Video Capture: Maui Android Phone App ... With Issues


Using CommunityToolkit.Maui.Camera to implement Video Capture on an Android phone first as a self contained app, then separate video into a class library and finally using that functionality as a NuGet package. NuGet package has been published and the app that uses is available on GitHub. Some issues remain though.

Situation

#### 1. Have created an MAUI Android app that can capture video using the phone’s rear facing camera.

  • Video Preview
  • No audio, no front facing camera option.
  • FPS and Image Stabilization options.
  • Built initially as a self contain app with UI and Video as one project.

#### 2. Modularisation of Video Functionality

  • Object is to encapsulate the Video functionality in a reusable Class Library
  • First step was to partition app into Class library with Video functionality and leave UI in app
    • Implemented by making 2 copies of original app
    • Modify one to just have video functionality as the Class Library
    • Remove video functionality as much as is possible from app, but link to Class Library project

#### 3. NuGet Package version

  • Build and publish class library from 2. as NuGet package.
    • Create new solution including copy of app project from second solution but install NuGet package for video functionality

Outcomes

  1. Works as Debug and Release builds
    • Tested on Google Pixel 6 phone
  2. Debug build works but needs direct link the lib’s built DLL. Method (b) below.
    • Release build fail
  3. Debug build works
    • Release build fails

Linkage of the library

(a) Normal “Add Project Reference” approach

In app project file:

  <ItemGroup>
    <ProjectReference Include="..\MauiMediaRecorderVideolib\MauiMediaRecorderVideoLib.csproj" />
  </ItemGroup>

(b) Direct Assembly Reference

In app project file:

  <ItemGroup>
    <!-- Replace project reference with direct assembly reference -->
    <Reference Include="MauiMediaRecorderVideoLib">
      <HintPath>..\MauiMediaRecorderVideolib\bin\$(Configuration)\$(TargetFramework)\MauiMediaRecorderVideoLib.dll</HintPath>
      <Private>True</Private>
    </Reference>
  </ItemGroup>

(c) Nuget Package

In app project file:

	<ItemGroup>
		<PackageReference Include="djaus2_MauiMediaRecorderVideoLib" Version="1.0.2" />
	</ItemGroup>

Achievements thus far.

  • Can get video capture working
  • Can do so for all 3 versions as Debug builds
  • Can get version 1. of the app to run in Release mode.

Remaining Tasks

Overall the main objective is to the NuGet package working with version 3 of the app.

  1. In project 2 get link to class library via that’s project file.
  2. Get Release version of project 2 working with both ways of linking.
  3. Get NuGet package Release build to work.

Acceptance Issue

Running app type 2. from Visual Studio.

  • When deploying app from Visual Studio, get the Allow TheApp to take pictures and record video prompt
  • Upon accept splash screen shows but goes nowhere.
    • Have to close app and run from phone, but get the same prompt again.
    • Have to close app and run 3rd time from phone again but works this time and subsequently.
  • If instead, activate run from VS then keep get the prompt each time.
    • Debugging is limited.
      • Starting in Debug mode, the following get called
        • MauiProgram.CreateMauiApp() in MauiProgram.cs
          • Splash screen shows.
        • Then App Constructor in App.xaml.cs
          • Then App.CreateWindow() runs.
        • Then AppShell constructor in AppShell.xaml.cs
        • Then MainPage constructor
          • InitialiseComponent() is called OK
          • Next line instantatiates the component Lib class
          • At which point the app permissions dialog shows
      • So can’t debug app.

Some output

When running with type 2. solution get he following at startup:

Android application is running (debug is disabled in android project properties).
Forwarding debugger port 8806
Detecting existing process> am start -a "android.intent.action.MAIN" -c "android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" -n "au.com.sportronics.mauiandroidvideocaptureapp/crc644e8ab2d73d770d6b.MainActivity"> Starting: Intent { act=android.intent.action.MAIN cat=[android.intent.category.LAUNCHER] cmp=au.com.sportronics.mauiandroidvideocaptureapp/crc644e8ab2d73d770d6b.MainActivity }
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