Description
This application tracks the position of a pendulum in real time using the device's camera. Computer vision processes the motion, converts it into an angle, and displays it on the experimental graph along with the average oscillation period.
Experiment setup
Place the pendulum and device on stable supports. Frame the full range of motion, click Turn on to grant camera access, and let the pendulum swing for a few seconds before starting calibration and capture.
Controls
Turn on enables or disables the camera. Start toggles between analysis and pause. Clicking the video switches between the front and rear cameras when both are available. Restart clears the calibration, data, and graph. Download exports the captured data.
Physical model
As with a tabletop simple pendulum, the goal is to compare the experimental measurement—obtained here through video tracking—with the theoretical pendulum model, making it possible to discuss error sources specific to optical measurements, such as tracking noise and the camera frame rate.
Developer
Marco P. M. de Souza