diff --git a/configs/K1-L1.yaml b/configs/K1-L1.yaml
index 14671b0..ccf1ea0 100644
--- a/configs/K1-L1.yaml
+++ b/configs/K1-L1.yaml
@@ -1,14 +1,15 @@
 batch:
-  root_dir: ../VIDEOS/cycle7/K1-L1
-  camera_glob: '*cam{num}_*.mp4'
+  root_dir: "../VIDEOS/cycle7/K1-L1"
+  camera_glob: "*cam{num}_*.mp4"
   output_subdir: output
   compress_max_mb: 200
   delete_intermediate: false
   checkpoint_every_n_frames: 3000
   location: K1-L1
   db_path: db/chicken_counts.db
-  cycle_start_date: '2026-05-22'
-  execution_mode: parallel_processes
+  cycle_start_date: "2026-05-22"   #day 0
+  execution_mode: parallel_processes # parallel_processes (default) | tensor_batching | hybrid
+
 stages:
   early_cycle:
     day_min: 0
@@ -17,25 +18,23 @@ stages:
       conf: 0.1
       min_box_area_px: 100
     roi:
-      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1
+      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1 # 0.25
   mid_cycle:
     day_min: 16
     day_max: 999
+
 defaults:
   detection:
-    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine
-    classes:
-    - 0
-    ignored_classes:
-    - 1
-    - 2
-    conf: 0.4
+    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine # TensorRT engine (RTX 5070)
+    classes: [0]
+    ignored_classes: [1, 2]
+    conf: 0.40               # mild lift vs 0.35; 0.55 was undercounting
     iou: 0.55
     imgsz: 640
-    device: '0'
+    device: "0"
     min_box_area_px: 3000
     validate_while_inside: true
-    dedupe_radius_px: 0
+    dedupe_radius_px: 0      # off for CC1/CC4; CC2/CC3 enable below
     dedupe_frames: 12
   detection_zone:
     enabled: true
@@ -48,9 +47,7 @@ defaults:
     track_buffer: 90
   gate:
     mode: two_line
-    lines_y:
-    - 420
-    - 730
+    lines_y: [420, 730]
     direction: bottom_to_up
   motion:
     enabled: true
@@ -60,9 +57,9 @@ defaults:
     reverse_enter_threshold: -1.5
     reverse_exit_threshold: -0.5
     debounce_frames: 12
-    min_features: 40
-    max_corners: 50
-    stride_frames: 3
+    min_features: 40         # ↓ 60 → less optical flow computation
+    max_corners: 50          # ↓ 80 → fewer corner featuresis 
+    stride_frames: 3         # ↑ 2 → motion detection every 3rd frame
     flow_scale: 0.5
     quality_level: 0.01
     min_distance: 8
@@ -71,116 +68,84 @@ defaults:
     show_boxes: true
     show_track_trails: false
     trail_length: 20
-    show_center_marker: false
+    show_center_marker: false  # ✗ → save 1 circle per chicken
     show_track_ring: false
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     inside_box_only: true
-    validated_only: true
+    validated_only: true       # NEW → only draw counted chickens
     pending_blink: true
     pending_colors:
-    - - 255
-      - 255
-      - 0
-    - - 0
-      - 255
-      - 255
+      - [255, 255, 0]
+      - [0, 255, 255]
   display:
     show_window: false
     encoder: auto
-    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000
-    codec_preference:
-    - avc1
-    - mp4v
-    - H264
+    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000  # ↓ 4000 → faster encoding
+    codec_preference: [avc1, mp4v, H264]
   performance:
     half: false
     overlay_buffer_reuse: true
     inference_stride: 2
   stream:
-    enabled: true
+    enabled: true             # required for dashboard live feed
     shm_dir: /dev/shm
     interval_frames: 5
   feedback:
     enabled: true
     every_n_frames: 3000
-    save_images: false
+    save_images: false         # ✗ → disable checkpoint JPEG I/O spikes
     log_to_terminal: true
   roi:
     inset_left_px: 60
     inset_right_px: 60
     inset_top_px: 0
     inset_bottom_px: 0
-    min_overlap_ratio: 0.3
+    min_overlap_ratio: 0.30
+
 cameras:
   CC1:
     camera_num: 1
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     detection:
       min_box_area_px: 2500
       conf: 0.35
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 250
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 720
-      - - 250
-        - 720
+        - [250, 330]
+        - [1650, 330]
+        - [1650, 720]
+        - [250, 720]
   CC2:
     camera_num: 2
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
-      conf: 0.5
+      conf: 0.5                # From 0.45
       dedupe_radius_px: 32
-      dedupe_frames: 24
+      dedupe_frames: 24       # From 18
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 380]
+        - [1880, 380]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC3:
     camera_num: 3
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
       dedupe_radius_px: 24
-      dedupe_frames: 16
+      dedupe_frames: 16   # From 12
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 330]
+        - [1880, 330]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC4:
     camera_num: 4
-    count_anchor:
-    - 700
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [700, 120]
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 50
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 720
-      - - 50
-        - 720
+        - [50, 330]
+        - [1450, 330]
+        - [1450, 720]
+        - [50, 720]
diff --git a/configs/K1-L2.yaml b/configs/K1-L2.yaml
index 0bf636e..68049de 100644
--- a/configs/K1-L2.yaml
+++ b/configs/K1-L2.yaml
@@ -1,14 +1,15 @@
 batch:
-  root_dir: ../VIDEOS/cycle7/K1-L2
-  camera_glob: '*cam{num}_*.mp4'
+  root_dir: "../VIDEOS/cycle7/K1-L2"
+  camera_glob: "*cam{num}_*.mp4"
   output_subdir: output
   compress_max_mb: 200
   delete_intermediate: false
   checkpoint_every_n_frames: 3000
   location: K1-L2
   db_path: db/chicken_counts.db
-  cycle_start_date: '2026-05-22'
-  execution_mode: parallel_processes
+  cycle_start_date: "2026-05-22"   #day 0
+  execution_mode: parallel_processes # parallel_processes (default) | tensor_batching | hybrid
+
 stages:
   early_cycle:
     day_min: 0
@@ -17,25 +18,23 @@ stages:
       conf: 0.1
       min_box_area_px: 100
     roi:
-      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1
+      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1 # 0.25
   mid_cycle:
     day_min: 16
     day_max: 999
+
 defaults:
   detection:
-    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine
-    classes:
-    - 0
-    ignored_classes:
-    - 1
-    - 2
-    conf: 0.4
+    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine # TensorRT engine (RTX 5070)
+    classes: [0]
+    ignored_classes: [1, 2]
