Utilizing MQTT to send one (and only one) snapshot per ID

[danlo315]

Use Case
I would like to quickly identify an event that's happening via a snapshot, followed by the clip at the conclusion of the event. I'm going this route because there are situations where events are happening for long duration, and I would like to know during the event, not after it ends.

Approach
I'm using Home Assistant automation with the MQTT topic of frigate/events as trigger, sending out Telegram messages to my own "home channel". I've leaned on this post as guidance:
#6551

• I am ignoring type: new because has_snapshot == false.
• I have a concluding automation for type: end trigger that sends out the clip. I'm currently seeing no issues sending this out, with the exception that sometimes the clip seems to cut off too quickly (it's a different question that I'll ask separately).

Issue
The challenge I have is on the update messages. Ideally, I would like to only send one snapshot; multiple snapshots clutter up my Telegram channel.

• The post I referenced above uses scores to send out the optimum snapshot, which is better than continuously sending out updates. An edge case of only one update and the new message has a higher score means I will miss sending out even one update notification.
• I would like to see if there is a way to identify the first update message? It won't be the most optimal snapshot but I think that should be fine. I was looking at ['before']['end_time'] == null, but I've seen multiple subsequent update messages that have the same null value.

Suggestions are great appreciated!

[NickM-27]

I would suggest just sending a snapshot when before.has_snapshot == False and after.has_snapshot == True

[danlo315]

That's a great idea, trying it out now!