1. A user interface for counting objects in images captured by a video camera comprising: at least one display capable of displaying video image data captured by the camera; a user interface configured to enable a user to define a region along which objects are to be counted, said region including a surface having spaced two-dimensional shapes or design, an object being counted if the object substantially blocks a portion of the spaced two-dimensional shapes or design as the object crosses between the surface and the video camera; and at least one display capable of displaying a number of the counted objects crossing the region.