camsnap

What This Skill Does

The camsnap skill is designed to interact with network-connected cameras, specifically those supporting RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) or ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) protocols. It allows users to capture still images (snapshots) or record short video clips directly from these cameras. Furthermore, camsnap can be configured to monitor for motion detection, triggering actions when movement is identified within the camera's field of view. This makes it a versatile tool for surveillance, monitoring, and automated event recording.

To function, camsnap requires ffmpeg to be installed and accessible in the system's PATH. Camera configurations are managed through a YAML file located at ~/.config/camsnap/config.yaml. Adding a new camera involves specifying its name, host address, username, and password.

Key functionalities include discovering available cameras on the network, taking immediate snapshots, recording clips of specified durations, and setting up motion detection with custom actions. A diagnostic tool, camsnap doctor, is also provided to help troubleshoot potential issues.

Installation

To install the camsnap skill, you can use the clawhub package manager. Execute the following command in your terminal:

clawhub install openclaw/openclaw/skills/camsnap

This command will download and set up the camsnap skill within your OpenClaw environment. Ensure you have ffmpeg installed and available in your system's PATH for the skill to operate correctly.

Use Cases

• Home Security Monitoring: Capture snapshots or short clips when motion is detected in specific areas like the front door or backyard.
• Pet Monitoring: Check in on pets while away by taking a quick snapshot or recording a brief clip of their activity.
• Construction Site Surveillance: Record time-lapses or monitor progress on a construction site by regularly capturing frames.
• Warehouse Inventory Check: Periodically capture images of inventory shelves to ensure stock levels are maintained.
• Automated Event Recording: Set up motion detection to automatically record footage of any unusual activity.
• Remote Asset Monitoring: Keep an eye on remote equipment or machinery, capturing images for inspection.

Example Prompts

1. "Take a snapshot of the front door camera and save it as frontdoor_capture.jpg."
2. "Record a 10-second video clip from the backyard camera, named backyard_activity.mp4."
3. "Monitor the kitchen camera for any motion and trigger a notification if movement is detected."

Tips & Limitations

• ffmpeg Dependency: The camsnap skill critically relies on ffmpeg being installed and configured correctly in your system's PATH. Without it, the skill will not be able to process video streams or create media files.
• Network Stability: Reliable network connectivity to the RTSP/ONVIF cameras is essential. Fluctuations in network performance can lead to dropped frames, corrupted recordings, or failed captures.
• Camera Compatibility: While RTSP and ONVIF are common standards, not all camera implementations are identical. Some cameras might have proprietary extensions or quirks that could affect camsnap's functionality. It's advisable to test with short captures first.
• Authentication: Ensure that the username and password provided for camera access are correct. Incorrect credentials will prevent the skill from connecting to the camera.
• Motion Detection Sensitivity: The motion detection threshold (--threshold) might require fine-tuning based on the camera's environment and lighting conditions to avoid false positives or missed events.
• Clip Duration: For longer recordings, consider the available storage space and network bandwidth. Prefer shorter test captures before attempting very long video clips.
• Configuration File: Keep the config.yaml file organized and ensure the camera details are accurately entered.
• Security: Be mindful of the security implications of exposing camera feeds. Use strong passwords and secure your network.