Can an Android Rear Flash LED Brightness Intensity be Modified? - General Questions and Answers

is it technically/physically/electronically possible that the LED camera Flash on the back on the Android phones be run at lower brightness intensity by software? - I mean as I understand it the 'flash' is not a xenon flash, its just an ordinary light emitting diode (LED) but just a very high brightness LED - but all the same like any other LED it should technically therefore support different brightness settings (even if only down to 10% of its full brightness) should it not? maybe by the software applying different lower voltages to the LED in the particular app?
The reason I ask is that I prefer to use flash call alert apps and these tend to use the rear camera flash (some use front screen display as well but I prefer to divert the alert to flash the camera flash light instead of the screen) so in all of these flash alert (for ringing/missed call/ unread SMS) that I have ever tried from Google Play not one of them has ever featured a way to lower the brightness of the LED Flash to a lower percentage of brightness - is this because there is no way technically to lower the brightness of the camera LED and that there is only 2 operational modes of Totally off or Totally on, full brightness of the LED state only or have app developers not realised that it would be a useful feature of their app? - I have my mobile phone in my shirt pocket most of the time, its a large 5.5" phone and the LED flash sits above the pocket and when the flash alert call goes off the LED flash 'blinds' the person standing across me because it flashes at full 100% brightness!
So does any technical person on XDA know if its technically possible to adjust the brightness of a rear camera flash LED? - or has anyone seen a flash alert app on Google Play where one of the features is that you can lower the brightness intensity of the flash? Thanks.

Yes
I have seen flashlight apps that allow the user to reduce the intensity of the flash LED. In fact, I used one for a while. But I'm not sure if this capability has been put into any notification apps. It also might depend on your phones hardware. My old phone was able to get that flashlight app from Google Play, but because it customizes the appstore to your phone's compatibilities, an app might not show up for you because of your phone's hardware's limitations. I'll keep my eye out for such an app though.

Related

[Q] Camera flash light LED behaviour ?

Hi,
I was wondering if this is normal on my Touch PRO.
When I launch "Camera" app, go to settings and tap "Flash Light", the LED turns on and lights constantly until I tap it again to disable.
Accoring to manual (and common sense) it should allow the LED to make a high powered burst when shooting photo, and not just light constantly (I thought that 'torch' apps are for that).
In few words: My Touch PRO "flash light" LED works like a torch, not like flash.
Do you get this behaviour ?
Is it normal for a LED-enabled camera phone ?
Cheers
dont have a pro yet, but from what Ive read and seen on reviews its supposed to do that. It stays on then flashes when you take a picture. No need for a torch application..
hi
I get the same, when you turn the flash on the light comes on, when you take a pic it flashes gos out for 2-3 sec then turns back on.
This is normal behaviour. It was on my Hermes as well. The LED is enabled, but not at "full" extend. The light is meant so that the camera can focus when you are taking a photo in a dark environment. At the moment you make the actual photo, the LED lights up brighter for a second.
This behavior is necessary for taking pictures. The camera app assumes that if you turn on the flash, the ambient light level is low.
The flash then lights up at a medium level to help you frame the shot on the screen (that would otherwise be too dark or too noisy to see anything).
Finally, once you actually take the picture it flashes at full power to allow for a decent exposure.
I hope it helps.
Does exist any shortcut or program to turn on the flash light without starting up the Camera app for using it as a torch?
at the moment, no.
The usual suspect, VJCandela, doesn't seem to work with the Raphael just yet.

[IDEA] Flashlight App

LOL........no not nother one, but I had a thought last night.
Whilst using the camera flashlight for something it was just a bit 'in your face' if you know what I mean.
It got me wondering is there any possiblity of using a slider to select the brightness of the camera flash so you could dim it a little (reading a book...etc)?
Or would this have a catastrophic affect on the LED?
there is an app called flashlight that uses the screen not the LED which you could use
using the screen for such a purpose would drain the battery preeetty quick i'm guessing =)
So would the LED so either way its draining the battery
The screen one is great, you can change colors and everything too

Screen dimming app.

