Release Notes for MOBOTIX Camera Software

Document Information

Contents

These Release Notes contain a technical description of the most important changes in this software release for the MOBOTIX Q22M, M22M, D22M, M12, D12 and V12 network cameras.

Software Releases—Overview:

Notes:

• Please download the stable customer releases of the software from http://www.mobotix.com/Support/Software-Downloads.
• Please note that some of the described features in the dialogs will only be visible if the More button at the bottom of a dialog has been pressed.
• Please send an e-mail to software-feedback@mobotix.com for feedback.

Software Release MX-V3.5.2.23.r4 (Release) – for all M12, D12, V12, M22M D22M and Q22M Cameras

Creation Date: 2019-04-18

Publishing Date: 2019-06-06

Software Release MX-V3.5.2.23.r3 (Release) – for all M12, D12, V12, M22M D22M and Q22M Cameras

Creation Date: 2010-07-01 (originally 2009-12-08)

Publishing Date: 2010-07-06 (originally 2009-12-09)

Note on the creation and publishing dates
This version had been originally created on Dec 8, 2009, and published on Dec 9, 2009. On Jul 1, 2010, this version was recreated as MX-V3.5.2.23.r3 with an updated video motion detection; it was published on Jul 6, 2010. After installing, this versions shows a Creation Date of 2010-07-01 (see Admin Menu > System Information > Hardware and Release Information).

Enhancements and Improvements

Improved Exposure Control

This software version contains a completely redesigned Exposure Control mechanism which has made substantial improvements in the following areas:

• Faster reaction of exposure control to changes in illumination
  The exposure control now reacts substantially faster to changes in illumination than the previous version of the software. The camera now delivers an image with optimum exposure quicker than before. This is valid particularly for large changes in illumination, e.g. when turning on a light in a dark scene.
• Improved white balance
  An improved white balance now produces images with more realistic colors in scenes that have a large portion of only one color, e.g. a golf range. The improved white balance also eliminates color distortions and false color images which sometimes resulted from strong changes in illumination.
• Improved auto contrast
  The auto contrast now automatically adapts to scenes with large differences in illumination (e.g. dark shadows in the lower part of the image with a bright sky above) and substantially improves the contrast of this kind of scenes. In addition to this, auto contrast cannot only be switched off or on as before, but now has three settings: Standard, Extended and Aggressive. As before, you can select the settings in the Setup Menu > Exposure Settings dialog. This dialog also contains an explanation of these three new auto contrast methods.

Image Rotation by 90 and 270 Degrees

The images of non-hemispheric camera models can now also be displayed rotated by 90 or 270 degrees. The setting for the image rotation can be made in the Setup Menu > General Image Settings dialog. This dialog also allows to selectively pivot the 4:3 aspect ratio of the rotated image so that the aspect ratio of the resulting image is either 4:3 or 3:4 as desired. With a 3:4 aspect ratio, the complete image content is visible because of a 1 to 1 width-to-height relationship, but when the aspect ration is not pivoted with the image rotation, the camera only shows a centered section of the rotated image.

Note:
This setting will lead to slightly reduced frame rate and slightly lower image quality compared to the original image since the camera needs to convert the image. The difference between the original image and the converted one is about equal to the image resulting from distortion correction for L11/L22 lenses compared to the original image.

Other Improvements in Image Settings

• Limitation of the image size of B&W sensors to native sensor size
  All of the previous versions of the software forced scaling of the 1 megapixel B&W sensor to QXGA when that resolution was selected for the Day/Night cameras. This forced scaling can now be prevented by activating the new Limit to Native Size option in the Setup Menu > General Image Settings dialog.
• D12D-180° models - OnScreen Control improved
  The OnScreen Control used for adjusting the 180° view of D12D-180° cameras has been modified to have the same look and feel of the OnScreen Control used for adjusting the Panorama display mode on Hemispheric cameras.
• PTZ positions now available in Image Profiles
  The different display modes (Normal, Panorama, etc.) along with pre-defined vPTZ positions can now be used in Image Profiles. Open the Admin Menu > Image Profiles dialog and select one of the vPTZ positions defined before via the Quick Controls from the View selection box.
• Visualization of exposure windows as a clear rectangle in darkened window
  When defining exposure windows, the window is displayed as a rectangle with a clear view of the exposure area inside a darkened frame. This does not affect the optional permanent highlighting of exposure windows with a green frame.
• Enhanced Preview API functionality
  The http API functions for retrieving a preview image stream or single images from the camera have been enhanced. The 'preview' parameter can now be combined with other parameters to specifically retrieve camera images with smaller resolutions (using the 'size' parameter), lower JPEG quality (using the 'quality' parameter) or reduced image rates (using the 'fps' parameter; only relevant for an image stream). Thus, applications can fetch a substantially reduced data stream from the camera, if you are adding a camera with limited network bandwidth, for example. The extensions are valid for the following cgi programs:

  http://<camera ip>/cgi-bin/image.jpg?preview
http://<camera-IP>/cgi-bin/faststream.jpg?preview
http://<camera ip>/control/faststream.jpg?preview
http://<camera ip>/control/event.jpg?preview

  Please refer to the camera's online help if you would like more information on this topic.

Improvements to Data Storage

• "Reserve Storage" to prevent load peaks on external file servers
  The Storage on External File Server / Flash Device dialog now contains a Reserve Storage field, which is visible after clicking on the More button at the bottom of the dialog. If the camera detects a possible overload on the file server used for recording (storage times are too high), it will add the reserve storage space to the maximum storage space that is used for recording. Since the camera uses the storage space like a ring buffer, it will stop all delete operations, because there is enough space available. File deletion will only start if the defined reserve storage has been filled up or the file server storage times have dropped to normal levels. Since deleting many files at once can overload a file server, this strategy can improve the storage behavior of the camera in many cases.
• Recording symbol is disabled by default
  The dot (or ball) recording symbol used to display the current recording status in the upper right corner of the camera image is now disabled by default. Open the Setup Menu > Recording dialog and activate the Recording Status Symbol option to display the symbol again.

Extended Hemispheric Functionality

The functionality of Hemispheric camera models, i.e. cameras equipped with an L11 lens (Fisheye), has been changed and extended as follows:

• New default settings
  Hemispheric camera models are now factory-preset for wall mounting together with the Panorama display mode.
• Floor mount
  Certain application situations require a mounting type other than Ceiling or Wall and therefore a Floor mounting type has been implemented. The same display modes are available as when using the Ceiling mounting type. Using this mode for cameras mounted on their back pointing upwards, results in an image that is natural and not turned upside-down. In addition, you can use the joystick as usual.
• Horizon correction
  If a Q24M camera has been mounted on a wall, the delivers a Panorama image that is slanted, i.e. the "horizon" of the image is not parallel to the scene. The new horizon correction of the camera allows correcting such a slanted image. To correct the image, open the interactive OnScreen Control for Panorama correction. The OnScreen Control has been expanded by an additional horizontal control bar at the lower border. Clicking into this bar will tilt the image left or right until the image horizon is level again. This control allows correcting images that are slanted up to 30 degrees in either direction.

Improved Connections to ExtIOs

• Use of audio signals
  When connecting an ExtIO to the camera, the camera will not be forced to use the ExtIO's audio signals. Instead, you can decide for both speaker and microphone individually, whether the camera devices or the ExtIO devices should be used.
• Improved Ethernet connection
  When using camera software version 3.5.2.23 with the new ExtIO firmware version 1.1.0.9, the Ethernet connection to an ExtIO is much more robust against interruptions than previous software versions. Also, if an interruption of the Ethernet connection cannot be avoided, the reconnect times are much shorter than before.

  CAUTION:
  It is highly recommended to update the ExtIO firmware to version 1.1.0.9 if you are updating the connected camera to software version 3.5.2.23!

Extended LED Signaling

The signaling of the camera LEDs had been expanded to include two new settings for the Main Switch in the Admin Menu > LED Setup dialog:

• Standard Configuration
  The camera uses a permanently lit LED 0 to signal that it is running. In case of an error, this LED will blink. LED 1 signals the different recording modes. All other LEDs are off. This is the new factory default setting.
• Transparency
  In this mode, LED 0 flashes twice every three seconds. In addition to the recording status, LED 1 or LEDs 1 and 5, respectively, are signaling live image access. This mode is special as it is easy to recognize by looking at the blinking pattern, if the camera allows live access and to check the recording status of the camera.

New MxPEG ActiveX Control V1.6.2.3

• Changed signing method
  Since the signing method has been changed for the ActiveX control, it is easier installed in Internet Explorer.
• New Proxy="auto" property
  Setting this property will force the ActiveX control to use the proxy settings of Internet Explorer for its own network connections.
• New LoginPrompt property
  This property controls how often you can enter wrong login credentials before the control locks up. The property takes values equal to or larger than 0 (zero).

Other Enhancements and Improvements

• All password field now masked
  The password fields in all configuration web pages are now masking the entered characters. Clicking on the lock icon next to the field will show the password in regular text again.
• Maximum number of users and user groups increased
  Up to 25 different user groups and a maximum of 100 users can now be created and administered.
• Quick Controls now show the current values
  The Quick Controls have been changed to show the current settings. Before, some Quick Controls had shown Select instead of the current value.
• System messages after a reboot
  Up until this release, a camera reboot deleted all system messages, which meant that you did not see the old messages any more when opening the Admin Menu > System Messages dialog. The camera now stores existing messages before a reboot so it can display the messages again in the System Messages dialog.
• Additional IL2 event
  The illumination of the camera's surrounding can now be used as an additional event trigger Illumination (IL2), which can be combined a second trigger condition. Thus, it is now possible to configure an event trigger based upon a minimum threshold in combination with a maximum threshold using both IL and IL2.
• Display of the Stop icon upon detection of possible hardware defects
  If the camera detects a possible hardware defect, it displays the Stop icon in the upper left corner of the live image. For more information on the meaning of this icon and how to hide it, see the Online help of the camera on the Live Screen page (http://<camera ip>/help/help?page-live).
• Report.dmp for Dual cameras
  The report.dmp camera report now contains a current dual image on dual lens models.
• Documentation of the HTTP API completed
  Among other enhancements, the API documentation now also contains the remoteconfig.cgi API function, which allows reading and writing sections of the camera configuration file.

