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Streams Generator

The Streams Generator action captures snapshots from all camera streams defined in a branch configuration, updating thumbnails in bulk. It's the system-level utility for ensuring all camera previews are current.

Overview​

Managing camera thumbnails across many locations requires automation. This action:

  • Iterates through all configured camera channels
  • Generates correct RTSP URLs based on NVR settings
  • Captures and uploads snapshots in bulk
  • Updates database records for dashboard thumbnails

It's essentially the "batch" version of the single-camera Snapshot Stream action.

What It Does​

1. Reads Branch Configuration​

The action retrieves the current branch's NVR (Network Video Recorder) settings:

  • NVR IP address
  • NVR brand/type
  • Authentication credentials
  • Channel range to process

2. Iterates Through Channels​

For a typical configuration, the action loops through channels 1-16 (expandable to 60+ for larger NVRs):

  • Channel 1 → Attempt capture
  • Channel 2 → Attempt capture
  • ... and so on

Not all channels may have cameras connected—the action gracefully handles empty channels.

3. Generates RTSP URLs​

Based on the NVR type, the action constructs the correct RTSP URL format:

NVR BrandURL Pattern
Hikvisionrtsp://user:pass@ip:554/Streaming/Channels/X01
Univiewrtsp://user:pass@ip:554/media/videoX
Dahuartsp://user:pass@ip:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=X

4. Captures and Uploads​

For each successful connection:

  • Captures a single frame
  • Uploads to cloud storage
  • Records the new URL

5. Bulk Updates Database​

After processing all channels, the database is updated so the RIME Studio dashboard displays current thumbnails for all cameras.

Configuration​

The action reads configuration from the Branch record rather than direct parameters:

Branch SettingRequiredDescription
NVR IPYesIP address of the Network Video Recorder
NVR TypeYesBrand: Hikvision, Uniview, or Dahua
NVR UsernameYesAuthentication username
NVR PasswordYesAuthentication password

Channel Range​

By default, the action attempts channels 1-16. For NVRs with more channels, this can be extended.

Understanding Results​

ResultMeaningDetails
processing_completeBatch completedCheck counts for success/failure breakdown
configuration_errorNVR settings missingVerify branch has NVR details configured

Result Details​

The action reports:

  • Total channels attempted
  • Successful captures
  • Failed captures (may indicate missing cameras or connection issues)

Common Use Cases​

System Initialization​

  • When: After configuring a new branch
  • Purpose: Populate all camera thumbnails immediately
  • Benefit: Dashboard shows actual camera views from day one

Scheduled Refresh​

  • When: Daily at 3 AM (or other low-activity time)
  • Purpose: Keep all thumbnails current
  • Benefit: Dashboard always shows recent views

Post-Maintenance Recovery​

  • When: After NVR maintenance or power outage
  • Purpose: Verify all cameras are online
  • Benefit: Quick identification of cameras that didn't recover

Multi-Branch Deployment​

  • When: Rolling out to many locations
  • Purpose: Standardize thumbnail capture across all branches
  • Benefit: Consistent dashboard experience

Troubleshooting​

Configuration Error​

  1. Check Branch Settings: Verify NVR IP, type, username, and password are configured.

  2. Correct NVR Type: Wrong type means wrong URL format. Verify the exact brand.

  3. IP Accessibility: Ensure the NVR IP is reachable from the ResEngine server.

All Channels Failed​

  1. Network Path: Verify network connectivity between ResEngine and NVR.

  2. Firewall: RTSP typically uses port 554. Ensure this is open.

  3. Credentials: Test credentials by accessing NVR directly.

  4. NVR Status: Confirm NVR is powered on and functioning.

Many Channels Failed​

  1. Expected Behavior: Not all channels may have cameras. Failed channels might simply be empty.

  2. Partial Deployment: If only some cameras are installed, failures on unused channels are normal.

  3. Individual Camera Issues: Check physical camera connections and power.

Slow Processing​

  1. Network Bandwidth: Batch snapshots use network resources. Off-peak timing helps.

  2. NVR Load: Multiple concurrent connections may slow the NVR. Stagger multi-branch runs.

  3. Timeout Settings: Very slow cameras may timeout before capture completes.

Best Practices​

  1. Schedule Off-Peak: Run during low-activity hours (overnight) to minimize network impact.

  2. Verify NVR Settings First: Test single-camera snapshot before running batch to confirm credentials work.

  3. Document Channel Mapping: Maintain records of which channel numbers correspond to which physical cameras.

  4. Stagger Multi-Branch: If running across many branches, stagger start times to avoid network congestion.

  5. Monitor Results: Review success/failure reports to identify problematic cameras.

Supported NVR Brands​

Hikvision​

  • Most common NVR brand
  • Channels typically 1-16 or 1-32
  • Supports main stream and sub-stream

Uniview (UNV)​

  • Professional-grade NVRs
  • Similar channel structure to Hikvision
  • Different URL format

Dahua​

  • Popular alternative brand
  • Uses realmonitor protocol
  • Channel-based access similar to others
ActionScopeBest For
Streams GeneratorAll channels in branchInitial setup, batch refresh
Stream Snapshot to RDBAll configured streamsSimilar batch capability
Snapshot StreamSingle cameraSpecific camera capture
  • Snapshot Stream: Single-camera version for specific captures
  • Stream Snapshot to RDB: Similar batch capability with different triggering
  • Object Detection: Uses the same camera streams for analysis