Release Notes for MOBOTIX Camera Software

Document Information

Contents

These Release Notes contain a technical description of the most important changes in the software for the MOBOTIX network camera line M7.

Software Releases—Overview

Notes:

• Please download the stable customer releases of the software from www.mobotix.com in the Support > Download Center > Software Downloads section.
• 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 email to support@mobotix.com for feedback.

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Software Release MX-V7.1.3.15 − for M7 Camera Models M73, S74

Creation Date: 2021-01-26

Publishing Date: 2021-01-28

Improved and additional Certified Apps

This release has improved and partially expanded existing Certified Apps and added new apps.

FF Group V1.2

• With this version of the App, license plate recognition is also possible when the camera creates a dual live image.
• In addition, the list of supported countries has been extended to include South Africa, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Hong Kong
  

Vaxtor ADR V1.1.1

Vaxtor LPR V1.1.1

With this new version of the App for the recognition of license plates, the following improvements have been implemented:

• Improved identification of license plates with Arabic letters.
• Enlarged database for the detection of German city and district codes. Previously, some license plates (e.B RA, BH, KA,...) could not be identified and did not trigger an event.

Known Limitations

• Microphone Event
  Currently, no microphone event is supported. This applies to the built-in microphone in the Audio and MultiSense module as well as to a connected microphone and the Line-In connector of the S74 Audio IO board.
• Dialog Integration Protocols
  For M73 cameras with only one sensor module, the Admin -> Camera Administration -> Integration Protocols dialog is empty after activating one of the protocols ONVIF or Genetec via the installation wizard of the web browser. This state can be corrected by first deactivating the set protocol ONVIF or Genetec and then turning it back on.
• RTSP-Streaming
  If only one image sensor module is connected in the M73, the streaming mode  Raw cannot be selected at this time.

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Software Release MX-V7.1.3.11 − for M7 Camera Models M73, S74

Creation Date: 2020-12-11

Publishing Date: 2020-12-16

Improvements

• WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) function with test option
  After activating the WDR function in the Setup > Image Control > Exposure Settings dialog, a further improvement of the image quality in difficult lighting situations can be achieved, there using the new Experimental Exposure Settings option.  In particular, over-exposures can be avoided after rapid changes in brightness in a small area of the image.

Note

This option has been integrated for testing purposes and is not yet suitable for productive use, as there may still be image problems when used.

• Access data for file servers
  The password of a file server defined for storage in the Admin > Storage > Storage on External File Server / Flash Device dialog can now also contain the special character '#'.

Bugfixes

• Switching signal output after S74 camera restart
  For S74 cameras a configured signal output was switched on for a short while (< 1s) after a camera reboot.
  
• Dual Image in the MxManagementCenter (MxMC)
  When displaying a camera dual image in the preview mode of the MxMC (e.g. in the view Research or in the dialog Clip and Recording Configuration) the left and right camera images were swapped.
• Image Programs
  The selection of an Image Program in the quick controls of the camera live view in the web browser resulted in an error message and the corresponding settings were not applied.
• Signal output for firmware with AI/deep learning-based object detection
  When using the firmware to support MOBOTIX Analytics with AI/Deep Learning-based object detection,  the signal output switch of a M73 camera was without function.

• Thermal and WDR
  In the Setup > Image Control > Exposure Settings dialog, WDR could also be activated for a thermal sensor and switching on this option had no effect. The WDR function has been removed in this case.
  

Known Limitations

• Microphone Event
  Currently, no microphone event is supported. This applies to the built-in microphone in the Audio and MultiSense module as well as to a connected microphone and the Line-In connector of the S74 Audio IO board.
• Dialog Integration Protocols
  For M73 cameras with only one sensor module, the Admin -> Camera Administration -> Integration Protocols dialog is empty after activating one of the protocols ONVIF or Genetec via the installation wizard of the web browser. This state can be corrected by first deactivating the set protocol ONVIF or Genetec and then turning it back on.
• RTSP-Streaming
  If only one image sensor module is connected in the M73, the streaming mode  Raw cannot be selected at this time.

