A periphery band is around an excluded region. For automatically counting physical objects within the periphery band and the excluded region, an imaging sensor captures: a first image of the periphery band and the excluded region; and a second image of the periphery band and the excluded region. In response to the first image, a first number is counted of physical objects within the periphery band and the excluded region. Relevant motion is automatically detected within the periphery band, while ignoring motion within the excluded region. In response to the second image, a second number is counted of physical objects within the periphery band and the excluded region. In response to determining that a discrepancy exists between the detected relevant motion and the second number, the discrepancy is handled.