Sensors
The Sensors feature in PADS4 allows you to integrate cameras, camera management software, and other devices that generate real-time data. This data can be used within PADS4 to trigger incidents or create rules that affect digital signage presentations.
Certified Sensors
Some sensors, particularly cameras, can provide audience measurement and facial perception data, including:
- Number of people detected
- Age group estimation
- Gender identification
- Facial attributes (e.g., presence of a beard)
- Whether a person is wearing a face mask
The available features depend on the sensor model. Some devices require third-party software for integration. For a list of supported devices, check the Certified Sensor page.
This sensor data can be used in PADS4 to trigger incidents and apply rules inside presentations based on real-time information.
Overview of Sensors in PADS4
The Overview section displays all added Sensors. A green indicator next to a sensor means that PADS4 has a successful connection.
Adding a New Sensor
To add a sensor, follow these steps:
- Click + New in the Overview section.
- Select the Sensor type (e.g., Camera, Sensor Management Software).
- Choose the specific model or software type.
- (Optional) Add a description and location for easy identification.
- Provide the hostname and credentials to allow PADS4 to connect to the sensor.
Using Areas to Group Sensors
An Area is a physical or logical grouping of multiple sensors. This is useful when combining multiple people-counting cameras to track total visitor numbers across multiple entry points.
Creating a New Area
- Click + New in the Area section.
- Assign a name to the Area.
- (Optional) Provide a description.
- Select one or more Sensors to include.
- Sensors can be assigned to multiple Areas if necessary.
- Define Incident Rules for the Area.
- When a rule condition is met, an incident is generated in the PADS4 CTRL Center.
Configuring Incident Rules for Sensors
Incident rules allow automated detection of specific conditions and trigger alerts. These rules can be applied to Areas to enhance security, compliance, or operational efficiency.
Available Incident Rules
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| No Facemask | If the camera supports facemask detection, an incident is created when someone without a mask is detected. |
| Maximum People Count | Triggers an incident if the number of people in an Area exceeds the defined limit. |
| Maximum Temperature | Triggers an incident if the detected body temperature exceeds a specified threshold. |
| Milestone Alarms | Allows integration with the Milestone video management system to trigger incidents based on predefined camera conditions. |
Important Notes:
- Ensure that temperature values match the unit settings (Celsius or Fahrenheit) of the camera.
- For Milestone alarms, define the alarm name in PADS4 to match the one used in Milestone.
Incidents in PADS4
Incidents detected by sensors are managed in the PADS4 CTRL Center. For more details, refer to the How to Use Incidents page.
Using Sensor Data in PADS4 Designer
PADS4 allows sensor data integration into digital signage presentations. Available options include:
- Event-based triggers from cameras with detailed facial recognition.
- Area-level data aggregation from multiple sensors.
- Incident-based triggers for dynamic content adjustments.
By utilizing sensor data, you can create responsive, real-time digital signage experiences based on actual environmental conditions.