Bugfixes

• Problems using file server recording in combination with an ExtIO
  When using an ExtIO, the camera was unable to properly initialize file servers. In this case, the camera was unable to use the file server for recording purposes.
• Camera display in browser - cache problem
  When updating an older Q24M camera to this version, you had to empty the browser cache before you were able to see the camera in the browser. Otherwise, the Quick Controls above the live image sometimes stayed empty and the live image stopped.
• Problems with recordings using CIFS or NFS on file servers with large volumes
  Recording sometimes failed on CIFS or NFS file servers with large volumes of more than 2 billion blocks. These applied to volumes that had at least 2 TB size and a block size of only 1 kB.
• Conversion of old configurations with rotated/mirrored exposure and video motion windows
  When converting the configuration files on cameras with a software older than 3.4.5.4, the configuration had been improperly converted if it contained exposure and video motion windows in rotated or mirrored images.
• ActiveX control and mouse pointer on Internet Explorer
  On some combinations of Windows operating systems and the Internet Explorer, the mouse pointer sometimes retained the crosshairs look even though the pointer had been moved away from the camera image (i.e. the ActiveX control). If this was the case, the pointer could not be used to operate the other page elements. This problem could be fixed by displaying the context menu (right-click), which had reset the mouse pointer.
• Pumping from exposure control
  In very infrequent instances, the autocorrection function would cause a "pumping" of the image if it required changes in exposure times. The camera then kept changing back and forth between a longer and a shorter exposure time and the image looked brighter and darker in rapid succession.
• Symbol display hidden on continuous recording without activated events
  When starting a continuous recording without having activated any events, the camera did not show any symbols at the bottom border of the image.
• Reduced Video Motion detection (VM) sensitivity with B/W image sensor under low illumination conditions
  On cameras with 1 megapixel B/W image sensor, low illumination (1 Lux or less) could result in reduced sensitivity if VM noise filtering was active (factory default). The error did not occur if the $noiseadjust=0 variable to deactivate noise filtering had been used in the VM window definition line. This error only occurred in software version 3.5.2.23 and has been corrected in version 3.5.2.23.r3.

Known Limitations

• Rotation of 90 and 270 degrees cannot be combined with Full Image storage mode
  If the camera image is rotated by 90 or 270 degrees, the camera automatically deactivates Full Image storage and the camera records the live image. To alert the user of this, the camera will display an error message in the image.
• Problems with Windows 2008 servers when using CIFS NTLMv2
  When using CIFS with the NTLMv2 option on Windows 2008 servers, the cameras are sometimes unable to connect to the server.
• ActiveX PTZ and Proxy
  When accessing the camera via a proxy server, the joystick control does not work in combination with the ActiveX control.
• D12D-180° - linked image control of both image sensors not included
  The development of the new "link mode" has not been completed yet. This mode uses the same settings for exposure control and the internal image correction parameters for both image sensors in order to generate images that are as similar as possible. If required, you can contact MOBOTIX Support to get information on how to activate this mode for testing purposes. This is accomplished by adding a special key to the configuration file of the camera.
• Translations
  Some translations are missing on all language versions other than English and German.

Software Release MX-V3.4.5.18 (Release) – for all M12, D12, V12, M22M D22M and Q22M Cameras

Creation Date: 2009-07-20

Publishing Date: 2009-07-23

Caution: You can use this software version for all MOBOTIX cameras M12, D12, V12, M22M, D22M and Q22M! Make sure that you never install a software with a lower version than 3.4.5.4 on a Q22M!

Enhancements and Improvements

Improved Support of Windows File Servers with CIFS

• NTLMv2 support
  When using CIFS file servers, the camera now also supports the NTLMv2 authentication mode. This is the default option on newer Windows server systems, such as Windows 2008 Server. To activate this feature, select the corresponding option in the Admin Menu > Storage on External File Server / Flash Device dialog.

Recording to Flash Devices Can Also Use Storage Limits

When recording to MxFFS-formatted Flash media, it had not been possible set storage limits for storage size, keep time and number of sequences. MxFFS always used the complete available storage capacity. This software version fully supports the storage limits when storing on MxFFS-formatted Flash media. For example, you can set up continuous recording, but only keep the last 30 minutes of the recording if the workers council has asked to do so.

Other Improvements

• Messages on NTP Failure
  In case the NTP time server of a camera fails, the camera will now enter an error message in the system messages. This in turn allows using the error notification mechanisms of the camera, i.e. by sending an e-mail or network message.

Bugfixes

• Problems with MAC addresses
  D22M and Q22M cameras sometimes sent corrupt IP packets that contained a malformed MAC address. Switches with activated MAC address detection of the attached network devices recognized the malformed address and disconnected the cameras from the network.
• MxPEG detection on Panorama display mode
  When using the MxPEG video codec in the Panorama display mode of a Q22M camera, the camera sometimes showed tiling effects.
• Dialog display problems in IE 8
  When using Internet Explorer 8, the browser sometimes displayed the dynamic, scrollable area of a dialog much to small.
• Problems using full image storage
  The using Full Image Storage independent of th camera's live stream, the camera sometimes had memory problems. This sometimes resulted in camera reboots, frozen dialogs or a stopped live image.
• Software updates using https/SSL
  Updating a camera software did not work if the camera was connected via https/SSL.
• D12D-180° - mouse click problems
  When trying to define a frame in the live image with activated 180° display mode, the image generation sometimes failed. This is not possible any more.

Known Issues

• Conversion of old configurations with rotated/mirrored exposure and video motion windows
  When updating the software on cameras with a software older than 3.4.5.4, the configuration can be improperly converted if it contains exposure and video motion windows in rotated or mirrored images. If this is the case, please check the exposure and video motion window definitions and adjust them accordingly.
• ActiveX PTZ and Proxy
  When accessing the camera via a proxy server, the joystick control does not work in combination with the ActiveX control.
• ActiveX control and mouse pointer on Internet Explorer
  On some combinations of Windows operating systems and the Internet Explorer, the mouse pointer sometimes retained the crosshairs look even though the pointer had been moved away from the camera image (i.e. the ActiveX control). If this was the case, the pointer could not be used to operate the other page elements. This problem can be fixed by displaying the context menu (right-click), which resets the mouse pointer.
• Translations
  Some translations are missing on all language versions other than English and German.

Software Release MX-V3.4.5.10 (Release) – for all M12, D12, V12, M22M D22M and Q22M Cameras

Creation Date: 2009-03-02

Publishing Date: 2009-03-06

Caution: You can use this software version for all MOBOTIX cameras M12, D12, V12, M22M, D22M and Q22M! Make sure that you never install a software with a lower version than 3.4.5.4 on a Q22M!

Enhancements and Improvements

Enhanced Q22M Features

• Improved Q22M Double Panorama display mode
  Adjustment of the Double Panorama view of a Q22M that has been mounted to the ceiling has been facilitated. Once this display mode has been unlocked, you can set both "subviews" (North and South) fully independent from one another, i.e. you change them by vPTZ actions (vPTZ = virtual Pan/Tilt/Zoom). This allows to focus on the interesting areas in the monitored room by adjusting the North and South views accordingly.
• Support of Q22M with L22 lenses
  This software version also supports Q22M cameras with an L22 lens. Q22M models with this lens work just like M22M cameras. Note, that the display modes for a Q22M with L11 lens (Surround, Panorama, Double Panorama, Panorama Focus) are not available for this lens.

Other Improvements

• Mouse wheel functions for vPTZ
  The mouse wheel is not used for vPTZ functions by default, it needs to be activated in Setup Menu > vPTZ Settings.

Bugfixes

• Pre-alarm time did not show any effect when using event recording
  The camera ignored the pre-alarm time (up to 2 seconds), which can be set for event recording.
• Zoom actions in images of a 3 megapixel sensor with Fast image quality
  When zooming into the image of a camera with 3 megapixel sensor (factory IP of 10.3.x.x) with image quality set to Fast, the live stream sometimes stopped.
• EiP display mode in combination with zoom
  Zooming into an image in EiP (Event in Picture) display mode, the camera sometimes initiated a reboot after triggering a new event.
• ExtIO signal inputs
  When using the signal inputs of an attached ExtIO, detection of changing signal flanks did not work properly. This meant that only the Falling (High → Low) and Closed (Low) statuses could be used reliably.
• Logos in the image together with custom resolution
  When using a custom resolution, the camera was unable to display logos in the image.
• Problems with rotating/mirroring of images
  When using rotated or mirrored images, the definition of exposure or video motion windows sometimes resulted in problems when executing vPTZ commands.

Known Issues

• Conversion of old configurations with rotated/mirrored exposure and video motion windows
  When updating the software on cameras with a software older than 3.4.5.4, the configuration can be improperly converted if it contains exposure and video motion windows in rotated or mirrored images. If this is the case, please check the exposure and video motion window definitions and adjust them accordingly.
• ActiveX PTZ and Proxy
  When accessing the camera via a proxy server, the joystick control does not work in combination with the ActiveX control.
• ActiveX control and mouse pointer on Internet Explorer
  On some combinations of Windows operating systems and the Internet Explorer, the mouse pointer sometimes retained the crosshairs look even though the pointer had been moved away from the camera image (i.e. the ActiveX control). If this was the case, the pointer could not be used to operate the other page elements. This problem can be fixed by displaying the context menu (right-click), which resets the mouse pointer.
• Translations
  Some translations are missing on all language versions other than English and German.

Software Release MX-V3.4.5.4 (Release) – for all M12, D12, V12, M22M D22M and Q22M Cameras

Creation Date: 2009-02-03

Publishing Date: 2009-02-04

Caution: You can use this software version for all MOBOTIX cameras M12, D12, V12, M22M, D22M and Q22M! Make sure that you never install a software with a lower version on a Q22M!

