IPCamera: Blank ImageUrl

[giri]

Using Openhab3 with the IPCamera binding using Hikvision type, I am unable to get the ImageUrl working. The binding reports that the camera is online. I have 3 separate Hikvision cameras and all exhibit the same behavior. I’ve set the following settings:

I am able to view the image using a web browser at http://192.168.1.51/Streaming/channels/1/picture
If I omit username/password, I get an error about credentials…
I do not want to use MJPEG as I am using MP4 for other purposes. Any ideas or suggestions to get ImageUrl working?

Thanks!

[matt1 (Skinah)]

What do the logs say if you reboot openhab? Any warnings or info lines to give a clue?

[giri]

I’m getting this…
020-12-30 23:24:10.005 [INFO ] [era.internal.handler.IpCameraHandler] - The alarm stream was not running for camera 192.168.1.50, re-starting it now
2020-12-30 23:24:13.111 [INFO ] [era.internal.handler.IpCameraHandler] - The alarm stream was not running for camera 192.168.1.51, re-starting it now

This sequence appears repeatedly with this appearing every so often…
2020-12-30 23:28:53.667 [ERROR] [t.ide.server.concurrent.WriteRequest] - Error during request:
java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: URI has an authority component
at sun.nio.fs.UnixUriUtils.fromUri(UnixUriUtils.java:53) ~[?:?]
at sun.nio.fs.UnixFileSystemProvider.getPath(UnixFileSystemProvider.java:103) ~[?:?]
at java.nio.file.Path.of(Path.java:203) ~[?:?]
at java.nio.file.Paths.get(Paths.java:97) ~[?:?]
at org.openhab.core.model.lsp.internal.MappingUriExtensions.toPathAsInXtext212(MappingUriExtensions.java:184) ~[?:?]
at org.openhab.core.model.lsp.internal.MappingUriExtensions.toUri(MappingUriExtensions.java:75) ~[?:?]
at org.eclipse.xtext.ide.server.LanguageServerImpl.getURI(LanguageServerImpl.java:567) ~[bundleFile:?]
at org.eclipse.xtext.ide.server.LanguageServerImpl.toBuildable(LanguageServerImpl.java:414) ~[bundleFile:?]
at org.eclipse.xtext.ide.server.LanguageServerImpl.lambda$didClose$10(LanguageServerImpl.java:407) ~[bundleFile:?]
at org.eclipse.xtext.ide.server.concurrent.WriteRequest.run(WriteRequest.java:50) [bundleFile:?]
at java.util.concurrent.Executors$RunnableAdapter.call(Executors.java:515) [?:?]
at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask.run(FutureTask.java:264) [?:?]
at java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor.runWorker(ThreadPoolExecutor.java:1128) [?:?]
at java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor$Worker.run(ThreadPoolExecutor.java:628) [?:?]
at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:834) [?:?]

Any ideas?

[matt1 (Skinah)]

That error is probably not from this binding, but you should not ignore it, search forum with parts of the error to find how others have solved it.

How are you trying to use imageUrl? Have you read the documentation for the binding on how to see a snapshot and stream?

[giri]

I had to give the user “operator” privileges instead of just “User”. That cleared up the warning, but still no image…, also, I am not using the stream and have it set to MPEG4. Will that cause problems?

Also fixed the other error, turns out it was from a bad rule.

[matt1 (Skinah)]

Did you read the documentation that covers how to get a stream or snapshot? If so what is confusing in the docs?

IP Camera - Bindings | openHAB

[giri]

@matt1 Yes sir, I did read the docs and configured accordingly as in my original post. But still no image. Did I forget something? Also, just curious, I did not want to enable motion alarm, can the capabilities not be used independently?

Username and password are set correctly and verified through the browser, but I am seeing this in the logs:

2021-01-01 15:25:45.811 [TRACE] [era.internal.handler.IpCameraHandler] - Sending camera: GET: http://192.168.1.51:80/ISAPI/Streaming/channels/101/picture
2021-01-01 15:25:45.905 [TRACE] [g.ipcamera.internal.HikvisionHandler] - HTTP Result back from camera is
:

Document Error: Unauthorized

Access Error: 401 -- Unauthorized

Authentication Error

2021-01-01 15:25:45.907 [DEBUG] [g.ipcamera.internal.HikvisionHandler] - Unhandled reply->>>>

Document Error: Unauthorized

Access Error: 401 -- Unauthorized

Authentication Error

2021-01-01 15:25:45.934 [TRACE] [era.internal.handler.IpCameraHandler] - Sending camera: GET: http://192.168.1.51:80/ISAPI/Streaming/channels/101/picture
2021-01-01 15:25:46.082 [TRACE] [g.ipcamera.internal.HikvisionHandler] - HTTP Result back from camera is :–boundary
Content-Type: application/xml; charset=“UTF-8”
Content-Length: 479

:

[matt1 (Skinah)]

@giri

Document Error: Unauthorized

That is normal if the camera is using the DIGEST method for handling user/pass. Ignore it if the binding is working, as it is how digest works. If it does not work then this may be a clue, but I can not tell from a short snippet of the log without knowing more info. HIK cameras allow you to select BASIC auth and this wont happen and uses less bandwidth at a reduced security tradeoff.

