> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pads4.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 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:

1. Click **+ New** in the **Overview** section.
2. Select the **Sensor type** (e.g., Camera, Sensor Management Software).
3. Choose the **specific model or software type**.
4. (Optional) Add a **description** and **location** for easy identification.
5. 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**

1. Click **+ New** in the **Area** section.
2. Assign a **name** to the Area.
3. (Optional) Provide a **description**.
4. Select one or more **Sensors** to include.
   * Sensors **can be assigned to multiple Areas** if necessary.
5. 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**.