Enhancements and Improvements

Additional and Expanded Q22M Image Display Modes

The Q22M models with L11 lens (fisheye) now feature additional image display modes. You can set these modes using the Display Modes Quick Control:

• Panorama
  When using a Q22M mounted to a wall, you can use this mode to see the entire room from the left to the right wall in one 180° image. Images in this mode have an aspect ration (width to height) of 4 to 3, with the width determined by the currently used image resolution (size).
• Double Panorama
  When using a Q22M mounted to the ceiling, this mode shows a 180° panorama image for the Northern half of the image and a second panorama image of the Southern half of the image using an aspect ration (width to height) of 4 to 3.
• Panorama Focus
  This display mode combines the panorama view (aspect ration 8 to 3) with two smaller images (each with aspect ratio 4 to 3) in one large image with an aspect ratio of (width to height) of 4 to 3. This mode is especially interesting, if the camera has been mounted to a wall, since you can use the Panorama view to monitor the entire room while the two independent smaller views can be used to zoom into areas of interest.

Additional information:

• The definition of North, which is used for the Double Panorama display mode, is accomplished in Normal display mode using the Installation > Set North Quick Control.
• The display modes mentioned above are usually locked, i.e. they cannot be changed by vPTZ actions (vPTZ = virtual Pan/Tilt/Zoom). To unlock the views, you can use the Lock button, which is is available in the browser and in MxCC 2.0; once unlocked, you can use vPTZ actions to set your own view.

Full Image Storage

With this release, the cameras can always store the full image - regardless of what the live image stream is showing. This ensures that the recording always contains the full image even though the operator used the vPTZ features to zoom into the image in order to examine a specific detail of the image. This is especially interesting for the Q22M models, which rely strongly on the vPTZ features in the live image. This means that you can use the vPTZ features to pan, tilt and zoom the live image, while the camera is recording full images at 1 fps in MEGA or QXGA resolution. Thanks to the advanced distortion correction features of MxControlCenter (MxCC) and MxEasy, you can still play back and examine the recorded full images of Q22M cameras normally, i.e. without distortion. Open the Setup > Recording dialog and activate the Full Image Recording option to use this feature. Besides other parameters, this dialog also allows setting the desired resolution.

Please observe the following hints:

• When using Full Image Recording on Q22M cameras, you should use at least MEGA or better yet QXGA format. Reason: when viewing the recorded images in MxCC of MxEasy, the applications need this resolution to deliver satisfactory image quality.
• As the computing power of the camera has its natural limits, full image storage reduces the attainable data rate of the live image stream, which may drop by about 10 to 30 percent. It is thus recommended to reduce the image rate for storage as far as possible, thus influencing the live image stream as little as possible.

Enhanced Configuration Options for MxEasy Alarm Planner

When using the cameras together with MxEasy and its Alarm Planner feature, you can set time ranges for recording with totally different recording settings. It is now possible to set a surveillance camera in a store during opening hours to record continuously with 1 to 2 fps while using event-triggered recording with maximum frame rate and activated Video Motion detection and PIR sensor for detecting events.

Exposure Windows Adapted to vPTZ Features

When setting the exposure windows, e.g. by using the Exposure Control Quick Control, the camera now has two different modes:

• vPTZ Exposure Mode
  This new mode determines images exposure by automatically following the currently viewed image section when using the virtual PTZ features. Note that this will influence the exposure of the full image—even of those areas that are currently now viewed. This may lead to undesired effects if the camera is recording the full image. This mode does not allow using any exposure windows since the whole visible image area is used for exposure control.
• Recording Exposure Mode (Default)
  
  This mode allows using the well-known exposure windows for determining the correct image exposure. The exposure windows and thus, image exposure will not be changed using the vPTZ features. This approach ensures that image exposure always delivers optimum exposure when recording and that exposure is not changed when using the virtual PTZ. Note that you can set the desired exposure windows in both the (distorted) full image and an image section that has been selected using the virtual PTZ.

Video Motion Detection—Enhancements and Improvements

This feature has been enhanced and improved as outlined in the following:

• Reference windows with selectable Suppression Time
  The reference windows that are used to avoid false video motion alarms (e.g. when the illumination of large portions of a scene changes) up until now only suppressed video motion windows that triggered in exactly the same image as the reference windows. Open the Setup > Event Settings dialog and enter a Video Motion Suppression Time for the reference windows. When a reference windows triggers now, it will suppress all video motion windows of the same VM detector set (VM or VM2) within the specified time.
• More precise settings for specific situations
  Certain situations may require further fine-tuning of the behavior of the video motion windows by using the '$noise', '$postfilter' and '$limit' variables. For further information on how these variables are used and how they work, please see the Video Motion Detection page in the camera's online help.
• Definition of video motion windows also in corrected images
  When using the Q22M (with L11 lens) or M22M (with L22 lens) with the virtual PTZ (i.e. corrected image sections), you can now define the video motion windows directly in these image sections. It is thus not required to switch to Full Image display mode to accomplish this.

ExtIO: Now Supports Ethernet Connections

From this software version on, you can connect the MOBOTIX ExtIO with the cameras using either a USB or an Ethernet cable. Open the Admin Menu > Manage Hardware Expansions dialog to activate the ExtIO and to set its IP address. Once connected to the camera, operation of the ExtIO is the same, regardless of how the ExtIO has been connected.

Notes:

• In order to use the full ExtIO functionality, you need to make sure that the ExtIO software is at least version 1.1.0.8 (see www.mobotix.com/eng_GB/Support/Software-Downloads/ExtIO/).
• Updating the ExtIO software is always accomplished via the connected camera (Admin Menu > Update System Software). The camera automatically detects, that this MPL file is intended for the ExtIO and applies the update accordingly.

Enhancements to the HTTP API for vPTZ Control

With the expanded vPTZ features of the camera, it is now possible to control these features using the MOBOTIX camera's HTTP API. For more information on this topic, see the Online help of the camera on the The HTTP API page.

VoIP/SIP Enhancements

This area has been enhanced and improved in the following ways:

• Support of Cisco Call Manager added
  MOBOTIX cameras can now be used for SIP telephony via Cisco Call Manager. Note that Cisco Call Manager currently only supports voice telephony, but no video telephony.
• Playing back an audio message with adjustable delay
  If the camera calls the VoIP number via a SIP provider (e.g. sipgate), the provider accepts the call and forwards it accordingly. Since the camera plays back its audio message too early in this case (i.e. after the call has been accepted), the recipient may miss the beginning of the message. To avoid this, you should set a suitable delay in the Settings for Audio Messages in the Admin > VoIP Settings dialog (set Configuration Mode to Expert Configuration to see these options).
• Flexible assignment of signal outputs to phone keys
  The keys of the phone can now be set to operate the signal outputs 1 or 2 (this is only available when using either the CamIO or the ExtIO). This in turn allows using only signal output 1 without risking that operating the door opener could result in a "fluttering" of the signal. Use the parameters in the Signal Output Settings section in the Admin > VoIP Settings dialog (set Configuration Mode to Expert Configuration to see these options).

New Features and Key Assignments When Using Video SIP

When making video phone calls, the camera can display a legend for the available functions that are assigned to the phone keys (DTMF). Note that you can also use the features if the legend is not visible.

General features of the menus

• Phone key "#": Shows/hides the menu, switches between different display modes, stores selections.
• Phone key "*": Changes to the next page of the legend, cancels selections and closes submenus.
• Phone key "0": If not used otherwise, opens submenus.

You can display these additional key assignments on the screen of a softphone or video SIP phone:

• Keys for Camera Arming
  
  • Phone key "3": Activate/deactivate camera arming.
  • Phone keys "7", "8", "9": Activate the Listen ("7"), Speak ("8") and Intercom ("9") audio modes of the camera.
• Keys for Event Search
  
  • Phone key "0": This key opens a submenu in Player mode, which allows searching for events according to the date and time you entered.
• Keys for vPTZ Control of a Q22M
  
  • Phone keys "1", "3": Switches back and forth between the Normal ("1") and Surround views ("3").
  • Phone key "0": Opens a submenu for switching between views:
    
    • Phone keys "1" to "6": Defining and storing of predefined views.
    • Phone keys "7" to "9", "*" and "0": Activates the different auto modes; "0" stops the auto mode.

Other Improvements

• Improved display modes for Dual cameras
  The special display modes Picture in Picture (PiP), Picture in Zoom (PiZ) and Event in Picture (EiP) can now be set independently for the two image sensors of Dual cameras. To set the modes for the sensors, the Quick Controls now have the two new commands Display Mode (Right) and Display Mode (Left). Whereas the old command had been Camera Selection > LiR (Left in Right), for example, the new command is Camera Selection > Right together with Display Mode (Right) > Picture in Picture.

Bugfixes

• Video motion detection sensitivity in dark scenes too low
  The video motion window's sensitivity had been too low when the images displayed a lot of image noise due to low illumination. This behavior could be observed if the camera engaged the software amplification to maintain the selected average brightness in the images.
• ActiveX control did not stop zoom actions
  When using a joystick, the camera sometimes did not stop zoom actions any more.
• Problems in dark scenes with images from image profiles
  When illumination was low, the camera sometimes generated images according to image profiles that contained too much image noise and were also delivered too slowly when image requests occurred directly one after the other (with a 10 second delay for each image).
• "Ghost images" in dark scenes with changes in illumination
  Dark scenes and images with heavy image noise sometimes resulted in "ghost images", i.e. the current image showed remainders of a past sequence. This could happen if illumination changed while the camera itself modified image exposure.
• Selected action dead time ineffective
  The dead time for actions such as signal output, visual alarm, etc. did not have the desired effect.
• Picture-in-picture display (PiP) in custom image sizes
  When using a custom resolution, the camera was unable to generate picture-in-picture images.

Known Issues

• ActiveX PTZ and Proxy
  When accessing the camera via a proxy server, the joystick control does not work in combination with the ActiveX control.
• ActiveX control and mouse pointer on Internet Explorer
  On some combinations of Windows operating systems and the Internet Explorer, the mouse pointer sometimes retained the crosshairs look even though the pointer had been moved away from the camera image (i.e. the ActiveX control). If this was the case, the pointer could not be used to operate the other page elements. This problem can be fixed by displaying the context menu (right-click), which resets the mouse pointer.
• Zoom actions in images of a 3 megapixel sensor with Fast image quality
  When zooming into the image of a camera with 3 megapixel sensor (factory IP of 10.3.x.x) with image quality set to Fast, the live stream sometimes stops.
• Display mode Event in Picture with zoom
  If you are zooming into an image in EiP (Event in Picture) display mode, the camera can initiate a reboot after triggering a new event.
• Translations
  Some translations are missing on all language versions other than English and German.

