A computer vision system is presented that can be used to acquire position data for an experiment where human observations have traditionally been used. A simple algorithm based on color discrimination is used to automatically locate an object of interest. Experiments can be monitored in real time using inexpensive cameras. Examples are given to illustrate the applicability of this system for autonomous data acquisition.
REFERENCES
1.
Margaret Stautberg
Greenwood
, “Using videotapes to study underdamped motion of a pendulum: A laboratory project
,” Am. J. Phys.
55
, 645
–648
(1987
).2.
M.
Marcuso
and R. M.
Webber
, “Kinematical measurements using digital image capture
,” Am. J. Phys.
64
, 1080
–1083
(1996
), and references therein.3.
William M.
Wehrbein
, “Using video analysis to investigate intermediate concepts in classical mechanics
,” Am. J. Phys.
69
, 818
–820
(2001
).4.
E.
Keshishoglou
and P.
Seligman
, “Experiments in two dimensions using a video camera and microcomputer
,” Am. J. Phys.
57
, 179
–180
(1989
).5.
C. W.
Fischer
, J. L.
Hunt
, and P.
Sawatzky
, “Automatic recording for the Cavendish balance
,” Am. J. Phys.
55
, 855
–856
(1987
).6.
Jaime
Riera
, Juan A.
Monsoriu
, Marcos H.
Gimenez
, Jose L.
Hueso
, and Juan R.
Torregrosa
, “Using image recognition to automate video analysis of physical processes
,” Am. J. Phys.
71
, 1075
–1079
(2003
).7.
Edcel John
Salumbides
, Joyce
Maristela
, Alfredson
Uy
, and Kees
Karremans
, “A vision-based motion sensor for undergraduate laboratories
,” Am. J. Phys.
70
, 868
–871
(2002
).8.
Ioannis
Pitas
, Digital Image Processing Algorithms and Applications
(Wiley-Interscience
, New York
, 2000
).9.
Klinger Educational Products
, ⟨www.klingereducational.com/⟩, catalogue No. P1.1.3.10.
Leybold Didactic
, ⟨www.leybold-didactic.com/⟩, catalogue No. 332 101.11.
B.
Block
, R. D.
Moore
, and P.
Roos
, “Do-it-yourself Cavendish balance
,” Am. J. Phys.
33
, 963
–965
(1965
).© 2007 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2007
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT members receive access to the American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.