+    conf: 0.40               # mild lift vs 0.35; 0.55 was undercounting
     iou: 0.55
     imgsz: 640
-    device: '0'
+    device: "0"
     min_box_area_px: 3000
     validate_while_inside: true
-    dedupe_radius_px: 0
+    dedupe_radius_px: 0      # off for CC1/CC4; CC2/CC3 enable below
     dedupe_frames: 12
   detection_zone:
     enabled: true
@@ -48,9 +47,7 @@ defaults:
     track_buffer: 90
   gate:
     mode: two_line
-    lines_y:
-    - 420
-    - 730
+    lines_y: [420, 730]
     direction: bottom_to_up
   motion:
     enabled: true
@@ -60,9 +57,9 @@ defaults:
     reverse_enter_threshold: -1.5
     reverse_exit_threshold: -0.5
     debounce_frames: 12
-    min_features: 40
-    max_corners: 50
-    stride_frames: 3
+    min_features: 40         # ↓ 60 → less optical flow computation
+    max_corners: 50          # ↓ 80 → fewer corner featuresis 
+    stride_frames: 3         # ↑ 2 → motion detection every 3rd frame
     flow_scale: 0.5
     quality_level: 0.01
     min_distance: 8
@@ -71,116 +68,84 @@ defaults:
     show_boxes: true
     show_track_trails: false
     trail_length: 20
-    show_center_marker: false
+    show_center_marker: false  # ✗ → save 1 circle per chicken
     show_track_ring: false
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     inside_box_only: true
-    validated_only: true
+    validated_only: true       # NEW → only draw counted chickens
     pending_blink: true
     pending_colors:
-    - - 255
-      - 255
-      - 0
-    - - 0
-      - 255
-      - 255
+      - [255, 255, 0]
+      - [0, 255, 255]
   display:
     show_window: false
     encoder: auto
-    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000
-    codec_preference:
-    - avc1
-    - mp4v
-    - H264
+    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000  # ↓ 4000 → faster encoding
+    codec_preference: [avc1, mp4v, H264]
   performance:
     half: false
     overlay_buffer_reuse: true
     inference_stride: 2
   stream:
-    enabled: true
+    enabled: true             # required for dashboard live feed
     shm_dir: /dev/shm
     interval_frames: 5
   feedback:
     enabled: true
     every_n_frames: 3000
-    save_images: false
+    save_images: false         # ✗ → disable checkpoint JPEG I/O spikes
     log_to_terminal: true
   roi:
     inset_left_px: 60
     inset_right_px: 60
     inset_top_px: 0
     inset_bottom_px: 0
-    min_overlap_ratio: 0.3
+    min_overlap_ratio: 0.30
+
 cameras:
   CC1:
     camera_num: 1
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     detection:
       min_box_area_px: 2500
       conf: 0.35
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 250
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 720
-      - - 250
-        - 720
+        - [250, 330]
+        - [1650, 330]
+        - [1650, 720]
+        - [250, 720]
   CC2:
     camera_num: 2
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
-      conf: 0.5
+      conf: 0.5                # From 0.45
       dedupe_radius_px: 32
-      dedupe_frames: 24
+      dedupe_frames: 24       # From 18
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 380]
+        - [1880, 380]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC3:
     camera_num: 3
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
       dedupe_radius_px: 24
-      dedupe_frames: 16
+      dedupe_frames: 16   # From 12
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 330]
+        - [1880, 330]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC4:
     camera_num: 4
-    count_anchor:
-    - 700
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [700, 120]
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 50
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 720
-      - - 50
-        - 720
+        - [50, 330]
+        - [1450, 330]
+        - [1450, 720]
+        - [50, 720]
diff --git a/configs/K2-L1.yaml b/configs/K2-L1.yaml
index b230da8..fddfed8 100644
--- a/configs/K2-L1.yaml
+++ b/configs/K2-L1.yaml
@@ -1,14 +1,15 @@
 batch:
-  root_dir: ../VIDEOS/cycle7/K2-L1
-  camera_glob: '*cam{num}_*.mp4'
+  root_dir: "../VIDEOS/cycle7/K2-L1"
+  camera_glob: "*cam{num}_*.mp4"
   output_subdir: output
   compress_max_mb: 200
   delete_intermediate: false
   checkpoint_every_n_frames: 3000
   location: K2-L1
   db_path: db/chicken_counts.db
-  cycle_start_date: '2026-05-22'
-  execution_mode: parallel_processes
+  cycle_start_date: "2026-05-22"   #day 0
+  execution_mode: parallel_processes # parallel_processes (default) | tensor_batching | hybrid
+
 stages:
   early_cycle:
     day_min: 0
@@ -17,25 +18,23 @@ stages:
       conf: 0.1
       min_box_area_px: 100
     roi:
-      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1
+      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1 # 0.25
   mid_cycle:
     day_min: 16
     day_max: 999
+
 defaults:
   detection:
-    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine
-    classes:
-    - 0
-    ignored_classes:
-    - 1
-    - 2
-    conf: 0.4
+    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine # TensorRT engine (RTX 5070)
+    classes: [0]
+    ignored_classes: [1, 2]
+    conf: 0.40               # mild lift vs 0.35; 0.55 was undercounting
     iou: 0.55
     imgsz: 640
-    device: '0'
+    device: "0"
     min_box_area_px: 3000
     validate_while_inside: true
-    dedupe_radius_px: 0
+    dedupe_radius_px: 0      # off for CC1/CC4; CC2/CC3 enable below
     dedupe_frames: 12
   detection_zone:
     enabled: true
@@ -48,9 +47,7 @@ defaults:
     track_buffer: 90
   gate:
     mode: two_line
-    lines_y:
-    - 420
-    - 730
+    lines_y: [420, 730]
     direction: bottom_to_up
   motion:
     enabled: true
@@ -60,9 +57,9 @@ defaults:
     reverse_enter_threshold: -1.5
     reverse_exit_threshold: -0.5
     debounce_frames: 12
-    min_features: 40
-    max_corners: 50
-    stride_frames: 3
+    min_features: 40         # ↓ 60 → less optical flow computation
+    max_corners: 50          # ↓ 80 → fewer corner featuresis 
+    stride_frames: 3         # ↑ 2 → motion detection every 3rd frame
     flow_scale: 0.5
     quality_level: 0.01
     min_distance: 8
@@ -71,116 +68,84 @@ defaults:
     show_boxes: true
     show_track_trails: false
     trail_length: 20
-    show_center_marker: false
+    show_center_marker: false  # ✗ → save 1 circle per chicken
     show_track_ring: false
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     inside_box_only: true
-    validated_only: true