If any of you other users out there feel that the whites on this thing are too awesome for super late at night like I do, I found a app when searching for a f.lux type alternative for android. I have been using this app to help ease the stress on my eye late at night. I dont know about the techical side of what it does, or any of the jargon involved, but it applies a filter of sorts to dim the screen further than what the phone allows. I been using it a lot lately and figure I would share with you guys. If anyone has any recommendations for other similar apps, please share.
Tl:dr
Screen Filter
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.haxor
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
enomele said:
If any of you other users out there feel that the whites on this thing are too awesome for super late at night like I do, I found a app when searching for a f.lux type alternative for android. I have been using this app to help ease the stress on my eye late at night. I dont know about the techical side of what it does, or any of the jargon involved, but it applies a filter of sorts to dim the screen further than what the phone allows. I been using it a lot lately and figure I would share with you guys. If anyone has any recommendations for other similar apps, please share.
Tl:dr
Screen Filter
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.haxor
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or just turn on "Background Color" in Power Saving Settings.
Or if you want the screen brightness itself to be lower than what most ROMs allow, you can use this app called RootDim. It worked amazing on my xoom, not sure if it works on the SGSIII yet..
It requires root though..
yosterwp said:
Or if you want the screen brightness itself to be lower than what most ROMs allow, you can use this app called RootDim. It worked amazing on my xoom, not sure if it works on the SGSIII yet..
It requires root though..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Screen filter does the same and doesn't require root. On our AMOLED screens this can save battery.
Also you can turn off those damn capacitive key lights by going to Settings>display>"touch Key light duration"> Always off.
I can confirm that Root dim does work for the SGS3 I use it on my phone.
Current~Samsung Galaxy S3 SynergyRom 1.3 & Imo's Lean Kernel v12 Oc'd @ 1.9ghz
~Acer Iconia A500 Stock
Past~Droid X Gummy ICS 1.2
Lux is an amazing auto brightness app and setting it up for your tastes is incredibly simple.
Go out in the sun and turn brightness up all the way using the app then "link" that setting, go in complete darkness and set it to your taste and link it, then indoor lighting, set it, link it. It then uses just those 3 settings to create a smooth graph of brightness values that are all perfect. You can have as many links as you want but i find the less settings you put in that app the better.
I tried all the suggested ones in here btw.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
I've tried and really like Lux (in fact I'm considering purchasing it soon) but I've noticed two issues. First is that sometimes it will not refresh itself and I have to open up the lux dash to get the brightness to change. It doesn't happen often, but it happens often enough to be annoying, and I have it set to automatically.
Also, (and this may simply be an issue with the S3 and not lux itself) but sometimes I will be in a decently lit room and be at 1 lux, while lights out is 0. Not a lot of variance unless it's really bright outside. Have you found anyway to increase the light sensors sensitivity?
noingwhat said:
I've tried and really like Lux (in fact I'm considering purchasing it soon) but I've noticed two issues. First is that sometimes it will not refresh itself and I have to open up the lux dash to get the brightness to change. It doesn't happen often, but it happens often enough to be annoying, and I have it set to automatically.
Also, (and this may simply be an issue with the S3 and not lux itself) but sometimes I will be in a decently lit room and be at 1 lux, while lights out is 0. Not a lot of variance unless it's really bright outside. Have you found anyway to increase the light sensors sensitivity?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try setting it to be always active in the task bar, that prevents it from being killed. Also try setting it to not use raw values for light sensor readings, this gives you a simple scale of 0-10 for readings and total darkness always reads as 0.
Edit: oops reread your post. That's weird that it is reading indoor light at 1. I usually get around 2 or 3. I used to have a screen protector on that covered the light sensor and that put it all over the place. Maybe that is what's causing it?
noingwhat said:
I've tried and really like Lux (in fact I'm considering purchasing it soon) but I've noticed two issues. First is that sometimes it will not refresh itself and I have to open up the lux dash to get the brightness to change. It doesn't happen often, but it happens often enough to be annoying, and I have it set to automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed the same behavior with the free version. In my case, the lowest value the HTC Desire S can reach with its default Android auto brightness is in fact about 15%.
In LUX settings you can configure the "0" value to be lower and "bypass" the freeware limitation (you can't configure sub-zero levels in the free version). This will work when you test it in the dashboard, but during regular use the light level never goes below the 15% limit already set by the OS.
