How to ...
How to start working:
Think of the program as a tool box with webcam solutions. The root of the 'Option Table' consists of these tools. Click the plus sign to expand a tool. You will find some hot buttons above the 'Preview' window. The big triangular buttons below the 'Preview' window select/clear the corresponding 'Enable' checkboxes and also work as indicators turning yellow when the corresponding operation is in progress. You should select the 'Enable' checkbox and clear the 'Cycle' one if you are going to use the corresponding feature instantly by clicking the 'Capture' button or when the motion detection event occurs. You can see brief hints in the program status bar when the cursor stops over an interface element or an option. Leave buttons and options in a certain state when you exit the program and the program will restore this state when you start it next time. More...
How to direct my webcam to my website?
How to set a correct ftp folder name?
/html, /html/subfolder, /subdomain/html/subfolder
How to add a live picture to an html file?
1.. expand the HTTP Server option either using the green 'http' button or via the Option Table
2.. select an IP address from the IP Addresses list when you are connected to the Internet (The default item is used for a local test)
You should have a static IP. Otherwise you will have to change your webpage every time
3.. select the Enable checkbox
4.. you can test streaming video on your computer by clicking 'Run Browser' under the globe icon
5a .. If you prefer to have your webpage with streaming video on your site:
include this part into the source code of the webpage:
(Enter the IP Address and Port of the computer running the Willing Webcam software with the HTTP server enabled and a preferable width and height)
<applet
codebase= "http://IP:Port" archive="wwCam.jar"
code="wwCam.class" width=
"320" height=
"240">
<param name="filename" value="
http://IP:Port/ww.jpg" />
<param name="copyright" value="Copyright (c) 2003 Willing
Webcam" />
<param name="sound" value="yes" />
<param name="permissions" value="sandbox" />
</applet>
5b .. If you prefer to use default wwCam.htm for the output:
<applet archive="wwCam.jar" code="wwCam.class"
width=<Width> height=<Height>>
<param name="filename" value="ww.jpg" />
<param name="copyright" value="Copyright (c) 2003 Willing
Webcam" />
<param name="sound" value="<Sound>" />
<param name="permissions" value="sandbox" />
</applet>
How to optimize the work of the feature:
1. Please see 'Preferences > Picture Quality > Picture Format > Jpeg Quality'.
If you decrease the 'Jpeg Quality' value you will decrease image file size. You have to find a compromise between
quality and image size. For easy tuning run 'HTTP server > Run Browser'. You can see image quality in the browser
while you are changing the control value, because the preview image will not change.
2. Set the size in the applet description equal to the size of the preview window. Otherwise the applet will upload
unnecessary kilobytes and waste time on resizing the image.
3. You can limit the amount of simultaneous visitors using the 'HTTP Server > Max connections' option. Extra visitors will be asked to try later.
Compatibility with Windows Vista
The HTTP Server feature requires the Java virtual machine to be installed on your computer,
because the Microsoft Virtual Machine for Java is no longer included in Internet Explorer v.7 under Windows Vista.
You should install the latest Sun Java Runtime Environment(JRE) on the client computer where the page with the java applet will be opened:
http://www.java.com/en/download/windows_xpi.jsp
How to see a live feed via a mobile phone?
Please take a look at the 'Program Files\Willing Webcam\Web Pages\HTTP Server\Commands\index.html' web page.
You can use this remote control panel both from the local hard disk and from any website.
You can also use this page as a template for creating your own web page (for example, for sending the tilt, pan, zoom commands).
How to configure my router to be seen by others on the web using the HTTP Server feature?
Your whole network is hidden behind the router which has a certain IP address assigned by your ISP provider.
You need a router with VPN capabilities or port forwarding.
Connect to the router through your web browser.
You have to enter the http server port in the forwarding port box of your router.
Virtual Server: enabled
Protocol Type: TCP-IP or Both
Private Port: WW HTTP Server port
Public Port: xxxx public port
URL: http://Public IP:Public Port
Your Public IP: 184.72.102.217 (it's not an example)
How to get a static IP address for the HTTP Server feature?
