Database Users

Smart use of Proximity sensor can kill the need for the lock screen

The main need for the lock screen is in the following situation:
Phone is in your pocket (or bag), a hard key is accidentally pressed, the device wakes up. This by itself is not a problem, since without anything else happening the device will go back to sleep, but, if another hard key is pressed while the device is active (screen press can not happen while in pocket, since it's capacitive), the device can start do annoying things.
Now, if the proximity sensor can be designed to switch on when device wakes up, and put it back to sleep (immediately) if device is in pocket/bag, this will kill the need for a lock screen. This is totally possible and just awaits the programmer who wants to make our lives easier...

hm. try pocketShield?
it locks and unlocks your device by use of the light sensor.

Interesting. I will use it for now.
The problem with using a light sensor is that if you use the phone in the dark it won't unlock. Proximity sensor won't have this problem hence it's a better sensor for the task.

Apparently this will happen even without the help of the XDA community...
I've just sent the following email to PocketShield:
Hi,
I would like to know if you are working to utilize the HD2's proximity sensor for unlock (like you did for Omnia). If so, when should we expect a version with this feature ?
Thank you very much.
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Click to collapse
This is their answer:
That’s the idea, but can’t confirm that yet because we are not sure if hooking into the proximity sensor will be possible. Hope yes, as in Omnia2. Just received our new HD2 today and will start to dive into it next week.
Best Regards,
Jim
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Click to collapse

so has anyone tested this for the hd2?
http://www.pocketshield.net/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpxY9t34TTI

Noam23 said:
The problem with using a light sensor is that if you use the phone in the dark it won't unlock. Proximity sensor won't have this problem hence it's a better sensor for the task.
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Use TouchLockPro. It has both light and proximity sensor and it is free.

kweiss10 said:
....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpxY9t34TTI
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Looks like the guy from the answering machine has found a new job

won't this increase battery drain dramaticly? i think it will becouse it will be constantly looking for light and using that proximity sensor..

Noam23 said:
The main need for the lock screen is in the following situation:
Phone is in your pocket (or bag), a hard key is accidentally pressed, the device wakes up. This by itself is not a problem, since without anything else happening the device will go back to sleep, but, if another hard key is pressed while the device is active (screen press can not happen while in pocket, since it's capacitive), the device can start do annoying things.
Now, if the proximity sensor can be designed to switch on when device wakes up, and put it back to sleep (immediately) if device is in pocket/bag, this will kill the need for a lock screen. This is totally possible and just awaits the programmer who wants to make our lives easier...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are wrong about one important detail though. The screen is very sensitive and can easily be pressed through the lining of your pocket, and even through fairly thick fabric like jeans.

it's a capacative screen...
capacative scree = no stylus/fingernail/penny/spoon
it wont be acvitating throught screen contact.
impossible. (unless you have rrrrrealy thin pants, and the current can pass throught them)

saintnickxiii said:
it's a capacative screen...
capacative scree = no stylus/fingernail/penny/spoon
it wont be acvitating throught screen contact.
impossible. (unless you have rrrrrealy thin pants, and the current can pass throught them)
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hi, the pants didnt have to be that thin. i think the hd2 screens also vary a lot, in being more or less sensitive. another thing is that people are deifferent when it cames to electric fields. also sweating can affect the display. i startet programs and other touchscreen things already, when the device was in my pocket.
regards mad

jamieeeee said:
won't this increase battery drain dramaticly? i think it will becouse it will be constantly looking for light and using that proximity sensor..
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In the case of Pocketshield, it won't. Because all sensors only turn on during a short period of time (seconds). Once you unlock or turn off, sensors go to sleep. This is one of the reasons why "auto lock" is not possible, because that will indeed involve a permanent monitoring on the sensors.

