that I hadn't heard about in terms of Mechanical Auto-tracking on a PTZ.
It seems like that solution isn't as clear cut as I expected.
 
Thank you for your input.
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Bob Kusche
Mar 27, 2017

I have a big dog in this fight (www.SpotterRF.com). It is solid-state fixed (not spinning) radar that can track up to 30 simultaneous moving objects and direct multiple PTZs to lock on and track them. We have an optional integration to Milestone that won us the "Integration of the Year" award at their recent annual conference.

For a peek at how it works, go to:

   https://youtu.be/7cLZh_1Qvhs

   https://youtu.be/1BHY7iePHh4

I've never seen a better auto-tracking solution. Objectively speaking, of course!

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Richard Brady
Mar 28, 2017
Thanks Bob.  Yes overkill, but an interesting product all the same.  
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Brandon Knutson
Mar 28, 2017
IPVMU Certified

I used a 2MP Hikvision Darkfighter PTZ for a year doing exactly what you are asking about, all configured within the GUI of the camera.

It's nighttime "Home" position was the gateless entry of a large parking lot, using a crossline detection analytic. When something crossed the line, the camera would zoom in and track the subject for a couple hundred feet, then return to the Home position. For this application I prefer using a PTZ with it's optical zoom to using digital zooming which pixelates the image. The camera's scheduled daytime Home position was a view that gave a shot of the parking lot. A 

If deploying something like this today I'd use a Hanwha XNP-6370RH .

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