+    validated_only: true       # NEW → only draw counted chickens
     pending_blink: true
     pending_colors:
-    - - 255
-      - 255
-      - 0
-    - - 0
-      - 255
-      - 255
+      - [255, 255, 0]
+      - [0, 255, 255]
   display:
     show_window: false
     encoder: auto
-    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000
-    codec_preference:
-    - avc1
-    - mp4v
-    - H264
+    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000  # ↓ 4000 → faster encoding
+    codec_preference: [avc1, mp4v, H264]
   performance:
     half: false
     overlay_buffer_reuse: true
     inference_stride: 2
   stream:
-    enabled: true
+    enabled: true             # required for dashboard live feed
     shm_dir: /dev/shm
     interval_frames: 5
   feedback:
     enabled: true
     every_n_frames: 3000
-    save_images: false
+    save_images: false         # ✗ → disable checkpoint JPEG I/O spikes
     log_to_terminal: true
   roi:
     inset_left_px: 60
     inset_right_px: 60
     inset_top_px: 0
     inset_bottom_px: 0
-    min_overlap_ratio: 0.3
+    min_overlap_ratio: 0.30
+
 cameras:
   CC1:
     camera_num: 1
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     detection:
       min_box_area_px: 2500
       conf: 0.35
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 250
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 720
-      - - 250
-        - 720
+        - [250, 330]
+        - [1650, 330]
+        - [1650, 720]
+        - [250, 720]
   CC2:
     camera_num: 2
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
-      conf: 0.5
+      conf: 0.5                # From 0.45
       dedupe_radius_px: 32
-      dedupe_frames: 24
+      dedupe_frames: 24       # From 18
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 380]
+        - [1880, 380]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC3:
     camera_num: 3
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
       dedupe_radius_px: 24
-      dedupe_frames: 16
+      dedupe_frames: 16   # From 12
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 330]
+        - [1880, 330]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC4:
     camera_num: 4
-    count_anchor:
-    - 700
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [700, 120]
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 50
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 720
-      - - 50
-        - 720
+        - [50, 330]
+        - [1450, 330]
+        - [1450, 720]
+        - [50, 720]
diff --git a/configs/K2-L2.yaml b/configs/K2-L2.yaml
index 9050820..829a91b 100644
--- a/configs/K2-L2.yaml
+++ b/configs/K2-L2.yaml
@@ -1,14 +1,15 @@
 batch:
-  root_dir: ../VIDEOS/cycle7/K2-L2
-  camera_glob: '*cam{num}_*.mp4'
+  root_dir: "../VIDEOS/cycle7/K2-L2"
+  camera_glob: "*cam{num}_*.mp4"
   output_subdir: output
   compress_max_mb: 200
   delete_intermediate: false
   checkpoint_every_n_frames: 3000
   location: K2-L2
   db_path: db/chicken_counts.db
-  cycle_start_date: '2026-05-22'
-  execution_mode: parallel_processes
+  cycle_start_date: "2026-05-22"   #day 0
+  execution_mode: parallel_processes # parallel_processes (default) | tensor_batching | hybrid
+
 stages:
   early_cycle:
     day_min: 0
@@ -17,25 +18,23 @@ stages:
       conf: 0.1
       min_box_area_px: 100
     roi:
-      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1
+      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1 # 0.25
   mid_cycle:
     day_min: 16
     day_max: 999
+
 defaults:
   detection:
-    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine
-    classes:
-    - 0
-    ignored_classes:
-    - 1
-    - 2
-    conf: 0.4
+    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine # TensorRT engine (RTX 5070)
+    classes: [0]
+    ignored_classes: [1, 2]
+    conf: 0.40               # mild lift vs 0.35; 0.55 was undercounting
     iou: 0.55
     imgsz: 640
-    device: '0'
+    device: "0"
     min_box_area_px: 3000
     validate_while_inside: true
-    dedupe_radius_px: 0
+    dedupe_radius_px: 0      # off for CC1/CC4; CC2/CC3 enable below
     dedupe_frames: 12
   detection_zone:
     enabled: true
@@ -48,9 +47,7 @@ defaults:
     track_buffer: 90
   gate:
     mode: two_line
-    lines_y:
-    - 420
-    - 730
+    lines_y: [420, 730]
     direction: bottom_to_up
   motion:
     enabled: true
@@ -60,9 +57,9 @@ defaults:
     reverse_enter_threshold: -1.5
     reverse_exit_threshold: -0.5
     debounce_frames: 12
-    min_features: 40
-    max_corners: 50
-    stride_frames: 3
+    min_features: 40         # ↓ 60 → less optical flow computation
+    max_corners: 50          # ↓ 80 → fewer corner featuresis 
+    stride_frames: 3         # ↑ 2 → motion detection every 3rd frame
     flow_scale: 0.5
     quality_level: 0.01
     min_distance: 8
@@ -71,116 +68,84 @@ defaults:
     show_boxes: true
     show_track_trails: false
     trail_length: 20
-    show_center_marker: false
+    show_center_marker: false  # ✗ → save 1 circle per chicken
     show_track_ring: false
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     inside_box_only: true
-    validated_only: true
+    validated_only: true       # NEW → only draw counted chickens
     pending_blink: true
     pending_colors:
-    - - 255
-      - 255
-      - 0
-    - - 0
-      - 255
-      - 255
+      - [255, 255, 0]
+      - [0, 255, 255]
   display:
     show_window: false
     encoder: auto
-    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000
-    codec_preference:
-    - avc1
-    - mp4v
-    - H264
+    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000  # ↓ 4000 → faster encoding
+    codec_preference: [avc1, mp4v, H264]
   performance:
     half: false
     overlay_buffer_reuse: true
     inference_stride: 2
   stream:
-    enabled: true
+    enabled: true             # required for dashboard live feed
     shm_dir: /dev/shm
     interval_frames: 5
   feedback:
     enabled: true
     every_n_frames: 3000
-    save_images: false
+    save_images: false         # ✗ → disable checkpoint JPEG I/O spikes
     log_to_terminal: true
   roi:
     inset_left_px: 60
     inset_right_px: 60
     inset_top_px: 0
     inset_bottom_px: 0
-    min_overlap_ratio: 0.3
+    min_overlap_ratio: 0.30
+
 cameras:
   CC1:
     camera_num: 1
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     detection:
       min_box_area_px: 2500
       conf: 0.35
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 250
