Front camera as ear detector

[rafgerm]

HI,
Here's an idea for developers who doesn't know what app to write next.:rolleyes:
I was thinking about using a front camera as a ear/face detector. You start it along with the dialer and monitor the output. As long as the picture is bright above set threshold app does nothing, once the picture tuns black (when you put the phone to your head) the app turns off the screen, turns off outer speaker etc.
There is of course problem of calls at night but still I think it would be nice and maybe even useful app.
So, anyone want to try ?

[dancj]

I'd have thought the biggest problem here would be telling the difference between my ear and the inside of my pocket.

[operative1]

a motion sensor would be helpfull here :/

there was a great discussion about wearable computing on the chaos communication congress a few weeks ago.
they mentioned problems like "where is the device" ie. tracking the position on your body. on possible solution is sending and recognizing a sound played by the external speaker and recorded via the mic thus you can determine if its in the pocket or not ;)

[sinning]

I'd have thought the biggest problem here would be telling the difference between my ear and the inside of my pocket.

Would this really be a problem? I'd think that turning the screen off while the device is in your pocket would be just as useful as while near your face.

[sinning]

HI,

There is of course problem of calls at night

This could be at least partially solved by using the system clock to only have the app active during specified hours of the day.

[codesplice]

Would this really be a problem? I'd think that turning the screen off while the device is in your pocket would be just as useful as while near your face.

Not to mention that the idea mentioned in the original post suggested starting the "ear-detection" with the dialer. Hopefully you don't routinely use the dialer while it's in your pocket.

[tricsio]

This is a great idea... but do get me wrong; a face recognition app to unlock the device could be a start

[dancj]

Ignore me I'm an idiot. I thought you wanted the phone to answer when it's up against your ear.