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desktop_state

Observe current desktop state: read focused window, element, cursor, and modal flag. Optionally include screen, document, or session context. Use after each action to confirm state.

Instructions

Purpose: Read-only observation of the current desktop state. Returns focused window/element, modal flag, attention signal from Auto Perception. Phase 4 absorbs former get_active_window / get_cursor_position / get_screen_info / get_document_state via include* flags. Details: Always returns: focusedWindow (title, hwnd, processName), focusedElement (name, type, value, automationId), cursorPos {x,y}, cursorOverElement (name, type), cursorOverWindow, hasModal (boolean), pageState ('ready'|'loading'|'dialog'), attention, visibleWindows count. Optional fields (default off): includeCursor:true → cursor {x,y,monitorId} (richer than cursorPos). includeScreen:true → screen {virtualScreen, displays[], displayCount, primaryIndex}. includeDocument:true → document {url, title, readyState, selection, scroll, viewport} via CDP (silently omitted on non-Chromium foreground). includeSessionContext:true (or include:['sessionContext']) → sessionContext {origin, consoleSessionId, sessionLabel, sessionState, ownWinStation} for Terminal Services session classification (ADR-017, observability-only). Chromium: cursorOverElement is null (UIA sparse); focusedElement may fall back to CDP document.activeElement; hints.focusedElementSource reports which path produced the row ('view' = engine-perception latest_focus, 'uia' = direct UIA query, 'cdp' = document.activeElement). Does NOT enumerate descendants — use desktop_discover for actionable entity list and window list. Prefer: Use after each action to confirm state. Cheapest observation tool — cheaper than any screenshot. attention='ok' means safe to proceed; other values require recovery (see suggest[]). Set include* flags only when you need the extra data (each adds one syscall or CDP round-trip). Caveats: Cannot detect non-UIA elements (custom-drawn UIs, game overlays). hasModal only detects modal dialogs exposed via UIA — browser alert/confirm dialogs may not appear here. includeDocument requires browser_open (CDP active); silently omitted otherwise with hints.documentUnavailable.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
portNoCDP port for includeDocument (default 9222).
tabIdNoOptional CDP tab id for includeDocument; omit for the focused tab.
includeNoOptional response-shape opt-in. `['envelope']` returns the self-documenting envelope (`_version` / `data` / `as_of` / `confidence`). `['raw']` forces raw shape (overrides DESKTOP_TOUCH_ENVELOPE=1 server default). Default behaviour is raw shape (compat with existing clients).
includeCursorNoWhen true, add a richer `cursor` field with monitor index alongside the lightweight `cursorPos`. Phase 4: absorbs former get_cursor_position. Default false.
includeScreenNoWhen true, add a `screen` field with all connected display info (resolution, position, DPI, scale). Phase 4: absorbs former get_screen_info. Default false. Use the displayId values returned here in screenshot / window_dock(action='dock').
includeDocumentNoWhen true, add a `document` field with the focused Chrome tab's url, title, readyState, selection, and scroll position via CDP. Phase 4: absorbs former get_document_state. Default false. Requires browser_open (CDP active); silently omitted on non-Chromium foreground.
includeSessionContextNoWhen true, add a `sessionContext` field with the Terminal Services session classification (origin, consoleSessionId, sessionLabel: 'console'|'rdp'|'other', sessionState: 'active'|'connected'|'disconnected'|'locked'|'unknown', ownWinStation). Default false. Equivalent to `include: ['sessionContext']`. Per ADR-017: observability-only — does not gate input. `sessionState: 'locked'` is a heuristic (active + foreground=null + previous sample within 60s saw a non-null foreground); treat it as a generic input-pause signal — it can also fire on secure-desktop transitions (UAC prompt, Credential UI), where the user-visible state is not strictly 'locked' but input is equally unavailable to this session.
Behavior5/5

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

Despite no annotations, the description thoroughly explains behavioral traits: it is read-only, returns specific fields, has caveats (non-UIA elements, modal detection limitations, includeDocument requiring browser_open), and details Chromium-specific behavior. It also notes the absorption of former tools, providing full transparency.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is well-organized into Purpose, Details, Prefer, and Caveats sections. While it is lengthy, every sentence adds necessary detail for effective tool use. It is minimally verbose given the complexity.

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

Completeness5/5

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

Given the tool's complexity (7 optional parameters, no output schema), the description is highly complete. It covers default behavior, optional enrichments, caveats, integration notes with other tools, and Chromium-specific fallbacks. The agent can use this tool correctly without ambiguity.

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?

Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds value by explaining the context and purpose of each include* parameter (e.g., absorbing former tools, default off) and the meaning of port and tabId. This goes beyond basic parameter descriptions.

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

Purpose5/5

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

The description clearly states the tool's purpose as 'Read-only observation of the current desktop state' and lists what it returns (focused window/element, modal flag, etc.). It distinguishes itself from sibling tool desktop_discover by noting it does not enumerate descendants, making its scope unambiguous.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

The description advises using the tool after each action to confirm state and highlights it as the cheapest observation tool. It provides guidance on setting include* flags only when needed. However, it lacks explicit 'when not to use' instructions beyond the mention of desktop_discover for descendant enumeration.

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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