In this article, we will look at the most common webcam models and their purpose.
Webcam in terms of technology. The principle of operation of a miniature device resembles a peephole, except that it connects to the Internet to transmit an image. The webcam can transmit videos, photos, and also conduct online broadcasts. The latter is achieved by balancing picture quality and broadcast speed. At the very beginning, webcams (webcams) could shoot and broadcast video in CIF resolution (352 × 288 pixels). However, today - from 1.3 megapixels.
Today, there are two types of webcams: amateur and professional.
The latter are used for covert monitoring of the territory of the enterprise. They do not need a PC and transmit information via the Internet. Used for monitoring purposes only, other functions this model do not support.
Amateur or USB cameras can be used for the same monitoring, video telephony, photography or video recording. Some of the webcam models are equipped with glass lenses, which provide a higher level of image quality. They provide other possibilities. Some of the models allow you to add all sorts of video effects. Also one of useful features is infrared. Very comfortable given function cameras operating in dimly lit rooms or at night. By default, webcams are equipped with infrared illumination for covert monitoring. It is worth noting that the ability to rotate on the base or change the angle of inclination allows you to get the best picture in the frame.
After determining the capabilities of the webcam, before buying a device, you should decide on the further area of \u200b\u200bits use. Webcams are classified according to the purpose of application into 4 classes. Below we will highlight each of them in detail.
1. Communication on the Internet. For these purposes, you should immediately drip a webcam, headphones and microphone. The transmitted video picture with a resolution of 800 × 600 pixels is enough to communicate with friends. In addition to the requirements for the video transmission device, there are a number of requirements for the PC configuration necessary for high quality transmission and reception: 2-core processor with a frequency of 2.0 GHz, RAM 1 GB, Internet data transfer rate from 384 Kbps. Business communication via the Internet requires the highest possible quality of the video picture. Therefore, you need to buy a webcam with a matrix resolution of 1.3 megapixels. The lens design of the device must use high-quality lenses made of real glass. Such an optics system allows achieving maximum image clarity.
2. Remote monitoring. Buy cameras of the second category. For amateur use, a simple USB camera is fine, but for commercial purposes, it is worth spending money on professional models. When configuring the device, you must specify email, where the photo and video images of covert monitoring will be sent.
3. Notebook. Distinctive feature laptop webcams from desktop models - mount. They are placed on the top of the screen. It has a more compact size, the power supply is organized through a USB interface connected to the USB port of the laptop. All the features and requirements for the specification are identical with webcams for communicating on the Internet.
4. Image webcams. They not only perform video shooting with the possibility of broadcasting to the Internet, but also serve as a desktop decoration. Various shapes and sizes. Such cameras can record and broadcast video at a resolution of 640×480 pixels, and photos at 1280×960 pixels. Some models can record video at 2 megapixels and still images at 8 megapixels.
Each webcam class is configured differently. Webcams for communication on the Internet are configured through programs that transmit video, such as Skype, mail agent or ICQ. Monitoring webcams come with special software. Notebook and image cameras are also configured through programs that transmit video. In all cases, the first step is to install the driver. There are a number of programs for recording video on HDD PC.
A webcam is a device that brings people together, which allows you not to feel how far your close and dear person is.
Many now do not even imagine how they lived before without this invention, how they communicated with friends and relatives who live thousands of kilometers away. But thanks to the webcam, all boundaries were erased and now at any time of the day you can see a person and chat with him.
In addition to the fact that the webcam makes it possible to communicate with relatives who live abroad or with friends who live in other cities, it has become an integral part of the workflow in institutions and offices. The presence of a webcam at the desktop makes it possible to monitor the work of employees, hold online conferences or meetings with employees who work outside the central office.
Everyone knows how to communicate via Skype, but, unfortunately, not many users can choose a good webcam. But the quality of the image and other important points that make communication between people comfortable depend on the camera.
As such, there is no classification or types of webcams. All cameras can be conditionally divided into computer, tablet, IP-cameras, wireless and gaming. But in reality, they are distinguished by such parameters as the resolution of the matrix, the quality of the optics, the type of attachment, the method of transmitting information. According to the same parameters, the necessary webcam is selected.
It should be noted that IP cameras are mainly used to monitor an object or territory. These cameras transmit quality image at any time of the day, unlike their counterparts, which do not have any criteria regarding image quality. Therefore, when choosing a webcam, you should not rely on the described characteristics. You just need to turn on the camera and see how it works. At the same time, you should not be afraid that suitable program. Manufacturers create webcams that go with any application.
