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camera-tool

Capture real-time security camera snapshots, retrieve device settings, get media URIs, and access AI thresholds for physical security analysis.

Instructions

This tool can perform some action pertaining to the video stream of a camera. There are four types of requests that can be passed into "requestType":

  • image

  • get-settings

  • get-media-uris

  • get-ai-thresholds

What follows is a description of the behavior of this tool given the requestType "image"

This tool should be used any time someone wants to specify a subset of cameras to use for a task, based on some features that the camera sees. For example, interior cameras, cameras facing the street, cameras with a view of X, Y, Z, etc.

For instance if someone says "I want X using cameras with Y" then this tool should get a snapshot of the image to answer the question of if the camera satisfies the Y predicate.

This tool captures and returns a real-time snapshot from a designated security camera. The image reflects the current scene in the camera's field of view and serves as a contextual input source for downstream tasks such as object recognition, anomaly detection, incident investigation, or situational assessment. When invoked, the tool provides the following:

  • Visual Scene Capture: A high-resolution image of what the camera is actively observing, including people, vehicles, license plates, and any detectable objects.

  • The frameUri that was used to fetch the image. It may be useful to show the user this image as well through the frameUri.

What follows is a description of the behavior of this tool given the requestType "get-settings"

This tool retrieves the current configuration for a specified camera or associated device (e.g., sensor, access controller). The returned JSON object can include detailed camera settings (e.g., resolution, bitrate) and various device-specific configurations (e.g. storage settings).

NOTE: To update camera settings, use the update-tool instead.

Output filtering (all tools):

  • includeFields (string[]): Dot-notation paths to keep in the response (e.g. "vehicleEvents.vehicleLicensePlate"). Omit to return all fields.

  • filterBy (array): Predicates to filter array items. Each entry: {field, op, value} where op is one of = != > >= < <= contains. All conditions are ANDed. Example: [{field:"vehicleLicensePlate", op:"=", value:"ABC123"}] WARNING: some tool responses exceed 400k characters — use these params to request only the data you need.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
cameraUuidYesthe camera uuid requested
timestampISOYes the timestamp for the image. This will default to 5 minutes before the current time. You can also call time-tool to parse the user's time description. Time format is in ISO 8601 format. Both UTC ("2025-08-04T20:54:27.123Z") and time zone offsets ("2025-08-04T13:54:27.123-07:00") are accepted to ensure an unambiguous point in time.
requestTypeYes
includeFieldsYesDot-notation field paths to include in the response (e.g. "vehicleEvents.vehicleLicensePlate"). Pass null to return all fields. WARNING: some responses can exceed 400k characters — use includeFields to request only the data you need. For high-volume tools this may be required to get a complete answer.
filterByYesFilter array items in the response by field values. All conditions are ANDed. Example: [{field: "vehicleLicensePlate", op: "=", value: "ABC123"}, {field: "confidence", op: ">", value: 0.8}] Use alongside includeFields to get only the specific records and fields you need.
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

The description is inconsistent: it claims 'real-time snapshot' for 'image' but the timestampISO defaults to 5 minutes ago. There is no mention of destructive side effects, authentication needs, or rate limits. The behavior for two request types is completely omitted. Annotations are absent, so the description fails to provide sufficient transparency.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness3/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is verbose, with redundant statements (e.g., multiple mentions of snapshot behavior). The structure is split by request type but includes a general 'Output filtering' section that could be better integrated. Some sentences are unnecessary, and the overall length could be reduced.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the absence of an output schema, the description should explain return values for all request types. It partially does for 'image' (image and frameUri) and 'get-settings' (JSON object), but ignores 'get-media-uris' and 'get-ai-thresholds'. The filtering parameters are described, but the data structure for settings is not detailed.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The description adds value to requestType (lists enum values), timestampISO (default and format), and the filtering parameters (includeFields, filterBy) with warnings about large responses. For cameraUuid, it relies on the schema's description. With 80% schema coverage, the description effectively supplements the remaining details.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose3/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description lists four request types but only describes 'image' and 'get-settings' in detail. The general introduction ('perform some action pertaining to the video stream') is vague, and the usage example about selecting cameras based on features is mixed into the 'image' section, causing confusion. The other two request types remain undefined, reducing clarity.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

For 'image', an example scenario is provided (selecting cameras based on features). For 'get-settings', a clear note directs to use update-tool for changes. However, no guidance is given for 'get-media-uris' and 'get-ai-thresholds', and the overall context of when to use each request type is missing.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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