Canon Vb-C50fi User Manual

CANON INC. 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan
U.S.A. CANON U.S.A.,INC. NEW JERSEY OFFICE

100 Jamesburg Road, Jamesburg, NJ 08831 USA

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● If you have any questions, call the Canon U.S.A. Information
Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040 (U.S.A.only)

CANADA CANON CANADA INC. NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

6390 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1P7

CANON CANADA INC. CALGARY

2828, 16th Street, N.E, Calgary, Alberta T2E 7K7

CANON CANADA INC. MONTRÉAL

5990 Côte-de-Liesse, Montréal, Québec H4T 1V7

● If you have any questions, call the CANON CANADA Customer Information
Centre toll-free at 1-800-OK-CANON (652-2666) (Canada only)

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México, D.F., México

CENTRO Y
SURAMERICA CANON LATIN AMERICA, INC.

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P.O.Box 2262, 1180 EG Amstelveen, The Netherlands

CANON EUROPE LTD.

6 Roundwood Avenue, Stockley Park, Uxbridge Middlesex, UB11 1JA, United Kingdom

NETWORK CAMERA User’s Manual

NETWORK CAMERA

User’s Manual

VB-C50Fi

PUB.YT1-1349-000 © CANON INC. 2004 PRINTED IN JAPAN

Please read this User’s Manual carefully before operation.
Be sure to read the “a Safe Use of Equipment” section before using
this equipment. Store this manual in a readily accessible location for
future reference.

´

ENGLISH

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Canon Network Camera VB-C50Fi (referred to hereafter as the VB­C50Fi).
This User’s Manual describes how to set up and use the VB-C50Fi. Read this manual carefully before
using the VB-C50Fi to ensure effective operation. In particular make sure that you read the “a Safe
Use of Equipment” in this manual, as well as the supplied CD-ROM ReadMe file.

Exclusion of Liability

If the Product is connected to a recording device (for example a VCR), Canon Inc. accepts
no responsibility whatsoever for any financial losses that may be incurred as a result of
the loss of recorded information or images, regardless of the internal or external cause of
the loss.

Copyright Information

Video or still pictures recorded using your VB-C50Fi cannot be used in ways that infringe copyright
laws or without the consent of the owner, unless intended for personal use only.

Notes

1. The unauthorized transfer of all or any part of the contents of this Manual is forbidden.

2. The contents of this Manual are subject to change without notice.

3. Every effort has been made to ensure that this Manual is flawless. However, if you find any
oversights, please let us know.

4. Notwithstanding the above, Canon accepts no responsibility for any effects resulting from the
use of this Manual.

Trademark Notices

● Canon and Canon logo are registered trademarks of Canon Inc.

● Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States

and other countries.

● Windows is legally recognized as Microsoft Windows Operating System.

● Java and all Java-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems,

Inc. in the United States and other countries.

● Other brand or product names in this manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks of

their respective companies.

This product uses software based on the GNU General Public License (GPL), GNU Lesser General

Public License (LGPL) and the BSD License. For each of the licenses, see GPL.txt, LGPL.txt and

COPYING.txt in the LICENSE folder on the CD-ROM.

If you require the source code for a program based on GPL or LGPL, please see the following web

site:

http://www.canon.com/webview

Alternatively contact either the place of purchase or your nearest Canon outlet.

ii

Request concerning disclosure of live videos

With respect to the disclosure of live videos, we request that sufficient consideration be
given to matters of privacy and rights not to be photographed.
Canon considers the following points concerning such matters when it operates camera
sites for which it has been responsible to install and operate:

● We take measures such as adding limitations on zoom magnifications so that people
cannot make special specifications.

● When videos are taken of specific buildings, interiors and the like, we install the camera
only after receiving approval from the administrator.

Please note that the operator of the camera site and not Canon has full responsibility
regarding the disclosure of live videos.

© Copyright 2004 CANON INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Introduction

iii

Package Contents

The VB-C50Fi package contains the following items. If any of these items is missing, please

contact the retailer from which you purchased the product.

1. VB-C50Fi main unit 2. AC adapter PA-V16

3. AC cable (1 meter/3 ft.) 4. CD-ROM

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* The cable length may differ depending

on the country in which the product was
purchased.

5. User’s Manual
(This document)

6. Warranty card
(NTSC model only)

CD-ROM contents

ReadMe-J.txt (Japanese text containing

precautions etc. other than those in this

document)

ReadMe-E.txt (English text containing

precautions etc. other than those in this

document)

VBSetup.exe (Initial settings tool)

VBC50Fi-J.pdf (Japanese PDF of this document)

VBC50Fi-E.pdf (English PDF of this document)

Viewer-J.pdf (Japanese User’s Manual for the

Viewer software)

Viewer-E.pdf (English User’s Manual for the

Viewer software)

vbfiles folder (File system sets of sample pages

etc.)