Software Release MX-V3.4.2.16 (Release) – for all M12, D12, V12, M22M and D22M Cameras

Creation Date: 2008-09-05

Publishing Date: 2008-09-08

Caution: This version and all previous versions must not be installed on Q22M cameras!

Enhancements and Improvements

Virtual PTZ for all Cameras

With this version, all MOBOTIX cameras provide digital pan, tilt and zoom functions, which operate like a "virtual PTZ" (Pan Tilt Zoom). You can control the PTZ features with a joystick or the mouse if the ActiveX component or MxControlCenter are used. In MxControlCenter, open the Options > <Camera Name (IP address)> tab and select MxProtocol as type in the PTZ/Rotor Control group box. Version 1.8 and higher of the MxControlCenter automatically set the MxProtocol type when adding MOBOTIX cameras. When using a web browser without ActiveX component, you can control the PTZ using mouse clicks for pan/tilt commands. The mouse wheel controls the zoom (max. 8x zoom level).

ExtIO Support

From this software version on, you can connect the MOBOTIX ExtIO with the cameras using a USB cable. The ExtIO expands the functionality of the MOBOTIX cameras by a powerful audio unit with microphone and speaker, a passive infrared motion detector, a temperature sensor and more signal inputs/outputs. The two keys on the unit allow easily implementing door communication solutions.

Event Storage on SD Cards

This feature provides recording on SD cards that can be inserted and changed by the user. The camera can use SD cards with a storage capacity of up to 16 GB. When recording to Flash storage devices (SD cards, internal Flash storage of R camera models or USB devices), the camera will only use the MOBOTIX Flash file system MxFFS, which has been designed especially for this purpose. MxFFS guarantees optimum performance and reliability. To activate the video storage on SD cards, open the Admin Menu > Storage on External File Server / Flash Device dialog.

Make sure that you understand the following hints before you use this feature:

• Recording on a Flash device is an alternative to using a file server; combining both methods is not possible.

• Recording in a integrated Flash storage device is only possible when using R models, which have been equipped with an 8 GB Flash storage device at the factory.

• Make sure that the SD card is inserted properly into the camera:

  • M12: contacts point to the front of the camera.
  • D12: contacts point to the back of the camera.
  • D22: contacts point to the front of the camera.

• Video data on SD cards or USB storage devices, which have been written using MxFFS can be viewed via a MOBOTIX camera or directly on a computer when running MxControlCenter(V1.8 or higher). MxControlCenter can read these storage devices when they connecting them to the USB port of a Windows computer; SD cards require a suitable card reader for this purpose.

  • Caution:
    
    If the MxFFS driver has not been installed yet, Windows will not recognize MxFFS-formatted storage media. Instead, Windows will show a message box prompting you format the device. Never answer Yes when asked to format the device, since this will destroy the stored data without any chance of recovery!

  • Without installed MxFFS driver, MxControlCenter will offer installing the MxFFS driver when you first access a Flash device that has been used in a MOBOTIX camera. Please note that installing this driver is only possible if you have the rights required for installing software on the Windows system!

• Note that recording to a USB storage device is definitely slower than recording to an external file server or the integrated Flash storage of the camera. The maximum throughput when recording on SD cards depends to a large degree on the SD card that is being used. Depending on the manufacturer and the card model, the throughput varies extremely. In addition, the maximum data rate for writing the SD cards is considerably lower than the throughput specified by the manufacturer; this is true for all SD cards tested by MOBOTIX.

• If the recording speed on Flash devices is too slow and the camera creates images faster than they can be stored, this will result in "lost events". If this is the case, you should reduce the frame rate and/or resolution for recording.

• Warning:
  When disrupting the power supply of the camera or when removing a Flash storage device (USB device or SD card) while recording, the camera will loose data (the same applies when recording to a file server). When using event or continuous recording, the camera can loose up to 12 seconds of data. In Snapshot recording mode, the camera can loose only a few post-alarm images, the last event and the corresponding pre-alarm images. To avoid this, deactivate the recording to the Flash device before shutting off camera power. Open the Admin Menu > Storage on External File Server / Flash Device dialog, activate the None option and reboot the camera before removing the Flash storage device.

• Camera displays an access error
  If the camera displays an access error, the SD card's write protection is enabled. Remove the SD card in such a case, deactivate the write protection and reinsert the card.

Camera Features of the D12D-180° "Panorama"

The D12D-180° ("Panorama") provides the new 180° View, which can be selected either using the Camera Selection Quick Control or in Setup Menu > General Image Settings > Camera Selection. This view provides an image consisting of the two images delivered by the L22 lenses in which the camera has corrected the lens distortion and which are merged in the center of the image. Before using this view, you should first adjust the two images into one 180° view:

• Activate the 180° View in Setup Menu > General Image Settings > Camera Selection; the camera automatically enters the configuration mode.
• The camera displays several icons in the live image for adjusting the two images. Click on the corresponding icon until you have created an optimum panorama image. The camera removes the lens distortion of the two sensors and you can zoom, rotate and move the two images using the on-screen icons until you get a good-quality dual image.
• Once you are done, you can deactivate the Configuration Mode again and the camera delivers a panorama image.

A note on exposure

• The exposure settings of the two sensors should be set in such a way that the exposure is measured in the center of the final panorama image. Assuming that the lighting conditions are somewhat identical in the center of the panorama image, one approach would be to use two exposure windows – in the left image the exposure window Right, for the right image sensor the exposure window Left.
• Since the camera uses two separate image sensors to create a combined panorama image, it may show slight color differences between the two sensors, especially in situations with different illumination values for the two sensors!

Improved Event Download

The download of recorded video data has been expanded and improved. You can now download video data up to 8 GB in one tar file from the camera. This is also valid for video that has been stored on Flash devices (SD cards, USB devices).

Make sure that you understand the following hints before you use this feature:

• Internet Explorer 6 and 7 can only download files with up to 4 GB! If the download is larger than this limit, the browsers will disrupt the download without any explanation. If you would like to download a file with more than 4 GB, you can use a different browser, such as Firefox.
• When downloading a recording from Flash devices, the download speed is mostly dependent on the maximum reading speed of the device. For a CF card, this is about 1.5 MB/s, SD card will be read with about 700 kB/s – provided that the camera does not use the device for writing at the same time.
• When downloading files to Flash devices (e.g. USB sticks), the FAT32 file system on these devices will prevent downloading any files larger than 2 GB.

Negated Event Logic

The Event Logic feature now also allows combining negated events.

Example:

• Application: Trigger an alarm when "detecting motion AND the key switch is not activated within 15 seconds".
• Solution using Event Logic: Video motion AND (NOT (signal input within 15 seconds)).
  • Event A := VM (=Video Motion)
  • Event B := SI (=signal input)
  • Event Logic EL := (A and !B), with 15 seconds time

To define negated events, open the Event Logic dialog and set Order of Occurrence to A -> !B.

Improved Noise Filter

Open the General Image Settings dialog and activate the Noise Suppression option to use the improved two-stage noise filter, which is engaged when illumination drops below 2.6 lux.

Improved Day/Night Switching

When using the Day/Night switch of DNight models, the selected switching threshold (illumination in lux) will be used with better precision than before, even when switching from the night to the day sensor.

Changed Camera Dialogs with Fixed Buttons

The buttons of the web-based user interface Set, Factory, Restore, Close and More, which are present in most of the dialogs, are now always visible at the bottom of the browser windows and are not influenced by scrolling the dialog contents.

SIP Enhancements

• VoIP/SIP connections with Quick Setup
  The Admin > VoIP Settings dialog now allows selecting the Quick Configuration mode. In this mode, the camera will create a new VoIP phone profile named quicksetup using the SIP address of the first caller after activating this mode. You can use this VoIP phone profile later on for automated SIP calls when reacting to a signal input, for example (this could be a door bell). If a profile with this name already exists, the camera will append a consecutive number (e.g. quicksetup1).
• Event search possible via SIP video connections
  The on-screen camera control menu for SIP video connections has been expanded by another submenu. This new submenu allows navigating the recorded camera events and also provides a time-based search for events.

Note on SIP video:

A SIP connection on a 100 MBit network can create image noise on some video phones (e.g. Grandstream). If this is the case, you can reduce the speed of the MOBOTIX camera's network interface to 10 MBit/s (Admin Menu > Ethernet Interface, Ethernet Parameters section)

Other Improvements

• Variable for Displaying the Buffer Usage
  The new variable '$(STORAGE.BUFFERFILL)' can display the current size of the transfer buffer. Large values (more than 50%) are usually an indicator that file server storage is too slow, resulting in "lost events" (i.e. not all events could be stored successfully).
• Connection Problems are Displayed in MxPEG ActiveX Control
  In case a camera cannot be reached, the ActiveX control automatically tries to re-establish the connection once every second. In addition, the ActiveX window shows the elapsed time since the connection problems started.
• Download of the Full Camera Status in one File
  In order to process very specific support request or to facilitate troubleshooting, the Camera Status can be saved as a whole in one single file. To use this feature, open the <camera IP>/admin/report.dmp dialog. Select the types of information you would like to export subsequently. This will pack all relevant text files, images, a 'report.dmp' file, etc., into one file named '<camera name>_<date>_<time>.eml' and download this file to the local computer. You can see the contents of the '*.eml' file in any e-mail application, allowing you to display and send the file.
• Time Tables with more than 100 days
  You can no define time tables that are spanning a total of more than 100 days. Before, adding a time table that spanned more than 100 days caused the camera to always activate its arming - or to disarm the camera altogether (according to the settings of the time table).
• Detailed error messages for file server problems
  Open the Storage on External File Server / Flash Device dialog to see detailed error information when clicking on the Status: ... (Details) link.