Dynamic DNS is a system for allowing an Internet domain name to be
assigned to a varying IP address. This makes it possible for other sites
on the Internet to establish connections to the machine without
needing to track the IP address themselves. A common use is for running server software on a
computer that has a dynamic IP address (e.g., a dialup connection where a new address is
assigned at each connection, or a DSL service where the address is changed by the ISP occasionally).
Dynamic DNS providers:
*
http://www.ChangeIP.com
*
http://www.dynip.com
*
http://www.dyndns.org
*
http://www.no-ip.com
*
http://www.thatip.com
How can I see how many http viewers I have?
Take a look at the ’HTTP Server > Connections > IP’ and ’HTTP Server > Connections > Qty’.
The file ‘\Program Files\Willing Webcam\ww.log’ contains the names of sites logged in/out your http server,
though these records are mixed with some program diagnostic records.
How to reduce the video preview rate to less than 1 per second? About 30 secs would be useful to me to reduce my network load a bit.
Just minimize or roll up the program. The Preview window will be refreshed only prior to some operation
(saving to the hard disk, ftp upload, an http query, etc.) in this case.
If you want to arrange broadcasting via http, you can write some javascript refreshing code (please, see the 'Web Pages\HTTP Server\Mobile' template) or you can use this simple
example (the HTTP Server feature must be enabled):
<html>
<head>
<title>Willing Webcam</title>
<meta http-equiv="refresh" content="30" />
</head>
<body>
<img src="http://IP:Port/ww.jpg" />
</body>
</html>
How to increase distance between your computer and webcam?
Using an
IP network camera (in a local network or wireless) is a good solution, but it is not cheap and the software does not support all of these types of cameras. For more information, see
howto.shtml#27.
USB connection:
For more information, see
howto.shtml#32.
The maximum length for a USB 2.0 cable is 15 feet. It's possible to increase the length by USB Hub cascading. There are also USB cables on the market that have active repeaters built into them. These extenders for USB claim to allow 150 feet over standard network cables. This solution can be expensive. A technician can make a cable with length 30 feet. This cable is inexpensive, but unstable.
Analog cables do not have this limitation.
S-Video (Composite) connection:
howto.shtml#8
howto.shtml#26
howto.shtml#9
If you have a local network or an old additional computer to build a network, you can use the Webcam Relay feature or the HTTP Server feature plus a web browser for any connection type.
Webcam Relay:
faq.shtml#WebcamRelay
HTTP Server feature plus a web browser:
1. HTTP Server > Enable -> on
2. HTTP Server > IP address -> Default
You can test streaming video on your computer by clicking 'Run Browser' under the globe icon. Use the browser's address on the other computers in your local network.
How to use a video card with TV-In input?
If you have a video device with AV, S-Video or Composite output (a digital camera, a camcorder, a TV, etc), it is possible to connect it to Willing Webcam via a video card with video input. Use an AV-> S-Video/Composite cable adapter if you have AV output.
Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber - Video for Windows
... Analog Video > Format - NTSC or PAL
... Analog Video > Input - S-Video or Composite
Video Device > Video Source > Video for Windows - Microsoft WDM Image Capture (Win 32) driver
Set the card driver mapped by 'Microsoft WDM Image Capture (Win 32) driver' using the 'Options > Video Source'
hot button above the Preview window.
Some video drivers do not work properly with S-Video or Composite connections. In this case, try both connections using cable adapters.
How to save settings for my TV tuner?
1. Set 'Video Device > Video Source' to 'Webcam or frame grabber'
2. Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber' to 'DirectX'
3. Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber > DirectX' to tv tuner driver.
You will able to select a TV channel, video feeds (Tuner, Composite, S-Video), input type (Antenna, Cable).
See the 'Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber > DirectX > TV tuner' options and TV channel switch above the option table.
Microsoft DirectX 8.1 must be installed.
How can I use an USB webcam?
DirectX mode:
1. Set 'Video Device > Video Source' to 'Webcam or frame grabber'
2. Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber' to 'DirectX'
3. Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber > DirectX' to video driver.