saintnickxiii said:
it's a capacative screen...
capacative scree = no stylus/fingernail/penny/spoon
it wont be acvitating throught screen contact.
impossible. (unless you have rrrrrealy thin pants, and the current can pass throught them)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't know what you're talking about. I didn't say it was sensitive to pressure, but rather that direct contact between skin and the screen is not necessary. Holding my finger on one side of the fabric, and the other side of the fabric touching the screen, this is registered by the screen as a touch EVERY TIME. There are maybe materials that completely isolates the screen, for other materials it probably depends on how thick they are. For me it is certainly possible to influence the screen even through pretty thick cotton fabric (maybe other types of fabric too, I wear mostly cotton), leather, and even paper. Just to test it, I just did a slide to unlock my HD2 through a pile of papers (granted it wasn't a very thick pile, only six sheets of paper thick), and through my leather shoes (this was a little trickier, I had to to make sure that my foot made good contact with the leather at the point where I was sliding my phone across the shoe). i can interact with the screen through normal denim jeans fabric without any problem, and the pocket lining of trousers are usually quite thin, so accidental interaction with the screen seems almost unavoidable if the screen is unlocked in the pocket.
I have actually had some problems a couple of times when the slide to unlock had been deactivated on my HD2. I once took my phone out of my pocket and it was at the confirmation screen for factory reset, and I have actually had the phone hard reset on me once which I suspect may have been caused by the slide to unlock being deactivated. I would never knowingly put an unlocked phone in my pocket, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, but you're welcome to do as you please.

X1-owner said:
You don't know what you're talking about. I didn't say it was sensitive to pressure, but rather that direct contact between skin and the screen is not necessary. Holding my finger on one side of the fabric, and the other side of the fabric touching the screen, this is registered by the screen as a touch EVERY TIME. There are maybe materials that completely isolates the screen, for other materials it probably depends on how thick they are. For me it is certainly possible to influence the screen even through pretty thick cotton fabric (maybe other types of fabric too, I wear mostly cotton), leather, and even paper. Just to test it, I just did a slide to unlock my HD2 through a pile of papers (granted it wasn't a very thick pile, only six sheets of paper thick), and through my leather shoes (this was a little trickier, I had to to make sure that my foot made good contact with the leather at the point where I was sliding my phone across the shoe). i can interact with the screen through normal denim jeans fabric without any problem, and the pocket lining of trousers are usually quite thin, so accidental interaction with the screen seems almost unavoidable if the screen is unlocked in the pocket.
I have actually had some problems a couple of times when the slide to unlock had been deactivated on my HD2. I once took my phone out of my pocket and it was at the confirmation screen for factory reset, and I have actually had the phone hard reset on me once which I suspect may have been caused by the slide to unlock being deactivated. I would never knowingly put an unlocked phone in my pocket, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, but you're welcome to do as you please.
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oh, i didn't know it was that sensitive, then, i can really see a need for an apps like this.
but, what about just a normal case? slip it in and out? i mean, i think that COULD solve your problem in a 'no thrills' sorta way... but it wouldnt be as exciting now would it?

madbird said:
hi, the pants didnt have to be that thin. i think the hd2 screens also vary a lot, in being more or less sensitive. another thing is that people are deifferent when it cames to electric fields. also sweating can affect the display. i startet programs and other touchscreen things already, when the device was in my pocket.
regards mad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this of course is also true.
taking this into account, i would suggest everybody ground themselves. lol, no... just kidding. i don't even think that would help.

How does fingerprint scanner compare to iPhone in terms of success rate?

I know that mechanically, the S5 fingerprint scanner works DIFFERENTLY than the iPhone. But I'm curious how it compares in terms of reliability. For many people, the iPhone fingerprint scanner works virtually 100% of the time, so it is very quick and easy to unlock phone.
How is it on the Samsung Galaxy S5? Are you constantly having to reswipe your finger and readjust your grip to get it to work? Or, once you get the hang of it, does it reliably work the first time, every time?
Especially interested in hearing from people who have used both the S5 and an iPhone touch ID.

..

In order for it to ever be as good as the iPhone finger print scanner would they have to make some hardware upgrades or would it just be work with the software?

It's awful. Hardly ever gets mine right and I've scanned multiple fingers multiple times.