Main characteristics
Choosing a webcam is worth starting with studying matrix type. There are two main types of CMOS and CCD. Webcams that are designed to communicate on the Internet are equipped with a CMOS type matrix. The CCD matrix has a better image transmission quality than the first type. Therefore, it is installed in webcams that are designed for security purposes. The best thing to do when choosing a camera is to compare image quality with a CMOS and CCD sensor. Then make a purchase.
Resolutions- another important point, which affects the image quality. The minimum webcam resolution is 0.3 megapixels, i.e. 320x240 pixels, which will be enough for videoconferencing. The maximum webcam resolution is 2592x1944 pixels. The optimal resolution for webcams is 640x480 and 1280x960 pixels, which allows you to clearly see the interlocutor, take pictures and videos. At the same time, you should not hope that the video or photo will be clear, like on a camera or camcorder. Still, the pictures are slightly blurry. A webcam is, first of all, a tool for communicating with people. Therefore, the low resolution is compensated by other good parameters.
optician a, installed on webcams affects the quality of the picture. Manufacturers are trying to install high-quality optics. It can go in both expensive and budget models. High-quality glass optics, for example, include Carl Zeiss. The type of optics is indicated in the characteristics of the device in the store or on the packaging.
Frame frequency- a parameter to which you should be careful. The frame rate ranges from 9 to 90Hz. A small frequency will transmit the image as a slideshow. A high frame rate may not be compatible with the speed of the Internet, and as a result, communication will not be possible. The best option is 40 - 70Hz. But still, you should take into account the speed of the Internet, for example, for Wi-Fi, you should choose an average frame rate.
The next parameter that affects image quality is matrix sensitivity. The quality of the image in a particular illumination depends on the level of sensitivity of the matrix. If the sensitivity of the matrix is not high, then poor lighting will interfere with the transmission of the picture.
Communication without a microphone is difficult to imagine. Therefore, if a webcam is selected for a personal computer, then its model must have a microphone. If for a laptop, netbook or tablet, then the microphone is already built into them.
Mount type. For this parameter, everything is quite simple. If you need to mount to the monitor, then select the model with the appropriate fasteners. The webcam can just stand on the table if there is a lot of space. To perform security functions, cameras are chosen that are mounted on a wall or a pole (if the surveillance is carried out on the street). Therefore, everyone chooses what is more convenient for him.
There are two ways to connect a webcam - via a USB cable or a modem. Basically, they use the first connection method, because the speed will always be high. If you use a modem, then the speed will depend directly on the provider. The third connection method is less common because it is used in expensive webcam models - wireless. It can only be used if Wi-Fi is available.
The last point that you should pay attention to when choosing a webcam is compatibility with the operating system. Here it is worth saying one thing, almost all models of webcams work with an operating Windows system and not suitable for other systems.
Additional webcam features
Zoom and backlight. For a camera or camcorder, these functions would be much more important than for a webcam. They still will not improve the image quality to such a state as in the camera. At the same time, the presence of zoom and backlight indicates a good assembly of the device.
Autofocus is a good thing, especially if you plan to frequently transfer your webcam or take photos and videos. In this case, the distance to the subject will always be adjusted.
Many manufacturers add a change in shooting mode (for example, sepia, black and white photo, white balance, etc.) to the additional features of the webcam. In principle, they will be useful for filming, but not for skype communication. Although it is worth processing photos in a program specially designed for this.
Webcam manufacturers
Answering this question, the first thing that comes to mind is well-known companies that produce electronics, i.e. Samsung, LG and Philips. In addition, webcams are produced by HP, Bravis and Microsoft. Of course, there are other manufacturers less popular than those listed. Webcams are the most popular Genius companies, Logitech and Creative. They provide high quality of their product.
You can buy goods from these companies not only in specialized stores, but also in online stores, where quality is also guaranteed.
The pricing policy is different. It depends not only on the brand, but also on additional features. When choosing a webcam, it is worth remembering one thing - the most expensive does not mean the best. You can buy an inexpensive webcam and get a high-quality image when communicating with relatives. The cost of webcams varies from 300 to 6100 rubles.
Using the webcam is quite simple. Special programs allow you to set up Skype, and the camera will only need to be connected to it
When using the webcam, it is important not to touch the optics and to fix it securely so that it does not fall.
Thus, the best option for home use and Skype communication will be a webcam with a resolution of 640x480 pixels, a USB cable for connection, with a built-in microphone and with the function auto tuning images based on the lighting in the room.