Bugfixes

• Changed time zones for North America
  The changes of the North American time zones from 2007 when switching from daylight savings time back to normal time had been missing.
• Image Problems When Recording to Flash Devices
  When storing images on SD cards or in R cameras (CF card), the camera sometimes created corrupt or wrong images.
• Red or blue stripes in the images of some 1 Megapixel sensors
  Some cameras with 1 MP image sensors had displayed vertical red or blue stripes in the images.
• ISDN on R models
  When using the integrated Flash storage (R models) or USB sticks for event recording, the camera detected errors in the storage process although the recording was running without faults.
• Adjusting the system time of "time server" cameras
  If the system time of a camera differs too much from the integrated RTC (real-time clock), the system time will be automatically adjusted to the RTC time. This adjustment mechanism did not work on cameras that were used as time server for other cameras.
• Dual images distorted in Multiwatcher
  Dual images generated by Dual cameras had been displayed distorted in the Multiwatcher.
• FTP transfer did not transfer event image
  When transferring images via FTP using the Live or Event Image setting (Image Profile parameter in the FTP profile), the camera did not transfer the event image, but a later image.
• Button event BT triggers announcement of IP address
  If the BT event had been activated and set to Right, Right OR left or Right AND left, the camera executed the selected action (e.g. FTP transfer), it also announced its IP address (provided that the speaker had not been deactivated).

Known Issues

• Some translations are missing on all language versions other than English and German.

Software Release MX-V3.4.0.9 – for all M12, D12, V12, M22M and D22M Cameras

Creation Date: 2008-01-11

Publishing Date: 2008-01-28

Enhancements and Improvements

• Improved temperature display in Admin > Temperatures dialog
• Amendments and enhancements to some online help pages

Bugfixes

• Clicking noise in camera speaker of M12 with attached CamIO
  After connecting a MOBOTIX M12 to a CamIO, the camera sometimes played clicking noises over the speaker.
• Image size selector for logos was missing in Secure models
  The image size selector for logos was missing in Secure models. This resulted in all logos appearing in all resolutions.
• Error detection produced false alarms when recording to integrated Flash media and USB media
  When using the integrated Flash storage (R models) or USB sticks for event recording, the camera detected errors in the storage process although the recording was running without faults.

Software Release MX-V3.4.0.7 – for all M12, D12, V12, M22M and D22M Cameras

Creation Date: 2007-12-20

Publishing Date: 2007-12-21

Enhancements and Improvements

3 Megapixel Image Format and Additional TV Image Formats

This software version can generate images in 3 Megapixel resolution (QXGA, 2048x1536 pixels). This resolution can be used for live video and for recording one image sensor. It is most useful on cameras with 3 Megapixel sensors (factory IP addresses 10.3.x.x and higher). If you need dual images from a dual camera, the maximum resolution of each image sensor is limited to MEGA (1280x960 pixels). You can select QXGA resolution using either the Resolution Quick Control in the camera's Live screen or in the Setup Menu > General Image Settings dialog.

The following new standard image formats are available with this version:

• TV-CIF (352x288 pixels)
• TV-PAL (704x576 pixels)

Recording to Flash Devices

This feature allows using recording on non-volatile storage media, i.e. either the factory-integrated Flash storage in the camera or a USB storage device (stick or harddisk)! For this purpose, the MOBOTIX MxFFS file system has been developed, which guarantees optimum performance and high reliability. You can select one of these new storage methods—just like when storing to an external file server—in the Admin Menu > Storage on External File Server / Flash Device dialog.

Make sure that you understand the following hints before you use this feature:

• Recording on a Flash device is an alternative to using a file server; combining both methods is not possible.
• Recording in a integrated Flash storage device is only possible when using R models, which have been equipped with an 8 GB Flash storage device at the factory.
• You should always use the new MOBOTIX MxFFS file system as recording format - even when using USB storage devices!
• Video data on USB storage devices, which have been written using MxFFS can currently only be viewed via a MOBOTIX camera. A future version of MxControlCenter will be able to read such a USB storage device when connecting it to the USB port of a Windows computer.
• Regardless of the file format used (FAT32 or MxFFS), recording to a USB storage device can be a lot slower than recording to an external file server or the integrated Flash storage within the camera. If the recording speed is too slow and the camera creates images faster than they can be stored, this will result in "lost events"! If this is the case, you should reduce the frame rate and/or resolution for recording.
• Warning: You should make sure that you never disconnect a USB storage device without deactivating it first in the Admin Menu > Manage Hardware Expansions dialog since this may lead to serious loss of data. When using MxFFS, data loss is limited to 4 MB per incident; with FAT32, you may loose all data and the storage device may even be destroyed!

Custom Image Sections and Sizes

This feature allows defining an image section of any size as well as the desired resolution of that image section! To do so, set the next higher image resolution that completely contains the desired resolution, e.g. XGA. Next, draw a rectangle over the desired image section ([Shift]-click, then click) and select Resolution > Custom Size in the Quick Controls of the Live screen to use the current setting. As an alternative, you can also use the Setup Menu > General Image Settings dialog to configure this feature.

When using graphical means to define the image section, a [Shift]-click, [Ctrl]-click (instead of [Shift]-click, click) will draw a rectangle that always has the same ratio of width to height as the currently displayed image.

Using this method, you can create image sections with any desired ratio of width to height—even squares are possible.

Improved Settings of the Video Motion (VM) Windows

The following additional parameters, which control the triggering behavior can be added to the definitions of every VM window (the sequence of the parameters is of no importance any more):

• a=<minimum percentage of the area, which needs to change>, [0..99], default: 20
• am=<maximum percentage of the area, which may change>, [0..99], default: not used
• s=<sensitivity to use when detecting changes>, [0..99], a smaller value is more likely to trigger a window, default: 20 for regular, 10 for reference windows

Example:

0,540,380,200,200,a=25,am=80,s=5

Improved Video Codec for SIP Transmissions to Video Phones

Since the basic codec settings have been further optimized, the camera can now easier establish SIP video connections to video phones.

Improved Error Notification

The file server tests when storing video on an external file server can now be started with a delay after rebooting the camera. This allows adjusting a nightly camera reboot to a reboot of a NAS system used for recording, for example. Use the Startup Delay parameter in the Admin Menu > Storage Failure Detection dialog to configure this feature.

The new Admin Menu > Error Notification dialog provides several options for getting notifications on errors that are detected within the different systems of the camera by e-mail, FTP or network messages as well as sound and visual means. In addition, you can define notifications, which the camera sends in case of unexpected reboots (i.e. reboots not triggered by the user).

Improved Multiwatcher

The Multiwatcher configuration dialog now opens the camera list in a separate window. In addition, the camera immediately verifies the camera user name and password information.

State of the Signal Output After Rebooting Can Be Set

When configuring the signal output of the camera, you can now set a default state (On or Off) after a camera reboot. Previously, the signal output had always been set to Off after rebooting.

Bugfixes

• Microphone Deactivated When Making Audio Announcements
  Making audio announcements from MxControlCenter or the ActiveX control via the camera's speaker sometimes resulted in a back coupling effect, i.e. the last part of the announcement from the camera speaker were sent back to the computer running MxControlCenter or the ActiveX control. The camera will now automatically switch off the microphone as long as the camera speaker is active.
• Default time zone of the Japanese version was wrong
  The default time zone of the Japanese version is now once again Asia/Tokyo.
• Dropouts on 1 Megapixel image sensors and "Fast Mode"
  Using 1 Megapixel image sensors in "Fast Mode" sometimes resulted in faulty dropout correction and visible dropouts in dark scenes.
• EiP images with color faults (1 Megapixel sensors only)
  Cameras with 1 Megapixel sensors sometimes showed EiP (Event in Picture) images with faulty colors.

Software Release MX-V3.3.2.3 – for all M12, D12, V12, M22M and D22M Cameras

Creation Date: 2007-10-25

Publishing Date: 2007-10-31

Enhancements and Improvements

Video Motion Improvements

The triggering of VM windows will be influenced less by image sensor noise that may be present due to low light conditions.

New "Zoom to Rectangle" Feature

Besides the existing zoom features that are accessible via the camera's 1x Zoom, 2x Zoom, 4x Zoom softbuttons and the Zoom Quick Controls above the live image (Zoom (right) and Zoom (left) for Dual models), you can now use the new Zoom to Rectangle feature to adjust the camera zoom to a graphically defined rectangle in the live image. To define the rectangle, simply [Shift]-click into the image to set the start point, then click again into the image to set the second corner of the rectangle diagonally across, and the camera will display a yellow frame where you clicked. If you open the Zoom Quick Control and select the Zoom to Rectangle function, the camera will proportionally scale the image so as to fit it into the rectangle that you just defined. The current zoom level is displayed in the lower right corner of the image, provided that the message symbols have not been switched off.

Improved Preview Features

When generating preview image e.g. for devices with limited bandwidth, the camera can now produce two new formats besides the existing PDA format with 160×120pixels, which can be pulled using the HTTP API:

• CIF with 320×240 pixels
• VGA with 640×480 pixels

Weather Station

For the weather stations of Rheinhardt System- und Messelektronik GmbH and Davis Instruments, new variables have been added, which allow displaying additional information from the weather stations in the camera's images.

Locking the Default View

Using the Set Default View softbutton sets a default position and zoom setting for a zoomed image, which is then reproduced by clicking on the Load Default View softbutton. You can now lock this default view in Setup Menu > General Image Settings by setting Zoom Lock > Lock Default View; without the Image Settings right in Admin Menu > Group Access Control Lists, this default view cannot be changed.

Software Release MX-V3.3.1.7 – only for M22, D22!

Creation Date: 2007-09-13

Publishing Date: 2007-09-18

Enhancements and Improvements

Video Motion Improvements

The triggering of VM windows will be influenced less by image sensor noise that may be present due to low light conditions.

Support of MOBOTIX CamIO Expansion Box for M22

This version is required to activate and control a CamIO expansion box connected to an M22 camera. Open the Admin Menu > Manage Hardware Expansions dialog to activate a MOBOTIX CamIO. Open www.mobotix.com, Services > Manuals section to find more information on the features and how to set up a MOBOTIX CamIO in the CamIO user manual.

Caution: This software has been released only for M22 and D22 cameras!
Make sure that you are using software version 3.1.0.26 for M12 and D12 cameras.

Improved MxPEG Codec 2.0

The camera implementation of the MOBOTIX MxPEG video codec has been redesigned and improved, effectively avoiding the "MxPEG tiling effects", which appeared in the live and recorded images under certain circumstances. In addition, the new codec has an improved performance when the camera records "normal" movement in the image (up to 30% of the pixels), resulting in slightly improved image rates.