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 720
-      - - 250
-        - 720
+        - [250, 330]
+        - [1650, 330]
+        - [1650, 720]
+        - [250, 720]
   CC2:
     camera_num: 2
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
-      conf: 0.5
+      conf: 0.5                # From 0.45
       dedupe_radius_px: 32
-      dedupe_frames: 24
+      dedupe_frames: 24       # From 18
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 380]
+        - [1880, 380]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC3:
     camera_num: 3
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
       dedupe_radius_px: 24
-      dedupe_frames: 16
+      dedupe_frames: 16   # From 12
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 330]
+        - [1880, 330]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC4:
     camera_num: 4
-    count_anchor:
-    - 700
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [700, 120]
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 50
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 720
-      - - 50
-        - 720
+        - [50, 330]
+        - [1450, 330]
+        - [1450, 720]
+        - [50, 720]
diff --git a/configs/K3-L1.yaml b/configs/K3-L1.yaml
index 1129db2..fb637ac 100644
--- a/configs/K3-L1.yaml
+++ b/configs/K3-L1.yaml
@@ -1,14 +1,15 @@
 batch:
-  root_dir: ../VIDEOS/cycle7/K3-L1
-  camera_glob: '*cam{num}_*.mp4'
+  root_dir: "../VIDEOS/cycle7/K3-L1"
+  camera_glob: "*cam{num}_*.mp4"
   output_subdir: output
   compress_max_mb: 200
   delete_intermediate: false
   checkpoint_every_n_frames: 3000
   location: K3-L1
   db_path: db/chicken_counts.db
-  cycle_start_date: '2026-05-22'
-  execution_mode: parallel_processes
+  cycle_start_date: "2026-05-22"   #day 0
+  execution_mode: parallel_processes # parallel_processes (default) | tensor_batching | hybrid
+
 stages:
   early_cycle:
     day_min: 0
@@ -17,25 +18,23 @@ stages:
       conf: 0.1
       min_box_area_px: 100
     roi:
-      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1
+      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1 # 0.25
   mid_cycle:
     day_min: 16
     day_max: 999
+
 defaults:
   detection:
-    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine
-    classes:
-    - 0
-    ignored_classes:
-    - 1
-    - 2
-    conf: 0.4
+    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine # TensorRT engine (RTX 5070)
+    classes: [0]
+    ignored_classes: [1, 2]
+    conf: 0.40               # mild lift vs 0.35; 0.55 was undercounting
     iou: 0.55
     imgsz: 640
-    device: '0'
+    device: "0"
     min_box_area_px: 3000
     validate_while_inside: true
-    dedupe_radius_px: 0
+    dedupe_radius_px: 0      # off for CC1/CC4; CC2/CC3 enable below
     dedupe_frames: 12
   detection_zone:
     enabled: true
@@ -48,9 +47,7 @@ defaults:
     track_buffer: 90
   gate:
     mode: two_line
-    lines_y:
-    - 420
-    - 730
+    lines_y: [420, 730]
     direction: bottom_to_up
   motion:
     enabled: true
@@ -60,9 +57,9 @@ defaults:
     reverse_enter_threshold: -1.5
     reverse_exit_threshold: -0.5
     debounce_frames: 12
-    min_features: 40
-    max_corners: 50
-    stride_frames: 3
+    min_features: 40         # ↓ 60 → less optical flow computation
+    max_corners: 50          # ↓ 80 → fewer corner featuresis 
+    stride_frames: 3         # ↑ 2 → motion detection every 3rd frame
     flow_scale: 0.5
     quality_level: 0.01
     min_distance: 8
@@ -71,116 +68,84 @@ defaults:
     show_boxes: true
     show_track_trails: false
     trail_length: 20
-    show_center_marker: false
+    show_center_marker: false  # ✗ → save 1 circle per chicken
     show_track_ring: false
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     inside_box_only: true
-    validated_only: true
+    validated_only: true       # NEW → only draw counted chickens
     pending_blink: true
     pending_colors:
-    - - 255
-      - 255
-      - 0
-    - - 0
-      - 255
-      - 255
+      - [255, 255, 0]
+      - [0, 255, 255]
   display:
     show_window: false
     encoder: auto
-    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000
-    codec_preference:
-    - avc1
-    - mp4v
-    - H264
+    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000  # ↓ 4000 → faster encoding
+    codec_preference: [avc1, mp4v, H264]
   performance:
     half: false
     overlay_buffer_reuse: true
     inference_stride: 2
   stream:
-    enabled: true
+    enabled: true             # required for dashboard live feed
     shm_dir: /dev/shm
     interval_frames: 5
   feedback:
     enabled: true
     every_n_frames: 3000
-    save_images: false
+    save_images: false         # ✗ → disable checkpoint JPEG I/O spikes
     log_to_terminal: true
   roi:
     inset_left_px: 60
     inset_right_px: 60
     inset_top_px: 0
     inset_bottom_px: 0
-    min_overlap_ratio: 0.3
+    min_overlap_ratio: 0.30
+
 cameras:
   CC1:
     camera_num: 1
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     detection:
       min_box_area_px: 2500
       conf: 0.35
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 250
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 720
-      - - 250
-        - 720
+        - [250, 330]
+        - [1650, 330]
+        - [1650, 720]
+        - [250, 720]
   CC2:
     camera_num: 2
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
-      conf: 0.5
+      conf: 0.5                # From 0.45
       dedupe_radius_px: 32
-      dedupe_frames: 24
+      dedupe_frames: 24       # From 18
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 380]
+        - [1880, 380]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC3:
     camera_num: 3
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
       dedupe_radius_px: 24
-      dedupe_frames: 16
+      dedupe_frames: 16   # From 12
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 330]
+        - [1880, 330]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC4:
     camera_num: 4
-    count_anchor:
-    - 700
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [700, 120]
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 50
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 720
-      - - 50
-        - 720
+        - [50, 330]
+        - [1450, 330]
+        - [1450, 720]
+        - [50, 720]
diff --git a/configs/K3-L2.yaml b/configs/K3-L2.yaml
index 271a4f5..26e4e44 100644
--- a/configs/K3-L2.yaml
+++ b/configs/K3-L2.yaml