LICENSE folder (License documents for software

built into the VB-C50Fi)

VBTools folder (Bundled software installer set)

iv

Contents

Introduction ............................................................................ ii

Package Contents.................................................................. iv

How to Read This Manual...................................................... ix

a

Safe Use of Equipment....................................................... x

Maintenance .............................................................................................................. xv

Chapter 1 Before Using the VB-C50Fi

Features of the VB-C50Fi ............................................................................. 1-2

Hardware and Software Requirements ....................................................... 1-4

Viewer Software ....................................................................................................... 1-4

VB Initial Setup Tool ................................................................................................. 1-4

VB Administration Tools ........................................................................................... 1-4

VBCollector .............................................................................................................. 1-5

Multipoint Recording Software for Monitoring Use (Sold separately) ...................... 1-5

Viewer Software for Monitoring Use (Sold separately) ............................................ 1-6

System Components and Their Operation ................................................. 1-7

Multi-Terminal Module (VB-EX50) (Sold Separately) ............................... 1-10

Chapter 2 Setting Up

Setup Workflow ............................................................................................. 2-2

1. Setup the Camera ..................................................................................... 2-4

Using a Tripod .......................................................................................................... 2-4

Using the Wide Converter ........................................................................................ 2-5

2. Connect the Camera to the Network ....................................................... 2-6

Turning the Power ON and OFF .............................................................................. 2-6

3. Perform Initial Settings for the Camera .................................................. 2-7

4. Check Operation of the Camera ............................................................ 2-10

5. Install the Software ................................................................................. 2-11

Viewer Software Overview ......................................................................... 2-12

Viewer Software Types .......................................................................................... 2-12

Features of the Viewer Software ............................................................................ 2-12

Chapter 3 Basic Settings

What Can I Do on Each of the Settings Pages? ......................................... 3-2

Accessing the Settings Title Page ............................................................... 3-3

Settings Title Page ........................................................................................ 3-4

Setting Up the Administrator Password and Ethernet etc.

(System and Network) ....................................................................... 3-5

v

Contents

Setting Camera Control, Image Size and Quality (Camera and Video) .... 3-7

Presetting Best Shot (Preset) .................................................................... 3-12

Setting Up the HTTP and Camera Servers (Server) ................................. 3-16

Setting User Access Privileges (Access Control) ................................... 3-20

Setting the Date and Time (Date and Time) .............................................. 3-23

Setting Up Name Server Address and Mail etc. (Miscellaneous) ........... 3-25

Setting Up the Administration Tools (Administration Tools) .................. 3-28

Chapter 4 VB Administration Tools

Overview of VB Administration Tools ......................................................... 4-2

Installing the VB Administration Tools ...................................................................... 4-2

VBAdmin Startup Panel ........................................................................................... 4-3

View Restriction Tool ................................................................................................ 4-3

Preset Setting Tool ................................................................................................... 4-3

Schedule Setting Tool .............................................................................................. 4-4

Log Viewer ............................................................................................................... 4-4

Admin Viewer .......................................................................................................... 4-4

Starting Up VB Administration Tools .......................................................... 4-5

View Restriction Tool .................................................................................. 4-12

View Restriction Tool Display Screen .................................................................... 4-13

Setting View Restrictions ....................................................................................... 4-15

Preset Setting Tool...................................................................................... 4-18

Preset Setting Tool Display Screen ........................................................................ 4-19

Setting Presets ....................................................................................................... 4-21

Preset Tour ............................................................................................................. 4-24

Schedule Setting Tool................................................................................. 4-27

Schedule Setting Tool Display Screen (Toolbar) .................................................... 4-28

Normal Schedule ................................................................................................... 4-29

Special Schedule ................................................................................................... 4-33

Setting Up Service ................................................................................................. 4-38

Timer Setting Tool .................................................................................................. 4-39

Motion Detection Setting Tool ................................................................................ 4-41

Night Mode Setting Tool ......................................................................................... 4-52

External Device Input Setting Tool ......................................................................... 4-54

External Device Output Setting Tool ...................................................................... 4-56

Log Viewer ................................................................................................... 4-60

Viewing the Log ..................................................................................................... 4-61

Admin Viewer .............................................................................................. 4-63

Starting Up Admin Viewer ...................................................................................... 4-64

Operating External Devices and Motion Detection ................................................ 4-64

Enabling/Disabling View Restrictions ..................................................................... 4-66

vi

Operating a Camera .............................................................................................. 4-66

