Database Users

Proximity sensor while talking on the phone

i tried to search the forum with no results btw
have two cases while receiving/calling with hd2
1. via bluetooth headset - even when the phone is in the pocket some apps starts randomly, even call is disconnected - isn't proximity should cause phone scrren to be blank all time?
2. via the phone - sometimes while talking screen is still dark and pressing eg. home key puts display on. sometimes moving phone away from ear turns screen on.
do you have some or its something with my phone?

I have the same problem, the proximity sensor does not work, I think it works only outside when you have strong light, try it and let me know.
make a call the screen will go off now move it from your face loking up at the sun outside you will see that the screen will turn on.
it works only when I makes a call. when I am getting a call it atays on.
kochav

kochavy said:
I have the same problem, the proximity sensor does not work, I think it works only outside when you have strong light, try it and let me know.
make a call the screen will go off now move it from your face loking up at the sun outside you will see that the screen will turn on.
it works only when I makes a call. when I am getting a call it atays on.
kochav
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you would be wrong then.
It's a proximity sensor, not a light sensor. I just made a call in my darkened room and the proximity sensor functioned flawlessly.

thake the screen protector out or cut it and the proximity sensor will work perfect.
kochavy

kochavy said:
thake the screen protector out or cut it and the proximity sensor will work perfect.
kochavy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow who would've thought that covering up a sensor designed to sense when objects are close to it would impede its functionality.
Your revelation hepled me fix the microphone on my phone. It wasn't working, and then I realized I had my hand over it!

Yes I have had issues even with the original HTC screen protector which has two small holes directly over the sensors. I finally had to remove it.
Cutting the protector I have not been very successful so far. This creates sharp edges and the protector tends to peel off from that point. For the time being I am relying on the fact that the screen on the HD2 is scratch resistant enough that with normal care it would not get scratched. With over 2 months of use without a protector my screen is still scratchless.

IF it is anything to do with the screen protector, then there are plenty out there that don't have this effect.
I've got a protector on my HD2 and have had it there since just after I got it, so just over 2 months now. The screen protector has worked perfectly, even, kochavy, in the dark, because it detects proximity not light.
I suggest removing any screen protectors and seeing if you still have the problem. If you do, send the phone back as faulty. If you don't, get a better screen protector.

johncmolyneux said:
IF it is anything to do with the screen protector, then there are plenty out there that don't have this effect.
I've got a protector on my HD2 and have had it there since just after I got it, so just over 2 months now. The screen protector has worked perfectly, even, kochavy, in the dark, because it detects proximity not light.
I suggest removing any screen protectors and seeing if you still have the problem. If you do, send the phone back as faulty. If you don't, get a better screen protector.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you have the original HTC screen protector with the two holes? there are some protector that does not cover the top of the phone and leave the two sensors out from protection.

kochavy said:
do you have the original HTC screen protector with the two holes? there are some protector that does not cover the top of the phone and leave the two sensors out from protection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I don't. The one that came with it never please me much, so I bought some better ones.
The protectors I have don't have any holes for the sensors at the top, but like I said, it just works perfectly. There's a lot more to this issue that just the screen protector, as some people have reported that it works perfectly when they ring certain number, but not when they ring others. From what I've read on other threads, this is commonplace for people who are having this problem, so it's obviously not an issue with their screen protectors. It sounds like a software issue to me, but since it can't be identified as such, they should just return their phones as faulty and hope the replacement doesn't have the same issue.
It would be interesting to know if the people with the described issue have upgraded the ROM to 1.66, as this seems to have fixed a whole slew of issues.

Sensor works by reflecting infrared light. There is small IR lamp with IR detector nearby. You can check that by looking at the sensor through some digital camera or camcorder, whose are usually sensitive to this light. Don't forget the phone must be in call, otherwise the sensor is turned off.
I think the sensor itself is OK. But there seems to be some relationship with guess what .. G-sensor ! Once I found the screen just won't go off during call, and it was when I was lying during the call, and I was holding the phone upside down portrait style.
But as I turned the phone to normal position (normal portrait) and back, it started to work with no problem.
I only had problem with proximity sensor once since then .. but rotating the phone up and down helped again.
I think this needs more investigation .. if you encounter the problem try this.

Samsung Galaxy S 3 Sensors!?

Hello,
So today i noticed on the left side of the speaker, that there are 3 sensors, both of them are together on the same place, which should be Light sensor and proximity sensor... but what about the other one more to the left? Seems pretty much like a Small LED to me.
Check this picture guys and u will see it clear enough!
http://www.sync-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Samsung-Galaxy-S-Series-Smartphone.jpg
Update after a test [Post #4]
Center: Proximity
Right: Light
Left: ?