@@ -1,14 +1,15 @@
 batch:
-  root_dir: ../VIDEOS/cycle7/K3-L2
-  camera_glob: '*cam{num}_*.mp4'
+  root_dir: "../VIDEOS/cycle7/K3-L2"
+  camera_glob: "*cam{num}_*.mp4"
   output_subdir: output
   compress_max_mb: 200
   delete_intermediate: false
   checkpoint_every_n_frames: 3000
   location: K3-L2
   db_path: db/chicken_counts.db
-  cycle_start_date: '2026-05-22'
-  execution_mode: parallel_processes
+  cycle_start_date: "2026-05-22"   #day 0
+  execution_mode: parallel_processes # parallel_processes (default) | tensor_batching | hybrid
+
 stages:
   early_cycle:
     day_min: 0
@@ -17,25 +18,23 @@ stages:
       conf: 0.1
       min_box_area_px: 100
     roi:
-      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1
+      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1 # 0.25
   mid_cycle:
     day_min: 16
     day_max: 999
+
 defaults:
   detection:
-    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine
-    classes:
-    - 0
-    ignored_classes:
-    - 1
-    - 2
-    conf: 0.4
+    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine # TensorRT engine (RTX 5070)
+    classes: [0]
+    ignored_classes: [1, 2]
+    conf: 0.40               # mild lift vs 0.35; 0.55 was undercounting
     iou: 0.55
     imgsz: 640
-    device: '0'
+    device: "0"
     min_box_area_px: 3000
     validate_while_inside: true
-    dedupe_radius_px: 0
+    dedupe_radius_px: 0      # off for CC1/CC4; CC2/CC3 enable below
     dedupe_frames: 12
   detection_zone:
     enabled: true
@@ -48,9 +47,7 @@ defaults:
     track_buffer: 90
   gate:
     mode: two_line
-    lines_y:
-    - 420
-    - 730
+    lines_y: [420, 730]
     direction: bottom_to_up
   motion:
     enabled: true
@@ -60,9 +57,9 @@ defaults:
     reverse_enter_threshold: -1.5
     reverse_exit_threshold: -0.5
     debounce_frames: 12
-    min_features: 40
-    max_corners: 50
-    stride_frames: 3
+    min_features: 40         # ↓ 60 → less optical flow computation
+    max_corners: 50          # ↓ 80 → fewer corner featuresis 
+    stride_frames: 3         # ↑ 2 → motion detection every 3rd frame
     flow_scale: 0.5
     quality_level: 0.01
     min_distance: 8
@@ -71,116 +68,84 @@ defaults:
     show_boxes: true
     show_track_trails: false
     trail_length: 20
-    show_center_marker: false
+    show_center_marker: false  # ✗ → save 1 circle per chicken
     show_track_ring: false
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     inside_box_only: true
-    validated_only: true
+    validated_only: true       # NEW → only draw counted chickens
     pending_blink: true
     pending_colors:
-    - - 255
-      - 255
-      - 0
-    - - 0
-      - 255
-      - 255
+      - [255, 255, 0]
+      - [0, 255, 255]
   display:
     show_window: false
     encoder: auto
-    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000
-    codec_preference:
-    - avc1
-    - mp4v
-    - H264
+    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000  # ↓ 4000 → faster encoding
+    codec_preference: [avc1, mp4v, H264]
   performance:
     half: false
     overlay_buffer_reuse: true
     inference_stride: 2
   stream:
-    enabled: true
+    enabled: true             # required for dashboard live feed
     shm_dir: /dev/shm
     interval_frames: 5
   feedback:
     enabled: true
     every_n_frames: 3000
-    save_images: false
+    save_images: false         # ✗ → disable checkpoint JPEG I/O spikes
     log_to_terminal: true
   roi:
     inset_left_px: 60
     inset_right_px: 60
     inset_top_px: 0
     inset_bottom_px: 0
-    min_overlap_ratio: 0.3
+    min_overlap_ratio: 0.30
+
 cameras:
   CC1:
     camera_num: 1
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     detection:
       min_box_area_px: 2500
       conf: 0.35
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 250
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 720
-      - - 250
-        - 720
+        - [250, 330]
+        - [1650, 330]
+        - [1650, 720]
+        - [250, 720]
   CC2:
     camera_num: 2
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
-      conf: 0.5
+      conf: 0.5                # From 0.45
       dedupe_radius_px: 32
-      dedupe_frames: 24
+      dedupe_frames: 24       # From 18
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 380]
+        - [1880, 380]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC3:
     camera_num: 3
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
       dedupe_radius_px: 24
-      dedupe_frames: 16
+      dedupe_frames: 16   # From 12
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 330]
+        - [1880, 330]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC4:
     camera_num: 4
-    count_anchor:
-    - 700
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [700, 120]
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 50
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 720
-      - - 50
-        - 720
+        - [50, 330]
+        - [1450, 330]
+        - [1450, 720]
+        - [50, 720]
diff --git a/configs/K4-L1.yaml b/configs/K4-L1.yaml
index 68a5b0b..b43c4cb 100644
--- a/configs/K4-L1.yaml
+++ b/configs/K4-L1.yaml
@@ -1,14 +1,15 @@
 batch:
-  root_dir: ../VIDEOS/cycle7/K4-L1
-  camera_glob: '*cam{num}_*.mp4'
+  root_dir: "../VIDEOS/cycle7/K4-L1"
+  camera_glob: "*cam{num}_*.mp4"
   output_subdir: output
   compress_max_mb: 200
   delete_intermediate: false
   checkpoint_every_n_frames: 3000
   location: K4-L1
   db_path: db/chicken_counts.db
-  cycle_start_date: '2026-05-22'
-  execution_mode: parallel_processes
+  cycle_start_date: "2026-05-22"   #day 0
+  execution_mode: parallel_processes # parallel_processes (default) | tensor_batching | hybrid
+
 stages:
   early_cycle:
     day_min: 0
@@ -17,25 +18,23 @@ stages:
       conf: 0.1
       min_box_area_px: 100
     roi:
-      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1
+      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1 # 0.25
   mid_cycle:
     day_min: 16
     day_max: 999
+
 defaults:
   detection:
-    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine
-    classes:
-    - 0
-    ignored_classes:
-    - 1
-    - 2
-    conf: 0.4
+    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine # TensorRT engine (RTX 5070)
+    classes: [0]
+    ignored_classes: [1, 2]
+    conf: 0.40               # mild lift vs 0.35; 0.55 was undercounting
     iou: 0.55
     imgsz: 640
-    device: '0'
+    device: "0"
     min_box_area_px: 3000