I present to your attention an article about webcams. This device is, of course, modern world is not new for a long time, and many people use this wonderful device, thanks to which you can not only see the person you are interested in on the other side of the world, but also watch any corner of our planet where the webcam is located. But first things first. So…
Webcam , or Webcam , or webcam (English) webcam ) - small size digital video or a camera capable of capturing images in real time for further transmission over the Internet (in programs such as Skype, Instant Messenger, or any other video application that allows video communication). Recently, you can even communicate using a webcam in some social networks, for example, Odnoklassniki.
History of webcams
It all started in one of the computer laboratories in Cambridge back in the early 90s of the last century, when the Global Web (Internet) was just beginning its victorious march across the planet.
A group of scientists, 15-20 people, worked on a project in the field of network technologies. Working conditions were spartan - the whole team had only one coffee maker, which could not satisfy the needs of the entire team. The main work was carried out in the laboratory, the staff lived in the same building, but in a different part of it. In order to whip up the thought process with a cup of an invigorating drink, the participants in the scientific project were forced to frequent the corridor located on the floor above, where the coffee maker was located. Often such trips failed, as some colleagues had already managed to empty the coveted container. The situation required a non-standard solution, and it was found.
One of the computers in the lab had a video surveillance device (frame grabber). A camera was connected to it, which was directed at the object of observation. The same computer played the role of a web server through specially written software. Those who wanted to know if there was coffee had to run client software on their computer that connected to the server. As a result, on remote computer displayed in a small window black and white image updated three times per minute. A note about this interesting complex was published in Comm-Week magazine on January 27, 1992.
Not much time has passed since the appearance of the first prototypes of IP cameras, but they have already turned into a fully formed, separate class of devices that make everyday life easier, more convenient and more fun.
The light sensor is the heart of any digital camera. It is he who allows you to convert light into electrical signals available for further electronic processing.
The basic principle of operation of both CCD and CMOS sensors is the same: under the influence of light, charge carriers are born in semiconductor materials, which are subsequently converted into voltage.
The difference between CCD and CMOS sensors lies primarily in the way charge is stored and transferred, as well as in the technology for converting it into an analog voltage. Without going into design details various types sensors, we only note that CMOS sensors are much cheaper to manufacture, but also more “noisy”.
The principle of operation of a Webcam is similar to the principle of operation of any or. In addition to an optical lens and a photosensitive CCD or CMOS sensor, it is mandatory to have an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the main purpose of which is to convert the analog signals of the photosensitive sensor, that is, voltage, into a digital code. In addition, a color-forming system is needed. Another important element of the camera is the circuit responsible for data compression and preparation for transmission to desired format. In Web cameras, video data is transmitted to a computer via a USB interface, that is, the final circuit of the camera must be a USB interface controller.
The analog-to-digital converter is engaged in the sampling of continuous analog signal. Such converters are characterized both by the sampling frequency, which determines the time intervals at which the analog signal is measured, and by their bit depth. The bit width of an ADC is the number of bits used to represent a signal. For example, if an 8-bit ADC is used, then there are 8 bits to represent the signal, which allow you to set 256 different values. When using a 10-bit ADC, it is possible to discretely set 1024 different signal levels.
Given the low bandwidth of the USB bus (only 12 Mbps, of which the Webcam uses no more than 8 Mbps), data must be compressed before being transferred directly to a computer. The evidence of this follows from a simple calculation. With a frame resolution of 320×240 pixels and a color depth of 24 bits, the uncompressed frame size will be 1.76 Mbit. With a USB bandwidth of 8 Mbps uncompressed, frames can be transmitted at a maximum rate of 4.5 fps. However, a bit rate of 24 fps or more is required to get high-quality video. Thus, it becomes clear that without hardware compression of the transmitted information, the operation of the camera would be impossible. Therefore, any camera controller must provide the necessary data compression to transfer them via the USB interface. Compression itself is the main purpose of the USB controller. Providing the necessary compression in real time, the controller, as a rule, allows you to transfer a video stream at a rate of 10-15 frames/s at a resolution of 640×480 and at a rate of 30 frames/s at a resolution of 320×240 and less.
Amateur webcams. This type of webcam is intended mainly for video communication, video conferencing, video recording and photography. These cameras are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. FROM detailed specifications amateur webcams we will get to know you a little later.
