B4A Library [Class] CameraEx - Extends the camera library functionality

Example based on B4XPages: https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/b4x-b4xpages-barcode-reader.120417/#content

CameraEx class wraps the Camera object and using reflection and other code it extends its functionality.

CameraEx class requires Android 2.3+ and depends on Camera library v2.20+
CameraEx features:

• Easily open the back or front camera
• Preview images and saved images orientation will match the device orientation (all orientations are supported)
• Gives access to Camera.Parameters native class (flashmode, picture size, effects and other settings)
• Includes methods to convert preview images to JPEG and to save the taken pictures.
• It should be simple to add more methods to this class

See this page for the constant values and other possible methods:
https://developer.android.com/reference/android/hardware/Camera.Parameters.html

Note that you should call CommitParameters after changing one or more parameters.

CameraExClass module is included in the attached example.

V1.30 is attached - Includes various new methods.

v1.20 - Includes all the various posts in this thread as well as AutoFocusAndTakePicture method which first calls AutoFocus and then takes a picture (if AutoFocus was successful).

Edit (06/2018): A new version was uploaded with targetSdkVersion set to 26.

 

[michelrom22]

Tablet PC

Hi all, any idea why the code is giving an error when using a tablet ? The error is on line " camera1.StartPreview ". Thanks in advance

 

[Jost aus Soest]

Hi all, any idea why the code is giving an error when using a tablet ? The error is on line " camera1.StartPreview ". Thanks in advance

What error?
What is written in the logs?
Does your tablet has both, front and back cam?

 

[bluedude]

Save camera picture to DCIM/Camera

Hi,

I'm trying to save pictures taken to DCIM/Camera but not sure if this works with File.DirRootExternal. Pictures are saved but cannot find them anywhere.

Cheers,

 

[Erel]

CameraEx v1.01 is attached to the first post.

- More features are supported.
- CameraEx correctly handles devices with only front camera.
- The demo was improved.

Note that the camera library was also updated (v2.01): http://www.b4x.com/forum/additional.../23799-camera-library-v2-00-a.html#post137747

@bluedude, see the new version. It forces the media scanner to scan the saved file. This will in most cases cause Windows Explorer to show the file. If you still do not see it then you should disconnect the USB cable and connect it again.

 

[bluedude]

I tried that a few times but it isn't working. Isn't it possible to physical write camera pictures to DCIM/Camera?

 

[Erel]

The file is written. It is only Windows Explorer that doesn't show it. Try File.Exist and you will see that it is there.

You can also check it with a file explorer app.

You can use adb tool to pull the file.

 

[bluedude]

I understand but I want it to show up in my Android gallery and it doesn't!

 

[Erel]

It does show here. Not sure why your gallery doesn't get updated.

 

[Erel]

Try this code:

ScanFiles(Array As String(File.Combine(File.DirRootExternal, "1.jpg")))

Sub ScanFiles(files() As String)
   Dim r As Reflector
   r.RunStaticMethod("android.media.MediaScannerConnection", "scanFile", _
      Array As Object(r.GetContext, files, Null, Null), _
      Array As String("android.content.Context", "[Ljava.lang.String;", "[Ljava.lang.String;", _
         "android.media.MediaScannerConnection$OnScanCompletedListener"))
End Sub

 

[Mahares]

@Erel: The IDE still shows Camera version 2.00 instead of 2.01 even after update of the lib. Are you good with that?

@BlueDude: It works fine for me too. Here are some examples:

Dim dir As String = "/mnt/sdcard-ext/DCIM/camera"  'root of device SD card plus /DCIM/camera folder  'Replace /mnt/sdcard-ext with your SD root.

Also this:

Dim dir As String = File.DirRootExternal
dir=dir & "/DCIM/camera/"

Am I missing something Dude?

 

[Erel]

Both the class and the library were updated. Camera library V2.01 is available here:
http://www.b4x.com/forum/additional.../23799-camera-library-v2-00-a.html#post137747

It should show v2.01.

 

[bluedude]

Will try a few more things, I really want my pictures to be in DCIM/Camera.

Thanks!