Video Tutorial (Flash)
VFW mode:
1. Set 'Video Device > Video Source' to 'Webcam or frame grabber'
2. Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber' to 'Video for Windows'
3. Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Video for Windows' to 'Microsoft WDM Image Capture (Win 32)' driver
Set the video driver mapped by 'Microsoft WDM Image Capture (Win 32) driver' using the
'Options > Video Source' hot button above the Preview window.
How can I use a MiniDV camcorder?
For a firewire connection:
1. Set 'Video Device > Video Source' to 'Webcam or frame grabber'
2. Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber' to 'DirectX'
3. Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber > DirectX' to camcorder driver.
P.S. Microsoft DirectX 8.1 must be installed.
For an S-Video (Composite) connection:
1. Set 'Video Device > Video Source' to 'Webcam or frame grabber'
2. Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber' to 'Video for Windows'
... 'Analog Video > Format' - NTSC_M or PAL_B
... 'Analog Video > Input' - S-Video or Composite
3. Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Video for Windows' to 'Microsoft WDM Image Capture (Win 32)' driver
Set the card driver mapped by 'Microsoft WDM Image Capture (Win 32) driver' using the
'Options > Video Source' hot button above the Preview window.
For a USB connection:
1. Set 'Video Device > Video Source' to 'Webcam or frame grabber'
2. Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber' to 'DirectX'
3. Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber > DirectX' to camcorder driver.
P.S. Microsoft DirectX 8.1 must be installed.
or
1. Set 'Video Device > Video Source' to 'Webcam or frame grabber'
2. Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber' to 'Video for Windows'
3. Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Video for Windows' to 'Microsoft WDM Image Capture (Win 32)' driver
Set the camcorder driver mapped by 'Microsoft WDM Image Capture (Win 32) driver' using the
'Options > Video Source' hot button above the Preview window.
Note that camcorders stop working in a few minutes if there is a cassette inside them.
The best connection is Firewire, but most manufacturers do not offer Firewire drivers for free. They include the drivers in expensive software packages. You can have a version of Adobe Premiere that came with the capture card and some other software like Pinnacle 8 or Roxio VideoWave5. They have Firewire drivers for camcorders.
How can I use a digital camera?
Q. How can I use a digital camera?
The program supports the following Canon digital cameras:
Power Shot A620, A640, S80, S3 IS, S5 IS, G7, G9, G10, SX100 IS, SX110 IS.
All cameras work with Willing Webcam on Windows XP. They also work with Willing Webcam on Vista in Windows XP compatibility mode and on Windows 7 (except the S80 model).
Power Shot A10, A20, A30, A40, A60, A70, A75, A80, A85, A95, A100, A200, A300, A310, A400,
A510, A520, S1 IS, S2 IS, S10, S20, S30, S40, S45, S50, S60, S70, S100, S110, S200, S230, S300,
S330, S400, S410, S500, SD10, SD20, SD100, SD110, SD200, SD300, SD400, SD500, G1, G2, G3,
G5, G6, Pro90 IS, Pro1;
IXY DIGITAL L, L2, 30, 30A, 40, 50, 55, 200, 200A, 300, 300A, 320, 400, 450, 500, 600;
DIGITAL IXUS V, V2, V3, I, I5, II, IIS, 30, 40, 50, 300, 330, 400, 430, 500, 970 IS;
These cameras work with Willing Webcam on Windows XP. You should set the Replay mode.
EOS -1D Mark II, 20D, -1Ds Mark II, 350D, 5D, -1D Mark II N, 30D, 400D, -1D Mark III, 40D,
-1Ds Mark III, 450D, 1000D, 50D, 5D Mark II, 500D, 7D, -1D Mark IV, 550D, 60D;
These cameras work with Willing Webcam on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Some cameras don't work on 64-bit Windows.
See the ‘Video Device > Video Source > Digital Camera’ options and the zoom & reset buttons above the preview. Most of the options become visible only after the camera is connected.