Professional webcams(Network webcams or IP cameras). This type of webcam is mainly used for video surveillance of protected facilities, or for other similar purposes. The modern IP camera is digital device which produces video filming, digitization, compression and transmission of video images over a computer network. Unlike a regular webcam, a network camera functions as a web server and has its own IP address. Thus, it is possible to directly connect the camera to the Internet, without a computer, which allows you to receive video and audio signals and control the camera via the Internet through a browser.
Now we have learned, dear readers, what a webcam is, its principle of operation, history, types. Let's move on to the question of choosing a webcam. So, What should I pay attention to when buying a webcam?
Sensor Type
First of all, you need to pay attention to this parameter if you choose a non-budget webcam for yourself, for example, for commercial purposes. This is due to the fact that basically all amateur webcams have one of two main types of matrices - CMOS. This matrix is not expensive to manufacture, has low power consumption, and the main necessary specifications for comfortable use of the webcam.
Another type of matrix is CCD. It has improved characteristics in terms of video image quality, and, accordingly, webcams on a CCD matrix have a higher price.
As for me, you can take a CMOS camera and enjoy life without overpaying an extra hundred and two dollars. Although, if you have nowhere to put them, then go ahead!
Frames per second (Fps)
This parameter actually directly affects the smoothness of the picture transmitted by the webcam. The more frames per second the webcam transmits, the less you will be upset in video communication with your opponent.
Webcams are found with an indicator of 8, 15, 30 frames per second or more. The optimal rate is 30 frames per second.
Important! The more frames per second a video signal has, the larger it has its size, and, accordingly, for normal video communication, a faster Internet is needed.
Image resolution
For video, the resolution ranges from 0.1 to 2 megapixels. It should be noted that the optimal, and at the same time the most popular, is the VGA format (640 × 480 pixels, 0.3 MP). It is these cameras that are recommended for purchase for ordinary, home Internet communication.
A resolution of 320×240 (0.1 MP) will be quite enough, for example, for Internet video conferencing, and this figure should already be increased when the possibility of reviewing the interlocutor in high quality is of paramount importance.
Important! The higher the resolution of the video signal, the larger it has its size, and, accordingly, for normal video communication, a faster Internet connection is required.
I would like to point out that on this moment, the Internet has more and more high speed connections, and accordingly, webcams with Full HD 1080p resolution (1920 × 1080) appeared, which allows you to view the video signal in high definition in high definition and excellent quality.
To be honest, due to technological progress, they can suggest that in a year or two there will be webcams with the ability to record video in 3D. Although, perhaps it already exists now, and I just lost sight of this novelty somewhere.
Optics
There are webcams with plastic and glass lenses.
In budget amateur webcams, plastic optics are mainly installed, which accordingly transmits the picture not always in natural colors.
Glass optics have a more natural color reproduction. I'm not sure that all sellers in stores have knowledge of this parameter, but if you like the maximum in everything, pay attention to the optics of the webcam.
On sale I saw a webcam with Carl Zeiss optics, which is used in cameras and camcorders by Sony.
Matrix sensitivity
An important parameter that determines the minimum degree of illumination of the object, at which the webcam is able to take pictures of acceptable quality. The sensitivity of the webcam matrix is measured in lux (lux).
Important! In low light, even an expensive webcam with a CCD-matrix produces a picture with noise.
Microphone
I decided to mention, because Recently I was looking for an inexpensive webcam, and I could not even imagine that they still exist without built-in microphones. To be honest, it's not very convenient, if you can communicate without headphones with a microphone, use a microphone. And so, I connected one device, and you tell yourself without tying yourself with extra cords 🙂 .
One more nuance. The microphone can be connected either through the same USB connector through which the webcam itself is connected, or through a parallel microphone plug. It is convenient when the whole device works through one cable, without additional plugs.
By the way, sound recording can be recorded both in mono mode and in stereo. The choice is yours.
Fastening
Please pay attention to this little thing. The fact is that there are webcams that, after purchase, have to be taped to the monitor or somewhere else with tape, substitute all sorts of pieces of paper, rubber bands, etc. If possible, ask the seller to demonstrate the webcam mount. Try and attach it yourself on the spot to something.
Focusing
Focusing determines how sharp the transmitted image will be.
Webcams are like manual focus, as well as with automatic. It is convenient when there is both one and the other in one device. Why? You will learn about this when you start using the webcam.
Photo opportunity
In most types of webcams, there is a function - a photograph. There is a button on the body of the webcam, by pressing which you get a photo. I’ll say right away that the quality is worse than on the camera, so don’t count too much. But for the photo on the profile picture, that's it. Although some say that a photo with a large number of megapixels is beautiful.