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Software Release MX-V7.1.2.24 − for M7 Camera Models M73, S74

Creation Date: 2020-10-26

Publishing Date: 2020-10-27

Enhancements and Improvements

Support of Camera Model S74 and other Function Modules

This version supports the new MOBOTIX 7 camera model S74. It is a robust camera with a die-cast aluminum housing, specially designed for concealed installation, offering connectivity for up to four different image sensor and function modules. Just like the M73 camera, the S74 can alternatively be operated with one or two optical image sensor modules, with a Thermal (-TR) sensor module alone, or with a Thermal(-TR) sensor module together with an optical image sensor module. In addition, up to two IR-Light modules and/or other new function modules (see next section) can be combined with the image sensors. Cables with a length of 1, 2, or 3 meters are available for connecting the image sensor and function modules.

In addition, the following new function modules for M73 and S74 camera models can be used with this firmware.

MultiSense Module (M73 und S74)

This function module for M73 and S74 cameras each features a light, temperature and passive infrared sensor and an integrated microphone. Just like the IR Light module, it can be connected to any of the 4 ports M1 to M4. The sensors are used to define events as usual in the Setup > Event Control > Event Overview > Environment Events dialog. After connecting several MultiSense modules to an S74, when configuring an ambient sensor the relevant connection port of the MultiSense module belonging to the sensor can be selected as the Sensor Source.

Audio Module (M73)

With this new function module, M73 cameras have the usual audio functions, such as audio output and audio in the video recordings. After connecting the module, the audio is set up as usual in the Admin > Audio and VoIP Telephony > Microphone and Speaker dialog.

Audio/IO-Board (S74)

This allows an S74 camera to be extended with audio as well as switching input and output functions.

For the audio output, either the connector can be used to connect a (passive) speaker, or the line-out port can be connected to the line-in port of an audio amplifier. As an audio input, a microphone can be connected directly, or the line-in port can be connected to the line-out port of an audio output device (e.g. PC or smartphone). The desired audio functions are also configured after installing the board in the camera in the Admin > Audio and VoIP Telephony > Microphone and Speaker dialog.

In addition, an input signal and a potential-free output switch (relay function) can be used with this board to control external devices. After installation of the board, input and output signals can be used as usual to define a signal event or signal output profile.

New WDR Function

By implementing a completely new algorithm, compared to the previous version, the behavior of the Wide Dynamic Range function for handling large differences in the image's brightness has been further significantly improved. The WDR function can be activated in the Setup > Image Control > Exposure Settings dialog. When WDR is activated, the settings that are not needed, such as Exposure Windows and Target Brightness, are automatically hidden. To adapt to the current scene, 4 different Contrast Enhancement Levels are available:  Default, Moderate, Strong and Aggressive. The default setting when activating WDR is Default and the further the value is changed in the direction of Aggressive, the more details can be seen even with large brightness differences. This is associated with an increasing change in the color characteristics in the image.

4MP-Ultra-Low-Light-Sensor

Functional Improvements and Enhancements from the Mx6 Camera Series

• Cyber Security and Network
• Storage
• Transfer Profiles

Other Improvements

• ONVIF Enhancements
  When integrating the camera into other systems via ONVIF interface, an audio back channel is now also supported.
• Certified Apps
  With this version, the existing Certified Apps have been revised and improved. Regarding the installation and configuration of the Apps, nothing has changed compared to the previous version 7.0.6.18. All Apps are now listed in the Setup > Certified App Control > Certified App Settings dialog with a specific version number..
• Online Help
  The integrated online help of the camera has been revised and supplemented in several areas, especially in the areas of thermal functions, MOBOTIX Analytics with AI-based object detection and the A.I. Tech Apps.