The files for the new feature are not included in the Willing Webcam installation package. The program will ask you to download and install a separate installation file when you use the feature for the first time. You can install the file manually by going to DigitalCamera.exe.
You will see live low-quality data from the viewfinder after connection. To see shots in their real resolution without running the program cycled features: Click the ‘Copy’ button above the preview window or enable the ‘Digital Camera > Cycle’ option. Actually, the ‘Cycle’ timer is needed only for non-cycled features. Click the ‘Last saved’ button above the preview window after the first shot initiated by these operations or by the cycled features.
To connect the application to a camera, you need driver software that connects the camera to a computer (assuming that it is running Windows 98 SE/Me/2000 SP4). Driver software is not required on computers running Windows XP. It would be better to supply your camera with power by using a suitable AC adapter and to set the 'Auto power off/down' camera's option to 'off'.
You can use the camera's viewfinder to get shots without the shutter, but the viewfinder's resolution
is 320x240 for Power Shot cameras in this case. It is fairly large for EOS cameras -768x512 (for 1000D),
848x560 (for 450D), 928x616 (for 500D), 1024x680 (for 40D/50D/5D Mark II/-1D Mark III/-1Ds Mark III),
1056x704 (for 550D/60D/7D/-1D Mark IV). See the 'Digital Camera > Shots from the preview' option.
Please do not place your computer into standby mode while the Canon digital camera is connected to its USB port. Do not remove the memory card or battery, disconnect the communication cable, or otherwise interfere with communication. Such actions may cause a malfunction on some computers. Wait until the driver has shut down before doing such actions.
How can I use a network camera?
1. Set ‘Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber’ to ‘Network Camera’.
2. Specify the IP address of your network camera. Use the following format if the camera’s port is not 80: http://ip:port
3. Select your network camera from the ‘Network Camera > Model’
drop-down list.
4. Specify the Authentication options.
5. If you don’t see a webcam image in the preview window, enter under the manufacturer’s settings of your ip camera and change MPEG-4 video format to JPEG or MJPEG. If the settings don’t provide such an option, it means that the video format depends on the list items of ‘Network Camera > Model’. Try all the items for your model and wait a few seconds each time for a result.
Video Tutorial (Flash)
The
'Web Page’ and
'Program Window’ video sources are useful for those network cameras that are not directly supported by the program.
How to save the stream from my IP camera to the hard drive as an avi file?
Network cameras can't inherently save an avi stream in JPEG or MJPEG mode, it is possible to save avi in the time-lapse manner only.
Here is a workaround:
- Run two WW instances from different directories (to keep their settings files).
Instance 1:
- Select the network camera as a video source:
How can I use an network camera?
- Use an intermediate driver.
How to work with the ‘Video Device > Video Output’ feature?
Instance 2:
- Select the ‘Willing Webcam Capture’ video driver as a video source.
- Use the 'Movie Save’ feature. You should select the 'Enable' checkbox and clear the 'Cycle' one if you are going to use the feature
instantly by clicking the 'Capture' button above the preview window.
How to put an extra colored logo on the webcam picture without darkening or lightening the rest of the original webcam picture?
How to save changes in the settings? I changed the video compression settings the way I needed, but each time I close the file and then open it again, it is back to Cinepack.
The program cannot save the name of the compressor with the VFW/WDM video source.
You should use the DirectX driver set to store this parameter.
Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber' to DirectX
Set 'Video Device > Video Source > Webcam or frame grabber > DirectX > Video Compressor' to <compressor name>
How to run the program as a Windows service?
The following options will help you:
- 'Preferences > Start with Windows'
- 'Preferences > Minimize on start'
or
- 'Preferences > Start with Windows'
- 'Management Kit > Stealth Mode' (remember that default restore key is Shift+R)
If you use the minimized or rollup mode, you will waste less processor power.
How do I get my camera to broadcast outside the network?
You need two or more network computers using Willing Webcam.
One computer has a webcam and the HTTP server enabled (embedded in the program).