If you are interested in knowing what affects the quality of a photograph in a camera, read .
Connection type
Basically, all webcams are connected using a USB connector.
This connector has 3 standards: USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0.
For a regular webcam, USB 2.0 is the best option. If you purchase a device with the ability to transmit video in Full HD 1080p resolution, then it is desirable that the camera has a USB 3.0 connector. Although manufacturers are trying to do everything optimally, but as they say: "It's better to overdo it than not do it."
Also, as I mentioned above, please note that a camera with a built-in microphone does not have an additional plug to connect it.
There are also webcams, mostly professional, with the ability to transmit video over a wireless Wi-Fi channel. Very comfortably.
Additional features webcams
The webcam may have a number of additional functions: information editing functions, brightness and contrast control, correction colors, frame rate, password protection.
A professional webcam can be equipped with a motion detector and have a swivel mechanism that allows it to be used for video surveillance.
Brand
I used to pay attention to the manufacturer almost always, especially when it comes to electronics.
Firstly, it is the quality and guarantee for the device itself. After all, in which case, you don’t want to find out in search of a service center that it, as such, does not exist in the country in which you live, because. it is only in China, which produces the lion's share of electronics.
Secondly, it is your safety and that of your loved ones. Now there are news when even a doll explodes in the hands of a child, to say nothing of a more complex technique.
Who knows who and what place thought when he created a fake of this or that device.
The most popular webcam brands are: Logitech, Creative, A4 Tech, Genius, Sven, Microsoft, Trust, Canyon.
I would buy myself Logitech. Forgive me the competitors of this brand :-).
Important! I ask you, dear readers, do not purchase webcams in suspicious places where electronics are sold, for example, in the market from a car. Thank you
The cheapest webcam with a minimum set of functions can be purchased for $8.
A standard webcam with a built-in microphone and a resolution of 640×480 can be purchased for about $20.
A webcam with all the bells and whistles can be purchased for about $120.
Video: How to choose a webcam
The digital webcam is network device, which consists of a video camera (CCD), a compression processor and an embedded web server. As a rule, a webcam is used as a device for organizing video shooting, video conferencing or video surveillance and transmitting video images over a LAN/WAN/Internet network. The webcam does not need to be connected to the network. special devices and personal computer. Depending on the settings, access to the video image received by the webcam may be open to all network users or only authorized users.
The device and principle of operation of the webcam
A modern webcam is a digital device that captures video, converts an analog video signal into a digital one, compresses a digital video signal, and transmits a video image over a computer network. Therefore, the webcam includes the following components:
CCD,
lens,
optical filter,
video capture card
block of compression (compression) of the video image,
CPU and embedded web server,
flash Memory,
network Interface,
serial ports,
alarm inputs/outputs.
As a photodetector in most webcams, CCD(CCD, CCD - charge-coupled device) - a rectangular light-sensitive semiconductor plate with an aspect ratio of 3: 4, which converts the light incident on it into an electrical signal. The CCD array consists of a large number photosensitive cells. In order to increase the light sensitivity of a CCD array, it is not uncommon to form a structure that creates a microlens in front of each of the cells. AT technical parameters webcams usually specify the CCD format (the length of the diagonal of the sensor in inches), the number of effective pixels, the type of scanning (progressive or interlaced), and sensitivity.
Lens- this is a lens system designed to project the image of the object of observation onto the photosensitive element of the webcam. The lens is an integral part of the webcam, so the quality of the video image received by the webcam depends on the correct choice and installation of the lens. Quite often, a webcam is equipped with a lens. Lenses are characterized by a number of the most important parameters such as focal length, aperture ratio (F), depth of field, mount type (C, CS), format.
Optical infrared cut filters , which are installed in webcams, are optically accurate plane-parallel plates mounted on top of a CCD matrix. They work as optical low-pass filters with a cutoff frequency of about 700 nm, near red. They cut off the infrared component of light waves, providing the webcam with the correct color reproduction. However, many black and white webcams do not have these filters installed, which is why monochrome webcams have higher sensitivity.
Video capture card webcam (digitization unit) converts the analog electrical signal generated by the CCD matrix into digital format. The signal conversion process consists of three stages:
Sampling,
quantization,
Coding.
Sampling- reading the amplitude of the electrical signal at regular intervals (period). This stage of signal conversion is characterized by the sampling frequency.