IMPORTANT:
The actual encoding and storage schemes of the detected and transferred MxPEG tiles remain unchanged. Existing applications that obtain and decode an MxPEG stream from the camera will continue to work as before!

IP-Level Access Control

The new Admin Menu > IP-Level Access Control dialog allows granting or denying access based on rules that define the IP address/subnets you would like to control. Using this method, you can easily prevent access to the camera for specific parts of a network while granting access for other subnets or specific IP addresses.

Web Server Intrusion Detection

The new Intrusion Detection Settings section in the Admin Menu > Web Server dialog provides several options for detecting and preventing unauthorized access to the camera. For instance, you can set up the camera to send an e-mail to an administrator, place a call or send a network message to another computer if one IP address attempts to log on to the camera unsuccessfully five times.

When sending an e-mail, the camera will automatically attach the web server log file. If the e-mail profile used for sending the e-mail already has a defined attachment, this attachment will be replaced by the web server log file.

If IP-Level Access Control has been set up, the camera can automatically block the IP address, from which the unsuccessful logins had been attempted.

New Image Resolutions

This software release provides the following new image resolutions:

• D1-CIF (384x288)
• SVGA (800x600)
• XGA (1024x768)

In addition, the D1-PAL (768x576) image format is now created from the entire image and not only from a partial image.

New Zoom Settings

Besides the know zoom settings of x2 and x4, the camera now offers the x1.6 and x3.2 zoom settings.

Enhanced Settings for Image Quality and Frame Rate

The image quality is now set using one of these three settings:

• High (best image quality – lowest frame rate)
• Standard
• Fast (lowest image quality – highest frame rate)

You can set the image quality either via the Image Quality Quick Control or in the Setup Menu > General Image Settings dialog. The image quality setting mainly controls if every pixel of the image sensor is used or if several pixels are combined into one, early in the image generation process within the camera.

Exposure Programs

The Setup Menu > Exposure Settings dialog allows settings different Exposure Programs in the Exposure Time section. These programs control whether the camera will use shorter or longer exposure times when lighting conditions are poor. Shorter exposure times (programs -1, -2) reduce motion blur, but can lead to increased image noise. Longer exposure times (programs +1, +2) reduce the image noise, but can lead to increased motion blur. The application at hand determines which exposure program is best for the situation.

Image Programs

In order to improve support of different application scenarios, the following Image Programs can be set using the corresponding Quick Control above the Live image.

• Fast
• Security Application
• quality
• High Quality
• Webcam

Selecting an image program will open a new window, which automatically performs a number of different settings that lead to the desired image quality and frame rate. Besides setting the image quality, the camera will also set the appropriate exposure programs, MxPEG settings, JPEG quality and other parameters. The popup dialog contains a list of all settings that will be changed when selecting an image program; you can choose whether or not to proceed with these settings.

The Fast and Security Application image programs put a higher priority on a higher image rate and reduced motion blur by using shorter exposure times than in the standard program. On the other hand, the High Quality and Webcam image programs put a higher priority on a higher image quality and reduced image noise by using longer exposure times than in the standard program.

Further Changes in the "Setup Menu > Exposure Settings" Dialog

Apart from the changes already described above, the following items have changed in the Setup Menu > Exposure Settings dialog.

• Minimum Average Brightness:
  When lighting conditions are poor and the selected Average Brightness cannot be reached even using the maximum exposure time, the image exposure will corrected up to the setting of this parameter. Since this may produce significant image noise when looking at very dark scenes even before this value is reached, you should activate the Night Improvement (see next item) to make sure that this parameter is working properly. When deactivating night improvement, the resulting image can also be darker than the selected Minimum Average Brightness.
• Night Improvement:
  When activating night improvement, the camera software will make sure that the selected Minimum Average Brightness will always be maintained, even though this may lead to high image noise when lighting conditions are poor. This parameter only has the settings On and Off, the Auto value has been removed.

Improved Structure of the Quick Control Entries

All entries of the Quick Controls (pulldown lists above the live image of the camera in the browser) have been reworked and regrouped.

Time Zones Completed

The Admin Menu > Time and Date dialog now allows selecting from all relevant time zones:

• Africa

• America

• Antarctica

• Arctic

• Asia

• Atlantic

• Australia

• Brasil

• Chile

• Europe

• India

• Canada

• Mexico

• Mideast

• Pacific

• US

• World

Software Release MX-V3.1.0.26 – only for M12 and D12!

Creation Date: 2007-09-06

Publishing Date: 2007-09-17

Enhancements and Improvements

Support of MOBOTIX CamIO Expansion Box for M12

This version is required to activate and control a CamIO expansion box connected to an M12 camera. Open the Admin Menu > Manage Hardware Expansions dialog to activate a MOBOTIX CamIO. Open www.mobotix.com, Services > Manuals section to find more information on the features and how to set up a MOBOTIX CamIO in the CamIO user manual.

Caution: This software can only be used on M12 and D12 cameras and will not run on M22 or D22 cameras with an IP address of 10.3.x.x!
Make sure that you are using software version 3.3.1.7 for M22 and D22 cameras.

Software Release MX-V3.1.0.21 (M22, M12, D12, D22)

Creation Date: 2007-07-23

Publishing Date: 2007-07-25

Enhancements and Improvements

Support for Active Directory Service (ADS) by Integrating CIFS

This enhancement allows using a Windows domain controller login or an Active Directory Service (ADS) for external video recording on a file server. The Admin Menu > Event Storage on external file server dialog has to be set to Remote CIFS File Server (instead of Remote SMB File Server). The user has to be a fully qualified domain user. This enhancement also resulted in a redesign of the corresponding camera dialog.

In addition, using CIFS instead of SMB also solves a well-known problem that exists when recording images to a Linux Samba server using the SMB protocol (see below under Bugfixes).

Encrypted Connection Using https/SSL

To use SSL/TLS, open the Admin Menu > Web Server dialog, activate Enable HTTPS, save the configuration to flash and restart (reboot) the camera. The camera can now be accessed via SSL so that all the web pages and camera images are encrypted before being transferred. Use https://<camera IP> instead of http://<camera IP> in the URL to load the camera's web page in the browser and ensure encrypted communication.

Multiwatcher (Reduced-Bandwidth Access to Multiple Cameras via Internet)

Open the Multiwatcher using the new Multiwatcher softbutton; it replaces the Event Watcher. The Multiwatcher enables the simultaneous viewing and surveillance of multiple cameras. It displays the live image of the camera, the last event image and a list of alarms for each camera added. The configuration also supports password-protected cameras. The Multiwatcher allows simple access to and thus viewing of multiple cameras, that may, for instance, be in a network behind a Firewall or NAT-Router, without requiring that all of these cameras be accessible from or visible from the Internet. Only the camera that is to function as the Multiwatcher needs to be configured to be accessible from the Internet. This camera will function as a Proxy camera and obtains the live images, event images and event information from all other cameras and forwards them to your browser in the Multiwatcher of that camera. Using the new Preview mode images is also implemented in the camera, thus ensuring that only a small amount of uplink bandwidth from your network is used. All images shown in the Multiwatcher are reduced to PDA resolution by the cameras themselves.

Streaming FTP

Regular FTP transmission allowed for a maximum of only one image per minute. his new function allows transferring several camera images per minute via FTP - almost as if in a smooth stream (hence the name: FTP Streaming). This means that an image on a website can be updated at short intervals. Open Admin Menu > FTP Profiles and click on More to activate and set a profile and update interval in the Streaming FTP section. This dialog also allows setting an illumination threshold, which stops FTP streaming if illumination falls below the selected value. If this value is exceeded again, the camera will resume transmission.

Enhancements to the Video Telephony Features (SIP Video)

The following enhancements have been implemented in the Admin Menu > VoIP Settings dialog:

• Video resolution and video size can now be configured and are independent from the values for the live image displayed in the browser.
• The video telephony features can be used even though the MxPEG image codec is enabled.
• The implementation of SIP video is H.263-conformant so that SIP video can now be used in conjunction with hardware video phones.

General Improvements to VoIP

• You can deactivate the intercom threshold in Admin Menu > ISDN Audio Call-in.
• The camera can signal the call status on the camera speaker in Admin Menu > VoIP Settings.

MxPEG Streaming with Optional Full Image JPEG Frames (I-Frames)

You can use the MxPEG codec of the camera when retrieving the video stream from the camera. This video stream has been optimized and usually contains no JPEG full images (I frames). Now, however, a full image can be sent periodically by adding the new iframerefresh=[n] parameter when calling the faststream.jpg CGI script; n is set to the interval in seconds before a full image is sent.

Example for obtaining one I-Frame every 5 seconds:

http://<camera-IP>/control/faststream.jpg?iframerefresh=5

Individual Zoom/Pan-Settings for Each Image Sensor in the Camera

You can now set different zoom levels and panning positions for different lenses. The zoom level can be adjusted/set in two different ways:

• By using Zoom Quick Control (pulldown menu) on the Live screen.
• By changing the Digital Zoom parameter in Setup > General Image Settings.

Clicking directly in the image when the zoom level is greater than 1x changes the pan position of the visible image section.

New Time Zones Added and Dialog Improved

• A new selection box allows choosing the continent followed by a selection box for choosing the time zone/city.
• Time zone selection for Australia now includes all Australian time zones.

Preview Mode

The addition of a new Preview mode provides a method for displaying camera images and saving bandwidth at the same time. Image size is fixed at 160x120 pixels when the camera shows the image of one sensor and 320x160 pixels for two image sensors. Open the Admin Menu > Language and Start Page dialog to activate/deactivate this feature. This mode only affects the display of the live images in the browser or in MxControlCenter. The resolution of images that are stored to an external file server, for example, remain unchanged.

Enhancements to the HTTP API

Getting Preview Images

The HTTP API has been expanded to include the preview parameter for accessing the live and alarm images. This method pulls the images from a camera at a reduced preview size of 160x120 pixels, regardless of the current size/resolution set in the camera, thereby drastically reducing bandwidth.