Camera-Specific Functions .................................................................................... 4-68

Shade Correction .................................................................................................... x-xx

Chapter 5 Creating Web Pages for Video Distribution

Web Pages for Video Distribution ............................................................... 5-2

Viewer Overview ........................................................................................... 5-4

Viewer for Java ........................................................................................................ 5-4

Viewer for PC ........................................................................................................... 5-5

Viewing Sample Pages ................................................................................. 5-6

Using the Viewer for Java to Distribute Videos .......................................... 5-7

Using the Viewer for Java to Create a Web Page ................................................... 5-7

Saving Web Page Data ............................................................................................ 5-8

Example of Using the Viewer for Java to Create a Web Page ................................ 5-9

Viewer for Java Parameters ................................................................................... 5-17

Using the Viewer for PC to Distribute Videos ........................................... 5-21

Setting Up the Web Server .................................................................................... 5-21

Creating wvh Files ................................................................................................. 5-22

Example of a Web page Using the Viewer for PC ................................................. 5-23

Distributing Videos Using a Browser Only ............................................... 5-24

Displaying the Live Video at Access as a Still Picture ........................................... 5-24

Displaying a Specified Number Of Live Video Frames As a Video at Access ....... 5-24

Displaying Live Video from a Specified Angle as Still Pictures .............................. 5-25

Example of Video Distribution Using One Global Address .................... 5-26

Distributing Still Images to a Mobile Phone ............................................. 5-27

Camera Control by Position Specification .............................................................. 5-28

Overwriting Sample Pages .................................................................................... 5-28

Log Messages ............................................................................................. 5-30

Camera Server-related Log Messages .................................................................. 5-30

System-related Log Messages .............................................................................. 5-36

Contents

Chapter 6 Using the Picture Recording Function

Using the Still Picture Recording Function

Linked to an External Device ........................................................... 6-2

Sample Application Combining a Door-opening Sensor .......................................... 6-2

Using the Still Picture Recording Function

with a Predetermined Schedule ....................................................... 6-4

Sample Application Using Sequential Mode ............................................................ 6-4

Using the Motion Detection Function with a Predetermined Schedule ... 6-6

Sample application in combination with a warning device ....................................... 6-6

vii

Contents

Using VBCollector ........................................................................................ 6-9

Installing VBCollector ............................................................................................. 6-10

Starting Up VBCollector ......................................................................................... 6-10

Registering a Server .............................................................................................. 6-10

Registering Tasks ................................................................................................... 6-14

Executing and Canceling Tasks ............................................................................. 6-16

Details Displayed on the Task View ....................................................................... 6-18

Starting/Stopping the Service ................................................................................ 6-18

Automatic Downloading by Notification .................................................................. 6-19

Viewing Recorded Images ..................................................................................... 6-21

Viewing Logs .......................................................................................................... 6-26

Setting Download Capacity .................................................................................... 6-30

Chapter 7 Appendix

Troubleshooting ............................................................................................ 7-2

Specifications ............................................................................................... 7-4

External Device I/O Terminals .................................................................................. 7-5

System Configuration .................................................................................. 7-6

Example of Basic System Configuration – Viewing Videos Using a Viewer ............ 7-6

Viewer Software Functions ...................................................................................... 7-6

Sample Network Configurations ................................................................. 7-7

Sample LAN Environment Configuration ................................................................. 7-7

Sample Configuration in an ISP Environment .......................................................... 7-7

Upgrading the Firmware Remotely ............................................................. 7-8

Restoring the Factory Default Settings ...................................................... 7-9

Restoring the Factory Default Settings from the Administration

Tools Page via a Web Browser ................................................................... 7-9

If the IP Address and Password are Unknown....................................................... 7-10

Factory Default Setting .............................................................................. 7-11

Index ............................................................................................................ 7-13

viii

How to Read This Manual

NETWORK

CAMERA

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´

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For information about setting
up the VB-C50Fi

Read this manual

carefully before

using the VB-C50Fi.

User’s Manual

(This document)

For information about
using the Viewer

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Viewer Software

User’s Manual

(Viewer-E.pdf)

This manual describes

how to use the Viewer

for Java and the Viewer

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Sections where the user

should refer to this

manual are indicated by
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accompanied by the

relevant page number.

ix

a Safe Use of Equipment

An exclamation point, within a triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of

a

important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the equipment.

a Important Warnings

a CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR

BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO

QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The serial number of this equipment may be found on the bottom of the VB-C50Fi.
No others have the same serial number as yours.
You should record the number and other vital information here and retain this book
as a permanent record of your purchase to aid identification in case of theft.

