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TECHNICAL NOTE – Axis Communications Notification messages
1 Introduction
AXIS P8221 Network I/O Audio Module provides additional I/O ports and audio functionality to a
network video installation and is intended to be used in combination with Axis network cameras, video
encoders and video decoders.
Integrating AXIS P8221 with Axis network video products involves sending notification messages
between AXIS P8221 and the other products. Notification messages can be sent via HTTP or TCP and
contain instructions, for example, to steer a PTZ camera to a preset position when one of the AXIS
P8221 input ports is activated. The messages are constructed using commands and parameters
available from Axis HTTP-based application programming interface (API), VAPIX®.
This white paper gives some examples of how to set up and construct these notification messages. The
paper should be considered as introduction and is in no way a complete description of all notification
messages and other possibilities provided by VAPIX®.
1.1 HTTP and TCP
Most of Axis network video products support both HTTP and TCP notification messages. HTTP
messages are more secure as HTTP servers require a login name and password.
1.2 VAPIX®
VAPIX® is an HTTP-based application programming interface (API) available in Axis network video
products. VAPIX® provides functionality for requesting images, controlling network camera functions
(PTZ, I/O ports, etc) and setting and retrieving internal parameter values. The purpose of the API is to
make it easier for developers to build applications that support Axis network video products.
The VAPIX® specification is available on www.axis.com/developer
A VAPIX® command (request) follows the syntax
http://<ip>/axis-cgi/<path and name of cgi>?<arguments and values>
where <ip> is to be replaced by the product’s IP address.
Note:
Axis Customer Support does not provide assistance with VAPIX-related issues.
1.3 Liability Disclaimer
Axis Communications AB makes no warranty of any kind with regard to the material
contained within this document, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Axis Communications AB shall not be
liable nor responsible for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the
furnishing, performance or use of this material.
Later versions of this document will be posted on the Axis website.
Rev: 1.1, Last updated: 19/08/2011 3