Examples:
http://<camera-IP>/cgi-bin/image.jpg?preview
http://<camera-IP>/control/faststream.jpg?preview
http://<camera IP>/control/event.jpg?preview

Triggering of a VoIP/SIP Phone Call by the Camera

The camera CGI program <camera IP>/control/rcontrol has been expanded by the following additional features:
- voipphone
- voipcall
- voiphangup
- voiprestart
This means that you can trigger VoIP/SIP phone calls from the camera using the HTTP API. The VoIP address, which is to be called, can be added as additional parameter or by using a VoIP profile already defined in the camera.

Lens Focusing Aid

The focus of some camera lenses can be adjusted by the users. In order to simplify focusing the lens(es), the camera can display a bar that shows how well the lens has been focused: A green bar displays the maximum focus obtained since the function was activated and a red bar displays the current focus. Activate the Focusing Aid parameter in the Quick Controls in the Live screen.

Note: The focus adjustment only affects the currently selected camera image sensor.

Other Changes

Video Motion Definitions (VM): “Sensitivity” Removed

The Sensitivity parameter of the video motion window definitions is not available any more. When defining video motion windows, the following parameters are used (max. area is optional):

Lens, x, y, width, height, area (0..99%)[, max. area (0..99%)]

Bugfixes

• M12/D12 RS232 serial connection problems (modem, weather stations)
  Errors would sometimes occur during data transfer and/or the connection could be lost when the camera had been connected to a modem or weather station via the RS232 connector.
• Network configuration from MxControlCenter using the camera's Bonjour address did not work reliably
  Reconfiguring the camera's IP address and subnet mask using MxControlCenter did not work reliably. In addition to this, the changes to the network configuration were lost when the camera was restarted unless these changes had been saved to flash manually in the browser interface of the camera.
• Errors when accessing events stored on file server using SMB
  Player and storage problems would often occur when the camera was storing images via SMB to an external Linux Samba server and simultaneously playing back events in the cameras player or Via the camera in MxControlCenter. In these cases, playback would often halt and/or the camera would lose event images because it could not write to the server. The cause of this problem is a combination of using a Linux server with a 2.6 kernel and a Linux SMB client also on a 2.6 kernel (such as MOBOTIX cameras).
  This problem can be solved by using the CIFS protocol (see Support for Active Directory Service (ADS) / Windows 2003 File Server Storage via CIFS).
• Odd colors in overexposed image areas
  Odd colors would often be displayed in overexposed areas of the image. This became apparent when a normally white area of the image was very brightly illuminated, causing these areas to sometimes have a light pink, turquoise or light yellow tint.
• Using DynDNS and DHCP at the same time
  The camera can now use the DynDNS client while DHCP/BOOTP is activated.

Software Release MX-V3.0.8.7 (M22, M12, D12, D22)

Creation Date: 2007-02-27

Publishing Date: 2007-03-30

Enhancements and Improvements

Bonjour Service Integrated for Simple Camera Discovery

This service (also called Zeroconf) automatically finds and displays MOBOTIX cameras in MxControlCenter (from version 1.4.x) and in web browsers that support Bonjour. This service has been activated in all new MOBOTIX cameras. After updating a camera with older software to version 3.0.8.7, the Bonjour service is deactivated by default (only if you did not reset the network settings to factory defaults). Open the Admin Menu > Ethernet Interface dialog if you would like to activate (or deactivate) Bonjour. The so-called Link Local Address assigned by the Bonjour service is displayed in the Camera Status dialog box in the Network section.

New Time Zones

You can now use the following additional time zones in MOBOTIX cameras:

• Canada/Atlantic (AST, ADT), with updated daylight savings time from March 2007
• Europe/Sofia (EET/EEST)
• Europe/Bucharest (EET/EEST)

Video Motion Window (VM) With Reduced Error Rates

Thanks to a new post-filtering system, false alarms from VM windows have been further reduced.

Improved Video Motion (VM) Night Mode

By factory default, Video Motion Night Mode (disables video motion detection if illumination falls below the selected value) is now deactivated. If video motion detection has been activated, low illumination will not deactivate VM detection by default.

Sensor Configuration for Special D12 Models in Quick Installation Wizard

When configuring D12 models with lenses that have not been factory-installed, you can use the corresponding Quick Installation pages to set the image sensors.

Improved Frame Rates for D12 Models

When using D12 models in dual image mode, the camera now reaches half the frame rate of single image mode, provided both image sensors are using the same exposure time. When using different exposure times, the camera will reach one third of the frame rate of single image mode.

Video Motion Mode "Minefield" Changed

The default values of the "Minefield" VM mode have been changed from 35/10 (sensitivity/area) to 20/25. To activate this mode, the Video Motion Definitions (VM) text field may only contain the entry 0,minefield (right image sensor) or 1,minefield (left image sensor); the remaining parameters of the VM windows apply accordingly.

Bugfixes

• Image interference at certain camera models with specific lens combinations
  The following models displayed image interference:
  • V12 models with two day lenses (one top, one bottom)
  • M12 models with one Super Wide-Angle lens (22mm) and a different lens
• GSM/GPRS modem connection via RS232 interface
  The interface for controlling GSM/GPRS modems was not working properly.
• M12/D12: signal input #3 was not working properly
  The signal input pin #3 - Pin 2 (RxD) -> Pin 5 (GND) could not be used.
• Event player with ActiveX did not support ports other than 80
  Playing back events in the browser using the ActiveX plug-in did not work on cameras, which had been assigned a web server port other than port 80.
• Java applet did not work properly
  When using the Java applet, the camera's live was not displayed any more. This has been fixed in version 1.7 of the Java applet, which has been compiled using Java 5.
• Error when many VM windows (>60) triggered at the same time
  If more than 60 VM windows triggered at the same time, the camera sometimes produced a memory overflow error.
• Error panning in D12 panorama images
  Setting pan/tilt positions on D12 models in panorama mode did not work reliably.
• Master/slave errors when using long IP addresses
  Using the master/slave mechanism on cameras with long IP addresses (three digits in all four address segments) sometimes resulted in errors.
• Error in event structure of FTP profiles
  Erroneous evaluation when using the event structure. When using 1 second pre-alarm and no post-alarm, the camera only stored four Annnn.jpg files while the event image was missing. When using 2 seconds pre-alarm, 2 fps and no post-alarm, the camera stored one additional Pnnnn.jpg file.
• Error in day/night switching
  When repeatedly switching back and forth between the day and night image sensors, switching sometimes occurred delayed.
• Errors in Video Motion Night Mode when using the same VM definitions on both image sensors
  When using the same VM definitions on both image sensors, the VM Night Mode produced errors: the defined values for deactivating VM detection had been interchanged.
• Answers to HTTP requests now contain CRLF instead of LF only
  The answers sent by the camera to HTTP requests now contain CRLF characters instead of LF as line breaks.
• Weekly time tables for logo profiles had been ignored in FTP transfers
  When transferring images using FTP, the time tables for the logo profiles were being ignored.
• Error opening some dialogs in other languages in Internet Explorer
  The Spanish and Japanese versions of the camera software sometimes displayed an empty page when opening some dialogs in Internet Explorer.
• New ActiveX version 1.2.23
  This version allows using the 'httpclip' method also for ports other than port 80. This version also removes a memory leak in the ActiveX component.
• Memory leak in camera when sending e-mails or using FTP transfer
  When sending many e-mails or transferring many files via FTP, camera operation was sometimes showing irregularities.
• Error calculating the correct white balance in extreme lighting conditions
  When using exposure windows for calculating the white balance (white balance not set to Total), extreme lighting conditions sometimes led to a situation in which too few image pixels were used for calculating the white balance.

Software Release MX-V3.0.6.33 (M22, M12, D12)

Creation Date: 2006-11-20

Enhancements and Improvements

New Localized Software Versions Available

This version is now available in German, English, French, Spanish and Italian.

Improved Handling of DHCP for V12 Vandalism Cameras

When setting a MOBOTIX V12 to DHCP, the camera will automatically announce its current IP address on the loudspeaker after rebooting. This feature can be disabled in the Loudspeaker and Microphone dialog.

Improved Day/Night Switching of Night Models

The maximum switching delay has been increased from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Day/night switching has also been changed to be more reliable when switching back to the day lens if illumination is sufficient.

Improved Internal Settings of "Automatic WB" Color Profile

The internal settings of the Automatic WB (white balance) default color profile have be changed to prevent the camera from delivering faulty colors when very bright colors are in the image.

New MxPEG ActiveX Control V1.2.19

The ActiveX control for fast display of MxPEG streams in Internet Explorer has been updated to version 1.2.19. This version shows a small MxPEG logo when switching from the Player to the Live screen, which is briefly displayed in the lower left corner of the image. This version only contains some minor changes and bugfixes, which are only relevant if you are using the ActiveX control in your own application.

Bugfixes

• DHCP problem with D12 cameras and closed signal inputs
  When closing the first two signal input lines of D12 cameras, the cameras would start in DHCP mode at the next reboot.

Software Release MX-V3.0.6.29 (M22, M12, D12)

Creation Date: 2006-10-19

Important Notes

• This is the first common software release for the MOBOTIX M22, M12 and D12 cameras! This version is a combination of all software features of the latest M22 software version (3.0.3.31) and the latest M12/D12 software version (3.0.6.24).
  Hence, these release notes also combines the release notes of the M22 software versions (3.0.3.x) and the first M12/D12 software version (3.0.6.24).
• After updating to software release 3.0.6.29, M22 cameras cannot be simply downgraded to an older software release (3.0.3.x)!

Enhancements and Improvements

Updated "Loudspeaker and Speaker" dialog with Line-In support for M12/D12

The layout of this dialog has been redesigned. On M12/D12 cameras, you can activate "Line In" as an optional input for audio signals from an external microphone. This option also allows setting three different levels of sensitivity for audio input.

New MxPEG ActiveX Control V1.2.18

The ActiveX control for fast display of MxPEG streams in Internet Explorer has been updated to version 1.2.18. This version shows a small MxPEG logo when switching from the Player to the Live screen. The logo is displayed is briefly visible in the lower left corner. This version only contains some minor changes and bugfixes, which are only relevant if you are using the ActiveX control in your own application.