Bugfixes

• Thermal TR events with Temperature Range
  The use of a temperature range instead of a threshold value to trigger thermal TR events was incorrect.
• MOBOTIX Analytics
  Using more than one counting corridor could produce incorrect counting values.
• Day-night switching for IR-Cut Day & Night Sensor Modules
  Switching between the day and night mode of these sensor modules could lead to misconduct if the lighting conditions changed shortly after a day-night switch or if a change in image settings was made.
• Color saturation
  The color saturation setting had no effect on the camera image.

Known Limitations

• Switching output after S74 camera restart
  For S74 cameras a configured signal output is switched on for a short while (< 1s) after a camera reboot.
• Microphone Event
  Currently, no microphone event is supported. This applies to the built-in microphone in the Audio and MultiSense module as well as to a connected microphone and the Line-In connector of the S74 Audio IO board.
• Thermal and WDR
  In the Setup > Image Control > Exposure Settings dialog, WDR can also be activated for a thermal sensor and switching on this option has no effect.
  
• Dialog Integration Protocols
  For M73 cameras with only one sensor module, the Admin -> Camera Administration -> Integration Protocols dialog is empty after activating one of the protocols ONVIF or Genetec via the installation wizard of the web browser. This state can be corrected by first deactivating the set protocol ONVIF or Genetec and then turning it back on.
• RTSP-Streaming
  If only one image sensor module is connected in the M73, the streaming mode  Raw cannot be selected at this time.

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Software Release MX-V7.0.6.18 − for M7 Camera Model M73

Creation Date: 2020-09-15

Publishing Date: 2020-09-18

Enhancements and Improvements

Improved and additional Certified Apps

This release has improved and partially expanded existing Certified Apps and added new apps

MOBOTIX Analytics

Analytics without additional function
This version makes the MxAnalytics functions, known from previous camera lines, available for the first time within a pre-installed royalty-free App. As with all other Apps, activation and configuration is done via the Setup > Certified App Control > Certified App Settings dialog.

Analytics with object recognition
In addition, the new Use AI component option enables object recognition based on AI/Deep Learning techniques. For example, you can distinguish between different types of objects, such as cars, trucks, people, etc. To use this feature, a special software package must be installed on the camera (see following note). After installing this package, the  Use AI component option and the additional Object Recognition Settings  app are available to configure AI-based object detection.

A.I.Tech Apps

• New 3rd Party VMS interfaces now allow the direct integration of A.I. Tech App Events into wavestore and Qognify Cayuga systems.
• Embedded Dashboard no longer needs to be activated separately, the interface is automatically activated after the App is started.
• The online documentation of the A.I. Tech Apps can now be accessed directly from the web interface.

• In this release, a new 3D calibration mechanism has been introduced that allows you to get visual feedback about the procedure performed and to immediately detect errors made during the configuration procedure.

• A new facial recognition mechanism based entirely on deep learning is now available in the AI-BIO-DEEP App. This extension allows for greater accuracy in facial recognition and makes detection less susceptible to potential interference.
• In order to adapt the performance of the App to the needs of the customer, you can now choose between different neural networks for facial detection

• The update adds a new deep learning-based neural network to the App to detect falling people, further improving the App's accuracy.

• The App now includes an even more powerful yet more efficient classification mechanism that increases accuracy and detection speed.

Visage Technologies (VT) Face Recognition App

• Faces can now be mapped to an "Granted" or "Denied" list while learning.

FF Group und Vaxtor LPR Apps

• This means that two additional License Plate Recognition (LPR) Apps are now available.

General improvements

• Errors when activating a Certified App, e.g. due to a faulty connection to the license server, are now logged in the system messages.