Is one the light sensor for the auto-brightness thing, and the other two possibly a 'sender/reciever' set up for detecting when it's close to your face in order to turn the screen off during a call?

petethesparky said:
Is one the light sensor for the auto-brightness thing, and the other two possibly a 'sender/reciever' set up for detecting when it's close to your face in order to turn the screen off during a call?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the proximity sensor and light sensor are both together, which leaves the left sensor... i wonder what it is
May be u r right, i am dying to find out!
I will test it with a Q-tip. I pointed a flashlight with high brigthness on the sensors now, the left one doesnt seem like a LED... so that option just kinda died

Ok tested it, qtip during the call shows that the proximity sensor is the one in the CENTER.
Used a black fabric for the light sensor... with my finger over the fabric covered the left and right sensors, result: RIGHT sensor is the light sensor!
Leaves: Left sensor.... what is it?
Center: Proximity
Right: Light
Left: ?

spy cam - big brother is watching you!
beats me i hadnt even noticed it!

I would probably guess that the two closest together are a Transmitter/ Receiver pair.
It could be emitting infra-red and using a receiver to detect how far away an object is based upon the light returned.
One way to sometimes 'see' this is to use a normal camera to look at it, if it shows a white spot, there is a good chance it's emitting IR.
Logicalstep

Problem with proximity sensor

The problem is that the screen will stay off during calls. That means I can't hang up...
The only way to get the screen on is bright light against the sensor.
Is there any way to calibrate the sensor?

I don't think so. But as you say, it's a proximity sensor, so it should measure a distance and not need light to wake the screen. And as far as I know, the light sensor isn't used in calls.
But you could use the key under the screen to hang up

Yes, that's pretty weird actually, but that's how it is...
But no, I can't hang up since there are no hard buttons. Only the touch-sensetive ones, and they don't work when the phone thinks it's at someones ear.

Screen protector and proximity sensor
I have installed on my HD Mini a very good quality screen protector. During phone call my screen became black like my ear is on the phone, but my phone is on the desk ! If I remove the screen protector the proximity sensor come back to work correctly. Any idea how to set-up or adjust proximity sensor sensitivity ?

Me too!
I have this problem too!

Your phones have a screen which is made of really good strong glass. Using a screen protector is useless. I have had a Hero (also a capacitive touchscreen phone) for 6 months and, while I do keep it in a holster, I have rubbed it on my shirt, dropped it and used my finger on it all day long. It still is spotless. Stop wasting money on protectors and just use the phone. And having a protector is bound to screw up the proximity sensor.
As far as it not recognizing that the phone is not against your ear.... that is a matter for the service department to solve since it seems like a hardware fault.

Really strange! I've a screen protector but don't have this problem... the sensor works fine!!!

bellor
It's made out of plastic, really easy to make scratch. And it's very fingerprint attractive. So glossy filter is really good solution.
BeemerZ1
Same problem, proximity sensor work really weird.

Hi guys, I have the same problem on my HTC HD Mini, when you make a call the screen goes black and will not allow to end call. I have to take battery out to make it work again. I was looking at the registry tweaks for HTC HD2 (leo) and am wondering if those tweaks will work on my mini.
Please, if anyone has a solution, put it on here, have even tried replacing the glass to resolve but not working still.

Same problem. I tried an experiment... when i'm in a light room, works. when i'm in a dark room doesn't work. Really stupid... without light doesn't work!!
If you would, try to put the mini under light when is in calling...

In fact, that's quite normal. If you're calling in a dark room, how do you expect that your phone can "see" the difference between the darkness of your ears and the darkness of the room?

Are you using a screen protector?
I used to have the same issue. But once I remove the screen protector the screen turns back on straight after a phone call.
I believe that the proximity sensor is confused and is affected by having an object pasted over it.
so if someone could experiment with just removing he corner of the screen protector to avoid the sensor, you will not have a issue.
I am using the mini with a screen protector and it has been fine in my pocket...but I am not saying you should try!
My 2 cents!