     validate_while_inside: true
-    dedupe_radius_px: 0
+    dedupe_radius_px: 0      # off for CC1/CC4; CC2/CC3 enable below
     dedupe_frames: 12
   detection_zone:
     enabled: true
@@ -48,9 +47,7 @@ defaults:
     track_buffer: 90
   gate:
     mode: two_line
-    lines_y:
-    - 420
-    - 730
+    lines_y: [420, 730]
     direction: bottom_to_up
   motion:
     enabled: true
@@ -60,9 +57,9 @@ defaults:
     reverse_enter_threshold: -1.5
     reverse_exit_threshold: -0.5
     debounce_frames: 12
-    min_features: 40
-    max_corners: 50
-    stride_frames: 3
+    min_features: 40         # ↓ 60 → less optical flow computation
+    max_corners: 50          # ↓ 80 → fewer corner featuresis 
+    stride_frames: 3         # ↑ 2 → motion detection every 3rd frame
     flow_scale: 0.5
     quality_level: 0.01
     min_distance: 8
@@ -71,116 +68,84 @@ defaults:
     show_boxes: true
     show_track_trails: false
     trail_length: 20
-    show_center_marker: false
+    show_center_marker: false  # ✗ → save 1 circle per chicken
     show_track_ring: false
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     inside_box_only: true
-    validated_only: true
+    validated_only: true       # NEW → only draw counted chickens
     pending_blink: true
     pending_colors:
-    - - 255
-      - 255
-      - 0
-    - - 0
-      - 255
-      - 255
+      - [255, 255, 0]
+      - [0, 255, 255]
   display:
     show_window: false
     encoder: auto
-    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000
-    codec_preference:
-    - avc1
-    - mp4v
-    - H264
+    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000  # ↓ 4000 → faster encoding
+    codec_preference: [avc1, mp4v, H264]
   performance:
     half: false
     overlay_buffer_reuse: true
     inference_stride: 2
   stream:
-    enabled: true
+    enabled: true             # required for dashboard live feed
     shm_dir: /dev/shm
     interval_frames: 5
   feedback:
     enabled: true
     every_n_frames: 3000
-    save_images: false
+    save_images: false         # ✗ → disable checkpoint JPEG I/O spikes
     log_to_terminal: true
   roi:
     inset_left_px: 60
     inset_right_px: 60
     inset_top_px: 0
     inset_bottom_px: 0
-    min_overlap_ratio: 0.3
+    min_overlap_ratio: 0.30
+
 cameras:
   CC1:
     camera_num: 1
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     detection:
       min_box_area_px: 2500
       conf: 0.35
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 250
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 720
-      - - 250
-        - 720
+        - [250, 330]
+        - [1650, 330]
+        - [1650, 720]
+        - [250, 720]
   CC2:
     camera_num: 2
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
-      conf: 0.5
+      conf: 0.5                # From 0.45
       dedupe_radius_px: 32
-      dedupe_frames: 24
+      dedupe_frames: 24       # From 18
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 380]
+        - [1880, 380]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC3:
     camera_num: 3
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
       dedupe_radius_px: 24
-      dedupe_frames: 16
+      dedupe_frames: 16   # From 12
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 330]
+        - [1880, 330]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC4:
     camera_num: 4
-    count_anchor:
-    - 700
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [700, 120]
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 50
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 720
-      - - 50
-        - 720
+        - [50, 330]
+        - [1450, 330]
+        - [1450, 720]
+        - [50, 720]
diff --git a/configs/K4-L2.yaml b/configs/K4-L2.yaml
index d9725f7..832911e 100644
--- a/configs/K4-L2.yaml
+++ b/configs/K4-L2.yaml
@@ -1,14 +1,15 @@
 batch:
-  root_dir: ../VIDEOS/cycle7/K4-L2
-  camera_glob: '*cam{num}_*.mp4'
+  root_dir: "../VIDEOS/cycle7/K4-L2"
+  camera_glob: "*cam{num}_*.mp4"
   output_subdir: output
   compress_max_mb: 200
   delete_intermediate: false
   checkpoint_every_n_frames: 3000
   location: K4-L2
   db_path: db/chicken_counts.db
-  cycle_start_date: '2026-05-22'
-  execution_mode: parallel_processes
+  cycle_start_date: "2026-05-22"   #day 0
+  execution_mode: parallel_processes # parallel_processes (default) | tensor_batching | hybrid
+
 stages:
   early_cycle:
     day_min: 0
@@ -17,25 +18,23 @@ stages:
       conf: 0.1
       min_box_area_px: 100
     roi:
-      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1
+      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1 # 0.25
   mid_cycle:
     day_min: 16
     day_max: 999
+
 defaults:
   detection:
-    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine
-    classes:
-    - 0
-    ignored_classes:
-    - 1
-    - 2
-    conf: 0.4
+    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine # TensorRT engine (RTX 5070)
+    classes: [0]
+    ignored_classes: [1, 2]
+    conf: 0.40               # mild lift vs 0.35; 0.55 was undercounting
     iou: 0.55
     imgsz: 640
-    device: '0'
+    device: "0"
     min_box_area_px: 3000
     validate_while_inside: true
-    dedupe_radius_px: 0
+    dedupe_radius_px: 0      # off for CC1/CC4; CC2/CC3 enable below
     dedupe_frames: 12
   detection_zone:
     enabled: true
@@ -48,9 +47,7 @@ defaults:
     track_buffer: 90
   gate:
     mode: two_line
-    lines_y:
-    - 420
-    - 730
+    lines_y: [420, 730]
     direction: bottom_to_up
   motion:
     enabled: true
@@ -60,9 +57,9 @@ defaults:
     reverse_enter_threshold: -1.5
     reverse_exit_threshold: -0.5
     debounce_frames: 12
-    min_features: 40
-    max_corners: 50
-    stride_frames: 3
+    min_features: 40         # ↓ 60 → less optical flow computation
+    max_corners: 50          # ↓ 80 → fewer corner featuresis 
+    stride_frames: 3         # ↑ 2 → motion detection every 3rd frame
     flow_scale: 0.5
     quality_level: 0.01
     min_distance: 8
@@ -71,116 +68,84 @@ defaults:
     show_boxes: true
     show_track_trails: false
     trail_length: 20
-    show_center_marker: false
+    show_center_marker: false  # ✗ → save 1 circle per chicken
     show_track_ring: false
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     inside_box_only: true
-    validated_only: true
+    validated_only: true       # NEW → only draw counted chickens
     pending_blink: true
     pending_colors:
-    - - 255
-      - 255
-      - 0
