[clug] Android and USB cameras via OTG. Any suggestions?

[Scott Ferguson]

On 30/10/16 20:06, steve jenkin wrote:
> Does anyone have _experience_ in connecting a USB camera via OTG to an Android device?

No, but... I've connected an OTG USB flash drive to an Android phone, it
didn't work until I connected it via a powered USB hub i.e. it may be
power supply limitations that is causing the problem (unless you have a
powered cable).

The "protocol" used for modern cameras on Linux is, as you thought, UVC.
You'll need the V4L driver - it's stock in Android.

Your best bet for finding the right software to support the camera is
probably in the appropriate forum for your device on
forum.xda.developers.com

> 
> I bought a $40 USB inspection camera. It seems to work fine with a PC (as does my alternate test).
> Did discover there’s some sort of standard for USB video cameras {UVC?} and that an older camera I have doesn’t support it.
> 
> Connected it to an Android 5.0.1 tablet via OTG and tried about 20 free apps. The vendor doesn’t offer any O/S upgrades for this device.
> The instructional videos on the Net are all along the lines of “1.. 2… 3… and it just works”.
> 
> The OTG is some noname brand from JB HiFi, but I wouldn’t expect that to be a problem as it does support at least one camera.
> 
> Device was mostly recognised and the hardware powered up the embedded light, but failed to get an image.
> Connected my alternate video camera and it sometimes worked.
> 
> I came across some comments that there were camera problems with Android 5.1 (vs 5.0.1 of mine).
> Couldn’t quickly find any information on 
> 
> Wasn’t about to throw money away buying an App without knowing in advance it’d work.
> There doesn’t seem to be any notion of a refund on Apps :(
> [Which you’d think didn’t comply with the Australian Consumer Law that allows customers to change their mind within a cooling off period.]
> 
> So, if you’ve got hands-on experience in connecting USB (video) camera to Android via OTG, could you offer me any advice?
> If there are good resources on this, I’d appreciate being pointed there - haven’t discovered them yet.
> 
> cheers
> steve
> 
> --
> Steve Jenkin, IT Systems and Design 
> 0412 786 915 (+61 412 786 915)
> PO Box 48, Kippax ACT 2615, AUSTRALIA
> 
> mailto:sjenkin at canb.auug.org.au http://members.tip.net.au/~sjenkin
> 
> 

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