 

[thedesolatesoul]

I had some problem with this library. When I press on Take Picture, the app locked up. The button remained pressed, and nothing was happening. I quit the app and destroyed the process. But after that my camera was unaccessible.
Although, I dont think it may be related, but after that a few hours later my phone completely crashed and is stuck in a boot loop.
Not sure what I did wrong, its a Galaxy S running CM9 (well it was, now i have to reflash).
Probabaly a specific manufacturer issue with my phone.

 

[mabool]

Runs fine on my Galaxy S.
Thanks Erel.

 

[thedesolatesoul]

Runs fine on my Galaxy S.
Thanks Erel.

Thanks for the confirmation.
Are you running the Samsung Firmware (Touchwiz)?
I guess it could be my non-standard ROM and drivers.

 

[mabool]

Yes. Original roms on all my devices.

 

[awama]

I had some problem with this library. When I press on Take Picture, the app locked up. The button remained pressed, and nothing was happening. I quit the app and destroyed the process. But after that my camera was unaccessible.
Although, I dont think it may be related, but after that a few hours later my phone completely crashed and is stuck in a boot loop.
Not sure what I did wrong, its a Galaxy S running CM9 (well it was, now i have to reflash).
Probabaly a specific manufacturer issue with my phone.

I have exact the same problem. I have to reboot to get camara-function return.
But the malfunction is only sometimes.

When I compile, while the screen is locked, it comes also to malfunction (message camera can not open, but that is always.)

I have testet on Samsung Galaxy S2, 4.0.3

 

[Erel]

Can you check the unfiltered logs and see whether there are any errors there?

 

[korshkov]

Hello!
How can I use a class for realtime checking visible camera image for motion detect?
I try use Timer and Panel1.Background for checking current image....
And nothing result.
This is right? Or Panel1.Background not containg image?
Please specify the direction of digging
Thanks!

P.S. And excuse me for my bad English.

 

[awama]

Can you check the unfiltered logs and see whether there are any errors there?

Now I could reproduce the error. Here a part of the unfiltered logs:

last log message of the camera
...
GC_FOR_ALLOC freed 450K, 9% free 10162K/11143K, paused 26ms
LSIHAL void android::HAL_camera_device_enable_msg_type(camera_device*, int32_t)
GC_CONCURRENT freed <1K, 5% free 10612K/11143K, paused 2ms+3ms
LSIHAL void android::HAL_camera_device_disable_msg_type(camera_device*, int32_t)
GC_FOR_ALLOC freed 450K, 9% free 10162K/11143K, paused 26ms
LSIHAL void android::HAL_camera_device_enable_msg_type(camera_device*, int32_t)
GC_CONCURRENT freed <1K, 5% free 10612K/11143K, paused 2ms+3ms
LSIHAL void android::HAL_camera_device_disable_msg_type(camera_device*, int32_t)
dispatchTouch::touch event's action is 0 (deviceType=0) [pCnt=1, pending(waiting finished signal)=0]
Delivering touch to current input target
Delivering touch to current input target
Delivering touch to current input target
GC_FOR_ALLOC freed 450K, 9% free 10162K/11143K, paused 35ms
LSIHAL void android::HAL_camera_device_enable_msg_type(camera_device*, int32_t)
GC_CONCURRENT freed <1K, 5% free 10612K/11143K, paused 2ms+3ms
dispatchTouch::touch event's action is 1 (deviceType=0) [pCnt=1, pending(waiting finished signal)=0]
Delivering touch to current input target
Delivering touch to current input target
LSIHAL void android::HAL_camera_device_enable_msg_type(camera_device*, int32_t)
virtual android::status_t android::SecCameraCoreManager::takePicture():stop IT Policy checking thread
LSIHAL int android::HAL_camera_device_send_command(camera_device*, int32_t, int32_t, int32_t)
ShotSingle::takePicture start
LSIHAL int android::HAL_camera_device_take_picture(camera_device*)
takePicture E
takePicture: warning, preview is running
stopPreview E
id=765 Removed idx=8 Map Size=9
id=765 Removed idx=-2 Map Size=9
releaseWakeLockLocked flags=0x0 tag=KEEP_SCREEN_ON_FLAG myUID=1000 myPID=2003 myTID=2060
usb connection is true
...