Quantization is the process of presenting discretization results in digital form. The change in the level of the electrical signal over the sampling period is represented as a code word of 8, 10 or 12 bits, which give respectively 256, 1024 and 4096 quantization levels. The number of quantization levels determines the accuracy of the signal representation in digital form.
Coding. In addition to the information about the change in the signal level obtained at the previous stage, the encoding process generates bits that indicate the end of the clock pulse and the beginning of a new frame, as well as additional error protection bits.
Compression block The webcam compresses the digitized video signal into one of the compression formats (JPEG, MJPEG, MPEG-1/2/4, Wavelet). Compression reduces the video frame size. This is necessary for storing and transmitting video over the network. If the local network to which the webcam is connected has a limited bandwidth, then in order to avoid network traffic congestion, it is advisable to reduce the amount of transmitted information by reducing either the network frame rate or the frame resolution. Most of the compression formats that webcams use provide a reasonable compromise between these two ways of solving the problem of transmitting video over a network. Compression formats known today make it possible to obtain a digitized stream with a bandwidth of 64 Kb - 2 Mb (with such a bandwidth, video data streams can work in parallel with other data streams in networks).
Video compression in a webcam can be represented both in hardware and in software. Software implementation compression is cheaper, but due to the high computational capacity of compression algorithms, it is ineffective, especially when you need to view video from a webcam online. Therefore, most leading manufacturers produce webcams with hardware compression. For example, every network camera from AXIS Communications is equipped with an ARTPEC compression engine that compresses video to JPEG/MJPEG at high speed.
CPU is the computing core of the webcam. It performs operations for outputting digitized and compressed video images, and is also responsible for performing the functions of the embedded web server and control program for webcams.
Interface for Ethernet used to connect the webcam to a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet network.
For network operation, the webcam may have serial port to connect a modem and work in dial-up mode in the absence of local network. You can also connect peripherals to the webcam through the serial port.
Flash memory card allows you to update webcam control programs and store custom HTML pages.
RAM serves to store temporary data that is generated during the execution of control programs and user scripts. Many Internet cameras have a so-called video buffer. This is a portion of RAM reserved for recording and temporarily storing video frames captured by the webcam. Information in the video buffer is updated cyclically; the new frame is written instead of the oldest one. This function is required if the webcam performs security video surveillance, as it allows you to restore the events preceding and following the alarm from security sensors connected to the webcam.
Alarm inputs/outputs are used to connect alarm sensors to the webcam. When one of the sensors is triggered, an alarm signal is generated, as a result of which the webcam processor composes a set of frames recorded in the video buffer before, after, and at the time of the alarm. This set of frames can be sent to a given e-mail address or via FTP.
Connecting and installing a webcam
Typically, the webcam is connected to the Internet via a 10BaseT/100BaseTX/1000BaseTX Ethernet port or via a modem via a serial port. After physical connection webcam to the network, it is assigned an IP address. More often than not, a webcam does not have a default IP address; it is installed either using the appropriate function of a standard web browser or by a DOS command that uses the webcam's manufacturer's serial number to identify it. In addition, manufacturers are developing special programs for webcams, which greatly simplifies the procedure for assigning an IP address to a webcam (for example, IP Installer from AXIS Communications). Thanks to the built-in software for web server, FTP server, FTP client, e-mail client, etc., the webcam connects directly to the LAN/WAN/Internet network and works as a standalone network device. This distinguishes webcams from other digital cameras, which require you to connect them to personal computer via USB or LPT port. In addition, webcams can support user scripts and JAVA applets.
To install a webcam outdoors or indoors, many manufacturers include special fasteners in the design of the camera body, designed for mounting it on walls, ceilings, brackets and rotary devices. Some webcams have built-in PTZ devices designed to be mounted on a horizontal or vertical surface.
Additional features and functions of the webcam
Motion Detector- this is software module, the main task of which is to detect webcams moving in the field of view on the video surveillance object. The motion detector not only detects movement in the image field, but also determines the dimensions of the object and the speed of its movement. Depending on the tasks of video surveillance, the motion detector of the webcam is configured to detect the movement of objects with the utmost minimization of false alarms (noise filtering), and flexible alarm processing logic is set (alarm recording, integration with other security equipment).
Audio signal transmission over the network in most cases is carried out by connecting an additional audio module to the webcam. For example, AXIS Communications for expansion functionality webcam releases a dedicated AXIS 2191 audio module that is compatible with most AXIS webcams.