Misusing publish_image --> Seeking Alternatives

[gniknalu]

In an attempt to get the 'last detected image', I tried using publish_image . It works but it is noted it shouldn't be used in the way I'm using it:

Note: this will use some extra CPU and should probably only be used for debugging

Is there a better way to get the last detected image for a camera other than using thumbnail? I'm using the thumbnail configuration as a way to preface what was recorded (I look through the thumbnails to determine which video to watch). Hence publish_image was working. Ideally I'm trying to send that last detected image via a notification. (Am I going about this wrong?)

[roflcoopter]

There are two ways to go about this

• Under recorder you can enable send_to_mqtt which will create a camera entity in Home Assistant called camera.{client_id from mqtt config}_{mqtt_name from camera config}_latest_thumbnail
• Since you are already saving the thumbnail to disk, you could grab that file from Home Assistant and attach it in a notification

[gniknalu]

Thank you - I'll use send_to_mqtt

The images are one one Linux machine and my Home Assistant installation is on another so grabbing the file - although entirely possible - will add complexity. So I'll go with your first suggestion. Thank you!