-    - - 0
-      - 255
-      - 255
+      - [255, 255, 0]
+      - [0, 255, 255]
   display:
     show_window: false
     encoder: auto
-    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000
-    codec_preference:
-    - avc1
-    - mp4v
-    - H264
+    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000  # ↓ 4000 → faster encoding
+    codec_preference: [avc1, mp4v, H264]
   performance:
     half: false
     overlay_buffer_reuse: true
     inference_stride: 2
   stream:
-    enabled: true
+    enabled: true             # required for dashboard live feed
     shm_dir: /dev/shm
     interval_frames: 5
   feedback:
     enabled: true
     every_n_frames: 3000
-    save_images: false
+    save_images: false         # ✗ → disable checkpoint JPEG I/O spikes
     log_to_terminal: true
   roi:
     inset_left_px: 60
     inset_right_px: 60
     inset_top_px: 0
     inset_bottom_px: 0
-    min_overlap_ratio: 0.3
+    min_overlap_ratio: 0.30
+
 cameras:
   CC1:
     camera_num: 1
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     detection:
       min_box_area_px: 2500
       conf: 0.35
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 250
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 720
-      - - 250
-        - 720
+        - [250, 330]
+        - [1650, 330]
+        - [1650, 720]
+        - [250, 720]
   CC2:
     camera_num: 2
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
-      conf: 0.5
+      conf: 0.5                # From 0.45
       dedupe_radius_px: 32
-      dedupe_frames: 24
+      dedupe_frames: 24       # From 18
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 380]
+        - [1880, 380]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC3:
     camera_num: 3
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
       dedupe_radius_px: 24
-      dedupe_frames: 16
+      dedupe_frames: 16   # From 12
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 330]
+        - [1880, 330]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC4:
     camera_num: 4
-    count_anchor:
-    - 700
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [700, 120]
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 50
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 720
-      - - 50
-        - 720
+        - [50, 330]
+        - [1450, 330]
+        - [1450, 720]
+        - [50, 720]
diff --git a/configs/K5-L1.yaml b/configs/K5-L1.yaml
index 22a170b..f1c5223 100644
--- a/configs/K5-L1.yaml
+++ b/configs/K5-L1.yaml
@@ -1,14 +1,15 @@
 batch:
-  root_dir: ../VIDEOS/cycle7/K5-L1
-  camera_glob: '*cam{num}_*.mp4'
+  root_dir: "../VIDEOS/cycle7/K5-L1"
+  camera_glob: "*cam{num}_*.mp4"
   output_subdir: output
   compress_max_mb: 200
   delete_intermediate: false
   checkpoint_every_n_frames: 3000
   location: K5-L1
   db_path: db/chicken_counts.db
-  cycle_start_date: '2026-05-22'
-  execution_mode: parallel_processes
+  cycle_start_date: "2026-05-22"   #day 0
+  execution_mode: parallel_processes # parallel_processes (default) | tensor_batching | hybrid
+
 stages:
   early_cycle:
     day_min: 0
@@ -17,25 +18,23 @@ stages:
       conf: 0.1
       min_box_area_px: 100
     roi:
-      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1
+      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1 # 0.25
   mid_cycle:
     day_min: 16
     day_max: 999
+
 defaults:
   detection:
-    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine
-    classes:
-    - 0
-    ignored_classes:
-    - 1
-    - 2
-    conf: 0.4
+    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine # TensorRT engine (RTX 5070)
+    classes: [0]
+    ignored_classes: [1, 2]
+    conf: 0.40               # mild lift vs 0.35; 0.55 was undercounting
     iou: 0.55
     imgsz: 640
-    device: '0'
+    device: "0"
     min_box_area_px: 3000
     validate_while_inside: true
-    dedupe_radius_px: 0
+    dedupe_radius_px: 0      # off for CC1/CC4; CC2/CC3 enable below
     dedupe_frames: 12
   detection_zone:
     enabled: true
@@ -48,9 +47,7 @@ defaults:
     track_buffer: 90
   gate:
     mode: two_line
-    lines_y:
-    - 420
-    - 730
+    lines_y: [420, 730]
     direction: bottom_to_up
   motion:
     enabled: true
@@ -60,9 +57,9 @@ defaults:
     reverse_enter_threshold: -1.5
     reverse_exit_threshold: -0.5
     debounce_frames: 12
-    min_features: 40
-    max_corners: 50
-    stride_frames: 3
+    min_features: 40         # ↓ 60 → less optical flow computation
+    max_corners: 50          # ↓ 80 → fewer corner featuresis 
+    stride_frames: 3         # ↑ 2 → motion detection every 3rd frame
     flow_scale: 0.5
     quality_level: 0.01
     min_distance: 8
@@ -71,116 +68,84 @@ defaults:
     show_boxes: true
     show_track_trails: false
     trail_length: 20
-    show_center_marker: false
+    show_center_marker: false  # ✗ → save 1 circle per chicken
     show_track_ring: false
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     inside_box_only: true
-    validated_only: true
+    validated_only: true       # NEW → only draw counted chickens
     pending_blink: true
     pending_colors:
-    - - 255
-      - 255
-      - 0
-    - - 0
-      - 255
-      - 255
+      - [255, 255, 0]
+      - [0, 255, 255]
   display:
     show_window: false
     encoder: auto
-    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000
-    codec_preference:
-    - avc1
-    - mp4v
-    - H264
+    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000  # ↓ 4000 → faster encoding
+    codec_preference: [avc1, mp4v, H264]
   performance:
     half: false
     overlay_buffer_reuse: true
     inference_stride: 2
   stream:
-    enabled: true
+    enabled: true             # required for dashboard live feed
     shm_dir: /dev/shm
     interval_frames: 5
   feedback:
     enabled: true
     every_n_frames: 3000
-    save_images: false
+    save_images: false         # ✗ → disable checkpoint JPEG I/O spikes
     log_to_terminal: true
   roi:
     inset_left_px: 60
     inset_right_px: 60
     inset_top_px: 0
     inset_bottom_px: 0
-    min_overlap_ratio: 0.3
+    min_overlap_ratio: 0.30
+
 cameras:
   CC1:
     camera_num: 1
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     detection:
       min_box_area_px: 2500
       conf: 0.35
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 250
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 720
-      - - 250
-        - 720
+        - [250, 330]
+        - [1650, 330]
+        - [1650, 720]
