MOBOTIX

Release Notes for MOBOTIX Camera Software

Document Information

Publisher: MOBOTIX AG
Author: Bernd Wilhelm
Date: 2021-12-17
Document: V7.3.0.42Beta_release-notes_en_v1.html
Confidentiality: public

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

Release Version Creation Date Publishing Date
MX-V7.3.0.42 Beta 2021-12-14 2021-12-17
MX-V7.2.1.29 2021-08-20 2021-08-31
MX-V7.1.3.19 2021-03-17 2021-03-31
MX-V7.1.3.15 2021-01-26 2021-01-28
MX-V7.1.3.11 2020-12-11 2020-12-16
MX-V7.1.2.24 2020-10-26 2020-10-27
MX-V7.0.6.18 2020-09-15 2020-09-18
MX-V7.0.5.16 2020-06-30 2020-07-02
MX-V7.0.4.18-r 2020-05-12 2020-05-13
MX-V7.0.4.18
(replaced by MX-V7.0.4.18-r1)
2020-05-05 2020-05-06
MX-V7.0.1.20 2020-02-13 2020-02-14

Notes:


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Software Release MX-V7.3.0.42 Beta − for M7 Camera Models M73, S74, Q71

Creation Date: 2021-12-14

Publishing Date: 2021-12-17

Important notes on installation


Enhancements and improvements

Support for the new Q71-Hemispheric camera model

This version supports the new MOBOTIX 7 camera model Q71-Hemispheric. The camera has a 12-mega-pixel image sensor with integrated IR cut filter, a hemispheric lens, microphone and speaker, as well as integrated LEDs for IR and White Light Illumination. Compared to the M73 and S74 camera models, the following software functions are available:

With this setting, IR illumination is used after an automatic day-night switching (also factory set) in night mode. If White Light Illumintaion is to be used in night mode and the camera shall continue to produce a color image, the following options must be set:

For testing and quick switching on/off the two types of lighting, two suitable Shortcuts are also defined ex works in the title bar of the web browser's live view (see section "Shortcuts for soft button functions" below).

The other software functions are identical to those of the M73 and S74 models.

Note:

This software version only supports MOBOTIX Analytics on the Q71 as a Certified Apps, currently without Behavioral Detection.

Support of the new Thermal Eco module

This new low-cost thermal module can be integrated into all existing mounts and connected to an S74 camera (also to the sensor ports M1 and M2). The configuration and usage are analogous to the other thermal sensor modules. This module is particularly suitable for the use of the Activity Sensor and for use in Thermal Overlay images. In addition, Thermal Reference Events are supported, but temperature measurements and Spotmeter Events are not available.

Multiview view

The familiar Multiview view for displaying live images and the latest event images from one or more cameras in the web browser is now also available in the new graphical user interface. This view is activated via the new function icon on the right side of the title bar. After activating this view, the function icon   for configuring the Multiview views appears. The actual configuration and use of the Multiview views do not differ from the Multiview views of the previous software versions.

LED Configuration

The Admin Menu > Camera Administration > LED Setup dialog contains an additional section LED Order and Settings for the individual configuration of the camera LED and the LEDs of all sensor modules connected to the camera.

Software Update

The Admin Menu > System Update > Update System software dialog has been completely redesigned and improved. Among other things, the status messages issued during the system update are now displayed directly in the dialog. For compatibility reasons, the previous dialog can still be used by calling the link <IP>/admin/sysupload directly.

App license management

Using the new Admin Menu > Camera Administration > Manage App Licenses dialog, the required licenses for integrated Apps can now also be requested and activated directly from the camera. As in the MxManagementCenter, both offline and online activation is also possible here.

Improvements to the new graphical user interface

The following improvements have been implemented for the new graphical user interface for web browsers introduced with version 7.2.1.29:

Enhanced SNMP Traps

Alarm Traps

Visual Alarms, which are linked to individual events via Action Groups, can now be used to generate SNMP Alarm Traps.  These are then sent to the SNMP client when one of the associated events is triggered. In addition, an SNMP trap can also be generated for acknowledging the visual alarms.

To configure such SNMP Traps, the following steps are necessary:

Subsequently, the triggering of SNMP Traps via a Visual Alarm and its acknowledgement can be tested as follows:

Alternative:

Additional:

This creates the following SNMP trap OIDs:

    .1.3.6.1.4.1.21701.3.5.1 --> visualAlarmNew

  .1.3.6.1.4.1.21701.3.5.2 --> visualAlarmCleared

Error Messages

Certain camera error messages can now also be sent as SNMP Traps to a connected SNMP client. For this purpose, the following dialogs have been extended by an additional option SNMP Traps:

Extended text variables

 The following applies:

Updated and new Certified Apps

Along with this version of the camera software, a new Certified App package 'MX_preinstalled_apps_2021-12-14.app' has also been released. This package contains all Certified Apps, including the MOBOTIX Analytics app with AI/Deep Learning-based object recognition. Compared to the previous version, it also includes revised versions of the Apps from A.I. Tech, FFGroup and Vaxtor, as well as two new Apps from Vaxtor for the recognition of aircraft identification numbers and license plates, a new App from  FFGroup  for license plate recognition and a new App from Irisity for the detection of burglaries. Details on the exact content of the package and the changes can be found in the release notes for the package in the section Support > Download Center > All Software Downloads > Certified Apps > MX Certified Apps Release 2021-12-14  of the MOBOTIX website (https://www.mobotix.com).