Bugfixes

• Setting the image sensor for thermal cameras
  For Thermal cameras the setting of the image sensor in the Admin > Hardware Configuration > Image Sensor Configuration dialog was incorrect in certain cases.
• MxActivity Sensor Events in Thermal Cameras
  Using MxActivity events with defined detection ranges could cause thermal cameras to fail when moving outside the defined areas.
• Thermal TR temperature at left image
  When using a Thermal TR module as a left image sensor, incorrect temperatures (e.g. 2000°C) were sometimes displayed as a temperature reading after a camera restart.
• Visage Technologies Face Recognition App
  This app could cause permanent false triggers under certain conditions and lighting conditions.
• A.I.Tech App Dashboard
  This app could only make half of the camera live image visible in the app dashboard

Known Limitations

• Dialog Integration Protocols
  For M73 cameras with only one sensor module, the Admin -> Camera Administration -> Integration Protocols dialog is empty after activating one of the protocols ONVIF or Genetec via the installation wizard of the web browser. This state can be corrected by first deactivating the set protocol ONVIF or Genetec and then turning it back on.
• RTSP-Streaming
  If only one image sensor module is connected in the M73, the streaming mode  Raw cannot be selected at this time.

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Software Release MX-V7.0.5.16 − for M7 Camera Model M73

Creation Date: 2020-06-30

Publishing Date: 2020-07-02

Enhancements and Improvements

Support for thermal sensor modules

This version supports the new M73 thermal sensor modules. These are available with different lenses (focal lengths), with and without thermal radiometry function and in contrast to the Mx6 camera line also in VGA resolution. The thermal sensor modules are permanently installed in an M73 front panel, which is then mounted in the M73 camera. A thermal sensor module can be combined with an image sensor module and another function module (e.g. an IR light module). The setup and use of thermal (TR) events is done exactly as in Mx6 cameras with thermal sensor modules.

Bugfixes

• Intensity IR Light Module
  The setting of the IR Light Power Level in the Admin  > Hardware Configuration > Assign Wires dialog was ineffective when activating the IR Light module by a day-night switch. The module has always been activated with the highest intensity.
  

Known Limitations

• Dialog Integration Protocols
  For M73 cameras with only one sensor module, the Admin -> Camera Administration -> Integration Protocols dialog is empty after activating one of the protocols ONVIF or Genetec via the installation wizard of the web browser. This state can be corrected by first deactivating the set protocol ONVIF or Genetec and then turning it back on.
• RTSP-Streaming
  If only one image sensor module is connected in the M73, the streaming mode  Raw cannot be selected at this time.

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Software Release MX-V7.0.4.18-r1 − for M7 Camera Model M73

Creation Date: 2020-05-12

Publishing Date: 2020-05-13

Enhancements and Improvements

WDR Feature

The behavior of the Wide Dynamic Range feature that aims at improving images with large differences in image illumination has been improved substantially compared to the predecessor release. In particular, you do not need to define an exposure window to improve the results. In addition, this feature has been improved if an IR Light module is attached. If the camera activates this module due to diminishing illumination, overexposure of objects close to the camera is reduced. The WDR function can be activated in the Setup Menu > Image Control > Exposure Settings dialog, and three modes are available to adapt to the current scene:  Low for low, Medium for medium, and High  for large brightness differences between dark and bright areas in the image.

ONVIF-T and H.265

With this software version, the M7 camera models support the ONVIF-T standard. This includes in particular the use of  H.265  as a video codec and the display of texts into the live image using the ONVIF-T function OSD (OnScreenDisplay).

In addition, the H.265 codec can also be used independently of the integration of an M7 camera via ONVIF-T for RTSP streaming by any RTSP client, such as VLC. H.265 can also be used as a video codec when integrating M7 models into the Genetec Security Center via the Genetec integration interface.

USB Interface

With this version, the USB interface of the camera can be used for the following functions:

• Storage of video and audio data in MxFFS format on USB storage media (USB sticks, SSD drives or hard drives). The camera supports the USB 2.0 standard.
• Integration of an MX-232-IO box for the use of its signal inputs/outputs and/or its serial interface
• Connecting a USB FTDI adapter for standard RS232 connections

Other Improvements

• Improved data rate for MxPEG/M-JPEG codec
  The video codecs MxPEG and M-JPEG have been further optimized, so that data rate savings of about 15% are achieved with the same image quality, depending on the setting.
• Saving the current live image
  The Save Image function in the live view of the web browser has been improved. Now, regardless of the live stream, an image with the best possible JPEG quality is saved.

