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Streaming Control

The ClientSDK provides powerful streaming capabilities that allow you to receive real-time data from your Aria Gen2 device. You can stream sensor data including camera feeds, IMU data, eye tracking, hand tracking, and machine perception outputs.

Overview​

Streaming enables you to access real-time data from your device:

  • Real-time Data Access: Receive sensor data as it's captured
  • Machine Perception: Access on-device VIO (Visual Inertial Odometry), eye gaze, and hand pose data
  • Live Visualization: View streaming data in real-time using the streaming viewer
  • Custom Processing: Build applications that process streaming data

Choose Your Streaming Method​

Select the streaming method that best fits your use case:

MethodBest ForProsCons
USB StreamingExtended sessions, highest qualityMost reliable, no thermal issuesRequires cable connection
Getting Started

New to streaming? Start with USB Streaming - it's the simplest and most reliable method.

USB Streaming​

Stream data over USB connection for maximum bandwidth and reliability. This is the recommended method for getting started and for extended streaming sessions.

When to Use USB Streaming​

  • Extended sessions: No thermal concerns - stream as long as you need
  • Highest quality: Maximum bandwidth and lowest latency
  • Simple setup: Just connect and stream, no network configuration
  • Development: Best for testing and development work

Quick Start​

# 1. Connect device via USB and verify connection
aria_gen2 device list

# 2. Start streaming
aria_gen2 streaming start

# 3. In another terminal, visualize the stream
aria_streaming_viewer --real-time --interpolate

# 4. When done, stop streaming
aria_gen2 streaming stop

USB Streaming Details​

Requirements:

  • Device connected via USB
  • Device authenticated (see Get Started guide)
  • High-quality USB 3.0+ cable recommended

Command:

aria_gen2 streaming start

Default Profile: The mp_streaming_demo profile is used by default, which provides smooth visualization with VIO, eye gaze, and hand pose data.

USB Troubleshooting​

Device Not Found:

# Check device connectivity
aria_gen2 device list

# If not found, ensure device is authenticated
aria_gen2 auth check

Common Issues:

  • USB cable: Try a different high-quality USB 3.0+ cable
  • USB port: Try a different USB port on your computer
  • Authentication: Run aria_gen2 auth pair if device is not authenticated
  • Recording active: Stop any active recording with aria_gen2 recording stop

Streaming Commands Reference​

Start Streaming​

aria_gen2 streaming start [OPTIONS]

Options:

OptionValuesDefaultDescription
--profileProfile namemp_streaming_demoStreaming profile

Examples:

# USB streaming (default)
aria_gen2 streaming start

Stop Streaming​

Connect device via USB, then stop streaming:

aria_gen2 streaming stop

Visualize Streaming Data​

Open the streaming viewer in a separate terminal while streaming is active:

aria_streaming_viewer --real-time --interpolate

The viewer shows:

  • Live camera feeds (RGB, SLAM, eye tracking)
  • Machine perception data (VIO trajectory, eye gaze, hand pose)
  • Sensor readings (IMU, magnetometer, etc.)
  • Performance metrics (frame rates, latency)

Example Visualization​

Docusaurus themed imageDocusaurus themed image

Streaming vs Recording​

Choose the right tool for your needs:

FeatureStreamingRecording
Real-time AccessYesNo
Data Saved on DeviceNoYes
Machine PerceptionVIO, Eye Gaze, Hand PoseVIO, Eye Gaze, Hand Pose
Connection RequiredDuring captureNo
Use CaseLive monitoring, real-time processingData collection for offline analysis
Best ForDevelopment, live demos, debuggingResearch data collection, post-processing
tip
  • Use streaming when you need to see data in real-time or process it live
  • Use recording when you need to save data for later analysis or offline processing

Best Practices​

Choosing the Right Method​

  • Development & Testing: Use USB streaming for reliability and ease
  • Demos & Monitoring: Use USB streaming with long cables for mobility during short sessions
  • Field Work: Use hotspot streaming when no network is available
  • Long Sessions: Always use USB streaming (no thermal concerns)

General Tips​

  • Start Simple: Begin with USB streaming to verify everything works
  • Test First: Run a short streaming session before important captures
  • Monitor Temperature: Watch for device heating during wireless streaming
  • Keep Device Charged: Wireless streaming consumes more battery
  • Close Applications: Free up system resources for better performance
  • Use Quality Cables: USB 3.0+ cables for best USB streaming performance

Thermal Management​

  • If device gets hot: Stop streaming and let it cool before continuing
  • Extended sessions: Always prefer USB streaming

Next Steps​