Other improvements

Bugfixes

Known Limitations


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Software Release MX-V7.2.1.29 − for M7 Camera Models M73, S74

Creation Date: 2021-08-20

Publishing Date: 2021-08-31

Important notes on installation


Enhancements and improvements

Uniform software for different camera models and apps (camera mode)

The installation file of this software version can be used for updating M73 and S74 models alike. It also directly supports the use of the App MOBOTIX Analytics with AI/deep learning-based object recognition. After installing this App (see below), only the option Camera Mode in the new Admin > Hardware Configuration > Camera mode dialog has to be changed from Streaming to AI . After a subsequent camera reboot the App can then be activated and via the Setup > Control for Certified Apps > Settings for Certified Apps dialog.

Note:

When operating the camera in AI mode, the following restrictions apply:

New graphical user interface for web browsers

The layout and operation of the HTML pages for controlling the camera using a web browser have been fundamentally revised and improved. The structure of the dialogues and their context have not been changed! The following describes the most important changes compared to the previous versions.

Camera Start Page

In addition to the live camera image, the start page now contains only a partially transparent title line with the following elements::
Function symbols in the right corner of the title line:
The design of the start page can be adjusted in the new Page Design area of the Admin > Page Administration > Language and Start Page dialog.  There, the following new options are available:
The camera image is now always scaled so that it is completely visible in the browser window. This applies both to the live image and to the display in the camera player.
After displaying the Soft-Buttons by opening the menu in the upper left corner of the start page, the edit mode for the Soft-Bbuttons can be opened via the lock symbol in the lower left corner. The positions of the individual Soft-Buttons can now be changed by drag & drop with the mouse. In addition, by pressing the symbol   at the bottom left, a list of the defined Soft-Buttons is displayed, from which a Soft-Button can be inserted by drag & drop with the mouse into the Soft-Buttons list of the start page.

Structure and operation of the dialogues

Editing the camera configuration (only for experts!)

Online Help

The online help has been adapted to the changed user interface and in individual dialogs additional additions and changes have been made.

MOBOTIX HUB connection with failover recording on the SD card

When integrating the camera into the MOBOTIX HUB, the so-called "Failover Edge Recording" is now supported: For this purpose, the camera permanently monitors the RTSP streaming through a previously defined recording service as the camera's streaming client. If the streaming stops for a previously defined period of time, e.g. due to a failure of the recording service, the video and audio data are automatically recorded on the camera's internal SD card until the streaming connection to the streaming client (= recording service) has been restored.

Depending on the settings of the failover recording in the Management Client of MOBOTIX HUB, the data between the SD card and the recording data of the recording service, is then, either manually or automatically, synchronized by the recording service. In both cases, the data stored on the SD card during the failure is read by the camera and transferred to the server database.

The activation and configuration of this failover mechanism is carried out in the Admin > Camera Administration > Integration Protocols dialog. After selecting the Protocol ONVIF or Genetec + ONVIF, the new area Edge Recording appears in the dialog.  There, the failover recording is activated and the necessary settings, e.g. such as the IP address of the RTSP client and the waiting time (minimum duration of the failure) are defined.

Note:

Support of thermal sensor modules together with audio modules

The thermal sensor modules of the latest generation (with a "B" in the order number, e.B. "Mx-O-M73TB-640R050") can also be connected to port M1 or M2 with this firmware version in the camera and thus used together with an audio module, which must be connected to port M3. For this purpose, the  Admin > Hardware Configuration > Sensor Module Configuration dialog has been changed so that thermal sensor modules can also be selected for ports M1 and M2. This applies to both M73 and S74 camera models.

Improvements in the area of Certified Apps

Unified installation package

Along with this version of the camera software, a new Certified App package 'MX_preinstalled_apps_2021-05-27.app' has also been released. This package now includes all Certified Apps, including the App MOBOTIX Analytics with AI/deep learning-based object recognition. Compared to the previous version, it also includes revised versions of the Apps from A.I. Tech., FFGroup, Vaxtor and Visage Technologies, as well as new Apps from Vaxtor for identifying railway wagons with UIC codes and from FFGroup for identifying vehicle characteristics (MMC). For details on the exact content of the package and the changes, see the release notes for this package in the Certified Apps > MX Certified Apps Release 2021-05-28 section of the MOBOTIX Beta website (https://www.mobotix.com/de/beta).