Date of Purchase
Dealer Purchased from
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No.
Model No. VB-C50Fi
Serial No.

a Important Operational Instructions

a WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS

EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

a CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE ANNOYING

INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.

FDA regulation

This Network Camera has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) for use as a medical device. When incorporated into a system with medical
applications, FDA regulations may apply. Therefore, please consult your legal
advisor to determine whether FDA regulations apply.

x

a

Safe Use of Equipment

FCC NOTICE

Network Camera, Model: VB-C50FiN, VB-C50FiP

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:

- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.

- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Use of shielded cable is required to comply with class B limits in Subpart B of
Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise
specified in the manual. If such changes or modifications should be made, you
could be required to stop operation of the equipment.
Canon U.S.A. Inc.
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A.
Tel No. [phone]

Canadian Radio Interference Regulations

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Réglementation canadienne sur les intérferences radio

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du
Canada.

Dieses Produkt ist zum Gebrauch im Wohnbereich, Geschäfts- und
Gewerbebereich sowie in Kleinbetrieben vorgesehen.

xi

a

Safe Use of Equipment

a IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

In these safety instructions, the word
“equipment” refers to the Canon Network
Camera VB-C50Fi and all its accessories.

1. Read Instructions - All the safety and
operating instructions should be read before
the equipment is operated.

2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future
reference.

3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the
equipment and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions - All operating and
maintenance instructions should be followed.

5. Cleaning - Unplug this equipment from the
wall outlet before cleaning.
Wipe the equipment with a clean soft cloth. If
necessary, put a cloth in diluted neutral
detergent and wring it well before wiping the
equipment with it. Finally, clean the
equipment with a clean dry cloth. Do not use
benzene, thinner or other volatile liquids or
pesticides as they may damage the product’s
finish. When using chemically-treated
cleaning cloths, observe those precautions
accordingly.

6. Accessories - Do not use accessories not
recommended in this manual as they may
be hazardous. Always use specified
connection cables. Connect devices correctly.

7. Water and Moisture - Hazard of electric shock

- Do not use the equipment near water or in
rainy/moist situations. Do not put a heater
near this equipment.

8. Placing or Moving - Do not place on an
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table.
The equipment may fall, causing serious
injury to a child or adult, and serious damage
to the equipment. An
equipment and cart
combination should be moved
with care.
Quick stops, excessive force,

and uneven surfaces may cause the
equipment and cart combination to overturn.

9. Power Sources - The PA-V16 AC adapter
should be operated only from the type of power
source indicated on the marking label. If you
are not sure of the type of power supply to your
home, consult your equipment dealer or local
power company.

10. Polarization - The PA-V16 AC adapter is
equipped with a polarized 2-prong plug (a plug
having one blade wider than the other).
The 2-prong polarized plug will fit into the
power outlet only one way. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If
the plug still fails to fit, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat
the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

11. Power Cord Protection - Power cords should
be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon
or against them. Pay particular attention to
plugs and the point from which the cords exit
the equipment.

12. Outdoor Antenna Grounding - If an outside
antenna is connected to the equipment, be
sure the antenna is grounded so as to provide
some protection against voltage surges and
built-up static charges. Section 810 of the
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No.70­1984, provides information with respect to
proper grounding of the mast and supporting
structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an
antenna discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna, antenna
discharge unit, connection to grounding
electrodes, and requirements for the
grounding electrode. See figure 1.

xii

a

Safe Use of Equipment

fig-1

EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS
PER NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

ANTENNA
LEAD IN WIRE

GROUNDING
CLAMP

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

NEC — NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE

ANTENNA
DISCHARGE
UNIT (NEC
SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING
CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION
810-21)

GROUNDING CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE
GROUNDING ELECTRODE
SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250. PART H)

13. Lightning - For added protection of this
equipment during a lightning storm, or when
it is left unattended and unused for long
periods of time, disconnect it from the wall
outlet and disconnect the antenna. This will
prevent damage to the equipment due to
lightning and power-line surges.

14. Power Lines - An outside antenna system
should not be located in the vicinity of
overhead power lines or other electric light
or power circuits, or where it can fall into such
power lines or circuits. When installing an
outside antenna system, extreme care should
be taken to keep from touching such power
lines or circuits as contact with them might
be fatal.

15. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and
extension cords as this can result in a risk of
fire or electric shock.

16. Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects
of any kind into this equipment through
openings as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short out parts that could
result in a fire or electric shock. Be careful
not to spill liquid of any kind onto the
equipment.

17. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this
equipment yourself as opening or removing
covers may expose you to dangerous voltage
or other hazards. Refer all servicing to
qualified personnel.