It broadcasts video over the local network. Another computer with the Webcam Relay
enabled receives the video. The relay computer may itself have the HTTP server enabled
and broadcast the above mentioned video over the local network or the Internet.
It does not matter how long your local network is or how many computers with webcams you have.
You can use the Relay computer to switch between them. You may have other Relay computers as well.
NB: Each licensed copy of the software may only be used on a single computer by a single user.
How to get Willing webcam to work with two cameras?
You can run two (or more) copies of Willing Webcam from different directories at a time.
Each Willing Webcam copy will have its own file with settings. You need only one license for all WW
copies if they run on one computer.
Each camera must have a separate video cam driver. It is a Windows limitation.
You will get an error if you try to connect two webcams with the same video driver.
You should use the
‘Video Device > Video Output’ feature in this case.
How to I get rid of the "Willing Software" text that appears on the webcam?
Edit the 'Option Table > Text Caption > Text' field.
How to save jpg images bigger than 320x240?
Use the 'Video Size' hot button above the Preview window or the
'Option Table > Video Device > Video Window Size' list.
If you work with a capture card, use the 'Options > Video Format' hot button above the Preview window.
How do I capture a picture from the full-screen mode without exiting it and clicking the Picture button?
You can only set capture Cycles (picture, ftp, email, etc) before switching to the full-screen mode.
Use the Live Desktop mode instead (you must have a 3D video card and DirectX installed).
How to add Secure Webcam view?
Take a look at 'Management Kit > Stealth Mode'.
How do I transmit video to our website using Willing Webcam Lite?
Only the full version works with the Internet.
How to replace the default image when the web cam is offline with an ad or something...
You should create an image (bmp or jpg) with the dimensions you need and specify it in the
'Video Device > Video Source > Default screen' options.
How do I turn OFF the Preview window?
Minimize or roll up the program. The program will refresh the Preview window only prior to some operation
(saving to the hard disk, ftp upload, an http query, etc.) in this case.
How to increase the performance of the program?
1. use the WDM driver instead of the DirectX driver if you have both
2. decrease the image size: 'Video Device > Video Window Size'
3. decrease the image quality: 'Preferences > Picture Quality > Picture Format > JPEG Quality'
to achieve the optimal 'quality and image size' balance
4. minimize the program, the Preview window will not work in this case
5. roll up the program, the Preview window will not work in this case
(click the RollUp button on the title bar or double-click the title bar)
How to tune up Google Gmail?
1. Select the 'Preferences > Email Settings > Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP) > Google Gmail' and/or
'Preferences > Email Settings > Incoming Mail Server (POP) > Google Gmail' checkboxes.
Select the 'Login' checkbox for SMTP.
Enter your Gmail username (including '@gmail.com') and password for both controls.
2. Select the 'Gmail Panel > Settings > Forwarding and POP > POP Download > Enable POP only for mail
that arrives from now on' radio button to reduce the number of messages checked by Willing Webcam
if you have the 'Keep Gmail's copy in the Inbox' option selected.
You need do it periodically, but it is better to select the 'Trash Gmail's copy' option.
How to see a live feed via a mobile phone?
Please, see the 'Web Pages\HTTP Server\Mobile' template. Its java script is used to refresh the webcam image in a mobile device. The mobile device must support the java script language. Otherwise use the address http://IP:Port/ww.jpg and refresh the picture manually. Enter the IP Address and Port of the computer running the Willing Webcam software with an HTTP server enabled.
How to build a good protection against upload attacks?
At the least you have to upload the
wwsubmit.php script to a separate folder or rename it, but it would be better to use authentication defense:
1. Replace the "/cam/pswd" string in the
wwcrypt.php script file from the '\Program Files\Willing Webcam\Web Pages\HTTP Upload\PHP' directory by yours, where
cam is remote folder and
pswd is password file name.
2. Upload the
wwcrypt.php script file from the '\Program Files\Willing Webcam\Web Pages\HTTP Upload\PHP' directory to the remote folder where
wwsubmit.php is located.
3. Open
http://www.yourserver/folder/wwcrypt.php in the browser.