What I did was purchase the full version (to get astronomer mode along with all the settings unlocked) so I was able to leave the 0 level at its default 15% but link some light intensity values to sub-zero percentages. Guess what? It works great! Once you go into a very dark room, the display dims as far as you set it to.
Another problem with the free version was that a few times I unlocked the phone outside in full sunlight and LUX did not increase the brightness. It appeared almost completely black because the light level was at about 15-25% (the same level it would be inside a low lit room).
Again, with the full version I did not notice this problem (I've used the free version for 1 day and the paid version for 1 day but running tests in different light levels inside and outside).
It's like the free version is a bit buggy on purpose, and I remember uninstalling LUX free about 2 months because of this; I was thinking that if the free version does not work OK, I shouldn't buy the full version. Apparently this is not the case (touch wood).
Just for the record, it's on "dynamically adjust".
noingwhat said:
Also, (and this may simply be an issue with the S3 and not lux itself) but sometimes I will be in a decently lit room and be at 1 lux, while lights out is 0. Not a lot of variance unless it's really bright outside. Have you found anyway to increase the light sensors sensitivity?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the display is a bit dirty (oily, dusty, etc) around the light sensor, you can try to clean it. If this is not the case, open the dashboard, let it determine the light level or hit "auto" a few times and make sure the reading is correct. Then just slide your finger along the yellow line to find the appropriate brightness level and long press the chain to link. Go to a brighter lit room then go back to the first room and see how LUX behaves. Also lock/unlock the phone a few times and see how it goes.
If you still have problems running LUX, disable it and check the default Android auto brightness to make sure it's not a sensor issue.
LUX also has the possibility to set the response delay under Settings -> Advanced -> Developer Settings (the last to just on the bottom, but for this you would need to buy the full version.
Inginerul said:
If the display is a bit dirty (oily, dusty, etc) around the light sensor, you can try to clean it. If this is not the case, open the dashboard, let it determine the light level or hit "auto" a few times and make sure the reading is correct. Then just slide your finger along the yellow line to find the appropriate brightness level and long press the chain to link. Go to a brighter lit room then go back to the first room and see how LUX behaves. Also lock/unlock the phone a few times and see how it goes.
If you still have problems running LUX, disable it and check the default Android auto brightness to make sure it's not a sensor issue.
LUX also has the possibility to set the response delay under Settings -> Advanced -> Developer Settings (the last to just on the bottom, but for this you would need to buy the full version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I think it is more of an issue of the sensor not being sensitive enough. I'm not sure if this is anything you can change in lux or if it would have to be edited in the kernel (or if it is fault of the hardware) but I just feel like the sensor doesn't go down low enough. As I said, I can get down to 1 or 0 in a decently lit room, and yes I have tried cleaning the screen. It's not like it jumps around or anything so it's not like I would notice anything in default auto brightness, it's just that it doesn't seem to be sensitive enough.
Screen filter is great!! I use as well!!!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Well for my Desire S, the lowest light level that the sensor can read is 160 lux (raw value). You can try and set LUX to use raw values because this is more accurate in my oppinion.
Another +1 for Screen filter here
Does anyone know how to use "luma" values for automatic adjustment in Lux instead of "lux" values?
noingwhat said:
Does anyone know how to use "luma" values for automatic adjustment in Lux instead of "lux" values?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I have noticed on my phone is that "luma" readings are taken from the front facing camera, while "lux" readings are taken from the ambient light sensor (you can chose which one to use in the settings).
I suppose the front facing camera uses more battery than the light sensor; it also appears to be more sensitive because it can read more light levels.
Inginerul said:
What I have noticed on my phone is that "luma" readings are taken from the front facing camera, while "lux" readings are taken from the ambient light sensor (you can chose which one to use in the settings).
I suppose the front facing camera uses more battery than the light sensor; it also appears to be more sensitive because it can read more light levels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess so. Thanks! But doesn't that kinda defeat the whole purpose of Lux? Because you can't use automatic mode with the camera(s).... so then what's it good for?
Well even if you don't have an ambient light sensor, you can still use the camera to check the light level when you unlock the phone and let LUX adjust the brightness level. Of course it's not dynamic but it's still better than having the brightness at 50% the whole time or changing brightness levels through a widget..