18. Damage Requiring Service - Disconnect this
equipment from the wall outlet and all power
sources including batteries, and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under
the following conditions.

a. When the power-supply cord or plug is

damaged.

b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or

objects have fallen into, the equipment.

c. If the equipment has been exposed to rain

or water.

d. If the equipment does not operate normally

even if you follow the operating instructions.
Adjust only those controls that are covered
by the operation instructions. Improper
adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive
work by a qualified technician to restore
the equipment to its normal operation.

e. If the equipment has been dropped or the

cabinet has been damaged.

f. When the equipment exhibits a distinct

change in performance. This indicates a
need for service.

19. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts
are required, be sure the service technician
has used replacement parts that are specified
by Canon or that have the same
characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock or other hazards.

20. Safety Check - Upon completion of any
service or repairs to this equipment, ask the
service technician to perform safety checks
to determine that the equipment is in safe
operating order.

21. Do not install the equipment in the following
locations as this can cause a fire or electric
shock:

- Hot locations

- Close to a fire

- Very humid or dusty locations

xiii

a

Safe Use of Equipment

- Locations exposed to direct sunlight

- Locations exposed to salt spray

- Close to flammable solvents (alcohol,
thinners, etc.)

22. When any of the following occurs,
immediately switch OFF the equipment,
unplug it from the main power supply and
contact your nearest Canon supplier. Do not
continue to use the equipment as this can
cause a fire or electric shock.

- The equipment emits any smoke, heat,

abnormal noise, or unusual odor.

- A metal object falls into the equipment.

- The equipment is damaged in some way.

23. Please observe the following when using the
equipment. Failure to do so can result in a
fire or electric shock.

- Do not use flammable sprays near the

equipment.

- Do not subject the equipment to strong

impacts.

xiv

a

Safe Use of Equipment

Maintenance

Cleaning the Equipment

1. Unplug the AC adapter from the wall outlet.

2. Carefully wipe the equipment with a soft cloth that has
been moistened with water or a mild detergent.

a WARNING:

Do not use flammable solvents such as alcohol, benzene or thinners.

The use of such substances can cause a fire or electric shock.

3. Wipe with a dry cloth.

4. When you have finished, plug the AC adapter back in to the wall outlet.

Cleaning the Lens

Use a commercially available lens cleaner to remove any soiling from the

lens.

● The auto-focus may not function correctly if the surface of the lens is

dirty.

● Scratches on the surface of the lens will cause image defects.

Icons Used in This Instruction Manual

Indicates important information that must be observed or actions that are prohibited

during an operation. These notes must be read to prevent possible faults or damage

Note

to the equipment.

Indicates supplementary information or a reference to an operation. Users are advised

to read these memos.

Tip

Refer to the PDF manual on the supplied CD-ROM.

d

xv

xvi

Chapter

Before Using the

VB-C50Fi

This chapter describes the features of the VB-C50Fi, the

hardware and software requirements, and the name and

functions of the system components.

Features of the VB-C50Fi

The VB-C50Fi is a system that distributes live videos via the Internet or an Intranet. It can be used

in a wide range of applications, such as distributing live videos from a Web site or monitoring. The

system is configured for the VB-C50Fi and viewer software. Please use the supplied viewer software

for viewing videos distributed by the VB-C50Fi and controlling cameras (→ P.1-4, 2-12).

Broadband Video Distribution Function

The VB-C50Fi is capable of capturing videos at up to 30 fps (NTSC)/25 fps (PAL). Motion-JPEG

is used to compress video images. For networking, auto-negotiation between Ethernet 100Base­TX/10Base-T is provided and a leased line or ADSL can also be used through a router. Since

video quality and the frame rate can be freely set, videos can be distributed under conditions that

best suit the network bandwidth.

*Please refer to P.1-9 to confirm whether your VB-C50Fi is PAL model or NTSC model.

Concurrent video is distributed up to 50 clients

Up to 50 clients can view video at the same time from a single VB-C50Fi.

Camera and video distribution server functions housed in a single unit

The camera capable of full zoom function and its server functions for distributing videos through

a network are compactly housed in a single unit. By simply connecting a LAN cable and a power

supply, the unit can distribute live videos from any location* where it is installed.

* The unit cannot be installed in locations subject to direct sunlight, high temperatures, high humidity, or

other adverse conditions (→ P.xiii, xiv).

High-performance 26x zoom

The camera section is equipped with a 26x zoom lens.

Can be mounted on ceilings, etc.

The VB-C50Fi can be installed on the ceiling or a wall using a mounting arm*.