S-ed said:
bellor
It's made out of plastic, really easy to make scratch. And it's very fingerprint attractive. So glossy filter is really good solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its made of carbonized whatever mixture just like any other capacitive screen and no theres no way to scratch that thing, iam wearing it in a pocket together with my keys since i bought it and theres no single scratch there, yet the fingerprint thing is very annoying indeed but thats because the material of the screen is very very close to glass.

fongyiktze said:
I used to have the same issue. But once I remove the screen protector the screen turns back on straight after a phone call.
I believe that the proximity sensor is confused and is affected by having an object pasted over it.
so if someone could experiment with just removing he corner of the screen protector to avoid the sensor, you will not have a issue.
I am using the mini with a screen protector and it has been fine in my pocket...but I am not saying you should try!
My 2 cents!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The lcd and digitiser have been replaced and there is no screen protector on the device. I purchased the lcd and digitiser as a complete unit so as not to have any issues.
The seller reassures me that the product was brand new and had been fully tested. I no longer have the old pieces to test against but this problem seems quite common from the threads on here and gsm forum.
Any solutions or ideas for resolution greatly appreciated, near to pulling all my hair out!!!!!!!!

I have screen protector and I do not have any problem with sensor. Everything works great..

i have the same problem as you.. when i am in a call i cant end it because my screen is black all the time.the only solution i found is when i call i turn the speaker on.please help us
p.s where on the screen is the proximity sensor??

spithash said:
i have the same problem as you.. when i am in a call i cant end it because my screen is black all the time.the only solution i found is when i call i turn the speaker on.please help us
p.s where on the screen is the proximity sensor??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
up on right side

_Madmatt said:
In fact, that's quite normal. If you're calling in a dark room, how do you expect that your phone can "see" the difference between the darkness of your ears and the darkness of the room?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I know... I meant that only works in bright light conditions, such as directly under a lamp or sunlight. in a room or just the shade does not work. So it's "only"a matter of adjusting the sensitivity of the light sensor. I do not even understand how it can be made this "proximity sensor", all I know is that it works with light. Rather, there is a program like the shake'n wake can use?

I have this annoying problem, too.
But I have to say: I have NO screen protectror, and: the divece was repaired by arvato-Services after a broken display. And I didn't have this problem before!
Sometimes i seems to help to puff serveral times into the loudspeeker, so that the screen returns and I'm able tu hang up the call. But sometimes it doesn't works, and if I had spoken to a mailbox (and the other end didn't hang up, so that i MUST hang up) the last solution was to remove the battery.
If there is a way to disable the sensor (i.e. in the registry)?
kind regards

Ye same thing, Mine will only bring the screen back during a call if it is under a very bright light.
Any ideas yet?

X2 screen problem!!!

I have a problem with my Xperia X2 when i tilt the device to see the upper limit of the screen (which lies prior to 3g camera) while the screen lights ,there is leakage of light above the display as the display not settled in its place well...
Any one have this problem also??

Please any one have X2 just examine it and tell me?
That's to know if i can return it on guarantee...

Hi!
I can see some light in the area you describe, but only when I tilt the phone so that the viewing angle is about 15-20 degrees. It has never bothered me.

Thanks Prydplante for reply, but is this light more near 3g camera or near the sensor or equal through the upper limit of the screen?

Any one can answer me?
That's to know if i can return it on guarantee...
Is this light leakage more near 3g camera or near the sensor or equal through the upper limit of the screen?
No one have X2!!!

Hi!
When I tilt it from 90 to 0 degrees viewing angle I first start to see the light at the 3G camera-side. This happens at about 15 degrees. When tilt it further I also see the light in a small area under the "S" in Sony Ericsson, at about 10 degrees. Tilting it further I can see a little light along the whole upper edge of the display. But this is not important to me.

Really thanks Prydplante for reply and hoping more efficient build quality from Sony Ericsson in next windows phone mobile...

Proximity sensor Strange behaviour - not working if u get very close.

I dont know if this is an issue with other handsets.
I installed proximity screen off application . The purpose was to have the phone turn the screen off when i close my flip case.
However i found something strange.
When the flip case is very close to the screen the proximity sensor does not seem to detect that there is something covering it.
Is this an issue with every one ?
Any solution
Please see the videos
As you can see from the videos when i bring the shield very close the proximity sensor does not seem to detect the sheild.
Edit : However if u use ur finger this is not seen

I've noticed the same behavior, it's quite annoying because it kills one of NoLed's best features (screen off using prox. sensor).
[deleted]
Still really annoying that the original flip cover won't work with the proximity sensor. A workaround might be a third party flip case. A diy modification of to the original one won't work since if I close it AND hold whatever object that alone is enough for a positive result over the flip cover, the sensor will still not register positive [because a minimal distance between an object and the glass surface is required, see below].

