Axis Package Detection Missing? A Troubleshooting Guide

Axis Package Detection Missing? Here's How to Fix It

Axis cameras are renowned for their powerful analytics capabilities, and package detection is a crucial feature for many users. If you've logged into your camera's interface and found that the option for package detection is missing, disabled, or not working, it can be a significant concern. This guide will walk you through the common reasons for this issue and provide a structured approach to troubleshooting and re-enabling the feature.

Unlike simpler consumer-grade cameras, Axis devices are professional tools that require proper licensing and configuration for advanced features to work. The problem is rarely a fault with the camera itself but rather a misconfiguration in one of several key areas.

Core Reasons for Missing Package Detection

Let's investigate the likely causes for why this valuable analytic is not available on your device.

1. Incompatible Camera Model or Firmware

Not every Axis camera supports every analytic feature.

• Model Support: Package detection is part of a sophisticated analytics suite (like AXIS Guard Suite) that requires a certain level of processing power. Older or more basic models may not support it.
• Outdated Firmware: The firmware is the camera's operating system. A newer version of the firmware might be required to run the latest version of the analytics package.

2. Missing or Inactive License

Advanced analytics on Axis cameras are typically licensed products.

• No License Installed: The camera may have been shipped without the necessary license for the analytics suite that includes package detection.
• Expired Trial License: Some cameras come with a 30 or 90-day trial license. If this has expired, the feature will be disabled.
• Incorrect License Key: The license key might be for a different feature or may have been entered incorrectly.

3. Analytic Application Not Installed or Running

The feature runs as a dedicated application on the camera.

• Application Not Loaded: The package detection ACAP (AXIS Camera Application Platform) application may not have been installed or may have been removed.
• Application Stopped: The application might be installed but is not currently running. It could have been manually stopped or may have crashed.

A Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Process

Follow these steps to systematically identify and resolve the issue.

Step 1: Verify Camera and Firmware Compatibility

1. Check Your Camera Model: Note the exact model number of your Axis camera.
2. Consult the Datasheet: Visit the Axis Communications website and find the product page for your model. Review the datasheet and technical specifications to confirm that it supports the required analytics application (e.g., AXIS Object Analytics or AXIS Guard Suite).
3. Check Firmware Version: Log in to the camera's web interface. Navigate to System > Plain Config. Select the 'System' group and look for the 'FirmwareVersion' parameter to see your current version.
4. Update Firmware: Go to the support section on the Axis website for your model and download the latest firmware file (.bin). In the camera interface, go to Device Settings > Maintenance > Firmware upgrade and follow the instructions to update your device. A firmware update often resolves compatibility issues.

Step 2: Check Licenses

1. Navigate to Licenses: In the camera's interface, go to Device Settings > Licenses.
2. Review Active Licenses: This page will show all active licenses on the camera. Look for a license corresponding to the analytics suite you need.
3. Activate License: If you have purchased a license key but haven't activated it, you will need to do so here. Ensure the camera has an internet connection to validate the key with Axis's servers.

Step 3: Manage the ACAP Application

1. Go to Apps: In the interface, navigate to the Apps tab.
2. Check for the Application: Look for the package detection or object analytics application in the list of installed apps.
3. Start the Application: If the application is listed but its status is 'Stopped', press the 'Start' button.
4. Install the Application: If the application is not listed, you will need to download it from the Axis website (it's usually bundled with the firmware or available as a separate .eap file). You can then use the 'Add app' button on this page to upload and install it.

Step 4: Configure the Detection

Once the application is running and licensed, you must configure it.

• Launch the App: From the 'Apps' page, launch the analytics application.
• Set Up a Profile: You will need to create a new profile for package detection.
• Define the Zone: The most critical step is to draw an 'include' zone on the screen, defining the precise area where you want the camera to detect packages. Without this, the analytic will not generate any events.

By methodically checking these four areas—compatibility, firmware, licensing, and application status—you can resolve almost any case of a missing package detection feature on your Axis camera.