* The unit cannot be installed in locations subject to direct sunlight, high temperatures, high humidity, or

other adverse conditions (→ P.xiii, xiv).

Remote camera control from the viewer

The VB-C50Fi comes with two types of viewer software: the Viewer for PC and the Viewer for
Java. The viewers give you full remote control of the camera zoom magnification of the VB-

C50Fi, allowing you to view videos with plenty of ambiance.

Shade Correction function

If the background of an image is bright, making the subject difficult to see, you can adjust the

contrast of the darker areas to make it easier to see. Unlike backlight compensation, the shade
correction feature allows image processing without adversely affecting the existing lighter regions.

Camera Position Preset function

If often-used camera zoom positions and related items are saved in advance as presets, the

camera can be controlled from the viewer by simply selecting a desired preset. Up to 10 presets

can be stored.

1-2

Features of the VB-C50Fi

View Restriction function

You can set restrictions on camera zoom magnifications. For example, if the VB-C50Fi is showing

camera footage on the internet, it is possible to distribute videos while protecting privacy (→ P.iii,
“Request concerning disclosure of live videos”).

Built-in Web server and FTP server

The VB-C50Fi is equipped with built-in Web server functions that enable both Web pages and

videos to be distributed through the Web by a single unit. Since it also has a built-in FTP server,

Web page data file transfers (FTP) can be performed from remote locations.

Simple set up and management

By accessing a Settings page provided on the Web, you can use the Web browser on your PC to
set up and manage the VB-C50Fi from a remote location without ever visiting the place where the

VB-C50Fi is actually installed.

More powerful security functions

The destinations for video distributions can be restricted based on passwords. Up to 50 clients

can be registered.

Recording videos via preset schedules or links with external devices

You can configure picture recording etc. based on ON/OFF input from the external device using
the Multi-Terminal Module (→ P.1-10) and schedules you have configured beforehand. If

VBCollector is used, still pictures recorded by the VB-C50Fi can be automatically collected to a
PC and viewed there.

Before Using the VB-C50Fi

Night mode shooting

If you use the infrared cut filter, you can take pictures even in darkness.

Motion detection function

You can perform external device control and video recording by detecting changes in the image

caused by motion of people or objects.

Service settings with schedule function

You can start up motion detection and external device services by setting up a visual and easy-

to-understand schedule in the calendar.

1-3

Hardware and Software Requirements

For the latest information, please refer to our WebView Product web page:

http://www.canon.com/webview

Viewer Software (→ d Viewer Software User’s Manual)

The viewer software that is supplied with the VB-C50Fi lets you view the video captured by the

VB-C50Fi and control the camera.

Viewer for Java Ver. 3.6

Operating System Windows 2000 (SP4)/Windows XP (SP1a or SP2)

Web Browser Netscape 7.1, 7.2, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 (SP1 or SP2)

Java VM MSVM Release 5.0.0.3810 (Java VM provided by Microsoft)

* Must be installed Java VM beforehand.
* This viewer may not run stably on operating systems and Web browsers other than those listed above.

Viewer for PC Ver. 3.6

Operating System Windows 2000 (SP4)/Windows XP (SP1a or SP2)

Web Browser Netscape 7.1, 7.2, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 (SP1 or SP2)

* Must be installed from the supplied CD-ROM (→ P.2-11).

● The manual for the viewer software is on the supplied CD-ROM (Viewer-E.pdf).

● Although older versions of viewers can be used, some of the features are different.

Note

Therefore, we recommend you to use the latest version.

On Macintosh PCs, some of the features of Viewer Ver. 1.2 are not available.

Java Plug-in 1.4.2 (Java VM provided by Sun Microsystems)

VB Initial Setup Tool Ver. 2.0 (→ P.2-7)

This tool is for performing initial settings for the VB-C50Fi.

Operating System Windows 2000 (SP4)/Windows XP (SP1a or SP2)

Web Browser Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 (SP1 or SP2)

VB Administration Tools Ver. 2.1 (→ P.4-2)

This tool lets you set view restrictions and presets visually and easily. You can also set schedules

with this tool.

Operating System Windows 2000 (SP4)/Windows XP (SP1a)

Web Browser Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 (SP1 or SP2)

* Must be installed from the supplied CD-ROM (→ P.2-11).

1-4

Hardware and Software Requirements

VBCollector Ver. 2.1 (→ P.6-9)

This tool is for collecting and viewing still pictures recorded by the VB-C50Fi on a PC.