4. Fill the
Login and
Password fields with preferable unique values and click the
Submit Query button. This operation will create a password file with encrypted password.
5. Copy the output string to the Clipboard.
6. Replace the "/home/com/willingsoftware/html/cam/pswd" string in the
.htaccess file from the '\Program Files\Willing Webcam\Web Pages\HTTP Upload\PHP' directory by yours from the Clipboard (Paste operation).
7. Upload the
.htaccess file to the same remote folder. This operation will protect this web directory with an authentication dialog.
8. Remove the
wwcrypt.php script file from the remote folder.
9. Test your work by opening
http://www.yourserver/folder/wwsubmit.php in the browser.You should see a blank window after the authentication.
10. Select the 'HTTP Upload > Login' checkbox and fill the 'Login > Name' and 'Login > Password' fields with values you had entered in the
wwcrypt.php script.
Tip: you can protect an uploaded image file too if you repeat these operations for your webcam directory. Your visitors will have to know a login and password to view your webcam picture. Don't do it if you’re planning to make your webcam image public.
HTTP Upload doesn't work for me. What should I do?
How to upload time-lapse video recorded according to schedule to our website? Besides, the webpage must play this time-lapse video.
You should enable both saving the time-lapse video and uploading it to the FTP server in the following way:
1. Select the 'Time Lapse > Enable' checkbox.
2 .Set the 'Time Lapse > File Name' to ...
3. Select the 'FTP Upload > Synchronization' checkbox.
4. Set the 'FTP Upload > Synchronization > Local Folder' to Picture.
5. Set the 'FTP Upload > Synchronization > Local Folder > Picture Folder' to [path of the 'Time Lapse > File Name' file]
6. Clear the 'FTP Upload > Synchronization -> Delete files' checkbox.
7. Set the 'FTP Upload > Schedule' to ...
8. Set the 'FTP Upload > Advanced > Timeout' to a value that, if multiplied by 5, will be larger than the time necessary to
upload the largest file in the ['Time Lapse > File Name' file] directory.
Html code (you can view time-lapse video made with Indeo(R) video 5.10 codec only locally):
<embed src="lapse.avi" width="320" height="240" controls="smallconsole" autostart="false" loop="true" play_loop="2" hidden="false"></embed>
Please pay attention to an example of using a video file in the directory 'Program Files\Willing Webcam\Web Pages\Time Lapse\AVI'.
How to work with the ‘Video Device > Video Output’ feature?
It sends the video stream from the program to the ‘Willing Webcam Capture’ video driver. You should select this driver in Skype,
Ustream.tv, an instant messenger (for example, MSN, Yahoo) or in other instances of Willing Webcam. Thus, any video source available for the program
(Webcam WDM and DirectX, network camera, Webcam Relay, desktop, hard disk directory) is also available for other video software. Add text, date
and time stamps, watermarks, and various video effects to the output video stream. It is possible to output only part of the video image using
the crop options. It would be a good idea to adjust the image size in the program so that it corresponds to the image size in the target software.
The ‘Video Output’ button above the preview window allows you to enable the feature with a single mouse click.
The driver can also split a video stream, so it’s possible to use your webcam source in several applications at the same time, but it doesn’t work on 64-bit Windows.
If you increase the resolution and crop the output image as a portrait, using the ‘Video Device > Video Output > Crop’ option
(when it’s expanded, you can use the mouse in the preview window), you get the effect of optical zoom and a portrait video output
including only your face.
Is there anything I need to improve for motion detection?
1. Temporarily select the ‘Show motion’ checkbox and erase digital noise using the ‘Noise Level’ control.
2. The ‘Video Device > Video Source > Video Preview Rate’ must not be too low (10-15 is good).
3. The calculation amount is equal to ‘Video Preview Rate’/‘Show motion > Frame Rate’, which means if the ‘Frame Rate’ is 2 then there will be 5-7 calculations per second.
4. Use the ‘Motion Detection > Crop’ feature to decrease false detections. Expand the Crop option and select a crop area by dragging the mouse in the preview window.