@giri

I do not want to use MJPEG as I am using MP4 for other purposes.

The binding can create ‘snapshots.mjpeg’ streams for you even if your camera is not capable of mjpeg. It does this by using the snapshots so read the docs to learn more.

@giri

I am able to view the image using a web browser at http://192.168.1.51/Streaming/channels/1/picture

The older HIK cameras prefer the non ISAPI urls and some of the newer ones only work with the ISAPI version. If you click on ‘show advanced’ see your very first picture you posted, you can then change the URL used for the snapshot. The HIK camera also come with the CGI/API turned off by default, have you turned in on in the cameras own setup?

@giri

I did not want to enable motion alarm, can the capabilities not be used independently?

I don’t understand why you are asking this? you do not need to use motion detection at all with the binding and most features work without it. The features that are ‘complimented’ by having it are the autofps.mjpeg stream and also when you use the ‘group’ of cameras to display as a single view as the rotating display of cameras will jump to any that have motion.

[giri]

Looks (from the trace logs) that the binding is talking to the cameras and getting back capabilities as well as subscribing to events. Seems like the imageUrl snapshot is the only thing not working. What can I provide to help diagnose. I’m trying to see the image in the Items view of Openhab3 after creating an Image item from the thing. The binding reports the camera is online.

Sorry to be a pain, your help is appreciated!!

[matt1 (Skinah)]

See my previous reply, if u have a working snapshot URL you can over ride what the binding is trying to use.

[matt1 (Skinah)]

@giri

I’m trying to see the image in the Items view of Openhab3 after creating an Image item from the thing.

The documentation tells you not to do this and to use another method. Try using this widget instead.

OH3 Widget: Building a camera widget

Here’s my first attempt at creating a camera widget, feel free to help improve it by posting code that works for you: Go to Developer Tools > Widgets, create a new one, and copy-pasting the code below. Save and then you can insert the widget into pages. On the page after it is inserted you click ‘edit’ followed by “configure cell” to enter in the URLs you wish to display. EDIT: Fixed the issues and this code now works well and is done with a different method to the ones posted below in post 1…

As mentioned the 401 replies back from the camera can be normal if the camera is using digest auth so it may be that the default URL is fine and does not need over riding.

[giri]

@matt1

The documentation tells you not to do this and to use another method.

I couldn’t find this. I see it says there are several ways to use the imageUrl.

I also tried http://…/ipcamera.jpg using the openhab server IP and unique server port for that camera. Still no image.

@matt1

Try using this widget instead.

The only way I get this to show an image is using the camera snapshot url directly. None of the binding methods give an image.

I’ve tried overriding by providing the snapshot url directly, still no luck.

Also, should I reboot openhab every time I make a config change or will it adapt in real time?

Thanks.

[matt1 (Skinah)]

You don’t need to reboot openhab but try rebooting the camera as if you got the password wrong it can lock you out and a reboot resets any lockouts.
It might be best to reboot both and keep the trace log for when the camera connects. The imageURL is only a string of text that tells you the URL to use based on the IP of openhab and the serverPort.

Another cause may be openHAB is setup to use a non connected network card. Go to the settings of openhab and select network settings.

[giri]

OK, updated and rebooted everything and have some trace logs. From what I can see, everything seems to be ok. Here are some excerpts:

2021-01-02 14:37:45.705 [DEBUG] [era.internal.handler.IpCameraHandler] - File server for camera at 192.168.1.50 has started on port 8000 for all NIC's.
2021-01-02 14:37:45.715 [WARN ] [nhab.core.internal.items.ItemUpdater] - InstantiationException on org.openhab.core.library.types.RawType
2021-01-02 14:37:45.728 [TRACE] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - Sending ONVIF request:GetSystemDateAndTime
2021-01-02 14:37:46.449 [TRACE] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - Onvif reply is:<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
...xml response removed
2021-01-02 14:37:46.452 [TRACE] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - Sending ONVIF request:GetCapabilities
2021-01-02 14:37:46.462 [DEBUG] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - Cameras  UTC dateTime is:2021-1-2T22:47:45
2021-01-02 14:37:46.465 [DEBUG] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - Openhabs UTC dateTime is:2021-01-02T22:37:46.465Z
2021-01-02 14:37:46.553 [TRACE] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - Onvif reply is:<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
...xml response removed
2021-01-02 14:37:46.557 [DEBUG] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - deviceXAddr:/onvif/device_service
2021-01-02 14:37:46.558 [DEBUG] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - eventsXAddr:/onvif/Events
2021-01-02 14:37:46.560 [DEBUG] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - mediaXAddr:/onvif/Media
2021-01-02 14:37:46.562 [DEBUG] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - We hit an issue parsing url:
2021-01-02 14:37:46.564 [TRACE] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - Camera must not support PTZ, it failed to give a <tt:PTZ><tt:XAddr>:<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
2021-01-02 14:37:46.566 [TRACE] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - Sending ONVIF request:GetProfiles
2021-01-02 14:37:46.664 [TRACE] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - Onvif reply is:<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
2021-01-02 14:37:46.669 [TRACE] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - String was found:Profile_1
2021-01-02 14:37:46.671 [TRACE] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - String was found:Profile_2
2021-01-02 14:37:46.674 [TRACE] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - Sending ONVIF request:GetSnapshotUri
2021-01-02 14:37:46.689 [TRACE] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - Sending ONVIF request:GetStreamUri
2021-01-02 14:37:46.754 [TRACE] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - Onvif reply is:<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
2021-01-02 14:37:46.758 [DEBUG] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - GetSnapshotUri:/onvif-http/snapshot?Profile_1
2021-01-02 14:37:46.781 [TRACE] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - Onvif reply is:<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
2021-01-02 14:37:46.784 [DEBUG] [amera.internal.onvif.OnvifConnection] - GetStreamUri:rtsp://192.168.1.50:554/Streaming/Channels/101?transportmode=unicast&amp;profile=Profile_1
2021-01-02 14:37:49.919 [TRACE] [era.internal.handler.IpCameraHandler] - Sending camera: GET: http://192.168.1.50:80/ISAPI/Streaming/channels/101/picture
2021-01-02 14:37:49.952 [DEBUG] [ipcamera.internal.MyNettyAuthHandler] - Setting up the camera to use Basic Auth and resending last request with correct auth.
2021-01-02 14:37:50.000 [TRACE] [g.ipcamera.internal.HikvisionHandler] - HTTP Result back from camera is     
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html><head><title>Document Error: Unauthorized</title></head>
<body><h2>Access Error: 401 -- Unauthorized</h2>
<p>Authentication Error</p>
</body>
</html>
2021-01-02 14:37:50.003 [DEBUG] [g.ipcamera.internal.HikvisionHandler] - Unhandled reply- 
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html><head><title>Document Error: Unauthorized</title></head>
<body><h2>Access Error: 401 -- Unauthorized</h2>
<p>Authentication Error</p>
</body>
</html>
2021-01-02 14:37:50.023 [TRACE] [era.internal.handler.IpCameraHandler] - Sending camera: GET: http://192.168.1.50:80/ISAPI/Streaming/channels/101/picture
2021-01-02 14:37:50.919 [INFO ] [era.internal.handler.IpCameraHandler] - The alarm stream was not running for camera 192.168.1.50, re-starting it now
2021-01-02 14:37:50.928 [TRACE] [era.internal.handler.IpCameraHandler] - Sending camera: GET: http://192.168.1.50:80/ISAPI/Streaming/channels/101/picture
2021-01-02 14:37:50.959 [TRACE] [era.internal.handler.IpCameraHandler] - Sending camera: GET: http://192.168.1.50:80/ISAPI/Event/notification/alertStream
2021-01-02 14:37:52.254 [TRACE] [g.ipcamera.internal.HikvisionHandler] - HTTP Result back from camera is 	:--boundary
Content-Type: application/xml; charset="UTF-8"
Content-Length: 479

The binding looks to be getting a response from Get of imageURL. I’m out of ideas of what to change… Do you need more info from the trace logs?

[matt1 (Skinah)]

The next thing to try is seeing if the binding reports that your requesting the jpg when you open this URL in any web browser.

http://openHABip:8000/ipcamera.jpg

The binding should report that it got a request for this, plus you should see the cameras picture in any web broswer, is that what happens? If no then what happens exactly? If no log then try changing from 8000 to a different port in case that one is already in use. No need to reboot when changing that.

Your camera is using BASIC auth now and that Document Error is normal since it only happens once. Everything does look to be working fine.

[giri]

Yes!!! Got an image using the url

http://openHABip:8000/ipcamera.jpg

Awesome! Thanks, I will now try to get it to update in the widget every second or by motion detect!

[matt1 (Skinah)]

So what was wrong so we can learn from this and update documentation or…?

If you want every second then use snapshots.mjpeg instead of the ipcamera.jpg

[giri]

I’m wondering if it was the camera reboot… Otherwise all the settings are the same (therefore user error)

I’ll give snapshots.mjpeg a try From the docs I’m expecting that the mjpeg stream is constructed from the snapshots instead of the streamUrl.

[matt1 (Skinah)]

@giri

I’ll give snapshots.mjpeg a try From the docs I’m expecting that the mjpeg stream is constructed from the snapshots

That is correct for autofps.mjpeg and snapshots.mjpeg and this means next to no CPU load.

[giri]

Discovery…one of the cameras was being stubborn and I just could not get that camera to work using imageUrl. After a lot of checking it turns out that it was running a very old version of firmware. Updated the firmware from v5.2.x to v5.4.5 and image url works.