Introduction
This quick guide discusses the Beam Break functionality available on the Irisys Vector units and how to configure it.
Note that this register type
A full understanding of the below settings is essential in order to ensure high accuracy that the Vector 4D devices are capable of.
Counting Settings
Once you are connected to your Vector, the Counting settings are accessed via the ‘Settings’ tab, then ‘Counting’:
If connected to a Vector via an Estate Manager connection, make sure you select the ‘Live View’ option to make changes
Group Counting Notes
Vector devices provide two methods of providing a group counting metric. The ‘Beam Break’ register type (which was also available in older Gazelle devices) was the original group counting method. In more recent firmware versions, the ‘Smart Boundary’ register type was integrated which has a number of configurable features that the beam break method of counting groups does not have. The additional configuration options make smart boundary the more accurate method of counting groups and is hence the recommended choice going forward.
Configuration Pre-requisites
A Beam Break Register requires an existing basic count line to be present. The count line must be configured with the Immediate count mode.
There are normally two basic count line registers present by default, but if they have been deleted, or you want to use a different line/line position, go ahead and add a new basic count line register before continuing.
Operation
At a basic level, the Beam Break register uses a Basic Count line register and adds a timing element in order to increment a separate register.
The Beam Break register will see the line crossings from the basic count line, but will not increment after the initial line crossing if subsequent line crossing are within a configurable timer after the preceding one.
For example, if the Beam Break Delay timer is set to 1.5 seconds, and four people walk in together, and cross the line within 1 second of each other, only the first person will be generate a count increment. This results in the four people being counted as one group.
Note that a group is 4 or less, so if five people all walk in together, this will result in a minimum of two count increments, and possibly more if they are further apart than the Beam Break delay timer.
It is important to note that what constitutes a group of people to an observer may not be interpreted the same when only the Beam Break Timer is used.
Note that the underlying Basic Counting Line register will always count individuals.