mine works even with a finger...
I've done it a few times accidently when i was trying to access the notification bar while on the phone

ph00ny said:
mine works even with a finger...
I've done it a few times accidently when i was trying to access the notification bar while on the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats the thing i was saying.
With finger i works great even if u touching the screen

Dial *#0*# and press sensor. If it vibrates, the proximity sensor is registering an object.
Maybe it comes in handy with testing.
It's working for me, thanks for the tip about the app!
edit:
Okay, I tested and found that indeed when you set the app to:
"Cover an hold to lock the screen" to say 5 seconds.
Close the flipcover.
It does not register.
However. If I set:
"Disable Accidental Lock" to .25 seconds.
Close the flipcover.
It works quite well.
Coming back to the sensor. It indeed does not register the flipcover when it's closed and touching the screen.
Weird thing is it does not register your hand anymore either.
Recreating issue:
Remove flipcover and lay it completely flat over the sensor.
Dial *#0*#.
Press "Sensor".
No registration.
Now hover your hand over where the proximity sensor is, and... How about that, no registration.
This indeed messes up NoLed's battery saving feature.
This can also be a problem when:
You set screen timeout to 10 min.
In the app's settings set "Disable in landscape" to on.
Then use an app in landscape mode.
Close flipcover while in landscape mode.
Then rotate to portrait. At this point it should start registering again and turn off screen..
The sensor does not register and screen stays on.
Drains battery.
It is a really cool idea, but it does not function properly.
It's too flaky, also when just handling your phone. I find myself accidentally turning off the screen.
Maybe if you use a case or some other cover with a different or thicker material it would work better.
I ordered a Zenuscase, I'll give it a try with that one.
Don't know how long it'll take to arrive though

reflective color
heey i found the problem , the sensor is working fine ... but when so close with any black object the light is not reflected back to the proximity sensor.(black color absorbs light).
Repeat your video with any white object and you will notice the difference..
Now i am using Autostart and it works great with samsung original flip cover (white flipcover).
you can use any white sticker on the black one.

ahmedtaha7 said:
heey i found the problem , the sensor is working fine ... but when so close with any black object the light is not reflected back to the proximity sensor.(black color absorbs light).
Repeat your video with any white object and you will notice the difference..
Now i am using Autostart and it works great with samsung original flip cover (white flipcover).
you can use any white sticker on the black one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya correct, just few day back i have asked this issue to developer
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=22170417&postcount=5
But it will work perfact if you use proximity + light both sensor enabled.

Color has no influence, distance between an object and the proximity sensor is what matters. I've just tested this using pieces of paper, cloth, metal and wood in white and black colors. The sensor seems unable to correctly register anything that is less than approximately 1 mm away from the glass (it may report 0 cm or jump to 5 cm). Also it seems it only reports changes of a certain minimal distance between two readings, even if the reported value remains the same as the old one. Anything below the threshold of the 5 cm reading will always result in a reported value of 0 cm, but if the effective distance between reading A and reading B was below a certain threshold, the sensor will not report a new reading of 0 cm (thus an object hovering stable over the sensor will not produce a 2nd post). I'm not sure if the sensor has a state that can be read at any time. From my tests using AutomateIt Pro, it seems only new posts can be used by apps. And if the delta between two readings is to small to make the sensor post a "new" result, then this can be problematic under certain circumstances (like trying to turn the screen off after the flip cover got closed (prox. sensor = 0 for 0 sec) and stays closed (light sensor = 10 for 5 sec) while preventing the screen from going off after an accidental wipe over the prox. sensor e.g. with the hand).
@Dr. Ketan: I've tested Power Switch (again) and I'm quite certain that for the Note + Flip Cover it only works through the light sensor (which is unsatisfying since it then won't work correctly in the dark). Covering the proximity sensor only doesn't make the app reliably react.

Power switch works ok for me with the Samsung flip cover. I have the confirmation set to minimum Abe theactivation delay set to 0 seconds.
It doesn't always work from the lock screen but works fine from the home screen or apps
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

so is it a hardware issue of software?
might it be fixes in ICS? it's fu***ng annoying! just bought the flip cover(black) yesterday and also bought smart cover app, my note's screen keeps on turn off (when flip closed) then it turns back on (flip still closed)!
Any solution for gingerbread? like proximity calibrator perhaps? (while waiting for final version of ics to come out)

Power switch will work if you use proximity + light sensor both.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

dr.ketan said:
Power switch will work if you use proximity + light sensor both.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's so sensitive that the moment my finger move over the sensor, the shutdown menu pops up.
Any app that works with the flip cover?