PTZ auto tracking
The PTZ camera automatically follows targets of the selected type and keeps them in the center of the image.
PTZ auto tracking turns a moving camera into an automatic operator. When a target of the type you choose, such as a person or vehicle, is seen, ProVife picks the largest visible target, starts tracking and moves the camera on the pan and tilt axes to keep the target in the center of the image. When the target is near the center, the camera holds steady without jitter. If the target is not seen for the set time, the camera returns to the selected home position. When an operator controls the camera manually, tracking pauses briefly and control stays with the operator. It is suited to large parking lots, port yards, factory grounds and perimeter security.
How it works
On the PTZ camera, create a PTZ auto tracking scenario and draw the area to track.
Select the detection object: person, vehicle or a specific type.
Set the tracking speed; raise it for fast targets and lower it if jitter occurs.
Select one of the presets read from the camera as the home position and enter the return-to-home time.
ProVife continuously steers the camera to keep the target in the center of the image.
If the target is not seen for the return-to-home time, the camera returns to the home position.
Settings
| Detection object | The type of target to track. |
|---|---|
| Tracking speed | The maximum speed at which the camera turns while centering the target. |
| Home position | The preset to return to when the target is lost. |
| Return-to-home time | The time to wait before returning to the home position when the target is not seen. |
| Area | The zone where tracking starts. |
What it produces
- PTZ auto tracking event (analytics.ptz.tracking): target type and image when tracking starts.
- A TRACKING label over the tracked target in live video.
- Number of targets seen in the tracking area.
- Tracking events listed on the AI Playback screen; clicking an event opens the recording at that moment.
What you can do with the event
- Showing the camera in a pop-up window at the monitoring center when tracking starts.
- Sending the target’s image to a WhatsApp group.
- Turning on floodlights on site via a smart relay during tracking.
- Reporting the start of tracking via MQTT to central monitoring software.
Where it is used
Ports
A person entering the container yard is tracked in close-up and recorded.
Parking lot
A person roaming an open parking lot at night is followed automatically by the camera.
Energy
On large sites such as solar power plants, targets approaching the perimeter are tracked.
Factories
A vehicle moving in the yard after hours is followed by the camera.
Camera placement
- Mount the PTZ camera on a tall pole from which it can see the entire area.
- Set the home position to see the most likely point of entry at a wide angle.
- Draw the tracking area so it leaves out roads and neighboring lots.
- Use it together with fixed cameras so the overall view is not lost during tracking.