[Q] Is the Auto-Brightness Functionality wonky on the Nexus5?

Not sure if this is a Nexus5 or Android issue ...
Not sure if this is because I'm moving from an AMOLED to a IPS LCD ...
but I find the Auto-Brightness less of a function and more of a roller coaster ride.
- At home, in a well lit environment, the phone defaults to max brightness, which doesn't seem correct.
- In a dark room, upon wake of the phone, it correctly selects a lower brightness, yet will randomly ping up to max brightness, then settle back down.
The screen on the Nexus5 is absolutely gorgeous, but it just can't seem to select and lock onto the proper brightness level with respect to ambient light.
Is anyone else experiencing auto-brightness wonky-ness? Are there any potential fixes?
Everyone AFAIK suffers from it on nexus 5.
I have a horrible feeling it's a hardware fault, as none of the other Google devices on kitkat have this issue.
yeah the auto brightness seems to be too aggressive, but i'm sure custom roms will have the ability to tweak the auto brightness settings. i think even gravity box has some tweaks for the brightness
If you download Android Sensor Box, you can check the Light sensors. I think it may be bugged with Halogen lighting (correct me if I'm wrong). My home is ~ 18 years old, and we have some bulbs that have not been changed yet (yellow). Sometimes when I use my N5 under those lighting, the sensors go whack and don't register properly picking up 0lx, then spike up to 30000lx. Once I move to areas in the house with newer bulbs, the sensors work normal, picking up the right readings. I'm not sure if it's a rom issue or hardware issue, but my cousin also has a N5 and his worked fine. I tried flashing a new rom and mine still acted up fresh after boot (1st app installed after fresh flash was Android Sensor Box to test).
As a rule I don't use auto brightness. Just get something like lux or install exposed and enable a mod to let you adjust it by sliding your finger across the notification n shade. Easier and faster.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I find that autobrightness will auto-turn on, even when i don't want it to.
There is something funky about it, I can either make the phone too dark (using lux) or too bright (using default settings)
I'm still not happy.
Tried Lux, tried adjusting the brightness tables via Gravity Box, used Twilight (to dim at night), no matter what, N5 just wants to be at full brightness all the time!
I had my Nexus 5 in the cinema the other day. The phone was sat in the cup holder by the chair for the most part of an hour when I quickly replied to a text. On turning the screen on it was on full brightness and what's worst is it took around 10 seconds for it to go down. There is definitely something not quite right with it.
Aria807 said:
Sometimes when I use my N5 under those lighting, the sensors go whack and don't register properly picking up 0lx, then spike up to 30000lx. Once I move to areas in the house with newer bulbs, the sensors work normal, picking up the right readings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I have been experiencing this as well, so I attempted to fix this at ROM level. The solution requires Xposed framework, so it works only on rooted devices (related discussion).

[APP][2.3+] Auto Brightness - app for phones without light sensor

Hey everyone,
I would like to present you app that I created to automatically adjust screen brightness. Tested on LG K8, Android 6.0. App is using front camera to determine lighting in smartphone environment. I created it because I recently changed my phone and as it turned out this one does not have light sensor, and that was cumbersome for me (day or so after using phone I faced situation when I was outside, it was very sunny and brightness was set to like 10%. It was impossible to unlock phone because I couldn't see anything on screen even if I tried to cover phone screen from that light, so phone was totally unusable!). I didn't find this kind of app on Google Play so that's why we have this thread.
FEATURES:
- automatically adjusts screen brightness
- automatically turn on device boot
- 5 frequency options
HOW TO USE:
1. Download.
1.1. [6.0+] Give permissions.
2. Choose one of available options (I recommend using medium refresh rate).
MORE INFORMATIONS:
Of course app will be improved. I want to add notification with brightness adjust bar, and improve algorithm that is determining what brightness level will be set.
FREE DOWNLOAD:
App in attachement.
GOOGLE PLAY LINK (paid app, if You apprecieate my work, like app or You want to give me coffe, here is link):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.ntimobile.autobrightness
SUPPORT:
If You like my overall work (I publish as NTIMobile) You can donate here:
paypal.me/AdamStaszak
THANK YOU FOR YOUR VISIT AND TIME!
Thats good for device doesnt have light sensor
Great idea... However on my k8 its a bit confused... i tried it in the office during daylight, it was quite dark instead of bright and when i covered the front camera its become bright... maybe you could put some options there to manually adjust intesity levels related to the picture brightness?
Good idea
Adam.st said:
Hey everyone,
I would like to present you app that I created to automatically adjust screen brightness. Tested on LG K8, Android 6.0. App is using front camera to determine lighting in smartphone environment. I created it because I recently changed my phone and as it turned out this one does not have light sensor, and that was cumbersome for me (day or so after using phone I faced situation when I was outside, it was very sunny and brightness was set to like 10%. It was impossible to unlock phone because I couldn't see anything on screen even if I tried to cover phone screen from that light, so phone was totally unusable!). I didn't find this kind of app on Google Play so that's why we have this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great and usefull
Do you support this or are still developing it?

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