Vehicle detection identifies the presence or movement of vehicles using video analytics, radar, inductive loops or infrared sensors. It is used at gates, drive-throughs, parking areas and perimeters to trigger recording, open a barrier or count traffic without a person watching continuously.
Detection tuned for people often fails for vehicles, and the reverse. Speed, headlights and the metal body of a car change what a sensor sees.
Choosing a sensor type
Inductive loops are reliable and require cutting the pavement, radar handles weather and speed, and video analytics adds classification but depends on mounting angle and light. Each fails in its own way.
Setting it up
Keep cameras away from headlight glare and draw detection zones on the roadway rather than the sidewalk. Test at night and in rain, because those conditions expose a weak configuration faster than daylight traffic.
Related:Glossary: License plate recognitionCommercial security camera systems