One camera, multiple scenarios: how detection zones work in Watcher
Cameras often capture mixed-use areas — like a checkpoint where both a road and a pedestrian path are in view. On the left, you might need to recognize license plates; on the right, count foot traffic. Instead of installing two separate cameras for two tasks, you can simply configure detection zones in Watcher.
Detection zones let you assign different types of analytics to specific areas within the camera’s field of view. Set up one zone for license plate recognition, and another for counting people. This improves accuracy and reduces false alerts.
Here are just a few ways you can use detection zones:
- Crowd monitoring. If your camera covers a large open area, highlight a seating or rest zone to track how many people gather there.
- Access control. In a lobby or hallway, create zones at entry and exit points to monitor staff movement in and out of secured areas like warehouses or offices.
- Parking enforcement. Keep an eye on your designated parking spots and get alerted when unauthorized vehicles occupy them.
How to set up detection zones
Open the camera settings and click “Set up detection zone”.
Press “+” to draw a zone by placing dots on the image and closing the shape.
Choose the type of analytics for the zone and give it a name. Add more zones as needed, assigning a different analytics type to each one.
Try detection zones today and take full control of what your cameras see — and how they respond.
FAQ
What happens when only a part of an object (like the edge of a car or a person) enters a detection zone?
Watcher will still recognize the entire object. This smart extension ensures better reliability and ease of use, especially in busy or overlapping zones.
Who can use this feature?
Make sure your system has full analytics capabilities enabled. Once active, simply draw the zones directly in the interface — no extra hardware required.