Notes

• The two lines at the bottom of the live image, which contain event information, are no longer output in the saved image with this function.
• If necessary, the function's behavior can be configured to restore the old behavior. For this purpose, the parameter  SAVE_IMAGE_BUTTON=live can be added to the camera configuration file in the SECTION homepage.  Currently, this value is implicitly set to best.

Bugfixes

• IR Light Module disabled (V7.0.4.18-r1)
  In version 7.0.4.18, when switching to the night mode, a possible existing IR Light module was no longer activated.
  
• Message events of the Facial Recognition App
  When using the Visage Technology Face Recognition app in Operation Mode  Recognition, message events named  VT_Face were triggered even if a person, who had not previously been trained in Operation Mode Enrollment , was detected by the system. The event had to be restricted to already known people by additional filtering of the event content. This is no longer necessary, as in Operation Mode Recognition events are only triggered when previously learned faces are detected.
• Lens configuration
  In the Admin -> Hardware Configuration area, the Lens Configuration dialog could be opened incorrectly and the settings made there were ineffective. The dialog has been removed.
  

Known Limitations

• Dialog Integration Protocols
  For M73 cameras with only one sensor module, the Admin -> Camera Administration -> Integration Protocols dialog is empty after activating one of the protocols ONVIF or Genetec via the installation wizard of the web browser. This state can be corrected by first deactivating the set protocol ONVIF or Genetec and then turning it back on.
• RTSP-Streaming
  If only one image sensor module is connected in the M73, the streaming mode  Raw cannot be selected at this time.

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Software Release MX-V7.0.1.20 − for M7 Camera Model M73

Creation Date: 2020-02-13

Publishing Date: 2020-02-14

The following describes the new features, enhancements and enhancements compared to the first version 7.0.0.111 delivered with M73 cameras.

Enhancements and Improvements

Support for the new IR-Cut Day & Night Sensor Modules and IR Light Modules

IR-Cut Day & Night Sensor Module
The M73 supports the use of the new IR-Cut Day & Night sensor modules. These are color sensor modules with an integrated swivel IR blocking filter for day and night operation. This filter is automatically switched off at low illumination, which also provides bright images at night and using the possibly integrated IR module. This automatic mode is activated by factory setting and the Lux value used to switch to night mode can be set in the setup > image control > general image settings dialog. In the same dialog, the filter can also be switched manually if required.

IR Light Module
The activation of a possible integrated IR Light module is coupled to the activation of the "Night Mode" as follows:

• If an IR-Cut Day & Night sensor module is also used, this is done when switching the IR blocking filter off (see above).
• If the IR Light module is used together with a normal day and night sensor module, the IR Light module is activated when the night sensor module is activated by the automatic day-night switching. 

Apps

Additional App for face recognition
In addition to the A.I. Tech Apps AI* the Visage Technology Face Recognition App for facial recognition is also available with this version. After installation (see the following notes), the activation and configuration of this App is done exactly as for the other Apps in the Setup > Certified App Control > Certified App Settings dialog.

Apps AI* from A.I. Tech
This firmware release also includes updated and improved versions of A.I's AI* Apps. Tech (see below)

Bugfixes

• A.I. Tech App
• If one of the A.I. Tech Apps was configured with a sensor other than the one currently shown in the camera live image, the camera could have done a restart.
• With the application of some A.I. Tech apps (e.g. AIParking) a camera restart could occur after a few minutes.
• In addition, after activating the A.I. Tech apps, there were performance problems with camera operation in the web browser.
• Full screen recording
  When using the full screen recording, there could be image errors (stripes in the picture).

Known Limitations

• RTSP-Streaming
  If only one image sensor module is connected in the M73, the streaming mode  Raw cannot be selected at this time.
• USB interface not supported
  This version doesn't support the hardware USB interface yet.