+        - [250, 720]
   CC2:
     camera_num: 2
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
-      conf: 0.5
+      conf: 0.5                # From 0.45
       dedupe_radius_px: 32
-      dedupe_frames: 24
+      dedupe_frames: 24       # From 18
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 380]
+        - [1880, 380]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC3:
     camera_num: 3
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
       dedupe_radius_px: 24
-      dedupe_frames: 16
+      dedupe_frames: 16   # From 12
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 330]
+        - [1880, 330]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC4:
     camera_num: 4
-    count_anchor:
-    - 700
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [700, 120]
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 50
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 720
-      - - 50
-        - 720
+        - [50, 330]
+        - [1450, 330]
+        - [1450, 720]
+        - [50, 720]
diff --git a/configs/K5-L2.yaml b/configs/K5-L2.yaml
index 5f55301..37c7569 100644
--- a/configs/K5-L2.yaml
+++ b/configs/K5-L2.yaml
@@ -1,14 +1,15 @@
 batch:
-  root_dir: ../VIDEOS/cycle7/K5-L2
-  camera_glob: '*cam{num}_*.mp4'
+  root_dir: "../VIDEOS/cycle7/K5-L2"
+  camera_glob: "*cam{num}_*.mp4"
   output_subdir: output
   compress_max_mb: 200
   delete_intermediate: false
   checkpoint_every_n_frames: 3000
   location: K5-L2
   db_path: db/chicken_counts.db
-  cycle_start_date: '2026-05-22'
-  execution_mode: parallel_processes
+  cycle_start_date: "2026-05-22"   #day 0
+  execution_mode: parallel_processes # parallel_processes (default) | tensor_batching | hybrid
+
 stages:
   early_cycle:
     day_min: 0
@@ -17,25 +18,23 @@ stages:
       conf: 0.1
       min_box_area_px: 100
     roi:
-      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1
+      min_overlap_ratio: 0.1 # 0.25
   mid_cycle:
     day_min: 16
     day_max: 999
+
 defaults:
   detection:
-    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine
-    classes:
-    - 0
-    ignored_classes:
-    - 1
-    - 2
-    conf: 0.4
+    model_path: models/NUC5070_chicken-detection-model-v26n-300e-best-2026-05-02-NEW.engine # TensorRT engine (RTX 5070)
+    classes: [0]
+    ignored_classes: [1, 2]
+    conf: 0.40               # mild lift vs 0.35; 0.55 was undercounting
     iou: 0.55
     imgsz: 640
-    device: '0'
+    device: "0"
     min_box_area_px: 3000
     validate_while_inside: true
-    dedupe_radius_px: 0
+    dedupe_radius_px: 0      # off for CC1/CC4; CC2/CC3 enable below
     dedupe_frames: 12
   detection_zone:
     enabled: true
@@ -48,9 +47,7 @@ defaults:
     track_buffer: 90
   gate:
     mode: two_line
-    lines_y:
-    - 420
-    - 730
+    lines_y: [420, 730]
     direction: bottom_to_up
   motion:
     enabled: true
@@ -60,9 +57,9 @@ defaults:
     reverse_enter_threshold: -1.5
     reverse_exit_threshold: -0.5
     debounce_frames: 12
-    min_features: 40
-    max_corners: 50
-    stride_frames: 3
+    min_features: 40         # ↓ 60 → less optical flow computation
+    max_corners: 50          # ↓ 80 → fewer corner featuresis 
+    stride_frames: 3         # ↑ 2 → motion detection every 3rd frame
     flow_scale: 0.5
     quality_level: 0.01
     min_distance: 8
@@ -71,116 +68,84 @@ defaults:
     show_boxes: true
     show_track_trails: false
     trail_length: 20
-    show_center_marker: false
+    show_center_marker: false  # ✗ → save 1 circle per chicken
     show_track_ring: false
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     inside_box_only: true
-    validated_only: true
+    validated_only: true       # NEW → only draw counted chickens
     pending_blink: true
     pending_colors:
-    - - 255
-      - 255
-      - 0
-    - - 0
-      - 255
-      - 255
+      - [255, 255, 0]
+      - [0, 255, 255]
   display:
     show_window: false
     encoder: auto
-    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000
-    codec_preference:
-    - avc1
-    - mp4v
-    - H264
+    output_bitrate_kbps: 2000  # ↓ 4000 → faster encoding
+    codec_preference: [avc1, mp4v, H264]
   performance:
     half: false
     overlay_buffer_reuse: true
     inference_stride: 2
   stream:
-    enabled: true
+    enabled: true             # required for dashboard live feed
     shm_dir: /dev/shm
     interval_frames: 5
   feedback:
     enabled: true
     every_n_frames: 3000
-    save_images: false
+    save_images: false         # ✗ → disable checkpoint JPEG I/O spikes
     log_to_terminal: true
   roi:
     inset_left_px: 60
     inset_right_px: 60
     inset_top_px: 0
     inset_bottom_px: 0
-    min_overlap_ratio: 0.3
+    min_overlap_ratio: 0.30
+
 cameras:
   CC1:
     camera_num: 1
-    count_anchor:
-    - 780
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [780, 120]
     detection:
       min_box_area_px: 2500
       conf: 0.35
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 250
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 330
-      - - 1650
-        - 720
-      - - 250
-        - 720
+        - [250, 330]
+        - [1650, 330]
+        - [1650, 720]
+        - [250, 720]
   CC2:
     camera_num: 2
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
-      conf: 0.5
+      conf: 0.5                # From 0.45
       dedupe_radius_px: 32
-      dedupe_frames: 24
+      dedupe_frames: 24       # From 18
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 380
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 380]
+        - [1880, 380]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC3:
     camera_num: 3
-    count_anchor:
-    - 900
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [900, 120]
     detection:
       dedupe_radius_px: 24
-      dedupe_frames: 16
+      dedupe_frames: 16   # From 12
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 20
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 330
-      - - 1880
-        - 720
-      - - 20
-        - 720
+        - [20, 330]
+        - [1880, 330]
+        - [1880, 720]
+        - [20, 720]
   CC4:
     camera_num: 4
-    count_anchor:
-    - 700
-    - 120
+    count_anchor: [700, 120]
     roi:
       points:
-      - - 50
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 330
-      - - 1450
-        - 720
-      - - 50
-        - 720
+        - [50, 330]
+        - [1450, 330]
+        - [1450, 720]
+        - [50, 720]