Mobotix

The exposure control of the camera is based on software which monitors the entire screen.  Unlike a traditional camera exposure control based on electronic shutter or auto iris that uses the entire image for exposure control, MOBOTIX systems use discreet areas of the screen for image exposure. This technology allows for best results in extreme backlight situations. For example, in an outdoor application the camera can provide good picture even when facing the sun by defining exposure areas on parts of the image not affected by the sun.

The intelligence is built in the camera. Recording, video management, event detection, alarm and messaging management are performed by the integrated software with no need for third party proprietary software or hardware (DVR). A standard PC running Windows or Linux can be setup to store images with no need of extra software. The decentralized system architecture provides long term reliability since it does not rely on a central point of failure (DVR/NVR).

Frame rate is determined by the camera.  Most DVR’s cannot store full motion video if using multiple cameras, the video frame rate capacity is divided among all the cameras. For a MOBOTIX system live images frame rates are limited only by the network bandwidth. The recorded video frame rates are independent on the number of cameras or bandwidth availability since the internal memory buffers the recorded video providing an asynchronous connection to the file server.

Because the camera is designed to be used outdoors and can withstand extreme temperatures, there is no need to assemble additional parts in the field.  The manufacturer has assumed the integration and liability of an outdoor camera without need of separate heaters, blowers or housings.  This eliminates failure points, speeds up installation, reduces power consumption and greatly adds to reliability and reduces service calls.

The Mobotix cameras have local storage to keep video files.  This is important in the event the network or the storage devices fails.  In that case video information can be retrieved either directly from the camera or when the network is reestablished.  Currently the cameras can store 64 Mb of streaming video.  Because video rate is determined in the camera settings only an event trigger will record.  New models that will be introduced shortly can store up to 3 Gb or more, depending on the optional memory card used.

The Mobotix cameras have two-way audio channel (integrated microphone and speaker) that can perform a number of functions ranging from audio event and messaging, VoIP in a browser window to VoIP telephony. For example a camera can dial out a phone number to announce an event. The recipient of the call can then initiate a conversation with someone sitting in front of the camera, monitor the area, or perform several management functions like asking the camera to send an image to an e-mail address.

The Mobotix camera has some unique features that provides additional reliability and enhanced operations.  For instance some models have twin lenses.  This feature allows each lens and sensor to be optimized one for day and the other for night.  Or one sensor has a telephoto lens the other a wide angle lens.  Added  benefit of this feature is in some models there is dual streaming of video of the two sensors simultaneously from one camera.