TheMathMan said:
It's awful. Hardly ever gets mine right and I've scanned multiple fingers multiple times.
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The trick is to scan just one finger multiple times. For example, you need to scan your thumb 3 ways - swiping down with the phone laying on a table, swiping down the way you would normally swipe with one hand and swiping down at an angle. This way the scanner will work much better, because it will have registered your finger in all possible situations you might swipe
Sent from my " Black Beauty " using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Yeah I know that and have done. It's just a crap fingerprint sensor. OP is comparing to the iPhone. TouchID works flawlessly.

I second the previous posters comment on Touch ID, it is unbelievably impressive. It's worth the extra configuration time when you choose finger print scanning. My worry is that this may be patented to Apple? If so, is there an alternative for Android?

TouchID is easier to use and more accurate.. Its like put your hand in your pocket and your thump on the button and it just works.. While on S5, you have to swipe and sometimes it doesn't work, won't use it for my lock screen, still would use it for private mode

How fingerprint scanning works on the G4 plus?

Hi,
I need to know something. I hope you'd help me.
On the g4 plus, how fingerprint scanning is working? the sensor is excited for finger's sense at all times or only when the phone's held in the hand ie when the phone detects a motion? Asking this 'cause I'm having some weird problem. My sensor doesn't sense my finger at all when I don't hold it in my hand. I just put a finger on the sensor when phone's absolutely still on the ground in sleep mode, not moving. But the sensor was unable to respond. I have to press it harder to make it detect my fingers. Quite irritating.
But the sensor properly detects and senses my fingers when the phone's in my hand. What could be the problem? Is the sensor defective or it's perfectly normal ?

It doesn't work when is horizontal on a table. If you press slightly harder, the phone moves (tilts "up" the top part a little) and it works.
Weird for me to test since I have registered only my thumbs. I never use it like that. On table I see the notifications and if I need to do something about them, I always lift the phone up from the table.

Mine (UK model) works just the same on the desk or in the hand. no added pressure required. maybe try re-doing the finger registration

Are you sure that the phone's in sleep mode when you touch the sensor? Just put the phone on table for 2-3 minutes and then try to touch the sensor without touching anything other than it. Could you please check it again... Can you unlock the phone?
SP1Viffer said:
Mine (UK model) works just the same on the desk or in the hand. no added pressure required. maybe try re-doing the finger registration
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Mine (IN model) works perfectly in both situations...

jack_04 said:
Mine (IN model) works perfectly in both situations...
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In that case, my replacement for the phone isn't unnecessary.

What I feel like when we move the phone a little then it activate s the FPS and it works fine.
But if the phone is stationary for some time and touching the FPS doesn't unlock.
So I think it's not a problem.

Mine works fine also... but I can't use the finger print sensor to sign in apps or remember passwords on the browser (I use chrome) ... I used to have a Galaxy S6 and it automaticaly asked me If I'd like to use the sensor for this ... but G4 don't.. can anybody help me with that? thanks

Moto E4 XT1767 Fingerprint Scanner Lag

I picked up this phone on my local craigslist late last week (at $15, I could not resist), unlocked it, and have been using it. When compared to my moto Z play, I have to hold the fingerprint scanner longer to turn the phone on or off which for some reason is very frustrating. I do not believe this is a hardware limitation as the fingerprint response is instant if I turn the device on to my lock screen and then touch the fingerprint scanner.
Does anyone know if it is possible to correct this? At the moment, I have to touch the scanner for ~1 second before it will turn on/off my phone. If it were possible to change this to ~0.5 seconds, I would be a happy camper.

skotseno said:
I picked up this phone on my local craigslist late last week (at $15, I could not resist), unlocked it, and have been using it. When compared to my moto Z play, I have to hold the fingerprint scanner longer to turn the phone on or off which for some reason is very frustrating. I do not believe this is a hardware limitation as the fingerprint response is instant if I turn the device on to my lock screen and then touch the fingerprint scanner.
Does anyone know if it is possible to correct this? At the moment, I have to touch the scanner for ~1 second before it will turn on/off my phone. If it were possible to change this to ~0.5 seconds, I would be a happy camper.
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Are you running stock software? If so, I'd try erasing and re learning your finger prints. I got an E4 for my daughter to use on WiFi - FP sensor is snappier and more accurate than my MZP. If that doesn't do it, I'd be inclined to think hardware issue.