Operating System Windows 2000 (SP4)/Windows XP (SP1a or SP2)

Web Browser Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 (SP1 or SP2), Netscape 7.1 or 7.2

Hard Disk 20 GB HDD or greater required (NTFS formatted)

* Must be installed from the supplied CD-ROM (→ P.2-11).
* If you configure your system to record pictures per second with camera servers and perform the maximum

of 16 tasks (→ P.6-15) at the same time, it is recommended that you use a desktop PC with Pentium 4 2.2
GHz and 512 MB RAM or greater.

* It is recommended that you configure to collect up to 10,000 still pictures/day per a camera server. If the

total amount of still pictures exceeds this value, it may take several minutes to display all the pictures.

Using the VB-C50Fi with Windows XP SP2...

Note

If you use the VBCollector, VB Admin Tools or VB Initial Setup Tool with Windows XP SP2, you

will need to change your Windows firewall settings on your PC.

VBCollector

If you installed the VBCollector on a PC with Windows XP SP2 and used the Automatic Download
by Notification function, please follow the procedures as described below.
After installation of the VBCollector:

1. From the Windows Start menu, launch the Control Panel.

2. In Control Panel, select Windows Firewall.

If Windows Firewall is not shown, select “Security Center” and then select “Windows
Firewall”.

3. In the Windows Firewall dialog box, select the Exception tab and then
click Add Program.

4. In the Add a Program dialog box, click Browse.

In the Browse dialog box, select the location where you installed the VBCollector and
enter the file name as “VBCICSM.exe”.

5. IIn the Windows Firewall dialog box, your program is now listed. Make
sure it is enabled (checked). Click OK to close the dialog box.

Settings are now complete.

Before Using the VB-C50Fi

VB Admin Tools and VB Initial Setup Tool

If you installed the VB Admin Tools and VB Initial Setup Tool on a PC with Windows XP
SP2 and try to specify any of the following operations, you may encounter a Windows
Security Alert dialog.

• Click to launch the Log Viewer in the VB Admin Startup Panel

• Launch the VB Initial Setup Tool

If the Windows Security Alert dialog appears, click Unblock. Once you click Unblock button,
the dialog box is closed.

Settings are now complete.

1-5

Hardware and Software Requirements

Multipoint Recording Software for Monitoring Use (Sold separately)

Videos distributed from the VB-C50Fi can be recorded, and recorded video can be displayed with

the software.

Network Video Recorder VK-64/VK-16 v1.1 (Viewer System Requirements)

Minimum Recommended

CPU Pentium III, 700 MHz or greater Pentium 4 2.2 GHz or greater

Operating System Windows 2000 Server* Windows XP Professional

Memory 256 MB RAM or greater 1 GB RAM or greater

Hard Disk 2 GB HDD or greater

Display 1024 × 768 with 16 bit color 1024 × 768 with 16 bit color

Network Video Recorder VK-64/VK-16 v1.1 (Storage Server System Requirements)

CPU Pentium III 1 GHz or greater Pentium 4 2.2 GHz or greater

Operating System Windows 2000 Server* Windows 2000 Server

Memory 768 MB RAM or greater 1 GB RAM or greater

Hard Disk 20 GB HDD or greater, SCSI or IDE, NTFS formatted

The requirements for Storage Server will vary according to the environment you will use (number of Camera Servers,
setting of recording frame rate etc.). Please contact dealers that handle Canon products for further information.

Windows 2000 Professional* (with SP2)
Windows XP Professional
(with SP2 recommended)
Windows Server 2003 (Standard Edition)
*With SP3 or SP4 (SP4 recommended).

For more than 16 Camera Servers, 1 GB
or greater required.

A high performance video card is
desirable. With PCI video cards, display
performance may be reduced.

Minimum Recommended

Windows 2000 Professional* (with SP4)
Windows XP Professional Windows XP Professional
(with SP2 recommended) (with SP2)
Windows Server 2003 (Standard Edition) Windows Server 2003 (Standard Edition)
*With SP3 or SP4 (SP4 recommended).

For more than 48 Camera Servers,

1.5 GB or greater required.

Viewer Software for Monitoring Use (Sold separately)

If WebView Livescope MV Ver. 2.1 is used, up to 16 viewer screens can be displayed and monitored.

There is also a limited edition of MV Ver. 2.1, called MV LE, which allows up to 4 viewer screens

to be displayed.

WebView Livescope MV Ver. 2.1/LE

PC CPU: Pentium III 600 MHz or greater, RAM: 128 MB or greater

Operating System Windows Me/Windows 2000 (SP1)/Windows XP

Web Browser Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 required

Display XGA (1024 × 768) or better, 16-bit color display or better

1-6

Hard disk capacity: 50 MB or greater (MV), 20 MB or greater (LE)

System Components and Their Operation

Front

Screw hole for arm mounting

LAN status LED

The LED blinks during communication.

