Filter
Top Products
Appendix 2
Appendix 2 - Frequently Asked Questions
This is the FAQ document for VersaCam IC Series products. This document provides answers to
questions that often arise in the process of installing and operating the VersaCam Internet camera.
Table of Contents
1. Frequently Asked Questions
1.1. VersaCam Features
1.2. VersaCam Installation
1.3. Control and Utility Programs
1.4. Inserting Images into HTML Pages
1. Frequently Asked Questions
1.1. VersaCam Features
• Q: What are VersaCam IC Series cameras?
A: VersaCam IC-Series cameras are integrated web cameras and servers with additional
abilities to transmit images using FTP and e-mail. Each camera contains a CCD module, web
server, FTP and e-mail clients, and networking hardware. VersaCam captures, processes, and
transmits digital images through a network connection. As the VersaCam can be configured to
operate as a Web server, it does not require a separate dedicated server in most cases
(depending upon number of simultaneous users). After installing the VersaCam at the desired
site, you may monitor images from your choice of remote sites.
• Q: What preparation is needed for installation?
A: A VersaCam requires only AC power and a 10BaseT type network connection.
• Q: Which algorithm is used to compress digital images?
A: The VersaCam IC Series uses a wavelet algorithm to compress digital images. Wavelet is a
still-image based compression algorithm. This means that each frame is captured individually,
and can be viewed individually (unlike MPEG images), making it ideal for security
applications. The VersaCam compresses and transmits these still images at very high speed to
provide high speed streaming video.
• Q: What is the difference between Wavelet algorithm and JPEG in compressing digital
images?
A: Wavelet is more efficient than JPEG by 30-300%. The higher efficiency of Wavelet comes
from its encoding method. The Wavelet algorithm uses DWT (Discrete Wavelet Transform)
while JPEG uses DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform). Due to its efficiency, Wavelet has also
been adopted for JPEG 2000 digital image compression.
Since Wavelet is not yet fully standardized, it requires the installation of a browser plug-in or
Active-X control to view VersaCam images through such standard web browsers as Netscape
and Explorer. The size of a typical Plug-in or Active-X control for Wavelet images is often as
large as 3 megabytes, requiring a long download time. However, Pentax provides Plug-in and
VersaCam IC-360 User’s Guide
41