dandrumheller said:
Are you running stock software? If so, I'd try erasing and re learning your finger prints. I got an E4 for my daughter to use on WiFi - FP sensor is snappier and more accurate than my MZP. If that doesn't do it, I'd be inclined to think hardware issue.
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Well here is the thing: when the phone is on the lock screen (screen turned on and asking for fingerprint or pattern/pin) the fingerprint sensor is instant and always accurate. The only time I am seeing lag is when I hold to turn the screen on (the screen is off but holding the fingerprint sensor turns it on) or off (phone is on and unlocked but holding the fingerprint sensor turns off the screen).
Can you confirm that your daughters phone has a faster response when turning on/off the screen?

i've read from a handful of reviews that the scanner is just simply not as fast as the MZP or even g5+. could be a limitation of the processor? i moved from a MZP to the e4, definitely a noticeable difference in speed.

skotseno said:
Well here is the thing: when the phone is on the lock screen (screen turned on and asking for fingerprint or pattern/pin) the fingerprint sensor is instant and always accurate. The only time I am seeing lag is when I hold to turn the screen on (the screen is off but holding the fingerprint sensor turns it on) or off (phone is on and unlocked but holding the fingerprint sensor turns off the screen).
Can you confirm that your daughters phone has a faster response when turning on/off the screen?
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Yep, the times I use it, it's normally from screen off condition, or from in use to lock/turn off screen.
I'll try to do a side by side tonight with my MZP

dandrumheller said:
Yep, the times I use it, it's normally from screen off condition, or from in use to lock/turn off screen.
I'll try to do a side by side tonight with my MZP
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here's a link to a quick head-to-head video. What is apparent is that the other poster is indeed correct - MZP is slightly faster from touch to screen on, and touch to screen off. The difference is slightly more pronounced when waking than going to sleep. What isn't apparent from the video is the timing of the haptic feedback. On the MZP the vibration is triggered almost instantly at touch, with the bulk of the delay from touch to screen on happening after the vibration triggers. On the E4, the vibration occurs around the middle of the span from touch contact to screen on. This gives the impression in use, at least to me, of slightly more laggy sensor (on the E4) but slightly faster unlock times (on the E4).
Guess I don't have to be jealous of my kid's phone anymore. Was a cool experiment.

Fingerprint reader constantly thinks table phone is on is a giant finger

This is more of a rant about a stupid design flaw, but every time my phone lies face-up on my desk, the fingerprint reader tries to read the desk and vibrates all the time.

Never had this issue at all.

Hi there,
from what i know for the fingerprint scanner on the G6 (and many other phones) it may be a problem with your desk
If the desk is made from a conducting material (or there is a conducting coating) it can interfere with the fingerprint scanner. It is capacitive sensor array that detects electrical charge passing from one tiny point on the surface of the scanner to another tiny point and this is usually done by the skin of your finger tips. It can be triggered by moisture, some types of fabric and so on.
I hope that info help in some way.
Sent from my LG-H870 using XDA Labs

Why is this a design flaw? Most people actually prefer the fingerprint reader to be on the rear of the phone as it is the natural testing place of the finger tip when the phone is picked up (unless it's the stupid Samsung implementation).
The problem is not with the fingerprint reader, but the material it is laying on, either the desk itself or whatever you put it on (a cloth etc) on top of the desk. As had already been mentioned, the fingerprint reader is only designed to react to certain surfaces types, skin being the main one. If it is reacting by itself due to the touch of the desktop you must have some weird coating on the wood that is making it think it is touching skin. Certainly when I put my G6 face up on a wooden desk / table / cabinet / book shelf, it has no reaction at all.

Use a case. Problem solved.
In any event LG came up with the best placement for the finger scanner, which many others have copied.

I disagree about the placement. Recent Sony phones had the best: on the side for your thumb, I think.
Yes, the desk is conductive, but it's still stupid that the phone doesn't realise this and stop trying to scan it after e.g. 10 attempts. I use the official LG case when I'm out but at home take it off.
Thanks for the info anyway guys. I was just ranting. Maybe LG might consider it an idea for a software update to limit the amount of times the reader trys to scan something?