100Base-TX .......................... Green

10Base-T ............................... Orange

* You can set the LED to always light

up even during communication. In
this case, you can select from a
green, orange or red light color. You
can also set the LED to never light
up (→ P.3-27).

Before Using the VB-C50Fi

1-7

System Components and Their Operation

Rear

On the rear of the VB-C50Fi there are the MAC address required for network settings, a Reset

switch that returns the factory default settings and the serial number.

MAC address

The MAC address is required
when setting the IP address
and making other network
settings. Please make a
note of it before installing
this unit (→ P.2-8).

Serial No.

The serial number
for this unit is shown
here.

Model Number

VB-C50Fi
NTSC xx-xxx
PAL xx-xxx

Reset switch

You can revert all settings of the unit to
the factory default settings by pressing
this button with a thin-tipped object while
turning on the power switch, and keeping
the button pressed for more than five
seconds after turning on (→ P.7-10).

Screw hole for arm mounting

Power connection
socket

Multi-connector

You can connect the
Multi-Terminal Module
(VB-EX50) to the VB­C50Fi via the connector
(→ P.1-10).

100/10 BT Ethernet connector

(100Base-TX, 10Base-T Auto-Negotiation)

1-8

Bottom

Screw hole for tripod
mounting

Multi-Terminal Module (VB-EX50) (Sold Separately)

Using the Multi-Terminal Module (VB-EX50), you can connect external devices such as different

kinds of sensors to the unit, and store images by sensor response (→ P.7-5).

Please note that the Multi-Terminal Module (VB-EX50) is an optional product and is therefore sold

separately.

* Audio input/output is not available

with the VB-C50Fi.

Example of Use

With the Multi-Terminal Module, you can perform settings such as the following.

VB-C50Fi

Before Using the VB-C50Fi

Sensor A

Sensor B

● The door open-close sensor responds when the door is opened and with the VB-C50Fi installed

on the ceiling, you can photograph an image and monitor the scene every second for 3 seconds

before the door opens and for 7 seconds after the door is opened (→ P.6-2).

Multi-Terminal Module
(VB-EX50)

Ethernet

1-9

1-10

Chapter

Setting Up

This chapter explains how to set up the VB-C50Fi, run initial

checks, and confirm that the camera’s images are displayed

correctly.

Set up the camera1

Perform initial settings for the camera3

Connect the camera to the network2

LAN cable

VB-C50Fi

Hub

Set up the device.
Make sure the device is set up properly (→ P.2-4).

Connect the camera and your PC via the hub (→ P.2-6).

Insert the CD-ROM provided into your
PC and perform initial settings following
instructions on the screen (→ P.2-7).

Supplied CD-ROM

D70-0066-01

Ver. 1.0 J/E

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Setup Workflow

The flow for setting up and checking the camera’s images involves performing various settings

after the device is set up and your PC and the network are connected via the hub. Then, check to

see if you can display images from the camera.

2-2

Install the software5

Install the required software in advance for operating the
camera (→ P.2-11).

Check operation of the camera4

Access the device with your PC, then display to check the image
from the top page of the camera server (→ P.2-10).

Setup Workflow

Setting Up

2-3

1. Set Up the Camera

Firstly, set up the camera. Read the following carefully and make sure the camera is set up properly.

Attach a mounting arm (not included) to the ceiling or a

wall and firmly attach the camera to the arm.

a WARNING:

Install the camera securely.

● When installing the VB-C50Fi on the ceiling or a wall, contact your Canon dealer.

● When installing the VB-C50Fi on the ceiling or a wall, check that it is strong enough to

bear the weight of the VB-C50Fi including the mounting arm. Installation in a weak location
could result in the VB-C50Fi falling and causing serious injury.

● At least once a year, check for looseness in the camera installation mount. (If the optional
wide converter is used, check the converter mount also).

Installing the VB-C50Fi

The MAC address required when making network settings is shown on the rear of the

VB-C50Fi (→ P.1-9). Please make a note of it before installing this unit (→ P.2-8).

Note

Using a Tripod

The screw for mounting a tripod is on the bottom of the VB-C50Fi.

● Do not overtighten the mounting screw.

Note

2-4

If excessive force is used to tighten the mounting
screw, it may result in camera malfunction.

● Always use a tripod mounting screw that is less
than 6.0 mm (1/4 in.) in length. The use of screws

6.0 mm (1/4 in.) long or longer could damage the
camera. Also, the tripod seat used should be at
least 30 mm (1 3/16 in.) in diameter.

30 mm

3

(1

/16 in.)

or wider

Less than

6.0 mm

1

/4 in.)

(

Mounting
screw