Bugfixes

• Various problems when using event storage on a file server
  When writing events to a file server, problems occurred when the assigned storage space was used up and file server storage was in "ring buffer" mode. Problems occurred when files which were to be deleted had been opened from other applications (such as MxControlCenter) or when the file server structure had been compromised by manually removing files or directories. In such a case, the camera sometimes stopped storing event files on the file server.
• Disruptions when generating images of extremely dark and noisy images
  When the camera was recording very dark scenes with a lot of image noise, image generation was sometimes disrupted, prompting a restart of the EventD process.
• Event deadtime and arming error
  When disarming the camera while the camera was still counting down the deadtime of a specific event, the camera deactivated this event permanently.

Software Release MX-V3.0.6.24 (M22M)

Creation Date: 2006-09-08

Important Notes

• This is the first productive software release for the MOBOTIX M12 and D12 cameras as replacement for the M10/D10 cameras.
• The MOBOTIX M12/D12 cameras are based on the same new hardware platform as the M22 cameras. When compared to the MOBOTIX M10/D10 cameras, the most significant changes result from the much more powerful CPU. Using the new hardware, the M12/D12 cameras can deliver up to 30 images per second in VGA resolution.
• Hardware Differences between M12/D12 and M10/D10
  From the outside, the M12/D12 cameras differ only slightly from the M10/D10 cameras.
  • D Sub 15 HD connector instead of D Sub 9 connector, with pins for serial interface, Line In/Out, backup power , USB Master.
  • SD card slot.
  • Internal CF slots for MOBOTIX expansion modules (only installed at the factory).
  • Ethernet interface of the camera supports 10/100 Mbps networks.
  • Power supply using network components that support the PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) standard IEEE 802.3af.
  • Direct power supply via ISDN NT is not possible any more, but can be injected into 8-wire cable (split cable required).
• The software of the M12/D12 cameras (operation, user interface, features) is mostly identical to the software of MOBOTIX M10/D10 and the M22 cameras.
• The M12/D12 camera models now include all newer software features that had only been available in the M22 cameras (thanks to the newer hardware) and not in the M10/D10 cameras. This pertains to features like Fast Mode, Quality Mode, Event in Picture, Picture in Zoom and SIP-Video.
• Differences between the M12/D12 cameras and the M22 only exist in the features that are specific to Dual camera features, since the M22 only has one image sensor.

For a detailed description of all differences in the hard- and software, please refer to chapter 1.4 of the M12 Camera User Manual Part 1.
Please download the manual from http://www.mobotix.com/eng/support/manuals.

The following list describes the new features, enhancements, improvements and bugfixes as compared to the software release 2.2.3.18 of the MOBOTIX M10/D10 cameras and 3.0.3.31 of the MOBOTIX M22 cameras.

New Features and Enhancements

As compared to the software 2.2.3.18 of the MOBOTIX M10/D10 cameras, the following new features have been added to the software:

• High frame rate—up to 30 fps VGA
• Additional display modes (Event in Picture, Picture in Zoom, Panorama)
• "Download and save image to local computer" button for storing the live image

These features were partly also available in the 3.0.3.x M22 software versions; see the corresponding release notes below.
In addition to the features of software release 3.0.3.31 of the M22, the following features are new:

• VoIP with support for SIP video
• Event download to USB stick

High Frame Rate—up to 30 fps VGA (in M22 from 3.0.3.17)

The new MOBOTIX M12/D12 cameras can deliver up to 30 images per second in VGA resolution. Click on the "Fast Mode (30 fps)" button to set all required options (see description further down).

Additional Display Modes

The Quick Controls above the live image contain the new "Display Mode" item with the "Event in Picture ", "Picture in Zoom" and "Panorama" modes.

Event in Picture (in M22 from 3.0.3.17)

Displays the last event image in the bottom right corner of the current live image.

Image in Zoom (in M22 from 3.0.3.17)

When the image has been zoomed (2x, 4x), this mode shows an overview image in the bottom right corner of the current live image. Clicking into the full image with the (left) mouse button will move the center of the zoomed image to the desired position.

Panorama—Only Available for D12 Cameras and Development Kits!

This display mode is only available for D12 and DevKit cameras. It shows a dual image (both sensors) with the current resolution and a smaller overview image in the bottom right corner. The overview image does not change, regardless of zoom actions. As opposed to the regular dual image mode (Both), the digital zoom accepts only one center position and zooms in/out using this position as center. This feature is thus different from the dual image mode and provides a digital pan/tilt feature. You can set the new zoom center (=panning/tilting) either by clicking into the panorama image or into the overview image in the bottom right corner.

Simplified Camera Handling

"Download and save image to local computer" button for storing the live image

This button stores the current live image from the camera as a JPG file. The proposed name consists of the camera name and a timestamp.

Fast Mode (30 fps) (in M22 from 3.0.3.17)

Click on this softbutton to configure the camera for delivering the maximum frame rate of 30 fps with VGA resolution. The dialog lists all required settings; click on Yes to use the proposed settings.

Quality Mode (in M22 from 3.0.3.17)

Click on this softbutton to configure the camera for delivering optimum image using the MxPEG video codec.

VoIP with support for SIP video

The "VoIP Settings" dialog now also allows transmitting the video signal when using SIP telephony. SIP video is using the H.263 video codec. This allows using softphones (eyeBeam, ...) to establish SIP audio/video connections to the camera either directly over the LAN or via SIP providers.

Event download to USB stick

When downloading events, a USB stick can now also serve as download target.
CAUTION: The M12/D12 cameras do not have a USB Master connector. In order to use a USB stick, you need an adapter D Sub 15 HD to USB master. The corresponding camera manual part 1 contains detailed information and the pin-out of the D Sub 15 HD connector.

Additional Settings in the Ethernet Interface Dialog

If required, you can select different Link Speed and Duplex settings.

Improvements

• Enhanced appearance of the Video Motion windows
  All VM windows are now displayed with a number. This number is applied according to the position of each window in the VM definition list. To be able to differentiate between the VM windows of the two VM sets (VM and VM2), all VM2 windows are displayed with a blue frame.
  CAUTION: The number always corresponds to the position within each specific set (VM and VM2).

• VM filter against false alarms due to changes in illumination
  This additional filter prevents the vast majority of the VM-induced false alarms from changes in illumination. This VM filter will not catch changes in illumination that are too large (e.g. "Lights are switched on").
• Display of left image sensor on PDA pages
  The commands http://<camera IP>/pda/sl, http://<camera IP>/pda/ml, http://<camera IP>/pda/ll will display the image of the left image sensor in the desired size.
• Attaching file server error messages to e-mails or IP Notify messages of file server checks
  Up until now, the texts of e-mail and IP Notify messages sent from the file server checks were sometimes overwritten by the file server error messages. The File Server Checks dialog now allows attaching the file server error messages. The text defined in the corresponding profile will not be overwritten.
• Proposed name for downloaded event images has changed
  The proposed name now follows this syntax:
  events_<camera name>_<date>_<time>.tar,
  Example: events_mx10-2-12-168_2006-09-15_1146.tar

Bugfixes

• The Microphone event was not available in M22 models
  The "Microphone" event is available again.
• Error in the Quick Controls of Basic/Web models
  Camera models without microphone allowed setting the microphone sensitivity in the Quick Controls (above the live image), which produced an error.
• Network problems when operating M22 cameras in DHCP mode
  Running an M22 camera in DHCP mode could result in network problems, resulting in faulty images or errors when displaying or closing camera dialogs.
• Comment Text Forwarding of "IP Receive" event did not work
  The option of the "IP Receive" event for Comment Text Forwarding ("Off", "Add date & time", "Add client IP address", "Add timestamp and IP address") did not work. The text received by the "IP Receive" event was forwarded without formatting and also appeared in the image and in the JPG comment when set to "Off".
• Signal output was reset when switching the current image sensor
  A signal output signal that had been set to "high" using the HTTP API was reset to "low" when switching the image sensor.
• Faulty images when selecting the wrong parameters in the exposure settings
  When inverting the settings for the minimum and maximum exposure times (e.g. min.=1/5s and max.=1/8000s), the camera sometimes produced images with a lot of image noise. Selecting wrong values will now be corrected by the camera software.
• Mouse-over feature not available in MultiView after "Stop" had been pressed
  The MultiView screen now again enlarges the images when bringing the mouse over the corresponding image. This will work for both the event and the live images on the MultiView screen.
• "^" in modem initialization strings not sent correctly to the modem
  The string that is sent to the modem can now also contain the "^" character. This character had been interpreted as a control character before.
• Ignored image profiles selected via HTTP API when using FTP transfer
  If an HTTP command specified an image profile (e.g. http://<camera IP>/control/rcontrol?action=ftpcurrent&profile=<profile name>), the image profile was ignored. Instead, the camera always transferred the live image.
• Line at the right image border when using 180° image rotation on M22 cameras
  When rotating the image of an M22 by 180 degrees, the right image border showed a line approx. four pixels wide and the borders appeared to be out of focus.
• SI event triggered too late, especially when using Mega resolution
  When using the SI (signal input) event set to "High" or "Low", the software will ignore the de-bounce time, which drastically reduces the time required for triggering.
  Limitations:
  - When using rising or falling flanks, delays of up to two seconds may occur.
  - In order to avoid delays on the other signal inputs (SI2, SI3, ...), you should use the same trigger condition as for the SI event. Setting "SI-High", "SI2-Low" and "SI3-Low" could lead to delays when triggering SI2 and SI3!
• Arming using the SI had been switched
  Setting "Arming > SI Open (high)" disarmed the camera when it detected this state of the signal input, "Arming > SI Closed (low)" armed the camera. This behavior was exactly the opposite of what should have been expected!
  CAUTION:
  This change has implications on the HTTP API for arming.
  The following HTTP commands have changed:
  • http://<camera IP>/control?read&section=action<parameter>
  • http://<camera IP>/control?set&section=action<parameter>
    in the following sections:
    • settings
    • recording
    • action
    • message
    • message2
    • eventcontrol

    The meaning of "open" and "closed" has changed in the listed sections:

    Old	New	Meaning
    open	si_close	Armed, when closed
    close	si_open	Armed, when open

• IP Notify (network) messages could not be sent to more than ten recipients
  It is now possible to enter more than ten recipients.
• Wrong file names when using FTP event transfer with the "MxPEG clip" and "Event Directory" options
  This resulted in MxControlCenter not being able to play back the MxPEG clips created by the camera.