New functions in the Settings dialog for Certified Apps

In the Setup > Certified App Control > Certified App Settings dialog, the following extensions have been integrated:

WDR-Funktion

The Wide Dynamic Range function for handling large differences in brightness in the image has been further significantly improved compared to the previous version using a different calculation method. In particular, dark areas of the image are now displayed better and there is less color distortion than before. The WDR function is still activated using the  Wide Dynamic Range option in the Setup > Image Control > Exposure Settings dialog whereby only a distinction is made between the values On and Off. If required, the previous WDR algorithm with its 4 setting options (Default,  Moderate, Strong and Aggressive) can also be activated for special application situations by selecting the value On(Legacy).

Note:

After a software update to the present version, WDR is always deactivated, even if it was switched on in a previous version 7.1.3.19 or lower.

Other improvements

Bugfixes

Known Limitations


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Software Release MX-V7.1.3.19 − for M7 Camera Models M73, S74

Creation Date: 2021-03-17

Publishing Date: 2021-03-31

Important notes on installation


Improved and additional Certified Apps

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

Vaxtor ALPR MMC LPR V1.2.1(*new*)

With this new App, the brand, model, color and class of vehicles can be recognized in addition to the license plate. It offers the following functions:
As with the other Apps, the connection to the event logic and alarm functions of the camera is done using messages from the MxMessage System. In addition, the detection results can be viewed and evaluated using Smart Data Sources in the MxManagementCenter (MxMC, version 2.4.4 onwards).

Vaxtor Containers V1.2.1 (updated)

With this new version of the App for the detection of transport container codes according to ISO 6346, the analysis can now also be done on a live camera dual image.

Vaxtor LPR V1.1.2 und ADR V1.1.2 (updated)

The new versions of these two Apps correct problems when using multiple detection ranges.

Visage Technologies Facial Recognition V1.2 (already contained in App-Package 2021-02-24)

Firmware 7.1.3.19 now also supports this version of the app, in which some bugs have been fixed and performance improved. In addition, facial recognition now works much more robustly in demanding conditions such as large scaling variability, difficult lighting, certain poses and covers such as beards, glasses and  masks. In firmware version 7.1.3.15, this App version could not be used yet.

Improvements

Bugfixes

Known Limitations


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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

Important notes on installation


Improved and additional Certified Apps

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

FF Group V1.2

Vaxtor ADR V1.1.1

In addition to license plates, this new App also allows to identify signs for dangerous goods in accordance with the "European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Vol. 1 (ADR)". To detect ADR characters, in the configuration of the App the value ADR (= last list entry) has to be selected as Country.

Vaxtor LPR V1.1.1

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

Known Limitations


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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

Important notes on installation

Improvements

Bugfixes

Known Limitations


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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

Important notes on installation

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.

Notes on the configuration of the S74:

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.

Note

The integrated microphone can only be used when connecting the MultiSense module to cable no. 3 of an M73.

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

An additional, extremely light-sensitive image sensor with a resolution of 4 megapixels can now be used for special application situations. This sensor is available as an IR Cut Day & Night sensor module with different lens variants and can be used with both M73 and S74 cameras. Its configuration is very similar to the setup of a 4K image sensor module.

Functional Improvements and Enhancements from the Mx6 Camera Series

In addition to the new features described above, this version also includes all extensions that have already been released with version 5.4.0.44 for the Mx6 camera line. These are extensions in the following areas:
A more detailed description of these features can be found in the release notes of version 5.4.0.44.

Other Improvements

Bugfixes

Known Limitations


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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

Notes on installing the Certified 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.

Notes on installing the MOBOTIX Analytics app with object recognition:

A.I.Tech Apps

All available A.I. Tech apps receive the following updates:
Valid for all apps with 3D calibration (AI-Road3D, AI-Traffic, AI-Incident, AI-Crowd Deep): AI-Bio Deep: AI-Spill:
AI-Fire & AI-Smoke:

Visage Technologies (VT) Face Recognition App

Notes on updating the existing apps:

FF Group und Vaxtor LPR Apps

General improvements


Bugfixes

Known Limitations


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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.

Notes



Bugfixes

Known Limitations


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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

Notes on Release MX-V7.0.4.18-r1

This release is different from its predecessor release 7.0.4.18 only in the bugfix "IR Light Module disabled".

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.

Note

After activating this feature for an image sensor, the camera will ignore the settings in the Target Brigthness section of the Setup Menu > Image Control > Exposure Settings dialog for this sensor..


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:

Other Improvements

Bugfixes

Known Limitations


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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


Important Notes

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:

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)

Notes on installing and using the AI* (A.I. Tech) and Visage Technology Face Recognition Apps

Apps and messages from the MxMessagesystem

Activating an App automatically defines a matching message in the MxMessageSystem, which is sent internally (locally) after a detection of the App. All App messages that can be used in this way are listed in the Message Events section of the Setup > Event Control > Event Overview dialog and can be further configured from there. Depending on the App, the messages sent when a detection event occurs also contain parameters that can be used for event processing. For example, the message can be searched with a regular expression as a filter for a text (string). In this case, an action is executed only if the message sent by the App contains the previously defined text as a parameter. The complete message sent by an App during detections, including the parameters, can be listed by entering the command <IP>/api/json/messages in the web browser, after a previously performed detection.


Bugfixes

Known Limitations


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