New webcam/snapshot.exe questions

[MKHCB]

I have been working on updating the webcam module for Prey. Currently,
I am aware that a few users have issues with dark images.

Consequently, I am trying to make a universal snapshot app, which
ignores the default drivers, in an attempt to fix this issue. However,
this is currently (to my knowledge) impossible to do with visual
studios. At the end of the day, a driver would need to be called, in
visual studios, for the webcam to take a snapshot.

So my questions are as follows:

1) If I am able to accomplish a webcam fix via Microsoft Silverlight
api (it is looking promising), would you as an end user be willing to
install Silverlight (which is free) on your computer?

2) Would those who have webcam issues be willing to manually install
this? After all, I don't think it be wise, to have the main Prey
package require 3rd party extension. (Correct me if I am wrong Tomas.)

3) If manual installation is preferred, should I make an installer for
it? In other words, those who have webcam issues will have to install
prey, then install the webcam patch (this will be required every time
there is an update to the main prey system).

Be aware, that this is an open concept, and I am asking for feedback.
Although this fix looks very promising, it is difficult to build a
universal application that accommodates all drivers. However, I am
optimistic.

[Drew Reece]

Hey MKHCB,

Is this OS specific? The Mac driver seems to 'just work' & I suggest leaving it as is, I think all the 'dark picture' threads are Windows/ Linux users?

1. I'd rather not have Silverlight installed, I don't want their internet plugin & don't have any Silverlight applications.

2. I prefer an option to manually install, I don't run Windows or Linux very much, & think it is ok to keep Silverlight as a separate option if your driver is useless. I don't know if Prey is covered via the GPL or similar licence, but it may prevent the Silverlight installer being distributed with the Prey installer.

3. A 'webcam fix' installer makes sense to make patching simple. Perhaps it needs to require Silverlight & send users to the download before installing it?
Would it make any sense to have a 'Silverlight snapshot' module, to use instead of the existing module. It may make managing the patches & installer easier if it is a separate module?

PS is Silverlight actually using it's own driver, or is it just an API that relies on the existing driver?
It may be helpful making a very simple test application to see if SL can grab better images on the systems that are known to fail, I suspect some issues may be due to poor hardware that takes too long to focus & set an exposure. It would be a shame to code this & find out the hardware prevents it working correctly.

Drew

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[MKHCB]

Yes this is OS specific. We have only noticed issue on Windows. I have
no intentions of changing what is not broken (i.e. macs).

I like the way your thinking, however, I am not looking for mainstream
implementation. Unless Tomas believe it is best.

[Tom Wood]

I have Silverlight installed on all the systems I am responsible for (30+).
I would have no problem with using it.

Tom

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